Beautiful open kitchen and dinette plan with a double sided fireplace open to the great room.
Eat-in kitchen - large traditional u-shaped porcelain tile eat-in kitchen idea in Chicago with raised-panel cabinets, white cabinets, granite countertops, beige backsplash, ceramic backsplash, paneled appliances and an island

Jarrett Design is grateful for repeat clients, especially when they have impeccable taste. In this case, we started with their guest bath. An antique-inspired, hand-pegged vanity from our Nest collection, in hand-planed quarter-sawn cherry with metal capped feet, sets the tone. Calcutta Gold marble warms the room while being complimented by a white marble top and traditional backsplash. Polished nickel fixtures, lighting, and hardware selected by the client add elegance. A special bathroom for special guests. Next on the list were the laundry area, bar and fireplace. The laundry area greets those who enter through the casual back foyer of the home. It also backs up to the kitchen and breakfast nook. The clients wanted this area to be as beautiful as the other areas of the home and the visible washer and dryer were detracting from their vision. They also were hoping to allow this area to serve double duty as a buffet when they were entertaining. So, the decision was made to hide the washer and dryer with pocket doors. The new cabinetry had to match the existing wall cabinets in style and finish, which is no small task. Our Nest artist came to the rescue. A five-piece soapstone sink and distressed counter top complete the space with a nod to the past. Our clients wished to add a beverage refrigerator to the existing bar. The wall cabinets were kept in place again. Inspired by a beloved antique corner cupboard also in this sitting room, we decided to use stained cabinetry for the base and refrigerator panel. Soapstone was used for the top and new fireplace surround, bringing continuity from the nearby back foyer. Last, but definitely not least, the kitchen, banquette and powder room were addressed. The clients removed a glass door in lieu of a wide window to create a cozy breakfast nook featuring a Nest banquette base and table. Brackets for the bench were designed in keeping with the traditional details of the home. A handy drawer was incorporated. The double vase pedestal table with breadboard ends seats six comfortably. The powder room was updated with another antique reproduction vanity and beautiful vessel sink. While the kitchen was beautifully done, it was showing its age and functional improvements were desired. This room, like the laundry room, was a project that included existing cabinetry mixed with matching new cabinetry. Precision was necessary. For better function and flow, the cooking surface was relocated from the island to the side wall. Instead of a cooktop with separate wall ovens, the clients opted for a pro style range. These design changes not only make prepping and cooking in the space much more enjoyable, but also allow for a wood hood flanked by bracketed glass cabinets to act a gorgeous focal point. Other changes included removing a small desk in lieu of a dresser style counter height base cabinet. This provided improved counter space and storage. The new island gave better storage, uninterrupted counter space and a perch for the cook or company. Calacatta Gold quartz tops are complimented by a natural limestone floor. A classic apron sink and faucet along with thoughtful cabinetry details are the icing on the cake. Don’t miss the clients’ fabulous collection of serving and display pieces! We told you they have impeccable taste!

Bel Air Photography
Example of a small eclectic entryway design in Los Angeles

Example of a gray exterior home design in San Francisco

A water feature that makes a bold, simple statement juxtaposed with bright, drought tolerant Mediterranean plants
Design ideas for a mediterranean backyard water fountain landscape in San Luis Obispo.

In a retreat as serene as a sun-drenched morning, every day is greeted with ease. Part of our exclusive American Artisan collection, the Finley bed and nightstand are tranquil anchors, bringing Shaker-style purity, utility and integrity to this space. Solid cherry hardwood harvested in the United States instills these items with enduring strength, while Amish craftsmanship ensures unwavering quality.

This memorial garden is a tribute to a beloved son, friend, and brother who tragically passed away from a fatal overdose. The garden is intended to be a serene and uplifting space where friends and family can come to reflect and remember him. This garden’s purpose is to celebrate Beau’s life and personality, offering comfort and peace without focusing heavily on the aspect of loss.

Cozy yet spacious, this Craftsman-style home plan exhibits charm with close attention to detail. The front-entry garage is convenient and the divided garage doors keep it stylish. Copper roofs crown several windows as well as the front porch, giving the home a striking contrast to the cedar shake and stone. Inside, the foyer and dining room greet visitors in a luxurious and formal manner. A larger great room and kitchen are completely open to one another, with a cozy breakfast nook off to the side. A stunning fireplace, vaulted ceiling and rear-porch access make the great room the ideal entertaining space. The master bedroom of the house plan is in a wing to itself and features porch access, as well as a generous walk-in closet and elegant master bath. On the opposite side of the home, two secondary bedrooms share a bath and both include a window seat.

This 5,200-square foot modern farmhouse is located on Manhattan Beach’s Fourth Street, which leads directly to the ocean. A raw stone facade and custom-built Dutch front-door greets guests, and customized millwork can be found throughout the home. The exposed beams, wooden furnishings, rustic-chic lighting, and soothing palette are inspired by Scandinavian farmhouses and breezy coastal living. The home’s understated elegance privileges comfort and vertical space. To this end, the 5-bed, 7-bath (counting halves) home has a 4-stop elevator and a basement theater with tiered seating and 13-foot ceilings. A third story porch is separated from the upstairs living area by a glass wall that disappears as desired, and its stone fireplace ensures that this panoramic ocean view can be enjoyed year-round. This house is full of gorgeous materials, including a kitchen backsplash of Calacatta marble, mined from the Apuan mountains of Italy, and countertops of polished porcelain. The curved antique French limestone fireplace in the living room is a true statement piece, and the basement includes a temperature-controlled glass room-within-a-room for an aesthetic but functional take on wine storage. The takeaway? Efficiency and beauty are two sides of the same coin.

Photography by Riley Jamison Copyright 2014
Example of a large transitional great room design in Los Angeles

This 1930's Barrington Hills farmhouse was in need of some TLC when it was purchased by this southern family of five who planned to make it their new home. The renovation taken on by Advance Design Studio's designer Scott Christensen and master carpenter Justin Davis included a custom porch, custom built in cabinetry in the living room and children's bedrooms, 2 children's on-suite baths, a guest powder room, a fabulous new master bath with custom closet and makeup area, a new upstairs laundry room, a workout basement, a mud room, new flooring and custom wainscot stairs with planked walls and ceilings throughout the home. The home's original mechanicals were in dire need of updating, so HVAC, plumbing and electrical were all replaced with newer materials and equipment. A dramatic change to the exterior took place with the addition of a quaint standing seam metal roofed farmhouse porch perfect for sipping lemonade on a lazy hot summer day. In addition to the changes to the home, a guest house on the property underwent a major transformation as well. Newly outfitted with updated gas and electric, a new stacking washer/dryer space was created along with an updated bath complete with a glass enclosed shower, something the bath did not previously have. A beautiful kitchenette with ample cabinetry space, refrigeration and a sink was transformed as well to provide all the comforts of home for guests visiting at the classic cottage retreat. The biggest design challenge was to keep in line with the charm the old home possessed, all the while giving the family all the convenience and efficiency of modern functioning amenities. One of the most interesting uses of material was the porcelain "wood-looking" tile used in all the baths and most of the home's common areas. All the efficiency of porcelain tile, with the nostalgic look and feel of worn and weathered hardwood floors. The home’s casual entry has an 8" rustic antique barn wood look porcelain tile in a rich brown to create a warm and welcoming first impression. Painted distressed cabinetry in muted shades of gray/green was used in the powder room to bring out the rustic feel of the space which was accentuated with wood planked walls and ceilings. Fresh white painted shaker cabinetry was used throughout the rest of the rooms, accentuated by bright chrome fixtures and muted pastel tones to create a calm and relaxing feeling throughout the home. Custom cabinetry was designed and built by Advance Design specifically for a large 70” TV in the living room, for each of the children’s bedroom’s built in storage, custom closets, and book shelves, and for a mudroom fit with custom niches for each family member by name. The ample master bath was fitted with double vanity areas in white. A generous shower with a bench features classic white subway tiles and light blue/green glass accents, as well as a large free standing soaking tub nestled under a window with double sconces to dim while relaxing in a luxurious bath. A custom classic white bookcase for plush towels greets you as you enter the sanctuary bath. Joe Nowak

Scott Shigley
Example of a classic kitchen design in Chicago

On the exterior, the desire was to weave the home into the fabric of the community, all while paying special attention to meld the footprint of the house into a workable clean, open, and spacious interior free of clutter and saturated in natural light to meet the owner’s simple but yet tasteful lifestyle. The utilization of natural light all while bringing nature’s canvas into the spaces provides a sense of harmony. Light, shadow and texture bathe each space creating atmosphere, always changing, and blurring the boundaries between the indoor and outdoor space. Color abounds as nature paints the walls. Though they are all white hues of the spectrum, the natural light saturates and glows, all while being reflected off of the beautiful forms and surfaces. Total emersion of the senses engulf the user, greeting them with an ever changing environment. Style gives way to natural beauty and the home is neither of the past or future, rather it lives in the moment. Stable, grounded and unpretentious the home is understated yet powerful. The environment encourages exploration and an awakening of inner being dispelling convention and accepted norms. The home encourages mediation embracing principals associated with silent illumination. If there was one factor above all that guided the design it would be found in a word, truth. Experience the delight of the creator and enjoy these photos.

As you walk into the Master Bathroom you are greeted with beautiful custom cabinetry and double vanities highlighted with down lighting. They are separated by a custom tower cabinet. Custom vertical mosaic tile back splash provides a blast of color.

Photo of a landscaping in Phoenix.

This 5,200-square foot modern farmhouse is located on Manhattan Beach’s Fourth Street, which leads directly to the ocean. A raw stone facade and custom-built Dutch front-door greets guests, and customized millwork can be found throughout the home. The exposed beams, wooden furnishings, rustic-chic lighting, and soothing palette are inspired by Scandinavian farmhouses and breezy coastal living. The home’s understated elegance privileges comfort and vertical space. To this end, the 5-bed, 7-bath (counting halves) home has a 4-stop elevator and a basement theater with tiered seating and 13-foot ceilings. A third story porch is separated from the upstairs living area by a glass wall that disappears as desired, and its stone fireplace ensures that this panoramic ocean view can be enjoyed year-round. This house is full of gorgeous materials, including a kitchen backsplash of Calacatta marble, mined from the Apuan mountains of Italy, and countertops of polished porcelain. The curved antique French limestone fireplace in the living room is a true statement piece, and the basement includes a temperature-controlled glass room-within-a-room for an aesthetic but functional take on wine storage. The takeaway? Efficiency and beauty are two sides of the same coin.

Our clients had just recently closed on their new house in Stapleton and were excited to transform it into their perfect forever home. They wanted to remodel the entire first floor to create a more open floor plan and develop a smoother flow through the house that better fit the needs of their family. The original layout consisted of several small rooms that just weren’t very functional, so we decided to remove the walls that were breaking up the space and restructure the first floor to create a wonderfully open feel. After removing the existing walls, we rearranged their spaces to give them an office at the front of the house, a large living room, and a large dining room that connects seamlessly with the kitchen. We also wanted to center the foyer in the home and allow more light to travel through the first floor, so we replaced their existing doors with beautiful custom sliding doors to the back yard and a gorgeous walnut door with side lights to greet guests at the front of their home. Living Room Our clients wanted a living room that could accommodate an inviting sectional, a baby grand piano, and plenty of space for family game nights. So, we transformed what had been a small office and sitting room into a large open living room with custom wood columns. We wanted to avoid making the home feel too vast and monumental, so we designed custom beams and columns to define spaces and to make the house feel like a home. Aesthetically we wanted their home to be soft and inviting, so we utilized a neutral color palette with occasional accents of muted blues and greens. Dining Room Our clients were also looking for a large dining room that was open to the rest of the home and perfect for big family gatherings. So, we removed what had been a small family room and eat-in dining area to create a spacious dining room with a fireplace and bar. We added custom cabinetry to the bar area with open shelving for displaying and designed a custom surround for their fireplace that ties in with the wood work we designed for their living room. We brought in the tones and materiality from the kitchen to unite the spaces and added a mixed metal light fixture to bring the space together Kitchen We wanted the kitchen to be a real show stopper and carry through the calm muted tones we were utilizing throughout their home. We reoriented the kitchen to allow for a big beautiful custom island and to give us the opportunity for a focal wall with cooktop and range hood. Their custom island was perfectly complimented with a dramatic quartz counter top and oversized pendants making it the real center of their home. Since they enter the kitchen first when coming from their detached garage, we included a small mud-room area right by the back door to catch everyone’s coats and shoes as they come in. We also created a new walk-in pantry with plenty of open storage and a fun chalkboard door for writing notes, recipes, and grocery lists. Office We transformed the original dining room into a handsome office at the front of the house. We designed custom walnut built-ins to house all of their books, and added glass french doors to give them a bit of privacy without making the space too closed off. We painted the room a deep muted blue to create a glimpse of rich color through the french doors Powder Room The powder room is a wonderful play on textures. We used a neutral palette with contrasting tones to create dramatic moments in this little space with accents of brushed gold. Master Bathroom The existing master bathroom had an awkward layout and outdated finishes, so we redesigned the space to create a clean layout with a dream worthy shower. We continued to use neutral tones that tie in with the rest of the home, but had fun playing with tile textures and patterns to create an eye-catching vanity. The wood-look tile planks along the floor provide a soft backdrop for their new free-standing bathtub and contrast beautifully with the deep ash finish on the cabinetry.

Camp Wobegon is a nostalgic waterfront retreat for a multi-generational family. The home's name pays homage to a radio show the homeowner listened to when he was a child in Minnesota. Throughout the home, there are nods to the sentimental past paired with modern features of today. The five-story home sits on Round Lake in Charlevoix with a beautiful view of the yacht basin and historic downtown area. Each story of the home is devoted to a theme, such as family, grandkids, and wellness. The different stories boast standout features from an in-home fitness center complete with his and her locker rooms to a movie theater and a grandkids' getaway with murphy beds. The kids' library highlights an upper dome with a hand-painted welcome to the home's visitors. Throughout Camp Wobegon, the custom finishes are apparent. The entire home features radius drywall, eliminating any harsh corners. Masons carefully crafted two fireplaces for an authentic touch. In the great room, there are hand constructed dark walnut beams that intrigue and awe anyone who enters the space. Birchwood artisans and select Allenboss carpenters built and assembled the grand beams in the home. Perhaps the most unique room in the home is the exceptional dark walnut study. It exudes craftsmanship through the intricate woodwork. The floor, cabinetry, and ceiling were crafted with care by Birchwood carpenters. When you enter the study, you can smell the rich walnut. The room is a nod to the homeowner's father, who was a carpenter himself. The custom details don't stop on the interior. As you walk through 26-foot NanoLock doors, you're greeted by an endless pool and a showstopping view of Round Lake. Moving to the front of the home, it's easy to admire the two copper domes that sit atop the roof. Yellow cedar siding and painted cedar railing complement the eye-catching domes.

This stunning renovation of the kitchen, bathroom, and laundry room remodel that exudes warmth, style, and individuality. The kitchen boasts a rich tapestry of warm colors, infusing the space with a cozy and inviting ambiance. Meanwhile, the bathroom showcases exquisite terrazzo tiles, offering a mosaic of texture and elegance, creating a spa-like retreat. As you step into the laundry room, be greeted by captivating olive green cabinets, harmonizing functionality with a chic, earthy allure. Each space in this remodel reflects a unique story, blending warm hues, terrazzo intricacies, and the charm of olive green, redefining the essence of contemporary living in a personalized and inviting setting.