We call these gardens "living landscapes" because the native plants they contain seed off and change locations from year to year in a dynamic, dramatic show. The gardener becomes audience, director, and dramaturge--all in one--rather than one who tightly controls the results. (What is a dramaturge, one might ask if their friends are not in the theater?) Oxford languages explains: "1. a dramatist. 2. a literary editor on the staff of a theater who consults with authors and edits texts." In living landscapes, the native plants become a sort of text which the gardener edits in order to shape the unfolding drama for the current and next season. The gardener chooses where to pull back overly assertive plants, when to nudge forward the under-confident actor waiting to shine, when to let the mystery unfold and surprise. It is not laissez-faire or "what will be will be"--rather, it is an ongoing movement rooted in observation and reflection. This is the living landscape we strive to design and build at The Natural Garden.

The way one chooses to maintain one's garden is an important element of design. One option is to leave intact last year's growth on warm-season grasses for their sculptural quality. We love how the native Meadow Petunia fills in all the gaps, while the Black Eyed Susans provide bright and bold contrast to the mix. We call these gardens "living landscapes" because the native plants they contain seed off and change locations from year to year in a dynamic, dramatic show. The gardener becomes audience, director, and dramaturge--all in one--rather than one who tightly controls the results. (What is a dramaturge, one might ask if their friends are not in the theater?) Oxford languages explains: "1. a dramatist. 2. a literary editor on the staff of a theater who consults with authors and edits texts." In living landscapes, the native plants become a sort of text which the gardener edits in order to shape the unfolding drama for the current and next season. The gardener chooses where to pull back overly assertive plants, when to nudge forward the under-confident actor waiting to shine, when to let the mystery unfold and surprise. It is not laissez-faire or "what will be will be"--rather, it is an ongoing movement rooted in observation and reflection. This is the living landscape we strive to design and build at The Natural Garden.

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.”

Soft Modern is perfect for those who appreciate both form and function, this style blends the clean lines of modern design with a warm, welcoming palette for a look that strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and luxury. Even neutrals can make a strong statement. The warm, subtle backdrop of Chai Latte paired with Bella MDF speaks of refined quality. The cool brilliance of Brava Charcoal glass with a matte sheen suggests a calm serenity. Bright white porcelain floor tiles and counters in classic marble tones with subtle grey veins assert a fresh, clean brightness. When a room's design is minimal, its storage space is critical. With Design-Craft, innovative solutions make any space versatile and fully functional while maintaining the architectural grace of a modern design. Like sleek wall cabinets with motorized, touch-activated bifold doors. Overhead wall storage with lift-and-stay horizontal doors add interest to a room's character. Appliances that are strategically disguised with custom paneling to give the space a cohesive feel. Because gorgeous design paired with ultimate functionality is the most beautiful thing of all.

This Eclectic Contemporary House keeps a low profile amidst a bold and lively landscape. The home is made up of simple forms stitched together under shallow gable roofs that spread out, rather than stack up. Instead of trying to blend in like camouflage, or to assert itself with stark contrast, This ecelctic house uses bright materials and cheerful colors to compliment the sunny mood of its natural surroundings. Photos by: David Patterson Photography

Soft Modern is perfect for those who appreciate both form and function, this style blends the clean lines of modern design with a warm, welcoming palette for a look that strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and luxury. Even neutrals can make a strong statement. The warm, subtle backdrop of Chai Latte paired with Bella MDF speaks of refined quality. The cool brilliance of Brava Charcoal glass with a matte sheen suggests a calm serenity. Bright white porcelain floor tiles and counters in classic marble tones with subtle grey veins assert a fresh, clean brightness. When a room's design is minimal, its storage space is critical. With Design-Craft, innovative solutions make any space versatile and fully functional while maintaining the architectural grace of a modern design. Like sleek wall cabinets with motorized, touch-activated bifold doors. Overhead wall storage with lift-and-stay horizontal doors add interest to a room's character. Appliances that are strategically disguised with custom paneling to give the space a cohesive feel. Because gorgeous design paired with ultimate functionality is the most beautiful thing of all.

We call these gardens "living landscapes" because the native plants they contain seed off and change locations from year to year in a dynamic, dramatic show. The gardener becomes audience, director, and dramaturge--all in one--rather than one who tightly controls the results. (What is a dramaturge, one might ask if their friends are not in the theater?) Oxford languages explains: "1. a dramatist. 2. a literary editor on the staff of a theater who consults with authors and edits texts." In living landscapes, the native plants become a sort of text which the gardener edits in order to shape the unfolding drama for the current and next season. The gardener chooses where to pull back overly assertive plants, when to nudge forward the under-confident actor waiting to shine, when to let the mystery unfold and surprise. It is not laissez-faire or "what will be will be"--rather, it is an ongoing movement rooted in observation and reflection. This is the living landscape we strive to design and build at The Natural Garden.

Soft Modern is perfect for those who appreciate both form and function, this style blends the clean lines of modern design with a warm, welcoming palette for a look that strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and luxury. Even neutrals can make a strong statement. The warm, subtle backdrop of Chai Latte paired with Bella MDF speaks of refined quality. The cool brilliance of Brava Charcoal glass with a matte sheen suggests a calm serenity. Bright white porcelain floor tiles and counters in classic marble tones with subtle grey veins assert a fresh, clean brightness. When a room's design is minimal, its storage space is critical. With Design-Craft, innovative solutions make any space versatile and fully functional while maintaining the architectural grace of a modern design. Like sleek wall cabinets with motorized, touch-activated bifold doors. Overhead wall storage with lift-and-stay horizontal doors add interest to a room's character. Appliances that are strategically disguised with custom paneling to give the space a cohesive feel. Because gorgeous design paired with ultimate functionality is the most beautiful thing of all.

We call these gardens "living landscapes" because the native plants they contain seed off and change locations from year to year in a dynamic, dramatic show. The gardener becomes audience, director, and dramaturge--all in one--rather than one who tightly controls the results. (What is a dramaturge, one might ask if their friends are not in the theater?) Oxford languages explains: "1. a dramatist. 2. a literary editor on the staff of a theater who consults with authors and edits texts." In living landscapes, the native plants become a sort of text which the gardener edits in order to shape the unfolding drama for the current and next season. The gardener chooses where to pull back overly assertive plants, when to nudge forward the under-confident actor waiting to shine, when to let the mystery unfold and surprise. It is not laissez-faire or "what will be will be"--rather, it is an ongoing movement rooted in observation and reflection. This is the living landscape we strive to design and build at The Natural Garden.

Soft Modern is perfect for those who appreciate both form and function, this style blends the clean lines of modern design with a warm, welcoming palette for a look that strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and luxury. Even neutrals can make a strong statement. The warm, subtle backdrop of Chai Latte paired with Bella MDF speaks of refined quality. The cool brilliance of Brava Charcoal glass with a matte sheen suggests a calm serenity. Bright white porcelain floor tiles and counters in classic marble tones with subtle grey veins assert a fresh, clean brightness. When a room's design is minimal, its storage space is critical. With Design-Craft, innovative solutions make any space versatile and fully functional while maintaining the architectural grace of a modern design. Like sleek wall cabinets with motorized, touch-activated bifold doors. Overhead wall storage with lift-and-stay horizontal doors add interest to a room's character. Appliances that are strategically disguised with custom paneling to give the space a cohesive feel. Because gorgeous design paired with ultimate functionality is the most beautiful thing of all.

Golden hour here at this 1940’s colonial that has been beautifully reimagined by its clever homeowners. Our design team sought to immerse this bold assertive structure in a native grasses heavy design featuring many coastal plain plants indigenous to this region. Animating, texturing and foregrounding with color and movement, this reactivated landscape looks like no other on this traditionally manicured, lawn-heavy street. Seedheads and silhouettes will continue to offer structure and interest through winter while rewarding non-migratory birds and wildlife with essential shelter and sustenance.

We call these gardens "living landscapes" because the native plants they contain seed off and change locations from year to year in a dynamic, dramatic show. The gardener becomes audience, director, and dramaturge--all in one--rather than one who tightly controls the results. (What is a dramaturge, one might ask if their friends are not in the theater?) Oxford languages explains: "1. a dramatist. 2. a literary editor on the staff of a theater who consults with authors and edits texts." In living landscapes, the native plants become a sort of text which the gardener edits in order to shape the unfolding drama for the current and next season. The gardener chooses where to pull back overly assertive plants, when to nudge forward the under-confident actor waiting to shine, when to let the mystery unfold and surprise. It is not laissez-faire or "what will be will be"--rather, it is an ongoing movement rooted in observation and reflection. This is the living landscape we strive to design and build at The Natural Garden.

This Eclectic Contemporary House keeps a low profile amidst a bold and lively landscape. The home is made up of simple forms stitched together under shallow gable roofs that spread out, rather than stack up. Instead of trying to blend in like camouflage, or to assert itself with stark contrast, This ecelctic house uses bright materials and cheerful colors to compliment the sunny mood of its natural surroundings. Photos by: David Patterson Photography

Twin magnificent and historic valleys – named according to lore and legend for two star crossed lovers of warring Native American tribes - make up the unincorporated area of White County that has become a pivot point for the arts, activism, community and preservation. The Sautee and Nacoochee Valleys – both listed on the National Register of Historic Places – are primarily the naturally occurring, lowland landscape punctuated by the sites and assets that give the area its vibrant character. Even the mapping department in White County asserts that Sautee Nacoochee defies definitive boundaries as pride of place has propelled innovative expansion. Dedicated to Preserving and Protecting Although Sautee Nacoochee lacks conventional city government, clearly the "mayor" of this hamlet is the Sautee Nacoochee Community Association, a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and protecting the region and to nurturing the creativity that thrives here. The Association maintains the Sautee Nacoochee Center, a restored red brick schoolhouse, that is home to dual galleries, a history museum showcasing Cherokee heritage, gold strikes, timber and railroads, the Folk Pottery Museum of Northeast Georgia, art and dance studios, a heritage site and nature preserve, an intimate theater, an environmental studies room and a conference and special event facility. The Community Association was instrumental in establishing the official Historic Districts and brought acclaim to Sautee Nacoochee by securing its nomination as one of “The 100 Best Small Arts Towns in America.” Arts programming, among other endeavors, remains one of the Center’s most valuable community resources. In addition to fostering children’s activities in music, dance, theatre and visual arts, the Center hosts the 50 member Sautee Nacoochee Community Chorale, art studio workshops, speaker luncheons for seniors, gallery exhibits, Contra dances, feature films, sustainable living forums and Open Stage nights. The Center’s six week long SummerFest is highlighted by the home grown folk life play, Headwaters, now in its fourth season, which serves as an unvarnished Valentine to and about the people, places and perceptions that shape the Valleys, and is consistently ranked as a Top 20 Event by the Southeastern Tourism Society.

We call these gardens "living landscapes" because the native plants they contain seed off and change locations from year to year in a dynamic, dramatic show. The gardener becomes audience, director, and dramaturge--all in one--rather than one who tightly controls the results. (What is a dramaturge, one might ask if their friends are not in the theater?) Oxford languages explains: "1. a dramatist. 2. a literary editor on the staff of a theater who consults with authors and edits texts." In living landscapes, the native plants become a sort of text which the gardener edits in order to shape the unfolding drama for the current and next season. The gardener chooses where to pull back overly assertive plants, when to nudge forward the under-confident actor waiting to shine, when to let the mystery unfold and surprise. It is not laissez-faire or "what will be will be"--rather, it is an ongoing movement rooted in observation and reflection. This is the living landscape we strive to design and build at The Natural Garden.

Soft Modern is perfect for those who appreciate both form and function, this style blends the clean lines of modern design with a warm, welcoming palette for a look that strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and luxury. Even neutrals can make a strong statement. The warm, subtle backdrop of Chai Latte paired with Bella MDF speaks of refined quality. The cool brilliance of Brava Charcoal glass with a matte sheen suggests a calm serenity. Bright white porcelain floor tiles and counters in classic marble tones with subtle grey veins assert a fresh, clean brightness. When a room's design is minimal, its storage space is critical. With Design-Craft, innovative solutions make any space versatile and fully functional while maintaining the architectural grace of a modern design. Like sleek wall cabinets with motorized, touch-activated bifold doors. Overhead wall storage with lift-and-stay horizontal doors add interest to a room's character. Appliances that are strategically disguised with custom paneling to give the space a cohesive feel. Because gorgeous design paired with ultimate functionality is the most beautiful thing of all.

In another corner of the Living Room, the furniture is assertively midcentury modern. The splendid, massive library table is 1940s French, of limed oak, complemented by Russell side chairs from Dessin Fournir, upholstered in olive leather. A strong sculptural note is architects Herzog & de Meuron's solid birch "Hocker" stool, a contemporary classic which echoes the forms of African art.

This Eclectic Contemporary House keeps a low profile amidst a bold and lively landscape. The home is made up of simple forms stitched together under shallow gable roofs that spread out, rather than stack up. Instead of trying to blend in like camouflage, or to assert itself with stark contrast, This ecelctic house uses bright materials and cheerful colors to compliment the sunny mood of its natural surroundings. Photos by: David Patterson Photography

With this project, the challenge was to create a large home suitable to the contemporary needs of the client without compromising the classic, historic integrity of the Edina neighborhood. With distinct references to colonial and shingle-style architecture, the final design marries a classical rigor with the vernacular overtones of a farmhouse. Classical proportions and detailing formalize a serious yet playful arrangement of mass and form on the exterior. The white-on-white cladding calls to mind the fresh simplicity of a farmhouse, as does the long, breezy porch that stretches across the front facade. Though the site was not without its challenges, we took advantage of opportunities for a lower-level walkout and main-level rear walkout to bridge indoor and outdoor space. The interior of this home combines the tasteful language of architectural tradition with a fresh and contemporary interpretation. The open, modern plan blurs the distinction between formal and informal. Classically inspired detailing, like the enameled ceiling beams extending from one room to the next, is used to unify space and assert a pronounced architectural order. The use of natural light is also crucial in this regard; windows are strategically positioned to pull light completely through the house Dignified yet relaxed, this bright and comfortable family home is both modern and contextually appropriate in an established neighborhood known for its historical styles and traditional influence.