Rope detail on cabinets that are really antique white
Example of a small classic galley light wood floor eat-in kitchen design in Birmingham with a double-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz countertops, beige backsplash, stone tile backsplash, colored appliances, beige walls and a peninsula

Curtis and Peggy had been thinking of a kitchen remodel for quite some time, but they knew their house would have a unique set of challenges. Their older Victorian house was built in 1891. The kitchen cabinetry was original, and they wanted to keep the authenticity of their period home while adding modern comforts that would improve their quality of life. A friend recommended Advance Design Studio for their exceptional experience and quality of work. After meeting with designer Michelle Lecinski at Advance Design, they were confident they could partner with Advance to accomplish the unique kitchen renovation they’d been talking about for years. “We wanted to do the kitchen for a long, long time,” Curtis said. “(We asked ourselves) what are we actually going to do? How are we going to do this? And who are we going to find to do exactly what we want?” The goal for the project was to keep the home renovation and new kitchen feeling authentic to the time in which it was built. They desperately wanted the modern comforts that come with a larger refrigerator and the dishwasher that they never had! The old home was also a bit drafty so adding a fireplace, wall insulation and new windows became a priority. They very much wanted to create a comfortable hearth room adjacent to the kitchen, complete with old world brick. The original cabinetry had to go to make way for beautiful new kitchen cabinetry that appears as if it was a hundred years old, but with all the benefits of cutting-edge storage, self-closing drawers, and a brand-new look. “We just wanted to keep it old looking, but with some modern updates,” Peggy said. Dura Supreme Highland Cabinets with a Heritage Old World Painted Finish replaced the original 1891 cabinets. The hand-applied careful rubbed-off detailing makes these exquisite cabinets look as if they came from a far-gone era. Despite the small size of the kitchen, Peggy, Curtis and Michelle utilized every inch with custom cabinet sizes to increase storage capacity. The custom cabinets allowed for the addition of a 24” Fisher Paykel dishwasher with a concealing Dura Supreme door panel. Michelle was also able to work into the new design a larger 30” Fisher Paykel French refrigerator. “We made every ¼ inch count in this small space,” designer Michelle said. “Having the ability to custom size the cabinetry was the only way to achieve this.” “The kitchen essentially was designed around the Heartland Vintage range and oven,” says Michelle. A classic appliance that combines nostalgic beauty and craftsmanship for modern cooking, with nickel plated trim and elegantly shaped handles and legs; the not to miss range is a striking focal point of the entire room and an engaging conversation piece. Granite countertops in Kodiak Satin with subtle veining kept with the old-world style. The delicate porcelain La Vie Crackle Sonoma tile kitchen backsplash compliments the home’s style perfectly. A handcrafted passthrough designed to show off Peggy’s fine china was custom built by project carpenters Justin Davis and Jeff Dallain to physically and visually open the space. Additional storage was created in the custom panty room with Latte Edinburg cabinets, hand-made weathered wood shelving with authentic black iron brackets, and an intricate tin copper ceiling. Peggy and Curtis loved the idea of adding a Vermont stove to make the hearth-room not only functional, but a truly beckoning place to be. A stunning Bordeaux red Vermont Castings Stove with crisp black ventilation was chosen and combined with the authentic reclaimed Chicago brick wall. Advance’s talented carpenters custom-built elegant weathered shelves to house family memorabilia, installed carefully chosen barn sconces, and made the hearth room an inviting place to relax with a cup of coffee and a good book. “Peggy and Curtis’ project was so much fun to work on. Creating a space that looks and feels like it always belonged in this beautiful old Victorian home is a designer’s dream. To see the delight in their faces when they saw the design details coming together truly made it worth the time and effort that went into making the very compact kitchen space work”, said Michelle. “The result is an amazing custom kitchen, packed with functionality in every inch, nook and cranny!” exclaims Michelle. The renovation didn’t end with the kitchen. New Pella windows were added to help lessen the drafts. The removal of the original windows and trim necessitated the re-creation of hand-made corbels and trim details no longer available today. The talented carpenter team came to the rescue, crafting new pieces and masterfully finishing them as if they were always there. New custom gutters were formed and installed with a front entry rework necessary to accommodate the changes. The whole house functions better, but it still feels like the original 1891 home. “From start to finish it’s just a much better space than we used to have,” Peggy said. “Jeff and Justin were amazing.” Curtis added; “We were lucky to find Advance Design, because they really came through for us. I loved that they had everything in house, anything you needed to have done, they could do it”.

Example of a detached garden shed design in Los Angeles

Our customers came to us with a desire to open up their kitchen into the dining and living rooms. They wanted an open concept to make their home more comfortable and easy to get around in when their grandchildren came over to visit. We were able to take down two walls and leave a post where the island is currently located. We were also able to continue and match the hardwood floors in the kitchen. The ginger stained cabinets and the under cabinet lighting add a warmth to the kitchen. The staggered wall cabinets with the large crown mounding added an interesting touch. And lastly the washing machine was moved from the basement into the kitchen for easier access to our customers who have a hard time walking up and down the staircase. The customers love their new kitchen and enjoy spending time with their family.

Sarah Hines
Example of a mid-sized cottage kitchen design in Indianapolis

Project by Architectural Building Arts, Inc. / www.designbuildmadison.com Photography by Joe De Maio

This laundry room is in a kitchen, the two large doors on the far left hold a stackable washer and dryer, the large middle door is a ironing board. The doors on the bottom right hold large cookie sheets etc. as the main kitchen is just to the right in this photo. Photo By J. Greer

This remodeled kitchen and adjoining bathroom of this ground floor apartment have been given an airy, contemporary look that opens up the small apartment and provides ample space to work and entertain. With floor-to-ceiling cabinets and island storage, this kitchen maximizes every square inch of space, and does so without sacrificing style. The adjoining bathroom continues the sleek, light look of the kitchen for a seamless modern style throughout the space.

This space is where we do business, write, blog, and create visual imagery. A workbench that goes everywhere I do, a writing desk, a view of Elliot Bay, track lighting, yellow wall, and Adobe Creative Suite, what more could I ask for?! There are oil paints and product catalogs here, and artistic/design work developing as we speak. Belltown Condo Remodel, Seattle, WA. Belltown Design. Photography by Paula McHugh

Mid-sized elegant kids' beige tile and porcelain tile ceramic tile alcove bathtub photo with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, dark wood cabinets, granite countertops, a two-piece toilet and beige walls

The Kelly Homestead
Example of a mid-sized farmhouse eat-in kitchen design in Philadelphia with an undermount sink, white cabinets, granite countertops, beige backsplash, stone tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and no island

Contemporary craftsman style kitchen in a mix of styles and colors. Perimeter cabinetry is Alpine White on a shaker door style with matching paneled drawers and split horizontal and vertical paneled doors on either side of the hood as a decorative element. Perimeter counters are Honed Absolute Black granite. Island features African Pearl Quartzite counters and stained maple inset door cabinetry with custom Arts & Crafts-style decorative posts and custom "dentil" moulding details under the countertop edge. The homeowners had a very unique vision for this project and the end result is stunning. Every detail - from the color of the floors to the light fixtures to the antique throw rugs - combine to finish off a truly special space. Designed by Jim & Erin Cummings for Shore & Country Kitchens.

Inspiration for an eclectic powder room remodel in Charlotte

Dining room - craftsman dining room idea in New York

Example of a transitional kitchen design in New York

Random width reclaimed oak flooring. Custom free-handed beveling, distressing, hand scraping, wire brushing. Finished with Rubio pure hand rubbed oil by Green Step Flooring, Inc. Home is located in Falls River neighborhood Raleigh, NC

Inspiration for a french country entryway remodel in Minneapolis