Author: Michael Gutelli

Choosing the Best for Your High-End Kitchen Remodel

When planning a high-end kitchen remodel, the materials you choose can transform your space into a luxurious and functional masterpiece. From premium stone countertops to bespoke cabinetry, selecting the right materials ensures your kitchen becomes the centerpiece of your home. In this guide, we’ll explore the top materials and features that will elevate your kitchen design and create an elegant, timeless space.

Marble Countertops: The Epitome of Luxury

Marble has long been a hallmark of luxury kitchen design, offering unmatched elegance and sophistication. This natural stone’s veining and timeless beauty make it an ideal choice for homeowners seeking a premium look.

Benefits of Marble:

• Heat resistance perfect for baking enthusiasts.
• Unique veining patterns that make every slab one-of-a-kind.
  Pro Tip: Opt for polished marble for a glossy, upscale finish or honed marble for a matte, contemporary look.

👉 Learn more about marble countertop trends 

Quartzite: Durable and Elegant

For those who love the look of marble but want something more durable, quartzite is the perfect alternative. This natural stone combines beauty with strength, making it a practical option for high-end kitchens.

Why Choose Quartzite?

• Scratch and heat resistance ensure longevity.
• Wide range of colors, from soft whites to bold grays and greens.

Explore how we’ve used quartzite in our Ann Arbor kitchen projects to create stunning results.

White Oak Cabinetry: Timeless Warmth

White oak cabinetry is a rising trend in high-end kitchen remodels, known for its natural warmth and timeless appeal. This material pairs beautifully with other luxury finishes like brass hardware and marble countertops.

Features of White Oak:

• Subtle grain patterns for a modern, clean look.
• Versatility to suit both traditional and contemporary designs.

Pro Tip: Consider white oak for custom-built cabinets or open shelving to showcase the natural beauty of the wood.

Custom Cabinetry: Built for Luxury and Functionality

No high-end kitchen remodel is complete without custom cabinetry. Tailored to your space and lifestyle, custom cabinetry maximizes storage while seamlessly blending with your kitchen’s aesthetics.

Benefits of Custom Cabinetry:

• Personalization to fit your needs.
• Endless options for finishes, materials, and layouts.

Learn more about our approach to creating custom cabinetry to achieve functional luxury.

Luxury Kitchen Features Every Home Should Have

In addition to premium materials, incorporating the right features can take your kitchen to the next level.

Must-Have Features:

1. Built-In Wine Coolers: Perfect for entertaining and storing your collection.
2. Custom Kitchen Islands: Add workspace, storage, and a focal point.
3. Smart Appliances: From touchless faucets to smart ovens, these modern conveniences are a must.

How to Choose the Perfect Countertops for Your Gourmet Kitchen

Selecting the right countertop material is essential for balancing luxury and functionality.

Popular Options:

• Quartz: Non-porous, durable, and available in a wide range of colors.
• Soapstone: Offers a matte finish and unique texture, ideal for rustic luxury designs.
• Granite: A classic choice for durability and natural beauty.

Pro Tip: Mix and match materials, such as marble on the island and quartz on the perimeter, for a layered look.

Bringing It All Together in Your Kitchen Remodel

When designing your high-end kitchen, it’s essential to choose materials and features that align with your style and needs. Combining premium materials like marble, quartzite, and white oak with luxury features such as custom cabinetry and smart appliances will ensure a functional yet stunning space.

Ready to Transform Your Kitchen?

A high-end kitchen remodel is an investment in both your home’s value and your daily experience. By selecting top-tier materials and features, you can create a space that exudes luxury and functionality.

Contact Clark + Aldine today to bring your dream kitchen to life.

We absolutely love Fall. Here in Michigan, the air starts to change and the leaves go with it! It’s honestly the number one reason we decided to start our family and build our brand here. I love putting on all of the extra layers and getting all cozy under blankets and watching a movie in front of our fire. Another part about Fall I love is all of the seasonal decor that comes with it. I am such a sucker for a good Fall porch, so much so that over the years I have made more attempts than I care to admit to making real pumpkins work. Failure after failure I have come to the conclusion that our squirrels are going to win every single time. So if you’re looking for fall front porch decor ideas, here you have it friends, my favorite faux pumpkins that look oh so real! The investment is well worth it because you can reuse them forever! 

MEDIUM PUMPKIN FIGURINE

LONG STEM PUMPKIN

CLASSIC PUMPKIN LAWN ART/FIGURINE

PUMPKIN FIGURINE

WATERPROOF WEATHERED PUMPKIN WITH STEM

LONG STEM PUMPKIN FIGURINE

PEANUT PUMPKIN

JUMBO PUMPKIN

LARGE TRADITIONAL PUMPKIN 

MEDIUM PUMPKIN, SAGE GREEN

HOUSE FLAT JARRAHDALE PUMPKIN, SAGE GREEN

LONG STEM PUMPKIN, SAGE GREEN

PEANUT FALL HARVEST PUMPKIN 

SMALL JARRAHDALE FALL HARVEST PUMPKIN 

TWISTED STEM PUMPKIN, BUTTERNUT

This post feels so strange to write. I have been blogging for nearly 8 years. It started as a complete passion project and has led to so much more than I could have ever dreamed. Michael and I moved from Chicago to Michigan in the summer of 2014. We had just had Enzo the year before and I was longing to spend more time with him and less time away. After being in Michigan for a month I quickly realized that I was missing something for me. Something outside of being a mom. While I desperately wanted more time with Enzo I also didn’t want to lose myself. This was when Michael suggested I start the blog I had always been wanting to write but had managed to put off for years. Not having a clue what I was doing, who was going to read my blogs or where this would ever take me I launched my own personal lifestyle blog. Sharing the ins and outs of everyday life, motherhood, food and, of course, design. 

Early in 2018 Michael and I made the decision he should become more involved in the brand and business we were building together. Michael was working a full time job in Advertising and helping me run the blog business on the side. We had realized through our analytics that people were coming to our site to see what we were doing in our own home. As we made the pivot from sharing all about our everyday lives to showcasing the work we did on our home, locals started to inquire if we’d ever thought about doing work on other peoples homes. 

The thought had absolutely been on our minds. Michael and I had been on the hunt to find a way for him to leave corporate life and for us to work together to build something. With the inquiries piling up Michael went back to school to get his Residential Builder licence in Michigan and I got my Real Estate license. In November of 2018 we both went full time on our brand, Clark + Aldine!

Here we are 3 years later. We have worked on 40 homes and 9 commercial spaces together. We now have 4 full time employees we love dearly and empower them to be the best version of themselves on a daily basis. We have a passionate team who loves what they do and we openly support their passion and creativity. 

Now seems like a perfect time to introduce you to them!

Meet Josh, Our Creative Director

On a random Saturday morning in 2018 I was enjoying a latte at a local coffee shop and overheard someone talking about videography. In true fashion I introduced myself, C+A and what we were looking to create. That is the moment I met Josh. 

Josh is Creative Director and resident barista at C+A, leading all content initiatives for design build projects and brand partnerships, and keeping the entire team caffeinated (except for Ryann). From a young age he always had a camera in his hand and always looking to tell a good story through visual mediums. 

Josh and his wife reside in Downtown Plymouth and can be found out about walking the town, getting involved in the community and enjoying time with loved ones. They have a love for travel where they can explore new areas for their coffee + tea, food and architectural design. And a fun fact – Josh’s wife Emilie is responsible for all C+A branding and digital marketing. Her and Josh have their own business and passion projects on the side and hope we all can combine forces on a fun future project! 

Meet Matthew, Our General Contractor 

In late 2018 Matthew came to Clark + Aldine with an abundance of trade experience from running underground fiber optics to pipe fitting, plumbing and tile work. It was immediately evident that Matthew had a natural skill set and genuine curiosity to “find a way to make it happen”. 

Matthew now runs the day to day as General Contractor across every residential project C+A touches, writes content for the blog and manages all communication during the construction phase. Our clients continue to inform us how joyful Matthew is to be around, somehow making the chaos of a construction project both enjoyable and entertaining.

When he’s not remodeling a home or crafting a set of built-ins Matthew enjoys spending time with his son and family, hitting the bike trails, and slopes when snowboarding season is in full swing. Oh yeah! 

Meet Leslie Our Designer

Leslie is our resident DJ, Interior Designer and Content Manager. A Detroit Metro native, she spent 10+ years on a path of “figuring it out” before she took a leep and applied for a job that married her passions with a profession. Her positive attitude and genuine vibe was infectious from day one; she turns a rainy day into an oceanfront party. 

Leslie has a natural ability to capture each client’s persona by bringing their individual visions to life with a blend of vintage and modern elements. 

On any given day, you might find her enjoying Detroit’s House Music scene, hiking or kayaking with her husband and dog, on her Peloton and/or Pilates Reformer, catching a Detroit sporting event (DEEEETROIT BASKETBALL) or soaking in a hot tub with a margarita. Only good vibes and good times with this one!

Meet Ryann, Our Project Manager

Ryann was Clark + Aldine’s first full time employee, and after a short stint away he is back and better than ever. As Project Manager Ryann ensures all of the details are dialed in, and works alongside Matthew on all client projects. Ryann spent the better part of his youth learning trade skills by working with his father, and can be accurately described as a jack of all trades. When he wasn’t working he starred in an aspiring pop/punk/emo band and fed his enthusiasm for Nintendo and technology. 

Ryann is a father to two beautiful daughters and husband to his super talented wife who created and manages an incredible allergy friendly bake shop in Plymouth, MI. And if you’re hoping to grab a coffee with Ryann sometime, give it up now…he is the only non-coffee drinker at Clark + Aldine! 

This is fun! We love each and every member of our team dearly. We are all truly like family, which makes this wild ride so much more fun. 

On the off chance you don’t know enough about Michael and myself, here you have it! 

Meet Danielle + Michael Co-Founders of Clark + Aldine

Named after the Chicago streets where we first met, Clark + Aldine was born out of a love for design and everyday functionality. Our collective chemistry was discovered and nurtured by updating each of the 7 apartments we lived in over the 10 years we spent together in Chicago. A move to Michigan, and nearly 5 years later, our passion and design influence continued to grow, pushing us to leave our established careers behind in pursuit of building Clark + Aldine.

Together we oversee all operations at Clark + Aldine, a Design + Build firm specializing in custom residential remodeling. I serve as Lead Designer and Content Strategist, while Michael is General Contractor and has oversight of all Business Operations. 

We currently reside in and operate the Clark + Aldine Studio and Workshop/Warehouse spaces in Downtown Plymouth, MI with our two boys and dog, Niko. 

Michael and I cannot thank you all enough for following our journey! We truly feel blessed. We’ve got some big things in store for you all this next year and cannot wait to share more with you soon!

Until then!

Much love-

Danielle

After what felt like a really long winter I’m finally seeing all the green. That means I can move my plants around the house again. One of the problems I run into living in Michigan is that my house plants cannot stay in the same location all year long. Any plant close to an exterior door gets too cold to survive the winter months! Of course with moving things around comes the need to buy a few more planters! I am a sucker for a good planter, especially when it comes with a tray or saucer to catch the water! So today I am wrapping up my ten favorite planters on the market right now!

1 \\ 2 \\ 3 \\ 4 \\ 5 \\ 6 \\ 7 \\ 8 \\ 9 \\ 10

We love mudrooms over here. What’s not to love about an area in your home that is a dedicated dumping ground yet full of function and purpose. Mudrooms can fit into all kinds of unexpected spaces in your home from an entire room to a small closet or even an empty wall. There are three major accessories a mudroom includes and today we are breaking them down for you!

Hooks

Adding hooks to your mudroom are absolutely essential. You need spaces to hold up all the things! Depending on how your mudroom is built will help guide how many hooks will fit into your space. If you have one open space for your mudroom we like to work with the length of the overall space. From there we give each hook 6”-12” to allow for enough room to hang whatever you might need! If your mudroom has cubbies the cubbies drive how many hooks can exist. We often like to layer hooks inside a cubby space having some hooks at a higher level than others. A few other things to consider when thinking about hooks is the style and weight load a hook can handle.  Here’s a great place to start your hook search, our top 10 favorite hooks!

Storage Baskets

Mudrooms are a great way to store all the things that come with each season. Especially if you live in a state like we do with all four seasons! Each season brings a different type of accessory from mittens and sunscreen to umbrellas and scarves. In your mudroom you have the ability to store these items and often we find storage baskets to be a wonderful way to do this. When thinking about your storage baskets keep an open mind. You don’t necessarily need a basket that fits perfectly into the open space. We like to play with the space to find the best need and aesthetically pleasing way to bring functional baskets to life. Think round baskets or even doubling up on baskets to create additional organization to your storage! You can use our favorite storage baskets to get your shopping started!

Cabinet Hardware 

Some mudrooms come with doors and drawers! With this comes the fun of selecting hardware. We love to play with different types, sizes and styles of hardware. This brings character and dimension to the mudroom. Our comprehensive cabinet hardware guide is a great place to start! There we break down pulls and knobs, placement and colors! Plus we’ve got a full list of our favorite black, silver and gold hardware to help you get started. 

We really think everyone needs a mudroom in their life. Looking to create your own we’ve got a tutorial on how to create your own mudroom too! We’d love to see what you’re creating, Share with us on social media and tag Clark + Aldine! 

Till next time.

Much love

If we are able, we should all be reading everyday. It is a simple and healthy way to stimulate our minds and continue our life long journey of education. It is why we consider it one of the core routines and hope that we can inspire you to integrate it into yours, if you do not already! 

If you’ve been around here for a while you know what kind of books we’re into – just check out this post from last year on what books we were reading. Yes, we finished all of them. Business, personal development and biographies of people we really love and admire are what you’ll find on our shelves. There is, of course, a limit to how much you can be inspired by before everything starts sounding the same. That is why we always switch it up and find ways to feed our personal interests. It can’t be all business all the time. 

Mornings are jam packed around here and as much as I love the idea of reading within the first couple hours of the day, it is just not realistic. The next best time for us to kick back and open the fold of a book is at night. About an hour before the lights go off we both get into bed and read. Sometimes we ask Siri to play an instrumental mix and other times we just read in silence…silence is a rare occurrence for us. Once we’re nestled in with our current read we’re dialed into those pages for at least 30 minutes. It seems like a lot, I know. But when you’re consuming something of interest the time flies by. And so does the list of finished reads.

With a seemingly endless collection of books it is hard to choose “what’s next”. So we always keep a solid list to choose from. Here’s what Danielle and I have on our reading list.

WHAT’S ON DANIELLE’S BOOKSHELF

Why We Cook Lindsay Gardner

Business Made Simple Donald Miller

Made for Living: Collected Interiors for All Sorts of Styles Amber Lewis

The Alter Ego Effect: The Power of Secret Identities to Transform Your Life Todd Herman

Eight Dates: Essential Conversations for a Lifetime of Love John Gottman Ph. D.

The Enneagram in Love: A Roadmap for Building and Strengthening Romantic Relationships Stephanie Barron Hall

Live Beautiful Athena Calderone

WHAT’S ON MICHAEL’S BOOKSHELF

The Marathon Don’t Stop: The Life and Times of Nipsey Hussle by Rob Kenner

No Pain, No Gaines by Chip Gaines

Business Made Simple Donald Miller

Make Time: How to Focus on What Matters Every Day How to Focus on What Matters Every Day by Jake Knapp and John Zeratsky

Leaders Eat Last: Why Some Teams Pull Together and Others Don’t Why Some Teams Pull Together and Others Don’t by Simon Sinek 

Business Made Simple Donald Miller

The Alter Ego Effect: The Power of Secret Identities to Transform Your Life Todd Herman

We’re constantly adding books to our personal library as well as our shared library at the Clark + Aldine Studio to ensure we have plenty of inspiration around us. We want to foster a love of reading, self-education and growth amongst our team and frequently purchase multiple copies of books for our team too. It’s kind of like a small book club. Yeah, we’re cool. 

Need a reading partner to hold you accountable? Look no further…we are here for you. 

Much love

I think it’s safe to say if you’re reading this you have a lot of “stuff”! You may not know how to create storage options or maybe you have options but your current storage solution may throw off the overall aesthetics you are trying to achieve. Here at Clark + Aldine are no stranger to the need for storage and organization. Whether we are cataloging our samples at the studio or planning out a client’s mudroom we make sure however we decide to create storage it looks on point. 

Functional + Aesthetically Pleasing Storage  

The goal is always to make sure your space functions for everyday use while creating a space that makes you happy. Therefore we wanted to share with you some of our favorite storage baskets. There is a variety of shapes, sizes, colors and textures for whatever style storage basket you may need. So whether you are styling a mudroom, hiding your pets toys or simply creating a home for your throw blankets/pillows we have you covered! 

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 

Also, if you enjoyed these storage baskets be sure to check out our Instagram, Pinterest, and other articles from the team for more helpful information! This is our passion and we truly appreciate you joining us! 

Keep on Doing You

xoxo

Ready for something new? Clark + Aldine is an upscale Design-to-Build company specializing in residential design and remodeling and we’re looking to add someone to our Build team who has an “all in” attitude with a keen eye for detail, patience to strategize the appropriate solutions, and a willingness to listen, watch and learn every day. 

As a Contractor you will work directly with our full Design-to-Build team assisting and facilitating the everyday tasks required to manage multiple smooth and productive projects. 

We’re in need of someone who is calm, but hungry. Attentive and fast moving. Able and willing to get it done the right way. This is a full time salary position.

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR

/ 3+ years experience in residential construction, remodeling or building

/ Incredibly strong communication skills

/ Extreme attention to detail

/ Strong self-motivation with a willingness to learn and adapt to our process 

/ An open mind and a great attitude

/ Reliable transportation (truck)

WHAT WE OFFER

/ Full time (W2)

/ Bi-annual reviews every 90/180/365 days with potential promotions, bonuses and incentives

/ Monthly gas allowance 

/ Company credit card 

/ Opportunity for overtime 

/ Paid vacation, holidays and sick days

/ Benefits: 401K with company match, health/vision/dental insurance*

* Beginning 2022

CONTACT

Please contact us here and include a bit about yourself, as well as a resume if you have one.

Put Less Strains To Your Dogs When Eating With This Floating Dog Bowls Idea

Who loves running into the store-bought dog bowls/stands and knocking food and water all over the floor? Yeah, I didn’t think so. It has to be the most annoying thing about having dogs in the family, and while it is a small price to pay for all the happiness dogs bring us everyday, it is not ideal. When we remodeled our kitchen we knew there had to be a place for floating dog bowls. We planned it out and placed the bowls in between a base cabinet and brick wall making them blend in seamlessly out of our line of site. The only downfall…Niko is often lacking water, but we’re working on that. Here is our guide on how to build floating dog bowls. 

TOOLS YOU WILL NEED

• Table Saw 
• Miter Saw
• Jigsaw
• Drill
• Brad Nailer
• Rotary Sander (or sanding block)
• 1” Drill Bit
• Paint/Stain brush
• Protractor
• Stud Finder
• Level
• Measuring Tape
• Pencil 

SUPPLIES YOU WILL NEED

• Plywood (red oak works best)
• Solid Hardwood (match with red oak, 1”x4” works great)
• Wood Glue
• Brad Nails (1-¼” work perfect)
• Wood Filler
• Sandpaper (150 grit and 220 grit)
• Primer and Paint – or – Stain and Polyurethane
• 3.5” Construction Screws
• Dog Bowls

Now that you have gathered your full list of materials and supplies it is time to get started on your build! 

1. First you will want to measure the identified space to mount your floating dog bowls in your home. You want to ensure you build them to the perfect size to mount on the wall, you also want to ensure that the depth is perfect to fit the bowls themselves.
2. Now that you have the appropriate size identified it is time to cut your floating bowl top. Using your tape measure and pencil, mark the depth on your piece of plywood. Once marked, set your table saw fence to the appropriate size and make your first cut. 
3. Next, mark the width of your dog bowl top, set your table saw fence to the appropriate size and make your next cut. You now have the top of your dog bowls ready.
4. With your top piece completed we now need to mark the center of each bowl. First, find the center on your top and mark it. Then on each side of that mark you want to find the center left and center right and mark them…these will be the centerpoints you will use to cut out for your bowls. 
5. Most bowls move up gradually in size from the bottom to the rim. It is not easy to find that size on a round object so my recommendation is to measure the full width of each bowl and subtract 1/16” from the size. Divide that measurement in half, set your protractor to that size and mark a circle for each bowl using your center left and right marks as placement for your protractor needle. 
6. With each bowl drawn you want to drill a hole in the center using your drill and 1” drill bit. 
7. Grab your jig saw and starting from center, make your way to the circle you drew and carefully begin cutting out your bowl. Repeat for both
8. With both circles cut out you can now cut and place your trim around the top. 
9. Measure the width of the front and back of your dog bowl top. Once you have the measurement take a piece of your 1” x 4” solid hardwood and make a 45 degree cut on the edge using your miter saw. Place your measuring tape on the inside of that cut and mark the total length of the front of your dog bowl top, adjust the saw, and cut your second 45 degree cut. Repeat for the back. 
10. Place some wood glue on the front of the dog bowl top and spread it out using a brush (or your finger). Align the hardwood with the inner miters at the edge of each side and fasten using your brad nailer. Repeat for the back trim piece.
11. Measure the total length from the outer mitered edge from front to back on each side with your measuring tape. These will be the final cuts you need to make for your hardwood trim pieces. Repeat directions in Steps 9 and 10 to cut and fasten your side pieces in place. 
12. Now all of your cuts have been made and your floating dog bowls are in a raw state. The next step is to fill any brad nail holes and seams with wood filler and allow to dry based on directions identified on your wood filler product. 
13. Using a rotary sander with 150 grit sandpaper carefully sand the entire surface of your floating dog bowls. Once you have a smooth surface make a final pass with a 220 grit sandpaper.
14. If you are going to paint your bowls you want to first apply a coat of primer to seal the wood. Once the primer has dried, apply your first coat of paint…a paint brush works just fine for this smaller project, or if you’re working with a sprayer that is great too. I recommend applying 3 – 4 coats since these are dog bowls and will need to be cleaned frequently. 
15. If you are going to stain your floating dog bowls then you will want to apply your stain using a foam brush, allow it to dry, and finish with 2 coats of polyurethane. 
16. Time to mount. Using your stud finder mark the studs on your wall. If your floating dog bowls are 16” wide or more you should have at least 2 studs in your wall to attach to. 
17. Hold your bowls in place and attach to the first stud using your drill and construction screw. Place a level on the top of the bowls, ensure you are level and attach the second screw to the other stud. Repeat if you have a third stud. 
18. Place your dog bowls into the precut holes, fill with water and food and your dog is now a very happy pup! 

Pro tip: hold the floating dog bowls on your wall and have your dog come investigate so you can find the ideal height for them to enjoy their food and water! 

And there you have it. A quick weekend project to make a better solution for your dog bowls. 

You may contact us for more home design ideas and interior design consultations.

Vintage Rugs are by far our favorite type of rug to source! Not only are you finding a one of a kind piece but you are also investing in something that is durable enough to last a lifetime (and then some). Additionally, we love that there is a sense of mystery and intrigue — Each has their own tale to tell. I love to make up stories of where vintage rugs in my home are from – one of them had to belong to someone very important and famous right?! 

Perch 313

If you are in the area then the owner, Molly, has a variety of hand selected and lovingly curated vintage rugs… Each sourced from Turkey. You can also find other textiles and home decor at her shop.

Harvey + Randolph  Master Bathroom Project

Esalerugs + Etsy 

Esalerugs and Etsy may take more time to search. But, they will be worth your time when you find the perfect fit for your space. 

Drury + Southport Laundry Room

Danielle + Michael’s Kitchen Project

MORE VINTAGE RUG SHOPS

Below are additional places you can find stunning vintage rugs for every decor style. Is it obvious yet we LOVE vintage rugs?!?

Revival Rugs

The Good Rug

New England and Loom 

Ebay 

The Vintage Rug Shop

Swoon Rugs 

Also, if you enjoyed this be sure to check out our Instagram, Pinterest, and other articles from the team for more helpful information! This is our passion and we truly appreciate you joining us! 

Keep on Doing You

xoxo