Re-Introducing BGD&C Home Renovations
For 36 years BGD&C has been known for their heirloom quality new-construction custom homes. But did you know we also specialize in large-scale renovations?
Category: Design Inspiration
Wall to Wall: WOOD
With more people working from home these days, home offices and libraries are taking center stage, and wood makes these spaces cozy and sophisticated.
Yes, wood paneling is back. But we’re not talking about that orangey glossy knotty pine in your parents or grandparents’ basement. “I think some people might have PTSD from that sort of 70s and 80s paneling,” says Taryn Lund, senior project manager at BGD&C. “But when it’s done right, it can be really stunning. I think people are moving toward more natural materials, and people like the warmth of wood.”
2022 New Year, New Trends
A new year is upon us, but the news is old: We’re still not back to “normal” since the onset of the pandemic, and people are continuing to think about their homes in a whole new way. That is, they’re spending a lot more time there, and wanting their homes to perform a lot of functions.
Mudrooms: Command Central
Mudrooms are much more than a bench with some hooks for jackets these days.
They’re the command center of the home.
“Often it’s the first spot where you can throw something when you enter the house,” says Chicago designer Steve Kadlec who worked with BGD&C on their award winning transitional home. “Mudrooms should be a legit concealed area—a workhorse of a space,” he says.
What I did during the pandemic: Part 2: A talk with Jessica Lagrange
Last month, we had so much fun chatting with BGD&C preferred designer Melissa Benham about the changes she made in her home due to the pandemic that we decided to keep it going. This time we asked BGD&C collaborator Jessica Lagrange what projects she undertook in her own home.
How design pros changed their own homes during the pandemic
A lot of us made design changes to our homes during the pandemic to accommodate more people in the family living, working and studying in the house nearly 24/7 for months on end. Interior designer Melissa Benham of Studio Gild, who works on projects in Chicago for BGD&C and in Los Angeles, where she lives, is no exception.
“I definitely did make a couple of changes,” said Benham. “Being able to be outside a lot in Los Angeles really helped, so I amped up my outdoor space. I purchased new furniture—an outdoor sofa, lounge chairs, side tables, and a plethora of new planters and plants to cover every inch of space. It’s been wonderful to be able to bring my laptop outside and take work calls while getting fresh air and a dose of vitamin D. My pups enjoy it too!”
Custom means lots of choices—and lots of decisions
Building a custom home means that everything in it, from the space configuration and size of rooms to the doorknobs, lights and landscaping, will be designed just for you. That also means a nearly infinite number of choices and lots of decisions. Does that excite you or cause you anxiety? That depends on your personality, but either way, BGD&C is here to help. We spoke with Taryn Lund, senior project manager at BGD&C, for some insight into the process.
Outdoor Spaces: Must Haves
One of the most important aspects of designing outdoor spaces is creating different experiences – from intimate dining under the stars, to open yards for playing tag and catching fireflies, to lounge areas where the whole family can relax and reconnect. Which is why our list of Must Have’s when building custom includes a variety of features and outdoor rooms, like outdoor fireplaces, fire pits, water features, free play areas, al fresco dining spots, lounge areas, outdoor kitchens, and if you have the space, an outdoor pool is something the whole family will enjoy during the summer months.
Interview with Landscape Designer Scott Bryon
For the 30 years BGD&C Custom Homes has been building in and supporting the local communities of the Gold Coast and Lincoln Park, so has our long time collaborator, Scott Byron & Co., been beautifying the area with their gorgeous, engaging landscape designs. We are excited to spotlight Scott Byron, CEO of Scott Byron & Co., who has over 40 years of experience in design, construction, maintenance, and project management. Byron’s goal is to create the most positive end result for the client, while “making sure the land is properly preserved and the design is complimentary to the architecture and setting”. We hope that while you are sheltering in place these beautiful gardens will provide you with inspiration.
BGD&C’s Urban Classic Home Receives Two Awards
Our latest project, Urban Classic Home, was recently honored with both national and local awards from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and the Home Builders Association of Greater Chicago.
