Search results for "Discover specialized" in Home Design Ideas

This penthouse condo in Raven Woods is home to an adventurous, nature-loving couple. With their children grown and starting families of their own, Jeremy and Cynthia (names changed) chose to downsize their livable space and “upsize” in quality and luxury.
The couple hired us to help them achieve several well-defined goals: feeling immersed and connected to nature, having warm and welcoming spaces to host their family and friends, and selecting pieces that would support local makers and artisans. (If you know me, you know that nature, connection, and community are some of my most important values, personally and professionally — the perfect fit!)
Using our comprehensive design process, we spent months designing, procuring, and installing their new, long-time home. The resulting spaces are breathtaking, creating a daily living experience that is full of serenity and bliss.
Welcoming & Bright Home with Forest Views:
Ahhh… can you imagine coming home to a space as bright and soothing as this one? To find inspiration for this home’s interiors, we needed to look no further than out the windows, where mountain views greet us to the north and the ocean beckons from the south.
Paying homage to their locale, we curated a colour palette of subtle blues and grays, warm-toned woods, and natural materials, all set against a crisp, white backdrop. These help us create a seamless visual transition between the interior and exterior. Let’s start our tour in the living area…
A Cozy Living Area with Warmth & Dimension:
In the living area, the fireplace was the starting point for the design, as it determined the size of the space and the scale of our furnishings. To keep this area feeling cozy but not crowded, we selected this soft ottoman to serve as a table surface with a tray or as additional seating when Jeremy and Cynthia host guests. (Multi-purpose items are one of the 5 elements of The Simple Home.)
Additional textures — the sofa, upholstered swivel chairs, pillows, and ceramic wall art reminiscent of sand dollars — offer further depth and dimension in this simple yet layered space. The result is a cozy living room area perfect for a relaxing read on an overcast day or a social evening by the fire.
While daunting at first, this home’s small and open footprint offered a special opportunity for us to design thoughtful “zones”. To create a defined living space, we used an area rug to establish a border and situated the larger seating (the sofa) on the right. Its visual weight serves as a grounding barrier that naturally separates the living and dining areas.
Overhead, the centrally located brass and glass chandelier serves as another focal point, making the entire living area feel like one unit. Last but not least…
Styled with tall decorative lamps, this light oak and rattan console sits just behind the sofa, creating an additional visual barrier between the living and dining areas. We styled it with accessories that complement the overall palette, and it has the added benefit of providing storage right where Jeremy and Cynthia need it, the dining area.
An Art-Infused Dining Area:
The dining area is warm, woodsy, and filled with locally sourced art that Jeremy and Cynthia love. Next to the console is a custom textile piece from Vancouver artist, With Strings Attached, that mimics the scenic, mountain backdrop. The blue hues of the piece work in harmony with the warm wood dining table, cool gray upholstered chairs, and neutral stools at the kitchen bar.
On the other side of the space, is Jeremy’s and Cynthia’s favourite piece, a commissioned work of art by local maker, Katie Napier. Carefully positioned in a central location and framed by two modern sconces, this piece captures the feel of gentle waters on a misty day and evokes calm.
Other curated pieces include this rectangular vessel centrepiece by sculptural artist, Martha Sturdy, bearing a stunning moss arrangement by Soul Roots Moss Art. As this couple can attest, a treasured memento or piece of art can transform your space and your mood, transporting you to a relaxed and peaceful state.
A Bedroom Full of Light & Texture:
This beautiful bedroom is another manifestation of Jeremy and Cynthia’s favourite experiences: hiking the rainforest trails and enjoying the spray of the sea. The blue-and-green branching pattern found in the window treatments and pillows ground the space, while bright turquoise lamps — akin to sea glass — infuse the room with a touch of coastal vibrance.
Similar to the living area, we added comfort through texture and warm tones, incorporating oak end tables, natural woven wall decor above the headboard, knitted ottomans at the foot of the bed, a textured duvet, and an extra plush area rug.
A Loft Inspired by Flora & Fauna:
For the loft space, we moved away from coastal elements and decided to ground the space in the more earthy elements of nature: flora and fauna. We selected an umber-hued sofa complemented by floral decorative pillows and walls adorned with botanical prints by Heather Johnston.
This multi-purpose space serves as a reprieve for our clients to read, practice yoga, and relax. Alternatively, a Frame TV intentionally meant to blend as art allows the space to function as a secondary entertainment space or a place for their granddaughter to play and sleep over.
Praise from Our Clients:
This home’s small footprint pushed us to be more resourceful in our furniture sourcing and more creative in our space planning. The result is a home as livable, beautiful, and intentional as any larger home would be. Most importantly, Jeremy and Cynthia love it!
“Lori listened to our love of nature and designed our condo reflecting that love. It is beautiful, serene, and welcoming. We couldn't be happier.”
If you’re ready to uncover the hidden potential in your home, that is what we do best. Contact us here or download our complimentary guide below to discover more.

Chilipics Photography
Large minimalist wooden l-shaped staircase photo in Atlanta with wooden risers
Large minimalist wooden l-shaped staircase photo in Atlanta with wooden risers

Tony Colangelo Photography. Paul Hofmann Construction Ltd.
Example of a mid-sized urban l-shaped carpeted and gray floor home bar design in Vancouver with an undermount sink, concrete countertops, gray backsplash and porcelain backsplash
Example of a mid-sized urban l-shaped carpeted and gray floor home bar design in Vancouver with an undermount sink, concrete countertops, gray backsplash and porcelain backsplash
Find the right local pro for your project

Covered bench.
Image by Stephen Brousseau.
Small back porch photo in Seattle with a roof extension
Small back porch photo in Seattle with a roof extension

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.”

Photography by Liz Linder (www.lizlinder.com)
This is an example of a traditional landscaping in Boston.
This is an example of a traditional landscaping in Boston.

Eric Lucero Photography
Garage workshop - large industrial attached one-car garage workshop idea in Denver
Garage workshop - large industrial attached one-car garage workshop idea in Denver

Architec Dimitar Karanikolov y Veneta Nikolova
Example of an urban staircase design in Valencia
Example of an urban staircase design in Valencia

This penthouse condo in Raven Woods is home to an adventurous, nature-loving couple. With their children grown and starting families of their own, Jeremy and Cynthia (names changed) chose to downsize their livable space and “upsize” in quality and luxury.
The couple hired us to help them achieve several well-defined goals: feeling immersed and connected to nature, having warm and welcoming spaces to host their family and friends, and selecting pieces that would support local makers and artisans. (If you know me, you know that nature, connection, and community are some of my most important values, personally and professionally — the perfect fit!)
Using our comprehensive design process, we spent months designing, procuring, and installing their new, long-time home. The resulting spaces are breathtaking, creating a daily living experience that is full of serenity and bliss.
Welcoming & Bright Home with Forest Views:
Ahhh… can you imagine coming home to a space as bright and soothing as this one? To find inspiration for this home’s interiors, we needed to look no further than out the windows, where mountain views greet us to the north and the ocean beckons from the south.
Paying homage to their locale, we curated a colour palette of subtle blues and grays, warm-toned woods, and natural materials, all set against a crisp, white backdrop. These help us create a seamless visual transition between the interior and exterior. Let’s start our tour in the living area…
A Cozy Living Area with Warmth & Dimension:
In the living area, the fireplace was the starting point for the design, as it determined the size of the space and the scale of our furnishings. To keep this area feeling cozy but not crowded, we selected this soft ottoman to serve as a table surface with a tray or as additional seating when Jeremy and Cynthia host guests. (Multi-purpose items are one of the 5 elements of The Simple Home.)
Additional textures — the sofa, upholstered swivel chairs, pillows, and ceramic wall art reminiscent of sand dollars — offer further depth and dimension in this simple yet layered space. The result is a cozy living room area perfect for a relaxing read on an overcast day or a social evening by the fire.
While daunting at first, this home’s small and open footprint offered a special opportunity for us to design thoughtful “zones”. To create a defined living space, we used an area rug to establish a border and situated the larger seating (the sofa) on the right. Its visual weight serves as a grounding barrier that naturally separates the living and dining areas.
Overhead, the centrally located brass and glass chandelier serves as another focal point, making the entire living area feel like one unit. Last but not least…
Styled with tall decorative lamps, this light oak and rattan console sits just behind the sofa, creating an additional visual barrier between the living and dining areas. We styled it with accessories that complement the overall palette, and it has the added benefit of providing storage right where Jeremy and Cynthia need it, the dining area.
An Art-Infused Dining Area:
The dining area is warm, woodsy, and filled with locally sourced art that Jeremy and Cynthia love. Next to the console is a custom textile piece from Vancouver artist, With Strings Attached, that mimics the scenic, mountain backdrop. The blue hues of the piece work in harmony with the warm wood dining table, cool gray upholstered chairs, and neutral stools at the kitchen bar.
On the other side of the space, is Jeremy’s and Cynthia’s favourite piece, a commissioned work of art by local maker, Katie Napier. Carefully positioned in a central location and framed by two modern sconces, this piece captures the feel of gentle waters on a misty day and evokes calm.
Other curated pieces include this rectangular vessel centrepiece by sculptural artist, Martha Sturdy, bearing a stunning moss arrangement by Soul Roots Moss Art. As this couple can attest, a treasured memento or piece of art can transform your space and your mood, transporting you to a relaxed and peaceful state.
A Bedroom Full of Light & Texture:
This beautiful bedroom is another manifestation of Jeremy and Cynthia’s favourite experiences: hiking the rainforest trails and enjoying the spray of the sea. The blue-and-green branching pattern found in the window treatments and pillows ground the space, while bright turquoise lamps — akin to sea glass — infuse the room with a touch of coastal vibrance.
Similar to the living area, we added comfort through texture and warm tones, incorporating oak end tables, natural woven wall decor above the headboard, knitted ottomans at the foot of the bed, a textured duvet, and an extra plush area rug.
A Loft Inspired by Flora & Fauna:
For the loft space, we moved away from coastal elements and decided to ground the space in the more earthy elements of nature: flora and fauna. We selected an umber-hued sofa complemented by floral decorative pillows and walls adorned with botanical prints by Heather Johnston.
This multi-purpose space serves as a reprieve for our clients to read, practice yoga, and relax. Alternatively, a Frame TV intentionally meant to blend as art allows the space to function as a secondary entertainment space or a place for their granddaughter to play and sleep over.
Praise from Our Clients:
This home’s small footprint pushed us to be more resourceful in our furniture sourcing and more creative in our space planning. The result is a home as livable, beautiful, and intentional as any larger home would be. Most importantly, Jeremy and Cynthia love it!
“Lori listened to our love of nature and designed our condo reflecting that love. It is beautiful, serene, and welcoming. We couldn't be happier.”
If you’re ready to uncover the hidden potential in your home, that is what we do best. Contact us here or download our complimentary guide below to discover more.

This penthouse condo in Raven Woods is home to an adventurous, nature-loving couple. With their children grown and starting families of their own, Jeremy and Cynthia (names changed) chose to downsize their livable space and “upsize” in quality and luxury.
The couple hired us to help them achieve several well-defined goals: feeling immersed and connected to nature, having warm and welcoming spaces to host their family and friends, and selecting pieces that would support local makers and artisans. (If you know me, you know that nature, connection, and community are some of my most important values, personally and professionally — the perfect fit!)
Using our comprehensive design process, we spent months designing, procuring, and installing their new, long-time home. The resulting spaces are breathtaking, creating a daily living experience that is full of serenity and bliss.
Welcoming & Bright Home with Forest Views:
Ahhh… can you imagine coming home to a space as bright and soothing as this one? To find inspiration for this home’s interiors, we needed to look no further than out the windows, where mountain views greet us to the north and the ocean beckons from the south.
Paying homage to their locale, we curated a colour palette of subtle blues and grays, warm-toned woods, and natural materials, all set against a crisp, white backdrop. These help us create a seamless visual transition between the interior and exterior. Let’s start our tour in the living area…
A Cozy Living Area with Warmth & Dimension:
In the living area, the fireplace was the starting point for the design, as it determined the size of the space and the scale of our furnishings. To keep this area feeling cozy but not crowded, we selected this soft ottoman to serve as a table surface with a tray or as additional seating when Jeremy and Cynthia host guests. (Multi-purpose items are one of the 5 elements of The Simple Home.)
Additional textures — the sofa, upholstered swivel chairs, pillows, and ceramic wall art reminiscent of sand dollars — offer further depth and dimension in this simple yet layered space. The result is a cozy living room area perfect for a relaxing read on an overcast day or a social evening by the fire.
While daunting at first, this home’s small and open footprint offered a special opportunity for us to design thoughtful “zones”. To create a defined living space, we used an area rug to establish a border and situated the larger seating (the sofa) on the right. Its visual weight serves as a grounding barrier that naturally separates the living and dining areas.
Overhead, the centrally located brass and glass chandelier serves as another focal point, making the entire living area feel like one unit. Last but not least…
Styled with tall decorative lamps, this light oak and rattan console sits just behind the sofa, creating an additional visual barrier between the living and dining areas. We styled it with accessories that complement the overall palette, and it has the added benefit of providing storage right where Jeremy and Cynthia need it, the dining area.
An Art-Infused Dining Area:
The dining area is warm, woodsy, and filled with locally sourced art that Jeremy and Cynthia love. Next to the console is a custom textile piece from Vancouver artist, With Strings Attached, that mimics the scenic, mountain backdrop. The blue hues of the piece work in harmony with the warm wood dining table, cool gray upholstered chairs, and neutral stools at the kitchen bar.
On the other side of the space, is Jeremy’s and Cynthia’s favourite piece, a commissioned work of art by local maker, Katie Napier. Carefully positioned in a central location and framed by two modern sconces, this piece captures the feel of gentle waters on a misty day and evokes calm.
Other curated pieces include this rectangular vessel centrepiece by sculptural artist, Martha Sturdy, bearing a stunning moss arrangement by Soul Roots Moss Art. As this couple can attest, a treasured memento or piece of art can transform your space and your mood, transporting you to a relaxed and peaceful state.
A Bedroom Full of Light & Texture:
This beautiful bedroom is another manifestation of Jeremy and Cynthia’s favourite experiences: hiking the rainforest trails and enjoying the spray of the sea. The blue-and-green branching pattern found in the window treatments and pillows ground the space, while bright turquoise lamps — akin to sea glass — infuse the room with a touch of coastal vibrance.
Similar to the living area, we added comfort through texture and warm tones, incorporating oak end tables, natural woven wall decor above the headboard, knitted ottomans at the foot of the bed, a textured duvet, and an extra plush area rug.
A Loft Inspired by Flora & Fauna:
For the loft space, we moved away from coastal elements and decided to ground the space in the more earthy elements of nature: flora and fauna. We selected an umber-hued sofa complemented by floral decorative pillows and walls adorned with botanical prints by Heather Johnston.
This multi-purpose space serves as a reprieve for our clients to read, practice yoga, and relax. Alternatively, a Frame TV intentionally meant to blend as art allows the space to function as a secondary entertainment space or a place for their granddaughter to play and sleep over.
Praise from Our Clients:
This home’s small footprint pushed us to be more resourceful in our furniture sourcing and more creative in our space planning. The result is a home as livable, beautiful, and intentional as any larger home would be. Most importantly, Jeremy and Cynthia love it!
“Lori listened to our love of nature and designed our condo reflecting that love. It is beautiful, serene, and welcoming. We couldn't be happier.”
If you’re ready to uncover the hidden potential in your home, that is what we do best. Contact us here or download our complimentary guide below to discover more.

Our client's kitchen was in need of a new and refreshing feel. We wanted to open up the kitchen and dining room, and offer a more inviting and cohesive set-up. We opted for a neutral color palette of dark grays, whites, and blues. A unique hexagon mosaic backsplash adds depth and interest, especially as it contrasts against the thunderstorm gray cabinets. Rustic wooden display shelves add extra surface space and warmth, while complementing the gold hardware and light fixtures.
We were able to fit in a simple yet chic dining area, which is incorporated perfectly just outside of the cooking area. This new & improved set-up is perfect for entertaining and bringing the whole party together.
Lastly, we designed a subtle, yet elegant mudroom. With cabinets & bench seating that match the dark gray cabinets of the kitchen, these two areas merge effortlessly and ensure one cohesive design throughout.
Designed by Chi Renovation & Design who serve Chicago and its surrounding suburbs, with an emphasis on the North Side and North Shore. You'll find their work from the Loop through Lincoln Park, Skokie, Wilmette, and all the way up to Lake Forest.
For more about Chi Renovation & Design, click here: https://www.chirenovation.com/
To learn more about this project, click here: https://www.chirenovation.com/portfolio/luxury-open-concept-kitchen-remodel/#kitchen-remodeling

The owner of this historic and landmarked town-home renovation in Hudson Square, originally built in 1826, hired Gallery Kitchen and Bath to fully gut-renovate this 3-unit row-home. The scope of work included a full-scale renovation of the owners unit, including the renovation of the kitchen, one 4-piece master ensuite bathroom, one 3-piece bathroom with a walk-in steam shower, and a beautiful powder room. Additional work in the owners unit also included flooring, electrical upgrade, major plumbing work, new HVAC system, restoration of a fireplace, installation of a fully integrated smart home system and landmarked approved windows.
CELLAR RENOVATION IN NYC LANDMARKED TOWN-HOME
Rounding out the owners unit we renovated the cellar, which was converted into an entertainment space and featured a custom glass curtain wall, along with a custom staircase with an exposed brick wall. During the demolition phase of the cellar, our team discovered 56 wine jugs filled with wine from the prohibition era, leading us to name this project the prohibition house. For the two tenant units, Gallery Kitchen and Bath undertook the renovation of 2 kitchens, 4 bathrooms, new hardwood flooring throughout, along with detailed carpentry work in the entire home.
WHY GALLERY KITCHEN AND BATH
After interviewing multiple contractors, our client decided on Gallery Kitchen and Bath primarily because of our turnkey design, selection, and build process. In a renovation of this magnitude it is crucial to have a centralized full service contractor under one roof to handle all of the aspects and simultaneous moving parts of the project. Decentralizing the entire process by having multiple unaffiliated vendors handle various parts of the process can easily become chaotic, time consuming, and costly.
Because Gallery Kitchen and Bath undertook the entire process, from the design of the entire space to the selection and procurement of all finishes and fixtures, down to the procurement of all permits and LPC filings, it made a seemingly chaotic project a’lot more manageable.
PHASE 1: DESIGN, SELECTION, PROCUREMENT
Our client wanted the renovation to incorporate a fully modern design into his Hudson Square town-house. Being that this is a landmarked property, the exterior facade had to be restored and kept with the original aesthetic, the interior of the home however was a whole different story.
In keeping up with the modern aesthetic, our designers went to work to design a custom kitchen that included fully custom flat panel base cabinets in a white high gloss finish and an absolute matte black appliance/pantry wall. The kitchen design also included a white quartz countertop and backsplash with a waterfall edge island. To bring warmth to the modern kitchen, our designers incorporated a rifted and quartered select oak wood floor in a herringbone pattern, and custom blended stain with matte polyurethane finish. For continuity, the wood floor was also extended throughout the entire owners unit.
In the ensuite bathroom we created a “wet area” which houses a standalone soaking tub as well as a beautiful rainfall shower, completely leveled with the rest of the floor in the bathroom. Some highlights within this space include a tiled square drain, large niche cutouts with a carrera marble accents. Once again, to bring warmth to this modern bathroom, our designers incorporated a floating rustic oak vanity and carrera marble mosaic floor tile.
Last on the list on the owners unit floor was the cellar, which our client wanted to utilize as an entertainment space for his friends and family. During the design phase, we incorporated an open concept layout, wedding the indoor and outdoor space with a custom glass curtain wall. The design also included custom walnut built-ins that serve as a custom wet bar and storage piece.
With the design approved and selections made our office liaisons moved to procure all of the material selections and finishes.
PHASE 2: DEMO
Because this home is almost two centuries old, we had to take extra precaution during the interior demolition phase of the project. One specific area that we had to pay special attention to was the existing brick. Over time the mortar in old brick homes deteriorates and turns into dust – for this reason it was extremely important that a thorough and ongoing inspection of the exteriors and interior walls took place during the demolition of the space.
After 14 30-yard debris containers and 56 wine filled jugs from the prohibition era later , the demolition of this historic Hudson Square town-home came to an end. If you are wondering whether we tried the wine? After notifying the owner we agreed to open one of the jugs and try them together – nothing but vinegar.
PHASE 3: BUILD
One of the challenges in a renovation project of this scope is nailing down the logistics and delivery of fixtures and finish material. Adding to this challenge was a narrow entry door that required us to use a boom truck in order to deliver some of the larger materials on site. To ensure a succinct time schedule, we boomed all of the materials through the 3rd floor for the entire project and worked our renovation work from top floor to cellar. This technique also insured that any unexpected water issues during the renovation process would not damage a finished floor.
With all roughing and framing complete, the Gallery KBNY team proceeded to execute on the design plan.
THE REVEAL
From what was once a dilapidated town-home with nothing but potential, to a glamorous and luxurious modern interior space – the prohibition house was complete. Ready to speak with us about your renovation project? Contact us to schedule your free consultation and let Gallery KBNY show you why our all-inclusive approach to your renovation is the smartest way to renovating in NYC.

photos by Pedro Marti
The main goal of this renovation was to improve the overall flow of this one bedroom. The existing layout consisted of too much unusable circulation space and poorly laid out storage located at the entry of the apartment. The existing kitchen was an antiquated, small enclosed space. The main design solution was to remove the long entry hall by opening the kitchen to create one large open space that interacted with the main living room. A new focal point was created in the space by adding a long linear element of floating shelves with a workspace below opposite the kitchen running from the entry to the living space. Visually the apartment is tied together by using the same material for various elements throughout. Grey oak is used for the custom kitchen cabinetry, the floating shelves and desk, and to clad the entry walls. Custom light grey acid etched glass is used for the upper kitchen cabinets, the drawer fronts below the desk, and the tall closet doors at the entry. In the kitchen black granite countertops wrap around terminating with a raised dining surface open to the living room. The black counters are mirrored with a soft black acid etched backsplash that helps the kitchen feel larger as they create the illusion of receding. The existing floors of the apartment were stained a dark ebony and complimented by the new dark metallic porcelain tiled kitchen floor. In the bathroom the tub was replaced with an open shower. Brown limestone floors flow straight from the bathroom into the shower with out a curb, European style. The walls are tiled with a large format light blue glass.

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.”

This penthouse condo in Raven Woods is home to an adventurous, nature-loving couple. With their children grown and starting families of their own, Jeremy and Cynthia (names changed) chose to downsize their livable space and “upsize” in quality and luxury.
The couple hired us to help them achieve several well-defined goals: feeling immersed and connected to nature, having warm and welcoming spaces to host their family and friends, and selecting pieces that would support local makers and artisans. (If you know me, you know that nature, connection, and community are some of my most important values, personally and professionally — the perfect fit!)
Using our comprehensive design process, we spent months designing, procuring, and installing their new, long-time home. The resulting spaces are breathtaking, creating a daily living experience that is full of serenity and bliss.
Welcoming & Bright Home with Forest Views:
Ahhh… can you imagine coming home to a space as bright and soothing as this one? To find inspiration for this home’s interiors, we needed to look no further than out the windows, where mountain views greet us to the north and the ocean beckons from the south.
Paying homage to their locale, we curated a colour palette of subtle blues and grays, warm-toned woods, and natural materials, all set against a crisp, white backdrop. These help us create a seamless visual transition between the interior and exterior. Let’s start our tour in the living area…
A Cozy Living Area with Warmth & Dimension:
In the living area, the fireplace was the starting point for the design, as it determined the size of the space and the scale of our furnishings. To keep this area feeling cozy but not crowded, we selected this soft ottoman to serve as a table surface with a tray or as additional seating when Jeremy and Cynthia host guests. (Multi-purpose items are one of the 5 elements of The Simple Home.)
Additional textures — the sofa, upholstered swivel chairs, pillows, and ceramic wall art reminiscent of sand dollars — offer further depth and dimension in this simple yet layered space. The result is a cozy living room area perfect for a relaxing read on an overcast day or a social evening by the fire.
While daunting at first, this home’s small and open footprint offered a special opportunity for us to design thoughtful “zones”. To create a defined living space, we used an area rug to establish a border and situated the larger seating (the sofa) on the right. Its visual weight serves as a grounding barrier that naturally separates the living and dining areas.
Overhead, the centrally located brass and glass chandelier serves as another focal point, making the entire living area feel like one unit. Last but not least…
Styled with tall decorative lamps, this light oak and rattan console sits just behind the sofa, creating an additional visual barrier between the living and dining areas. We styled it with accessories that complement the overall palette, and it has the added benefit of providing storage right where Jeremy and Cynthia need it, the dining area.
An Art-Infused Dining Area:
The dining area is warm, woodsy, and filled with locally sourced art that Jeremy and Cynthia love. Next to the console is a custom textile piece from Vancouver artist, With Strings Attached, that mimics the scenic, mountain backdrop. The blue hues of the piece work in harmony with the warm wood dining table, cool gray upholstered chairs, and neutral stools at the kitchen bar.
On the other side of the space, is Jeremy’s and Cynthia’s favourite piece, a commissioned work of art by local maker, Katie Napier. Carefully positioned in a central location and framed by two modern sconces, this piece captures the feel of gentle waters on a misty day and evokes calm.
Other curated pieces include this rectangular vessel centrepiece by sculptural artist, Martha Sturdy, bearing a stunning moss arrangement by Soul Roots Moss Art. As this couple can attest, a treasured memento or piece of art can transform your space and your mood, transporting you to a relaxed and peaceful state.
A Bedroom Full of Light & Texture:
This beautiful bedroom is another manifestation of Jeremy and Cynthia’s favourite experiences: hiking the rainforest trails and enjoying the spray of the sea. The blue-and-green branching pattern found in the window treatments and pillows ground the space, while bright turquoise lamps — akin to sea glass — infuse the room with a touch of coastal vibrance.
Similar to the living area, we added comfort through texture and warm tones, incorporating oak end tables, natural woven wall decor above the headboard, knitted ottomans at the foot of the bed, a textured duvet, and an extra plush area rug.
A Loft Inspired by Flora & Fauna:
For the loft space, we moved away from coastal elements and decided to ground the space in the more earthy elements of nature: flora and fauna. We selected an umber-hued sofa complemented by floral decorative pillows and walls adorned with botanical prints by Heather Johnston.
This multi-purpose space serves as a reprieve for our clients to read, practice yoga, and relax. Alternatively, a Frame TV intentionally meant to blend as art allows the space to function as a secondary entertainment space or a place for their granddaughter to play and sleep over.
Praise from Our Clients:
This home’s small footprint pushed us to be more resourceful in our furniture sourcing and more creative in our space planning. The result is a home as livable, beautiful, and intentional as any larger home would be. Most importantly, Jeremy and Cynthia love it!
“Lori listened to our love of nature and designed our condo reflecting that love. It is beautiful, serene, and welcoming. We couldn't be happier.”
If you’re ready to uncover the hidden potential in your home, that is what we do best. Contact us here or download our complimentary guide below to discover more.

The owner of this historic and landmarked town-home renovation in Hudson Square, originally built in 1826, hired Gallery Kitchen and Bath to fully gut-renovate this 3-unit row-home. The scope of work included a full-scale renovation of the owners unit, including the renovation of the kitchen, one 4-piece master ensuite bathroom, one 3-piece bathroom with a walk-in steam shower, and a beautiful powder room. Additional work in the owners unit also included flooring, electrical upgrade, major plumbing work, new HVAC system, restoration of a fireplace, installation of a fully integrated smart home system and landmarked approved windows.
CELLAR RENOVATION IN NYC LANDMARKED TOWN-HOME
Rounding out the owners unit we renovated the cellar, which was converted into an entertainment space and featured a custom glass curtain wall, along with a custom staircase with an exposed brick wall. During the demolition phase of the cellar, our team discovered 56 wine jugs filled with wine from the prohibition era, leading us to name this project the prohibition house. For the two tenant units, Gallery Kitchen and Bath undertook the renovation of 2 kitchens, 4 bathrooms, new hardwood flooring throughout, along with detailed carpentry work in the entire home.
WHY GALLERY KITCHEN AND BATH
After interviewing multiple contractors, our client decided on Gallery Kitchen and Bath primarily because of our turnkey design, selection, and build process. In a renovation of this magnitude it is crucial to have a centralized full service contractor under one roof to handle all of the aspects and simultaneous moving parts of the project. Decentralizing the entire process by having multiple unaffiliated vendors handle various parts of the process can easily become chaotic, time consuming, and costly.
Because Gallery Kitchen and Bath undertook the entire process, from the design of the entire space to the selection and procurement of all finishes and fixtures, down to the procurement of all permits and LPC filings, it made a seemingly chaotic project a’lot more manageable.
PHASE 1: DESIGN, SELECTION, PROCUREMENT
Our client wanted the renovation to incorporate a fully modern design into his Hudson Square town-house. Being that this is a landmarked property, the exterior facade had to be restored and kept with the original aesthetic, the interior of the home however was a whole different story.
In keeping up with the modern aesthetic, our designers went to work to design a custom kitchen that included fully custom flat panel base cabinets in a white high gloss finish and an absolute matte black appliance/pantry wall. The kitchen design also included a white quartz countertop and backsplash with a waterfall edge island. To bring warmth to the modern kitchen, our designers incorporated a rifted and quartered select oak wood floor in a herringbone pattern, and custom blended stain with matte polyurethane finish. For continuity, the wood floor was also extended throughout the entire owners unit.
In the ensuite bathroom we created a “wet area” which houses a standalone soaking tub as well as a beautiful rainfall shower, completely leveled with the rest of the floor in the bathroom. Some highlights within this space include a tiled square drain, large niche cutouts with a carrera marble accents. Once again, to bring warmth to this modern bathroom, our designers incorporated a floating rustic oak vanity and carrera marble mosaic floor tile.
Last on the list on the owners unit floor was the cellar, which our client wanted to utilize as an entertainment space for his friends and family. During the design phase, we incorporated an open concept layout, wedding the indoor and outdoor space with a custom glass curtain wall. The design also included custom walnut built-ins that serve as a custom wet bar and storage piece.
With the design approved and selections made our office liaisons moved to procure all of the material selections and finishes.
PHASE 2: DEMO
Because this home is almost two centuries old, we had to take extra precaution during the interior demolition phase of the project. One specific area that we had to pay special attention to was the existing brick. Over time the mortar in old brick homes deteriorates and turns into dust – for this reason it was extremely important that a thorough and ongoing inspection of the exteriors and interior walls took place during the demolition of the space.
After 14 30-yard debris containers and 56 wine filled jugs from the prohibition era later , the demolition of this historic Hudson Square town-home came to an end. If you are wondering whether we tried the wine? After notifying the owner we agreed to open one of the jugs and try them together – nothing but vinegar.
PHASE 3: BUILD
One of the challenges in a renovation project of this scope is nailing down the logistics and delivery of fixtures and finish material. Adding to this challenge was a narrow entry door that required us to use a boom truck in order to deliver some of the larger materials on site. To ensure a succinct time schedule, we boomed all of the materials through the 3rd floor for the entire project and worked our renovation work from top floor to cellar. This technique also insured that any unexpected water issues during the renovation process would not damage a finished floor.
With all roughing and framing complete, the Gallery KBNY team proceeded to execute on the design plan.
THE REVEAL
From what was once a dilapidated town-home with nothing but potential, to a glamorous and luxurious modern interior space – the prohibition house was complete. Ready to speak with us about your renovation project? Contact us to schedule your free consultation and let Gallery KBNY show you why our all-inclusive approach to your renovation is the smartest way to renovating in NYC.
54



