Dramatic statuario marble veining continues from backsplash onto the peninsula, over which hangs the custom wine rack we designed. Antiqued mirror on the top of the rack reflects the countertop below. Photo by Wynne Earle Photography

Jennifer and Dan have lived in their Deer Park Illinois home for 15 years, slowly making minor fixes like painting and decorating; but they had a new plan for their kitchen the entire time. An awkwardly placed garage door, and an island cooktop with a terrible downdraft made a full-scale kitchen remodel an absolute must. Jennifer had many ideas in mind and wanted to work with a company that could provide high-end work, while partnering with a designer that would tailor the kitchen to her ideas. She was intrigued by the phrase “Common Sense Remodeling” in Advance Design’s feature she discovered while perusing an issue of the community’s Quintessential Barrington Magazine. Doing further research on the company’s website, as she looked through project profiles and read about Advance Design’s “Common Sense Remodeling” philosophy, she promptly scheduled an appointment to see if the people and ideas she read about were truly who they said they were. The more she read, the more she knew that the “Common Sense” approach to remodeling they described was exactly the type of company she was looking for. The partnership was sealed after an initial consultation with Owner Todd Jurs and Project Designer Michelle Lecinski. They displayed a combination of friendliness, professionalism and respect that was unmatched by any of the other companies Jennifer talked to. She knew that with Advance Design, she would be able to retain the vision that she had in mind with high-quality craftsmanship. “I reached out to Advance Design because of the ‘Common Sense Remodeling’ tagline,” Jennifer said. “That’s what lingered for me”. “Advance Design was the most respectful- of the house and of my design ideas, and the most professional of the handful of companies that looked at my project”. Soon after the meeting Jennifer began working with Michelle on the project design. They quickly developed chemistry. Jennifer loved how Michelle researched and located every detail that Jennifer wanted for the kitchen. Between the two of them, every concept and idea was worked through and perfected. “Jennifer had definite ideas about what she wanted the new kitchen to look like, she just didn’t know how to bring it all together. We worked together really well to make her ideas into the practical reality necessary for a well-functioning kitchen, with the look and feel that she had envisioned”, says Michelle. “Michelle was wonderful in using the CAD system she would show me new drawings every time we changed the layout while working through the design,” Jennifer said. “She was a really wonderful partner in execution, she made sure everything happened quickly and easily.” The finished design drew out elements of Jennifer’s style and personality. The pair call the look “sophisticated farmhouse” to describe the kitchen renovation to family and friends. The result was a beautifully crafted, authentic-feeling space that satisfied Jennifer’s dreams 15 years in the making. The whole project consisted of a kitchen remodel, mudroom upgrade with powder room, and garage entry relocation. “The projects I personally like the best, are the ones that put the client’s dreams on display,” Project Designer Michelle said. “And this is one of those projects.” The main focal point of the kitchen is custom zinc and brass ventilation hood with a vintage sheen, which was hand made to order by a small company in Indiana named Vogler Metalworking. “It’s like sculpture, a true work of art”, says Jennifer. Your eye is immediately drawn towards this elegant yet practical hood that eliminated the home’s downdraft problem and added a striking conversation piece at the same time. The carpenters had to use special gloves when transporting and installing it, so they didn’t smudge it with fingerprints. The beautiful hood centers proudly over the stunning black enamel and brass LaCornue Range. “I had a friend who had a LaCornue range and after learning how easy it was to cook perfect meals, I was convinced I wanted to have one”, says Jennifer. This unique, breathtaking combination anchors the entire kitchen and is apparent immediately as you walk into the great room the surrounds the space. DuraSupreme Crestwood cabinets with a Kendall Panel add function and sophistication. A custom gray paint color paired with a storm blue was developed so that the new kitchen looked like it belonged to the existing space. Unlacquered brass faucets and hardware were important to Jennifer because she wanted the living finishes to age over time. Remarkable brass diamond mesh cabinet door inserts imported from the UK continue to add this one-of-a-kind kitchen renovation; giving it a “you won’t see this everywhere” quality. The use of old railcar flooring for the coffee bar countertop and reclaimed oak for the open shelving gives an authenticity to the space uncommon in kitchens today. Jennifer and Michelle fell in love with the Limestone Grey Stone while they were investigating unique island countertop ideas. They liked the fact that the limestone as a living finish will age and change over time. Calcutta Miel Quartz countertops made for an excellent pairing around the perimeter, as it’s durable and perfect for cooking preparations. A textured white subway tile backsplash that runs to the ceiling keeps your eye moving towards the open shelving, and to the main focal point of the stunning range hood combination. “The kitchen functions beautifully, and it’s gorgeous,” beams Jennifer as she gestures with both hands while smiling ear to ear. “The most important thing was I wanted a kitchen that had a wonderful flow, cooked beautiful meals and was a great gathering place for family and friends, and this space does that perfectly! Beauty wise, it turned out exactly how I had envisioned. I felt the function part was the hardest part, and that was nailed”! Relocating the garage entry to the new mudroom was a huge priority and has finally separated the family’s arriving home functions from their kitchen. Now coats and shoes and bags have their own area for dropping once members arrive home. Matching gray DuraSupreme cabinetry helped create gorgeous, purposeful lockers for the family. A reclaimed vintage sink and custom wall paper were added to the tiny powder room to beautify the once previously only functional space. Advance Design was even able to create a custom space for their dog to sleep while the family is away. “It was unbelievable that a project of this size was completed in such a short time, and I think that’s because of the large amount of planning and preparation that went into it,” Jennifer marveled, “When we started, we were ready, and everything was prepared”. When it came to execution, Project Manager Justin Davis and his crew were quick, accessible, and organized. Projects like this kitchen are typically completed in as little as 8-10 weeks. Jennifer’s kitchen however despite the relocation of some challenging HVAC in a soffit and moving of an exterior door was completed remarkably fast in part because the team was working with an existing tile floor that ran throughout the first floor that the client really loved. “You get to know these people really well because they’re living in your house while you’re living in your house. They were so fast and really good, it didn’t take as long as even planned” reported Jennifer. “I would text Justin and he always responded almost immediately. I got to know all the guys who were working in our house and they were all wonderful people”. Details in a customized kitchen like this one require skill and care from the people who install it. “All the guys on the job were skilled at what the did. I wanted small details like little feet to look like furniture, that is where their carpentry skill came in to make these all perfect”, said Jennifer. “The tile guys were wonderful. They even let me determine how I wanted the texture with the grout to appear for a salt and pepper look; now that is a very skilled trade person making it custom”. In Jennifer’s interview, she continued to reference Advance Design’s “Common Sense Remodeling”, so I took a minute to ask her exactly what that phrase meant to her and how it played out in her experience with her project and the Advance Design team. Here is what she said: “I was intrigued about Common Sense Remodeling and in my head that there would be clear costs and prices, great communication between the design team, the execution team and me”, said Jennifer. They did deliver on that, it was so clear about the cost breakdown, what I could expect from everyone who came to my house, and everything that we had ordered. That to me is the Common Sense”! It’s great to see a client take literally our assertion that a well-planned remodeling project is simply “Common Sense”! She anticipated each step of the way would be clear, concise, and predictable, all the while protecting the outcome due to the careful upfront planning. “Advance Design delivered on their ‘Common Sense Remodeling’ promise,” Jennifer said. “From the design team, to the execution team - everything was straight forward like I imagined. The project turned out exactly how I envisioned, I enjoyed this process and absolutely would recommend Advance Design Studio to anyone.”

Lincoln Barbour
Inspiration for a mediterranean ceramic tile kitchen remodel in Portland with shaker cabinets, black cabinets, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash, black appliances and an island

Many people can’t see beyond the current aesthetics when looking to buy a house, but this innovative couple recognized the good bones of their mid-century style home in Golden’s Applewood neighborhood and were determined to make the necessary updates to create the perfect space for their family. In order to turn this older residence into a modern home that would meet the family’s current lifestyle, we replaced all the original windows with new, wood-clad black windows. The design of window is a nod to the home’s mid-century roots with modern efficiency and a polished appearance. We also wanted the interior of the home to feel connected to the awe-inspiring outside, so we opened up the main living area with a vaulted ceiling. To add a contemporary but sleek look to the fireplace, we crafted the mantle out of cold rolled steel. The texture of the cold rolled steel conveys a natural aesthetic and pairs nicely with the walnut mantle we built to cap the steel, uniting the design in the kitchen and the built-in entryway. Everyone at Factor developed rich relationships with this beautiful family while collaborating through the design and build of their freshly renovated, contemporary home. We’re grateful to have the opportunity to work with such amazing people, creating inspired spaces that enhance the quality of their lives.

Small kitchen done with red lacquered cabinet doors and black frame.
Example of a small eclectic l-shaped terra-cotta tile enclosed kitchen design in New York with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, red cabinets, granite countertops and black appliances

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Kitchen with Tile Wainscot
Example of a mid-sized tuscan u-shaped terra-cotta tile, red floor and vaulted ceiling eat-in kitchen design in Los Angeles with a farmhouse sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, marble countertops, blue backsplash, ceramic backsplash, black appliances, an island and white countertops

Trendy light wood floor and vaulted ceiling kitchen photo in New York with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, laminate countertops, white backsplash, ceramic backsplash, black appliances, an island and black countertops

The exposed brick, wooden floor, gray cabinetry, black range, stainless steel appliances, glass doors, wood and stone counter tops provide a wide range of textures and colors that provide a nice warm feeling.

Mid-sized elegant single-wall medium tone wood floor, brown floor and exposed beam eat-in kitchen photo in Denver with a farmhouse sink, flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, granite countertops, white backsplash, brick backsplash, black appliances, an island and white countertops

From Kitchen to Living Room. We do that.
Mid-sized minimalist single-wall concrete floor and gray floor open concept kitchen photo in San Francisco with a drop-in sink, flat-panel cabinets, black cabinets, wood countertops, black appliances, an island and brown countertops

Designed by Sarah Sherman Samuel
Inspiration for a small rustic galley gray floor enclosed kitchen remodel in Los Angeles with a drop-in sink, beaded inset cabinets, green cabinets, wood countertops, white backsplash, ceramic backsplash, black appliances, no island and brown countertops

Eclipse Cabinetry, Natural Hickory Shaker Door. Island is Durango Green with a weathered look.
Country medium tone wood floor kitchen photo in Manchester with shaker cabinets, an undermount sink, medium tone wood cabinets, quartz countertops, black appliances and an island

This beautiful kitchen incorporates multiple shades of blue as well as multiple textures to create a space that is both modern and soulful.
Mid-sized transitional l-shaped dark wood floor and brown floor open concept kitchen photo in Louisville with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, blue cabinets, quartzite countertops, blue backsplash, ceramic backsplash, black appliances, an island and gray countertops

Enclosed kitchen - eclectic enclosed kitchen idea in San Francisco with a drop-in sink, open cabinets, white cabinets, stainless steel countertops, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash and black appliances

Example of a large transitional l-shaped medium tone wood floor, brown floor and exposed beam open concept kitchen design in Other with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, marble countertops, brown backsplash, an island, white countertops, medium tone wood cabinets and black appliances

This labor of love turned out to be a mid-century masterpiece, thanks to Robert Maurer's expert eye for color and interior design
Inspiration for a transitional l-shaped brown floor kitchen remodel in Sacramento with dark wood cabinets, green backsplash, ceramic backsplash, an island, an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets and black appliances

Inspiration for a large modern u-shaped ceramic tile and gray floor eat-in kitchen remodel in Phoenix with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, black cabinets, quartz countertops, black backsplash, stone tile backsplash, black appliances, an island and gray countertops

Close up view of the Island Counter top; Cambria Brittanica Gold. Faucet: Brizo Brushed Gold
Inspiration for a huge mediterranean galley marble floor and multicolored floor eat-in kitchen remodel in Other with a farmhouse sink, beaded inset cabinets, black cabinets, quartz countertops, beige backsplash, marble backsplash, black appliances, an island and beige countertops