Meet the Team: Steve Frye

Steve Frye has been a Designer at Seigles for 2 years. We sat down with him to get to know more about what makes him tick. Read on to find out about his thoughts on Design and trends, his most thrilling life experience, and even his guilty pleasure.

What is your role at Seigles?
Design and Sales for the Chicago Showroom.

What is your favorite thing about working at Seigles?
Guiding people through what (to them) can be an overwhelming process of designing a kitchen is very rewarding.

What is your favorite project you’ve worked on and why?
A high gloss white and stainless steel kitchen with Superwhite Quartzite countertops in a very traditional row house in Old Town. It was a complete gut, and the client went to such pains to preserve the integrity of the home while at the same time mixing in the modern. The end result is just beautiful.

What is your favorite option in today’s kitchens?
That’s like asking a parent which child is the favorite. I love the expanded offerings available for stains and paints that allow a greater degree of sophistication in our designs. I love all the new interior features available for cabinets that give our clients so many more options to use their space more efficiently. Not to mention all the choices we have now for wood species, exotic and man-made veneers. I guess the short answer is that I just like choices.

What was the worst design trend you’ve encountered?
I really can’t say any one trend was worse than another. People like what they like and as with our hair and our clothing, preferences change. The worst trends are the ones that don’t know it’s time to leave. To me anything trendy is a gamble. I believe it is my job as a designer to separate trendy from innovative while at the same time making sure the customer gets something with which they are comfortable.

If we came to your house for dinner, what would you prepare for us?
Rosemary pork tenderloin cooked over a bed of potatoes, onions, mushrooms, and Brussels sprouts.

What’s your guilty pleasure?  
Naps.

What is the most thrilling thing you’ve ever done?  
Falling in love.

What is your favorite room in your house?
The family room. I have my best naps there.

If you had a 25 hour day while everyone else had only 24, what would you do with your extra time?
Nap in the family room.

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Seigle’s Works Together for Habitat for Humanity

In November a team of Seigle’s employees joined together on a Saturday using their time and talents to help build a Habitat for Humanity home. The group met up at the Elgin home for an exclusive Seigle’s build day putting a ton of hard work into the home: doing carpentry, siding, soffits, trim installation, and painting.

Habitat for Humanity Northern Fox Valley builds homes, community, and hope in Carpentersville, Elgin, St. Charles and the surrounding area. They believe everyone should have a simple, durable place to live in dignity and safety, and that decent shelter in decent communities should be a matter of conscience and action for all.

Enjoy a few photos of the team from build day. We are very proud of everyone for giving up a day off for this important cause!

Group Photo:
Front row: Mark Johnson (General Manger), Mark Seigle (President), Allyson Sanchez (Office)
2nd row: Chris Johnson (spouse), Robin Seigle (spouse)  Jeff McCrory (Sales)
3rd row: Jon Sanchez (spouse), Bonnie Burmesch (spouse)
4th row: Judy Badgerow (office), Sandy Pennington (office), Nic Burmesch (Warehouse/driver), Ed Chiarugi (Assistant manager)

Meet the Team: Stacy Carsello

Stacy has been a Designer at Seigles for 2 years. We sat down with her to get to know more about what makes her tick. Read on to find out more about her design thoughts, the most thrilling thing she’s done, and even her favorite comfort food.

What is your role at Seigles?  
Design and Sales at the Mundelein Showroom.

What is your favorite thing about working at Seigles?
Everyone supports each other.

What is your favorite project you’ve worked on and why?  
Most recently, a condo in Northbrook. They chose to go with cabinetry from my the Decora display that I just installed, and I can’t wait to see the final product. It includes dark grey paint, beaded inset, and all glass! I applaud them for thinking out of the box.

What is your favorite option in today’s kitchens?  
My new paper towel holder from a converted drawer.

Over your years in the business, what was the worst design trend you encountered?
I really don’t like desks in the kitchen. All they’ve ever done is create clutter. Oh, and anything to do with a cow in the kitchen. Sorry Allyson!!

If we came to your house for dinner, what would you prepare for us?  
Rigatoni Bolognese or Chicken and Dumplings. I’m all about comfort food. Mr. Seigle was probably hoping I’d say pound cake, but it’s dinner. Who eats pound cake for dinner? Right?

What’s your guilty pleasure?
My pot of tea and biscotti in the morning while I read my book. And pizza! I can’t get enough pizza. I also love kayaking.

What is the most thrilling thing you’ve ever done?  
Parasailing.

What is your favorite room in your house?
Whatever room my girls are in.

If you had a 25 hour day while everyone else had only 24, what would you do with your extra time?  
Enjoy the peace and quiet! No phone or emails!

What is the top item on your bucket list?  
Travel. First stop, Ireland or Italy!!

Join our eList to meet a new team member each month and keep updated on the latest news!

Before/After Success Story: Arlington Heights Kitchen Gets Timeless Remodel

We recently completed a beautiful kitchen remodel in Arlington Heights, Illinois. In this project, the owner wanted to get rid of her old oak cabinets and go with an updated maple. Check out the dramatic transformation in the video below!

Cabinet Line: Diamond Cabinetry
Door Style: Sullivan with a Coffee Finish
Countertop Style: Cambria’s Windermere

We are redoing kitchens all throughout Chicagoland! Schedule an appointment to update your kitchen with Seigle’s today!

Mark Seigle Climbs the Willis Tower for a Cause

Recently, Mark Seigle, President of Seigle’s Cabinet Center, climbed the 2,109 steps and 103 flights of the Willis Tower. You might ask, is he crazy? While we’re sure there are some out there who would answer yes, in this case, he had a few great reasons. “Not only was this a fundraiser for a very deserving cause, it was a personal challenge to see if I could climb the largest set of stairs in the United States,” said Seigle. He was climbing to raise money for The Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, the #1 Rehabilitation Hospital in America, as ranked by the US News & World Report, which offers high quality patient care and treatments that improve and eliminate the effects of injury, disease and debilitating health conditions.

In case you are wondering, he was, in fact, able to finish the climb. He completed it in 30:57 minutes, which is great, considering it takes the average participant 30-45 minutes to complete. He also didn’t train specifically for the climb, although he routinely works out and loves to ride his bike. (The record time is 13:09, set in 2009. Mark has a little way to go to beat that record!)

Here’s a picture of Mark making the climb. He’s listening to Classic Rock, cranked to the max.

This was Mark’s first time participating, but it he enjoyed it so much that it probably won’t be his last.

Way to go, Mark! If you appreciate the cause, you can still donate to the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago here.

Trend Alert! Drawer Dish Storage

At Seigle’s, our team is full of kitchen and cabinet design experts who notice emerging trends quite often. Because of this, they are able to help you plan and personalize your remodeling projects. Recently our Design Consultant Stacy Carsello noticed a trend that’s perfect for those looking for more organization and storage possibilities.

“One of the latest trends Seigle’s is seeing is dish storage in drawers. It’s a popular option for our senior clients who don’t like to have to lift heavy dishes into an upper cabinet. Ruth Prais of Lake Bluff loves the pegged dish drawer option we provided from Decora Cabinetry,” said Carsello. “Families with children love it too, so the kids have access to setting the table and emptying the dishwasher without help.”

If you’d like help with designing your kitchen for maximum storage with the latest trends and designs, make an appointment to visit Seigle’s today.

Success Story: See Before and After Kitchen Remodel Photos!

We recently completed a beautiful kitchen remodel in Dundee, Illinois. In this project, the homeowner wanted a banquette instead of a dining table. The trim carpenter made the banquette and the table to match the cabinets in cherry wood, including soapstone countertops. Check out the dramatic transformation in the video below!

Cabinet Line: Dura Supreme
Door Style: Craftsman cherry
Countertop Style: Soapstone

Schedule an appointment to update your kitchen with Seigle’s today!

Meet the Team: Get to know Jeff McCrory

Jeff McCrory has been handling outside and contract sales at Seigles for 23 years. We sat down with him to get to know more about what makes him tick. Read on to find out more about his favorite Seigles project, the worst design trend he’s encountered in his long career in the business, and even his grilling skills.

What is your favorite thing about working at Seigles?
The people, both co-workers and the customers. They make it enjoyable to go to work.

What is your favorite project you’ve worked on and why?
Artspace Lofts of Elgin. We supplied and installed cabinets, countertops, and window sills. I have never had to coordinate the delivery and installation of all these products before.

What is your favorite option in today’s kitchens?
I don’t have a favorite, but I like that homeowners are researching online and willing to try different looks.

Over your many years in the business, what was the worst design trend you encountered?
Pickled Oak

If we came to your house for dinner, what would you prepare for us?
Something on the grill—probably steak. I like doing barbecue ribs, but that takes too long when you have guests over for dinner.

What’s your guilty pleasure?
Ben & Jerry’s Half Baked ice cream.

What is your favorite room in your house?
Basement rec room.

If you had a 25 hour day while everyone else had only 24, what would you do with your extra time?
Most likely sleep—I am told that I don’t sleep enough.

What is the top item on your bucket list?
Not to make a bucket list until I am a little older.

“Color Forecast 2014” Design & Dine Event!

We would love for you to join us for our free September Design & Dine event! Learn about the new and exciting directions in color, both in our homes and in our lives, from Mark Woodman of Color Marketing Group. Seating is limited so RSVP today!

What: Design & Dine “Color Forecast 2014”

Speaker: Mark Woodman, President of Color Marketing Group, a premier color and design forecasting organization. 

Presentation: A journey through a world of colors and the inspirations and influences that will bring them into our homes and lives. From the refreshing draw of a breath to the excitement of digi-animation influences, Mark will guide you with anecdotes, video clips and more in revealing the world of color’s new and exciting directions.

When & Where:
– Tuesday, September 10: Elgin Showroom, 1331 Davis Rd
– Wednesday, September 11: Mundelein Showroom, 1440 Townline Rd
– Thursday, September 12: Geneva Showroom – SOLD OUT!
Please note: Seating is still available for the event at our Elgin and Mundelein Showrooms.

Time: Appetizers and refreshments starting at 5:30; Program will run from 6:15-7:30

To RSVP: Call Allyson at 847-742-2000, email allysons@seigles.com or register online at http://bit.ly/19PSL4D.
Please specify which date and location you will be attending.

Meet the team: Get to know Kay Himmelman

Kay Himmelman has been a kitchen and bath designer at Seigles for nearly 26 years. We sat down with her to get to know more about what makes her tick. Read on to find out more about her favorite and least favorite design features, and even her guilty pleasure and what tops her bucket list.

What is your favorite thing about working at Seigles?
The people. My coworkers are wonderful, and I meet the nicest people as clients.

What is your favorite project you have worked on and why?
I have been part of a team that put a house back together after a disaster. To see a house before and after, and be a part of this, is fulfilling.

What is your favorite option in today’s kitchens?
Stacked crown, which we can even do in an 8 ft kitchen.

Over your many years in the business, what was the worst design trend you encountered?
Pickled oak.

What’s your guilty pleasure?
Peanut M&Ms.

What is the most thrilling thing you’ve ever done?
Parachuting out of a plane, and more recently flying in a helicopter.

What is your favorite room in your house?
My sun room.

If you had a 25 hour day while everyone else has only 24, what would you do with your extra time?
Read.

What is the top item on your bucket list?
Be on the Family Feud.