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.”

The DigitalSafe Platinum Wall Safe includes a hidden compartment, only available at DigitalSafe, that is easily accessible by rotating the bottom panel of the safe upwards. This unique patent pending design offers 20% more space to conceal, within the safe, particular valuables allowing enough space for two handguns. www.digitalsafesonline.com

An easily accessible dining / tea enjoyment station folds out within seconds from the advance crafted millwork when needed.
Mid-sized trendy enclosed dining room photo in Hong Kong

Creative shelving above the stairs adds entryway storage in a fresh way • Lago® Bellissima White finish adds a subtle texture to this contemporary, functional design • Open shelving with chrome double hooks keeps backpacks, shoes, and gear organized and easily accessible

Additional pantry storage was incorporated into the office area but is easily accessed by the kitchen. Michael Andrew, Photo Credit
Example of a small classic built-in desk porcelain tile and brown floor study room design in San Diego with beige walls

Photos by Kevin Strack - Remembrances by Kevin Tall cabinet with 5 interior rollouts replaces the pantry we removed, but provides easily accessible storage space

The place where the family can come together for entertainment and relaxation is a light, airy space easily accessed from the outdoors and accented with custom coffered ceiling details and built-ins. Photos By Timothy Dunford

The dining room opens onto the living room between french doors. Both the bathroom and kitchen are easily accessed through the dining room. The chandelier is a cluster of globes set in brass, providing a touch of modern style to the space.

An easily accessible dining / tea enjoyment station folds out within seconds from the advance crafted millwork when needed.
Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary enclosed dining room remodel in Hong Kong

We made the cabinets above the washer and dryer taller so they can easily load the washer and deeper so the homeowners can easily access what's inside the cabinets.

These are a Devine Design staple when designing a kitchen island. Because they hold so much, and make everything easily accessible.
Inspiration for a transitional kitchen remodel in Orange County

The DigitalSafe Platinum Wall Safe includes a hidden compartment, only available at DigitalSafe, that is easily accessible by rotating the bottom panel of the safe upwards. This unique patent pending design offers 20% more space to conceal, within the safe, particular valuables allowing enough space for two handguns. www.digitalsafesonline.com

Built-in cubby stations provide individualized storage compartments for each family member, allowing you to keep belongings organized and easily accessible. Additionally, a dedicated dog station offers a designated space to store pet essentials, such as leashes, toys, and treats. This mudroom is designed to make coming and going a breeze, providing ample storage for your family and your beloved pets.

The dishwasher is hidden by an appliance panel (see left of the sink) which redirects the focus on the cabinetry. The base built-in microwave is easily accessible surrounded by great drawer storage. There are six posts incorporated into the island design that were custom made for this client. We continued the top bead detail across the seating area tieing in the two ends posts and custom end panelling.

The DigitalSafe Platinum Wall Safe includes a hidden compartment, only available at DigitalSafe, that is easily accessible by rotating the bottom panel of the safe upwards. This unique patent pending design offers 20% more space to conceal, within the safe, particular valuables allowing enough space for two handguns. www.digitalsafesonline.com

This pantry area is great for storing snacks and canned goods. It's especially helpful to hideaway any counter top appliances that you do not want to look at everyday. Full access for a working pantry with everything easily accessible. Pullout, drawers, adjustable shelving, counters it has everything for a growing family and is completely hidden while entertaining. Clever to be hiding in plain sight an 8 foot wide panty. Phots by Chris Veith

Access to the Master Bathroom is made easy from the kitchen/laundry area. Upon entering the bathroom, the roll up sink and medicine cabinet are easily accessible. There is wainscoting wall protection that is carried in from the adjacent hallway that easily blends with wainscoting height tile in the bathroom as well. The toilet is extra high comfort height and sits at 21" so that access from the wheelchair is easiest. There is a linen cabinet across from the toilet that provides for drawers for bathroom items and supplies and for linens and towels on top. The shower threshold could not be eliminated, so we extended the shower bench over 21" into the bathroom floor so that easy transfer could be made from the wheelchair onto the bench in the bathroom, The handheld shower is located within easy reach of the bench with all bathing supplies conveniently located in an easily accessible niche. Although not all grab bars are shown here, there is one at the sink to help her stand up, a pull down bar near the toilet, a vertical bar to help standing up from the toilets, an angled bar from the bench to stand up and a horizontal and vertical grab bar in the shower itself. Note that we selected the basic grab bar to install over any designer grab bar for maximum safety and comfort. From the Master Bath, a hallway leads to the closet and the Master Bedroom. We widened the hallway to access the closet to 42" wide, and increased the size of the door to enter the closet from 24" to 36" and eliminated the door to improve overall access. The closet was built in and provides for all her items that were previously in a dresser in her bedroom. This way, she can go into the closet and get all items needed to dress without going back into the bedroom for undergarments.

This growing family of six was struggling with a dysfunctional kitchen design. The center island had been installed at an odd angle that limited accessibility and traffic flow. Additionally, storage space was limited by poor cabinet design. Finally, doorways in and out of the kitchen were narrow and poorly located, especially for children dashing in and out. Other design challenges included how to better use a 10’ x 12’ room for children’s jackets and toys and how to add a professional-quality gas range in a neighborhood were natural gas wasn’t available. The new design would address all of these issues. DESIGN SOLUTIONS The new kitchen design revolves around a more proportional island. Carefully placed in the center of the new space with seating for four, it includes a prep sink, a second dishwasher and a beverage center. The distressed ebony-stained island and hutch provides a brilliant contrast between the white color cabinetry. White Carrera marble countertops and backsplash top both island and perimeter cabinets. Tall, double stacked cabinetry lines two walls to maximize storage space. Across the room there was an unused wall that now contains a 36” tower fridge and freezer, both covered with matching panels, and a tall cabinet that contains a microwave, steam unit and warming drawer. A propane tank was buried in the back yard to provide gas to a new 60” professional range and cooktop. A custom-made wood mantel hood blends perfectly with the cabinet style. The old laundry room was reconfigured to have lots of locker space for all kids and added cabinetry for storage. A double entry door separated the new mudroom from the rest of the back hall. In the back hall the back windows were replaced with a set of French door and added decking to create a direct access to deck and backyard. The end result is an open floor plan, high-end appliances, great traffic flow and pleasing colors. The homeowner calls it the “kitchen of her dreams.”

The goal of this addition was to maintain the character of the existing craftsmen style bungalow while adding functional square footage for the owners. The design allows the owners to utilize a large portion of the lot for a new garden that can be easily accessed from the addition. Craftsmen style details were maintained on the interior, but with a modern twist by adding a curved wall to open up the views.