Design By Sheila Mayden Interiors, Photos by WE Studio
Powder room - traditional dark wood floor and brown floor powder room idea in Seattle with blue walls

AVA West Chelsea Mail Room with digital display to indicate when mail has arrived
Trendy closet photo in New York

Pool - large modern backyard tile and rectangular infinity pool idea in Los Angeles

Eve Wilson
Entryway - scandinavian entryway idea in Melbourne

Clark Dugger Photography
Elegant formal living room photo in Los Angeles

As LED lighting has become more common, here are a few things to consider when purchasing LED lighting bulbs: If your existing lighting is controlled by dimmers, be sure to use dimmable LEDs. You might have to replace your existing dimmers with LED compatible dimmers. (Tip: some dimmable LEDs don’t work well even with dimmers rated for use with LEDs.) Forget about watts used. Look at the lumen output. Lumens indicate how bright the light will be. Color, or color temperature, indicates whether the light is “cool” (more blue) or “warm” (more yellow). Lower Kelvin (K) temperatures cast a warmer light, higher K temperatures are more cool. Many of our customers find 2700K to 3500K the most comfortable range. The other number to look for on LEDs is the CRI, or Color Rendering Index. This number indicates the quality of the light. On the CRI scale of 0 to 100, incandescent and halogen lamps are generally considered to have a CRI close to 100. Look for LEDs with a CRI close to 100. Not all LEDs are designed to be installed in enclosed fixtures. Check the packaging to make sure the LEDs you plan to use in an enclosed fixture are intended for that use.

Our designer has achieved a stylish look by combining dark cabinets and light-colored marbles.

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.”

Bathroom - country gray floor bathroom idea in Nashville with recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, multicolored walls, an undermount sink and white countertops

Photo: Joshua Mayer, via Flickr, licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic

This Project was installed with manufactured wet cast stone tiles by Silvercreek Stoneworks. The color used is called Bluestone.
Mid-sized minimalist backyard stone patio photo in Milwaukee with no cover

Photography by Ryan Davis | CG&S Design-Build
Example of a cottage two-story pool design in Austin with a metal roof

Cherry tomatoes ripe for the picking. photo: Eustacia Marsales
Inspiration for a farmhouse landscaping in New York.

[Product name] Rugs Model: ST asphalt bottom Packing: 6㎡ / box Material: PP Weight: 30 kg / box Specifications: 500mm * 500mm Performance: conventional fire retardant, sound absorption, abrasion, laying simple, easy wiring, nice Scope: not only for advanced office buildings, science parks, factories and other places, but also in the airport terminal, restaurant, boat dock waiting halls, railway stations, supermarkets, hospitals, schools, nursing homes, nurseries, theaters, family and other places are commonly used. Construction: using composite materials for asphalt bottom liner, carpet surface for polypropylene, flexible, dimensionally stable, to leave the border, no edges, comfortable, and environmental requirements of the test indicators attached with international standards, and is the interior the ideal product. Advantages: between the box stitching intact, conducted bacteria, pollution treatment, flame retardant, wear, noise insulation, antistatic, flameproof and other high quality, thermal insulation, sound-absorbing effect is good, in heat and cold weather environment no distortion, no cracking; compared with ordinary carpet, carpet tile backing composite water resistance, resistance to moisture, corrosion; and the use of dope dyed ensure lasting bright colors. http://www.hengdecarpet.com/prodinfo.asp?pid=276

[Product name] Rugs Model: ST asphalt bottom Packing: 6㎡ / box Material: PP Weight: 30 kg / box Specifications: 500mm * 500mm Performance: conventional fire retardant, sound absorption, abrasion, laying simple, easy wiring, nice Scope: not only for advanced office buildings, science parks, factories and other places, but also in the airport terminal, restaurant, boat dock waiting halls, railway stations, supermarkets, hospitals, schools, nursing homes, nurseries, theaters, family and other places are commonly used. Construction: using composite materials for asphalt bottom liner, carpet surface for polypropylene, flexible, dimensionally stable, to leave the border, no edges, comfortable, and environmental requirements of the test indicators attached with international standards, and is the interior the ideal product. Advantages: between the box stitching intact, conducted bacteria, pollution treatment, flame retardant, wear, noise insulation, antistatic, flameproof and other high quality, thermal insulation, sound-absorbing effect is good, in heat and cold weather environment no distortion, no cracking; compared with ordinary carpet, carpet tile backing composite water resistance, resistance to moisture, corrosion; and the use of dope dyed ensure lasting bright colors. http://www.hengdecarpet.com/prodinfo.asp?pid=279

Transitional l-shaped medium tone wood floor and brown floor kitchen photo in New York with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, white backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and gray countertops

Our clients loved this tree-lined older, established neighborhood. They bought a house there that needed substantial renovations as it probably had not been updated in 30-40 years. They contacted Shapiro & Co in hopes that they would be able to transition an older, outdated house to a home that retained its character but was redesigned to meet the current needs of the family. The house foyer was very small and not accomodating for visitors so the architects relocated the entry and added a welcoming front porch. After an assessment of the existing conditions, it was determined that the kitchen, while serving its purpose in the 1940s, was completely out of character and in the wrong location for a modern family's needs. So the architects relocated and created an entirely new kitchen, and family and dining spaces. As indicative of homes in the ’40s and '50s, the master bedroom and bathroom were very small and not meeting current needs. Therefore we repurposed one bedroom into the master bath and dressing area and reorganized and enlarged the master bedroom area. The original second-floor plan was very small and confining. We captured some attic space and were able to create two bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms and a central common room for the children. By a sensitive assessment of the client’s needs and while maintaining the charm of the home, we were able to completely renovate and enlarge the house while keeping it in context with the beautiful neighborhood. Contractor: RKA Construction, LLC Interior: Lindsey Black Interiors Photographer: Sélavie Photography

The Aerius - Modern American Craftsman on Acreage in Ridgefield Washington by Cascade West Development Inc. Welcome to the Aerius. Don’t let the Northwest inspired appearance fool you. As you step inside; the interwoven transitional, modern and contemporary elements make personal solitude, friendly gatherings, and extended family stays simultaneously conceivable. The thoughtful division of rooms and amenities insure space for each member of the household to act independently or to come together as a whole and share in the quiet sophistication of the common areas. The family that lives here values independence as well as inclusion. Functionality and freedom are the principles of this nest; from which a family can take flight. At first glance this home seems to disappear into it’s surroundings. The dark, natural appearance of the rock borrows hues and rough texture from the surrounding forest. A soft, powder blue paint gives no clear chromatic indication between structure and sky. With this in mind the dark shingles seem to float above a stoney foundation. Unexpected levitation isn’t the only aerial endeavor this home embarks upon. With lofty interiors and dismissible separation from the outdoors; people, air and conversation can flow freely throughout the combined space. Overall the home echoes the popular American Craftsman style, which dots the Pacific Northwest landscape. This home’s many peaks; supported by visible gables and lower exterior masonry denote common treatments found throughout Clark County. However, within the championed modern features of this home, touches of originality can still be found. From the driveway to the dining room, the design guides the viewer through the home while maintaining a comfortable and creative atmosphere. Cascade West Facebook: https://goo.gl/MCD2U1 Cascade West Website: https://goo.gl/XHm7Un These photos, like many of ours, were taken by the good people of ExposioHDR - Portland, Or Exposio Facebook: https://goo.gl/SpSvyo Exposio Website: https://goo.gl/Cbm8Ya

Our clients loved this tree-lined older, established neighborhood. They bought a house there that needed substantial renovations as it probably had not been updated in 30-40 years. They contacted Shapiro & Co in hopes that they would be able to transition an older, outdated house to a home that retained its character but was redesigned to meet the current needs of the family. The house foyer was very small and not accomodating for visitors so the architects relocated the entry and added a welcoming front porch. After an assessment of the existing conditions, it was determined that the kitchen, while serving its purpose in the 1940s, was completely out of character and in the wrong location for a modern family's needs. So the architects relocated and created an entirely new kitchen, and family and dining spaces. As indicative of homes in the ’40s and '50s, the master bedroom and bathroom were very small and not meeting current needs. Therefore we repurposed one bedroom into the master bath and dressing area and reorganized and enlarged the master bedroom area. The original second-floor plan was very small and confining. We captured some attic space and were able to create two bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms and a central common room for the children. By a sensitive assessment of the client’s needs and while maintaining the charm of the home, we were able to completely renovate and enlarge the house while keeping it in context with the beautiful neighborhood. Contractor: RKA Construction, LLC Interior: Lindsey Black Interiors Photographer: Sélavie Photography