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.”

John Evans
Huge elegant u-shaped dark wood floor kitchen photo in Columbus with a farmhouse sink, beaded inset cabinets, white cabinets, granite countertops, white backsplash, stone tile backsplash, paneled appliances and an island

Twist Tours
Alcove bathtub - large traditional kids' gray tile, white tile and porcelain tile brown floor and ceramic tile alcove bathtub idea in Austin with shaker cabinets, gray cabinets, gray walls, an undermount sink, a one-piece toilet, granite countertops and white countertops

photo credit: Haris Kenjar Original Mission tile floor. Arteriors lighting. Newport Brass faucets. West Elm mirror. Victoria + Albert tub. caesarstone countertops custom tile bath surround

SNAP
Inspiration for a mediterranean kitchen remodel in New Orleans with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, solid surface countertops, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash and stainless steel appliances

The kitchen received a similar treatment as the bathroom with a brick backsplash, and although the bar countertop is actually quartz; it was specified to look like concrete. The outer bar cabinets also received the same stained finish as the bathroom, which enhances the warm tones of the wood floor and the brick. The kitchen cabinets were painted gray to contrast the warm tones and to pick up on some of the metal and concrete elements. The kitchen cabinets feature quartz countertops that resemble white marble for a more sophisticated look. The appliances were selected in a slate finish to recede into the cabinets without having to spend more money for panel fronts to match the cabinets.

Transitional u-shaped seated home bar photo in Portland with shaker cabinets and dark wood cabinets

The kitchen is the focal point of the home. A central gathering place with plenty of space to move around. The island is has dark gray cabinetry with a marble countertop and undercounted seating. The surrounding cabinets are white with a gray quartz countertop. The backsplash is composed of vertically stacked tiles capped with white oak open shelving. Interior Design by Amy Terranova.

Modern gray and white kitchen in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Photo credit The Stow Company, Easy Closets
Inspiration for a mid-sized modern u-shaped slate floor kitchen remodel in Grand Rapids with a single-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartzite countertops, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash and stainless steel appliances

Eric Roth Photography
Mid-sized cottage l-shaped medium tone wood floor eat-in kitchen photo in Boston with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, granite countertops, gray backsplash, ceramic backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and black countertops

This once closed off space gains light from the two adjacent rooms. White shaker cabinets and a warm grey island keep the colors quiet. Stunning white calcutta marble countertops steal the show. Faux bamboo stools with a Missoni yellow inspired pattern add a splash of color. We mixed chrome and brass metals.

Michele Fambrough
Inspiration for a mid-sized timeless l-shaped eat-in kitchen remodel in Atlanta with raised-panel cabinets, gray cabinets, quartz countertops, gray backsplash, stone tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and no island

KraftMaid Lyndale Maple Dove White cabinets with Caesarstone countertop White Attica
Eat-in kitchen - mid-sized transitional l-shaped dark wood floor and brown floor eat-in kitchen idea with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartz countertops, gray backsplash, glass tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and white countertops

Our clients were ready to trade in their 1950s kitchen (faux brick and all) for a more contemporary space that could accommodate their growing family. We were more then happy to tear down the walls that hid their kitchen to create some simply irresistible sightlines! Along with opening up the spaces in this home, we wanted to design a kitchen that was filled with clean lines and moments of blissful details. Kitchen- Crisp white cabinetry paired with a soft grey backsplash tile and a warm butcher block countertop provide the perfect clean backdrop for the rest of the home. We utilized a deep grey cabinet finish on the island and contrasted it with a lovely white quartz countertop. Our great obsession is the island ceiling lights! The soft linen shades and linear black details set the tone for the whole space and tie in beautifully with the geometric light fixture we brought into the dining room. Bathroom- Gone are the days of florescent lights and oak medicine cabinets, make way for a modern bathroom that leans it clean geometric lines. We carried the simple color pallet into the bathroom with grey hex floors, a high variation white wall tile, and deep wood tones at the vanity. Simple black accents create moments of interest through out this calm little space.

The vertically-laid glass mosaic backsplash adds a beautiful and modern detail that frames the stainless steel range hood to create a grand focal point from across the room. The neutral color palette keeps the space feeling crisp and light, working harmoniously with the Northwest view outside. Patrick Barta Photography

The homeowners loved the location of their small Cape Cod home, but they didn't love its limited interior space. A 10' addition along the back of the home and a brand new 2nd story gave them just the space they needed. With a classy monotone exterior and a welcoming front porch, this remodel is a refined example of a transitional style home. Space Plans, Building Design, Interior & Exterior Finishes by Anchor Builders Photos by Andrea Rugg Photography

Omega Cabinetry Large Gourmet Kitchen Large European Modern Kitchen Large White and Gray painted kitchen White painted shaker transom cabinetry Gray painted islands, shaker cabinetry Large island Wolf and Sub Zero appliances Large custom SS Vent a Hood vent Modern subway tile Modern hardware from Top Knobs Built in Kitchen table and bench seating quartz countertops

Siri Blanchette/Blind Dog Photo Associates This master bath was designed with the feel of a misty, overcast day on a natural Maine beach. The porcelain tile looks like gray limestone, the textured laminate on the vanity looks like aged driftwood, and the wall color looks like an overcast sky.

A former kitchen with a staggered sight line, tiled countertop, and brass trim gains a fresh perspective with small updates. The cabinetry was in excellent shape, so the kitchen was largely re-purposed with all the original cabinetry intact and the same footprint used. The wish list included extra storage and with a vaulted ceiling, the obvious choice was to gain additional storage in height. As the original cabinets were no longer being manufactured, glass front uppers were chosen and painted to match. With the addition of new side panels and crown moulding, the new uppers cabinets blend seamlessly in place. The pantry walls were also painted to match the cabinetry to give it the appearance of a built-in. New countertops in black Caesarstone, marble backsplash, Blanco sink, brushed nickel knobs, and kitchen faucet gives this kitchen a fresh updated look! Photo Credit: Zoon Media