The transformation of this outdated kitchen was nothing short of remarkable, as it evolved into a tranquil and inviting space infused with subtle hues of peaceful blue. A dramatic shift was initiated by removing the outdated, yellow-toned wood cabinets, which instantly brightened and modernized the room. By strategically removing select cabinets and replacing them with floating shelves, the space gained an airy and open feel, allowing for both practical storage and stylish display. The decision to square off the layout by eliminating an awkward landing/island and introducing a spacious, 11-foot island with barstool counter space proved to be a game-changer, enhancing flow and functionality while maximizing the room's potential. To further enhance the serene ambiance, subtle shades of peaceful blues and greens were introduced between the backsplash and lower cabinets, creating a soothing backdrop for culinary endeavors. The cool blue tones were elegantly complemented by the addition of gold hardware, adding a touch of sophistication and warmth to the space. The result? A peaceful and bright kitchen that seamlessly blends style with functionality, providing the perfect setting for both cooking and entertaining alike.

For this kitchen remodeling project, we collaborated with a customer who envisioned a new and more functional kitchen. The client's wish list included a brighter space, taller cabinets, the removal of the soffit, a fresh backsplash, and additional countertop space. Recognizing the concern about the kitchen's darkness, we strategically approached the design to maximize natural and artificial lighting; we used task lights under the cabinets, relocated the can lights in the ceiling and used polar white cabinets. The project began with the removal of all existing cabinets, the soffit, and the outdated backsplash. We then introduced a thoughtfully designed peninsula, providing both additional workspace and a stylish focal point. To optimize the kitchen's flow, we relocated the fridge to a different wall, enhancing both functionality and aesthetics. The choice of materials and colors was carefully curated to brighten the space while maintaining a timeless and elegant aesthetic.

Set among mature pine and willow trees, the Bow Bog Road Residence transforms a once-neglected property into a refined modern home that feels inseparable from its natural setting. The original structure was removed while the existing foundation was preserved, presenting a unique design challenge: how to create a contemporary residence that respected the site’s constraints while maximizing light, views, and connection to the surrounding landscape. RWH Architects designed a modern post-and-beam home with a carefully integrated addition that expands the livable footprint while maintaining a modest, single-story profile. The home’s form follows the contours of the land, appearing grounded and intentional—almost as if it has always existed within the wooded setting. Inside, exposed timber beams and tongue-and-groove ceilings bring warmth and craftsmanship to the open living spaces. Expansive floor-to-ceiling windows and clerestory glazing flood the interior with natural light while framing views of the ever-changing New England foliage. A dramatic stone fireplace anchors the great room, creating a sense of permanence and balance between natural materials and modern design. The home is thoughtfully arranged for both comfort and flexibility, featuring a primary suite, guest suite, and two additional bedrooms. A sunroom serves as a transitional space between indoors and out, seamlessly connecting the living areas to the surrounding landscape. The custom kitchen introduces a darker wood palette, offering a rich contrast to the lighter finishes used throughout the home. Sustainability was a core consideration in the design. The residence operates fully off-grid, utilizing geothermal heating and cooling, solar power, a private septic system, and a 1,000-foot well—delivering modern amenities while minimizing environmental impact. The Bow Bog Road Residence reflects RWH Architects’ commitment to site-responsive design, craftsmanship, and sustainable living, resulting in a home that balances contemporary comfort with a deep connection to nature. “Robert was excellent to work with and very receptive to our desires with our new home build, working with us across several significant revisions on a beautiful custom home. Truly a pleasure to work with.” — Jeff Craig, Homeowner

Scott and Janet of Elgin have had four design to build renovations with Advance Design over the last decade. We got the chance to sit down and talk with Janet about her experience working with Advance Design on so many different areas of her home. Starting with her kitchen in 2009, Janet proclaimed, “The reason we kept coming back is because our first [renovation] went so extremely well, exceeding all of my expectations.” Since their kitchen renovation with Advance Design ten years ago, Scott and Janet have also worked with Advance to remodel their master bedroom, their power room, a wet bar, and most recently their master bath. Having renovated practically every major room in the house with the team, we asked Janet what made her experience with Advance Design so special. “We went with Advance Design because we trusted them so much more, their experience, and everything that they brought. We were confident they were giving us what we wanted for the money we were spending.” For their most recent renovation, Scott and Janet clearly knew what to expect going into their master bath renovation. They were familiar with Advance’s step by step design process that epitomizes the “Common Sense Remodeling” philosophy applied in every project Advance creates. After once again experiencing the careful budgeting analysis, the pointed design meetings, and the clear documentation that leads up the a thoroughly managed installation, Janet’s simple summary of their experience is this; “The word I would use to describe the process is – collaboration!” Working closely with Advance Design kitchen designer Michelle Lecinski, together they were able to develop a new master bath design that not only worked with their investment goal, but also made sense for their lifestyle. “Oh Michelle, my designer! I connected with her immediately. She spent time getting to know us, our lifestyle, even the setting of our house.” The threesome had a great experience designing and producing yet another successful project together. When it came to their new project plans, Scott and Janet were interested in creating a relaxing “spa-like” experience in their master bath. One of the many ideas Michelle introduced during the design process was installing a Kohler Alteo series showerhead for a rain-like shower experience. This designer showerhead, mixed with the warm ambiance of the lighting and pebble accent running throughout the shower make for what Janet calls a “luxury spa essence”. From the oversized glass sliding door to the recessed niche for accessories, each special detail was considered and implemented intentionally so as to create the maximumly optimized use of the compact space. Not only was this transformation one of beauty and luxury, but special attention was given to every way possible to provide additional storage to maximize the functionality of the bath area as a whole. Once design was complete and the bath construction project began in their home, making sure everything happened efficiently and on schedule became new priority number one. “Having a project manager made an enormous difference,” Janet said, “It was so worth it to hire professionals that knew exactly what they were doing. Even after all of these years, I wouldn’t change a thing.” “It was a pleasure working together with Janet and Scott to create this beautiful space that will enhance their lives for many years,” says Michelle. “It is so much fun to get to do this job every day, I love that I can have this sort of impact on their lives by doing something for them [Janet & Scott] that comes so naturally to me!” After reviewing the long-term relationship with clients like Scott and Janet, owner Todd Jurs had this to say, “Clients returning and asking us to transform that next area of their home really warms my heart. It reaffirms that every decision to please clients no matter what is always the right choice, and that our honesty and integrity along with the immense collective talent of this team is recognized and appreciated by those who continue to return to us year after year.” He continued to say, “I always say how blessed we truly are to be able to do what we do, and experiences like this one put a smile on my face every time.”

• Design Elements: To achieve a transitional look, the client selected two-toned shaker-style cabinetry that blends timeless charm with contemporary appeal. Navy blue base cabinets anchor the design with rich contrast, while light wood wall cabinets and a coordinating range hood add warmth and balance. Modern elements were introduced through sleek quartz countertops, which extend seamlessly up the wall as a full-height backsplash and waterfall gracefully down the side of the peninsula. This peninsula also provides integrated seating, creating a functional and stylish space for dining and entertaining. • Functional Improvements: On the wall opposite of the kitchen, additional cabinetry was incorporated to maximize storage and create a dedicated coffee bar. Tall pantry cabinets were installed to provide more storage, while upper cabinets with glass doors introduced both function and style. The glass-front cabinetry features a matching wood interior and integrated lighting, offering a warm glow that highlights the displayed glassware and adds a touch of elegance to the overall design.

Updated Spec Home: Foyer and Great Room In our last post, we introduced you to my mom and sister’s Updated Spec Home; the Foyer and Great Room will be featured in this post. Foyer As you enter their home, to the right is a hall closet and a french door which leads to the Basement. To the left is a long wall which was perfect for an extra long console table in a rustic finish that served as a sofa table in their previous home. I love repositioning furniture, and by using this table in the entry, it makes it feel new. Additionally, we placed a vibrant piece of art previously used in my sister’s Bedroom above the table. This piece not only sets the tone for our color palette, it also makes the kind of statement you want in your Foyer – Wow! We added accessories and an unique lamp to complete the space. Great Room In the Great Room which is open to the Foyer, we installed our inspiration artwork in the place of honor over the mantel. Since the piece was vertical, it did not take up enough space. I do not like a “fussy” mantel with lots of accessories so we found these two vases in a silver leaf finish. They were perfect because they were large enough, but not too deep. Accessorizing mantels can be tricky because the majority of them are not deep. We went to Jan’s Floral Design to add vibrant color and interesting textures to the vases. The original mantel was too small and uninspired. Therefore, we had our contractor Brad Anderson built a new one based on a photo of a mantel we liked. The new mantel has lots of great detail and is the appropriate proportion for the fireplace. We replaced beige 12×12 ceramic tiles with gorgeous large pieces of smoked carrara marble for a striking fireplace surround. Check out this other mantel that we updated. For furniture, we purchased a shorter sofa in a gray tweed fabric. Typically, two throw pillows come with a sofa.We added a fun fringe to the pillows that came with the sofa. I recommend ordering pillows that match your sofa fabric and layering with custom pillows that support your color palette. We added a patterned custom pillow and a striped throw. Next, we got a small scale recliner in a yummy gray leather for my mom and a chair and ottoman in a small scale mint and gray geometric pattern for my sister. We added an accent chair in a fun small scale stripe to fill a corner and add additional seating – which is always a good thing. Remember that this was a Spec Home so there were no built-ins. As a result, we needed a media cabinet for the television and some bookcases to display my mom’s decorative box collection and my sister’s collection of blown colored glass. This set from Ballard Designs fit the bill perfectly. The back is open and airy with nice detail. The wood finish also adds a richness to the space. My mom needed a space for her computer, and this small writing desk fit the space perfectly. Finally, for finishing touches, we added a patterned rug, cornice boards in a mint leaf fabric, and great lamps for ambient lighting. These two rooms are stunning, vibrant and livable. Can’t wait to show you more in our next post! Enjoy!

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This remodel took an extremely dark & dated kitchen and transformed it into a bright and airy happy place for our client. The existing conditions created a dark, hall-like kitchen that greatly lacked in function and did little to optimize storage. Realizing the potential of this truly massive space, we created a design that utilizes every inch of the kitchen and creates functional cooking and prep space as well as pantry storage and work nooks. Our first order of business was to demo out the blocky corner that separated the kitchen from the living room. This involved removing an existing fireplace, re-structuring a wall, and having an entirely new furnace installed in the basement to eliminate a duct running right through the corner we hoped to eliminate. After opening up the space, we focused on highlighting and brightening the room. New NuCore flooring was installed to give the kitchen a fresh look while offering optimal function and cleanability. Two-toned cabinets in a honey maple and painted silk were used to create a warm and comfortable balance throughout the space. New quartz countertops in MSI's canvas were installed, and butcher block was installed on the two desk areas to offer a warm visual relief and casual work surface. The color palette for the kitchen is reminiscent of a cozy apothecary; we utilized fresh greens with Sherwin Williams paint on the walls and Treviso Gray Sage glazed subway tiles on the backsplash. Over the sink, we designed a playful highlight with counter-to-ceiling mini brick mosaic in a dark crackle green. We introduced additional lighting throughout including new recessed lights, over-sink light, and under-cabinet lights. New appliances were introduced to the space as well, and we complimented the stainless steel of these fixtures to the transitional nickel hardware on the cabinets. This space now feels open and inviting, and is visible from the second you enter the front door! We are so proud of this result and so happy that our clients can enjoy this gorgeous kitchen for years to come.

SET INCLUDES: 2 Pre-finished Slabs Casings (width 2.95") Jambs (for wall thickness up to 5 1/2") Butterfly hinges Passage modern levers in Satin Nickel Door is not pre-drilled for the hardware and not pre-attached to the frame. Assembly of frames and trims required. Door works with all swing directions. Minimal rough opening can be calculated: door width + 2"; door height + 1.25". Flat slabs, thickness 1 9/16 ". Finish - painted white.. It is not recommended to paint. Introducing the latest addition to our Planum collection, the Modern French Doors! Made from high-quality solid core wood, these doors offer exceptional durability and strength that will last for years to come. The painted white color provides a sleek and modern touch, making them a perfect fit for any interior design style. The Modern French Doors feature vertical frosted glass panels that not only add a touch of sophistication but also provide a sense of privacy to the room. The doors are complemented by various hinge options, ensuring the perfect fit for any home. Installation of the Modern French Doors is a breeze with our easy-to-follow instructions and included hardware. Our attention to detail and quality craftsmanship ensures that the doors will remain in perfect condition even after years of use. The French doors are not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional. They offer an excellent space-saving solution while creating a statement piece in any room. The doors are perfect for separating rooms, closets, or for use as a decorative feature. Upgrade your home with the Modern French Doors and experience the perfect balance of style and functionality. These doors are a must-have for those who appreciate contemporary design and seek the best value for their investment. Trust us, you won't be disappointed with this elegant and practical addition to your home. SOLID CORE Solid wood core made by laminated wood using Ciplex technology. CIPLEX by SARTO High-end film layer that is applied on top of the laminated wood Made in Italy. NO FORMALDEHYDE Environmentally friendly using only latest eco-friendly materials. Company requires use of only the safest materials. We care about our planet, the environment and you and your loved ones. Sarto Doors are Ideal for use in hospitals and childcare centers. SOUND ATTENUATION Door's 40mm thick solid wood construction yields 30% noise reduction over standard doors. CONSTRUCTION Door is manufactured from a single piece of wood and will give several generations of normal usage with minimal care.

Going with a traditional build we were able to utilize common building materials and truly make the room feel like a extension of the home. For the exterior the client decided to go with a stone veneer base with shake style siding above, allowing the room to stand out from the main house. This room is a accent to the home and the finish does play a major role in this. Your eye will catch the contrast and then notice the unique layout / design with the walls and roof. To enhance the space with the interior woodworking (trim) we introduced classical moulding profiles along with a bead board ceiling. On the floor we went with luxury vinyl plank, being durable and waterproof while offering a real wood look, a excellent choice for this space.

SET INCLUDES: 2 Pre-finished Slabs Casings (width 2.95") Jambs (for wall thickness up to 5 1/2") Butterfly hinges Passage modern levers in Satin Nickel Door is not pre-drilled for the hardware and not pre-attached to the frame. Assembly of frames and trims required. Door works with all swing directions. Minimal rough opening can be calculated: door width + 2"; door height + 1.25". Flat slabs, thickness 1 9/16 ". Finish - painted white.. It is not recommended to paint. Introducing the latest addition to our Planum collection, the Modern French Doors! Made from high-quality solid core wood, these doors offer exceptional durability and strength that will last for years to come. The painted white color provides a sleek and modern touch, making them a perfect fit for any interior design style. The Modern French Doors feature vertical frosted glass panels that not only add a touch of sophistication but also provide a sense of privacy to the room. The doors are complemented by various hinge options, ensuring the perfect fit for any home. Installation of the Modern French Doors is a breeze with our easy-to-follow instructions and included hardware. Our attention to detail and quality craftsmanship ensures that the doors will remain in perfect condition even after years of use. The French doors are not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional. They offer an excellent space-saving solution while creating a statement piece in any room. The doors are perfect for separating rooms, closets, or for use as a decorative feature. Upgrade your home with the Modern French Doors and experience the perfect balance of style and functionality. These doors are a must-have for those who appreciate contemporary design and seek the best value for their investment. Trust us, you won't be disappointed with this elegant and practical addition to your home. SOLID CORE Solid wood core made by laminated wood using Ciplex technology. CIPLEX by SARTO High-end film layer that is applied on top of the laminated wood Made in Italy. NO FORMALDEHYDE Environmentally friendly using only latest eco-friendly materials. Company requires use of only the safest materials. We care about our planet, the environment and you and your loved ones. Sarto Doors are Ideal for use in hospitals and childcare centers. SOUND ATTENUATION Door's 40mm thick solid wood construction yields 30% noise reduction over standard doors. CONSTRUCTION Door is manufactured from a single piece of wood and will give several generations of normal usage with minimal care.

This one and one-half story, in-town, simplified Gothic Revival on Martha’s Vineyard has had a handful of alterations over the years. The latest is the addition of a new shed dormer which we designed to join an existing shed dormer, forming an ell. The result increased headroom, daylight, and ventilation, greatly improving a bedroom, while creating space for a new full bath and additional closets. The new dormer is nested in the primary roof and fitted with casement windows to match the existing dormer, as if they were built concurrently. While we were at it, we introduced a new, fresh color palette upstairs and off the first floor main entry hall to highlight the Island locale and to play off the porcelain ceramic and beach glass tile that we chose for the new bath photo by Katie Hutchison

The original kitchen was modest in scale, reflecting a time when kitchens were utilitarian spaces tucked away from daily life. To support modern living and entertaining, we introduced two carefully scaled bump-out additions. These subtle expansions allowed us to dramatically improve functionality and flow while maintaining the home’s original massing. The result is a generous, light-filled kitchen and entertaining space that feels seamlessly integrated, as though it has always been part of the home.

THE PROBLEM Our client had recently purchased a beautiful home on the Merrimack River with breathtaking views. Unfortunately the views did not extend to the primary bedroom which was on the front of the house. In addition, the second floor did not offer a secondary bathroom for guests or other family members. THE SOLUTION Relocating the primary bedroom with en suite bath to the front of the home introduced complex framing requirements, however we were able to devise a plan that met all the requirements that our client was seeking. In addition to a riverfront primary bedroom en suite bathroom, a walk-in closet, and a new full bathroom, a small deck was built off the primary bedroom offering expansive views through the full height windows and doors. Updates from custom stained hardwood floors, paint throughout, updated lighting and more completed every room of the floor.

The client wanted a contemporary interior that was airy and free of visual clutter as well as additional space to accommodate their young children. Our solution: open spaces with views spanning the length of the house’s first floor, greater simplicity, and a metal clad addition at the rear of the lot. Natural materials are used throughout the house, adding warmth to the white interior while expressing the clients’ aesthetic. A granite hearth that defines the kitchen/dining area introduces a tactile leathered surface, large basalt tiles lend the powder room’s walls sophistication, and oak floors infuse a honey-colored hue into all of the rooms. A glass and steel stair heightens the drama of the main living area while maintaining transparency.

Going with a traditional build we were able to utilize common building materials and truly make the room feel like a extension of the home. For the exterior the client decided to go with a stone veneer base with shake style siding above, allowing the room to stand out from the main house. This room is a accent to the home and the finish does play a major role in this. Your eye will catch the contrast and then notice the unique layout / design with the walls and roof. To enhance the space with the interior woodworking (trim) we introduced classical moulding profiles along with a bead board ceiling. On the floor we went with luxury vinyl plank, being durable and waterproof while offering a real wood look, a excellent choice for this space.

This remodel took an extremely dark & dated kitchen and transformed it into a bright and airy happy place for our client. The existing conditions created a dark, hall-like kitchen that greatly lacked in function and did little to optimize storage. Realizing the potential of this truly massive space, we created a design that utilizes every inch of the kitchen and creates functional cooking and prep space as well as pantry storage and work nooks. Our first order of business was to demo out the blocky corner that separated the kitchen from the living room. This involved removing an existing fireplace, re-structuring a wall, and having an entirely new furnace installed in the basement to eliminate a duct running right through the corner we hoped to eliminate. After opening up the space, we focused on highlighting and brightening the room. New NuCore flooring was installed to give the kitchen a fresh look while offering optimal function and cleanability. Two-toned cabinets in a honey maple and painted silk were used to create a warm and comfortable balance throughout the space. New quartz countertops in MSI's canvas were installed, and butcher block was installed on the two desk areas to offer a warm visual relief and casual work surface. The color palette for the kitchen is reminiscent of a cozy apothecary; we utilized fresh greens with Sherwin Williams paint on the walls and Treviso Gray Sage glazed subway tiles on the backsplash. Over the sink, we designed a playful highlight with counter-to-ceiling mini brick mosaic in a dark crackle green. We introduced additional lighting throughout including new recessed lights, over-sink light, and under-cabinet lights. New appliances were introduced to the space as well, and we complimented the stainless steel of these fixtures to the transitional nickel hardware on the cabinets. This space now feels open and inviting, and is visible from the second you enter the front door! We are so proud of this result and so happy that our clients can enjoy this gorgeous kitchen for years to come.

The transformation of this outdated kitchen was nothing short of remarkable, as it evolved into a tranquil and inviting space infused with subtle hues of peaceful blue. A dramatic shift was initiated by removing the outdated, yellow-toned wood cabinets, which instantly brightened and modernized the room. By strategically removing select cabinets and replacing them with floating shelves, the space gained an airy and open feel, allowing for both practical storage and stylish display. The decision to square off the layout by eliminating an awkward landing/island and introducing a spacious, 11-foot island with barstool counter space proved to be a game-changer, enhancing flow and functionality while maximizing the room's potential. To further enhance the serene ambiance, subtle shades of peaceful blues and greens were introduced between the backsplash and lower cabinets, creating a soothing backdrop for culinary endeavors. The cool blue tones were elegantly complemented by the addition of gold hardware, adding a touch of sophistication and warmth to the space. The result? A peaceful and bright kitchen that seamlessly blends style with functionality, providing the perfect setting for both cooking and entertaining alike.

The transformation of this outdated kitchen was nothing short of remarkable, as it evolved into a tranquil and inviting space infused with subtle hues of peaceful blue. A dramatic shift was initiated by removing the outdated, yellow-toned wood cabinets, which instantly brightened and modernized the room. By strategically removing select cabinets and replacing them with floating shelves, the space gained an airy and open feel, allowing for both practical storage and stylish display. The decision to square off the layout by eliminating an awkward landing/island and introducing a spacious, 11-foot island with barstool counter space proved to be a game-changer, enhancing flow and functionality while maximizing the room's potential. To further enhance the serene ambiance, subtle shades of peaceful blues and greens were introduced between the backsplash and lower cabinets, creating a soothing backdrop for culinary endeavors. The cool blue tones were elegantly complemented by the addition of gold hardware, adding a touch of sophistication and warmth to the space. The result? A peaceful and bright kitchen that seamlessly blends style with functionality, providing the perfect setting for both cooking and entertaining alike.