Cape Cod built with vinyl siding
Elegant exterior home photo in DC Metro

Example of a trendy living room design in San Francisco

Pink and funky Girl's room in Sudbury House
Eclectic kids' room photo in Boston

Mid-sized trendy l-shaped medium tone wood floor eat-in kitchen photo in Chicago with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, marble countertops, white backsplash, glass tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

A large bay window is a welcoming feature of the private entry court to the residence. Accent elements of copper, stone, and leaded glass bring character to this informal cottage. To maintain the intimate scale in the larger interior spaces, I included small sitting alcoves as well as color, texture, and details to the ceilings.

Photo: Whitney Lyons © 2012 Houzz
Eclectic hallway photo in Portland

Never in their wildest dreams could the clients have ever imagined the possibilities that existed for their tired, segregated and completely non-functional kitchen. The remodeling of the entire space not only presented the opportunity to create a kitchen that the owners had only dream of, but one that would reflect the quality of the home.
The brief was very clear: to create an open-plan kitchen that integrated into the living room whilst still remaining a defined space; provided direct physical and visual access to the newly landscaped outdoor pool and alfresco area without being a thoroughfare; satisfied the requirements of an enthusiastic and demanding gourmand by creating a kitchen that “feels like home" yet still packs a punch for the purposes of entertaining friends and business associates.
The original kitchen resided at the rear of the home in a small closed in room which bar a small opening remained completely separated from the living room making it virtually impossible for the owners to entertain. To pave the way for the sought after open-plan living the dividing wall that separated the kitchen and living room was bought down – a concept the clients had never even considered until now.
The new galley style design required access from several directions. The result is an innovative solution based on a design where the kitchen can be approached from all angles, allowing it to merge with the surrounding living areas as well as offer full view of the beautifully landscaped backyard.
The juxtaposition of parallel and perpendicular forms creates a pleasing aesthetic within the room making the most of light and air within the space.
At the heart of it all is the large unusual ‘L shaped’ island bench which anchors the utility of the kitchen and provides a solid foundation on which the rest of the room comes to life. As the activity hub of the kitchen, it serves dual purposes of preparation and breakfast bar/casual seating (for the master of the home) as well as providing additional serving space, particularly when entertaining.
Finished with a soft lacquered linear timber veneer, the island bench feature adds a sense of solidity to the room and contrasts perfectly with the block colour grey tones used in the remaining high gloss lacquered cabinetry and tiled floor. In addition to providing an interesting textural element to the space, the raised veneer section on the island cleverly conceals the cleaning/sink zone and ensures the preparation mess is hidden from view when entertaining
A fully functional ‘working wall’ of cabinets provides the perfect storage solution in a narrow space. Pantry storage plays a major role with a variety of pull out inner drawers. A number of high end Miele appliances have been integrated into the wall enhancing the cutting edge European look whilst also providing all the functional requirements of the clients demanding cooking style. To make the heights of the combi oven and combi steam (including warming drawer) align, a custom stainless steel drawer was designed for under the combi oven. The effect of this is a seamless look, as if the drawer is part of the appliances themselves.
Well considered functional details add practicality to the room such as the appliance cupboard where pivot sliding doors cleverly conceal a pull out stainless steel bench top. The cupboard serves dual purposes keeping everyday appliances such as the toaster and kettle hidden from view, yet easily accessible whilst also providing another work centre for the client.
Elements of the cabinetry extend to the sunroom where a custom made day bed has been incorporated into the existing bay window area creating visual continuity and cohesion
The project demonstrated some design constraints that had to be overcome. As the house is on a concrete slab there were some initial mechanical challenges reconfiguring the kitchen, as the original layout would significantly restrict what we wanted to achieve. Plumbing was trenched into the slab taking into account the necessary fall for the distance it was being moved and wiring for the electrical was also trenched in to both the slab and the block wall that backed onto the new ‘working wall’.
Another consideration was the desire to retain the existing parquetry flooring throughout the home while replacing the old clip-lock floating floor that resided in the old kitchen. As a solution 600X600 ‘steel grey’ polished tiles were used throughout the kitchen space. Careful placement of the tiles was necessary to ensure visually correct placement delineating the kitchen from the living area, creating a defined space sought after by the clients.
Working closely with the owners the stylized selection of materials and finishes reflects the client’s personal style. The strong colour palette is functional and elegant and complements the modern lines. The deep charcoals make a dramatic statement and are brought to life by the stark white bench tops and warm timber tones in the veneer.
In keeping with the streamlined finish requested by the owners, shadow line finger pulls create a flush finish along the surface of the cabinets and ensure that nothing protrudes into the work areas. Overhead cupboards have been fitted with tip-on touch catches to maintain the minimal look.
The overall transformation shows what is possible when adaptive design techniques focus on the possibilities within an entire space and not an existing room. The design reflects the very best in contemporary kitchen design, clever utilization of space through innovative and multi-functional structural elements. A unique approach to the application of materials, colours and textures result in a space that is efficient, attractive and above all else perfectly suited to the owners needs. The owners not only have a light-filled space, but now have all the inspiration they need to gather their family and friends for a meal and entertain in ultimate style.

Wing Wong, Memories TTL
Mid-sized eclectic medium tone wood floor enclosed kitchen photo in New York with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartz countertops, multicolored backsplash, stainless steel appliances and no island

Never in their wildest dreams could the clients have ever imagined the possibilities that existed for their tired, segregated and completely non-functional kitchen. The remodeling of the entire space not only presented the opportunity to create a kitchen that the owners had only dream of, but one that would reflect the quality of the home.
The brief was very clear: to create an open-plan kitchen that integrated into the living room whilst still remaining a defined space; provided direct physical and visual access to the newly landscaped outdoor pool and alfresco area without being a thoroughfare; satisfied the requirements of an enthusiastic and demanding gourmand by creating a kitchen that “feels like home" yet still packs a punch for the purposes of entertaining friends and business associates.
The original kitchen resided at the rear of the home in a small closed in room which bar a small opening remained completely separated from the living room making it virtually impossible for the owners to entertain. To pave the way for the sought after open-plan living the dividing wall that separated the kitchen and living room was bought down – a concept the clients had never even considered until now.
The new galley style design required access from several directions. The result is an innovative solution based on a design where the kitchen can be approached from all angles, allowing it to merge with the surrounding living areas as well as offer full view of the beautifully landscaped backyard.
The juxtaposition of parallel and perpendicular forms creates a pleasing aesthetic within the room making the most of light and air within the space.
At the heart of it all is the large unusual ‘L shaped’ island bench which anchors the utility of the kitchen and provides a solid foundation on which the rest of the room comes to life. As the activity hub of the kitchen, it serves dual purposes of preparation and breakfast bar/casual seating (for the master of the home) as well as providing additional serving space, particularly when entertaining.
Finished with a soft lacquered linear timber veneer, the island bench feature adds a sense of solidity to the room and contrasts perfectly with the block colour grey tones used in the remaining high gloss lacquered cabinetry and tiled floor. In addition to providing an interesting textural element to the space, the raised veneer section on the island cleverly conceals the cleaning/sink zone and ensures the preparation mess is hidden from view when entertaining
A fully functional ‘working wall’ of cabinets provides the perfect storage solution in a narrow space. Pantry storage plays a major role with a variety of pull out inner drawers. A number of high end Miele appliances have been integrated into the wall enhancing the cutting edge European look whilst also providing all the functional requirements of the clients demanding cooking style. To make the heights of the combi oven and combi steam (including warming drawer) align, a custom stainless steel drawer was designed for under the combi oven. The effect of this is a seamless look, as if the drawer is part of the appliances themselves.
Well considered functional details add practicality to the room such as the appliance cupboard where pivot sliding doors cleverly conceal a pull out stainless steel bench top. The cupboard serves dual purposes keeping everyday appliances such as the toaster and kettle hidden from view, yet easily accessible whilst also providing another work centre for the client.
Elements of the cabinetry extend to the sunroom where a custom made day bed has been incorporated into the existing bay window area creating visual continuity and cohesion
The project demonstrated some design constraints that had to be overcome. As the house is on a concrete slab there were some initial mechanical challenges reconfiguring the kitchen, as the original layout would significantly restrict what we wanted to achieve. Plumbing was trenched into the slab taking into account the necessary fall for the distance it was being moved and wiring for the electrical was also trenched in to both the slab and the block wall that backed onto the new ‘working wall’.
Another consideration was the desire to retain the existing parquetry flooring throughout the home while replacing the old clip-lock floating floor that resided in the old kitchen. As a solution 600X600 ‘steel grey’ polished tiles were used throughout the kitchen space. Careful placement of the tiles was necessary to ensure visually correct placement delineating the kitchen from the living area, creating a defined space sought after by the clients.
Working closely with the owners the stylized selection of materials and finishes reflects the client’s personal style. The strong colour palette is functional and elegant and complements the modern lines. The deep charcoals make a dramatic statement and are brought to life by the stark white bench tops and warm timber tones in the veneer.
In keeping with the streamlined finish requested by the owners, shadow line finger pulls create a flush finish along the surface of the cabinets and ensure that nothing protrudes into the work areas. Overhead cupboards have been fitted with tip-on touch catches to maintain the minimal look.
The overall transformation shows what is possible when adaptive design techniques focus on the possibilities within an entire space and not an existing room. The design reflects the very best in contemporary kitchen design, clever utilization of space through innovative and multi-functional structural elements. A unique approach to the application of materials, colours and textures result in a space that is efficient, attractive and above all else perfectly suited to the owners needs. The owners not only have a light-filled space, but now have all the inspiration they need to gather their family and friends for a meal and entertain in ultimate style.

Rebecca Zajac
Bathroom - farmhouse master white tile and subway tile ceramic tile and white floor bathroom idea in Las Vegas with shaker cabinets, beige walls, quartzite countertops and a hinged shower door

Plum & cream Hounds tooth chairs, a worn chesterfield sofa and a mix of patterns made this room "the favorite place to hang out" according to the homeowners.

Photos courtesy of BrazelBerries Raspberry Shortcake - one of the Brazelberries
This is an example of a landscaping in Portland.

A lion cut out of vintage wallpaper is pasted to the closet doors atop a "hill" of chalkboard paint. Design by Lauren Liess. photo by Helen Norman
Example of an eclectic kids' room design in DC Metro

Kitchen - rustic kitchen idea in San Francisco

PRIMA by Couture Homes. The Classic Italian Courtyard Villa: Reimagined, Redefined, Revitalized. Enter and discover a home where art & architecture are seamlessly fused. And the courtyard is the heart and soul of the home offering an oasis for dining, entertaining & relaxation. And the courtyard is the heart and soul of the home offering an oasis for dining, entertaining & relaxation.

Belathée Photography
Example of an eclectic basement design in Seattle

A reach-in closet - one of our specialties - works hard to store many of our most important possessions and with one of our custom closet organizers, you can literally double your storage. Most reach-in closets start with a single hanging rod and shelf above it. Imagine adding multiple rods, custom-built trays, shelving, and cabinets that will utilize even the hard-to-reach areas behind the walls. Your closet organizer system will have plenty of space for your shoes, accessories, laundry, and valuables. We can do that, and more. Please browse our gallery of custom closet organizers and start visualizing ideas for your own closet, and let your designer know which ones appeal to you the most. Have fun and keep in mind – this is just the beginning of all the storage solutions and customization we offer.

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 beautiful and elegant off- white shaker kitchen provides the perfect backdrop for the open plan kitchen and seating area, which also features a TV lift. The marrying of modernity and classical features, such as the detailed plasterwork and original proportions created a light and beautiful space.