When Tom and Michelle Stien decided to remodel their kitchen, they chose Advance Design Studio to make it happen. They were looking for an innovative design that would open up an awkward wall, and we're hoping to remove some half walls that closed off their family room. "Of all the people we had come and give us quotes for our project, ADS/Scott, was the only one who came in with an idea right off the bat for what we could do. His knowledge of design and code was evident from the start," said the Stiens. The new design increased the seating area with a large peninsula, and the cooking area was expanded to accommodate Tom's cooking skills. A warming drawer was incorporated beneath a nearly hidden microwave drawer, along with a clever pull out for increased pantry storage. A built in message board area was custom designed for kids art and family communication. Roll out trays grace every base cabinet for easy pull out storage and a single floating shelf ties the contemporary kitchen design together. Starlight quartz countertops create ease of clean up, and the look is finished off with sharp gray and white mosaic backsplash tiles. The Stiens really liked a clean modern look, so the new crisp transitional kitchen design incorporated bright white shaker cabinetry from Medallion with gray and metal accents along with a modern feel. "Scott's presentation of what we could expect with ADS was clear and concise. He gave us a great deal of confidence in how the project would be handled". Homeowners are frequently concerned about project budgets that get quickly get out of control. "Scott's quote was well thought out, organized and offered options based on our budget," said Michelle. "I was worried about the project budget changing as we went through the process, but they did a good job managing the situation and minimized change orders as much as possible." When asked about their overall experience with their kitchen renovation he Stien's said; "Scott, Justin, Matt and Jason were great! They were all very friendly, personable, responsible and trustworthy. Advance Design definitely met and exceeded our expectations. Remodeling is a very challenging process to endure, but ADS minimized discomfort and inconvenience as much as possible and kept on schedule. The end result was well worth the investment in time and money." Designer: Scott Christensen Photographer: Joe Nowak

When Tom and Michelle Stien decided to remodel their kitchen, they chose Advance Design Studio to make it happen. They were looking for an innovative design that would open up an awkward wall, and we're hoping to remove some half walls that closed off their family room. "Of all the people we had come and give us quotes for our project, ADS/Scott, was the only one who came in with an idea right off the bat for what we could do. His knowledge of design and code was evident from the start," said the Stiens. The new design increased the seating area with a large peninsula, and the cooking area was expanded to accommodate Tom's cooking skills. A warming drawer was incorporated beneath a nearly hidden microwave drawer, along with a clever pull out for increased pantry storage. A built in message board area was custom designed for kids art and family communication. Roll out trays grace every base cabinet for easy pull out storage and a single floating shelf ties the contemporary kitchen design together. Starlight quartz countertops create ease of clean up, and the look is finished off with sharp gray and white mosaic backsplash tiles. The Stiens really liked a clean modern look, so the new crisp transitional kitchen design incorporated bright white shaker cabinetry from Medallion with gray and metal accents along with a modern feel. "Scott's presentation of what we could expect with ADS was clear and concise. He gave us a great deal of confidence in how the project would be handled". Homeowners are frequently concerned about project budgets that get quickly get out of control. "Scott's quote was well thought out, organized and offered options based on our budget," said Michelle. "I was worried about the project budget changing as we went through the process, but they did a good job managing the situation and minimized change orders as much as possible." When asked about their overall experience with their kitchen renovation he Stien's said; "Scott, Justin, Matt and Jason were great! They were all very friendly, personable, responsible and trustworthy. Advance Design definitely met and exceeded our expectations. Remodeling is a very challenging process to endure, but ADS minimized discomfort and inconvenience as much as possible and kept on schedule. The end result was well worth the investment in time and money." Designer: Scott Christensen Photographer: Joe Nowak

When Tom and Michelle Stien decided to remodel their kitchen, they chose Advance Design Studio to make it happen. They were looking for an innovative design that would open up an awkward wall, and we're hoping to remove some half walls that closed off their family room. "Of all the people we had come and give us quotes for our project, ADS/Scott, was the only one who came in with an idea right off the bat for what we could do. His knowledge of design and code was evident from the start," said the Stiens. The new design increased the seating area with a large peninsula, and the cooking area was expanded to accommodate Tom's cooking skills. A warming drawer was incorporated beneath a nearly hidden microwave drawer, along with a clever pull out for increased pantry storage. A built in message board area was custom designed for kids art and family communication. Roll out trays grace every base cabinet for easy pull out storage and a single floating shelf ties the contemporary kitchen design together. Starlight quartz countertops create ease of clean up, and the look is finished off with sharp gray and white mosaic backsplash tiles. The Stiens really liked a clean modern look, so the new crisp transitional kitchen design incorporated bright white shaker cabinetry from Medallion with gray and metal accents along with a modern feel. "Scott's presentation of what we could expect with ADS was clear and concise. He gave us a great deal of confidence in how the project would be handled". Homeowners are frequently concerned about project budgets that get quickly get out of control. "Scott's quote was well thought out, organized and offered options based on our budget," said Michelle. "I was worried about the project budget changing as we went through the process, but they did a good job managing the situation and minimized change orders as much as possible." When asked about their overall experience with their kitchen renovation he Stien's said; "Scott, Justin, Matt and Jason were great! They were all very friendly, personable, responsible and trustworthy. Advance Design definitely met and exceeded our expectations. Remodeling is a very challenging process to endure, but ADS minimized discomfort and inconvenience as much as possible and kept on schedule. The end result was well worth the investment in time and money." Designer: Scott Christensen Photographer: Joe Nowak

When Tom and Michelle Stien decided to remodel their kitchen, they chose Advance Design Studio to make it happen. They were looking for an innovative design that would open up an awkward wall, and we're hoping to remove some half walls that closed off their family room. "Of all the people we had come and give us quotes for our project, ADS/Scott, was the only one who came in with an idea right off the bat for what we could do. His knowledge of design and code was evident from the start," said the Stiens. The new design increased the seating area with a large peninsula, and the cooking area was expanded to accommodate Tom's cooking skills. A warming drawer was incorporated beneath a nearly hidden microwave drawer, along with a clever pull out for increased pantry storage. A built in message board area was custom designed for kids art and family communication. Roll out trays grace every base cabinet for easy pull out storage and a single floating shelf ties the contemporary kitchen design together. Starlight quartz countertops create ease of clean up, and the look is finished off with sharp gray and white mosaic backsplash tiles. The Stiens really liked a clean modern look, so the new crisp transitional kitchen design incorporated bright white shaker cabinetry from Medallion with gray and metal accents along with a modern feel. "Scott's presentation of what we could expect with ADS was clear and concise. He gave us a great deal of confidence in how the project would be handled". Homeowners are frequently concerned about project budgets that get quickly get out of control. "Scott's quote was well thought out, organized and offered options based on our budget," said Michelle. "I was worried about the project budget changing as we went through the process, but they did a good job managing the situation and minimized change orders as much as possible." When asked about their overall experience with their kitchen renovation he Stien's said; "Scott, Justin, Matt and Jason were great! They were all very friendly, personable, responsible and trustworthy. Advance Design definitely met and exceeded our expectations. Remodeling is a very challenging process to endure, but ADS minimized discomfort and inconvenience as much as possible and kept on schedule. The end result was well worth the investment in time and money." Designer: Scott Christensen Photographer: Joe Nowak

When Tom and Michelle Stien decided to remodel their kitchen, they chose Advance Design Studio to make it happen. They were looking for an innovative design that would open up an awkward wall, and we're hoping to remove some half walls that closed off their family room. "Of all the people we had come and give us quotes for our project, ADS/Scott, was the only one who came in with an idea right off the bat for what we could do. His knowledge of design and code was evident from the start," said the Stiens. The new design increased the seating area with a large peninsula, and the cooking area was expanded to accommodate Tom's cooking skills. A warming drawer was incorporated beneath a nearly hidden microwave drawer, along with a clever pull out for increased pantry storage. A built in message board area was custom designed for kids art and family communication. Roll out trays grace every base cabinet for easy pull out storage and a single floating shelf ties the contemporary kitchen design together. Starlight quartz countertops create ease of clean up, and the look is finished off with sharp gray and white mosaic backsplash tiles. The Stiens really liked a clean modern look, so the new crisp transitional kitchen design incorporated bright white shaker cabinetry from Medallion with gray and metal accents along with a modern feel. "Scott's presentation of what we could expect with ADS was clear and concise. He gave us a great deal of confidence in how the project would be handled". Homeowners are frequently concerned about project budgets that get quickly get out of control. "Scott's quote was well thought out, organized and offered options based on our budget," said Michelle. "I was worried about the project budget changing as we went through the process, but they did a good job managing the situation and minimized change orders as much as possible." When asked about their overall experience with their kitchen renovation he Stien's said; "Scott, Justin, Matt and Jason were great! They were all very friendly, personable, responsible and trustworthy. Advance Design definitely met and exceeded our expectations. Remodeling is a very challenging process to endure, but ADS minimized discomfort and inconvenience as much as possible and kept on schedule. The end result was well worth the investment in time and money." Designer: Scott Christensen Photographer: Joe Nowak

When Tom and Michelle Stien decided to remodel their kitchen, they chose Advance Design Studio to make it happen. They were looking for an innovative design that would open up an awkward wall, and we're hoping to remove some half walls that closed off their family room. "Of all the people we had come and give us quotes for our project, ADS/Scott, was the only one who came in with an idea right off the bat for what we could do. His knowledge of design and code was evident from the start," said the Stiens. The new design increased the seating area with a large peninsula, and the cooking area was expanded to accommodate Tom's cooking skills. A warming drawer was incorporated beneath a nearly hidden microwave drawer, along with a clever pull out for increased pantry storage. A built in message board area was custom designed for kids art and family communication. Roll out trays grace every base cabinet for easy pull out storage and a single floating shelf ties the contemporary kitchen design together. Starlight quartz countertops create ease of clean up, and the look is finished off with sharp gray and white mosaic backsplash tiles. The Stiens really liked a clean modern look, so the new crisp transitional kitchen design incorporated bright white shaker cabinetry from Medallion with gray and metal accents along with a modern feel. "Scott's presentation of what we could expect with ADS was clear and concise. He gave us a great deal of confidence in how the project would be handled". Homeowners are frequently concerned about project budgets that get quickly get out of control. "Scott's quote was well thought out, organized and offered options based on our budget," said Michelle. "I was worried about the project budget changing as we went through the process, but they did a good job managing the situation and minimized change orders as much as possible." When asked about their overall experience with their kitchen renovation he Stien's said; "Scott, Justin, Matt and Jason were great! They were all very friendly, personable, responsible and trustworthy. Advance Design definitely met and exceeded our expectations. Remodeling is a very challenging process to endure, but ADS minimized discomfort and inconvenience as much as possible and kept on schedule. The end result was well worth the investment in time and money." Designer: Scott Christensen Photographer: Joe Nowak

When Tom and Michelle Stien decided to remodel their kitchen, they chose Advance Design Studio to make it happen. They were looking for an innovative design that would open up an awkward wall, and we're hoping to remove some half walls that closed off their family room. "Of all the people we had come and give us quotes for our project, ADS/Scott, was the only one who came in with an idea right off the bat for what we could do. His knowledge of design and code was evident from the start," said the Stiens. The new design increased the seating area with a large peninsula, and the cooking area was expanded to accommodate Tom's cooking skills. A warming drawer was incorporated beneath a nearly hidden microwave drawer, along with a clever pull out for increased pantry storage. A built in message board area was custom designed for kids art and family communication. Roll out trays grace every base cabinet for easy pull out storage and a single floating shelf ties the contemporary kitchen design together. Starlight quartz countertops create ease of clean up, and the look is finished off with sharp gray and white mosaic backsplash tiles. The Stiens really liked a clean modern look, so the new crisp transitional kitchen design incorporated bright white shaker cabinetry from Medallion with gray and metal accents along with a modern feel. "Scott's presentation of what we could expect with ADS was clear and concise. He gave us a great deal of confidence in how the project would be handled". Homeowners are frequently concerned about project budgets that get quickly get out of control. "Scott's quote was well thought out, organized and offered options based on our budget," said Michelle. "I was worried about the project budget changing as we went through the process, but they did a good job managing the situation and minimized change orders as much as possible." When asked about their overall experience with their kitchen renovation he Stien's said; "Scott, Justin, Matt and Jason were great! They were all very friendly, personable, responsible and trustworthy. Advance Design definitely met and exceeded our expectations. Remodeling is a very challenging process to endure, but ADS minimized discomfort and inconvenience as much as possible and kept on schedule. The end result was well worth the investment in time and money." Designer: Scott Christensen Photographer: Joe Nowak

Our doors offer several key advantages: - The structure is made from a single, non-welded metal sheet, which prevents internal condensation and extends the lifespan of the door mechanisms. - Reinforced stiffening ribs inside the frame increase resistance to impact and mechanical stress. - High-quality insulation materials help reduce external noise and protect against heat loss and cold penetration. Each door is designed and assembled with precision. The solid iron frame and aluminum threshold provide durability and stability, while the clean, balanced design ensures the door fits a wide range of architectural styles. Model - 0188 Iron Color - Black Glass - Safety Triplex, with mirrored-clear effect; This model has a strong, balanced look with six horizontal glass openings that add rhythm and light to the solid iron surface. The long pull handle runs in line with the door’s clean geometry, giving it a confident, well-proportioned appearance that fits both contemporary and transitional exteriors. Door thickness - 3 11/16" Frame thickness - 3 13/16" Exterior design - Coating of the door - Black Enamel metal. Interior design - Coating of the door - Black Enamel metal. Hardware included: - Aluminum frame 4" thick - dimensions of the door 36" x 80" with the frame is 38" x 82". - Aluminum threshold. - Plate-type, primary lock for armoured type of steel doors, locked by 3 key turns, doors are captured in 3 places. The lock has replaceable core and 5 keys. - Cylinder. - 3D Hinges. - Turnknob for lock. - Armor plate for the lock. - 2 Long Black Pull Handles VDom smart lock option provides keyless fingerprint access and is available as an add-on. Each door comes prehung in a sturdy aluminum frame for easy installation. Sidelites (if included) can be installed on either the right or left side of the door - the design is universal. Please note: sidelites ship separately and require simple assembly on site. A canopy over the door is recommended to maintain the warranty.

Our doors offer several key advantages: - The structure is made from a single, non-welded metal sheet, which prevents internal condensation and extends the lifespan of the door mechanisms. - Reinforced stiffening ribs inside the frame increase resistance to impact and mechanical stress. - High-quality insulation materials help reduce external noise and protect against heat loss and cold penetration. Each door is designed and assembled with precision. The solid iron frame and aluminum threshold provide durability and stability, while the clean, balanced design ensures the door fits a wide range of architectural styles. Model - 0188 Iron Color - Black Glass - Safety Triplex, with mirrored-clear effect; This model has a strong, balanced look with six horizontal glass openings that add rhythm and light to the solid iron surface. The long pull handle runs in line with the door’s clean geometry, giving it a confident, well-proportioned appearance that fits both contemporary and transitional exteriors. Door thickness - 3 11/16" Frame thickness - 3 13/16" Exterior design - Coating of the door - Black Enamel metal. Interior design - Coating of the door - Black Enamel metal. Hardware included: - Aluminum frame 4" thick - dimensions of the door 36" x 80" with the frame is 38" x 82". - Aluminum threshold. - Plate-type, primary lock for armoured type of steel doors, locked by 3 key turns, doors are captured in 3 places. The lock has replaceable core and 5 keys. - Cylinder. - 3D Hinges. - Turnknob for lock. - Armor plate for the lock. - 2 Long Black Pull Handles VDom smart lock option provides keyless fingerprint access and is available as an add-on. Each door comes prehung in a sturdy aluminum frame for easy installation. Sidelites (if included) can be installed on either the right or left side of the door - the design is universal. Please note: sidelites ship separately and require simple assembly on site. A canopy over the door is recommended to maintain the warranty.

Our doors offer several key advantages: - The structure is made from a single, non-welded metal sheet, which prevents internal condensation and extends the lifespan of the door mechanisms. - Reinforced stiffening ribs inside the frame increase resistance to impact and mechanical stress. - High-quality insulation materials help reduce external noise and protect against heat loss and cold penetration. Each door is designed and assembled with precision. The solid iron frame and aluminum threshold provide durability and stability, while the clean, balanced design ensures the door fits a wide range of architectural styles. Model - 0188 Iron Color - Black Glass - Safety Triplex, with mirrored-clear effect; This model has a strong, balanced look with six horizontal glass openings that add rhythm and light to the solid iron surface. The long pull handle runs in line with the door’s clean geometry, giving it a confident, well-proportioned appearance that fits both contemporary and transitional exteriors. Door thickness - 3 11/16" Frame thickness - 3 13/16" Exterior design - Coating of the door - Black Enamel metal. Interior design - Coating of the door - Black Enamel metal. Hardware included: - Aluminum frame 4" thick - dimensions of the door 36" x 80" with the frame is 38" x 82". - Aluminum threshold. - Plate-type, primary lock for armoured type of steel doors, locked by 3 key turns, doors are captured in 3 places. The lock has replaceable core and 5 keys. - Cylinder. - 3D Hinges. - Turnknob for lock. - Armor plate for the lock. - 2 Long Black Pull Handles VDom smart lock option provides keyless fingerprint access and is available as an add-on. Each door comes prehung in a sturdy aluminum frame for easy installation. Sidelites (if included) can be installed on either the right or left side of the door - the design is universal. Please note: sidelites ship separately and require simple assembly on site. A canopy over the door is recommended to maintain the warranty.

The owners of this kitchen had spent the money to upgrade the finishes in their kitchen upon building the home 12 years ago, but after living in the space for several years they realized how nonfunctional the layout really was. The (then) two preschool aged children had grown into busy, hungry teenagers with many friends who also liked to hang out at the house. So the family needed a more functional kitchen with better traffic flow, space for daily activities revolving around the kitchen at different times of day, and a kitchen that could accommodate cooking for and serving large groups. Furthermore, the dark, traditional finishes no longer reflected the homeowners’ style. They requested a brighter, more relaxed, coastal style that reflected their love of the seaside cities they like to visit. Originally, the kitchen was U-shaped with a narrow island in the middle. The island created narrow aisles that bottle-necked at the dishwasher, refrigerator, and cooktop areas. There was a pass-through from the foyer into the kitchen, but the owners never liked that the pass-through was also located so close to the powder room. The awkward proximity was unappealing and made guests feel uncomfortable. The kitchen’s storage was made up of lots of narrow cabinets, apothecary drawers, clipped corner units, and very few drawers. It lacked useful storage for the larger items the family used on a daily basis. And the kitchen’s only pantry was small closet that had only builder-grade, narrow shelving with no illumination to be able to see the contents inside. Overall, the kitchen’s lighting plan was poorly executed. Only six recessed cans illuminated the entire kitchen and nook areas. The under cabinet lighting was not evenly distributed either. In fact, the builder had mis-placed the under cabinet lighting around the decorative pilasters which made for choppy, dark cubbies. Further, the builder didn’t include any lighting over the sink or the bar area, which meant whoever was doing the dishes was always in their own shadow. That, coupled with the steep overhang of the game room above made the bar area feel like a dim, cavernous space that wasn’t inviting or task oriented. The kitchen looked out into the main living space, but the raised bar and a narrow wall (which held the only large cabinet in the kitchen) created more of a barrier than a relationship to the living room or breakfast nook. In fact, one couldn’t even see the breakfast nook from the cooktop or sink areas due to its orientation. The raised bar top was too narrow to comfortably sit to either dine at or chat from due to the lack of knee space. The the homeowners confided that the kitchen felt more like a dark, dirty prison than place where the family, or their guests, wanted to gather and commune. The clients' needs and desires were: ➢ to create a kitchen that would be a space the family loved to be in; to relate to the adjacent spaces all around, and to have better flow for entertaining large groups ➢ to remove the walls between the breakfast nook and living area and to be able to utilize the natural light from the windows in both those areas ➢ to incorporate a functional chopping block for prepping fresh food for home cooked meals, an island with a large sink and drain board, 2 pull out trash cans, and seating for at least the 2 teens to eat or do homework ➢ to design a kitchen and breakfast nook with an airy, coastal, relaxed vibe that blended with the rest of the house's coastal theme ➢ to integrate a layered lighting plan which would include ample general illumination, specific task lighting, decorative lighting, and lots of illuminated storage ➢ to design a kitchen with not only more storage for all the husband’s kitchen gadgets and collection of oils and spices, but smart storage, including a coffee/breakfast bar and a place to store and conceal the toaster oven and microwave ➢ to find a way to utilize the large open space between the kitchen, pantry area, and breakfast nook Twelve Stones Designs achieved the owner's goals by: ➢ removing the walls between the kitchen and living room to allow the natural light to filter in from the adjacent rooms and to create a connection between the kitchen, nook, and living spaces for a sense of unity and communion ➢ removing the existing pantry and designing 3 large pantry style cabinets with LED tape lights and rollout drawers to house lots of kitchen appliances, gadgets, and tons of groceries. We also took the cabinets all the way up to the 9’ ceiling for additional storage for seasonal items and bulk storage. ➢ designing 2 islands - 1 with a gorgeous black walnut chopping block that houses a drawer for chopping and carving knives and a custom double pull out trash unit for point of use utilization - and 1 that houses the dishwasher, a large Blanco Gourmet sink with integrated drain board, woven baskets for fresh root vegetables and kitchen towels, plenty of drawer storage for kitchen items, and bar seating for up to 4 diners. ➢ closing off the space between the kitchen and the powder room to create a beautiful new private alcove for the powder room as well as adding some decorative storage. This also gave us space to include more tall storage near the new range for precision placement of the husband’s extensive oil and spice collection as well as a location for a combo-steam oven the wife wanted for baking and cooking healthy meals. The project is enhanced functionally by: ➢ incorporated USB and standard receptacles for the kids’ laptops and phone charging in the large island ➢ designing the small island to include additional open shelving for items used on a daily basis such as a variety of bowls, plates, and colanders. This set up also works well for the husband who prefers to “plate” his dinners in restaurant-style fashion before presenting them to the table. ➢ the integration of specific storage units, such as double stacked cutlery drawers, a custom spice pull-out, a Kuerig coffee and tea pod drawer, and custom double stacked utensil drawers ➢ moving the refrigerator to the old oven location - this eliminated the bottle neck as well as created a better relationship to the eating table. It also utilizes the floor space between the pantry, nook, and kitchen ➢ creating a banquet style breakfast nook - this banquette seating not only doubles the amount of seating for large gatherings but it better utilizes the odd space between the kitchen and the previous nook area. It also helps to create a distinct pathway from the mudroom room through the pantry area, kitchen, nook, and living room. ➢ the coffee/breakfast bar area which includes the perfect location for the concealed microwave and toaster oven, convenient storage for the coffee pods and tea accoutrements. Roll-out drawers below also house the smoothie maker, hot water kettle, and a plethora of smoothie-making ingredients such as protein powders, smoothie additives, etc. Furthermore, the drawers below the Keurig house measuring utensil, cutlery, baking supplies and tupperware storage. ➢ incorporating lots of wide drawers and pullouts to accommodate large cookware. ➢ utilizing as much vertical space as possible by building storage to the ceiling which accommodates the family’s abundant amount of serving platters, baking sheets, bakeware, casserole dishes, and additional cutting boards. The project is enhanced aesthetically by: ➢ new 5-piece Versailles pattern porcelain tile that now seamlessly joins the entire down stairs area together creating a bright, cohesiveness feeling instead of choppy separated spaces - it also adds a coastal feeling ➢ designing a cabinet to conceal the microwave and toaster oven ➢ the coastal influenced light fixtures over the nook table and island ➢ the sandy colors of the Langdon Cambria countertops. The swirling pattern and sparkling quartz pieces remind the homeowner of black-and-tan sandy beaches ➢ the striped banquet seating whose creamy white background and blue-green stripes were the inspiration for the cabinet and wall colors. ➢ All the interior doors were painted black to coordinate with the blacks and grays in the backsplash tile and countertop. This also adds a hint of tailored formality to an otherwise casual space. ➢ the use of WAC's Oculux small aperture LED units for the overhead lighting complimented with Diode LED strips for task lighting under the cabinets and inside the pantry and glass wall cabinets. All of the lighting applications are on separate dimmer switches. Innovative uses of materials or construction methods by Realty Restoration LLC: ➢ Each 1-1/2” x 3” block of reclaimed end-grain black walnut that makes up the center island chopping block was hand milled and built in the shop. It was designed to look substantial and proportional to the surrounding elements, executed by creating the 4 inch tall top with a solid wood chamfered edge band. ➢ The metal doors on either side of the vent hood were also custom designed for this project and built in the Realty Restoration LLC shop. They are made 1x2, 11-gauge mild steel with ribbed glass. Weighing 60 lbs a piece, heavy duty cabinet hinges were added to support the weight of the door and keep them from sagging. ➢ Under-cabinet receptacles were added along the range wall in order to have a clean, uninterrupted backsplash. Design obstacles to overcome: ➢ Because we were removing the demising walls between the kitchen and living room, we had to find a way to plumb and vent the new island. We did this by tunneling through the slab (the slab had post tension cables which prevented us from just trenching) to run a new wet vent through a nearby structural wall. We pulled the existing hot and cold lines between upper floor joists and ran them down the structural wall as well and up through a conduit in the tunnel. ➢ Since we were converting from wall overs to a gas range it allowed us to utilize the 220 feed for the wall ovens to provide a new sub panel for all the new kitchen circuits ➢ Due to framing deficiencies inherited from the original build there was a 1-1/2” differential in the floor-to-ceiling height over a 20 foot span; by utilizing the process of cutting and furring coupled with the crown moulding details on the cabinet elevations we were able to mask the problem and provide seamless transitions between the cabinet components. Evidence of superior craftsmanship: ➢ uniquely designed, one-of-a-kind metal “X” end panels on the large island. The end panels were custom made in the Realty Restoration LLC shop and fitted to the exact dimensions of the island. The welding seams are completely indistinguishable - the posts look like they are cut from a single sheet of metal ➢ square metal posts on the small island were also custom made and designed to compliment and carry through the metal element s throughout the kitchen ➢ the beautiful, oversized end panels on the pantry cabinets which give the breakfast nook a tailored look ➢ integrating a large format 5 piece Versailles tile pattern to seamlessly flow from the existing spaces into the new kitchen space ➢ By constructing a custom cabinet that jogged around a corner we could not remodel (housing the entry way coat closet) we were able to camouflage the adjacent wall offset within the upper and lower cabinets. By designing around the existing jog in the structural walls we accomplished a few things: we were able to find the space to house, and hide, the microwave and toaster oven yet still have a clean cohesive appearance from the kitchen side. Additionally, the owners were able to keep their much needed coat closet and we didn’t have to increase the budget with unnecessary structural work.

Our doors offer several key advantages: - The structure is made from a single, non-welded metal sheet, which prevents internal condensation and extends the lifespan of the door mechanisms. - Reinforced stiffening ribs inside the frame increase resistance to impact and mechanical stress. - High-quality insulation materials help reduce external noise and protect against heat loss and cold penetration. Each door is designed and assembled with precision. The solid iron frame and aluminum threshold provide durability and stability, while the clean, balanced design ensures the door fits a wide range of architectural styles. Model - 0188 Iron Color - Black Glass - Safety Triplex, with mirrored-clear effect; This model has a strong, balanced look with six horizontal glass openings that add rhythm and light to the solid iron surface. The long pull handle runs in line with the door’s clean geometry, giving it a confident, well-proportioned appearance that fits both contemporary and transitional exteriors. Door thickness - 3 11/16" Frame thickness - 3 13/16" Exterior design - Coating of the door - Black Enamel metal. Interior design - Coating of the door - Black Enamel metal. Hardware included: - Aluminum frame 4" thick - dimensions of the door 36" x 80" with the frame is 38" x 82". - Aluminum threshold. - Plate-type, primary lock for armoured type of steel doors, locked by 3 key turns, doors are captured in 3 places. The lock has replaceable core and 5 keys. - Cylinder. - 3D Hinges. - Turnknob for lock. - Armor plate for the lock. - 2 Long Black Pull Handles VDom smart lock option provides keyless fingerprint access and is available as an add-on. Each door comes prehung in a sturdy aluminum frame for easy installation. Sidelites (if included) can be installed on either the right or left side of the door - the design is universal. Please note: sidelites ship separately and require simple assembly on site. A canopy over the door is recommended to maintain the warranty.

Our doors offer several key advantages: - The structure is made from a single, non-welded metal sheet, which prevents internal condensation and extends the lifespan of the door mechanisms. - Reinforced stiffening ribs inside the frame increase resistance to impact and mechanical stress. - High-quality insulation materials help reduce external noise and protect against heat loss and cold penetration. Each door is designed and assembled with precision. The solid iron frame and aluminum threshold provide durability and stability, while the clean, balanced design ensures the door fits a wide range of architectural styles. Model - 0188 Iron Color - Black Glass - Safety Triplex, with mirrored-clear effect; This model has a strong, balanced look with six horizontal glass openings that add rhythm and light to the solid iron surface. The long pull handle runs in line with the door’s clean geometry, giving it a confident, well-proportioned appearance that fits both contemporary and transitional exteriors. Door thickness - 3 11/16" Frame thickness - 3 13/16" Exterior design - Coating of the door - Black Enamel metal. Interior design - Coating of the door - Black Enamel metal. Hardware included: - Aluminum frame 4" thick - dimensions of the door 36" x 80" with the frame is 38" x 82". - Aluminum threshold. - Plate-type, primary lock for armoured type of steel doors, locked by 3 key turns, doors are captured in 3 places. The lock has replaceable core and 5 keys. - Cylinder. - 3D Hinges. - Turnknob for lock. - Armor plate for the lock. - 2 Long Black Pull Handles VDom smart lock option provides keyless fingerprint access and is available as an add-on. Each door comes prehung in a sturdy aluminum frame for easy installation. Sidelites (if included) can be installed on either the right or left side of the door - the design is universal. Please note: sidelites ship separately and require simple assembly on site. A canopy over the door is recommended to maintain the warranty.

Our doors offer several key advantages: - The structure is made from a single, non-welded metal sheet, which prevents internal condensation and extends the lifespan of the door mechanisms. - Reinforced stiffening ribs inside the frame increase resistance to impact and mechanical stress. - High-quality insulation materials help reduce external noise and protect against heat loss and cold penetration. Each door is designed and assembled with precision. The solid iron frame and aluminum threshold provide durability and stability, while the clean, balanced design ensures the door fits a wide range of architectural styles. Model - 0188 Iron Color - Black Glass - Safety Triplex, with mirrored-clear effect; This model has a strong, balanced look with six horizontal glass openings that add rhythm and light to the solid iron surface. The long pull handle runs in line with the door’s clean geometry, giving it a confident, well-proportioned appearance that fits both contemporary and transitional exteriors. Door thickness - 3 11/16" Frame thickness - 3 13/16" Exterior design - Coating of the door - Black Enamel metal. Interior design - Coating of the door - Black Enamel metal. Hardware included: - Aluminum frame 4" thick - dimensions of the door 36" x 80" with the frame is 38" x 82". - Aluminum threshold. - Plate-type, primary lock for armoured type of steel doors, locked by 3 key turns, doors are captured in 3 places. The lock has replaceable core and 5 keys. - Cylinder. - 3D Hinges. - Turnknob for lock. - Armor plate for the lock. - 2 Long Black Pull Handles VDom smart lock option provides keyless fingerprint access and is available as an add-on. Each door comes prehung in a sturdy aluminum frame for easy installation. Sidelites (if included) can be installed on either the right or left side of the door - the design is universal. Please note: sidelites ship separately and require simple assembly on site. A canopy over the door is recommended to maintain the warranty.

Our doors offer several key advantages: - The structure is made from a single, non-welded metal sheet, which prevents internal condensation and extends the lifespan of the door mechanisms. - Reinforced stiffening ribs inside the frame increase resistance to impact and mechanical stress. - High-quality insulation materials help reduce external noise and protect against heat loss and cold penetration. Each door is designed and assembled with precision. The solid iron frame and aluminum threshold provide durability and stability, while the clean, balanced design ensures the door fits a wide range of architectural styles. Model - 0188 Iron Color - Black Glass - Safety Triplex, with mirrored-clear effect; This model has a strong, balanced look with six horizontal glass openings that add rhythm and light to the solid iron surface. The long pull handle runs in line with the door’s clean geometry, giving it a confident, well-proportioned appearance that fits both contemporary and transitional exteriors. Door thickness - 3 11/16" Frame thickness - 3 13/16" Exterior design - Coating of the door - Black Enamel metal. Interior design - Coating of the door - Black Enamel metal. Hardware included: - Aluminum frame 4" thick - dimensions of the door 36" x 80" with the frame is 38" x 82". - Aluminum threshold. - Plate-type, primary lock for armoured type of steel doors, locked by 3 key turns, doors are captured in 3 places. The lock has replaceable core and 5 keys. - Cylinder. - 3D Hinges. - Turnknob for lock. - Armor plate for the lock. - 2 Long Black Pull Handles VDom smart lock option provides keyless fingerprint access and is available as an add-on. Each door comes prehung in a sturdy aluminum frame for easy installation. Sidelites (if included) can be installed on either the right or left side of the door - the design is universal. Please note: sidelites ship separately and require simple assembly on site. A canopy over the door is recommended to maintain the warranty.

Mike and Anne of Barrington Hills desperately needed to update and renovate both their kid’s hall bath and guest bath, and in their 1980’s home each project presented a different set of unique challenges to overcome. When they set out to identify the right remodeling company to partner with, it was important to find a company that could help them to visualize design solutions for the bath renovations. When they came across Advance Design Studio’s website, they were immediately drawn to the solution-oriented remodeling process and the family friendly company. They say they chose Advance Design because of the integrated approach of “Common Sense Remodeling”, making the design, project management and construction all happen in one place. When they met with Project Designer Michelle Lecinski, they knew they chose the right company. “Michelle’s excellent work on the initial designs made it easy to proceed with Advance Design Studio,” Mike said. Like most homeowners anticipating a big renovation project, they had some healthy fears; with two bathrooms being remodeled at the same time they worried about timeframes and staying within budget. With the help of Michelle, and the “Common Sense” guidelines, they were confident that Advance Design would stay true, orchestrating all the moving parts to stay within both the estimated timeline and budget. The guest bath offered the biggest design challenge. A dormer obstruction made the already cramped shower awkward to access. Mike and Anne also wanted the shower size to be expanded, making it more accommodating. Working with Advance’s construction expert DJ Yurik, Michelle relocated the shower concealing the original dormer and creating a larger, more comfortable and aesthetically pleasing guest shower. The unsightly and not at all user-friendly closet was removed and replaced with elegant White Maple Dura Supreme cabinetry with much improved function featuring dual tall linen cabinets, a special makeup area and two sinks, providing a dual vanity which was extremely important for better guest use. The Fossil Brown quartz countertop is in pleasing contrast to the white cabinetry, and coordinates nicely with the mocha porcelain tile gracing the shower for an accent. The decorative glazed turquoise tile backsplash, tile border, and bottle niche adds a taste of marine green to the room, while marble-looking porcelain tile makes guests feel they are staying in a 5-star hotel. Polished nickel Kohler plumbing fixtures were chosen to add a touch of sophistication. This renovated guest bath is comfortable and elegant, and Anne and Mike’s house guests may never want to leave! “The end result was updated and restyled bathrooms that the client will enjoy and increase the value of their home,” Designer Michelle said. The children’s hall bath had its own set of challenges. The current placement of the sink was not conducive to the best use of the existing space, nor did it allow for any visual interest, something Advance’s designers always work to achieve even within the tight confines of a small bath. Advance removed the linen closet and used the gain in wall space to create a dramatic focal point on the vanity wall. They also took additional space that wasn’t being used for new Storm Gray Dura Supreme tall built-in linen cabinets, creating functional storage space that the former bath lacked. A customized glass splash panel was created for the bath, and the high ceilings with skylights were accented with a custom-made track lighting fixture featuring industrial pipe and cage materials. Authentic cement encaustic tile was used wall to wall surrounding the vanity to create a dramatic and interesting back drop for the new elegant and stately furniture-like double sink wall. Hand-made encaustic tile originated in Western Europe beginning in the 1850’s and reminded Mike and Anne of tile they had seen and loved from their travels overseas. Today, encaustic tile has made a re-appearance in today’s modern bath design with its wide array of appealing patterns and artistic use of color. Oil rubbed bronze Kohler fixtures echo the black accents in the beautiful tile pattern and reflect the matte black of the unique lighting detail. Easy to maintain Blanca Arabescato Quartz countertops add practicality and natural beauty and compliments the warm wood porcelain tile floors. This handsome bath has generated praise from friends and family even before it’s complete unveiling as photos of the space leaked out on social media! It’s not only completely functional to use, but especially pretty to look at. “Advance Design Studio did a terrific job for us. We really appreciated how easy it was to work with them on a complex project of the complete remodeling of two bathrooms. They very capably handled all the details from design, to project management, to construction. It is a great group of people to work with and we would welcome the opportunity to work with them again anytime,” Mike said.

Enjoy individualized and accurate roasting of meat, fish, and poultry with Miele's wireless roast probe, which measures the core temperature and displays the time remaining. No need to monitor the cooking process. Easy to use -- and great for poultry, fish, roasts, and game.

The owners of this kitchen had spent the money to upgrade the finishes in their kitchen upon building the home 12 years ago, but after living in the space for several years they realized how nonfunctional the layout really was. The (then) two preschool aged children had grown into busy, hungry teenagers with many friends who also liked to hang out at the house. So the family needed a more functional kitchen with better traffic flow, space for daily activities revolving around the kitchen at different times of day, and a kitchen that could accommodate cooking for and serving large groups. Furthermore, the dark, traditional finishes no longer reflected the homeowners’ style. They requested a brighter, more relaxed, coastal style that reflected their love of the seaside cities they like to visit. Originally, the kitchen was U-shaped with a narrow island in the middle. The island created narrow aisles that bottle-necked at the dishwasher, refrigerator, and cooktop areas. There was a pass-through from the foyer into the kitchen, but the owners never liked that the pass-through was also located so close to the powder room. The awkward proximity was unappealing and made guests feel uncomfortable. The kitchen’s storage was made up of lots of narrow cabinets, apothecary drawers, clipped corner units, and very few drawers. It lacked useful storage for the larger items the family used on a daily basis. And the kitchen’s only pantry was small closet that had only builder-grade, narrow shelving with no illumination to be able to see the contents inside. Overall, the kitchen’s lighting plan was poorly executed. Only six recessed cans illuminated the entire kitchen and nook areas. The under cabinet lighting was not evenly distributed either. In fact, the builder had mis-placed the under cabinet lighting around the decorative pilasters which made for choppy, dark cubbies. Further, the builder didn’t include any lighting over the sink or the bar area, which meant whoever was doing the dishes was always in their own shadow. That, coupled with the steep overhang of the game room above made the bar area feel like a dim, cavernous space that wasn’t inviting or task oriented. The kitchen looked out into the main living space, but the raised bar and a narrow wall (which held the only large cabinet in the kitchen) created more of a barrier than a relationship to the living room or breakfast nook. In fact, one couldn’t even see the breakfast nook from the cooktop or sink areas due to its orientation. The raised bar top was too narrow to comfortably sit to either dine at or chat from due to the lack of knee space. The the homeowners confided that the kitchen felt more like a dark, dirty prison than place where the family, or their guests, wanted to gather and commune. The clients' needs and desires were: ➢ to create a kitchen that would be a space the family loved to be in; to relate to the adjacent spaces all around, and to have better flow for entertaining large groups ➢ to remove the walls between the breakfast nook and living area and to be able to utilize the natural light from the windows in both those areas ➢ to incorporate a functional chopping block for prepping fresh food for home cooked meals, an island with a large sink and drain board, 2 pull out trash cans, and seating for at least the 2 teens to eat or do homework ➢ to design a kitchen and breakfast nook with an airy, coastal, relaxed vibe that blended with the rest of the house's coastal theme ➢ to integrate a layered lighting plan which would include ample general illumination, specific task lighting, decorative lighting, and lots of illuminated storage ➢ to design a kitchen with not only more storage for all the husband’s kitchen gadgets and collection of oils and spices, but smart storage, including a coffee/breakfast bar and a place to store and conceal the toaster oven and microwave ➢ to find a way to utilize the large open space between the kitchen, pantry area, and breakfast nook Twelve Stones Designs achieved the owner's goals by: ➢ removing the walls between the kitchen and living room to allow the natural light to filter in from the adjacent rooms and to create a connection between the kitchen, nook, and living spaces for a sense of unity and communion ➢ removing the existing pantry and designing 3 large pantry style cabinets with LED tape lights and rollout drawers to house lots of kitchen appliances, gadgets, and tons of groceries. We also took the cabinets all the way up to the 9’ ceiling for additional storage for seasonal items and bulk storage. ➢ designing 2 islands - 1 with a gorgeous black walnut chopping block that houses a drawer for chopping and carving knives and a custom double pull out trash unit for point of use utilization - and 1 that houses the dishwasher, a large Blanco Gourmet sink with integrated drain board, woven baskets for fresh root vegetables and kitchen towels, plenty of drawer storage for kitchen items, and bar seating for up to 4 diners. ➢ closing off the space between the kitchen and the powder room to create a beautiful new private alcove for the powder room as well as adding some decorative storage. This also gave us space to include more tall storage near the new range for precision placement of the husband’s extensive oil and spice collection as well as a location for a combo-steam oven the wife wanted for baking and cooking healthy meals. The project is enhanced functionally by: ➢ incorporated USB and standard receptacles for the kids’ laptops and phone charging in the large island ➢ designing the small island to include additional open shelving for items used on a daily basis such as a variety of bowls, plates, and colanders. This set up also works well for the husband who prefers to “plate” his dinners in restaurant-style fashion before presenting them to the table. ➢ the integration of specific storage units, such as double stacked cutlery drawers, a custom spice pull-out, a Kuerig coffee and tea pod drawer, and custom double stacked utensil drawers ➢ moving the refrigerator to the old oven location - this eliminated the bottle neck as well as created a better relationship to the eating table. It also utilizes the floor space between the pantry, nook, and kitchen ➢ creating a banquet style breakfast nook - this banquette seating not only doubles the amount of seating for large gatherings but it better utilizes the odd space between the kitchen and the previous nook area. It also helps to create a distinct pathway from the mudroom room through the pantry area, kitchen, nook, and living room. ➢ the coffee/breakfast bar area which includes the perfect location for the concealed microwave and toaster oven, convenient storage for the coffee pods and tea accoutrements. Roll-out drawers below also house the smoothie maker, hot water kettle, and a plethora of smoothie-making ingredients such as protein powders, smoothie additives, etc. Furthermore, the drawers below the Keurig house measuring utensil, cutlery, baking supplies and tupperware storage. ➢ incorporating lots of wide drawers and pullouts to accommodate large cookware. ➢ utilizing as much vertical space as possible by building storage to the ceiling which accommodates the family’s abundant amount of serving platters, baking sheets, bakeware, casserole dishes, and additional cutting boards. The project is enhanced aesthetically by: ➢ new 5-piece Versailles pattern porcelain tile that now seamlessly joins the entire down stairs area together creating a bright, cohesiveness feeling instead of choppy separated spaces - it also adds a coastal feeling ➢ designing a cabinet to conceal the microwave and toaster oven ➢ the coastal influenced light fixtures over the nook table and island ➢ the sandy colors of the Langdon Cambria countertops. The swirling pattern and sparkling quartz pieces remind the homeowner of black-and-tan sandy beaches ➢ the striped banquet seating whose creamy white background and blue-green stripes were the inspiration for the cabinet and wall colors. ➢ All the interior doors were painted black to coordinate with the blacks and grays in the backsplash tile and countertop. This also adds a hint of tailored formality to an otherwise casual space. ➢ the use of WAC's Oculux small aperture LED units for the overhead lighting complimented with Diode LED strips for task lighting under the cabinets and inside the pantry and glass wall cabinets. All of the lighting applications are on separate dimmer switches. Innovative uses of materials or construction methods by Realty Restoration LLC: ➢ Each 1-1/2” x 3” block of reclaimed end-grain black walnut that makes up the center island chopping block was hand milled and built in the shop. It was designed to look substantial and proportional to the surrounding elements, executed by creating the 4 inch tall top with a solid wood chamfered edge band. ➢ The metal doors on either side of the vent hood were also custom designed for this project and built in the Realty Restoration LLC shop. They are made 1x2, 11-gauge mild steel with ribbed glass. Weighing 60 lbs a piece, heavy duty cabinet hinges were added to support the weight of the door and keep them from sagging. ➢ Under-cabinet receptacles were added along the range wall in order to have a clean, uninterrupted backsplash. Design obstacles to overcome: ➢ Because we were removing the demising walls between the kitchen and living room, we had to find a way to plumb and vent the new island. We did this by tunneling through the slab (the slab had post tension cables which prevented us from just trenching) to run a new wet vent through a nearby structural wall. We pulled the existing hot and cold lines between upper floor joists and ran them down the structural wall as well and up through a conduit in the tunnel. ➢ Since we were converting from wall overs to a gas range it allowed us to utilize the 220 feed for the wall ovens to provide a new sub panel for all the new kitchen circuits ➢ Due to framing deficiencies inherited from the original build there was a 1-1/2” differential in the floor-to-ceiling height over a 20 foot span; by utilizing the process of cutting and furring coupled with the crown moulding details on the cabinet elevations we were able to mask the problem and provide seamless transitions between the cabinet components. Evidence of superior craftsmanship: ➢ uniquely designed, one-of-a-kind metal “X” end panels on the large island. The end panels were custom made in the Realty Restoration LLC shop and fitted to the exact dimensions of the island. The welding seams are completely indistinguishable - the posts look like they are cut from a single sheet of metal ➢ square metal posts on the small island were also custom made and designed to compliment and carry through the metal element s throughout the kitchen ➢ the beautiful, oversized end panels on the pantry cabinets which give the breakfast nook a tailored look ➢ integrating a large format 5 piece Versailles tile pattern to seamlessly flow from the existing spaces into the new kitchen space ➢ By constructing a custom cabinet that jogged around a corner we could not remodel (housing the entry way coat closet) we were able to camouflage the adjacent wall offset within the upper and lower cabinets. By designing around the existing jog in the structural walls we accomplished a few things: we were able to find the space to house, and hide, the microwave and toaster oven yet still have a clean cohesive appearance from the kitchen side. Additionally, the owners were able to keep their much needed coat closet and we didn’t have to increase the budget with unnecessary structural work.

The owners of this kitchen had spent the money to upgrade the finishes in their kitchen upon building the home 12 years ago, but after living in the space for several years they realized how nonfunctional the layout really was. The (then) two preschool aged children had grown into busy, hungry teenagers with many friends who also liked to hang out at the house. So the family needed a more functional kitchen with better traffic flow, space for daily activities revolving around the kitchen at different times of day, and a kitchen that could accommodate cooking for and serving large groups. Furthermore, the dark, traditional finishes no longer reflected the homeowners’ style. They requested a brighter, more relaxed, coastal style that reflected their love of the seaside cities they like to visit. Originally, the kitchen was U-shaped with a narrow island in the middle. The island created narrow aisles that bottle-necked at the dishwasher, refrigerator, and cooktop areas. There was a pass-through from the foyer into the kitchen, but the owners never liked that the pass-through was also located so close to the powder room. The awkward proximity was unappealing and made guests feel uncomfortable. The kitchen’s storage was made up of lots of narrow cabinets, apothecary drawers, clipped corner units, and very few drawers. It lacked useful storage for the larger items the family used on a daily basis. And the kitchen’s only pantry was small closet that had only builder-grade, narrow shelving with no illumination to be able to see the contents inside. Overall, the kitchen’s lighting plan was poorly executed. Only six recessed cans illuminated the entire kitchen and nook areas. The under cabinet lighting was not evenly distributed either. In fact, the builder had mis-placed the under cabinet lighting around the decorative pilasters which made for choppy, dark cubbies. Further, the builder didn’t include any lighting over the sink or the bar area, which meant whoever was doing the dishes was always in their own shadow. That, coupled with the steep overhang of the game room above made the bar area feel like a dim, cavernous space that wasn’t inviting or task oriented. The kitchen looked out into the main living space, but the raised bar and a narrow wall (which held the only large cabinet in the kitchen) created more of a barrier than a relationship to the living room or breakfast nook. In fact, one couldn’t even see the breakfast nook from the cooktop or sink areas due to its orientation. The raised bar top was too narrow to comfortably sit to either dine at or chat from due to the lack of knee space. The the homeowners confided that the kitchen felt more like a dark, dirty prison than place where the family, or their guests, wanted to gather and commune. The clients' needs and desires were: ➢ to create a kitchen that would be a space the family loved to be in; to relate to the adjacent spaces all around, and to have better flow for entertaining large groups ➢ to remove the walls between the breakfast nook and living area and to be able to utilize the natural light from the windows in both those areas ➢ to incorporate a functional chopping block for prepping fresh food for home cooked meals, an island with a large sink and drain board, 2 pull out trash cans, and seating for at least the 2 teens to eat or do homework ➢ to design a kitchen and breakfast nook with an airy, coastal, relaxed vibe that blended with the rest of the house's coastal theme ➢ to integrate a layered lighting plan which would include ample general illumination, specific task lighting, decorative lighting, and lots of illuminated storage ➢ to design a kitchen with not only more storage for all the husband’s kitchen gadgets and collection of oils and spices, but smart storage, including a coffee/breakfast bar and a place to store and conceal the toaster oven and microwave ➢ to find a way to utilize the large open space between the kitchen, pantry area, and breakfast nook Twelve Stones Designs achieved the owner's goals by: ➢ removing the walls between the kitchen and living room to allow the natural light to filter in from the adjacent rooms and to create a connection between the kitchen, nook, and living spaces for a sense of unity and communion ➢ removing the existing pantry and designing 3 large pantry style cabinets with LED tape lights and rollout drawers to house lots of kitchen appliances, gadgets, and tons of groceries. We also took the cabinets all the way up to the 9’ ceiling for additional storage for seasonal items and bulk storage. ➢ designing 2 islands - 1 with a gorgeous black walnut chopping block that houses a drawer for chopping and carving knives and a custom double pull out trash unit for point of use utilization - and 1 that houses the dishwasher, a large Blanco Gourmet sink with integrated drain board, woven baskets for fresh root vegetables and kitchen towels, plenty of drawer storage for kitchen items, and bar seating for up to 4 diners. ➢ closing off the space between the kitchen and the powder room to create a beautiful new private alcove for the powder room as well as adding some decorative storage. This also gave us space to include more tall storage near the new range for precision placement of the husband’s extensive oil and spice collection as well as a location for a combo-steam oven the wife wanted for baking and cooking healthy meals. The project is enhanced functionally by: ➢ incorporated USB and standard receptacles for the kids’ laptops and phone charging in the large island ➢ designing the small island to include additional open shelving for items used on a daily basis such as a variety of bowls, plates, and colanders. This set up also works well for the husband who prefers to “plate” his dinners in restaurant-style fashion before presenting them to the table. ➢ the integration of specific storage units, such as double stacked cutlery drawers, a custom spice pull-out, a Kuerig coffee and tea pod drawer, and custom double stacked utensil drawers ➢ moving the refrigerator to the old oven location - this eliminated the bottle neck as well as created a better relationship to the eating table. It also utilizes the floor space between the pantry, nook, and kitchen ➢ creating a banquet style breakfast nook - this banquette seating not only doubles the amount of seating for large gatherings but it better utilizes the odd space between the kitchen and the previous nook area. It also helps to create a distinct pathway from the mudroom room through the pantry area, kitchen, nook, and living room. ➢ the coffee/breakfast bar area which includes the perfect location for the concealed microwave and toaster oven, convenient storage for the coffee pods and tea accoutrements. Roll-out drawers below also house the smoothie maker, hot water kettle, and a plethora of smoothie-making ingredients such as protein powders, smoothie additives, etc. Furthermore, the drawers below the Keurig house measuring utensil, cutlery, baking supplies and tupperware storage. ➢ incorporating lots of wide drawers and pullouts to accommodate large cookware. ➢ utilizing as much vertical space as possible by building storage to the ceiling which accommodates the family’s abundant amount of serving platters, baking sheets, bakeware, casserole dishes, and additional cutting boards. The project is enhanced aesthetically by: ➢ new 5-piece Versailles pattern porcelain tile that now seamlessly joins the entire down stairs area together creating a bright, cohesiveness feeling instead of choppy separated spaces - it also adds a coastal feeling ➢ designing a cabinet to conceal the microwave and toaster oven ➢ the coastal influenced light fixtures over the nook table and island ➢ the sandy colors of the Langdon Cambria countertops. The swirling pattern and sparkling quartz pieces remind the homeowner of black-and-tan sandy beaches ➢ the striped banquet seating whose creamy white background and blue-green stripes were the inspiration for the cabinet and wall colors. ➢ All the interior doors were painted black to coordinate with the blacks and grays in the backsplash tile and countertop. This also adds a hint of tailored formality to an otherwise casual space. ➢ the use of WAC's Oculux small aperture LED units for the overhead lighting complimented with Diode LED strips for task lighting under the cabinets and inside the pantry and glass wall cabinets. All of the lighting applications are on separate dimmer switches. Innovative uses of materials or construction methods by Realty Restoration LLC: ➢ Each 1-1/2” x 3” block of reclaimed end-grain black walnut that makes up the center island chopping block was hand milled and built in the shop. It was designed to look substantial and proportional to the surrounding elements, executed by creating the 4 inch tall top with a solid wood chamfered edge band. ➢ The metal doors on either side of the vent hood were also custom designed for this project and built in the Realty Restoration LLC shop. They are made 1x2, 11-gauge mild steel with ribbed glass. Weighing 60 lbs a piece, heavy duty cabinet hinges were added to support the weight of the door and keep them from sagging. ➢ Under-cabinet receptacles were added along the range wall in order to have a clean, uninterrupted backsplash. Design obstacles to overcome: ➢ Because we were removing the demising walls between the kitchen and living room, we had to find a way to plumb and vent the new island. We did this by tunneling through the slab (the slab had post tension cables which prevented us from just trenching) to run a new wet vent through a nearby structural wall. We pulled the existing hot and cold lines between upper floor joists and ran them down the structural wall as well and up through a conduit in the tunnel. ➢ Since we were converting from wall overs to a gas range it allowed us to utilize the 220 feed for the wall ovens to provide a new sub panel for all the new kitchen circuits ➢ Due to framing deficiencies inherited from the original build there was a 1-1/2” differential in the floor-to-ceiling height over a 20 foot span; by utilizing the process of cutting and furring coupled with the crown moulding details on the cabinet elevations we were able to mask the problem and provide seamless transitions between the cabinet components. Evidence of superior craftsmanship: ➢ uniquely designed, one-of-a-kind metal “X” end panels on the large island. The end panels were custom made in the Realty Restoration LLC shop and fitted to the exact dimensions of the island. The welding seams are completely indistinguishable - the posts look like they are cut from a single sheet of metal ➢ square metal posts on the small island were also custom made and designed to compliment and carry through the metal element s throughout the kitchen ➢ the beautiful, oversized end panels on the pantry cabinets which give the breakfast nook a tailored look ➢ integrating a large format 5 piece Versailles tile pattern to seamlessly flow from the existing spaces into the new kitchen space ➢ By constructing a custom cabinet that jogged around a corner we could not remodel (housing the entry way coat closet) we were able to camouflage the adjacent wall offset within the upper and lower cabinets. By designing around the existing jog in the structural walls we accomplished a few things: we were able to find the space to house, and hide, the microwave and toaster oven yet still have a clean cohesive appearance from the kitchen side. Additionally, the owners were able to keep their much needed coat closet and we didn’t have to increase the budget with unnecessary structural work.