The Lauderdale Lakes Home Remodel began with the homeowners’ desire to transform their lakeside property into a refined, family-friendly retreat that balanced sophistication with comfort. Partnering with Bishop Designs of Chicago, led by Jeannie Bishop and consultant Hillary Johnson, Stebnitz Builders brought their vision to life.
The overall project focused on the living room, where a redesigned fireplace with Italian fluted paneling and a built-in bench became the room’s centerpiece. Horseshoe-shaped metal brackets connected the ceiling beams, and the stairwell was finished with a rich burgundy Venetian plaster that added warmth and depth. The integration of lighting and wood paneling created a smooth transition into the adjacent office and a cohesive look throughout the main floor.
The office was redesigned as a private yet inspiring workspace that still offered magnificent views of the lake. An existing window was eliminated to accommodate new built-ins and a custom bench, while beamed ceilings, detailed trim, remote-controlled blinds, and custom rugs provided elegance and functionality to the office.
Changes to the upstairs include a custom workout room created for its convenience and function. New flooring, mirrored walls, and repositioned doorways improved the layout, while dual refrigerators, towel racks, and lighting upgrades made it both comfortable and stylish. Solid oak doors added substance and character, consistent with the craftsmanship throughout the rest of our clients’ home.
The master suite became a luxurious retreat. Soft wall tones, custom rugs, and a built-in TV unit enhanced comfort, while the ensuite bathroom featured brushed gold fixtures, a mosaic penny-tile floor, and creative space-saving ventilation. Above the garage, an unused space was transformed into a bright family bedroom with vaulted ceilings, custom cabinetry, and a full bathroom, providing a perfect suite for the families of the homeowners’ three daughters.
Downstairs, the basement embraced the home’s lakeside setting with fresh blue tones, painted soffits, and cabinetry. Two LP gas fireplaces and a custom-built TV enclosure created a cozy entertainment area that opened to a furnished patio overlooking the lake.
A standout feature of the remodel is the handcrafted Northern Lights hot tub, built entirely on-site by the Stebnitz team. With integrated plumbing and electrical systems, the tub was carefully prepared and sealed before installation. Nestled among trees for privacy, it serves as both a design centerpiece and a serene retreat.
Throughout the project, the partnership with Bishop Designs ensured that every element — from trim details to finishes — aligned with the homeowners’ vision. Our carpenters, Grant Schaefer and Max Bochet, executed the carpentry and custom features with precision and ensured timely communication with both our client and his design team. The beautiful tile work was another example of the amazing talent of our tile installer, Steve Uppling at Mad Moziacs. “Steve-O” never fails to impress!
“I could not have picked a better team to work with than the Stebnitz Team! Every person I have met in their organization has been kind, honest, knowledgeable, capable, and a pleasure to work with. Stebnitz made this project enjoyable for my family and me, which is so unusual for a whole home remodel with construction such as ours. And our design team continuously had only the highest compliments for Stebnitz as well.  As for the outcome, we absolutely love it and it is beyond our expectations! I would give Stebnitz my highest recommendation to any homeowner. Thank you Stebnitz Team!”
