Presenting a mid-century modern home in Mill Valley with simple yet dramatic architectural features located at 523 Brookline Avenue Mill Valley CA. Perched above a very quiet spot at the end of a cul de sac, this brand new and visually interesting home boasts panoramic degree views of Tam Valley. With impeccable attention to detail, the contemporary design has an inviting vaulted entry opening up into the living and dining areas with high exposed wood ceilings. Wonderful natural light floods the rooms. Perfectly integrating the wooded surroundings, this comfortable and high tech home features four new outdoor decks off the kitchen, yard, living/dining rooms, and the master bedroom. Wonderful natural light floods the rooms. The living room, dining room and kitchen are all integrated with sleek design finishes including contemporary cable railing, interesting and repeated architectural detailing and matte finished hardwood flooring all with expansive views. This home reflects a refined taste and a sense of style that is noted in the careful orientation of the roof line, the windows and the outdoor living areas. The designer, Charles Stewart Architects, has created an experience, not just a home. Perfectly integrating the wooded surroundings, this comfortable and high tech home features four new outdoor decks off the kitchen, yard, living/dining rooms, and the master bedroom. The master bathroom includes a large shower and a soaking tub. State of the art appliances (Bosch, Samsung, LG) and high tech detecting systems guarantee safety and privacy. The home features Nest operating systems including heating system control and smoke/heat detection systems plus controls for garage doors and all accessible via your smart phone for programming and monitoring. With an award winning school district, an excellent pre-school (Kumara), the Tamalpais Community Center, a new Good Earth grocery store coming soon to the neighborhood and easy access to the recently renovated Eastwood Park as well as to San Francisco, the location can't be beat!

Step inside this stunning refined traditional home designed by our Lafayette studio. The luxurious interior seamlessly blends French country and classic design elements with contemporary touches, resulting in a timeless and sophisticated aesthetic. From the soft beige walls to the intricate detailing, every aspect of this home exudes elegance and warmth. The sophisticated living spaces feature inviting colors, high-end finishes, and impeccable attention to detail, making this home the perfect haven for relaxation and entertainment. Explore the photos to see how we transformed this stunning property into a true forever home.

Great room - large modern light wood floor and brown floor great room idea in San Francisco with beige walls and no fireplace

Inspiration for a large contemporary gender-neutral concrete floor and gray floor walk-in closet remodel in Miami with open cabinets

Lovely transitional style custom home in Scottsdale, Arizona. The high ceilings, skylights, white cabinetry, and medium wood tones create a light and airy feeling throughout the home. The aesthetic gives a nod to contemporary design and has a sophisticated feel but is also very inviting and warm. In part this was achieved by the incorporation of varied colors, styles, and finishes on the fixtures, tiles, and accessories. The look was further enhanced by the juxtapositional use of black and white to create visual interest and make it fun. Thoughtfully designed and built for real living and indoor/ outdoor entertainment.

Photo: Rikki Snyder © 2014 Houzz
Example of an eclectic living room design in New York

This bespoke modern media unit was designed and handcrafted for the living room of a private family residence in Surrey. We worked closely with our clients to develop the freestanding piece of uniquely elegant and highly practical furniture. The bold, contemporary design featuring a stepped cornice has given their living room impressive structure and style. Our clients wanted the furniture to make a stunning statement feature in the room. The TV screen is integrated into the design and surrounded by open shelving to display their favourite books and ornaments. Uniquely designed and crafted for the space We began by exploring ideas for the design of the unit, along with materials and finishes. We produced detailed CAD visuals so our clients could clearly envisage how the finished furniture design would look in the space. Tailored display shelving and storage cabinets For this TV unit in their Surrey home, our clients wanted to have open display areas for books and artworks, with lower cabinets for storage. Finished in the latest Italian-designed Xylocleaf veneers, the backs of the open shelving have an impressive, decorative look. The lower cupboards of this unit feature reeded panelled doors with a smooth, push to open, handle-free design. The reeded feature on the doors elevates the furniture design and adds an interesting texture to the unit. High end, sophisticated paint finish Colour was important for our clients. With a bespoke by Acorn media unit, you can have any paint colour you like and sheen from matte to high gloss. Our clients chose Farrow and Ball’s Railings. More blue than black, Railings has a velvety quality which adds a softness to the deep, strong colour. It’s dramatic yet has a cocooning quality and the opulent shade sets off artworks perfectly. We used luxurious XyloCleaf boards for the open display backs. Together with the concealed LED lighting this achieves a visually stunning dimension and atmosphere. Luxury laminated surfaces At Acorn, we can offer you some of the finest materials and finishes for your bespoke media furniture. For this high-end contemporary look, our clients chose decorative back panels by Xylocleaf, which combine exceptional Italian flair with class-leading technical standards. The decorative panels are perfect for distinctive cabinetry and luxury interiors. Bespoke LED lighting for the unit The display shelving has been illuminated to add dimension and ambience. Integrated dimmable LED lighting puts our client’s beautiful objects in the spotlight and creates a warming glow.

This bespoke modern media unit was designed and handcrafted for the living room of a private family residence in Surrey. We worked closely with our clients to develop the freestanding piece of uniquely elegant and highly practical furniture. The bold, contemporary design featuring a stepped cornice has given their living room impressive structure and style. Our clients wanted the furniture to make a stunning statement feature in the room. The TV screen is integrated into the design and surrounded by open shelving to display their favourite books and ornaments. Uniquely designed and crafted for the space We began by exploring ideas for the design of the unit, along with materials and finishes. We produced detailed CAD visuals so our clients could clearly envisage how the finished furniture design would look in the space. Tailored display shelving and storage cabinets For this TV unit in their Surrey home, our clients wanted to have open display areas for books and artworks, with lower cabinets for storage. Finished in the latest Italian-designed Xylocleaf veneers, the backs of the open shelving have an impressive, decorative look. The lower cupboards of this unit feature reeded panelled doors with a smooth, push to open, handle-free design. The reeded feature on the doors elevates the furniture design and adds an interesting texture to the unit. High end, sophisticated paint finish Colour was important for our clients. With a bespoke by Acorn media unit, you can have any paint colour you like and sheen from matte to high gloss. Our clients chose Farrow and Ball’s Railings. More blue than black, Railings has a velvety quality which adds a softness to the deep, strong colour. It’s dramatic yet has a cocooning quality and the opulent shade sets off artworks perfectly. We used luxurious XyloCleaf boards for the open display backs. Together with the concealed LED lighting this achieves a visually stunning dimension and atmosphere. Luxury laminated surfaces At Acorn, we can offer you some of the finest materials and finishes for your bespoke media furniture. For this high-end contemporary look, our clients chose decorative back panels by Xylocleaf, which combine exceptional Italian flair with class-leading technical standards. The decorative panels are perfect for distinctive cabinetry and luxury interiors. Bespoke LED lighting for the unit The display shelving has been illuminated to add dimension and ambience. Integrated dimmable LED lighting puts our client’s beautiful objects in the spotlight and creates a warming glow.

This bespoke modern media unit was designed and handcrafted for the living room of a private family residence in Surrey. We worked closely with our clients to develop the freestanding piece of uniquely elegant and highly practical furniture. The bold, contemporary design featuring a stepped cornice has given their living room impressive structure and style. Our clients wanted the furniture to make a stunning statement feature in the room. The TV screen is integrated into the design and surrounded by open shelving to display their favourite books and ornaments. Uniquely designed and crafted for the space We began by exploring ideas for the design of the unit, along with materials and finishes. We produced detailed CAD visuals so our clients could clearly envisage how the finished furniture design would look in the space. Tailored display shelving and storage cabinets For this TV unit in their Surrey home, our clients wanted to have open display areas for books and artworks, with lower cabinets for storage. Finished in the latest Italian-designed Xylocleaf veneers, the backs of the open shelving have an impressive, decorative look. The lower cupboards of this unit feature reeded panelled doors with a smooth, push to open, handle-free design. The reeded feature on the doors elevates the furniture design and adds an interesting texture to the unit. High end, sophisticated paint finish Colour was important for our clients. With a bespoke by Acorn media unit, you can have any paint colour you like and sheen from matte to high gloss. Our clients chose Farrow and Ball’s Railings. More blue than black, Railings has a velvety quality which adds a softness to the deep, strong colour. It’s dramatic yet has a cocooning quality and the opulent shade sets off artworks perfectly. We used luxurious XyloCleaf boards for the open display backs. Together with the concealed LED lighting this achieves a visually stunning dimension and atmosphere. Luxury laminated surfaces At Acorn, we can offer you some of the finest materials and finishes for your bespoke media furniture. For this high-end contemporary look, our clients chose decorative back panels by Xylocleaf, which combine exceptional Italian flair with class-leading technical standards. The decorative panels are perfect for distinctive cabinetry and luxury interiors. Bespoke LED lighting for the unit The display shelving has been illuminated to add dimension and ambience. Integrated dimmable LED lighting puts our client’s beautiful objects in the spotlight and creates a warming glow.

This bespoke modern media unit was designed and handcrafted for the living room of a private family residence in Surrey. We worked closely with our clients to develop the freestanding piece of uniquely elegant and highly practical furniture. The bold, contemporary design featuring a stepped cornice has given their living room impressive structure and style. Our clients wanted the furniture to make a stunning statement feature in the room. The TV screen is integrated into the design and surrounded by open shelving to display their favourite books and ornaments. Uniquely designed and crafted for the space We began by exploring ideas for the design of the unit, along with materials and finishes. We produced detailed CAD visuals so our clients could clearly envisage how the finished furniture design would look in the space. Tailored display shelving and storage cabinets For this TV unit in their Surrey home, our clients wanted to have open display areas for books and artworks, with lower cabinets for storage. Finished in the latest Italian-designed Xylocleaf veneers, the backs of the open shelving have an impressive, decorative look. The lower cupboards of this unit feature reeded panelled doors with a smooth, push to open, handle-free design. The reeded feature on the doors elevates the furniture design and adds an interesting texture to the unit. High end, sophisticated paint finish Colour was important for our clients. With a bespoke by Acorn media unit, you can have any paint colour you like and sheen from matte to high gloss. Our clients chose Farrow and Ball’s Railings. More blue than black, Railings has a velvety quality which adds a softness to the deep, strong colour. It’s dramatic yet has a cocooning quality and the opulent shade sets off artworks perfectly. We used luxurious XyloCleaf boards for the open display backs. Together with the concealed LED lighting this achieves a visually stunning dimension and atmosphere. Luxury laminated surfaces At Acorn, we can offer you some of the finest materials and finishes for your bespoke media furniture. For this high-end contemporary look, our clients chose decorative back panels by Xylocleaf, which combine exceptional Italian flair with class-leading technical standards. The decorative panels are perfect for distinctive cabinetry and luxury interiors. Bespoke LED lighting for the unit The display shelving has been illuminated to add dimension and ambience. Integrated dimmable LED lighting puts our client’s beautiful objects in the spotlight and creates a warming glow.

This bespoke modern media unit was designed and handcrafted for the living room of a private family residence in Surrey. We worked closely with our clients to develop the freestanding piece of uniquely elegant and highly practical furniture. The bold, contemporary design featuring a stepped cornice has given their living room impressive structure and style. Our clients wanted the furniture to make a stunning statement feature in the room. The TV screen is integrated into the design and surrounded by open shelving to display their favourite books and ornaments. Uniquely designed and crafted for the space We began by exploring ideas for the design of the unit, along with materials and finishes. We produced detailed CAD visuals so our clients could clearly envisage how the finished furniture design would look in the space. Tailored display shelving and storage cabinets For this TV unit in their Surrey home, our clients wanted to have open display areas for books and artworks, with lower cabinets for storage. Finished in the latest Italian-designed Xylocleaf veneers, the backs of the open shelving have an impressive, decorative look. The lower cupboards of this unit feature reeded panelled doors with a smooth, push to open, handle-free design. The reeded feature on the doors elevates the furniture design and adds an interesting texture to the unit. High end, sophisticated paint finish Colour was important for our clients. With a bespoke by Acorn media unit, you can have any paint colour you like and sheen from matte to high gloss. Our clients chose Farrow and Ball’s Railings. More blue than black, Railings has a velvety quality which adds a softness to the deep, strong colour. It’s dramatic yet has a cocooning quality and the opulent shade sets off artworks perfectly. We used luxurious XyloCleaf boards for the open display backs. Together with the concealed LED lighting this achieves a visually stunning dimension and atmosphere. Luxury laminated surfaces At Acorn, we can offer you some of the finest materials and finishes for your bespoke media furniture. For this high-end contemporary look, our clients chose decorative back panels by Xylocleaf, which combine exceptional Italian flair with class-leading technical standards. The decorative panels are perfect for distinctive cabinetry and luxury interiors. Bespoke LED lighting for the unit The display shelving has been illuminated to add dimension and ambience. Integrated dimmable LED lighting puts our client’s beautiful objects in the spotlight and creates a warming glow.

This bespoke modern media unit was designed and handcrafted for the living room of a private family residence in Surrey. We worked closely with our clients to develop the freestanding piece of uniquely elegant and highly practical furniture. The bold, contemporary design featuring a stepped cornice has given their living room impressive structure and style. Our clients wanted the furniture to make a stunning statement feature in the room. The TV screen is integrated into the design and surrounded by open shelving to display their favourite books and ornaments. Uniquely designed and crafted for the space We began by exploring ideas for the design of the unit, along with materials and finishes. We produced detailed CAD visuals so our clients could clearly envisage how the finished furniture design would look in the space. Tailored display shelving and storage cabinets For this TV unit in their Surrey home, our clients wanted to have open display areas for books and artworks, with lower cabinets for storage. Finished in the latest Italian-designed Xylocleaf veneers, the backs of the open shelving have an impressive, decorative look. The lower cupboards of this unit feature reeded panelled doors with a smooth, push to open, handle-free design. The reeded feature on the doors elevates the furniture design and adds an interesting texture to the unit. High end, sophisticated paint finish Colour was important for our clients. With a bespoke by Acorn media unit, you can have any paint colour you like and sheen from matte to high gloss. Our clients chose Farrow and Ball’s Railings. More blue than black, Railings has a velvety quality which adds a softness to the deep, strong colour. It’s dramatic yet has a cocooning quality and the opulent shade sets off artworks perfectly. We used luxurious XyloCleaf boards for the open display backs. Together with the concealed LED lighting this achieves a visually stunning dimension and atmosphere. Luxury laminated surfaces At Acorn, we can offer you some of the finest materials and finishes for your bespoke media furniture. For this high-end contemporary look, our clients chose decorative back panels by Xylocleaf, which combine exceptional Italian flair with class-leading technical standards. The decorative panels are perfect for distinctive cabinetry and luxury interiors. Bespoke LED lighting for the unit The display shelving has been illuminated to add dimension and ambience. Integrated dimmable LED lighting puts our client’s beautiful objects in the spotlight and creates a warming glow.

In the hearth room, the design pivots toward raw organic beauty met with high-fashion sophistication. The soaring fireplace is clad in stunning large-format porcelain slabs that mimic the dramatic, sprawling veining of natural stone, extending all the way to the vaulted ceiling for a sense of monumental scale. This sleek, polished backdrop is grounded by a heavy live-edge wood mantel, introducing a warm, tactile element that balances the stone's coolness. The styling leans into a "glam-meets-rugged" aesthetic, featuring a bold, sculptural bull head as a central statement piece amidst curated fashion-forward decor. The room is bathed in warm tones, from the rich cognac leather armchair to the earthy wood accents, all softened by plush textures like the ivory boucle sofa and high-pile shag rug. Large windows flank the hearth, flooding the space with natural light and connecting this high-drama interior to the serene landscape outside.

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.”

An open main layout, updated mechanics, and an expanded garage modernize this home for today's needs while fitting the homeowners' historic, eclectic style and authenticity. The remodel features multiple areas for seamless entertaining, from daytime warmth to nighttime sophistication.

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.”

Discover the epitome of sophistication in the heart of Agoura Hills with our featured 4,600-square-foot contemporary home remodel; this residence beautifully redefines modern living. Entrusted with our client’s vision, we transformed this space into an open-concept marvel, seamlessly connecting the kitchen, dining, and family areas. The result is an inclusive environment where various activities coexist harmoniously. The newly crafted kitchen, adorned with custom brass inlays on the wood hood and high-contrast finishes, steals the spotlight. A generously sized island featuring a floating walnut bar countertop takes center stage, becoming the heart of family gatherings. As you explore further, the family room and powder bath emanate a captivating dark, moody glam, injecting an exclusive touch into these meticulously curated spaces. Experience the allure of contemporary design and sophisticated living in this Agoura Hills gem. Photographer: Public 311

Chris Little Photography
Enclosed dining room - large farmhouse medium tone wood floor and brown floor enclosed dining room idea in Atlanta with white walls and no fireplace

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.”