After a not-so-great experience with a previous contractor, this homeowner came to Kraft Custom Construction in search of a better outcome. Not only was she wanting a more functional kitchen to enjoy cooking in, she also sought out a team with a clear process and great communication. Two elements of the original floorplan shaped the design of the new kitchen: a protruding pantry that blocked the flow from the front door into the main living space, and two large columns in the middle of the living room. Using a refined French-Country design aesthetic, we completed structural modifications to reframe the pantry, and integrated a new custom buffet cabinet to tie in the old columns with new wood ceiling beams. Other design solutions include more usable countertop space, a recessed spice cabinet, numerous drawer organizers, and updated appliances and finishes all around. This bright new kitchen is both comfortable yet elegant, and the perfect place to cook for the family or entertain a group of guests.

Kitchen - traditional kitchen idea in Other

From the playful colors and patterns in the bathroom to the lightly romantic feel in the nursery, this space is a breath of fresh air. Photographed by Bethany Nauert

Beautiful Home for Sale Near Boquete is the Perfect Panama Real Estate Emerald Drive subdivision is located in El Frances, about 20 km (12 miles) south of downtown Boquete at the midpoint between Boquete and David. This beautiful split level open concept home features all-tiled 3 bedroom, 2.5 bathrooms, a carport for 2-cars and sits on a 1,000m² (.25 acre). It is bounded on the back and sides by a rock wall. Total construction size is 260m², as follows: According to title Open construction area 62m² (667sf²); includes huge partially enclosed tiled and covered back terrace and front carport alongside a huge tiled and stylish veranda. Closed construction area 177m2 (1,905ft²) for the internal living area Added 2 years ago External cement pad with river rock exterior attached to house 5.639m X 3.658m or 21m² (18.5ft X 12ft or 222ft²) for utility storage/backup water tank & filtration system Bedrooms and Bathrooms Back and middle bedrooms come with custom made storage cabinets, drawers and clothes closets. Master Bedroom – 4.724m X 3.912m (15’6” X 12’10”) with 24,000BTU split unit A/C Master Bedroom walk-in closet – 4.267m X 2.235m (7’4” X 14’) with 4 custom made clothes closets, drawers and storage shelves. Master Bathroom – 4.267m X 2.667 (8’9”x14’) with glass enclosed shower, garden style tub, 2 sink vanity and custom made cabinets and drawers Back Bedroom – 3.454m X 3.962m (11’4” X 13’) Middle Bedroom – 3.962m X 3.327m (13’ X 10’11”) Middle Bathroom – 1.956m X 3.937m (6’5” X 12’11”); all tile floor and vanity, custom made cabinets and drawers, huge open walk-in tiled shower. Ceiling was recently replaced with stylish PVC. Living Room, Kitchen, and Dining Room Open concept with a 2-step down split level from living to dining room (and a single step down to back bedrooms). The living room and dining room are separated by tastefully placed columns. The living room and dining room feature custom made drapes. The living room has a 36,000BTU inverter split unit that cools most of the house when needed. The kitchen was completely remodeled about 6 months ago with custom designed cabinets, all-tiled counter tops, and an over-the-stove smoke extractor ventilated to the outside. In addition, ceiling was replaced with stylish PVC. The kitchen features a Samsung French-style refrigerator and an electric ceramic top stove. Living room – 5.131m X 4.978m (16’10” X 16’4”) Dining room – 4.978m X 4.013m (16’4” X 13’2”) Kitchen – 3.759m X 4.521m (12’4” X 14’10”) House Amenities Security – In the front, two custom-built solid metal security doors with keys that cannot be duplicated. – In the back, an outside custom built sliding door with metal security bars and a sliding glass door on the inside. Each door requires a key. – Additional aesthetically designed metal bars have been installed on all existing metal security windows providing a more hardened and enhanced security posture. – Infrastructure (wiring and conduit) has been installed and ready for the security system of your choice – Community has an active Vecinos Vigilantes program and daily police patrols. Neighbors communicate in real time via Whatsapp on two channels. In this community, neighbors know neighbors and who belongs here and who does not belong here. Electric – A whole-house surge protector has been installed at the electrical junction box to protect against lightning strikes. Each A/C unit also has an additional surge protector at the electrical outlet. – Water – Whole house water filtration system with five filters – 3 cartridge, 1 charcoal, and a UV sterilization filter. In addition, this water system features a 1,000 gallon backup water tank and a jet pump to maintain constant pressure. System is still under warranty. – Every room has a ceiling fan. – Internet and cable TV service is provided by Cableonda via a fiber optic connection with the promise of 100mb down and about 8-10 up. Outside Amenities Roof was cleaned and resealed about 2 months. About 29m (95ft) of custom-designed cement planters with river rock exteriors border the house. You’ll find flowers, tomatoes, spinach, herbs and other vegetation growing year round. In front of the cement planters, you’ll find about 25 meters (80ft) of cement walkways to step on during rainy season. In fact, you can maneuver nearly all around the back and sides of the house, work in the cement planters and not get your feet muddy. A custom water drainage system was designed and installed for this property. It routes most rain water from the roof to the roadside drainage system. It works very well. Out and about in the backyard, you’ll find some young fruit trees to include guanabana, (2) limón, melocotón, mangustin, and fig. We also have several active guandu bushes (pigeon peas) to add to your rice or feed your parrot. You’ll also find a small moringa tree, along with some eucalyptus, salvia, and artemisa bushes. The property has been maintained by the same gardener for over 7 years.

Most shades, blinds or curtains allow some type of light through when they are closed which can be very frustrating, especially if you’re trying to take a nap or enjoying a movie in a home theater. Or with the kids being back in school, it’s sometimes hard to get them to bed early with the evening light shining in the room. We have a solution. That is what blackout window treatments were made for. You can get a variety of products as “blackout”, such as; curtains, shades, blinds, roman shades, honeycomb shades, roller shades, vertical shades, and specialty shades (silhouette, pirouette, luminette). We work with clients in the Central Indiana Area. Contact us today to get started on your project. 317-273-8343

Mallorca in Wrought Iron by Shaw Floors.
Mid-sized elegant master carpeted and multicolored floor bedroom photo in Orange County with beige walls and no fireplace

The homeowner's custom stained glass shines over a farmhouse sink. Dave Adams Photography
Kitchen pantry - small modern galley concrete floor kitchen pantry idea in Sacramento with a farmhouse sink, open cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, quartz countertops and stainless steel appliances

Example of a french country kitchen design in Other

What man cave wouldn’t be complete without a bar? Complete this area with a custom keg hook up and lots of extra space for mixing cocktails or storing that special scotch and rocks glasses! Extra storage around the bar is perfect for storing humidors with your gent’s favorite cigars and all of the supplies that go along with it. The best part about this space is it can double as a work station for those early Saturday morning projects.

After a not-so-great experience with a previous contractor, this homeowner came to Kraft Custom Construction in search of a better outcome. Not only was she wanting a more functional kitchen to enjoy cooking in, she also sought out a team with a clear process and great communication. Two elements of the original floorplan shaped the design of the new kitchen: a protruding pantry that blocked the flow from the front door into the main living space, and two large columns in the middle of the living room. Using a refined French-Country design aesthetic, we completed structural modifications to reframe the pantry, and integrated a new custom buffet cabinet to tie in the old columns with new wood ceiling beams. Other design solutions include more usable countertop space, a recessed spice cabinet, numerous drawer organizers, and updated appliances and finishes all around. This bright new kitchen is both comfortable yet elegant, and the perfect place to cook for the family or entertain a group of guests.

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.”

Client Testimonial from project: John just completed my master bathroom gut as well as refinishing my hardwood floors and powder bath remodel. I can't say enough about John and his team. He is quick to respond, trustworthy, organized, timely, and does beautiful work. I'm an interior designer, so I know exactly how I want the finished project to look and John delivered exactly what I wanted down to the tiniest detail. My master bath was a complicated project with lots of custom details and he came up with creative ways to implement such a design. It was nice to leave on several week long vacations and not only trust that my house and belongings were safe and watched after, but also to be able to see the progress that he documented daily with photos and notes on BuilderTrend - a website that he uses to communicate with clients. I will most certainly use Ammirato Construction in the future, and well as recommend them to clients and friends. Virtual Imagery 360 Photography

Sandra Brannock from Expert Kitchen Designs was in charge of restoring this historic farm house. Pennville's Parisian Inset seemed like the perfect style for this space. This communication center was an excellent use of a small space.

Our clients loved the location of their duplex home with its peak-a-boo ocean view, but their existing kitchen was not suited for their growing family. They wanted a kitchen with a coastal vibe, plenty of storage space, and an eat-in area. We started by bringing the far wall into the kitchen space to accommodate a large panty and communication center for the family. Doing this allowed us to move the refrigerator out of the main traffic area and doubled the amount of storage space. Several new windows were added to bring in natural light. A half wall was moved to allow more countertop area and open up sight lines. The previously awkwardly shaped island was slimmed down to create better flow. There were a few venting challenges to overcome; gas lines and plumbing had to be re-routed without disturbing the unit below. To open up sight lines, soffits were eliminated which allowed the extension of cabinets to the ceiling. To stay within the homeowner’s budget, we match existing scraped flooring by lacing in and repairing patches. The old dining area was too small for table, so we designed and built a custom banquette to maximize the space and take advantage of the outdoor views. The overall space works for family meals as well as entertaining. A light summer palette was used to reflect the shades of the sand, sea and sky. Even though the new kitchen is actually smaller than the original space, its now far more functional and open.

Interior Design | Jeanne Campana Design Contractor | Artistic Contracting Photography | Kyle J. Caldwell
Example of a huge transitional master medium tone wood floor and brown floor bedroom design in New York with gray walls, a standard fireplace and a tile fireplace

Our clients loved the location of their duplex home with its peak-a-boo ocean view, but their existing kitchen was not suited for their growing family. They wanted a kitchen with a coastal vibe, plenty of storage space, and an eat-in area. We started by bringing the far wall into the kitchen space to accommodate a large panty and communication center for the family. Doing this allowed us to move the refrigerator out of the main traffic area and doubled the amount of storage space. Several new windows were added to bring in natural light. A half wall was moved to allow more countertop area and open up sight lines. The previously awkwardly shaped island was slimmed down to create better flow. There were a few venting challenges to overcome; gas lines and plumbing had to be re-routed without disturbing the unit below. To open up sight lines, soffits were eliminated which allowed the extension of cabinets to the ceiling. To stay within the homeowner’s budget, we match existing scraped flooring by lacing in and repairing patches. The old dining area was too small for table, so we designed and built a custom banquette to maximize the space and take advantage of the outdoor views. The overall space works for family meals as well as entertaining. A light summer palette was used to reflect the shades of the sand, sea and sky. Even though the new kitchen is actually smaller than the original space, its now far more functional and open.

Example of a classic entryway design in DC Metro

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.

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.