Black chokeberry / Aronia melanocarpa

Tigerwood A favorite among designers for its unique look. Rich gold color with black stripes bring this floor a dramatic beautiful look. Appearance Color: The heartwood is russet brown, orange brown or reddish brown with narrow to wide irregular stripes of medium to very dark brown. After exposure it becomes darker to a deep reddish brown with nearly black stripes. Grain: Variable, texture fine to medium, uniform. Properties Hardness: ( Janka 2,160) , harder than Red Oak,( 1210 Janka). Dimension Stability: Tigerwood has a dimensional stability superior to many species. Origin: South America Finish: Our floors have 8 layers of low gloss lacquer made by Treffert. It contains: Aluminum oxide, U.V. and anti-scratch. Flooring available: Solid & Engineered Hardwood Flooring Engineer: 5/8 x 5 RL 1 – 6 ft. The Engineer flooring has a back support of a 9 ply birch plywood for maximum stability. The wear layer single strip solid is a 4mm top layer glued on the plywood with the latest cold press technology. Moisture Content: 7 – 9 % Warranty: 25 years limited warranty

This LEED Platinum certified duplex is a modern mix of brick, stucco, panel and wood. The south unit is sloped for solar panels and the north side lets tons of natural light into the 2 storey open riser staircase. Xeriscaping is complimented with drought tolerant plants as well as turf; a rain garden captures a large percentage of rainwater coming off the roof.

This large master bedroom suite started out as a big space without much definition--and it seemed funny to me that my clients had their bed out in the center of the room, with the foot of the bed pressed against the base of the window bay. I soon learned why. My clients told me right away that one of their favorite things to do was to lie in bed each morning with their coffee, and enjoy their fantastic view--acres and acres of mature woods with frolicking wildlife and and swaying trees. Lovely. So, how can we make this wonderful thing even better so that the room is as lovely as the view, as well as super functional? First we added a built-in "headboard" of sorts, to create a feeling of shelter around the bed. The posts included sconces so that nighttime reading is possible, and little shelves also flank the bed, acting as night stands for each side. In another corner of the room, we enclosed the space and added a large walk-in closet to give them far better storage than they had had before. Finally, we designed a second closet to house their very own coffee bar right in the master, so that no one had to trek downstairs to the kitchen on a cold morning. Rather, the coffee would be set and ready to drink first thing, as the first squirrel ran past on the nearest bough. Photography by Laura Kicey

This large master bedroom suite started out as a big space without much definition--and it seemed funny to me that my clients had their bed out in the center of the room, with the foot of the bed pressed against the base of the window bay. I soon learned why. My clients told me right away that one of their favorite things to do was to lie in bed each morning with their coffee, and enjoy their fantastic view--acres and acres of mature woods with frolicking wildlife and and swaying trees. Lovely. So, how can we make this wonderful thing even better so that the room is as lovely as the view, as well as super functional? First we added a built-in "headboard" of sorts, to create a feeling of shelter around the bed. The posts included sconces so that nighttime reading is possible, and little shelves also flank the bed, acting as night stands for each side. In another corner of the room, we enclosed the space and added a large walk-in closet to give them far better storage than they had had before. Finally, we designed a second closet to house their very own coffee bar right in the master, so that no one had to trek downstairs to the kitchen on a cold morning. Rather, the coffee would be set and ready to drink first thing, as the first squirrel ran past on the nearest bough. Photography by Laura Kicey

Finding a home is not easy in a seller’s market, but when my clients discovered one—even though it needed a bit of work—in a beautiful area of the Santa Cruz Mountains, they decided to jump in. Surrounded by old-growth redwood trees and a sense of old-time history, the house’s location informed the design brief for their desired remodel work. Yet I needed to balance this with my client’s preference for clean-lined, modern style. Suffering from a previous remodel, the galley-like bathroom in the master suite was long and dank. My clients were willing to completely redesign the layout of the suite, so the bathroom became the walk-in closet. We borrowed space from the bedroom to create a new, larger master bathroom which now includes a separate tub and shower. The look of the room nods to nature with organic elements like a pebbled shower floor and vertical accent tiles of honed green slate. A custom vanity of blue weathered wood and a ceiling that recalls the look of pressed tin evoke a time long ago when people settled this mountain region. At the same time, the hardware in the room looks to the future with sleek, modular shapes in a chic matte black finish. Harmonious, serene, with personality: just what my clients wanted. Photo: Bernardo Grijalva

arry spends thousands of hours each year tinkering away in his home garage workshop, which sports enough metal-forming and fabrication equipment to furnish a small machine shop: a Webb lathe, a Bridgeport-type mill, a Miller welder, a bead blaster, a Kaiser rotary compressor, drill presses, sanders, metal band saws and a Heberly cold saw. But with the seemingly infinite array of parts, tools, plans and instruction manuals required to satisfy his passion, Larry realized that the end result of his work will only be as good as how organized his shop is. So he did what anyone who takes his workspace seriously would do. He called Lista. Rave reviews help Larry choose. "A friend has Lista products in his home garage and he's been raving about them for years," Larry says. "When we moved into this house, I knew that Lista is what I wanted." Larry's workshop now includes a row of Lista modular drawer storage cabinets, complete with a butcher block top and a kneehole that allows him to use the units as a workbench. "I spent a lot of time looking through Lista's catalog and website, and what Lista said about their products is true; they're as good as advertised!" But Larry is quick to qualify the success of his workspace organization choice by heaping more than a little praise on his Lista solutions representative. "Woody Woodward of Woodward Sales, my Lista distributor, came to the house. We looked at everything I needed to store, and he came up with a plan. And the support doesn't end there. Lista's been great about getting me any replacement parts I need quickly."

This large master bedroom suite started out as a big space without much definition--and it seemed funny to me that my clients had their bed out in the center of the room, with the foot of the bed pressed against the base of the window bay. I soon learned why. My clients told me right away that one of their favorite things to do was to lie in bed each morning with their coffee, and enjoy their fantastic view--acres and acres of mature woods with frolicking wildlife and and swaying trees. Lovely. So, how can we make this wonderful thing even better so that the room is as lovely as the view, as well as super functional? First we added a built-in "headboard" of sorts, to create a feeling of shelter around the bed. The posts included sconces so that nighttime reading is possible, and little shelves also flank the bed, acting as night stands for each side. In another corner of the room, we enclosed the space and added a large walk-in closet to give them far better storage than they had had before. Finally, we designed a second closet to house their very own coffee bar right in the master, so that no one had to trek downstairs to the kitchen on a cold morning. Rather, the coffee would be set and ready to drink first thing, as the first squirrel ran past on the nearest bough. Photography by Laura Kicey

arry spends thousands of hours each year tinkering away in his home garage workshop, which sports enough metal-forming and fabrication equipment to furnish a small machine shop: a Webb lathe, a Bridgeport-type mill, a Miller welder, a bead blaster, a Kaiser rotary compressor, drill presses, sanders, metal band saws and a Heberly cold saw. But with the seemingly infinite array of parts, tools, plans and instruction manuals required to satisfy his passion, Larry realized that the end result of his work will only be as good as how organized his shop is. So he did what anyone who takes his workspace seriously would do. He called Lista. Rave reviews help Larry choose. "A friend has Lista products in his home garage and he's been raving about them for years," Larry says. "When we moved into this house, I knew that Lista is what I wanted." Larry's workshop now includes a row of Lista modular drawer storage cabinets, complete with a butcher block top and a kneehole that allows him to use the units as a workbench. "I spent a lot of time looking through Lista's catalog and website, and what Lista said about their products is true; they're as good as advertised!" But Larry is quick to qualify the success of his workspace organization choice by heaping more than a little praise on his Lista solutions representative. "Woody Woodward of Woodward Sales, my Lista distributor, came to the house. We looked at everything I needed to store, and he came up with a plan. And the support doesn't end there. Lista's been great about getting me any replacement parts I need quickly."

Photo: Ten Ten Creative
Wet bar - transitional single-wall dark wood floor and brown floor wet bar idea in Dallas with shaker cabinets, black cabinets, black backsplash, subway tile backsplash and gray countertops

arry spends thousands of hours each year tinkering away in his home garage workshop, which sports enough metal-forming and fabrication equipment to furnish a small machine shop: a Webb lathe, a Bridgeport-type mill, a Miller welder, a bead blaster, a Kaiser rotary compressor, drill presses, sanders, metal band saws and a Heberly cold saw. But with the seemingly infinite array of parts, tools, plans and instruction manuals required to satisfy his passion, Larry realized that the end result of his work will only be as good as how organized his shop is. So he did what anyone who takes his workspace seriously would do. He called Lista. Rave reviews help Larry choose. "A friend has Lista products in his home garage and he's been raving about them for years," Larry says. "When we moved into this house, I knew that Lista is what I wanted." Larry's workshop now includes a row of Lista modular drawer storage cabinets, complete with a butcher block top and a kneehole that allows him to use the units as a workbench. "I spent a lot of time looking through Lista's catalog and website, and what Lista said about their products is true; they're as good as advertised!" But Larry is quick to qualify the success of his workspace organization choice by heaping more than a little praise on his Lista solutions representative. "Woody Woodward of Woodward Sales, my Lista distributor, came to the house. We looked at everything I needed to store, and he came up with a plan. And the support doesn't end there. Lista's been great about getting me any replacement parts I need quickly."

This large master bedroom suite started out as a big space without much definition--and it seemed funny to me that my clients had their bed out in the center of the room, with the foot of the bed pressed against the base of the window bay. I soon learned why. My clients told me right away that one of their favorite things to do was to lie in bed each morning with their coffee, and enjoy their fantastic view--acres and acres of mature woods with frolicking wildlife and and swaying trees. Lovely. So, how can we make this wonderful thing even better so that the room is as lovely as the view, as well as super functional? First we added a built-in "headboard" of sorts, to create a feeling of shelter around the bed. The posts included sconces so that nighttime reading is possible, and little shelves also flank the bed, acting as night stands for each side. In another corner of the room, we enclosed the space and added a large walk-in closet to give them far better storage than they had had before. Finally, we designed a second closet to house their very own coffee bar right in the master, so that no one had to trek downstairs to the kitchen on a cold morning. Rather, the coffee would be set and ready to drink first thing, as the first squirrel ran past on the nearest bough. Photography by Laura Kicey

Brazilian Cherry The rich beauty of the Brazilian Cherry floor provides the setting for your lifestyle. This floor not only adds value to your home but you will also enjoy a floor who’s richness only improves over time. This hardwood floor tends to become darker as it ages with time. Our Solid Wood Flooring are manufactured with the most advanced technology. These products are designed to be nailed down over plywood. Solid wood flooring should only be installed on or above grade. The interior climate should remain consistent to reduce the natural expansion and contraction of your floor. Hardwood flooring not only enhances the appeal of your home but adds value and beauty as well as insulating your home. This floor will hold its elegance over the years with a minimal care and maintenance. This floor is manufactured with the greatest care and backed by a warranty that assures your satisfaction. We believe in environmental and corporate social responsibility. For every purchase made by our customers, we will sponsor the planting of a tree in their honor. Appearance Color: Dark reddish brown. Grain: Texture fine to medium; luster low to medium, grain straight to very irregular. Properties Hardness: ( Janka 2,200) , harder than Red Oak,( 1210 Janka). Ipe is the hardest specie of its kind. Dimension Stability: This Brazilian species is very stable. Origin: South America Finish: Our floors have 8 layers of low gloss lacquer made by Treffert. It contains: Aluminum oxide, U.V. and anti-scratch. Flooring available: Solid & Engineered Hardwood Flooring Sizes: Solid ¾ x 5 RL 1 – 6 ft. Engineer: 5/8 x 5 RL 1 – 6 ft. The 5/8 flooring has a back support of a 9 ply birch plywood for maximum stability. The wear layer single strip solid is a 4mm top layer glued on the plywood with the latest cold press technology. Moisture Content: 7 – 9 % Warranty: 25 years limited warranty.

This backsplash tile from Pratt & Larson was custom made for this kitchen. The client wanted something unique and traditional, but with a contemporary twist. The countertops are made of engineered quartz. Photo Credit: Jeff Freeman Photography (See his full gallery on Houzz.com)

With the pending arrival of a beautiful baby girl, the homeowners of this 1928 Minneapolis Tudor wanted a basement that was conducive to a young child, but would still allow a place for family to gather and the occasional house guest. The original basement was typical; cold, lacking natural light with tiny, uncomfortably confined rooms and that “unique” basement smell. The goal was to reverse all of the ill effects of a rarely unappreciated space while increasing the performance of the older home. The frigid temperatures and wet, mildew odor was remedied by demolishing the entire slab floor and excavating to gain an extra six inches in ceiling height. It also allowed us to insulate to R-15, moisture proof under the new slab, install a drain tile and sump pump. Within the concrete slab is a hydronic, in-floor radiant heating system which further helps to add comfort to the space. Lastly, we also sprayed a closed-cell, expanding urethane foam on the inside of the foundation walls all the way to the first floor. To help bring more light down to the basement, we started by opening up the staircase on both sides. A curved wall bends light into the lower level while a countertop and cubbies below provide storage space for odds and ends. On the opposite wall, creatively placed cubbies provide places for paintings, ceramics and plants. We also removed the tiny 18” x 34” window on the south wall and installed a full-sized, high-efficiency, triple pane Pella egress window. To let lots of natural light into the window, we expanded the size of the cedar-lined egress well and included a built-in planter at the base to help bring life into an otherwise empty cavity. Small, unspecified spaces that became storage areas now have purpose. The areas are defined, yet open. Upon descending down the stairs, one is greeted by a large living room with curved walls, custom design media center, built-in daybed and bookshelves. Use of paint was important in the design. Naturally in older homes basements are going to have exposed beams, soffits and a whole gambit of nooks and crannies. Instead of disguising them, we played them up, which created a layer effect with the color. The color also adds a touch of playfulness which anyone, regardless of age, can enjoy. We scavenged the client’s garage and discovered that the previous homeowner kept the old, full-view glass front entry door in the garage. We re-installed the original glass knob and attached the door to sliding barn door hardware which was attached to the main structural beam of the lower level. On the other side of the door was the homeowners’ combined office and small fitness area. The office floor is a blend of thin strips of different colored cork. A built-in storage cabinet sits across from a site-built desk which forms to the curve of the dividing wall. A small, square hole in the curved wall provides a view to see who is coming down the stairs. Opposite of the office area and directly at the base of the stairs is a place for the homeowner’s treadmill. Hidden is the mechanical room, which is home to many green and energy efficient products. The washing machine is a low-water consumption unit while the dryer requires less energy to operate than most standard units. Both sit atop a checkerboard pattern of different colored VCT tiles. We also replaced the aging boiler, which only heated the first and second level, with a 95% efficient heat source for the entire house—including the basement. Behind the curved wall, the bathroom is conveniently located. A large, custom built no-formaldehyde added vanity supports the slab of remnant granite countertop. A piece of eco-resin wall panel, embedded with organic material, contains water in the shower and blends beautifully with the updated colors. Tucked under the stairs, we installed a dual-flush, low-water consumption toilet. Through creative space planning, we packed a lot of into a rather small space. As a result, we have three very happy homeowners who are enjoying their light, clean and safe lower level of their home—however, they’ve been hard pressed to think of it as a “basement”. highlights Moisture management system Insulated slab Hydronic in-floor heat Formaldehyde free cabinetry MN-made custom cabinets Ultra-low VOC paints Wool carpet Dual-flush toilet Cork floor No recessed lights Cedar egress window well with planter Re-used door Eco-resin

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

Jennifer and Dan have lived in their Deer Park Illinois home for 15 years, slowly making minor fixes like painting and decorating; but they had a new plan for their kitchen the entire time. An awkwardly placed garage door, and an island cooktop with a terrible downdraft made a full-scale kitchen remodel an absolute must. Jennifer had many ideas in mind and wanted to work with a company that could provide high-end work, while partnering with a designer that would tailor the kitchen to her ideas. She was intrigued by the phrase “Common Sense Remodeling” in Advance Design’s feature she discovered while perusing an issue of the community’s Quintessential Barrington Magazine. Doing further research on the company’s website, as she looked through project profiles and read about Advance Design’s “Common Sense Remodeling” philosophy, she promptly scheduled an appointment to see if the people and ideas she read about were truly who they said they were. The more she read, the more she knew that the “Common Sense” approach to remodeling they described was exactly the type of company she was looking for. The partnership was sealed after an initial consultation with Owner Todd Jurs and Project Designer Michelle Lecinski. They displayed a combination of friendliness, professionalism and respect that was unmatched by any of the other companies Jennifer talked to. She knew that with Advance Design, she would be able to retain the vision that she had in mind with high-quality craftsmanship. “I reached out to Advance Design because of the ‘Common Sense Remodeling’ tagline,” Jennifer said. “That’s what lingered for me”. “Advance Design was the most respectful- of the house and of my design ideas, and the most professional of the handful of companies that looked at my project”. Soon after the meeting Jennifer began working with Michelle on the project design. They quickly developed chemistry. Jennifer loved how Michelle researched and located every detail that Jennifer wanted for the kitchen. Between the two of them, every concept and idea was worked through and perfected. “Jennifer had definite ideas about what she wanted the new kitchen to look like, she just didn’t know how to bring it all together. We worked together really well to make her ideas into the practical reality necessary for a well-functioning kitchen, with the look and feel that she had envisioned”, says Michelle. “Michelle was wonderful in using the CAD system she would show me new drawings every time we changed the layout while working through the design,” Jennifer said. “She was a really wonderful partner in execution, she made sure everything happened quickly and easily.” The finished design drew out elements of Jennifer’s style and personality. The pair call the look “sophisticated farmhouse” to describe the kitchen renovation to family and friends. The result was a beautifully crafted, authentic-feeling space that satisfied Jennifer’s dreams 15 years in the making. The whole project consisted of a kitchen remodel, mudroom upgrade with powder room, and garage entry relocation. “The projects I personally like the best, are the ones that put the client’s dreams on display,” Project Designer Michelle said. “And this is one of those projects.” The main focal point of the kitchen is custom zinc and brass ventilation hood with a vintage sheen, which was hand made to order by a small company in Indiana named Vogler Metalworking. “It’s like sculpture, a true work of art”, says Jennifer. Your eye is immediately drawn towards this elegant yet practical hood that eliminated the home’s downdraft problem and added a striking conversation piece at the same time. The carpenters had to use special gloves when transporting and installing it, so they didn’t smudge it with fingerprints. The beautiful hood centers proudly over the stunning black enamel and brass LaCornue Range. “I had a friend who had a LaCornue range and after learning how easy it was to cook perfect meals, I was convinced I wanted to have one”, says Jennifer. This unique, breathtaking combination anchors the entire kitchen and is apparent immediately as you walk into the great room the surrounds the space. DuraSupreme Crestwood cabinets with a Kendall Panel add function and sophistication. A custom gray paint color paired with a storm blue was developed so that the new kitchen looked like it belonged to the existing space. Unlacquered brass faucets and hardware were important to Jennifer because she wanted the living finishes to age over time. Remarkable brass diamond mesh cabinet door inserts imported from the UK continue to add this one-of-a-kind kitchen renovation; giving it a “you won’t see this everywhere” quality. The use of old railcar flooring for the coffee bar countertop and reclaimed oak for the open shelving gives an authenticity to the space uncommon in kitchens today. Jennifer and Michelle fell in love with the Limestone Grey Stone while they were investigating unique island countertop ideas. They liked the fact that the limestone as a living finish will age and change over time. Calcutta Miel Quartz countertops made for an excellent pairing around the perimeter, as it’s durable and perfect for cooking preparations. A textured white subway tile backsplash that runs to the ceiling keeps your eye moving towards the open shelving, and to the main focal point of the stunning range hood combination. “The kitchen functions beautifully, and it’s gorgeous,” beams Jennifer as she gestures with both hands while smiling ear to ear. “The most important thing was I wanted a kitchen that had a wonderful flow, cooked beautiful meals and was a great gathering place for family and friends, and this space does that perfectly! Beauty wise, it turned out exactly how I had envisioned. I felt the function part was the hardest part, and that was nailed”! Relocating the garage entry to the new mudroom was a huge priority and has finally separated the family’s arriving home functions from their kitchen. Now coats and shoes and bags have their own area for dropping once members arrive home. Matching gray DuraSupreme cabinetry helped create gorgeous, purposeful lockers for the family. A reclaimed vintage sink and custom wall paper were added to the tiny powder room to beautify the once previously only functional space. Advance Design was even able to create a custom space for their dog to sleep while the family is away. “It was unbelievable that a project of this size was completed in such a short time, and I think that’s because of the large amount of planning and preparation that went into it,” Jennifer marveled, “When we started, we were ready, and everything was prepared”. When it came to execution, Project Manager Justin Davis and his crew were quick, accessible, and organized. Projects like this kitchen are typically completed in as little as 8-10 weeks. Jennifer’s kitchen however despite the relocation of some challenging HVAC in a soffit and moving of an exterior door was completed remarkably fast in part because the team was working with an existing tile floor that ran throughout the first floor that the client really loved. “You get to know these people really well because they’re living in your house while you’re living in your house. They were so fast and really good, it didn’t take as long as even planned” reported Jennifer. “I would text Justin and he always responded almost immediately. I got to know all the guys who were working in our house and they were all wonderful people”. Details in a customized kitchen like this one require skill and care from the people who install it. “All the guys on the job were skilled at what the did. I wanted small details like little feet to look like furniture, that is where their carpentry skill came in to make these all perfect”, said Jennifer. “The tile guys were wonderful. They even let me determine how I wanted the texture with the grout to appear for a salt and pepper look; now that is a very skilled trade person making it custom”. In Jennifer’s interview, she continued to reference Advance Design’s “Common Sense Remodeling”, so I took a minute to ask her exactly what that phrase meant to her and how it played out in her experience with her project and the Advance Design team. Here is what she said: “I was intrigued about Common Sense Remodeling and in my head that there would be clear costs and prices, great communication between the design team, the execution team and me”, said Jennifer. They did deliver on that, it was so clear about the cost breakdown, what I could expect from everyone who came to my house, and everything that we had ordered. That to me is the Common Sense”! It’s great to see a client take literally our assertion that a well-planned remodeling project is simply “Common Sense”! She anticipated each step of the way would be clear, concise, and predictable, all the while protecting the outcome due to the careful upfront planning. “Advance Design delivered on their ‘Common Sense Remodeling’ promise,” Jennifer said. “From the design team, to the execution team - everything was straight forward like I imagined. The project turned out exactly how I envisioned, I enjoyed this process and absolutely would recommend Advance Design Studio to anyone.”

Powder room with glam geometric wallpaper complimented with a vessel sink rustic vanity with riveted hardware. Counter top is quartz Viatera - Truffle. Mirror framed wall mirror. Ryan Hainey