The original room was just a screen room with a low flat ceiling constructed over decking. There was a door off to the side with a cumbersome staircase, another door leading to the rear yard and a slider leading into the house. Since the room was all screens it could not really be utilized all four seasons. Another issue, bugs would come in through the decking, the screens and the space under the two screen doors. To create a space that can be utilized all year round we rebuilt the walls, raised the ceiling, added insulation, installed a combination of picture and casement windows and a 12' slider along the deck wall. For the underneath we installed insulation and a new wood look vinyl floor. The space can now be comfortably utilized most of the year.

This LEED Platinum certified house reflects the homeowner's desire for an exceptionally healthy and comfortable living environment, within a traditional neighborhood. INFILL SITE. The family, who moved from another area of Wellesley, sought out this property to be within walking distance of the high school and downtown area. An existing structure on the tight lot was removed to make way for the new home. 84% of the construction waste, from both the previous structure and the new home, was diverted from a landfill. ZED designed to preserve the existing mature trees on the perimeter of the property to minimize site impacts, and to maintain the character of the neighborhood as well as privacy on the site. EXTERIOR EXPRESSION. The street facade of the home relates to the local New England vernacular. The rear uses contemporary language, a nod to the family’s Californian roots, to incorporate a roof deck, solar panels, outdoor living space, and the backyard swimming pool. ZED’s careful planning avoided to the need to face the garage doors towards the street, a common syndrome of a narrow lot. THOUGHTFUL SPACE. Homes with dual entries can often result in duplicate and unused spaces. In this home, the everyday and formal entry areas are one and the same; the front and garage doors share the entry program of coat closets, mudroom storage with bench for removing your shoes, and a laundry room with generous closets for the children's sporting equipment. The entry area leads directly to the living space, encompassing the kitchen, dining and sitting area areas in an L-shaped open plan arrangement. The kitchen is placed at the south-west corner of the space to allow for a strong connection to the dining, sitting and outdoor living spaces. A fire pit on the deck satisfies the family’s desire for an open flame while a sealed gas fireplace is used indoors - ZED’s preference after omitting gas burning appliances completely from an airtight home. A small study, with a window seat, is conveniently located just off of the living space. A first floor guest bedroom includes an accessible bathroom for aging visitors and can be used as a master suite to accommodate aging in place. HEALTHY LIVING. The client requested a home that was easy to clean and would provide a respite from seasonal allergies and common contaminants that are found in many indoor spaces. ZED selected easy to clean solid surface flooring throughout, provided ample space for cleaning supplies on each floor, and designed a mechanical system with ventilation that provides a constant supply of fresh outdoor air. ZED selected durable materials, finishes, cabinetry, and casework with low or no volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and no added urea formaldehyde. YEAR-ROUND COMFORT. The home is super insulated and air-tight, paired with high performance triple-paned windows, to ensure it is draft-free throughout the winter (even when in front of the large windows and doors). ZED designed a right-sized heating and cooling system to pair with the thermally improved building enclosure to ensure year-round comfort. The glazing on the home maximizes passive solar gains, and facilitates cross ventilation and daylighting. ENERGY EFFICIENT. As one of the most energy efficient houses built to date in Wellesley, the home highlights a practical solution for Massachusetts. First, the building enclosure reduces the largest energy requirement for typical houses (heating). Super-insulation, exceptional air sealing, a thermally broken wall assembly, triple pane windows, and passive solar gain combine for a sizable heating load reduction. Second, within the house only efficient systems consume energy. These include an air source heat pump for heating & cooling, a heat pump hot water heater, LED lighting, energy recovery ventilation, and high efficiency appliances. Lastly, photovoltaics provide renewable energy help offset energy consumption. The result is an 89% reduction in energy use compared to a similar brand new home built to code requirements. RESILIENT. The home will fare well in extreme weather events. During a winter power outage, heat loss will be very slow due to the super-insulated and airtight envelope– taking multiple days to drop to 60 degrees even with no heat source. An engineered drainage system, paired with careful the detailing of the foundation, will help to keep the finished basement dry. A generator will provide full operation of the all-electric house during a power outage. OVERALL. The home is a reflection of the family goals and an expression of their values, beautifully enabling health, comfort, safety, resilience, and utility, all while respecting the planet. ZED - Architect & Mechanical Designer Bevilacqua Builders Inc - Contractor Creative Land & Water Engineering - Civil Engineering Barbara Peterson Landscape - Landscape Design Nest & Company - Interior Furnishings Eric Roth Photography - Photography

This 1890 rowhouse had been renovated over time, most recently in the 70s. Our clients wanted to renovate every floor. The floors and walls were out of level, and most of the systems were old. We gutted the structure to the studs, leveled and reframed the walls and floors, added insulation and updated the plumbing, electrical and HVAC. Once the structural and systems work was complete, our crew installed a new expanded kitchen, updated all the bathrooms, and updated the basement. Reconfiguring the first floor plan involved taking down the wall between the kitchen and dining room to create one large entertaining space. To bring more natural light and provide sight lines from the front to the back of the rowhouse, we added new windows to the back wall and moved the opening to the other side as a full-light door. Kitchen features include: • Cabinetry that extends to the ceiling to maximize storage • Large island with seating for four • Painting that imitates the pattern of the ceiling we uncovered during the renovation • Buffet cabinetry in the dining room with a built-in wine cooler HDBros

This 1890 rowhouse had been renovated over time, most recently in the 70s. Our clients wanted to renovate every floor. The floors and walls were out of level, and most of the systems were old. We gutted the structure to the studs, leveled and reframed the walls and floors, added insulation and updated the plumbing, electrical and HVAC. Once the structural and systems work was complete, our crew installed a new expanded kitchen, updated all the bathrooms, and updated the basement. Reconfiguring the first floor plan involved taking down the wall between the kitchen and dining room to create one large entertaining space. To bring more natural light and provide sight lines from the front to the back of the rowhouse, we added new windows to the back wall and moved the opening to the other side as a full-light door. Kitchen features include: • Cabinetry that extends to the ceiling to maximize storage • Large island with seating for four • Painting that imitates the pattern of the ceiling we uncovered during the renovation • Buffet cabinetry in the dining room with a built-in wine cooler HDBros

In a world where environmental concerns have reached a critical juncture, the need for eco-conscious living has never been more pressing. Ameen Salous, a visionary leader and a prominent advocate for sustainability, stands as a shining example of how individuals can adopt a greener, more eco-friendly lifestyle. This article will delve into the eco-conscious lifestyle of Ameen Salous, exploring seven practical tips that can inspire anyone to embark on their journey towards a more sustainable way of living. Introduction: Ameen Salous - A Visionary Champion of Sustainability Ameen Salous is a name synonymous with innovation, but his influence extends far beyond technological advancements. His commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility is a core facet of his identity. Ameen's eco-conscious lifestyle serves as a beacon of hope in a world grappling with the consequences of climate change and environmental degradation. As we explore his approach to green living, we can glean valuable insights into how each of us can make a positive impact on the planet. 1. Embrace Renewable Energy Sources One of the cornerstones of Ameen Salous's eco-conscious lifestyle is his unwavering support for renewable energy sources. He recognizes the vital role these sources play in reducing our carbon footprint and mitigating climate change. Ameen's advocacy for renewable energy technologies, such as solar and wind power, is not only inspiring but also serves as a practical example for individuals looking to reduce their reliance on fossil fuels. Actionable Tip: Consider installing solar panels on your property, invest in energy-efficient appliances, and explore green energy options provided by your utility company. 2. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle The mantra of "reduce, reuse, recycle" has become a fundamental principle of eco-conscious living, and Ameen Salous is a staunch advocate for this approach. He emphasizes the importance of minimizing waste and finding creative ways to repurpose items rather than sending them to landfills. By adopting this mindset, Ameen has significantly reduced his environmental footprint. Actionable Tip: Practice responsible waste management by recycling paper, plastics, and glass. Also, look for ways to upcycle or repurpose items you no longer need. 3. Sustainable Transportation Choices Ameen Salous is a proponent of sustainable transportation methods. He recognizes that the transportation sector is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. To reduce his impact, he promotes eco-friendly alternatives such as electric vehicles, public transit, and carpooling. Ameen's choice to drive electric vehicles reflects his commitment to reducing air pollution and dependence on fossil fuels. Actionable Tip: Consider switching to an electric or hybrid vehicle, use public transportation when possible, and explore options for carpooling or ridesharing to reduce your carbon footprint. 4. Support Sustainable Agriculture Ameen Salous is acutely aware of the environmental impact of our food choices. He advocates for supporting sustainable agriculture practices, such as organic farming and locally sourced produce. Ameen's commitment to a plant-based diet further reduces his carbon footprint, as plant-based diets generally have a lower environmental impact compared to diets heavy in animal products. Actionable Tip: Incorporate more plant-based foods into your diet, buy locally grown and organic produce when available, and consider starting a small garden to grow your own vegetables and herbs. 5. Conserve Water Water conservation is another key aspect of Ameen Salous's eco-conscious lifestyle. He understands the importance of preserving this precious resource in the face of increasing water scarcity worldwide. Ameen's commitment to water conservation includes installing water-saving fixtures, fixing leaks promptly, and minimizing water usage in everyday activities. Actionable Tip: Install low-flow showerheads and faucets, fix any leaks in your plumbing, collect rainwater for outdoor use, and be mindful of water usage when doing everyday tasks like washing dishes or doing laundry. 6. Opt for Sustainable Home Design Ameen Salous's commitment to an eco-conscious lifestyle extends to his home. He believes that sustainable home design can significantly reduce energy consumption and environmental impact. Ameen has incorporated features such as energy-efficient insulation, LED lighting, and smart thermostats into his home to increase its energy efficiency. Actionable Tip: Consider making energy-efficient upgrades to your home, such as adding insulation, installing energy-efficient windows, and using programmable thermostats to reduce energy consumption. 7. Environmental Advocacy and Education Perhaps one of the most impactful aspects of Ameen Salous's eco-conscious lifestyle is his dedication to environmental advocacy and education. He recognizes that raising awareness and inspiring others to take action are essential steps in addressing environmental challenges. Ameen actively engages with his community and the broader public to promote sustainable living practices and advocate for policies that protect the environment. Actionable Tip: Get involved in environmental advocacy in your community, participate in local clean-up events, and educate yourself and others about the importance of sustainable living. Conclusion: Ameen Salous's Green Living Legacy Ameen Salous's eco-conscious lifestyle serves as a testament to the power of individual actions in the fight against climate change and environmental degradation. His commitment to sustainability, renewable energy, and responsible consumption inspires us all to make more environmentally conscious choices in our daily lives. By embracing these seven tips for going green, we can follow in the footsteps of Ameen Salous and contribute to a more sustainable and eco-friendly future for our planet.

Greg Hadley We installed new railing, flooring, and French doors on the upstairs deck off the master bedroom deck. We installed a new garage door and siding on the garage gable and rear of the house. The house is in a great neighborhood and had a solid foundation, but the infrastructure needed a lot of attention including: • Repointing brick in a few areas • Adding insulation in all the walls and spray foam in the attic ceiling to increase energy-efficiency • Install new siding and trim on two dormers on rear elevation • Install new siding on gable end of garage and wall section on main house above • garage • Install new PVC trim in profiles to approximate those reflected drawings provided from original plans dated 1939 • Adding central air to all four floors • New plumbing and electrical systems • Install new interior doors where needed • All new Pella Proline windows that match the traditional exterior • Demolish and rebuild crumbling front steps • New front door, new frieze, crown, pilasters, columns and trim around front door • New dentil molding at front of home • New garage door

Beach style kitchen photo in Orange County

We removed the original partial addition and replaced it with a 3-story rear addition across the full width of the house. It now has more livable space with a large, open kitchen on the main floor with a door to a new deck, a true primary suite with a new bath on the second level and a family room in the basement. We also relocated the powder room to the center of the first floor. Moving the washer/dryer from the basement to a closet on the second-floor hall provides easier access for weekly use. Additionally, the clients requested energy-efficient features including adding insulation by firring out some walls, attic insulation, new front windows, and a new HVAC system.

Contemporary wine cellar constructed in an occupied home. This space was a blank wall in their dining room. We designed the space, framed the walls in, added insulation, extended the wood floor, added refrigeration, racking and glass. We have a contractor's license and obtained the correct permits and inspections. CBC1262717

Paul Despenas: EcoSmart Custom Built 2-Lite Sliding windows, picture units and patio door were installed before the siding crew came to do their part. EcoSmart windows feature Smart Core insulated master and sash frames: EcoSmart windows come standard with our patented insulation in all primary frame and sash cavities. This is high density insulation provides a NFRC determined R-Value of 7.25 per inch of thickness. SmartCore insulation provides almost two times the insulating proprieties of typical fiberglass insulation, making EcoSmart windows more energy efficient and your home more comfortable. Performance Glass Options are the heart and soul of any good window. You’ll find a great selection of options to deliver the energy savings your home deserves. Fusion-Welded Frames: The frame and sash on EcoSmart windows are 100% fusion welded for superior sealing against water or air infiltration and no expansion and contraction. Added strength provided by our I-Beam & Rigid Core Fiberglass Reinforcement. All EcoSmart windows are custom built to fit into your home. American Classic Insulated siding features: Lifetime Non-Fade Protection Progressive Foam Fullback Insulation is laminated to the back of the siding to add rigid backing to the siding panel to give straight wall lines Four Times the energy savings value than conventional siding underlayments High permebiliyty lets your walls breath to minimize the opportunity for mold growth Deters termites and carpenter ants The list goes on and on……….American Classic Insulated Vinyl siding and EcoSmart Windows = ENERGY SAVINGS FOR THE LIFETIME OF THE HOME

We also added a small office, separated from the living room with a barn door. This 1890 rowhouse had been renovated over time, most recently in the 70s. Our clients wanted to renovate every floor. The floors and walls were out of level, and most of the systems were old. We gutted the structure to the studs, leveled and reframed the walls and floors, added insulation and updated the plumbing, electrical and HVAC. Once the structural and systems work was complete, our crew installed a new expanded kitchen, updated all the bathrooms, and updated the basement. HDBros

Bedroom - modern bedroom idea in Chicago

Paul Despenas: EcoSmart Custom Built 2-Lite Sliding windows, picture units and patio door were installed before the siding crew came to do their part. EcoSmart windows feature Smart Core insulated master and sash frames: EcoSmart windows come standard with our patented insulation in all primary frame and sash cavities. This is high density insulation provides a NFRC determined R-Value of 7.25 per inch of thickness. SmartCore insulation provides almost two times the insulating proprieties of typical fiberglass insulation, making EcoSmart windows more energy efficient and your home more comfortable. Performance Glass Options are the heart and soul of any good window. You’ll find a great selection of options to deliver the energy savings your home deserves. Fusion-Welded Frames: The frame and sash on EcoSmart windows are 100% fusion welded for superior sealing against water or air infiltration and no expansion and contraction. Added strength provided by our I-Beam & Rigid Core Fiberglass Reinforcement. All EcoSmart windows are custom built to fit into your home. American Classic Insulated siding features: Lifetime Non-Fade Protection Progressive Foam Fullback Insulation is laminated to the back of the siding to add rigid backing to the siding panel to give straight wall lines Four Times the energy savings value than conventional siding underlayments High permebiliyty lets your walls breath to minimize the opportunity for mold growth Deters termites and carpenter ants The list goes on and on……….American Classic Insulated Vinyl siding and EcoSmart Windows = ENERGY SAVINGS FOR THE LIFETIME OF THE HOME

Paul Despenas: EcoSmart Custom Built 2-Lite Sliding windows, picture units and patio door were installed before the siding crew came to do their part. EcoSmart windows feature Smart Core insulated master and sash frames: EcoSmart windows come standard with our patented insulation in all primary frame and sash cavities. This is high density insulation provides a NFRC determined R-Value of 7.25 per inch of thickness. SmartCore insulation provides almost two times the insulating proprieties of typical fiberglass insulation, making EcoSmart windows more energy efficient and your home more comfortable. Performance Glass Options are the heart and soul of any good window. You’ll find a great selection of options to deliver the energy savings your home deserves. Fusion-Welded Frames: The frame and sash on EcoSmart windows are 100% fusion welded for superior sealing against water or air infiltration and no expansion and contraction. Added strength provided by our I-Beam & Rigid Core Fiberglass Reinforcement. All EcoSmart windows are custom built to fit into your home. American Classic Insulated siding features: Lifetime Non-Fade Protection Progressive Foam Fullback Insulation is laminated to the back of the siding to add rigid backing to the siding panel to give straight wall lines Four Times the energy savings value than conventional siding underlayments High permebiliyty lets your walls breath to minimize the opportunity for mold growth Deters termites and carpenter ants The list goes on and on……….American Classic Insulated Vinyl siding and EcoSmart Windows = ENERGY SAVINGS FOR THE LIFETIME OF THE HOME

Franklin added the four season porch on to the back of the barn, making it the only part of the home that is new construction. "The design was intended to have a completely different atmosphere, yet still work in harmony with the original structure," Franklin explains. The white floors and bead board-clad walls give the space a decidedly beachy cottage feel, while exposed rafters refer back to the rest of the home. Adrienne DeRosa Photography

Paul Despenas: EcoSmart Custom Built 2-Lite Sliding windows, picture units and patio door were installed before the siding crew came to do their part. EcoSmart windows feature Smart Core insulated master and sash frames: EcoSmart windows come standard with our patented insulation in all primary frame and sash cavities. This is high density insulation provides a NFRC determined R-Value of 7.25 per inch of thickness. SmartCore insulation provides almost two times the insulating proprieties of typical fiberglass insulation, making EcoSmart windows more energy efficient and your home more comfortable. Performance Glass Options are the heart and soul of any good window. You’ll find a great selection of options to deliver the energy savings your home deserves. Fusion-Welded Frames: The frame and sash on EcoSmart windows are 100% fusion welded for superior sealing against water or air infiltration and no expansion and contraction. Added strength provided by our I-Beam & Rigid Core Fiberglass Reinforcement. All EcoSmart windows are custom built to fit into your home. American Classic Insulated siding features: Lifetime Non-Fade Protection Progressive Foam Fullback Insulation is laminated to the back of the siding to add rigid backing to the siding panel to give straight wall lines Four Times the energy savings value than conventional siding underlayments High permebiliyty lets your walls breath to minimize the opportunity for mold growth Deters termites and carpenter ants The list goes on and on……….American Classic Insulated Vinyl siding and EcoSmart Windows = ENERGY SAVINGS FOR THE LIFETIME OF THE HOME

This LEED Platinum certified house reflects the homeowner's desire for an exceptionally healthy and comfortable living environment, within a traditional neighborhood. INFILL SITE. The family, who moved from another area of Wellesley, sought out this property to be within walking distance of the high school and downtown area. An existing structure on the tight lot was removed to make way for the new home. 84% of the construction waste, from both the previous structure and the new home, was diverted from a landfill. ZED designed to preserve the existing mature trees on the perimeter of the property to minimize site impacts, and to maintain the character of the neighborhood as well as privacy on the site. EXTERIOR EXPRESSION. The street facade of the home relates to the local New England vernacular. The rear uses contemporary language, a nod to the family’s Californian roots, to incorporate a roof deck, solar panels, outdoor living space, and the backyard swimming pool. ZED’s careful planning avoided to the need to face the garage doors towards the street, a common syndrome of a narrow lot. THOUGHTFUL SPACE. Homes with dual entries can often result in duplicate and unused spaces. In this home, the everyday and formal entry areas are one and the same; the front and garage doors share the entry program of coat closets, mudroom storage with bench for removing your shoes, and a laundry room with generous closets for the children's sporting equipment. The entry area leads directly to the living space, encompassing the kitchen, dining and sitting area areas in an L-shaped open plan arrangement. The kitchen is placed at the south-west corner of the space to allow for a strong connection to the dining, sitting and outdoor living spaces. A fire pit on the deck satisfies the family’s desire for an open flame while a sealed gas fireplace is used indoors - ZED’s preference after omitting gas burning appliances completely from an airtight home. A small study, with a window seat, is conveniently located just off of the living space. A first floor guest bedroom includes an accessible bathroom for aging visitors and can be used as a master suite to accommodate aging in place. HEALTHY LIVING. The client requested a home that was easy to clean and would provide a respite from seasonal allergies and common contaminants that are found in many indoor spaces. ZED selected easy to clean solid surface flooring throughout, provided ample space for cleaning supplies on each floor, and designed a mechanical system with ventilation that provides a constant supply of fresh outdoor air. ZED selected durable materials, finishes, cabinetry, and casework with low or no volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and no added urea formaldehyde. YEAR-ROUND COMFORT. The home is super insulated and air-tight, paired with high performance triple-paned windows, to ensure it is draft-free throughout the winter (even when in front of the large windows and doors). ZED designed a right-sized heating and cooling system to pair with the thermally improved building enclosure to ensure year-round comfort. The glazing on the home maximizes passive solar gains, and facilitates cross ventilation and daylighting. ENERGY EFFICIENT. As one of the most energy efficient houses built to date in Wellesley, the home highlights a practical solution for Massachusetts. First, the building enclosure reduces the largest energy requirement for typical houses (heating). Super-insulation, exceptional air sealing, a thermally broken wall assembly, triple pane windows, and passive solar gain combine for a sizable heating load reduction. Second, within the house only efficient systems consume energy. These include an air source heat pump for heating & cooling, a heat pump hot water heater, LED lighting, energy recovery ventilation, and high efficiency appliances. Lastly, photovoltaics provide renewable energy help offset energy consumption. The result is an 89% reduction in energy use compared to a similar brand new home built to code requirements. RESILIENT. The home will fare well in extreme weather events. During a winter power outage, heat loss will be very slow due to the super-insulated and airtight envelope– taking multiple days to drop to 60 degrees even with no heat source. An engineered drainage system, paired with careful the detailing of the foundation, will help to keep the finished basement dry. A generator will provide full operation of the all-electric house during a power outage. OVERALL. The home is a reflection of the family goals and an expression of their values, beautifully enabling health, comfort, safety, resilience, and utility, all while respecting the planet. ZED - Architect & Mechanical Designer Bevilacqua Builders Inc - Contractor Creative Land & Water Engineering - Civil Engineering Barbara Peterson Landscape - Landscape Design Nest & Company - Interior Furnishings Eric Roth Photography - Photography

Paul Despenas: EcoSmart Custom Built 2-Lite Sliding windows, picture units and patio door were installed before the siding crew came to do their part. EcoSmart windows feature Smart Core insulated master and sash frames: EcoSmart windows come standard with our patented insulation in all primary frame and sash cavities. This is high density insulation provides a NFRC determined R-Value of 7.25 per inch of thickness. SmartCore insulation provides almost two times the insulating proprieties of typical fiberglass insulation, making EcoSmart windows more energy efficient and your home more comfortable. Performance Glass Options are the heart and soul of any good window. You’ll find a great selection of options to deliver the energy savings your home deserves. Fusion-Welded Frames: The frame and sash on EcoSmart windows are 100% fusion welded for superior sealing against water or air infiltration and no expansion and contraction. Added strength provided by our I-Beam & Rigid Core Fiberglass Reinforcement. All EcoSmart windows are custom built to fit into your home. American Classic Insulated siding features: Lifetime Non-Fade Protection Progressive Foam Fullback Insulation is laminated to the back of the siding to add rigid backing to the siding panel to give straight wall lines Four Times the energy savings value than conventional siding underlayments High permebiliyty lets your walls breath to minimize the opportunity for mold growth Deters termites and carpenter ants The list goes on and on……….American Classic Insulated Vinyl siding and EcoSmart Windows = ENERGY SAVINGS FOR THE LIFETIME OF THE HOME

Curtis and Peggy had been thinking of a kitchen remodel for quite some time, but they knew their house would have a unique set of challenges. Their older Victorian house was built in 1891. The kitchen cabinetry was original, and they wanted to keep the authenticity of their period home while adding modern comforts that would improve their quality of life. A friend recommended Advance Design Studio for their exceptional experience and quality of work. After meeting with designer Michelle Lecinski at Advance Design, they were confident they could partner with Advance to accomplish the unique kitchen renovation they’d been talking about for years. “We wanted to do the kitchen for a long, long time,” Curtis said. “(We asked ourselves) what are we actually going to do? How are we going to do this? And who are we going to find to do exactly what we want?” The goal for the project was to keep the home renovation and new kitchen feeling authentic to the time in which it was built. They desperately wanted the modern comforts that come with a larger refrigerator and the dishwasher that they never had! The old home was also a bit drafty so adding a fireplace, wall insulation and new windows became a priority. They very much wanted to create a comfortable hearth room adjacent to the kitchen, complete with old world brick. The original cabinetry had to go to make way for beautiful new kitchen cabinetry that appears as if it was a hundred years old, but with all the benefits of cutting-edge storage, self-closing drawers, and a brand-new look. “We just wanted to keep it old looking, but with some modern updates,” Peggy said. Dura Supreme Highland Cabinets with a Heritage Old World Painted Finish replaced the original 1891 cabinets. The hand-applied careful rubbed-off detailing makes these exquisite cabinets look as if they came from a far-gone era. Despite the small size of the kitchen, Peggy, Curtis and Michelle utilized every inch with custom cabinet sizes to increase storage capacity. The custom cabinets allowed for the addition of a 24” Fisher Paykel dishwasher with a concealing Dura Supreme door panel. Michelle was also able to work into the new design a larger 30” Fisher Paykel French refrigerator. “We made every ¼ inch count in this small space,” designer Michelle said. “Having the ability to custom size the cabinetry was the only way to achieve this.” “The kitchen essentially was designed around the Heartland Vintage range and oven,” says Michelle. A classic appliance that combines nostalgic beauty and craftsmanship for modern cooking, with nickel plated trim and elegantly shaped handles and legs; the not to miss range is a striking focal point of the entire room and an engaging conversation piece. Granite countertops in Kodiak Satin with subtle veining kept with the old-world style. The delicate porcelain La Vie Crackle Sonoma tile kitchen backsplash compliments the home’s style perfectly. A handcrafted passthrough designed to show off Peggy’s fine china was custom built by project carpenters Justin Davis and Jeff Dallain to physically and visually open the space. Additional storage was created in the custom panty room with Latte Edinburg cabinets, hand-made weathered wood shelving with authentic black iron brackets, and an intricate tin copper ceiling. Peggy and Curtis loved the idea of adding a Vermont stove to make the hearth-room not only functional, but a truly beckoning place to be. A stunning Bordeaux red Vermont Castings Stove with crisp black ventilation was chosen and combined with the authentic reclaimed Chicago brick wall. Advance’s talented carpenters custom-built elegant weathered shelves to house family memorabilia, installed carefully chosen barn sconces, and made the hearth room an inviting place to relax with a cup of coffee and a good book. “Peggy and Curtis’ project was so much fun to work on. Creating a space that looks and feels like it always belonged in this beautiful old Victorian home is a designer’s dream. To see the delight in their faces when they saw the design details coming together truly made it worth the time and effort that went into making the very compact kitchen space work”, said Michelle. “The result is an amazing custom kitchen, packed with functionality in every inch, nook and cranny!” exclaims Michelle. The renovation didn’t end with the kitchen. New Pella windows were added to help lessen the drafts. The removal of the original windows and trim necessitated the re-creation of hand-made corbels and trim details no longer available today. The talented carpenter team came to the rescue, crafting new pieces and masterfully finishing them as if they were always there. New custom gutters were formed and installed with a front entry rework necessary to accommodate the changes. The whole house functions better, but it still feels like the original 1891 home. “From start to finish it’s just a much better space than we used to have,” Peggy said. “Jeff and Justin were amazing.” Curtis added; “We were lucky to find Advance Design, because they really came through for us. I loved that they had everything in house, anything you needed to have done, they could do it”.