Photo by Joy von Tiedemann
Inspiration for a timeless medium tone wood floor and brown floor dining room remodel in Toronto with gray walls

Example of a large trendy multicolored two-story mixed siding flat roof design in Seattle with a metal roof

The desired final position of the bench and arbor on the upper terrace is determined.
This is an example of a mid-sized traditional partial sun backyard brick garden path in Portland Maine.

After Photo: D-Trac Construction Inc. was contracted to provide Engineering services to determine the removal of a potential load bearing wall separating the kitchen/living room areas. Upon the Engineer determining that the wall was non-load bearing, the demoliton of the kitchen/living room area was completed including the removal of the stipple ceiling throughout and going with a flat ceiling finish. Additional items include electrical upgrade for pot lighting, installation of gas line for new gas stove, installation of new cabinets, painting and trim package. Permits were obtained for the construction, electrical and gas line.

After Photo: D-Trac Construction Inc. was contracted to provide Engineering services to determine the removal of a potential load bearing wall separating the kitchen/living room areas. Upon the Engineer determining that the wall was non-load bearing, the demoliton of the kitchen/living room area was completed including the removal of the stipple ceiling throughout and going with a flat ceiling finish. Additional items include electrical upgrade for pot lighting, installation of gas line for new gas stove, installation of new cabinets, painting and trim package. Permits were obtained for the construction, electrical and gas line.

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Example of a mid-sized classic medium tone wood floor and brown floor closet design in Los Angeles

Furniture in place, for sense of place and scale. Note preliminary color rendering to determine client approval in advance of actual painting
Example of a large trendy home design design in San Diego

This client came to me requesting a concept rather than a style. After living in his home for 15 years, he wanted it to have a “beach-poolside vibe”. This made for a fun approach. Styles can have so many names and nuances that clients don’t always know exactly what style they are looking at or requesting. With a request for a concept, I just needed to determine if my approach should be literal or figurative. I came to the initial consultation with concept boards with both approaches, and it was determined that figurative was the desired approach. As the project unfolded, playfulness did too, and some literal elements were added—particularly for the pleasure of his future guests.

Inspiration for a contemporary kitchen remodel in San Diego

These temple doors determined our choices for the staging. They are classic antiques, but funky and cool at the same time. We mixed handmade elements (like the ceramics and the carved bird) with timeless pieces like the navigation chart. photo: Brendan McCarthy

At Kitchen and Bath Shop, it is our clients that share the budget of their remodeling project. Your plan, investment, and ideas will determine the pricing. We are proud of our ability to design your kitchen, bathroom or custom closets with a great attention to detail. Our customers love our designs.

Living room - transitional dark wood floor living room idea in San Francisco with beige walls, a standard fireplace, no tv and a stone fireplace

Wet bar - mid-sized modern single-wall light wood floor wet bar idea in Charleston with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, blue cabinets, quartz countertops, gray backsplash, mosaic tile backsplash and white countertops

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.”

AN INVITING BASEMENT REMODEL THE WHOLE FAMILY CAN ENJOY Are you tired of your basement being a dreary space used solely for storage? Well, it's time to transform it into a cozy and inviting area that the whole family can enjoy! A basement remodel is the perfect opportunity to create a comfortable and functional space that will add value to your home. And what better way to elevate your basement's entertainment potential than with a built-in wet bar? Get ready to raise a glass and say cheers to comfort as we dive into the details of designing a cozy basement remodel. A basement remodel can add significant value to your home and give you more space to relax. On weekends, a basement bar will surely make your home the go-to spot for get togethers with friends. Before diving into your basement remodel, it's important to assess your space and determine its potential. Take a good look at the layout, lighting, and any existing features that could enhance your design. By assessing your basement space thoroughly, you'll be one step closer to creating a cozy and inviting oasis for your family. Perhaps you can incorporate a built-in bar with a green tile backsplash or add a touch of natural beauty with a live edge wood top. The bar features warm colors, rich textures in the hand made tile and plenty of seating space for family and friends to gather around. The bar live edge countertop with Hunter green epoxy center stage in our clients basement makeover and really brings the drama. ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS FOR A FAMILY-FRIENDLY BASEMENT When designing a family-friendly basement, it's important to consider essential elements that will make the space comfortable and enjoyable for everyone. Incorporating a green epoxy flooring can add a vibrant and durable touch to your basement, making it easy to clean and perfect for kids' playtime. Additionally, consider adding ample storage solutions, cozy seating areas, and versatile lighting options to create a space that is functional, inviting, and perfect for family gatherings and entertainment.

This Houston kitchen remodel turned an outdated bachelor pad into a contemporary dream fit for newlyweds. The client wanted a contemporary, somewhat commercial look, but also something homey with a comfy, family feel. And they couldn't go too contemporary, since the style of the home is so traditional. The clean, contemporary, white-black-and-grey color scheme is just the beginning of this transformation from the previous kitchen, The revamped 20-by-15-foot kitchen and adjoining dining area also features new stainless steel appliances by Maytag, lighting and furnishings by Restoration Hardware and countertops in white Carrara marble and Absolute Black honed granite. The paneled oak cabinets are now painted a crisp, bright white and finished off with polished nickel pulls. The center island is now a cool grey a few shades darker than the warm grey on the walls. On top of the grey on the new sheetrock, previously covered in a camel-colored textured paint, is Sherwin Williams' Faux Impressions sparkly "Striae Quartz Stone." Ho-hum 12-inch ceramic floor tiles with a western motif border have been replaced with grey tile "planks" resembling distressed wood. An oak-paneled flush-mount light fixture has given way to recessed lights and barn pendant lamps in oil rubbed bronze from Restoration Hardware. And the section housing clunky upper and lower banks of cabinets between the kitchen an dining area now has a sleek counter-turned-table with custom-milled legs. At first, the client wanted to open up that section altogether, but then realized they needed more counter space. The table - a continuation of the granite countertop - was the perfect solution. Plus, it offered space for extra seating. The black, high-back and low-back bar stools are also from Restoration Hardware - as is the new round chandelier and the dining table over which it hangs. Outdoor Homescapes of Houston also took out a wall between the kitchen and living room and remodeled the adjoining living room as well. A decorative cedar beam stained Minwax Jacobean now spans the ceiling where the wall once stood. The oak paneling and stairway railings in the living room, meanwhile, also got a coat of white paint and new window treatments and light fixtures from Restoration Hardware. Staining the top handrailing with the same Jacobean dark stain, however, boosted the new contemporary look even more. The outdoor living space also got a revamp, with a new patio ceiling also stained Jacobean and new outdoor furniture and outdoor area rug from Restoration Hardware. The furniture is from the Klismos collection, in weathered zinc, with Sunbrella fabric in the color "Smoke."

Originally a nearly three-story tall 1920’s European-styled home was turned into a modern villa for work and home. A series of low concrete retaining wall planters and steps gradually takes you up to the second level entry, grounding or anchoring the house into the site, as does a new wrap around veranda and trellis. Large eave overhangs on the upper roof were designed to give the home presence and were accented with a Mid-century orange color. The new master bedroom addition white box creates a better sense of entry and opens to the wrap around veranda at the opposite side. Inside the owners live on the lower floor and work on the upper floor with the garage basement for storage, archives and a ceramics studio. New windows and open spaces were created for the graphic designer owners; displaying their mid-century modern furnishings collection. A lot of effort went into attempting to lower the house visually by bringing the ground plane higher with the concrete retaining wall planters, steps, wrap around veranda and trellis, and the prominent roof with exaggerated overhangs. That the eaves were painted orange is a cool reflection of the owner’s Dutch heritage. Budget was a driver for the project and it was determined that the footprint of the home should have minimal extensions and that the new windows remain in the same relative locations as the old ones. Wall removal was utilized versus moving and building new walls where possible. Photo Credit: John Sutton Photography.

At Kitchen and Bath Shop, it is our clients that share the budget of their remodeling project. Your plan, investment, and ideas will determine the pricing. We are proud of our ability to design your kitchen, bathroom or custom closets with a great attention to detail. Our customers love our designs.

CAMBRIA QUARTZ SURFACE: Island with waterfall sides. Not bookmatched at seams. Muscular currents of gray, black, and white surge like tumbling river currents trying to break free from the determined grasp of rocky banks.