A bright sunny space is treated with cheerful colors. The homeowner's treasured family heirlooms are proudly displayed, including a large antique carved wood regulator clock, a traditional drop leaf library table, and a collection of well-loved silver and aluminum serving platters. This lovely room will be the site of many happy family gatherings where cherished memories will be created for years to come! Photography by Jon Friedrich

Tuscan staircase photo in Houston

The ability to slide open patio doors creates a continuous flow of fresh air between the indoors and outdoors. This enhanced ventilation can improve indoor air quality, regulate temperature, and reduce humidity levels. Metal-plastic doors are very low maintenance. They do not require painting or staining, and they can be easily cleaned with soap and water. Glass - double-glazed, see-through, tempered (1/4" thick each). Coating - eco-veneer (pvc). Core - metal-plastic. Type - sliding/ bypass Color - White Silk Total thickness - 1 9/16" Total Frame thickness 2 3/8" Reliable Protection from Dust and Rain Brush seals provide reliable protection against dust and rain entering the room. Ease of Opening Patio doors are easy to open and close thanks to their design, which utilizes special rollers that glide along aluminum tracks. Perfectly Suited for Moderate Climates: Designed to provide optimal performance and comfort in regions with mild weather conditions, ensuring durability and efficiency year-round.

The door is 150 years old. We had layers of paint removed, but we left some of the finish. We had it sealed because we were concerned about any traces of lead left behind. Photography: Philip Ennis Productions.

The ability to slide open patio doors creates a continuous flow of fresh air between the indoors and outdoors. This enhanced ventilation can improve indoor air quality, regulate temperature, and reduce humidity levels. Metal-plastic doors are very low maintenance. They do not require painting or staining, and they can be easily cleaned with soap and water. Glass - double-glazed, see-through, tempered (1/4" thick each). Coating - eco-veneer (pvc). Core - metal-plastic. Type - sliding/ bypass Color - White Silk Total thickness - 1 9/16" Total Frame thickness 2 3/8" Reliable Protection from Dust and Rain Brush seals provide reliable protection against dust and rain entering the room. Ease of Opening Patio doors are easy to open and close thanks to their design, which utilizes special rollers that glide along aluminum tracks. Perfectly Suited for Moderate Climates: Designed to provide optimal performance and comfort in regions with mild weather conditions, ensuring durability and efficiency year-round.

Latch hardware in upper cabinets.
Inspiration for a mid-sized craftsman u-shaped medium tone wood floor eat-in kitchen remodel in San Francisco with a single-bowl sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartz countertops, green backsplash, ceramic backsplash, stainless steel appliances and a peninsula

Master Bedroom with Red Bed Frame and custom drapery and bedding.
Bedroom - traditional master light wood floor bedroom idea in Charlotte

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.”

Example of a classic entryway design in Los Angeles

Traditional sunroom addition with bluestone exterior patio
Example of a classic sunroom design in New York

Master bathroom with an elegant freestanding bathtub underneath a traditional light fixture and finished with varying white & gray patterned tiling in this updated 1940's Custom Cape Ranch. Chevron floor tiling. The classically detailed arched doorways and original wainscot paneling in the living room, dining room, stair hall and bedrooms were kept and refinished, as were the many original red brick fireplaces found in most rooms. These and other Traditional features were kept to balance the contemporary renovations resulting in a Transitional style throughout the home. Large windows and French doors were added to allow ample natural light to enter the home. The mainly white interior enhances this light and brightens a previously dark home. Architect: T.J. Costello - Hierarchy Architecture + Design, PLLC Interior Designer: Helena Clunies-Ross

Condo Update Playa Del Rey, CA. Even the dog (Dundee) loves every room! Space Remodeled: 500 sq ft Style: Transitional The Concept After moving in the homeowner (and his dog) wanted to update almost every room in this condominium. The remodel included the living and family room, fireplace, kitchen sink and countertops, a new barn door to the bath and new flooring FLOW THROUGHOUT While the home had a great patio, perfect for entertaining in southern California, the rest of the space didn’t have the same flow. After the remodel, the new floors tie every room together allowing guests to mingle both inside and out. “Condos tend to be more challenging spaces to remodel because many share walls and floors and have strict regulations. We were able to design a space that was fresh” - Beth Yuen – Custom Design &Construction, Senior Project Designer MATERIAL SELECTIONS The fireplace was retiled with natural stone vein cut travertine in silver beige from Arizona tile. The floor is French oak wood in Santolina. Photography by: John Moery

LOFT | Luxury Industrial Loft Makeover Downtown LA | FOUR POINT DESIGN BUILD INC A gorgeous and glamorous 687 sf Loft Apartment in the Heart of Downtown Los Angeles, CA. Small Spaces...BIG IMPACT is the theme this year: A wide open space and infinite possibilities. The Challenge: Only 3 weeks to design, resource, ship, install, stage and photograph a Downtown LA studio loft for the October 2014 issue of @dwellmagazine and the 2014 @dwellondesign home tour! So #Grateful and #honored to partner with the wonderful folks at #MetLofts and #DwellMagazine for the incredible design project! Photography by Riley Jamison #interiordesign #loftliving #StudioLoftLiving #smallspacesBIGideas #loft #DTLA AS SEEN IN Dwell Magazine LA Design Magazine

Condo Update Playa Del Rey, CA. Even the dog (Dundee) loves every room! Space Remodeled: 500 sq ft Style: Transitional The Concept After moving in the homeowner (and his dog) wanted to update almost every room in this condominium. The remodel included the living and family room, fireplace, kitchen sink and countertops, a new barn door to the bath and new flooring FLOW THROUGHOUT While the home had a great patio, perfect for entertaining in southern California, the rest of the space didn’t have the same flow. After the remodel, the new floors tie every room together allowing guests to mingle both inside and out. “Condos tend to be more challenging spaces to remodel because many share walls and floors and have strict regulations. We were able to design a space that was fresh” - Beth Yuen – Custom Design &Construction, Senior Project Designer MATERIAL SELECTIONS The fireplace was retiled with natural stone vein cut travertine in silver beige from Arizona tile. The floor is French oak wood in Santolina. Photography by: John Moery

The main goal for the owners of this 1926 house was an addition to gain more closet space near their main floor master bedroom. During the design stage, they also decided to create a zen home office for one of the owner’s reiki business that had direct access for visitors from the backyard, rather than walking through the house. Painted stucco was used on the new addition to match a previously added sunroom at the other side of the house. Matching windows were also added. The proposed design featured a simple shed roof at the side addition and a hip roof at the front and back. View of addition from the back of the house – the French doors lead into the office. We extended the existing flagstone patio to the addition and office entry. In assessing the feasibility of the project, the first thing the designer did was to check the zoning regulations. After a thorough study, it was determined that a 7-foot side addition was possible. This 7-foot addition was adequate for a built-in cabinetry storage and a new powder room. The design proposal also included a rear wraparound 13ftx13ft home office, that gave the existing rear patio a courtyard feel. The proposed addition was accessed from both the existing master bedroom and another bedroom that was converted into a family/ TV room. The main access to the home office addition was through the backyard.

We used: Custom cherry cabinetry in Arts & Crafts Shaker style by Kabinart in Boulder and Espresso stains. Liberty Hardware Venetian bronze 1-1/2" cabinet knobs. KitchenAid Architect II Series 22 CF counter-depth French door refrigerator. KitchenAid Architect Series II 27" convection single wall oven. KitchenAid 36" 6-burner dual fuel freestanding commercial-style range. KitchenAid Architect II Series 24" dishwasher. Sharp Insight Pro Series 24" built-in microwave drawer (Model #KB6524PS). Crystorama Solaris 12" wide pendant lights in English bronze. Granite countertops in Brown Fantasy. 3"x6" polished marble backsplash. Paint colors: Walls: Glidden Silver Cloud 30YY 63/024 Ceilings/Trims/Doors: Glidden Swan White GLC23 Robert B. Narod Photography

Challenge This 2001 riverfront home was purchased by the owners in 2015 and immediately renovated. Progressive Design Build was hired at that time to remodel the interior, with tentative plans to remodel their outdoor living space as a second phase design/build remodel. True to their word, after completing the interior remodel, this young family turned to Progressive Design Build in 2017 to address known zoning regulations and restrictions in their backyard and build an outdoor living space that was fit for entertaining and everyday use. The homeowners wanted a pool and spa, outdoor living room, kitchen, fireplace and covered patio. They also wanted to stay true to their home’s Old Florida style architecture while also adding a Jamaican influence to the ceiling detail, which held sentimental value to the homeowners who honeymooned in Jamaica. Solution To tackle the known zoning regulations and restrictions in the backyard, the homeowners researched and applied for a variance. With the variance in hand, Progressive Design Build sat down with the homeowners to review several design options. These options included: Option 1) Modifications to the original pool design, changing it to be longer and narrower and comply with an existing drainage easement Option 2) Two different layouts of the outdoor living area Option 3) Two different height elevations and options for the fire pit area Option 4) A proposed breezeway connecting the new area with the existing home After reviewing the options, the homeowners chose the design that placed the pool on the backside of the house and the outdoor living area on the west side of the home (Option 1). It was important to build a patio structure that could sustain a hurricane (a Southwest Florida necessity), and provide substantial sun protection. The new covered area was supported by structural columns and designed as an open-air porch (with no screens) to allow for an unimpeded view of the Caloosahatchee River. The open porch design also made the area feel larger, and the roof extension was built with substantial strength to survive severe weather conditions. The pool and spa were connected to the adjoining patio area, designed to flow seamlessly into the next. The pool deck was designed intentionally in a 3-color blend of concrete brick with freeform edge detail to mimic the natural river setting. Bringing the outdoors inside, the pool and fire pit were slightly elevated to create a small separation of space. Result All of the desirable amenities of a screened porch were built into an open porch, including electrical outlets, a ceiling fan/light kit, TV, audio speakers, and a fireplace. The outdoor living area was finished off with additional storage for cushions, ample lighting, an outdoor dining area, a smoker, a grill, a double-side burner, an under cabinet refrigerator, a major ventilation system, and water supply plumbing that delivers hot and cold water to the sinks. Because the porch is under a roof, we had the option to use classy woods that would give the structure a natural look and feel. We chose a dark cypress ceiling with a gloss finish, replicating the same detail that the homeowners experienced in Jamaica. This created a deep visceral and emotional reaction from the homeowners to their new backyard. The family now spends more time outdoors enjoying the sights, sounds and smells of nature. Their professional lives allow them to take a trip to paradise right in their backyard—stealing moments that reflect on the past, but are also enjoyed in the present.

Condo Update Playa Del Rey, CA. Even the dog (Dundee) loves every room! Space Remodeled: 500 sq ft Style: Transitional The Concept After moving in the homeowner (and his dog) wanted to update almost every room in this condominium. The remodel included the living and family room, fireplace, kitchen sink and countertops, a new barn door to the bath and new flooring FLOW THROUGHOUT While the home had a great patio, perfect for entertaining in southern California, the rest of the space didn’t have the same flow. After the remodel, the new floors tie every room together allowing guests to mingle both inside and out. “Condos tend to be more challenging spaces to remodel because many share walls and floors and have strict regulations. We were able to design a space that was fresh” - Beth Yuen – Custom Design &Construction, Senior Project Designer MATERIAL SELECTIONS The fireplace was retiled with natural stone vein cut travertine in silver beige from Arizona tile. The floor is French oak wood in Santolina. Photography by: John Moery

Condo Update Playa Del Rey, CA. Even the dog (Dundee) loves every room! Space Remodeled: 500 sq ft Style: Transitional The Concept After moving in the homeowner (and his dog) wanted to update almost every room in this condominium. The remodel included the living and family room, fireplace, kitchen sink and countertops, a new barn door to the bath and new flooring FLOW THROUGHOUT While the home had a great patio, perfect for entertaining in southern California, the rest of the space didn’t have the same flow. After the remodel, the new floors tie every room together allowing guests to mingle both inside and out. “Condos tend to be more challenging spaces to remodel because many share walls and floors and have strict regulations. We were able to design a space that was fresh” - Beth Yuen – Custom Design &Construction, Senior Project Designer MATERIAL SELECTIONS The fireplace was retiled with natural stone vein cut travertine in silver beige from Arizona tile. The floor is French oak wood in Santolina. Photography by: John Moery