Rustic Lake Cottage Transformation This charming lake cottage was completely reimagined, building up from the existing structure to create a fully functional yet spacious vacation home. The interior was entirely gutted, the ceiling removed, and a loft was added, enhancing both height and openness. Though compact, the home feels airy and inviting, with a carefully planned layout that includes three small bedrooms, a kitchen, a living room, a dining room, a walk-in pantry, a mudroom, and a full bath featuring a barrier-free shower and a standalone tub. The rustic design is brought to life with stained natural wood plank floors and ceilings, while the walls are clad in painted wood planks for a warm yet bright aesthetic. The cathedral ceiling in the living room, bathroom, and loft bedroom adds a sense of grandeur, complemented by exposed beams that enhance the rustic charm. The open staircase with steel bar railings and open risers maintains sightlines, ensuring the space remains visually connected. A step-down dining room features built-in storage and a TV, making efficient use of space. The gray-painted kitchen cabinets, paired with granite countertops, blend seamlessly into the great room, while a walk-in pantry provides additional storage. Compact appliances and leather furniture further optimize the home’s footprint. Custom barn doors throughout the home serve as both functional and decorative elements, concealing the coat closet, washer/dryer closet, and bedrooms. Expansive new windows flood the space with natural light, offering picturesque lake views. Finishing touches include recessed lighting, painted gray wood siding, and thoughtful design choices that make this cozy retreat feel effortlessly spacious. This renovation balances form and function, delivering a rustic yet refined getaway that embraces its lakeside setting.

Overview: Located in Estero, Florida, Verdana Village is a new planned community that offers a wide range of amenities and outdoor activities for residents. With its proximity to beautiful beaches and the peaceful Estero River, the community is a popular choice for families seeking a vibrant and active lifestyle. Features: The centerpiece of the community is a spacious pool and pool deck area, which boasts a variety of high-quality facilities. These include both indoor and outdoor tennis and pickleball courts, a state-of-the-art fitness center, a versatile movement studio, and a convenient full-service café for residents to enjoy. Design Solution: To provide much-needed shade for pool deck users, Azenco was commissioned to design and install a series of durable and elegant 8’ x 8’ pool pergola structures. With no limitations on where the pergolas could be placed, the team focused on selecting the most robust and visually appealing options. The Azenco R-SHADE system was chosen for its insulated fixed roof panels, effectively blocking the sun's rays and providing respite from passing showers. Additionally, the hidden gutter system of the R-SHADE ensures that rainwater is efficiently channeled away from the pergola space, keeping guests dry and comfortable during their stay.

White shaker, charcoal-grey island kitchen, and walk you through unique design features it possesses. Hypoallergenic Finish Solutions One of the biggest priorities in this design was its hypoallergenic characteristics, so we selected solid maple for the door panels and low Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) “Pune Bond” plywood for the interior with solid maple drawer boxes. The finishes are: water-based post-catalyzed polyurethane and hypoallergenic grey stain with a clear coat. Eco-friendliness On top of our aspirations to make hypoallergenic and low VOC material choices, we strive to make our designs highly reusable/recyclable and use local materials and labor to keep CO2 emission as low as possible. This kitchen was manufactured at our factory in Etobicoke, including production of door panels. Durability All our kitchens are practical and as low maintenance as they could be. We use highly durable MDF and hardwoods along with reliable finishes, Blum soft-close hardware on doors and drawers. We achieved this goal when designing this kitchen by choosing solid maple doors, plywood interiors, dovetail drawers, Blum soft-close door hinges and drawer slides. The appliance garages have Aventos parallel lifts. All hardware have a lifetime warranty! Use of space It is crucial that you are able to utilize the space at its maximum capacity as well as it is convenient to work on. As you can see here, we adhered to the ‘work triangle’ rule, making it easy to move between the main prep/cooking components: fridge, cooktop/oven and sink. All ‘hot spots’ of this kitchen are at your arm’s stretch. We incorporated appliance garages, waste management systems, tray dividers, wine racks and last but not the least, a combination of shallow and deep drawers. Esthetics A funny thing about esthetics is that no designer will ever tell you that he priorities esthetic qualities over practicality or cost-efficiency, because we do not. However, this is what sells the kitchen, makes your house unique, increases its value on the real estate market and just makes you feel great! That is why esthetics can’t be ignored; it is just as important as everything else!

The clients were deeply attached to their existing home and its prime location, but they needed more space. The goal was to expand while preserving the character of the historical house and enhancing the ocean views. This extensive renovation modernized the space, improved its flow, and seamlessly integrated a new addition. To boost energy efficiency, we upgraded insulation throughout and replaced all windows. Inside, we refreshed the interiors with white oak ceiling beams that added warmth and delineated spaces within the open floor plan. The main stair was transformed into a striking modern feature, featuring a steel center stringer and glass rails. This design choice maintains transparency, keeping the kitchen connected to the other areas on the first floor while elevating the overall aesthetic.

The living room was long and narrow but with an amazing bay window. Instead of a galley style living room used by the previous owner, we decided to change the furniture arrangement by putting one big comfy L-shaped sectional all the way to one side to create a pass-through area enabling a better foot traffic. We then added two side chairs for extra seats. We also mounted our TV on top of the fireplace to gain more space. Although it's not my favorite design choice to have TV on top of the fireplace because I think it takes away from the fireplace but we had to work within the limitation of the space. For the fireplace, we bought wood stove insert and inserted it into the existing masonry fireplace. The look was updated by granite tiles around the insert and custom built wood mantel. Buying wood fireplace insert was the best decision we made. First of all, it created a memorable space in our home. I LOVE the sound of wood cracking and the smell of wood burning. In winter nights we would sit around the fireplace and make s'mores like it's a campfire. Second, it's a clean burning and efficient heater. You don't lose the majority the fire’s heat up the chimney thereby saving money on your heating bill. The coffee table is purchased from Wicker Emporium and it's made from reclaimed pine timbers giving the house a rustic feel. The side chair by the fireplace is the perfect spot for me to relax, put my feet up on the large ball shaped knitted foot rest and enjoy a cup of cappuccino or cozy up with a good book.

The 36-inch Minimal White Wall Range Hood by Futuro Futuro brings a refined sense of modern elegance to luxury kitchen design. Created for minimalist interiors, this Italian-crafted wall mount range hood combines clean architectural lines, premium materials, and advanced ventilation technology to create a sophisticated focal point above the cooktop. Featuring a sleek white enamel finish over durable AISI 304 stainless steel construction, the Minimal White Range Hood delivers a timeless aesthetic while providing exceptional resistance to wear, corrosion, and everyday kitchen demands. Its smooth surfaces and streamlined silhouette make it an ideal choice for contemporary kitchens, modern kitchen remodels, and high-end residential designs where simplicity and functionality are equally important. Engineered for powerful yet quiet performance, this luxury kitchen range hood features a high-performance 940 CFM blower designed to efficiently remove smoke, steam, grease, and cooking odors while maintaining a comfortable kitchen atmosphere. Integrated touch controls, adjustable LED lighting, delayed shut-off functionality, and dishwasher-safe grease filters provide effortless operation and low-maintenance convenience. Designed and crafted in Italy, the Futuro Futuro Minimal White Wall Range Hood embodies the essence of minimalist kitchen design—where form, function, and lasting craftsmanship come together. A statement piece for homeowners, architects, and designers seeking a premium white range hood that enhances both the beauty and performance of a modern kitchen.

Functionality of layout Unique design elements Choice of materials Environmental considerations (energy, comfort, health) Construction details/techniques to achieve industry best practices Open-concept and filled with sunshine, a culinary hub that’s designed to be the social heart of this home and a subtle reference to the engaged, family-first lifestyle that would have been found in the original, heritage farmhouse located on this property. 8x5-foot* island (with seating for 4-5 people) includes storage on each side plus convenient USB outlets to keep everyone’s electronics powered up and ready to go. Easy flow when entertaining is appreciated by family/guests alike who want to engage with chefs-at-work without intruding into their workspace. Pendant lighting above island is purposefully absent. View-lines to adjacent great-room remains unobstructed, thus fulfilling clients desire to provide the entire family (from teen to grandparents) with welcoming space to simply hang out together. Gas cooktop (with elegantly-curved, chimney hood-fan) and two, full-sized wall-ovens (regular and microwave/convection) conveniently located adjacent to each other on the back wall where it’s easy to transfer steaming dishes directly onto the island ready for your guests/family to help themselves. Subway-tile (3x6-inch) quartz backsplash creates visual continuity with the solid-slab island surface and perimeter countertops. Custom millwork (in contemporary white with brushed chrome handles) designed with full-height cabinets with upper shelves back-lit for warm night-time visual. Extra bonus storage and reduced dusting: always a winning combo. Easy-access spice kitchen includes all the features today’s savvy buyers expect from their cooking space: full-sized range with induction* cooktop, fridge, dishwasher, and 36-inch* sink that’s deep enough to effortlessly handle the biggest spaghetti/corn pots. A caterer’s dream too. Large format (3x3-foot) marble-inspired porcelain floor-tiling is extension of material used throughout main floor. Elegant, contemporary, dramatic. Warm on the feet, thanks to energy-efficient, in-floor radiant heating.

Andersen E-Series windows are a popular choice for window replacements in DC's Historic District. They provide a custom fit, improve energy efficiency, and preserve the area's architectural charm. We also revitalized the door through light scraping and painting, giving their front entrance a much-needed makeover.

Choose James Hardie fiber cement siding for lasting elegance and unmatched durability. Resistant to weather, fire, and pests, it's a low-maintenance solution that offers the timeless look of wood without the hassle. With a variety of textures and colors, it enhances your home's energy efficiency and maintains its vibrant appearance for years, making it a smart, value-adding choice for any homeowner.

Leanna Rathkelly Photography
Inspiration for a contemporary side yard concrete patio remodel in Vancouver

This guest bathroom renovation in the heart of Yorkville maximizes style and functionality in a compact space. The project features a Schluter Kerdi shower base with a Vario Linear drain for a sleek and efficient waterproofing solution. We installed a Tenzo Signature shower system with precision controls and a slide bar for a modern, spa-like experience. To enhance luxury and comfort, we incorporated an Aquadesign recessed ceiling rain shower head, paired with a Fleurco glass shower door. Storage and lighting were addressed with a Fleurco Lune LED mirror and a Fleurco Luna recessed medicine cabinet, offering both elegance and utility. The bathroom is completed with a Toto toilet, known for its clean lines and reliable performance. This project is a perfect example of a small bathroom remodel done right—balancing smart design choices with high-quality materials to elevate everyday living.

INTERIOR --- -Two-zone heating and cooling system results in higher energy efficiency and quicker warming/cooling times -Fiberglass and 3.5” spray foam insulation that exceeds industry standards -Sophisticated hardwood flooring, engineered for an elevated design aesthetic, greater sustainability, and the highest green-build rating, with a 25-year warranty -Custom cabinetry made from solid wood and plywood for sustainable, quality cabinets in the kitchen and bathroom vanities -Fisher & Paykel DCS Professional Grade home appliances offer a chef-quality cooking experience everyday -Designer's choice quartz countertops offer both a luxurious look and excellent durability -Danze plumbing fixtures throughout the home provide unparalleled quality -DXV luxury single-piece toilets with significantly higher ratings than typical builder-grade toilets -Lighting fixtures by Matteo Lighting, a premier lighting company known for its sophisticated and contemporary designs -All interior paint is designer grade by Benjamin Moore -Locally sourced and produced, custom-made interior wooden doors with glass inserts -Spa-style mater bath featuring Italian designer tile and heated flooring -Lower level flex room plumbed and wired for a secondary kitchen - au pair quarters, expanded generational family space, entertainment floor - you decide! -Electric car charging

Scott and Janet of Elgin have had four design to build renovations with Advance Design over the last decade. We got the chance to sit down and talk with Janet about her experience working with Advance Design on so many different areas of her home. Starting with her kitchen in 2009, Janet proclaimed, “The reason we kept coming back is because our first [renovation] went so extremely well, exceeding all of my expectations.” Since their kitchen renovation with Advance Design ten years ago, Scott and Janet have also worked with Advance to remodel their master bedroom, their power room, a wet bar, and most recently their master bath. Having renovated practically every major room in the house with the team, we asked Janet what made her experience with Advance Design so special. “We went with Advance Design because we trusted them so much more, their experience, and everything that they brought. We were confident they were giving us what we wanted for the money we were spending.” For their most recent renovation, Scott and Janet clearly knew what to expect going into their master bath renovation. They were familiar with Advance’s step by step design process that epitomizes the “Common Sense Remodeling” philosophy applied in every project Advance creates. After once again experiencing the careful budgeting analysis, the pointed design meetings, and the clear documentation that leads up the a thoroughly managed installation, Janet’s simple summary of their experience is this; “The word I would use to describe the process is – collaboration!” Working closely with Advance Design kitchen designer Michelle Lecinski, together they were able to develop a new master bath design that not only worked with their investment goal, but also made sense for their lifestyle. “Oh Michelle, my designer! I connected with her immediately. She spent time getting to know us, our lifestyle, even the setting of our house.” The threesome had a great experience designing and producing yet another successful project together. When it came to their new project plans, Scott and Janet were interested in creating a relaxing “spa-like” experience in their master bath. One of the many ideas Michelle introduced during the design process was installing a Kohler Alteo series showerhead for a rain-like shower experience. This designer showerhead, mixed with the warm ambiance of the lighting and pebble accent running throughout the shower make for what Janet calls a “luxury spa essence”. From the oversized glass sliding door to the recessed niche for accessories, each special detail was considered and implemented intentionally so as to create the maximumly optimized use of the compact space. Not only was this transformation one of beauty and luxury, but special attention was given to every way possible to provide additional storage to maximize the functionality of the bath area as a whole. Once design was complete and the bath construction project began in their home, making sure everything happened efficiently and on schedule became new priority number one. “Having a project manager made an enormous difference,” Janet said, “It was so worth it to hire professionals that knew exactly what they were doing. Even after all of these years, I wouldn’t change a thing.” “It was a pleasure working together with Janet and Scott to create this beautiful space that will enhance their lives for many years,” says Michelle. “It is so much fun to get to do this job every day, I love that I can have this sort of impact on their lives by doing something for them [Janet & Scott] that comes so naturally to me!” After reviewing the long-term relationship with clients like Scott and Janet, owner Todd Jurs had this to say, “Clients returning and asking us to transform that next area of their home really warms my heart. It reaffirms that every decision to please clients no matter what is always the right choice, and that our honesty and integrity along with the immense collective talent of this team is recognized and appreciated by those who continue to return to us year after year.” He continued to say, “I always say how blessed we truly are to be able to do what we do, and experiences like this one put a smile on my face every time.”

Overview: Located in Estero, Florida, Verdana Village is a new planned community that offers a wide range of amenities and outdoor activities for residents. With its proximity to beautiful beaches and the peaceful Estero River, the community is a popular choice for families seeking a vibrant and active lifestyle. Features: The centerpiece of the community is a spacious pool and pool deck area, which boasts a variety of high-quality facilities. These include both indoor and outdoor tennis and pickleball courts, a state-of-the-art fitness center, a versatile movement studio, and a convenient full-service café for residents to enjoy. Design Solution: To provide much-needed shade for pool deck users, Azenco was commissioned to design and install a series of durable and elegant 8’ x 8’ pool pergola structures. With no limitations on where the pergolas could be placed, the team focused on selecting the most robust and visually appealing options. The Azenco R-SHADE system was chosen for its insulated fixed roof panels, effectively blocking the sun's rays and providing respite from passing showers. Additionally, the hidden gutter system of the R-SHADE ensures that rainwater is efficiently channeled away from the pergola space, keeping guests dry and comfortable during their stay.

The Home Jayden Homes introduces the modern European inspired Arrabelle. Specializing in home placement, Jayden Homes has expertly situated this six-car over/under garage home to maximize panoramic views. An open concept home, the Arrabelle welcomes you home with an enchanting courtyard with barrel ceiling and gas firepit. Main level highlights include a state-of-the-art kitchen with a walk-in pantry, oversized island and gourmet appliances. A floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace is the focal point of the great room and adjoining dining area with an indoor/outdoor bar top. The brick-walled master retreat opens to the covered deck. The 680 square foot covered deck is perfect for outdoor entertaining, with a fireplace and outdoor kitchen including a pizza oven and gas grill. A guest suite with private bath and huge mudroom with pet cubby are also located on the main level. Designed for recreation, the lower level is ideal for fun with friends and family with a large rec room, built-in soda bar, wine room with secret entry, and home theater. Two additional bedrooms and baths are located on the lower level. The Builder Celebrating over three decades in Colorado Springs, second-generation Jayden Homes builds award-winning homes in El Paso, Elbert and Douglas Counties. A quality-conscious, custom home builder, Jayden Homes places an emphasis on establishing a partnership with our clients. Recipient of the 2019, 2018 and 2016 Parade of Homes Industry Award of Excellence and the People’s Choice Award, Jayden Homes provides an extraordinary home building experience with a well-thought-out process that allows for less waste and a more efficient method to the construction of your custom home. Accredited by the Better Business Bureau and active members of the Housing and Building Association, Jayden Homes believes communication and education are key to a successful home building relationship. From selection of your homesite to perfect homesite placement to design and construction, Jayden Homes will walk together with you to provide a home worthy of our mantra New Memories Coming Soon. The Interior Design Old World charm meets modern inspiration in the casually elegant Arrabelle. The great room and dining room welcome the outdoors in with walls of windows and sliding glass doors accessing a full covered deck with outdoor kitchen and panoramic views. The great room showcases exquisite wood beams and gorgeous hardwood floors. Decorated with a light and airy decor, creamy neutral accents complement the richness of the home’s extensive tile and brick work. A mix of wood, stone and brick, show stopping light fixtures, and textured design elements are found throughout the Arrabelle. The finished lower level features a cozy theater room in a classic movie themed decor. Designed for entertaining, the rec room walks out to an outdoor living area with hot tub, and showcases a soda bar, game room and enclosed theater room. Be sure to look for memorable touches like the wine rack Murphy door at the entry into the wine room.

Mike Mihalo Photography
Inspiration for a staircase remodel in Other

This recenlty completed Scotts Valley attached ADU includes thoughtful interior design choices that make it feel like home no matter what configuration or stage of life. Gorgeous tile work adds character, while a glass shower and custom vanity bring a touch of luxury to the room.

This Ravensdale, WA project showcases a thoughtfully designed outdoor living space that blends functionality, comfort, and craftsmanship. The new patio cover was custom-built to integrate seamlessly with the existing home, featuring a solid structural design, clean lines, and carefully matched roofing for a cohesive finish. Attention to detail played a key role throughout the build. From precise beam placement and soffit installation to coordinating gutter tie-ins with the existing drainage system, every element was planned to ensure both performance and aesthetics. The structure was adjusted on-site to accommodate existing features like the fireplace vent, maintaining proper clearances while preserving the overall design intent. The outdoor kitchen was framed with durable steel studs, providing a long-lasting foundation for future finishes and appliances. The layout allows for flexibility, with provisions for upgraded countertops, lighting, and appliance selections as the homeowner finalizes design choices. Adjacent to the kitchen, the custom outdoor fireplace creates a natural focal point, complete with a Douglas fir mantle that adds warmth and character, embracing the organic qualities of the material. Electrical upgrades enhance usability and ambiance, including integrated LED lighting, heater provisions for year-round comfort, and strategically placed outlets to support both the kitchen and entertainment needs. The system was designed with efficiency in mind, utilizing existing pathways and infrastructure wherever possible. Throughout the project, the team prioritized clear communication and adaptability—whether working around existing site conditions, coordinating multiple trades, or making real-time adjustments to deliver the best outcome. The result is a versatile and inviting outdoor space designed for everyday living and entertaining, built to stand the test of time.

Rustic Lake Cottage Transformation This charming lake cottage was completely reimagined, building up from the existing structure to create a fully functional yet spacious vacation home. The interior was entirely gutted, the ceiling removed, and a loft was added, enhancing both height and openness. Though compact, the home feels airy and inviting, with a carefully planned layout that includes three small bedrooms, a kitchen, a living room, a dining room, a walk-in pantry, a mudroom, and a full bath featuring a barrier-free shower and a standalone tub. The rustic design is brought to life with stained natural wood plank floors and ceilings, while the walls are clad in painted wood planks for a warm yet bright aesthetic. The cathedral ceiling in the living room, bathroom, and loft bedroom adds a sense of grandeur, complemented by exposed beams that enhance the rustic charm. The open staircase with steel bar railings and open risers maintains sightlines, ensuring the space remains visually connected. A step-down dining room features built-in storage and a TV, making efficient use of space. The gray-painted kitchen cabinets, paired with granite countertops, blend seamlessly into the great room, while a walk-in pantry provides additional storage. Compact appliances and leather furniture further optimize the home’s footprint. Custom barn doors throughout the home serve as both functional and decorative elements, concealing the coat closet, washer/dryer closet, and bedrooms. Expansive new windows flood the space with natural light, offering picturesque lake views. Finishing touches include recessed lighting, painted gray wood siding, and thoughtful design choices that make this cozy retreat feel effortlessly spacious. This renovation balances form and function, delivering a rustic yet refined getaway that embraces its lakeside setting.