Inspiration for a transitional staircase remodel in Boston

Matthew Cunningham Landscape Design LLC
This is an example of a contemporary landscaping in Boston.

Bud Kane has remodeled nearly every room in his own home over many years. Now reaching his 70’s, he contemplated heading up a major kitchen and laundry room renovation himself, planning on doing the carpentry work with his own hands. “I was not convinced I would ever meet anyone who could do it as well as I could do it myself”, said Bud. Ruth and Bud spent 5 years visiting kitchen firms and interviewing designers. They couldn’t however bring themselves to pull the trigger on the project, until they met Advance Design Studio in 2015. “No one understood what I wanted”, said Ruth. She was continually frustrated by experiences with designers who weren’t hearing what was important to her. “Everyone kept designing my kitchen with what they thought it should look like; I couldn’t find anyone who would listen to me”! When they met designer Scott Christensen from Advance Design Studio, they liked him right away. He listened to Ruth and designed a kitchen that she loved, all the while interjecting years of wisdom and design expertise that Ruth appreciated. “The finished product is better than I expected”, says Ruth. “I respected Scott’s opinions and together we created the perfect place for me to bake with my grandkids and truly enjoy the kitchen and laundry room I’ve been dreaming of for many years!” The kitchen transformation began with removing the home’s soffits, and extending new painted maple cabinetry to the ceiling with the addition of an elegant crown molding. Ruth’s new Vita Mix holds a coveted place on her counter, and adjustments were planned to size the cabinets in conjunction with the under cabinet decorative light molding to fit this appliance just right. “This one small detail was really important to me”, says Ruth smiling. An elegant new island replaced the original island, complete with room for 3 stools where her grandchildren will sit to make home-made pasta every Thanksgiving, and cookies at Christmas time. “Traditions are very important in my family, and making my kitchen work to suit cherished activities with my family was the number one reason this renovation was so desired”, replied Ruth when asked about the island. A picture perfect new tea station replaced a cluttered unused desk area, creating a wonderful place to prepare hot drinks for sipping any season of the year while overlooking the couple’s wonderfully manicured gardens from the lovely 3 season’s room just off the kitchen. The soft sage island bead panel detail was repeated on the backsplash, replicating the feel of a fine old piece of furniture. The biggest problem with the laundry room was 3 doors, one from the garage, one from the closet, and one to the hallway. “Scott designed a pocket door, and oh what a dream it is now to bring groceries in from the garage!” exclaims Bud who grew to disdain this task! Doing laundry is now a breeze in this attractive new space that doubles as a wonderful pantry for the kitchen with room to store food items that didn’t have a home in the poorly designed original space. New Hickory distressed wood flooring was laid both in the kitchen and leading to the hall foyer. Soft gray wood-replicating porcelain was placed in the laundry area, making for an easily cleanable surface for what doubles as a mud room from the garage. Creamy tumbled marble graces an unobtrusive backsplash spilling onto shiny granite counter tops in a rich earthy pattern of fall colors that mimic colors throughout the home. Advance is known details that included custom crafted furniture toe kicks, luxurious crown moldings, and beaded under cabinet moldings. The kitchen is complete with a glass display cabinet showing Ruth’s treasured china tea collection. Early on, it was initially only their intention of purchasing cabinets for the new design. They were so impressed however with Advance Design’s complete program for budgeting, design, installation and management that it became clear to them both that they wanted Advance to handle the entire project from start to finish. “After seeing the quality work they did, coupled with the in-house team completely dedicated to our satisfaction, it became apparent there was no other choice but to hire them to handle everything. And we’re so glad we did, we have not one regret”, says Bud. “The attention to detail by the carpentry crew more than satisfied my perfectionist expectations of the finished carpentry,” exclaimed Bud. “Every one of Advance Design’s people we encountered from design through construction was wonderful. We’ve never met a group of people so dedicated to making sure we were happy with every single detail, and every single part of this experience”, said Ruth and Bud. Designer: Scott Christensen Photographer: Joe Nowak

Elite designer, Robin DaSilva designed this Stunning white majestic hallway linen closet with RUTT cabinetry. The end columns make this piece stately. All linen closets should look this gorgeous! The ample storage added to this home in a convenient location has changed this large family's workflow for all the second floor needs.

The wonderful thing about working with clients who have great taste and a house with good bones is you get to create a kitchen that feels like its always been there. When we were called to create a new kitchen space in this mid-century modern home in Middleton, we really were cognizant of the feel of the home. We didn’t want to create a kitchen that didn’t flow with the rest of the home and it was a home run. The house has a unique center island wall of cabinets as well as a wood ceiling that we embraced in the design. The kitchen back wall was created with a built in furniture look using wall of cabinets that feature a coffee bar, built in pantries and a long horizontal open display ledge. We found the perfect tile to use as a backdrop to the beautiful floating shelves that house the dishes and glasses. The cabinets are custom made and locally built using grain matched quarter sawn Douglas Fir. Douglas Fir was the perfect wood choice for this homes earthy natural feel and the contemporary minimal hardware really honors the design. The layout of the kitchen remained the same but the look is quite different. In addition to designing and project managing this kitchen remodel, we also refinished the existing wood floors, updated a small powder bathroom as well as designed, built and installed a new floating mantel in the family room.

Neve Terrazzo Perpetua
Inspiration for a small contemporary 3/4 beige tile and stone slab doorless shower remodel in Miami with beige walls

This ski-in, ski-out condo features a strong Arts and Crafts influence. The interiors feature reclaimed oak floors, mortise-and-tenon carpentry, stone, and custom period details.

Mimi Erickson
Example of a cottage staircase design in Atlanta

This client sent us a photo of a railing they liked that they had found on pinterest. Their railing before this beautiful metal one was wood, bulky, and white. They didn't feel that it represented them and their style in any way. The clients are thrilled to have a railing that makes their home feel like "their home." This was a great project and really enjoyed working with they clients. This is a flat bar railing, with floating bends, and an oak wood cap.

Photo by Claude Sprague
Inspiration for a small eclectic wooden straight staircase remodel in San Francisco with wooden risers

Traditional Black Fir Shou Sugi Ban siding offers a unique texture for interior and exterior applications.
Industrial black wood house exterior idea

Mid-sized elegant living room photo in Denver

2-Panel Interior Door from HomeStory Doors of Marin
Example of a transitional hallway design in San Francisco

The upper level, steel grated stairs, have suspension wire railing, and are made of salvaged materials from the trade. This upper level bedroom will eventually be a children's playroom, but for the time being they are too little for this location. Industrial Loft Home, Seattle, WA. Belltown Design. Photography by Paula McHugh

This ski-in, ski-out condo features a strong Arts and Crafts influence. The interiors feature reclaimed oak floors, mortise-and-tenon carpentry, stone, and custom period details.

Thin sticks and arc light.
Example of a 1960s metal railing staircase design in San Francisco with metal risers

Inspiration for a mid-sized timeless beige two-story concrete fiberboard gable roof remodel in Chicago

Staircase renovation by SCD Design & Construction. Turn your stairs into the perfect accent piece for your home. Take your lifestyle to new heights with SCD Design & Construction next time you renovate your home!