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.”

Set upon an oversized and highly sought-after creekside lot in Brentwood, this ​two story home and full guest home exude a casual, contemporary farmhouse style and vibe. The main residence boasts 5 bedrooms and 5.5 bathrooms, each ensuite with thoughtful touches that accentuate the home’s overall classic finishes. The master retreat opens to a large balcony overlooking the yard accented by mature bamboo and palms. Other features of the main house include European white oak floors, recessed lighting, built in speaker system, attached 2-car garage and a laundry room with 2 sets of state-of-the-art Samsung washers and dryers. The bedroom suite on the first floor enjoys its own entrance, making it ideal for guests. The open concept kitchen features Calacatta marble countertops, Wolf appliances, wine storage, dual sinks and dishwashers and a walk-in butler’s pantry. The loggia is accessed via La Cantina bi-fold doors that fully open for year-round alfresco dining on the terrace, complete with an outdoor fireplace. The wonderfully imagined yard contains a sparkling pool and spa and a crisp green lawn and lovely deck and patio areas. Step down further to find the detached guest home, which was recognized with a Decade Honor Award by the Los Angeles Chapter of the AIA in 2006, and, in fact, was a frequent haunt of Frank Gehry who inspired its cubist design. The guest house has a bedroom and bathroom, living area, a newly updated kitchen and is surrounded by lush landscaping that maximizes its creekside setting, creating a truly serene oasis.

Elegant French home seamlessly combining the traditional and contemporary. The 3,050 SF home contains three bedrooms each with its own bath. The master retreat has lanai access and a sumptuous marble bath. A fourth, first-floor bedroom, can be used as a guest suite, study or parlor. The traditional floor plan is made contemporary by sleek, streamlined finishes and modern touches such as recessed LED lighting, beautiful trimwork and a gray/white color scheme. A dramatic two-story foyer with wrap-around balcony leads into the open-concept great room and kitchen area, complete with wet bar, butler's pantry and commercial-grade Thermador appliances. The outdoor living area is an entertainer's dream with pool, paving stones and a custom outdoor kitchen. Photo credit: Deremer Studios

This gracious property in the award-winning Blaine school district - and just off the Southport Corridor - marries an old world European design sensibility with contemporary technologies and unique artisan details. With more than 5,200 square feet, the home has four bedrooms and three bathrooms on the second floor, including a luxurious master suite with a private terrace. The house also boasts a distinct foyer; formal living and dining rooms designed in an open-plan concept; an expansive, eat-in, gourmet kitchen which is open to the first floor great room; lower-level family room; an attached, heated, 2-½ car garage with roof deck; a penthouse den and roof deck; and two additional rooms on the lower level which could be used as bedrooms, home offices or exercise rooms. The home, designed with an extra-wide floorplan, achieved through side yard relief, also has considerable, professionally-landscaped outdoor living spaces. This brick and limestone residence has been designed with family-functional experiences and classically proportioned spaces in mind. Highly-efficient environmental technologies have been integrated into the design and construction and the plan also takes into consideration the incorporation of all types of advanced communications systems. The home went under contract in less than 45 days in 2011. Jim Yochum

The open concept of this cozy beach retreat add light and life to an otherwise compact space. The vaulted ceiling and the open shelving in the kitchen keep the space open and bright. The wall of french doors open up the the beautiful views and sounds of the ocean. tom olcott photography

This is a contemporary living room space in an open concept house. This living room leads to the kitchen. Note the crown, case and base molding that adds a fluidity to this home. (©David – stock.adobe.com

Welcome to the Franklin a 2-Story townhome by Main Street Homes! The Franklin offers curb appeal with its traditional exterior featuring a covered front entry. The first level offers an expansive first floor primary bedroom and an en suite with a large shower and walk-in closet, open concept dining, kitchen and family room area that leads out to a beautiful covered patio. This home also features a two-car front entry garage that leads into a mudroom. The second level features two large bedrooms, full bathroom, massive loft and a laundry area. Available as an interior unit. To learn more about this floor plan, visit our website at https://bit.ly/The-Franklin-RandolphPond-HOUZZ

DreamDesign®49 is a modern lakefront Anglo-Caribbean style home in prestigious Pablo Creek Reserve. The 4,352 SF plan features five bedrooms and six baths, with the master suite and a guest suite on the first floor. Most rooms in the house feature lake views. The open-concept plan features a beamed great room with fireplace, kitchen with stacked cabinets, California island and Thermador appliances, and a working pantry with additional storage. A unique feature is the double staircase leading up to a reading nook overlooking the foyer. The large master suite features James Martin vanities, free standing tub, huge drive-through shower and separate dressing area. Upstairs, three bedrooms are off a large game room with wet bar and balcony with gorgeous views. An outdoor kitchen and pool make this home an entertainer's dream.

Your traditional bathroom with a qunie open niche concept available for storage from wall to wall.
Bathroom - mid-sized traditional kids' white tile and subway tile mosaic tile floor and gray floor bathroom idea in Chicago with shaker cabinets, brown cabinets, a two-piece toilet, green walls, an undermount sink, quartz countertops and white countertops

When the clients first contacted us about their 1926 home, they stated "We want to make better use of the space and open it up a little. This seems right up your alley." That's right...we live on that alley, we love that alley! Terah Beth designed a few schemes ranging from leaving all walls in place... to removing all walls that separated the dining, living, and the back nook from the kitchen. The clients decided to go big and knock 'em all down! This 'open concept' scheme created an airy and zen-like space filled with beautiful custom cabinetry with walnut accents including a huge peninsula countertop, floating shelves and range hood accent band. The walnut was sourced from a local fallen tree and crafted by a local artisan. So Crafty! Photo: Jason Quigley

As you step inside the Glenwood Craftsman, you are greeted with an open concept floor plan that brings the kitchen, nook, great room, and sunroom together to create gathering places to cook, dine and lounge. Interior design is focused on luxury fabrics, modern light fixtures and mixed metals, with gold hues. Light, subtle paint shades create a comfortable flow: creams, grays, khaki and gray-blue give the home a soothing mix of warm and cool. The décor is an eclectic concept, meant to match the modern family. In the great room you will find an impressive paneled wall flanking a gas fireplace with stacked stone to the ceiling. The nook leads to the gorgeous sunroom with vaulted ceiling and three full walls of windows. The designer kitchen welcomes you with an oversized quartz topped island with snack bar. Staggered maple cabinets, undercabinet lighting, tile backsplash, and quartz countertops frame the perimeter. Luxurious slate appliances, gold cabinet hardware and a stylish faucet with a gold finish add warmth and sophistication to the room. Off the kitchen, a butler’s pantry with cabinets, quartz countertop and beverage refrigerator offer additional space for entertaining. The butler’s pantry conveniently leads to the beautiful dining room with decorative wainscoting. A study, powder room, and all-encompassing family command center with laundry, closet, cabinets, built-in desk and boot bench complete the first floor. Located on the second floor, the master suite showcases an expansive bedroom with box up ceiling bordered with crown molding, walk-in tiled shower with bench and decorative niche, his-and-hers floating vanities with quartz countertops, separate commode room, tile flooring, and large custom walk-in closet. A princess suite with a full bath and two additional bedrooms connected by a jack and jill bath complete the second floor. The finished lower level offers a rec room with a gaming focus, additional bedroom, and full bathroom perfect for guests.

This stunning 2-story Traditional home plan showcases timeless brick architecture and a welcoming layout designed for modern living. Featuring 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, and 3,565 heated sq. ft., the design blends classic curb appeal with versatile functionality. A first-floor Owner’s Suite, vaulted and tray ceilings, and an open-concept flow between the great room, kitchen, and dining areas make this plan ideal for families and entertainers alike. Outdoor living is just as inviting, with covered front and rear porches plus a grilling patio for gatherings. Included CAD blueprints ensure customization is easy, giving you the flexibility to make this Nashville home truly your own.

2011 CAPITAL COTY AWARD HONORABLE MENTION AWARD WINNER Built circa 1980, a young couple with three children originally purchased this home for their growing family. After four years of karate, soccer, piano and other activities, however, the home was becoming too small to meet their needs. Problems started upon entering the front foyer. A 25-foot long dark hallway separated the family room and the kitchen, ending in a tiny powder room stuck in the middle of the layout. The kitchen was especially isolated, a cramped L-shaped design with a box bay breakfast bump out that was literally falling apart. The new design started with the core of the problem—the maze and separation created by the long hallways. First, the 25’ load bearing wall separating the foyer from family room was totally taken out and replaced with a long supporting beam. A French door replaced a small door and window leading to a screen porch . This action allowed lots of light to get into family and foyer. Then, the powder room was removed and the partition wall between the kitchen and family room was taken down. This created a large open concept design and greatly increased the size of the kitchen. The box bay was demolished and replaced with new walls and a large window. The plumbing for main sink and dishwasher got relocated into this box bay allowing a total transformation of the space. Now there are cabinets and counters on all sides. The doorway to the dining room was reconfigured to allow a butler area on its left. While the right side was occupied with new 36” gas range top with a decorative wood hood above it. The refrigerator, microwave/oven and pantries—the space’s tall elements—occupy one wall.. A large Island with a prep sink and beverage center for the kids occupies the center of the layout. Capable of seating up to four, family and friends can now keep the cook company. A large built-in desk area lets the kids do their homework so the parents can supervise while they prepare meals. Light cabinetry with a touch of caramel glazing and exotic granite countertops by our designers contributed to this kitchen’s elegant design. The contrasting distressed island’s darker finish matches the dinette set and other furnishings. New hardwood floors were installed throughout the first floor for a seamless look, while recess, pendant and task lighting make the space even brighter. Importantly, there’s plenty of space for parents and kids to hang out together. The kitchen is truly the heart of their home.

Craftsman-style home by Hutch Homes Inc. This home is designed with a contemporary open-concept floor plan tailored for modern living.
Example of a large arts and crafts gray two-story vinyl and board and batten exterior home design in Other with a shingle roof and a black roof

The Jackson II is a spacious four bedroom home with a downstairs office/study, which can also be configured as a guest suite with bay window (shown here). The two story foyer has a railed overlook above, and encompasses a stairway with a feature window over the landing. The family room and breakfast overlook the rear yard, and the centrally located kitchen is open to all main living areas of the home, for good traffic flow and entertaining. A large pass-through utility room/mudroom is on the first floor, and accesses a back hallway convenient to the powder room and kitchen. The guest suite is located off this hallway, creating a nice combination of privacy and accessibility. Nine foot ceilings throughout the first floor are included. The upstairs primary bedroom suite features a large bedroom with a trey ceiling, and a luxury bath with dual vanities, linen closet, enclosed commode, garden tub, and separate shower, adjacent to a roomy closet. Additional luxury bath options are also offered on this plan. Three additional bedrooms, one with a large walk-in closet, share a hall bath. Exterior plan details include a front porch, shake siding accents, and true radius head windows.

This open concept home was begging for a focal point, and this wrap-around Noir acoustic slat panel installation was the perfect solution. This half-bath, dry bar, storage closet area was fully wrapped in the wood slat panels to not only cut down on the echo that comes from large spaces like this, but also to create a beautiful accent piece that feels built-in. The seamless nature of the panels gave the ability to hide the doors to the bathroom and closet with ease, and added an impressive an unique feature to the room. Rounding out the installation, a Luxe LED Light Kit was installed on the side facing the entryway, producing a visually striking first impression when you enter the home. We love the way this client's vision came to life!

As you step inside the Glenwood Craftsman, you are greeted with an open concept floor plan that brings the kitchen, nook, great room, and sunroom together to create gathering places to cook, dine and lounge. Interior design is focused on luxury fabrics, modern light fixtures and mixed metals, with gold hues. Light, subtle paint shades create a comfortable flow: creams, grays, khaki and gray-blue give the home a soothing mix of warm and cool. The décor is an eclectic concept, meant to match the modern family. In the great room you will find an impressive paneled wall flanking a gas fireplace with stacked stone to the ceiling. The nook leads to the gorgeous sunroom with vaulted ceiling and three full walls of windows. The designer kitchen welcomes you with an oversized quartz topped island with snack bar. Staggered maple cabinets, undercabinet lighting, tile backsplash, and quartz countertops frame the perimeter. Luxurious slate appliances, gold cabinet hardware and a stylish faucet with a gold finish add warmth and sophistication to the room. Off the kitchen, a butler’s pantry with cabinets, quartz countertop and beverage refrigerator offer additional space for entertaining. The butler’s pantry conveniently leads to the beautiful dining room with decorative wainscoting. A study, powder room, and all-encompassing family command center with laundry, closet, cabinets, built-in desk and boot bench complete the first floor. Located on the second floor, the master suite showcases an expansive bedroom with box up ceiling bordered with crown molding, walk-in tiled shower with bench and decorative niche, his-and-hers floating vanities with quartz countertops, separate commode room, tile flooring, and large custom walk-in closet. A princess suite with a full bath and two additional bedrooms connected by a jack and jill bath complete the second floor. The finished lower level offers a rec room with a gaming focus, additional bedroom, and full bathroom perfect for guests.

This stunning 2-story Traditional home plan showcases timeless brick architecture and a welcoming layout designed for modern living. Featuring 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, and 3,565 heated sq. ft., the design blends classic curb appeal with versatile functionality. A first-floor Owner’s Suite, vaulted and tray ceilings, and an open-concept flow between the great room, kitchen, and dining areas make this plan ideal for families and entertainers alike. Outdoor living is just as inviting, with covered front and rear porches plus a grilling patio for gatherings. Included CAD blueprints ensure customization is easy, giving you the flexibility to make this Nashville home truly your own.

The transformation of this bathroom was amazing! It is now organized, orderly, open and bright! Very transitional and timeless in style. It was great fun to design this space and watch how this master bath came together from concept to reality!