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.”

Adam Hartig
Eat-in kitchen - small transitional l-shaped medium tone wood floor eat-in kitchen idea with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, granite countertops, beige backsplash, stone tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and no island

Our Daisy gardens glass tile with metallic multi-colored centers gives this bathroom design a fun whimsical flair.
Inspiration for a small transitional master multicolored tile and glass tile doorless shower remodel in Orange County with white walls

Modern mountain aesthetic in this fully exposed custom designed ranch. Exterior brings together lap siding and stone veneer accents with welcoming timber columns and entry truss. Garage door covered with standing seam metal roof supported by brackets. Large timber columns and beams support a rear covered screened porch. (Ryan Hainey)

One of the most important things for those of us who like enjoying a hot bath, is the water temperature. As time passes, the water temperature in your bathtub drops down and requires you to constantly be adding hot water to maintain the temperature, which in turn requires large capacity water boilers, wasting water and electricity. Made of state-of-the-art AquateX™ solid surface material, the Aquatica True Ofuro Japanese style bathtub with Tranquility bath heating system is fitted with a recirculation system (just like the traditional Japanese oidaki) and ozone disinfection system. The Tranquility bathtub heating system was designed to eliminate the hot water adding hassle and maintain the water temperature at a constant 104F /40C (41-45C in Europe and other markets). The built-in Tranquility heating system is utilizing a low flow/high-efficiency ultra-quiet pump. Equipped with minimalist control panel, a standard 1.5kW inline water heater (US) or 2kW (Europe and other markets) with ozone disinfection, Bluetooth audio system, and underwater LED сhromotherapy system, the Tranquility system provides the ultimate luxury bathing experience.

this master suite renovation represents the completion of a whole house remodel initiated several years ago. the space had been intended as a master suite but left incomplete for budgetary reasons. the pending arrival of the family’s second child prompted the move to complete. Schwartz and Architecture’s master plan had organized a strong spatial arrangement, packed with program. building Lab, along with the client, developed all of the materials and detailing. we also, of course, built it. bL picked up on prominent themes from the earlier project, developed and re-worked them with materials specific to the context. from a geometric standpoint, cleanness, simplicity and continuity drove decisions. headers were eliminated from doors allowing continuous ceiling planes interrupted only by slots for sliding doors. flush detailing of tile and sheetrock and sliding glass doors that converge to form an inside corner are but a couple examples of many challenging details dedicated to precise alignments and reveals. from a material standpoint the wood provides tactile softness, frosted glass and lighting maximize depth, while tile and Caesarstone maintain solidity and groundedness. details such as the Caesarstone wrap of the vanity and medicine cabinets offer surprise and engagement through unlikely material application. projects of such density and richness in materials and detail are somewhat rare. we are grateful to our clients for the opportunity and challenge. see rutledge st. residence for photos of entire house. master plan: schwartz & architecture photo by scott hargis

traditions furniture/stickley
Example of an arts and crafts bedroom design in Kansas City

Cooktop--Pitt Cooking. Oven Bosch; refrigerator SubZero; countertops by Caesarstone in Organic White. Bar stools by CB2. Photography by Neil Landino

This stunning Rhode Island Retreat is an Acorn Deck House Company collaboration with Glen S. Fontecchio Architects. It is set on a breathtaking, waterfront property and is designed to take full advantage of the panoramic views. It features a welcoming living room, kitchen, dining room and expansive decks that are perfect for entertaining. The house also has three bedrooms, an office and four and a half baths.

Photography by Rebecca Lehde
Inspiration for a large contemporary light wood floor open concept kitchen remodel in Charleston with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, white backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Astounding LEICHT open concept kitchen that displays the benefit of a high contrast space. Our matte Bondi-C cabinetry is paired up with Orlando stone oak to bring in texture and balance the contrast. This design utilizes the space by it’s U-shaped layout and a small island at the center for extra counter space. In addition, to the stainless steal appliances that are seamlessly integrated into the design.

Photo: Lucy Call © 2014 Houzz
Inspiration for a modern bedroom remodel in Salt Lake City

James Hardie siding and Trim with ProVia windows and Fypon Window headers
Mid-sized elegant blue two-story concrete fiberboard exterior home photo in Chicago

Deck - mid-sized traditional backyard deck idea with a pergola

Design ideas for a contemporary garden path in Seattle.

Transitional bathroom photo in New York

Karuna Passive House designed by Holst Architecture and built by Hammer & Hand. This high performance home meets the world's most demanding green building certifications. Photo by Jeremy Bittermann.

Family room - large traditional open concept and formal brown floor and medium tone wood floor family room idea in Chicago with white walls, a standard fireplace, a tile fireplace and a tv stand

Tatum Brown Custom Homes {Architect: Stocker Hoesterey Montenegro} {Designer: Morgan Farrow Interiors} {Photography: Nathan Schroder}
Inspiration for a mediterranean white tile and subway tile freestanding bathtub remodel in Dallas with flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets and white walls