The focal point in the kitchen is the deep navy, French range positioned in an alcove trimmed in distressed natural wood and finished with handmade tile. The arched marble backsplash of the bar creates a dramatic focal point visible from the dining room.

This kitchen was created with StarMark Cabinetry's Bridgeport door style in White and Peppercorn with optional five-piece drawer headers. Andy Frame Photography

Wall Color - Decorators white by Benjamin Moore Color of Vanity - Gentleman's Grey by Benjamin Moore Pull Handles - Spritz Pull in aged brass finish from Restoration Hardware Faucet - Kohler Vibrant Moderne Brushed Gold Purist Widespread Bathroom Faucet with Ultra-Glide Valve Technology. Model# K-14406-4-BGD Light Fixtures: Mod Globe Linear Sconce- Antique Brass Mirror - Aged Brass Bristol Flat Mirror Countertop - White Quartz Cabinet - Waypoint livingspaces, refinished by us in a Gentelman's grey paint color from Benjamin Moore.

This gray transitional kitchen consists of open shelving, marble counters and flat panel cabinetry. The paneled refrigerator, white subway tile and gray cabinetry helps the compact kitchen have a much larger feel due to the light colors carried throughout the space. Photo credit: Normandy Remodeling

Custom maple kitchen in a 1920 Mediterranean Revival designed to coordinate with original butler's pantry. White painted shaker cabinets with statuary marble counters. Glass and polished nickel knobs. Dish washer drawers with panels. Wood bead board backspalsh, paired with white glass mosaic tiles behind sink. Waterworks bridge faucet and Rohl Shaw's Original apron front sink. Tyler Florence dinnerware. Glass canisters from West Elm. Wood and zinc monogram and porcelain blue floral fish from Anthropologie. Basket fromDean & Deluca, Napa. Navy stripe Madeleine Weinrib rug. Illy Espresso machine by Francis Francis. Claudia Uribe

This outdated Mid Century ranch built in late 1950’s was in serious need of an update. Our clients wanted a fresh contemporary feel that was simple in design and reflected the original Mid Century feel of the home. The new frosted Plexiglas railing allows the now open staircase and modern pendant to become part of the small dining area. White painted cabinetry with slab doors and minimal pulls add a lighter component and balance out the dark walnut cabinetry. The (3) built-in charging drawers, Legrand retractable outlets and a single door hood that opens with a light touch add a "cool" functional vibe to the space., Gray quartz countertops and a rectilinear white tile backsplash add serenity and tie in the stainless appliances giving the kitchen a modern feel. A wood waterfall countertop detail on the back of the island adds interest to the space and is anchored by the unique handblown wave glass pendants in a soft grey color. The new exposed support is both dramatic and functional in that it hides a support post in open bookcase cabinet. Wendi Nordeck Photography

Spanish style upholstered banquete seating in kitchen. A clean, contemporary white palette in this traditional Spanish Style home in Santa Barbara, California. Soft greys, beige, cream colored fabrics, hand knotted rugs and quiet light walls show off the beautiful thick arches between the living room and dining room. Stained wood beams, wrought iron lighting, and carved limestone fireplaces give a soft, comfortable feel for this summer home by the Pacific Ocean. White linen drapes with grass shades give warmth and texture to the great room. The kitchen features glass and white marble mosaic backsplash, white slabs of natural quartzite, and a built in banquet nook. The oak cabinets are lightened by a white wash over the stained wood, and medium brown wood plank flooring througout the home. Project Location: Santa Barbara, California. Project designed by Maraya Interior Design. From their beautiful resort town of Ojai, they serve clients in Montecito, Hope Ranch, Malibu, Westlake and Calabasas, across the tri-county areas of Santa Barbara, Ventura and Los Angeles, south to Hidden Hills- north through Solvang and more.

Alcove shower - mid-sized traditional master gray tile and stone tile mosaic tile floor alcove shower idea in Chicago with an undermount sink, gray cabinets, quartzite countertops, gray walls, recessed-panel cabinets and gray countertops

This Coastal Inspired Farmhouse with bay views puts a casual and sophisticated twist on beach living. Interior Design by Blackband Design and Home Build by Arbor Real Estate.

This light and airy kitchen invites entertaining and features multiple seating areas. The cluster of light fixtures over the island adds a special touch

Inspiration for a country u-shaped medium tone wood floor and brown floor kitchen remodel in Seattle with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, white backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and white countertops

Photos provided by: Obeo Inc. http://www.obeo.com Cabinets by: Kitchen Crafters Inc, Altamonte Springs, Fl.

Contemporary Kitchen Remodel featuring DeWils cabinetry in Maple with Just White finish and Kennewick door style, sleek concrete quartz countertop, jet black quartz countertop, hickory ember hardwood flooring, recessed ceiling detail | Photo: CAGE Design Build

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 Birmingham, MI home had been renovated prior to our clients purchase, but the style and overall design was not a fit for their family. They really wanted to have a kitchen with a large “eat-in” island where their three growing children could gather, eat meals and enjoy time together. Additionally, they needed storage, lots of storage! We decided to create a completely new space. The original kitchen was a small “L” shaped workspace with the nook visible from the front entry. It was completely closed off to the large vaulted family room. Our team at MSDB re-designed and gutted the entire space. We removed the wall between the kitchen and family room and eliminated existing closet spaces and then added a small cantilevered addition toward the backyard. With the expanded open space, we were able to flip the kitchen into the old nook area and add an extra-large island. The new kitchen includes oversized built in Subzero refrigeration, a 48” Wolf dual fuel double oven range along with a large apron front sink overlooking the patio and a 2nd prep sink in the island. Additionally, we used hallway and closet storage to create a gorgeous walk-in pantry with beautiful frosted glass barn doors. As you slide the doors open the lights go on and you enter a completely new space with butcher block countertops for baking preparation and a coffee bar, subway tile backsplash and room for any kind of storage needed. The homeowners love the ability to display some of the wine they’ve purchased during their travels to Italy! We did not stop with the kitchen; a small bar was added in the new nook area with additional refrigeration. A brand-new mud room was created between the nook and garage with 12” x 24”, easy to clean, porcelain gray tile floor. The finishing touches were the new custom living room fireplace with marble mosaic tile surround and marble hearth and stunning extra wide plank hand scraped oak flooring throughout the entire first floor.

Spacious white kitchen with (2) islands and breakfast table. Stacked cabinets above wall cabinets and tall cabinets for additional storage / display. Interior of display cabinets coordinate with the dark finish on the tall cabinet section.

Whimsical floral pattern tile backsplash pulls together the two-toned gray and white cabinetry. The gold faucet dresses up the white apron front sink and compliments the gold hardware on the cabinets. A handy outlet on the end of the peninsula is helpful for plugging in kitchen gadgets and equipment.

Large transitional single-wall dark wood floor kitchen photo in San Francisco with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, gray cabinets, solid surface countertops, white backsplash, ceramic backsplash and stainless steel appliances

Maximizing the functionality of this space, and coordinating the new kitchen with the beautiful remodel completed previously by the client were the two most important aspects of this project. The existing spaces are elegantly decorated with an open plan, dark hardwood floors, and natural stone accents. The new, lighter, more open kitchen flows beautifully into the client’s existing dining room space. Satin nickel hardware blends with the stainless steel appliances and matches the satin nickel details throughout the home. The fully integrated refrigerator next to the narrow pull-out pantry cabinet, take up less visual weight than a traditional stainless steel appliance and the two combine to provide fantastic storage. The glass cabinet doors and decorative lighting beautifully highlight the client’s glassware and dishes. Finished with white subway tile, Dreamy Marfil quartz countertops, and a warm natural wood blind; the space warm, inviting, elegant, and extremely functional. copyright 2013 marilyn peryer photography