Hosting Easy - Photos & Ideas

Jackie and Sean loved the Algonquin neighborhood they lived in with the peaceful neighborhood and the close proximity to work and school. What they didn’t love was how outdated their home had become. With a cramped kitchen and an unused dining room, they decided a remodel was the perfect solution to their problem. They would be able to continue to live in the area they loved, while at the same time they could have the dream home they envisioned. After a thorough search, Jackie came across Advance Design Studio. She was impressed by all of the positive reviews she saw on the internet and saw herself identifying with all of the project stories she saw on the website. Once they met with designer Scott Christensen and owner Todd Jurs, they knew Advance Design was the right company to make their dreams a reality. The project consisted of four main areas: the kitchen/dining/powder room, the laundry room, the master bathroom, and the kid’s bathroom. They wanted to expand the kitchen into the seldom used dining room and add a large island for hosting parties and family gatherings. They also wanted new hardwood flooring throughout the first level. The laundry room needed to be more functional, and all three bathrooms were in dire need of updating. The closed off kitchen was opened up to create a sweeping space between the new eating area and the much larger kitchen. A handsome dry bar complete with a beverage refrigerator and lighted glass door cabinetry makes an elegant transition across from a peninsula area filled with storage. An additional decorative cabinet lighting up elegant dishware through the mullioned glass sits directly across from the drybar. An expansive island was critical to the kitchen plans. Jackie, Sean and Scott worked closely together to create just the right details for their design. They wanted the island to be functional in addition to being the centerpiece of the room. Added storage for the kid’s school supplies was hidden behind cabinet doors so the children could do their schoolwork right at the island, and a microwave drawer glides open with the touch of a finger hidden inconspicuously within the island space. The easy to care for Cambria Britannica Quartz island top with its sweeping grey and white marble look perched atop hand-carved Craftsman corbels was absolutely what they were hoping for, blending both beauty and function perfectly. Adding a nice contrast to the brightness of the quartz and the white cabinetry, Kodiak - Leather granite countertops were used to balance the light and dark tones of the space. Dura Supreme Classic White painted cabinets grace the perimeter, while Maple Poppy Seed stained cabinets with a beautiful soft grey woodgrain were used in the beverage center and island. The two tones compliment the large space balancing it out nicely creating interest and elegance with the simple Craftsman style full overlay doors. A deep warm Barnwood White Oak flooring was added throughout the lower level. The new floor brings additional contrast to the bright kitchen and provides unity with the now open floorplan as it rolls in to the foyer and family room. Final details like the show-stopping lunar like duo light fixtures complete the space and intermix expertly with crisscross details of the glass door mullions, the island bar seating and even accessories in the space. The small cluttered laundry room needed more space and more storage. With a busy family it seemed to overflow daily and did not have anywhere to hide the families “in and out stuff.” Scott designed the new space with a stackable washer and dryer and much more efficiently organized cabinetry. Doing laundry is now (almost!) a pleasure and keeping everyone’s “stuff” hidden, but readily accessible is now a snap. The master bath was not a place where the couple enjoyed spending time getting ready for their day. The tub almost never was used, so removing it made it possible to build an extra-large shower, replacing the small cramped cube of the previous shower they hated. Clean, horizontal lines softly draw your eye around the space with porcelain tile called Driftwood Sea spray. Full overlay cabinetry in a soft white vanity with double sinks makes getting ready for the day much more convenient for the busy couple. Long floor planks made of porcelain tile mimic real hardwood floors in a soft grey to compliment the shower, but with the ease and care of a tile surface. Cambrian Black Granite counters with a matte finish and under mount porcelain sinks with handsome brushed chrome hardware complete the handsome space. A real bonus in any master bath; a custom built in storage nook was tucked in the corner of the space for linens and heavenly storage. The kid’s bath was in sad shape because it was original to the house. To keep the budget in control, the tub which was in great condition was retained, but focus was on the new large brick style porcelain charcoal tile on the floor, crisp white new Craftsman style cabinetry with pretty furniture details on the corner base, a striking granite top with white under mount porcelain sinks and fresh hardware and faucets. Some beautiful soft grey wood mirrors to match mom and dads were custom sized and placed under new lighting, and 4 hooks were smartly arranged down the wall for kids’ towels. This couple was determined not to move, and made their house their dream home. Not only does their home function greatly now, but Jackie says, “When the neighbors come to visit, they’re asking if they can “steal” the design”! The added functionality, elegance, and open floor plan were exactly what this family needed in order to stay. Advance Design Studio, Joe Nowak

Transitional Philly Row Home Renovation

Rooted By Design

Philadelphia Row Home Renovation focusing on maximizing storage for a young family of 5. We created a "mudroom" in the front of the row home with a large living room space for family time + hosting. We used kid-friendly furnishings with performance fabrics that are durable and easy to clean. Prioritized eco-friendly selections, utilizing locally sourced + American made pieces.

Traditional Bilotta Collection in Rye

Bilotta Kitchen & Home

This expansive traditional kitchen by senior designer, Randy O'Kane and Architect, Clark Neuringer, features Bilotta Collection cabinet in a custom color. Randy says, the best part about working with this client was that she loves design – and not just interior but she also loves holiday decorating and she has a beautiful sense of aesthetic (and does everything to the nines). For her kitchen she wanted a barn-like feel and it absolutely had to be functional because she both bakes and cooks for her family and neighbors every day. And as the mother of four teenage girls she has a lot of people coming in and out of her home all the time. She wanted her kitchen to be comfortable – not untouchable and not too “done”. When she first met with Bilotta senior designer Randy O’Kane, her #1 comment was: “I’m experiencing white kitchen fatigue”. So right from the start finding the perfect color was the prime focus. The challenge was infusing a center hall colonial with a sense of warmth, comfort and that barn aesthetic without being too rustic which is why they went with a straight greenish grey paint vs. something distressed. The flooring, by Artisan Wood floors, looks reclaimed with its wider long planks and fumed finish. The barn door separating the laundry room and the kitchen was made from hand selected barn wood, made custom according to the client’s detailed specifications, and hung with sliding hardware. The kitchen hardware was really a window sash pull from Rocky Mountain that was repurposed as handles in a living bronze finish mounted horizontally. Glazed brick tile, by Ann Sacks, really helped to embrace the overall concept. Since a lot of parties are hosted out of that space, the kitchen, and butler’s pantry off to the side, needed a good flow as well as areas to bake and stage the creations. Double ovens were a must as well as a 48” Wolf Range and a Rangecraft hood – four ovens are going all the time. Beverage drawers were added to allow others to flow through the kitchen without disturbing the cook. Lots of storage was added for a well-stocked kitchen. A unique detail is double door wall cabinets, some with wire mesh to allow to see their dishes for easy access. In the butler’s pantry, instead of mesh they opted for antique mirror glass fronts. Countertops are a natural quartzite for care free use and a solid wood table, by Brooks Custom, extends of the island, removable for flexibility, making the kitchen and dining area very functional. One of the client’s antique pieces (a hutch) was incorporated into the kitchen to give it a more authentic look as well as another surface to decorate and provide storage. The lighting over the island and breakfast table has exposed Edison bulbs which hearkens to that “barn” lighting. For the sinks, they used a fireclay Herbeau farmhouse on the perimeter and an undermount Rohl sink on the island. Faucets are by Waterworks. Standing back and taking it all in it’s a wonderful collaboration of carefully designed working space and a warm gathering space for family and guests. Bilotta Designer: Randy O’Kane, Architect: Clark Neuringer Architects, posthumously. Photo Credit: Peter Krupenye

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Transitional Philly Row Home Renovation

Rooted By Design

Unique Schaumburg, IL Kitchen Renovation

Advance Design Studio, Ltd.

Raza and Baneen purchased their home in Schaumburg IL. knowing it needed work, but they saw the incredible potential it had with its expanse of beautiful kitchen windows and spacious floor plan. The kitchen technically functioned fine, but was desperately outdated with its honey oak cabinets and plain countertops. This family loved to cook and host parties so it was an easy decision that the kitchen remodel was the first project they needed to tackle to make their home come to life. Baneen had very specific ideas for her new dream kitchen and had been thinking about it for over 10 years! When they met Advance Design’s Project Designer Claudia Pop, Baneen felt an instant connection. “From the first meeting, I knew that Claudia would guide us without putting down our ideas,” Baneen said. The couple had two fears common among remodeling home owners: Would the project be done on time? And, would the project stay on budget? Advance Design was able to alleviate their fears early on, as Claudia shared the “Common Sense Remodeling” process. Raza and Baneen absolutely loved the custom project analysis that helped them understand how a budget could be accurately predicted and then safeguarded during the design process. “Advance Design was spot on with both the budget and the project timeframe,” Baneen said. “Overall there were no surprises, and the budget was exactly what we were quoted. The experience was phenomenal, everybody was professional, everybody was courteous, everyone was nice, everyone was friendly. It wasn't stressful for us, they still left the house in a presentable state. It wasn't like we would come home and we were bring the kids in and it was going to be hazardous." After the relationship was cemented, Raza, Baneen and Claudia began to finalize the kitchen design. The main objective was to create a functional space for preparing meals and to create an inviting space for their family and friends to enjoy, while incorporating interesting design elements such as the iconic blue island and reclaimed Chicago brick walls. Sufficient storage space was really important to Baneen, and high quality appliances were a priority. As the overall layout was being completed, together they reviewed each cabinet to determine exactly what would be stored there. Because cooking was a high priority for this family, Claudia incorporated spice racks close to the range and included two mixer lift shelves for their larger countertop appliances. The focal point of the kitchen is the striking blue island constructed from custom colored Dura Supreme cabinets. Designed with decorative shelving and a highly functional prep sink. The couple loves the “galley” prep sink, it adds even more functionality and significantly shortens preparation and cleaning time. This island also includes a 24" Bosch Dishwasher with matching panel to blend in. "Aesthetically, and in terms of functionality, the island everything I imagined," Baneen said. "I love how beautiful it looks and how functional it is. It just brings everybody together." The Praa Sands Quartz countertop with an ogee edge profile provides excellent contrast by blending it's subtle tones with the outer cabinetry. It ties the island together with the rest of the space. Overlooking the beautiful backyard through spacious windows, the crisp white farmhouse sink is something that Baneen envisioned in her kitchen for years. Two tones of Dura Supreme Cabinetry were used throughout the rest of the kitchen. Chestnut Cherry cabinets grace the range and decorative range hood and as panels over the Wolf refrigerator and freezer. Antique White cabinets surround the perimeter, creating a warm balance that beckons guests into the softly rounded space. Drawing the eye immediately to the custom wood hood hiding a powerful 1,500 CFM ventilation system and spectacular 60” Duel Fuel Wolf range, a creatively patterned Tessen in Café & Brine backsplash detail stands out from the white subway tile backsplash spanning the outer walls. The vibrant space reflects the lively personality of the family who now loves spending time both cooking and enjoying this kitchen as a family. “The end result is a beautiful and extremely functional kitchen that is able to handle a growing family, lots of parties and lots of cooking,” Claudia said. “Advance Design was wonderfully professional and a pleasure to work with. They catered to what my needs and ideas were, while skillfully guiding us to make the right choices where we seemed lost,” Baneen said.

Two - Toned Traditional in Brooklyn, NY!

Bilotta Kitchen & Home

Designed by Bilotta’s Tom Vecchio with Samantha Drew Interiors, this traditional two-toned kitchen features Rutt Handcrafted Cabinetry in a warm mix of Benjamin Moore’s Cloud White paint and cherry with a stain. The expansive space is perfect for a large family that hosts a great deal of guests. The 15’ wide sink wall features a 36” wide farm house sink situated in front of a large window, offering plenty of light, and is flanked by a double pull-out trash and “knock-to-open” Miele dishwasher. At the opposite end of the room a banquette sits in front of another sunny window and comfortably seats eight people. In between the sink wall and banquette sits a 9’ long island which seats another four people and houses both a second dishwasher and a hidden charging station for phones and computers. The countertops on both the island and perimeter are polished Biano Rhino Marble and the backsplash is a handmade subway tile from Southampton Masonry. The flooring, also from Southampton Masonry, is a Silver Travertine – coupled with all of the other finishes the room gives off a serene, coastal feeling. The hardware, in a polished chrome finish, is from Cliffside; the sink and faucet from Rohl. The dining table, seating and decorative lighting is all from Samantha Drew Interiors in East Setauket, NY. The appliances, most of which are fully integrated with custom wood panels (including the 72” worth of refrigeration!), are by Viking, except for the custom metal hood. The window treatments, which are operated electronically for easy opening and closing, are also by Samantha Drew Interiors using Romo Fabrics. Bilotta Designer:Tom Vecchio with Samantha Drew Interiors Photo Credit: Peter Krupenye

CHINESE PRINCESS REGENCY

Jami Abbadessa

I was contacted by the Realtor who sold this house to his friend in San Marino to help with the interior design of the extensive remodel. The 3,777 sf house with 6 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms was built in 1948 and was in need of some major changes. San Marino, CA, incorporated in 1913, was designed by its founders to be uniquely residential, with expansive properties surrounded by beautiful gardens, wide streets, and well maintained parkways. In 2010, Forbes Magazine ranked the city as the 63rd most expensive area to live in the United States. There are little to no homes priced under US$1,000,000, with the median list price of a single family home at US$2,159,000. We decided to tear down walls, remove a fireplace (gasp!), reconfigure bathrooms and update all the finishes while maintaining the integrity of the San Marino style. Here are some photos of the home after. The kitchen was totally gutted. Custom, lacquered black and white cabinetry was built for the space. We decided on 2-tone cabinets and 2 door styles on the island and surrounding cabinets for visual impact and variety. Cambria quartz in Braemar was installed on the counters and back splash for easy clean up and durability. New Schonbek crystal chandeliers and silver cabinetry hardware are the jewelry, making this space sparkle. Custom Roman shades add a bit of softness to the room and custom barstools in white and black invite guests to have a seat while dinner is being prepared. In the dining room we opted for custom moldings to add architectural detail to the walls and infuse a hint of traditional style. The black lacquer table and Louis chairs are custom made for the space with a peacock teal velvet. A traditional area rug and custom window treatments in a blue-green were added to soften the space. The Schonbek Crystal Rain chandelier is the show stopper in the space with pure sparkle and graceful traditional form. The living room is host to custom tufted grey velvet sofas, custom accent chair with ottoman in a silver fabric, custom black and while media center, baby grand piano with mini Schonbeck Crystal Rain chandelier hung above, custom tufted velvet tuffet for extra seating, one-of-a-kind art and custom window coverings in a diamond grey fabric. Sparkle and pizzazz was added with purple, crystal and mirrored accessories. The occupant of this home is a 21 year old woman. Her favorite colors are baby pink and blue. I knew this was possibly going to be my only chance in my design career to go nuts with the color pink, so I went for it! A majestic pink velvet tufted bed dressed with luxurious white linens is the focal point. Flanking the bed are two pink crystal chandeliers, a custom white lacquer desk with a baby blue Louis chair and a custom baby blue nightstand with a Moroccan door design. A super soft white shag rug graces the floor. Custom white silk window coverings with black out lining provide privacy and a completely dark room when wanted. An acrylic hanging bubble chair adds whimsy and playfulness. The master bathroom was a complete transformation. A clawfoot slipper tub sits inside the shower, clad with marble wall and floor tiles and a basketweave with custom baby blue accent tiles. A frameless shower wall separates the wet and dry areas. A custom baby blue cabinet with crystal knobs, topped with Cambria Quartz Whitney, was built to match the bedroom’s nightstand. Above hangs a pair of pink crystal wall sconces and a vintage rococo mirror painted in high gloss white. Crystal and nickel faucets and fixtures add more sparkle and shine.

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Sunbury, OH

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Kitchen Remodeling

Palette Pro Painting & Renovation

Step into our meticulously renovated modern farmhouse kitchen, a harmonious blend of classic charm and contemporary style. Every inch of this space has been carefully curated to create a welcoming and functional hub for our family. The heart of this renovation lies in the open-concept design. We took down walls and removed barriers, ushering in a sense of unity with the rest of the home. As a result, the kitchen now seamlessly integrates with the adjoining living and dining areas, making it the ideal space for both meal preparation and entertaining. The flow of natural light is enhanced, and the connection between rooms is invigorating. Underfoot, we've installed new white oak hardwood flooring that adds warmth and texture to the space. Its natural beauty complements the farmhouse aesthetic, tying the room together with a timeless grace. The flooring is not only practical but also sets the stage for the kitchen's color palette, blending seamlessly with the beautiful green cabinets with gold hardware. The centerpiece of this kitchen is the new cabinetry, resplendent in a rich, earthy green finish. These cabinets provide a stunning contrast to the fresh, clean white surroundings, infusing the space with personality and depth. Their shaker-style doors evoke a rustic, farmhouse sensibility, while the gold hardware accents in the cabinetry create a visual interest that draws the eye and invites touch. This combination of green and gold adds a unique, vibrant character to the room, making it truly one-of-a-kind. Our choice of a farm sink is another nod to the farmhouse tradition. It's a deep, apron-front sink that exudes a rustic yet functional appeal. The oak detail on the bottom of the sink ties in with the cabinet accents, achieving a delightful sense of cohesion. Its generous basin and sturdy construction make meal prep and cleanup a breeze, all while remaining aesthetically pleasing. The walls, once bland and uninspiring, now boast a fresh coat of paint that complements the cabinetry and flooring. Soft, neutral hues create a serene atmosphere, allowing the room to breathe and feel even more spacious. This thoughtful color choice serves as a canvas for personal touches and decor, making it easy to change the ambiance to suit any occasion or season. To add the finishing touch to our modern farmhouse kitchen, we've carefully selected new light fixtures. These fixtures are both functional and decorative, elevating the overall aesthetic of the space. They provide a warm and inviting ambiance during evenings, setting the stage for cozy family dinners or gatherings with friends. Our renovated modern farmhouse kitchen is a testament to the power of design and thoughtful renovation. It brings together classic elements with a contemporary sensibility, resulting in a space that is as practical as it is aesthetically pleasing. Whether you're whipping up a delicious meal, enjoying a cup of coffee, or hosting friends and family, this kitchen is the heart of our home and a true expression of our style and personality, with its captivating green cabinetry adding a distinctive, vibrant touch to the overall design.

Barbie's Art Deco Townhouse

Johnson + Fernàndez Interior Design

What can we say about this gal-pad! The client had flooding in her basement, and decided to gut the entire space and create a glam lounge, complete with bar space! Hosting wine nights or girl's night in is easy when you have a room like this!

Modern Maybeck

Fergus Garber Architects

Sometimes, all it takes is a fresh perspective. This was the case for FGA’s Atherton clients, empty-nesters, who were eager to reimagine their home of many years as they embarked on their next chapter: hosting grandchildren. To start, FGA kept a few outer walls to preserve the home's more expansive footprint, while opening up and reimagining the layout. The new home with a grand entry hall is oriented to highlight the long garden view. Stylistically, the goal was to lend the new home an older aesthetic that suited the surrounding neighborhood - a home that “felt like the oldest house on the block,” in the words of the client. The structure also recalls the iconic style of Bernard Maybeck who designed the husband’s childhood home. FGA studied Maybeck’s methods for intricately layering rafters, outriggers, and brackets to create a sense of familiarity and ruggedness, but modified elements to feel modern and refined. The heavy timber was specially sourced, carefully measured, cut and numbered offsite, and then meticulously reassembled on the premises. The earthy exteriors with bright cedar shingles, deep dark green trim, and textured red brick are balanced with a crisp interior palette. White cerused oak, mustard yellow library-dining millwork, a black marble bar, and copper hardware details are playfully contemporary. Recalling the exterior masonry, a handsome brick fireplace anchors the generous living room and neighboring office. From the living, dining, and kitchen, tall steel and glass French doors open onto a deep porch for easy entertaining and breezy backyard views.

Countryside Lake House Remodel

Kowalske Kitchen & Bath

Kowalske Kitchen & Bath was hired as the remodeling contractor for this first floor remodel in the countryside of Oconomowoc, WI. By opening the kitchen up to the living room, the layout is better for hosting family gatherings. The entire family can be together in the kitchen and living room – cooking or spending time together. Highlights of this country kitchen include a window seat, walk-in pantry and space for their treasured piano. Project Goals + Restore the beauty of their family home, that was built by the homeowner’s grandfather + Cooking functionality for their family farm + Add a workstation sink for easy food prep + Pantry storage space for canned items & wine collection + Design that honors the mid-century ranch bones of the house her grandfather built and their own traditional style Challenges & Issues + Needed space to highlight their piano, since the homeowner is an avid pianist + Old layout didn’t have good views of their outdoor space – the lake, gardens and chicken coop + Kitchen was too small and cut off from the rest of the home + The heat and air conditioning did not function well due to several past additions Country Kitchen Features: Cooking Kitchen – We created a larger kitchen by expanding into the old dining room. The homeowners needed more space for canning vegetables, cooking and entertaining. Mid-Century Country Design – The ranch home was built in the 1950s so we kept the mid-century and country kitchen design aesthetic by using hickory wood, tall verticals and long horizontals. Kitchen Window Seat – A custom window seat with a curved backrest creates a gathering spot in the kitchen. This connects the home to the outdoor view of the lake where the family fishes and ice skates in winter. The bench is large enough to be used as a guest bed when they have visitors. The cozy nook has shelving, art lights, and a hidden radiator underneath to keep it warm and toasty. Window Backsplash – Along the range wall, a new window backsplash features the beautiful view of the farm driveway, trees and gardens. Minimalistic Hood – The hood with the wood shelf mimics the new fireplace mantel and ties the country kitchen and living room together. New Pantry – The old kitchen area was converted into the new pantry and a laundry room. The pantry is their working kitchen where they can store food, their wine collection, and have countertop space for small appliances. Butcher block countertops, colorful wallpaper and a new window make the pantry inviting. Adjustable shelves allow for flexible storage options. The pocket door can be closed when they have guests. Recycled Ash Flooring in Kitchen – The homeowners chose an eco-friendly flooring for their country kitchen. The beautiful varied width wood planks are from recycled ash trees from Milwaukee parks. Workstation Sink – This sink has sliding platforms that hold bowls, colanders and cutting boards to multiply the countertop by going deep instead of wide. The sink can be used to chop, rinse, prep, dry dishes, hold hot dishes and clean up after a meal more efficiently. Country House Living Room: New Tile Floor – To better conduct the heat, we replaced the old wood floors with porcelain tile. New radiators, insulation, ductwork, and enclosing the basement staircase improved the function of their HVAC. Fireplace Makeover – To create a new focal point for the living room, we installed a new fire box, new mantle, and floor to ceiling stone. The goal was to draw the eye up to the vaulted beamed ceiling. Open Concept Layout – The wall between the kitchen and living room was removed to connect the two spaces. We added new cabinetry along the wall with a tall bookcase. Since they didn’t use their formal dining room, a small dining table was added to the living room. New Railing & Stairs – The staircase to the kitchen area was tricky because we needed to find a style that would make it feel airy. We did a glass enclosure with a simple metal railing and moved the staircase to the center of the room to allow room for the piano.

West Town Contemporary Rooftop Patio & Lounge

Rooftopia, LLC

Sampson, our client's adorable pug, would agree that this stylish rooftop garden is the place to be after Rooftopia had the opportunity to give the deck a much needed makeover! Our teams removed an old worn out wooden deck and replaced the flooring with new porcelain tiles on a floating pedestal system for a durable and gorgeous deck surface that not only looks fabulous, it improves drainage, protects the roof membrane from UV exposure, evenly disperses the weight of the garden elements and is modular and very low maintenance. This private rooftop also features a custom made metal pergola and wooden screen to offer shade and artfully frames the view of the incredible city skyline. The pergola also creates a pleasing surround for the primary rooftop seating and lounge area. The outdoor kitchen is made of durable marine grade aluminum cabinets and a custom concrete countertop with a built in bar ledge. The bar ledge features an original metal screen pattern and seating positioned to highlight the stunning view and keep the conversation flowing. The centrally located dining area makes it easy to entertain a crowd, host out of town guests before a concert or simply prepare a refreshing drink after work. Working with the scale of the rooftop we added large planter boxes & greenery situated to soften the hard lines of the building, add a layer of privacy and frame the views of the skyline. A few containers are placed near the entrance and in the seating area to offer pops of colorful seasonal flowers. An irrigation system is a key part of the garden that operates automatically to water plants on a daily timer so our clients can spend their time relaxing and the plants stay healthy. Rooftopia also integrated LED lighting and patio string lights to accent and illuminate these beautiful garden elements.

Modern Maybeck

Fergus Garber Architects