Decor Began - Photos & Ideas

Bud Kane has remodeled nearly every room in his own home over many years. Now reaching his 70’s, he contemplated heading up a major kitchen and laundry room renovation himself, planning on doing the carpentry work with his own hands. “I was not convinced I would ever meet anyone who could do it as well as I could do it myself”, said Bud. Ruth and Bud spent 5 years visiting kitchen firms and interviewing designers. They couldn’t however bring themselves to pull the trigger on the project, until they met Advance Design Studio in 2015. “No one understood what I wanted”, said Ruth. She was continually frustrated by experiences with designers who weren’t hearing what was important to her. “Everyone kept designing my kitchen with what they thought it should look like; I couldn’t find anyone who would listen to me”! When they met designer Scott Christensen from Advance Design Studio, they liked him right away. He listened to Ruth and designed a kitchen that she loved, all the while interjecting years of wisdom and design expertise that Ruth appreciated. “The finished product is better than I expected”, says Ruth. “I respected Scott’s opinions and together we created the perfect place for me to bake with my grandkids and truly enjoy the kitchen and laundry room I’ve been dreaming of for many years!” The kitchen transformation began with removing the home’s soffits, and extending new painted maple cabinetry to the ceiling with the addition of an elegant crown molding. Ruth’s new Vita Mix holds a coveted place on her counter, and adjustments were planned to size the cabinets in conjunction with the under cabinet decorative light molding to fit this appliance just right. “This one small detail was really important to me”, says Ruth smiling. An elegant new island replaced the original island, complete with room for 3 stools where her grandchildren will sit to make home-made pasta every Thanksgiving, and cookies at Christmas time. “Traditions are very important in my family, and making my kitchen work to suit cherished activities with my family was the number one reason this renovation was so desired”, replied Ruth when asked about the island. A picture perfect new tea station replaced a cluttered unused desk area, creating a wonderful place to prepare hot drinks for sipping any season of the year while overlooking the couple’s wonderfully manicured gardens from the lovely 3 season’s room just off the kitchen. The soft sage island bead panel detail was repeated on the backsplash, replicating the feel of a fine old piece of furniture. The biggest problem with the laundry room was 3 doors, one from the garage, one from the closet, and one to the hallway. “Scott designed a pocket door, and oh what a dream it is now to bring groceries in from the garage!” exclaims Bud who grew to disdain this task! Doing laundry is now a breeze in this attractive new space that doubles as a wonderful pantry for the kitchen with room to store food items that didn’t have a home in the poorly designed original space. New Hickory distressed wood flooring was laid both in the kitchen and leading to the hall foyer. Soft gray wood-replicating porcelain was placed in the laundry area, making for an easily cleanable surface for what doubles as a mud room from the garage. Creamy tumbled marble graces an unobtrusive backsplash spilling onto shiny granite counter tops in a rich earthy pattern of fall colors that mimic colors throughout the home. Advance is known details that included custom crafted furniture toe kicks, luxurious crown moldings, and beaded under cabinet moldings. The kitchen is complete with a glass display cabinet showing Ruth’s treasured china tea collection. Early on, it was initially only their intention of purchasing cabinets for the new design. They were so impressed however with Advance Design’s complete program for budgeting, design, installation and management that it became clear to them both that they wanted Advance to handle the entire project from start to finish. “After seeing the quality work they did, coupled with the in-house team completely dedicated to our satisfaction, it became apparent there was no other choice but to hire them to handle everything. And we’re so glad we did, we have not one regret”, says Bud. “The attention to detail by the carpentry crew more than satisfied my perfectionist expectations of the finished carpentry,” exclaimed Bud. “Every one of Advance Design’s people we encountered from design through construction was wonderful. We’ve never met a group of people so dedicated to making sure we were happy with every single detail, and every single part of this experience”, said Ruth and Bud. Designer: Scott Christensen Photographer: Joe Nowak

Cascais Residence

Lola Cwikowski Studio

An Ohio family in search of a place to enjoy the Portuguese coast acquired a four-bedroom apartment just outside the center of Cascais. Our studio was engaged to turn a compartmented interior into a holiday residence for a household that gathers in numbers: one that could seat everyone at once and still hold the ease and lightness of a home by the beach. The original plan included a kitchen and laundry room sealed off from the living room, floor finishes and levels that changed from threshold to threshold, and bathrooms in varying styles. Work began by redefining the alignments and circulation. The principal transformation was the opening of the kitchen, creating a more generous social setting centered on a bespoke island fitted with storage and seating. The interior takes its cues from the building’s geometric façade, which projects and recedes in volumes and voids. Bespoke joinery in oak and lacquer carries continuity and order through the apartment. Concealed storage runs throughout: at the entrance, in the dining area, along the living area, and beneath built-in benches. The laundry is merged into the kitchen behind perforated doors for ventilation while keeping the service area discreet. Behind the sofa, a console slips a workspace into the living area without conceding its openness. Curved elements answer the rectilinear architecture; artisanal glazed vertical tiles repeat from the backsplashes onto custom side tables. The palette stays deliberately narrow; the muted oak and lacquer are joined by a softened timber floor, Portuguese Lioz stone, and walls painted to the color of bare plaster. Existing doors and baseboards were repainted in a warm light gray that draws the original elements into the language of the new interior. Upholstery and decorative accents hint at the terracotta, sky blue, and yellow of the façade. The bedrooms are set with upholstered headboards on oak frames, bedside tables that extend those outlines, and wardrobes fit for a long stay. Locally made rugs, bedcovers, and throw pillows soften the composition. In the bathrooms, the plans were reorganized and the showers enlarged. Lioz was used for the counters and sinks, shelves, shower bases, and bathtub surround, with microcement bringing a soothing warmth to the walls, and storage in floating cabinets. Deeper in tone than the rest of the apartment yet never dim, they are quietly elegant rooms made for lingering — taking one’s time getting ready, or unwinding at the end of a day. PHOTOGRAPHY: © ALEXANDER BOGORODSKIY

No Place Like (Highland Park) Home

Jamie Schachtel Design Group

What a joy to bring this exciting renovation to a loyal client: a family of 6 that has called this Highland Park house, “home” for over 25 years. This relationship began in 2017 when we designed their living room, girls’ bedrooms, powder room, and in-home office. We were thrilled when they entrusted us again with their kitchen, family room, dining room, and laundry area design. Their first floor became our JSDG playground… Our priority was to bring fresh, flowing energy to the family’s first floor. We started by removing partial walls to create a more open floor plan and transformed a once huge fireplace into a modern bar set up. We reconfigured a stunning, ventless fireplace and oriented it floor to ceiling tile in the family room. Our second priority was to create an outdoor space for safe socializing during the pandemic, as we executed this project during the thick of it. We designed the entire outdoor area with the utmost intention and consulted on the gorgeous outdoor paint selections. Stay tuned for photos of this outdoors space on the site soon! Overall, this project was a true labor of love. We are grateful to again bring beauty, flow and function to this beloved client’s warm home.

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Harrisburg, PA Spa-calm, Age-ready, & Storage Smart Bathroom Remodel

Stacey Kocevar Designs, LLC

This bathroom began as two separate, outdated spaces that didn’t work well for the homeowners’ current or future needs. By combining them, we created one larger, highly functional room designed for aging in place. A curbless walk‑in shower with a fold‑down seat, grab bars, and a linear drain provides safe, comfortable everyday use, while a deep soaking tub offers a place to relax. A double vanity with charcoal cabinetry, quartz countertops, and ample storage keeps the room organized, and soft blue walls, wood accents, and backlit mirrors give the space a calm, spa‑like feel that will stay timeless for years.

Lakeside Retreat

User

This project was a whole home renovation. When we began, the home was only framed so the homeowner was able to pick out all of the decor and colors throughout the home.

N Tripp Avenue Remodel

Arete Renovators Inc.

Amazing bathroom renovation and home remodel. A fresh start for the home began with the renovation of bedrooms and spaces to fill with personalized decor and memories. The bathroom remodel is a perfect place to rest and relax. The stunning stone tile differentiations from the wall to the shower to the floor allow for cohesive contrast and when paired with the stunning gold fixtures creates an oasis for the client.

Homey + Open Design

Pamela Harvey Interiors

We began this beautiful project at the pre-build stage with our clients and managed it from beginning to end. This project is luxury condo living on a golf course. Our client loved all shades of blues, and we incorporated them in each and every room throughout the home. The classy furnishings and cozy decor create a warm, inviting ambience. At the reveal, the wife shared that "I feel like Barbie, and this is my DREAMHOUSE!" --- Pamela Harvey Interiors offers interior design services in St. Petersburg and Tampa, and throughout Florida’s Suncoast area, from Tarpon Springs to Naples, including Bradenton, Lakewood Ranch, and Sarasota. For more about Pamela Harvey Interiors, see here: https://www.pamelaharveyinteriors.com/ To learn more about this project, see here: https://www.pamelaharveyinteriors.com/portfolio-galleries/naples-golf-course-overlook-naples-fl

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Somerset, OH

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Israel's Guest Bathroom Reno

Phoenix Home Remodeling

Israel's guest bathroom had an outdated appearance that needed updating. The worn-out finishes and antiquated decor were no longer functional and needed a contemporary touch. Israel began the renovation project with the goal of seamlessly combining aesthetics and functionality. His goal was to optimize the space while sticking to the same layout as well as add modern elements with a welcoming ambiance. The old vanity was removed, as well as the half wall that separated the toilet from the vanity area. Israel selected sleek brushed nickel fixtures which added a luxury hotel vibe to the bathroom. Israel chose a Pearl Jasmine Quartz Countertop, a LED Lighted Mirror, and a Cassandra Vanity Light to add the desired modern upgrade he hoped for.

Blue Victorian Vineyard with Event Hall

User

The client purchased a mature, small, NAPA Valley vineyard to be their home and for personal enjoyment. Once they began converting their new "hobby" grapes into wine, they soon realized they needed a place to "age" their labors and a place to then enjoy them. They decided to design such a place within the confines of their home where they could entertain family and friends. The structure was modified to allow storage of more than 200 individual bottles, cases, and magnum size bottles. A cask room was added as was a well-appointed tasting room. The storage area is separated from the tasting and social area by a tempered glass doors and windows. The space to be converted was a challenge. No surface was plumb or level, therefore, the remodel involved interior walls, new floors and ceilings. Until these issues were addressed, the beautiful cabinet work, and a complete temperature and humidity control system to store, maintain, and enjoy the wine could not be started. The floors had to be floated out and chases with faux finishes provided for HVAC and electrical. Lighting in the tasting room is provided by a series of recessed and puck lights. The bar/counter area is highlighted by a custom, Tiffany style chandelier. Enough space was left in front of the bar to accommodate two serving tables for food and snacks, with plenty of room to move about the space. Discreetly hidden behind the bar is a large capacity cooler that can chill several bottles at once. The bar is capped with eight lineal feet of Calcutta Gold Marble and sports a brass foot rail. The bar has grape panels between Acanthus Corbels and the bottle storage cabinet areas are a unique blend of Acanthus overlays under precisely cut and mitered grape design crown molding over and around a cleverly designed bottle storage system. Traffic flow is achieved through the multiple points of entry through any of three pairs of 6' custom double doors which, when weather permitting, can remain open while entertaining. The host and hostess can attend food and beverage service from behind and around the bar through a separate doorway. The temperature controlled cask storage area is large enough for the clients' current needs, and can accommodate a larger number of casks should the need arise. The floor and walls of the cask room are designed for easy maintenance.. Both rooms are delightfully decorated with earthen tone faux finishes on walls, ceilings and floors reminiscent of a nonspecific European wine making region. This effect is extended to the soffits in the tasting room. A unique wine racking system is easily stored, providing even greater ability to maintain and move about the storage area.

Award-Winning Historic Porch Restoration- Left Angle View

Kraft Custom Construction

When we first saw this 1850's farmhouse, the porch was dangerously fragile and falling apart. It had an unstable foundation; rotting columns, handrails, and stairs; and the ceiling had a sag in it, indicating a potential structural problem. The homeowner's goal was to create a usable outdoor living space, while maintaining and respecting the architectural integrity of the home. We began by shoring up the porch roof structure so we could completely deconstruct the porch itself and what was left of its foundation. From the ground up, we rebuilt the whole structure, reusing as much of the original materials and millwork as possible. Because many of the 170-year-old decorative profiles aren't readily available today, our team of carpenters custom milled the majority of the new corbels, dentil molding, posts, and balusters. The porch was finished with some new lighting, composite decking, and a tongue-and-groove ceiling. The end result is a charming outdoor space for the homeowners to welcome guests, and enjoy the views of the old growth trees surrounding the home.

Custom Outdoor Fireplaces

Fireplace Concepts North America

This custom fireplace design was client's vision that came to life and accomplished what the client desired, which was to provide a focal point in the room and add warmth to the space. The fireplace features dramatic and vibrant real fire flame and is especially enjoable because of its location in the room and because there is no glass installed around it. This custom fireplace is designed with three open sides and two linear ribbon flame fires about thirty six inches long, covered with crushed black glass to enhance flame pattern. Collection hood was installed and suspended at the top, which connected to proper-sized vent system and power vent fan to ensure proper draft. This appliance is a custom built decorative gas fireplace. The custom outdoor fireplace is rated for use with propane only and exhausts through a power vented 14” B-vent flue. The fireplace controls are designed to ensure that the exhaust fan has established an adequate draft via a pressure switch prior to initiating the pilot gas ignition sequence. This custom fireplace was approved by to the requirements contained in ANSI Z21.50-2014 “Vented Gas Fireplaces” standard. The investigation began on April 19, 2016 and concluded on April 29, 2016. The following non-destructive tests required by the applicable product standard were conducted with satisfactory results. Interlock systems Input manifold pressures Temperature Functionality The main burner tray is made of 16 gauge low carbon steel. Burners are easily removable, without the use of special tools, for repair and cleaning. The burner tray is readily accessible and designed so that one person can perform the removal and replacement unassisted. The burner is installed in a granite surround which is capable of supporting more than 300 lbs. The fireplace has an induced draft and the design is such as to prevent gas flow to the main burners and pilot burners in the event the blower providing the draft becomes inoperative. A pressure switch is used to achieve this. All controls are accessible for normal servicing and functional adjustment in position and are replaceable during normal servicing. Removal of an access panel to secure access to the control compartment is employed. Each appliance is equipped with an automatic gas ignition system which provides for ignition of main burner gas by means of proved pilot. If the presence of the pilot is not proved, automatic shut-off of pilot and main burner gas. The design of the custom fireplace is such that the flue gases from all burners are carried out of the appliance through a single flue outlet. The fireplace is equipped with a vent safety shut-off system designed to shut off main burner gas in the event the appliance venting system is blocked. The pressure switch device complies with a nationally recognized standard. The design of an electrically operated vent damper device and the control system are such that the damper is in the open position at all times that gas is flowing to the main burner. The firepalce is equipped with an automatic valve which controls both the pilot burner and the main gas.