Varia Design Build

Joe and his team were able to transform our residence in Chicago into our dream home! We were so pleased with their work that we hired them again for our lake house kitchen remodel.

As a lifelong Highland Park resident, I’ve seen more remodels than I’ve seen grandkids’ recitals, so believe me when I say I walked into this project with high expectations and very little optimism. My recently purchased 1950s ranch needed serious updating—the kitchen, new floors, sunroom addition, and two bathrooms with a zero-threshold shower so I can age gracefully (or at least safely). Joe delivered. And then delivered again, every time I had a new idea or adjustments to make to the job. The bathrooms are perfection—elegant, comfortable, and built with the kind of thoughtfulness you don’t see often anymore. The kitchen is stunning. I find myself bragging about it to people I don’t even like, which is everyone! lol I am so thoroughly impressed that I’m now recommending him to everyone within earshot. He’s talented, patient, and has great taste. He transformed my home and won me over in the process.

Working with Joe on my log lodge remodel was one of the best experiences I’ve had with a contractor. He took my aging kitchen and turned it into something that is handcrafted and magical—warm woodwork, smart design, and thoughtful touches everywhere you look. Joe listened to what I wanted, added creative ideas I never would’ve thought of, and made the whole project feel fun and easy. Now every time I walk into my kitchen, it just feels like home in a way it never had before. I’m genuinely grateful, and I smile every time I show it off.

I don’t get impressed easily. My kids say I once complained about a rainbow being ‘"too bright". But their craftsmanship completely won me over while building our new coach house. These guys worked with such skill and confidence that half the time I just stood there pretending I understood what they were doing. I'm sure I was bothering them the whole time! The finished place is gorgeous, solid, and somehow even nicer than the main house! Every guest who stays there threatens not to leave, and honestly, I don’t blame them. Joe’s crew is the real deal, and Andy is an artist! We will definitely be hiring them when we build our new house!

So glad we went with Varia Design. Outstanding customer service and so willing to work with us to get exactly what we wanted in our home. Can’t say enough about the quality of work, it’s so hard to find a company that does quality work these days. Our kitchen remodel ended up gorgeous and most of all they respected our home during the whole process. I will absolutely be reaching out in the future for any other remodel needs!