Each home that we are lucky enough to work on, has distinct and unique qualities. From appearance, to dimensions, we can offer a full range of custom options that are guaranteed to look beautiful and perform even better. This specific entryway had a sharp arch top that the customers wanted to accentuate. As designers, we were excited to tackle this project and recreate their vision of the perfect door. From the custom wrought iron design, to the intricate panel details, we worked to create this one-of-a-kind entry door that looks effortless and beautiful. From the shape, to the paneling, to even the finish, we were able to provide a focal point for their home that impresses neighbors and guests. Heritage Style Collection Front Entry Doors In this Modern design age, we see a lot of simple and classic designs. However, we do specialize in intricate and extravagant door construction. We have dozens of custom door options that range in intricacy. Wrought iron details and hand carved panels provide a luxurious Old-European feel with modern day technology and craftsmanship. Our Heritage entry door line will provide your home with an opulent entry. Custom Front Entry Door Design Options A common request from our clients, is to match the door finish to the other wood details on their home. In this project, we were able to get an incredibly close match to their existing garage doors. This design element creates a harmonious and cohesive view to all passerby’s. Our factories are able to color match and provide a perfect shade that will suit every home. Customization options are endless. We encourage our clients to provide inspiration images of what they are looking for (from our website, an internet search or even passing by a house on your walk!). Images help provide our designers with a direction and a starting point to get a quote put together as fast as possible.

The homeowner wanted something different, out of the ordinary, as an entertainment center and bar combination that would add an unusual dimension to watching TV. It had to be in character with the rest of the residence, tastefully designed and executed to deliver the maximum effect. A two-piece combination bar and seating, coupled with a fireplace and large screen TV was designed. A system was designed and custom built cabinet consisting of a radius front entertainment center houses a large flat screen TV and enclosed stereo speakers on the top level, and a gas log fireplace below. A custom built see-through bar sports a matching radius front, plenty of storage, and room for three to eat, drink, and enjoy the warmth of the fireplace without missing any of the action on the TV. For even greater functionality, the TV is also viewable through the large opening in the bar while meals or snacks are prepared from the kitchen. Traffic flow is unique: access and egress between the bar front and TV can happen with ease around both sides of the bar, and the opening in the back of the bar provides for service both from and to the kitchen area. Because of the free and easy movement about the space, adequate lighting, and lack of combustibles at or on the fireplace, safety, as well as an ample use of space, are both achieved. Both pieces are custom fabricated from start to finish, and match each other identically in all respects. Both are constructed of clear cherry finish with a clear satin lacquer. Both enjoy chrome accents strips and custom crafted, glass cabinet doors with matching radii, and both are tastefully lit with accenting puck lights. The design and fabrication for both units shared issues in common as well as individually. The entertainment center was fabricated in the shop in three units and then assembled onsite. The opening for the flat screen TV had to be carefully considered as it too had a radius and therefore had to be designed so that the TV would fit. The entire bar system, except the countertop, had to be fabricated onsite due to the structural columns on either side between which the curved lower cabinets would rest. Then the countertop template was prepared, fabricated elsewhere, returned and installed. After the countertop was in place, the cabinetmaker had to wrap the two columns on either side as well as the overhead beam while making sure the joints at the columns and header maintained alignment. A complement of matching radii cabinet doors had to be constructed for both units. Radius glass inserts had to be ordered with precise dimensions to assure a perfect fit to openings with tight tolerances. Any mistake would have been expensive to correct. Because of the abundance of natural light into the space, the finishes had to be dead-on, otherwise every flaw would show. The custom walnut inlays were fabricated out of square stock, which protruded above the radius in each door. A jig matching the radius had to be designed and fabricated, then a router used to trim excess material and then sanded and finished. Solving the multitude of challenges associated with the project was one of the parts that made the project fun and interesting. The homeowners now can entertain every night.

The homeowner wanted something different, out of the ordinary, as an entertainment center and bar combination that would add an unusual dimension to watching TV. It had to be in character with the rest of the residence, tastefully designed and executed to deliver the maximum effect. A two-piece combination bar and seating, coupled with a fireplace and large screen TV was designed. A system was designed and custom built cabinet consisting of a radius front entertainment center houses a large flat screen TV and enclosed stereo speakers on the top level, and a gas log fireplace below. A custom built see-through bar sports a matching radius front, plenty of storage, and room for three to eat, drink, and enjoy the warmth of the fireplace without missing any of the action on the TV. For even greater functionality, the TV is also viewable through the large opening in the bar while meals or snacks are prepared from the kitchen. Traffic flow is unique: access and egress between the bar front and TV can happen with ease around both sides of the bar, and the opening in the back of the bar provides for service both from and to the kitchen area. Because of the free and easy movement about the space, adequate lighting, and lack of combustibles at or on the fireplace, safety, as well as an ample use of space, are both achieved. Both pieces are custom fabricated from start to finish, and match each other identically in all respects. Both are constructed of clear cherry finish with a clear satin lacquer. Both enjoy chrome accents strips and custom crafted, glass cabinet doors with matching radii, and both are tastefully lit with accenting puck lights. The design and fabrication for both units shared issues in common as well as individually. The entertainment center was fabricated in the shop in three units and then assembled onsite. The opening for the flat screen TV had to be carefully considered as it too had a radius and therefore had to be designed so that the TV would fit. The entire bar system, except the countertop, had to be fabricated onsite due to the structural columns on either side between which the curved lower cabinets would rest. Then the countertop template was prepared, fabricated elsewhere, returned and installed. After the countertop was in place, the cabinetmaker had to wrap the two columns on either side as well as the overhead beam while making sure the joints at the columns and header maintained alignment. A complement of matching radii cabinet doors had to be constructed for both units. Radius glass inserts had to be ordered with precise dimensions to assure a perfect fit to openings with tight tolerances. Any mistake would have been expensive to correct. Because of the abundance of natural light into the space, the finishes had to be dead-on, otherwise every flaw would show. The custom walnut inlays were fabricated out of square stock, which protruded above the radius in each door. A jig matching the radius had to be designed and fabricated, then a router used to trim excess material and then sanded and finished. Solving the multitude of challenges associated with the project was one of the parts that made the project fun and interesting. The homeowners now can entertain every night.

Each home that we are lucky enough to work on, has distinct and unique qualities. From appearance, to dimensions, we can offer a full range of custom options that are guaranteed to look beautiful and perform even better. This specific entryway had a sharp arch top that the customers wanted to accentuate. As designers, we were excited to tackle this project and recreate their vision of the perfect door. From the custom wrought iron design, to the intricate panel details, we worked to create this one-of-a-kind entry door that looks effortless and beautiful. From the shape, to the paneling, to even the finish, we were able to provide a focal point for their home that impresses neighbors and guests. Heritage Style Collection Front Entry Doors In this Modern design age, we see a lot of simple and classic designs. However, we do specialize in intricate and extravagant door construction. We have dozens of custom door options that range in intricacy. Wrought iron details and hand carved panels provide a luxurious Old-European feel with modern day technology and craftsmanship. Our Heritage entry door line will provide your home with an opulent entry. Custom Front Entry Door Design Options A common request from our clients, is to match the door finish to the other wood details on their home. In this project, we were able to get an incredibly close match to their existing garage doors. This design element creates a harmonious and cohesive view to all passerby’s. Our factories are able to color match and provide a perfect shade that will suit every home. Customization options are endless. We encourage our clients to provide inspiration images of what they are looking for (from our website, an internet search or even passing by a house on your walk!). Images help provide our designers with a direction and a starting point to get a quote put together as fast as possible.

The homeowner wanted something different, out of the ordinary, as an entertainment center and bar combination that would add an unusual dimension to watching TV. It had to be in character with the rest of the residence, tastefully designed and executed to deliver the maximum effect. A two-piece combination bar and seating, coupled with a fireplace and large screen TV was designed. A system was designed and custom built cabinet consisting of a radius front entertainment center houses a large flat screen TV and enclosed stereo speakers on the top level, and a gas log fireplace below. A custom built see-through bar sports a matching radius front, plenty of storage, and room for three to eat, drink, and enjoy the warmth of the fireplace without missing any of the action on the TV. For even greater functionality, the TV is also viewable through the large opening in the bar while meals or snacks are prepared from the kitchen. Traffic flow is unique: access and egress between the bar front and TV can happen with ease around both sides of the bar, and the opening in the back of the bar provides for service both from and to the kitchen area. Because of the free and easy movement about the space, adequate lighting, and lack of combustibles at or on the fireplace, safety, as well as an ample use of space, are both achieved. Both pieces are custom fabricated from start to finish, and match each other identically in all respects. Both are constructed of clear cherry finish with a clear satin lacquer. Both enjoy chrome accents strips and custom crafted, glass cabinet doors with matching radii, and both are tastefully lit with accenting puck lights. The design and fabrication for both units shared issues in common as well as individually. The entertainment center was fabricated in the shop in three units and then assembled onsite. The opening for the flat screen TV had to be carefully considered as it too had a radius and therefore had to be designed so that the TV would fit. The entire bar system, except the countertop, had to be fabricated onsite due to the structural columns on either side between which the curved lower cabinets would rest. Then the countertop template was prepared, fabricated elsewhere, returned and installed. After the countertop was in place, the cabinetmaker had to wrap the two columns on either side as well as the overhead beam while making sure the joints at the columns and header maintained alignment. A complement of matching radii cabinet doors had to be constructed for both units. Radius glass inserts had to be ordered with precise dimensions to assure a perfect fit to openings with tight tolerances. Any mistake would have been expensive to correct. Because of the abundance of natural light into the space, the finishes had to be dead-on, otherwise every flaw would show. The custom walnut inlays were fabricated out of square stock, which protruded above the radius in each door. A jig matching the radius had to be designed and fabricated, then a router used to trim excess material and then sanded and finished. Solving the multitude of challenges associated with the project was one of the parts that made the project fun and interesting. The homeowners now can entertain every night.

It’s common today to create multi-purpose spaces in your home. Whether it’s a home office and gym or a laundry and mudroom combo, families are looking to maximize every inch of space. We were called in to do just that for this local Amarillo homeowner and she knew exactly what she wanted, a matching addition to her existing brick ranch. This new space was needed to accommodate a private space for visiting guests throughout the year. Since this room would only be used occasionally as a bedroom, the homeowner also wished to use it as an exercise room. How can this be accomplished? With a murphy bed! We set out to design the addition to blend seamlessly with the existing house using the same windows, doors and exterior brick. Inside the addition, a Murphy bed is flanked with custom built-ins featuring open shelving on the top and cabinets on the bottom. The room overlooks the pool and has it’s own private entrance, separate from the main home. The adjoining bath features a tile shower with glass surround, a closet and two skylights. When not being used as a bedroom, the Murphy bed folds nicely into the wall and the floor space can be used for yoga or other floor exercises. The treadmill fits nicely in the room even when the bed is folded down.

The homeowner wanted something different, out of the ordinary, as an entertainment center and bar combination that would add an unusual dimension to watching TV. It had to be in character with the rest of the residence, tastefully designed and executed to deliver the maximum effect. A two-piece combination bar and seating, coupled with a fireplace and large screen TV was designed. A system was designed and custom built cabinet consisting of a radius front entertainment center houses a large flat screen TV and enclosed stereo speakers on the top level, and a gas log fireplace below. A custom built see-through bar sports a matching radius front, plenty of storage, and room for three to eat, drink, and enjoy the warmth of the fireplace without missing any of the action on the TV. For even greater functionality, the TV is also viewable through the large opening in the bar while meals or snacks are prepared from the kitchen. Traffic flow is unique: access and egress between the bar front and TV can happen with ease around both sides of the bar, and the opening in the back of the bar provides for service both from and to the kitchen area. Because of the free and easy movement about the space, adequate lighting, and lack of combustibles at or on the fireplace, safety, as well as an ample use of space, are both achieved. Both pieces are custom fabricated from start to finish, and match each other identically in all respects. Both are constructed of clear cherry finish with a clear satin lacquer. Both enjoy chrome accents strips and custom crafted, glass cabinet doors with matching radii, and both are tastefully lit with accenting puck lights. The design and fabrication for both units shared issues in common as well as individually. The entertainment center was fabricated in the shop in three units and then assembled onsite. The opening for the flat screen TV had to be carefully considered as it too had a radius and therefore had to be designed so that the TV would fit. The entire bar system, except the countertop, had to be fabricated onsite due to the structural columns on either side between which the curved lower cabinets would rest. Then the countertop template was prepared, fabricated elsewhere, returned and installed. After the countertop was in place, the cabinetmaker had to wrap the two columns on either side as well as the overhead beam while making sure the joints at the columns and header maintained alignment. A complement of matching radii cabinet doors had to be constructed for both units. Radius glass inserts had to be ordered with precise dimensions to assure a perfect fit to openings with tight tolerances. Any mistake would have been expensive to correct. Because of the abundance of natural light into the space, the finishes had to be dead-on, otherwise every flaw would show. The custom walnut inlays were fabricated out of square stock, which protruded above the radius in each door. A jig matching the radius had to be designed and fabricated, then a router used to trim excess material and then sanded and finished. Solving the multitude of challenges associated with the project was one of the parts that made the project fun and interesting. The homeowners now can entertain every night.

This home renovation story begins with John and Barb, a fabulous couple looking to remodel their 15-year old winter home in Bonita Bay, Bonita Springs, Florida. Living in the home only part-time, spending their summers in Oconomowac, Wisconsin, John and Barb had an idea of what they wanted, but didn’t know how to bring it to fruition. They also needed someone who they could trust to renovate their home while they were away in Wisconsin. Their vision for their home started with a new kitchen, family room and wet bar. Enjoying their time outdoors and on their lanai, they also envisioned improving their indoor-outdoor living space. With the help of Progressive Design Build, this couple’s home was designed and completed remodeled while they were away, transforming the common area of their home into a more user friendly, functional space. Emphasis was placed on the kitchen and the open floor plan. New tile flooring was installed throughout the space, with all new painting that matched the homeowner’s style and taste. A new Anderson door was also installed from the kitchen to the outdoor living space, replacing heavy sliding glass doors and making access to the lanai easier and more functional.

This home renovation story begins with John and Barb, a fabulous couple looking to remodel their 15-year old winter home in Bonita Bay, Bonita Springs, Florida. Living in the home only part-time, spending their summers in Oconomowac, Wisconsin, John and Barb had an idea of what they wanted, but didn’t know how to bring it to fruition. They also needed someone who they could trust to renovate their home while they were away in Wisconsin. Their vision for their home started with a new kitchen, family room and wet bar. Enjoying their time outdoors and on their lanai, they also envisioned improving their indoor-outdoor living space. With the help of Progressive Design Build, this couple’s home was designed and completed remodeled while they were away, transforming the common area of their home into a more user friendly, functional space. Emphasis was placed on the kitchen and the open floor plan. New tile flooring was installed throughout the space, with all new painting that matched the homeowner’s style and taste. A new Anderson door was also installed from the kitchen to the outdoor living space, replacing heavy sliding glass doors and making access to the lanai easier and more functional.

Awesome Chandler backyard that sports a huge classic pool & spa, with lots of outdoor entertaining – Ramada, outdoor kitchen, Travertine pavers, firepit & more. This project was designed and directly supervised by Unique Landscapes’ owner Chris Griffin. Griffin designed it for an MLB pitcher, who wanted to focus on clean lines and symmetry, while matching the Traditional Tuscan design of the home. The customer’s requests were common ones included in backyard makeovers: he wanted to enjoy the pool and spa and be able to barbeque and sit around a barwith some shade. He also wanted a fire pit seating area, in which to relax after a full day of fun and sun. The project was a new backyard installation, which gave the designer a blank canvas with which to work. Not having to deal with removing or working around existing items makes construction easier. The custom built pool included many features, including remote controls, automation, saltwater, ozone, a PV3 cleaning system, Pentair variable speed pumps and filters, waterfalls and fountains. The state-of-the-art hardscapes included an outdoor kitchen with a travertine counter-top, a custom ramada and fire pit, lots of bench seating and stone work, pavers, and an acrylic “lace” patio. Meanwhile, the beautiful softscapes included grass, plants and queen palm, sissoo and tipu trees.

Karen and Chad of Tower Lakes, IL were tired of their unfinished basement functioning as nothing more than a storage area and depressing gym. They wanted to increase the livable square footage of their home with a cohesive finished basement design, while incorporating space for the kids and adults to hang out. “We wanted to make sure that upon renovating the basement, that we can have a place where we can spend time and watch movies, but also entertain and showcase the wine collection that we have,” Karen said. After a long search comparing many different remodeling companies, Karen and Chad found Advance Design Studio. They were drawn towards the unique “Common Sense Remodeling” process that simplifies the renovation experience into predictable steps focused on customer satisfaction. “There are so many other design/build companies, who may not have transparency, or a focused process in mind and I think that is what separated Advance Design Studio from the rest,” Karen said. Karen loved how designer Claudia Pop was able to take very high-level concepts, “non-negotiable items” and implement them in the initial 3D drawings. Claudia and Project Manager DJ Yurik kept the couple in constant communication through the project. “Claudia was very receptive to the ideas we had, but she was also very good at infusing her own points and thoughts, she was very responsive, and we had an open line of communication,” Karen said. A very important part of the basement renovation for the couple was the home gym and sauna. The “high-end hotel” look and feel of the openly blended work out area is both highly functional and beautiful to look at. The home sauna gives them a place to relax after a long day of work or a tough workout. “The gym was a very important feature for us,” Karen said. “And I think (Advance Design) did a very great job in not only making the gym a functional area, but also an aesthetic point in our basement”. An extremely unique wow-factor in this basement is the walk in glass wine cellar that elegantly displays Karen and Chad’s extensive wine collection. Immediate access to the stunning wet bar accompanies the wine cellar to make this basement a popular spot for friends and family. The custom-built wine bar brings together two natural elements; Calacatta Vicenza Quartz and thick distressed Black Walnut. Sophisticated yet warm Graphite Dura Supreme cabinetry provides contrast to the soft beige walls and the Calacatta Gold backsplash. An undermount sink across from the bar in a matching Calacatta Vicenza Quartz countertop adds functionality and convenience to the bar, while identical distressed walnut floating shelves add an interesting design element and increased storage. Rich true brown Rustic Oak hardwood floors soften and warm the space drawing all the areas together. Across from the bar is a comfortable living area perfect for the family to sit down at a watch a movie. A full bath completes this finished basement with a spacious walk-in shower, Cocoa Brown Dura Supreme vanity with Calacatta Vicenza Quartz countertop, a crisp white sink and a stainless-steel Voss faucet. Advance Design’s Common Sense process gives clients the opportunity to walk through the basement renovation process one step at a time, in a completely predictable and controlled environment. “Everything was designed and built exactly how we envisioned it, and we are really enjoying it to it’s full potential,” Karen said. Constantly striving for customer satisfaction, Advance Design’s success is heavily reliant upon happy clients referring their friends and family. “We definitely will and have recommended Advance Design Studio to friends who are looking to embark on a remodeling project small or large,” Karen exclaimed at the completion of her project.

Elegant living room photo in Columbus

Awesome Chandler backyard that sports a huge classic pool & spa, with lots of outdoor entertaining – Ramada, outdoor kitchen, Travertine pavers, firepit & more. This project was designed and directly supervised by Unique Landscapes’ owner Chris Griffin. Griffin designed it for an MLB pitcher, who wanted to focus on clean lines and symmetry, while matching the Traditional Tuscan design of the home. The customer’s requests were common ones included in backyard makeovers: he wanted to enjoy the pool and spa and be able to barbeque and sit around a barwith some shade. He also wanted a fire pit seating area, in which to relax after a full day of fun and sun. The project was a new backyard installation, which gave the designer a blank canvas with which to work. Not having to deal with removing or working around existing items makes construction easier. The custom built pool included many features, including remote controls, automation, saltwater, ozone, a PV3 cleaning system, Pentair variable speed pumps and filters, waterfalls and fountains. The state-of-the-art hardscapes included an outdoor kitchen with a travertine counter-top, a custom ramada and fire pit, lots of bench seating and stone work, pavers, and an acrylic “lace” patio. Meanwhile, the beautiful softscapes included grass, plants and queen palm, sissoo and tipu trees.

When our clients approached us with this kitchen renovation project, their wishes were to have an open, fluid space with more room for storage, upgraded appliances and modern amenities. It was also important to make sure the renovation matched the style and character of the home. Before the kitchen remodel, the kitchen was walled off from the rest of the living area. Riverside Construction knocked down a wall and opened up the space so that the homeowners could enjoy abundant natural light and the beautiful view outside their windows. Ensuring the home’s architectural integrity, we used Mid Century inspired materials that complimented the original wood color and style of the home, taking full advantage of the high ceilings to add more storage. Damaged wood in the kitchen was replaced with new unfinished hardwood that was expertly stained to match the existing hardwood in the nearby hallway. Other key features in this gorgeous kitchen remodel include a porcelain mosaic tile backsplash, Wellborn Milan cabinets in Cherry with light stain and new task and ambient lighting.

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.”

Dining room full of light. The dining space has a lower ceiling to differentiate the kitchen space and provide a more intimate space. I provided the overall layout and design while materials were selected with the builder (KLH). Photo provided by KLH Custom Homes

A bright and stunning kitchen with antique white cabinetry, granite countertops, hardwood flooring, ceramic tile backsplash, decorative wood hood, and dramatic vaulted ceilings. Photo by Vivian Lodderhose

Located in the Sky Lofts building in Tribeca (once home to the most expensive apartment sale in NYC), our clients were ready to renovate and modernize their centerpiece kitchen. Due to the unique nature of loft renovations (high ceilings, columns, creative and skillful lighting applications, among other factors), Gallery’s expertise in loft spaces was vital to our clients. In addition to the loft particularities, it’s important in a kitchen of this size to ensure that all the elements have been laid out with purpose from a functional perspective and a design perspective. CENTERPIECE KITCHEN Color was an important design element in this kitchen. This is evident in the striking blues and grays of the marble countertops and backsplash, as well as the dark navy hue of the built-in cabinets. White lower cabinets create two-tone contrast, while glass cabinets and a long wood open shelf make the most of the available height. The built-in cabinets also include built-in appliances: an espresso maker, coffee machine, two side-by-side wine fridges, and even an integrated refrigerator paneled to match the cabinetry for an essentially seamless look. The cabinets are all push-to-open, eliminating knobs to complete the overall sleek, contemporary style. The marble backsplash is also book-matched, meaning the slabs of stone have been cut and polished to match each other, creating a mirroring effect that further contributes to the cohesive, contemporary aesthetic of this apartment. BUILDING CONSIDERATIONS Functional factors are another vital component to New York City apartment building renovations. In this particular project, we had to consider how to get large slabs of stone into the loft without having to cut them up. When working with slabs, and especially when the design is as sleek and contemporary as this one, it’s vital to eliminate seams as much as possible. Elevators and stairs are often not large enough to handle large slabs of stone, which means there are only two other options: cutting the stone and putting it back together on site (but this will create a seam, so it’s not always an option) or using a crane to bring it in through a window. Higher-end buildings tend to have more restrictions and management companies with stricter renovation guidelines – with good reason. A good relationship with the super and staff of the building is absolutely essential; effective communication with everyone involved will result in an ideal outcome for all parties. ARTFUL LOGISTICS Seemingly minor elements such as apartment protections are also just as crucial. While every renovation will require protections in hallways, common spaces, zip walls, and perhaps the floors, those protections are doubled when renovating in an apartment that’s currently occupied. In the case of this particular client, who owned a great deal of valuable artwork in addition to their furniture and other belongings, Gallery exacted their own form of art when putting the protections in place and maneuvering around them with skill. SOME HIGHLIGHTS - Unique marble slabs (Azul Macauba quartzite and Calacatta Diamond quartzite) for the countertops and backsplash - Book-matched backsplash - Gaggenau appliances - Glass cabinets with built-in lighting - Custom millwork for the cabinets

Here we have the first story bathroom, as you can see we have a wooden double sink vanity with this beautiful oval mirror. The wall mounted sinks on the white subway backsplash give it this sleek aesthetic. Instead of going for the traditional floor tile, we opted to go with brick as the floor.