This designer client wanted an outdoor room with a classic green garden and lots of potted annuals. We were able to add the cooking fireplace and brick wall while saving the mature trees. Photos by Anthony Crissafulli

The glass subway tiles mimic the color of the ocean that can (now) be viewed from the kitchen space. Photo credit: Steven Mednick
Inspiration for a mid-sized timeless u-shaped marble floor enclosed kitchen remodel in Miami with a single-bowl sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, granite countertops, green backsplash, glass tile backsplash and stainless steel appliances

View from pool to back porch
Inspiration for a huge timeless beige two-story stone gable roof remodel in Austin

  Download our free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   The homeowners came to us looking to update the kitchen in their historic 1897 home. The home had gone through an extensive renovation several years earlier that added a master bedroom suite and updates to the front façade. The kitchen however was not part of that update and a prior 1990’s update had left much to be desired. The client is an avid cook, and it was just not very functional for the family. The original kitchen was very choppy and included a large eat in area that took up more than its fair share of the space. On the wish list was a place where the family could comfortably congregate, that was easy and to cook in, that feels lived in and in check with the rest of the home’s décor. They also wanted a space that was not cluttered and dark – a happy, light and airy room. A small powder room off the space also needed some attention so we set out to include that in the remodel as well. See that arch in the neighboring dining room? The homeowner really wanted to make the opening to the dining room an arch to match, so we incorporated that into the design. Another unfortunate eyesore was the state of the ceiling and soffits. Turns out it was just a series of shortcuts from the prior renovation, and we were surprised and delighted that we were easily able to flatten out almost the entire ceiling with a couple of little reworks. Other changes we made were to add new windows that were appropriate to the new design, which included moving the sink window over slightly to give the work zone more breathing room. We also adjusted the height of the windows in what was previously the eat-in area that were too low for a countertop to work. We tried to keep an old island in the plan since it was a well-loved vintage find, but the tradeoff for the function of the new island was not worth it in the end. We hope the old found a new home, perhaps as a potting table. Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKD, CBD Photography by: Michael Kaskel For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

This garden takes advantage of the chimney tops and attics spaces of the urban landscape of the Back Bay- we refer to it as "Mary-Poppinsville". Split in to two areas- seating and dinning/cooking. shrubs, perennials, annuals, and edibles including: herbs, tomatoes, The client is a gourmet chef and uses the foods in his cooking. With limited space, the most popular edible plants that clients ask for are tomatoes and herbs because the herbs can be used in daily cooking and theres nothing to compare to the homegrown tomato. Where space is generous, we also plant blueberries strawberries, raspberries, lettuces, peppers.

Example of a large transitional single-wall concrete floor and gray floor kitchen design in Boston with granite countertops, stainless steel appliances and black countertops

The kitchen and dining room in this 1960’s colonial were cramped and uncomfortable for any sort of large entertaining or crowd. With a small 3’ bump out along the back wall of the home, both rooms became much more spacious and useable. The kitchen addition allowed for a large center island and hearth cooking center as the focal point for the whole kitchen. While the expanded dining room, now allows room for a large holiday gathering, neighborhood card party or a group of kids after school. The custom kitchen was designed with Omega Cabinetry, leathered granite countertops around the perimeter and Ceasarstone on the island. The custom hearth hood encapsulates a 36” Thermador professional gas range top that makes cooking a joy! Alongside the 36” built-in Subzero French door refrigerator a Thermador steam/bake oven and convection oven offer the homeowner tremendous cooking and baking options. Finally, the microwave drawer in the island makes quick warm ups easy for the 3 children. Microwave Drawer: Sharp SMD2470S 24" Flat Panel Microwave Drawer Additionally, the kitchen was opened up dramatically to the home’s family room, creating an open feeling and central place for the family to gather.

Inspiration for a transitional dark wood floor and brown floor kitchen remodel in Other with an undermount sink, beaded inset cabinets, gray cabinets, marble countertops, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash and gray countertops

This stamped, decorative concrete patio in O'Fallon is partially covered. The ceiling is whitewashed cedar and has recessed lights and a fan. There is seating and dining space and a stone surrounded cooking area with a granite counter top, built-in Napoleon grill, Firemagic cabinet and drawers. There is bar seating at the counter on the opposite side which backs up to the open patio and wood burning firepit.

Example of a tuscan patio design in Dallas

Mid-sized elegant u-shaped ceramic tile open concept kitchen photo in Houston with raised-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, an island, a farmhouse sink, beige backsplash and stone tile backsplash

A plush window seat is flanked by glass-front cabinets. Scott Bergmann Photography
Example of a mid-sized ornate single-wall porcelain tile eat-in kitchen design in Boston with an undermount sink, raised-panel cabinets, beige cabinets, marble countertops, multicolored backsplash, glass tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Raza and Baneen purchased their home in Schaumburg IL. knowing it needed work, but they saw the incredible potential it had with its expanse of beautiful kitchen windows and spacious floor plan. The kitchen technically functioned fine, but was desperately outdated with its honey oak cabinets and plain countertops. This family loved to cook and host parties so it was an easy decision that the kitchen remodel was the first project they needed to tackle to make their home come to life. Baneen had very specific ideas for her new dream kitchen and had been thinking about it for over 10 years! When they met Advance Design’s Project Designer Claudia Pop, Baneen felt an instant connection. “From the first meeting, I knew that Claudia would guide us without putting down our ideas,” Baneen said. The couple had two fears common among remodeling home owners: Would the project be done on time? And, would the project stay on budget? Advance Design was able to alleviate their fears early on, as Claudia shared the “Common Sense Remodeling” process. Raza and Baneen absolutely loved the custom project analysis that helped them understand how a budget could be accurately predicted and then safeguarded during the design process. “Advance Design was spot on with both the budget and the project timeframe,” Baneen said. “Overall there were no surprises, and the budget was exactly what we were quoted. The experience was phenomenal, everybody was professional, everybody was courteous, everyone was nice, everyone was friendly. It wasn't stressful for us, they still left the house in a presentable state. It wasn't like we would come home and we were bring the kids in and it was going to be hazardous." After the relationship was cemented, Raza, Baneen and Claudia began to finalize the kitchen design. The main objective was to create a functional space for preparing meals and to create an inviting space for their family and friends to enjoy, while incorporating interesting design elements such as the iconic blue island and reclaimed Chicago brick walls. Sufficient storage space was really important to Baneen, and high quality appliances were a priority. As the overall layout was being completed, together they reviewed each cabinet to determine exactly what would be stored there. Because cooking was a high priority for this family, Claudia incorporated spice racks close to the range and included two mixer lift shelves for their larger countertop appliances. The focal point of the kitchen is the striking blue island constructed from custom colored Dura Supreme cabinets. Designed with decorative shelving and a highly functional prep sink. The couple loves the “galley” prep sink, it adds even more functionality and significantly shortens preparation and cleaning time. This island also includes a 24" Bosch Dishwasher with matching panel to blend in. "Aesthetically, and in terms of functionality, the island everything I imagined," Baneen said. "I love how beautiful it looks and how functional it is. It just brings everybody together." The Praa Sands Quartz countertop with an ogee edge profile provides excellent contrast by blending it's subtle tones with the outer cabinetry. It ties the island together with the rest of the space. Overlooking the beautiful backyard through spacious windows, the crisp white farmhouse sink is something that Baneen envisioned in her kitchen for years. Two tones of Dura Supreme Cabinetry were used throughout the rest of the kitchen. Chestnut Cherry cabinets grace the range and decorative range hood and as panels over the Wolf refrigerator and freezer. Antique White cabinets surround the perimeter, creating a warm balance that beckons guests into the softly rounded space. Drawing the eye immediately to the custom wood hood hiding a powerful 1,500 CFM ventilation system and spectacular 60” Duel Fuel Wolf range, a creatively patterned Tessen in Café & Brine backsplash detail stands out from the white subway tile backsplash spanning the outer walls. The vibrant space reflects the lively personality of the family who now loves spending time both cooking and enjoying this kitchen as a family. “The end result is a beautiful and extremely functional kitchen that is able to handle a growing family, lots of parties and lots of cooking,” Claudia said. “Advance Design was wonderfully professional and a pleasure to work with. They catered to what my needs and ideas were, while skillfully guiding us to make the right choices where we seemed lost,” Baneen said.

One of our happiest projects to date, the Rainbow Tile Bathroom! The homeowner designed this rainbow tile bathroom using Fireclay Tile to update the main bathroom in their vintage Portland home. As we took the bathroom down to its bare bones, it was cool to see just how many hands had worked in that space over the past 110 years. I'm proud to give this space new life that still honors the original character of the home.

View of outdoor kitchen
Inspiration for a huge timeless white two-story stone exterior home remodel in Austin

This four-story Victorian revival was amazing to see unfold; from replacing the foundation, building out the 1st floor, hoisting structural steel into place, and upgrading to in-floor radiant heat. This gorgeous “Old Lady” got all the bells and whistles. This quintessential Victorian presented itself with all the complications imaginable when bringing an early 1900’s home back to life. Our favorite task? The Custom woodwork: hand carving and installing over 200 florets to match historical home details. Anyone would be hard-pressed to see the transitions from existing to new, but we invite you to come and try for yourselves!

Photo Credits: Alex Donovan, asquaredstudio.com
Example of a beach style galley enclosed kitchen design in Boston with an undermount sink, raised-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz countertops, blue backsplash, glass tile backsplash and stainless steel appliances

Inspiration for a rustic staircase remodel in Other

Family room - transitional family room idea in Orlando