Probably one of our favorite spaces in the entire home. This primary bathroom is everything and more! Continuous countertops, floor to ceiling tile, custom floral tile (that looks like wallpaper!) and custom seating done perfectly for this bathroom. We can't get over every, single detail in the room. Your eye doesn't know where to look first! One of a kind is an understatement. Take a look for yourself!

Our clients had just recently closed on their new house in Stapleton and were excited to transform it into their perfect forever home. They wanted to remodel the entire first floor to create a more open floor plan and develop a smoother flow through the house that better fit the needs of their family. The original layout consisted of several small rooms that just weren’t very functional, so we decided to remove the walls that were breaking up the space and restructure the first floor to create a wonderfully open feel. After removing the existing walls, we rearranged their spaces to give them an office at the front of the house, a large living room, and a large dining room that connects seamlessly with the kitchen. We also wanted to center the foyer in the home and allow more light to travel through the first floor, so we replaced their existing doors with beautiful custom sliding doors to the back yard and a gorgeous walnut door with side lights to greet guests at the front of their home. Living Room Our clients wanted a living room that could accommodate an inviting sectional, a baby grand piano, and plenty of space for family game nights. So, we transformed what had been a small office and sitting room into a large open living room with custom wood columns. We wanted to avoid making the home feel too vast and monumental, so we designed custom beams and columns to define spaces and to make the house feel like a home. Aesthetically we wanted their home to be soft and inviting, so we utilized a neutral color palette with occasional accents of muted blues and greens. Dining Room Our clients were also looking for a large dining room that was open to the rest of the home and perfect for big family gatherings. So, we removed what had been a small family room and eat-in dining area to create a spacious dining room with a fireplace and bar. We added custom cabinetry to the bar area with open shelving for displaying and designed a custom surround for their fireplace that ties in with the wood work we designed for their living room. We brought in the tones and materiality from the kitchen to unite the spaces and added a mixed metal light fixture to bring the space together Kitchen We wanted the kitchen to be a real show stopper and carry through the calm muted tones we were utilizing throughout their home. We reoriented the kitchen to allow for a big beautiful custom island and to give us the opportunity for a focal wall with cooktop and range hood. Their custom island was perfectly complimented with a dramatic quartz counter top and oversized pendants making it the real center of their home. Since they enter the kitchen first when coming from their detached garage, we included a small mud-room area right by the back door to catch everyone’s coats and shoes as they come in. We also created a new walk-in pantry with plenty of open storage and a fun chalkboard door for writing notes, recipes, and grocery lists. Office We transformed the original dining room into a handsome office at the front of the house. We designed custom walnut built-ins to house all of their books, and added glass french doors to give them a bit of privacy without making the space too closed off. We painted the room a deep muted blue to create a glimpse of rich color through the french doors Powder Room The powder room is a wonderful play on textures. We used a neutral palette with contrasting tones to create dramatic moments in this little space with accents of brushed gold. Master Bathroom The existing master bathroom had an awkward layout and outdated finishes, so we redesigned the space to create a clean layout with a dream worthy shower. We continued to use neutral tones that tie in with the rest of the home, but had fun playing with tile textures and patterns to create an eye-catching vanity. The wood-look tile planks along the floor provide a soft backdrop for their new free-standing bathtub and contrast beautifully with the deep ash finish on the cabinetry.

This beautiful, all-cedar privacy fence warmly welcomes visitors and keeps the eyes looking around the yard. The arbor extends over the patio to continue the green-black trim to better frame the white house. The HVAC units have been fenced in with a visual screen that lets airflow through - and the panels are removable for maintenance access. We also replaced the old planter boxes on the front windows.

Bookshelves flank the recessed TV and display the clients art and artifacts. Custom upholstery pieces were made specifically for the space. A new stone fireplace adds charm to the cozy living room. A window seat looking out to the front yard brings in orange and rust colors. The cocktail table was made by the client’s son and refinished to work in the space. The ceiling was original to the home as are the wood floors. The wall between the kitchen and the living room was removed to open up the space for a more open floor plan. Lighting in the bookshelves and custom roman shades add softness and interest to the inviting living room. Photography by: Erika Bierman

Photo: Rachel Loewen © 2019 Houzz Design: Found Home Design
Inspiration for a transitional living room remodel in Chicago

Aware of the financial investment clients put into their homes, I combine my business and design expertise while working with each client to understand their taste, enhance their style and create spaces they will enjoy for years to come. It’s been said that I have a “good” eye. I won’t discount that statement and I’d add I have an affinity to people, places and things that tell a story. My clients benefit from my passion and ability to turn their homes into finely curated spaces through the use of beautiful textiles, amazing lighting and furniture pieces that are as timeless as they are wonderfully unique. I enjoy the creative process and work with people who are building their dream homes, remodeling existing homes or desire a fresh take on a well lived-in space. I see the client–designer relationship as a partnership with a desire to deliver an end result that exceeds my client’s expectations. I approach each project with professionalism, unparalleled excitement and a commitment for designing homes that are as livable as they are beautiful.

The subtle changes begin as soon as you walk out the back door of the house. The existing decking had a lot of what we call "tweeners"; areas that are overly generous walkways, yet not large enough to house furniture. The awkwardly small bluestone patio was expanded to accommodate a generous seating area. This was done by pushing the step-down closer to the pool. Our talented stone mason carefully married the new bluestone into the existing portion of the patio, resulting in an imperceptible difference between the two. As you descend the new bluestone steps to the pool level, your bare feet will be thankful for the new smooth-finished, limestone-colored concrete, with a hand cut pattern carefully etched into it's surface. The old red brick decking was so hot that the owners could not walk around the pool with their bare feet. The brick coping was also replaced with an eased edge, Pennsylvania Premier Stone which matches the new step treads throughout the project. Between the house and the pool, a large raised planter was reconfigured, giving additional space to the pool deck for a shaded lounge chair area. Across the pool, a bank of rather tall painted brick retaining walls were cut down, shortened and moved. This lessened the visual impact of the walls (which were overwhelming in the space) and also opened up a new seating area, nestled under the arms of the massive Pecan tree at the back of the property. Rather than continuing solid decking around the entire pool, the area near these walls has been transformed to large stone stepper pads set in a sea of beautiful St. Augustine lawn. This creates a visually softened area that is still suited to setting tables and chairs when the guest list calls for additional seating. The spa area is possibly the most dramatic change on this project. Yet more raised planter walls divided this area into awkward spaces, unsuited for proper furniture placement. The planters were removed, new stone decks added, and once again expertly married into the existing decks, opening the area to house a large dining table and a newly built-in BBQ area. The spa itself was re-imagined with the bluestone coping and painted brick veneer. The most impressive addition though is the new handmade glazed tiles that surround the existing cast stone water feature. This water feature was almost unnoticeable against the painted brick wall, but now the dramatic arch and pop of color draw the eye to this quaint little corner of the property. Originally designed by one of the most notable landscape architects in town, this once impressive project had faltered in recent years. The pool and spa still functioned well, and the client wanted to keep it intact. In addition, they wanted to keep as much of the existing landscape as possible. But, the surrounding decks, walls and steps were fair game. At first glance, one might think that our changes were simple material changes. However, upon closer inspection, one can see the subtle-yet-transformative changes that came together to update this classic pool in a tasteful, timeless manner, as well as to improve the flow and usability of the deck areas, while softening the feel of this massive hardscape.

Approaching this beautiful mountain home is a feast for the eyes. The allure and stunning beauty not only comes from the minute details of the home and landscaping but from the grand vistas that encompass it. Be prepared ….the moment one steps over the threshold all perception of what a typical mountain home can be changes in an instant. A perfect explanation of what is presented is modern meets mountain. The elegant, simply unique home features a fresh approach to mountain living. Consistency and continuity are the fundamental features of this special home. Certain elements run throughout the interior; engineered wide oak flooring, white horizontal plank paneling, and gray fresh split stone adorn the walls and limestone countertops in various rooms. However, as your eye follows the quiet, clean lines they are intermittently interrupted with a dash of splash here and a pop of color there that are placed precisely in the right spots. Photography: Rodger Wade

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.”

Continuing down the drive, path lighting illuminates the retaining wall for safety as well as highlighting the seasonal plantings. The eyes are drawn towards the front door surrounded by coach lamps and stonework. The Japanese Maple to the left of the front door is illuminated to enhance the vermillion green color of the leaves in spring.

Approaching this beautiful mountain home is a feast for the eyes. The allure and stunning beauty not only comes from the minute details of the home and landscaping but from the grand vistas that encompass it. Be prepared ….the moment one steps over the threshold all perception of what a typical mountain home can be changes in an instant. A perfect explanation of what is presented is modern meets mountain. The elegant, simply unique home features a fresh approach to mountain living. Consistency and continuity are the fundamental features of this special home. Certain elements run throughout the interior; engineered wide oak flooring, white horizontal plank paneling, and gray fresh split stone adorn the walls and limestone countertops in various rooms. However, as your eye follows the quiet, clean lines they are intermittently interrupted with a dash of splash here and a pop of color there that are placed precisely in the right spots. Photography: Rodger Wade

Approaching this beautiful mountain home is a feast for the eyes. The allure and stunning beauty not only comes from the minute details of the home and landscaping but from the grand vistas that encompass it. Be prepared ….the moment one steps over the threshold all perception of what a typical mountain home can be changes in an instant. A perfect explanation of what is presented is modern meets mountain. The elegant, simply unique home features a fresh approach to mountain living. Consistency and continuity are the fundamental features of this special home. Certain elements run throughout the interior; engineered wide oak flooring, white horizontal plank paneling, and gray fresh split stone adorn the walls and limestone countertops in various rooms. However, as your eye follows the quiet, clean lines they are intermittently interrupted with a dash of splash here and a pop of color there that are placed precisely in the right spots. Photography: Rodger Wade

Approaching this beautiful mountain home is a feast for the eyes. The allure and stunning beauty not only comes from the minute details of the home and landscaping but from the grand vistas that encompass it. Be prepared ….the moment one steps over the threshold all perception of what a typical mountain home can be changes in an instant. A perfect explanation of what is presented is modern meets mountain. The elegant, simply unique home features a fresh approach to mountain living. Consistency and continuity are the fundamental features of this special home. Certain elements run throughout the interior; engineered wide oak flooring, white horizontal plank paneling, and gray fresh split stone adorn the walls and limestone countertops in various rooms. However, as your eye follows the quiet, clean lines they are intermittently interrupted with a dash of splash here and a pop of color there that are placed precisely in the right spots. Photography: Rodger Wade

Approaching this beautiful mountain home is a feast for the eyes. The allure and stunning beauty not only comes from the minute details of the home and landscaping but from the grand vistas that encompass it. Be prepared ….the moment one steps over the threshold all perception of what a typical mountain home can be changes in an instant. A perfect explanation of what is presented is modern meets mountain. The elegant, simply unique home features a fresh approach to mountain living. Consistency and continuity are the fundamental features of this special home. Certain elements run throughout the interior; engineered wide oak flooring, white horizontal plank paneling, and gray fresh split stone adorn the walls and limestone countertops in various rooms. However, as your eye follows the quiet, clean lines they are intermittently interrupted with a dash of splash here and a pop of color there that are placed precisely in the right spots. Photography: Rodger Wade

This elegant 4,475 sq. ft. sprawling timeless Country French home, inspired by the Texas Hill Country, boasts a 22’ tall vaulted and timber beamed ceiling that continues from the grand front porch entrance, through a barrel arched Foyer, into the Great Room and all the way through the extra deep rear veranda, with a beautiful arched timber truss as the final focal point to draw your eye through the home.

Bathroom view
Small trendy bathroom photo in Toronto

C.L. Fry Photo - www.clfryphoto.com
Example of a country staircase design in Austin

A beautiful landscape starts with a great design and continues with expert maintenance. We offer more than just basic mowing, blowing, and weeding. We use a holistic approach to keep plants thriving. Our crew will keep an eye out for pests and diseases, pay attention to proper irrigation, and make suggestions when needed on how best to keep your entire landscape beautiful and vigorous. Coleus, daylilies and silver dusty miller are excellent spring and summer color.

Example of a mid-sized transitional beige tile and porcelain tile porcelain tile, gray floor and double-sink corner shower design in San Francisco with flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, a one-piece toilet, gray walls, an undermount sink, quartzite countertops, a hinged shower door, white countertops, a niche and a floating vanity