The owners of this 1980’s built-home wanted to create a completely new look for their outdated master bath and turned to Renovisions for design and build services. Having perused Renovisions website, they were confident they made the right choice to help them transform their ordinary space into something truly extraordinary. The design team created several configurations for the homeowners review until they nailed down one particular design that would create that wow factor. The main challenges were creating an open, spacious feel and maximizing natural light and ventilation with plenty of storage and customizations. The addition of a second window allows ample light into the space throughout the day along with the recessed and sconce lights which were perfectly placed. Storage, which was a key element of this design, includes two separate vanity cabinets (his and hers) with plenty of space for needed toiletries, a matching framed medicine cabinet for her and a custom built cubby for him. Built on site was a linen closet with both roll out and stationary shelves for towels and shower supplies. The spacious walk-in, all tiled shower boasts ‘no door’ access with lineal drain, traditional fixed and hand-held shower heads and a rounded shower seat. Polished black granite was used inside the cubby and topping both the threshold and seat creating a nice contrast to and tying in with the floor. The decorative grab bar ensures safety for these homeowners while showering. The heated floors added throughout the bath take the edge off when stepping out of the warm shower and are conveniently operated by a 24 hour programmable thermostat. Classic white subway tile and chair rail trims adorne all walls and tie in nicely to each vanity station. Carrera look quartz was the perfect choice for countertops creating a clean fresh look. Stunning marble basket-weave mosaic floor tile set the stage in this exquisite bath as the beautiful white painted cabinetry softened the overall feel of the space. These homeowners are not saving spa retreats for once-a-year vacations anymore, they now enjoy a relaxing spa-like shower experience every day in their own home!

Soil squeeze test for rich organic soil amended with compost. Falon Mihalic

A new engineered hard wood floor was installed throughout the home along with tile in the entry way. This staircase railing was missing some vertical pieces at the top and was fixed to perfectly match the original railing.

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.”

Beautiful setting for a transitional TV lift cabinet at the foot of the bed. The question first is, Do we want a TV in the bedroom? If yes, secondly question is, Where do we put the TV? Most put the TV on the wall, of course. Directly at the foot of bed, center of the bedroom or against the wall positioning for a TV lift furniture piece will of course depend on your style, furniture arrangement needs, TV size, components, power placement and of space available. A lot to consider for anyone that has not worked on a TV lift furniture project before. TV lift furniture products have had ups and downs in the market because of noise, size, quality of TV lift and furniture/finish and how to fix them when they break. These are all legitimate concerns that should be addressed before purchasing. Prices for the TV lift furniture systems have a wide range, for good reason. If you want a high quality TV lift furniture piece, go to professionals that specialize in TV lift furniture. Cabinet Tronix, Best of Houzz 2014 and 2015, has over 30 5 start reviews and prides themselves on having the highest quality long lasting beautiful TV lift furniture in the market, 13 years running. Making the project easy and hearing rave comments from clients is the goal of Cabinet Tronix... a quality working product is just the beginning as it is the first expectation which all clients when ordering. See over 125 designs. at www.cabinet-tronix.com

Example of a large transitional master gray tile and ceramic tile cement tile floor and gray floor doorless shower design in Cleveland with gray walls and a hinged shower door

Frameless neo-angle shower, with 3/8" thick clear tempered glass, with center door and full height fixed panel on left and on right on buttress wall. The door swings out and in on pivot hinges attached to the header. Customer chose a C-Pull style handle in Brush Nickel finish for the door. Photo ©Clinton Glass Company, Knoxville, TN.

Inspiration for a contemporary kitchen remodel in Singapore

Julie Mikos Photography
Example of a small classic kids' gray tile and ceramic tile marble floor and white floor bathroom design in San Francisco with furniture-like cabinets, white cabinets, a two-piece toilet, white walls, an undermount sink and marble countertops

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.”

Guest bathroom featuring Firenze Deco Cenere porcelain wall tiles from Spazio LA Tile Gallery.
Mid-sized transitional kids' gray tile and porcelain tile corner bathtub photo in Los Angeles with white walls

Modern Reclining Sectional Sofa Forza B790 (Umberto) by Natuzzi Editions. Designed to satisfy the aesthetic and space requirements of modern homes, the elegance of the Umberto sectional is distinguished by the “moccasin” stitching on the armrests. The power headrest and reclining seats ensure that the seating feels every bit as comfortable as it looks. Stocked in 100% top-grain Italian leather with natural markings and color variations. Available IN STOCK in configuration as shown in Dark Brown Top Grain Italian Leather (15WC-CS; Oregon) and can be special ordered in different shapes, sizes and upholstery materials: fabric & leather. Features: Designed by Natuzzi Editions Decorative "mocassin" stitching Internal soft touch buttons on the seat to activate the mechanism Power motion recliner (buttons operated) Power combined headrest Seat and backrest cushions are fixed to the frame Wooden frame Feet in either Wenge or Walnut finish Upholstery: Premium Fabric or Italian Top Grain Leather Can be customized in size and shape Dimensions: Sectional Sofa (main image): W(125" x 92") x D42"/63" x H30"/38"

he brief for this Paddington terrace garden was to update an existing rundown courtyard in line with the modern interiors of the house. The design aimed to maintain neat clean lines, use a formal but interesting palette of material, maximise space for entertaining, retain access to the rear lane and deal with a sloping site. Built in seating with a backrest allows for the change in levels – incorporating retaining and pushed up against the side boundary maximises space for entertaining. A delicate yet contrasting plant palette and water feature selection was chosen to match the house interiors and simple light grey large format tiles let these elements shine. The wrap around bench seat is semi floating to allow for a shadow line and the illusion of more space. It allows for casual seating – a pop of yellow in the Acapulco chairs is a welcome addition against the soft grey facade of the house. A cluster of white pots on the timber porch adds to the composition and Bamboo and Magnolia Little Gems provide a green backdrop and screen of the neighbouring properties. A fixed outdoor umbrella offers shade over the seating areas. The design and look of the garden compliments the architecture and interiors of the residence. It is a design that is sophisticated in its simplicity, with interesting materials and plants but also with functional space that perfectly suits the needs and entertaining requirements of its owners.

This custom room is bright and full of light! The large Pella windows invite the outdoors in!
Living room - transitional open concept medium tone wood floor living room idea in Minneapolis with gray walls, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace and a wall-mounted tv

This Master bathroom we call it the fantasy bathroom, with open design let in natural light and intriguing materials create drama. Removed a unwanted fireplace to expand the shower and now the shower is a walk in dream that has 2 fixed shower heads and a hand held for ease in cleaning. Bathroom Designer Bonnie Bagley Catlin

Bryan Clayton
Photo of a farmhouse landscaping in Nashville.

For a small family in the Boston suburbs, their modest sized home was just the right size. But with some smart changes, they wondered if it could be more enjoyable. Working with architect Joseph S. Artley, we came up with a number of solutions: • To make the kitchen a more comfortable work and gathering space, a bay window was removed and the kitchen itself bumped out slightly to allow for the introduction of an expansive island, as well as additional countertop and cabinetry. • The first floor half-bathroom was relocated to the end of the entry hall. This allowed us to connect the kitchen with what had been a three-season porch. • That three-season porch was properly heated and remodeled as a sunny breakfast nook: the perfect spot for the family to gather in the mornings. • Near the entry to the breakfast nook, an existing electrical box could not be moved. To conceal it, we suggested an oversized family bulletin board, which we provided as a gift to the homeowners. Now, it offers a great spot to catch up on the day’s activities and enjoy some family artwork while heading in for breakfast. • This family loves to read and they asked for custom built in bookshelves in the living room that would look original to the home and match existing shelving on the other side of the room. • The den is a favorite spot for the family to watch movies and play games, but the room, which had also been a three season porch prior to an earlier renovation, was drafty in the winter and hot in the summer. We introduced new, energy efficient windows and insulation throughout, resulting in a much more inviting and cozy room. Today, after barely increasing the footprint of the home, the family has a new breakfast room, a usable den, a larger and more inviting kitchen, and a better-situated first-floor bath. Lots of simple fixes = a much happier space for the whole family. Photos by Shelly Harrison

In order to transform this pocket-sized 1920s kitchen into a family gathering space, we had to get creative, using the existing kitchen, dining area and enclosed porch. The process was further complicated as the home required a Historic Review due to its age and location. The new design includes subway tile and reclaimed wood, maintaining the room’s charm without compromising modern conveniences. Custom windows were designed to match the original windows, and the original kitchen area was transformed into a fully-functioning breakfast bar, with a twist. The breakfast bar now stores all the fixings the clients need to prep meals for their kids. When company comes over, they can convert it into a full-service bar. The granite-top island is the heart of the kitchen. It serves as both a prep station and the perfect gathering space with chairs. Underneath, the island offers near limitless storage for appliances. The most functional element of the kitchen is also the most loved by the clients — the dining banquette. This beautiful space features a custom bench with storage, custom period-specific windows and a reclaimed walnut tabletop. It’s the perfect place for the family to eat a cozy meal or host friends for dinner.

Frameless shower glass with a shower bench. Door on right sits next to fixed glass panel that follows the lines of the bench. Customer chose a C-Pull handle in Brushed Nickel finish. Photo ©Clinton Glass Company, Knoxville, TN.