Photography: Jill Greer
Mountain style master brown tile and stone tile ceramic tile freestanding bathtub photo in Minneapolis with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, granite countertops and multicolored walls

Jennifer and Dan have lived in their Deer Park Illinois home for 15 years, slowly making minor fixes like painting and decorating; but they had a new plan for their kitchen the entire time. An awkwardly placed garage door, and an island cooktop with a terrible downdraft made a full-scale kitchen remodel an absolute must. Jennifer had many ideas in mind and wanted to work with a company that could provide high-end work, while partnering with a designer that would tailor the kitchen to her ideas. She was intrigued by the phrase “Common Sense Remodeling” in Advance Design’s feature she discovered while perusing an issue of the community’s Quintessential Barrington Magazine. Doing further research on the company’s website, as she looked through project profiles and read about Advance Design’s “Common Sense Remodeling” philosophy, she promptly scheduled an appointment to see if the people and ideas she read about were truly who they said they were. The more she read, the more she knew that the “Common Sense” approach to remodeling they described was exactly the type of company she was looking for. The partnership was sealed after an initial consultation with Owner Todd Jurs and Project Designer Michelle Lecinski. They displayed a combination of friendliness, professionalism and respect that was unmatched by any of the other companies Jennifer talked to. She knew that with Advance Design, she would be able to retain the vision that she had in mind with high-quality craftsmanship. “I reached out to Advance Design because of the ‘Common Sense Remodeling’ tagline,” Jennifer said. “That’s what lingered for me”. “Advance Design was the most respectful- of the house and of my design ideas, and the most professional of the handful of companies that looked at my project”. Soon after the meeting Jennifer began working with Michelle on the project design. They quickly developed chemistry. Jennifer loved how Michelle researched and located every detail that Jennifer wanted for the kitchen. Between the two of them, every concept and idea was worked through and perfected. “Jennifer had definite ideas about what she wanted the new kitchen to look like, she just didn’t know how to bring it all together. We worked together really well to make her ideas into the practical reality necessary for a well-functioning kitchen, with the look and feel that she had envisioned”, says Michelle. “Michelle was wonderful in using the CAD system she would show me new drawings every time we changed the layout while working through the design,” Jennifer said. “She was a really wonderful partner in execution, she made sure everything happened quickly and easily.” The finished design drew out elements of Jennifer’s style and personality. The pair call the look “sophisticated farmhouse” to describe the kitchen renovation to family and friends. The result was a beautifully crafted, authentic-feeling space that satisfied Jennifer’s dreams 15 years in the making. The whole project consisted of a kitchen remodel, mudroom upgrade with powder room, and garage entry relocation. “The projects I personally like the best, are the ones that put the client’s dreams on display,” Project Designer Michelle said. “And this is one of those projects.” The main focal point of the kitchen is custom zinc and brass ventilation hood with a vintage sheen, which was hand made to order by a small company in Indiana named Vogler Metalworking. “It’s like sculpture, a true work of art”, says Jennifer. Your eye is immediately drawn towards this elegant yet practical hood that eliminated the home’s downdraft problem and added a striking conversation piece at the same time. The carpenters had to use special gloves when transporting and installing it, so they didn’t smudge it with fingerprints. The beautiful hood centers proudly over the stunning black enamel and brass LaCornue Range. “I had a friend who had a LaCornue range and after learning how easy it was to cook perfect meals, I was convinced I wanted to have one”, says Jennifer. This unique, breathtaking combination anchors the entire kitchen and is apparent immediately as you walk into the great room the surrounds the space. DuraSupreme Crestwood cabinets with a Kendall Panel add function and sophistication. A custom gray paint color paired with a storm blue was developed so that the new kitchen looked like it belonged to the existing space. Unlacquered brass faucets and hardware were important to Jennifer because she wanted the living finishes to age over time. Remarkable brass diamond mesh cabinet door inserts imported from the UK continue to add this one-of-a-kind kitchen renovation; giving it a “you won’t see this everywhere” quality. The use of old railcar flooring for the coffee bar countertop and reclaimed oak for the open shelving gives an authenticity to the space uncommon in kitchens today. Jennifer and Michelle fell in love with the Limestone Grey Stone while they were investigating unique island countertop ideas. They liked the fact that the limestone as a living finish will age and change over time. Calcutta Miel Quartz countertops made for an excellent pairing around the perimeter, as it’s durable and perfect for cooking preparations. A textured white subway tile backsplash that runs to the ceiling keeps your eye moving towards the open shelving, and to the main focal point of the stunning range hood combination. “The kitchen functions beautifully, and it’s gorgeous,” beams Jennifer as she gestures with both hands while smiling ear to ear. “The most important thing was I wanted a kitchen that had a wonderful flow, cooked beautiful meals and was a great gathering place for family and friends, and this space does that perfectly! Beauty wise, it turned out exactly how I had envisioned. I felt the function part was the hardest part, and that was nailed”! Relocating the garage entry to the new mudroom was a huge priority and has finally separated the family’s arriving home functions from their kitchen. Now coats and shoes and bags have their own area for dropping once members arrive home. Matching gray DuraSupreme cabinetry helped create gorgeous, purposeful lockers for the family. A reclaimed vintage sink and custom wall paper were added to the tiny powder room to beautify the once previously only functional space. Advance Design was even able to create a custom space for their dog to sleep while the family is away. “It was unbelievable that a project of this size was completed in such a short time, and I think that’s because of the large amount of planning and preparation that went into it,” Jennifer marveled, “When we started, we were ready, and everything was prepared”. When it came to execution, Project Manager Justin Davis and his crew were quick, accessible, and organized. Projects like this kitchen are typically completed in as little as 8-10 weeks. Jennifer’s kitchen however despite the relocation of some challenging HVAC in a soffit and moving of an exterior door was completed remarkably fast in part because the team was working with an existing tile floor that ran throughout the first floor that the client really loved. “You get to know these people really well because they’re living in your house while you’re living in your house. They were so fast and really good, it didn’t take as long as even planned” reported Jennifer. “I would text Justin and he always responded almost immediately. I got to know all the guys who were working in our house and they were all wonderful people”. Details in a customized kitchen like this one require skill and care from the people who install it. “All the guys on the job were skilled at what the did. I wanted small details like little feet to look like furniture, that is where their carpentry skill came in to make these all perfect”, said Jennifer. “The tile guys were wonderful. They even let me determine how I wanted the texture with the grout to appear for a salt and pepper look; now that is a very skilled trade person making it custom”. In Jennifer’s interview, she continued to reference Advance Design’s “Common Sense Remodeling”, so I took a minute to ask her exactly what that phrase meant to her and how it played out in her experience with her project and the Advance Design team. Here is what she said: “I was intrigued about Common Sense Remodeling and in my head that there would be clear costs and prices, great communication between the design team, the execution team and me”, said Jennifer. They did deliver on that, it was so clear about the cost breakdown, what I could expect from everyone who came to my house, and everything that we had ordered. That to me is the Common Sense”! It’s great to see a client take literally our assertion that a well-planned remodeling project is simply “Common Sense”! She anticipated each step of the way would be clear, concise, and predictable, all the while protecting the outcome due to the careful upfront planning. “Advance Design delivered on their ‘Common Sense Remodeling’ promise,” Jennifer said. “From the design team, to the execution team - everything was straight forward like I imagined. The project turned out exactly how I envisioned, I enjoyed this process and absolutely would recommend Advance Design Studio to anyone.”

This beautiful master bath features a clean and modern tiling throughout the room, a stand-alone tub, shower with bench, and his and her sinks to fit your every need.

University Park Contemporary Bathroom remodel featuring a frameless glass shower overhead and hand held shower fixtures, limestone tiled flooring, marble countertops, floating cabinet, recessed lighting, and soaker tub. Photo: Eric Cantu

CABINETS, RED OAK WITH AUTUMN STAIN, SQUARE FLAT PANEL DOOR STYLE WITH SLAB DRAWER FRONTS 100 EDGE, FULL OVERLY. SOLID WOOD DOVETAILED MANNINGTON ADURA ATHENA CAMEO LOCKSOLID AT244S 16X16 GRANITE VENETIAN GOLD LIGHT COUNTER TOPS, ROUND OVER EDGE STYLE, NO BACKSPLASH. INCLUDES INSTALLATION. BACKSPLASH TILE: BOARDWALK GR #AJ4Z 3-1/4" x 6-1/2" & GLASS 5/8" X MULTI NEW YORK CITY MOSAIC

Photo by David Livingston
Inspiration for a transitional master beige floor corner shower remodel in San Francisco with shaker cabinets, orange walls, an undermount sink and a hinged shower door

House in Braeswood by Gary Tran. Built by Gabriel Home Builders Benjamin Hill Photography
Example of a trendy galley medium tone wood floor open concept kitchen design in Houston with white walls and an island

This spicy Hacienda style kitchen is candy for the eyes. Features include: Custom carved Cantera stone range hood Copper Sconce Lighting Copper farmhouse sink and Copper Vegetable sink Copper kitchen backsplash tile Stainless steel appliances Granite Counters Drive up to practical luxury in this Hill Country Spanish Style home. The home is a classic hacienda architecture layout. It features 5 bedrooms, 2 outdoor living areas, and plenty of land to roam. Classic materials used include: Saltillo Tile - also known as terracotta tile, Spanish tile, Mexican tile, or Quarry tile Cantera Stone - feature in Pinon, Tobacco Brown and Recinto colors Copper sinks and copper sconce lighting Travertine Flooring Cantera Stone tile Brick Pavers Photos Provided by April Mae Creative aprilmaecreative.com Tile provided by Rustico Tile and Stone - RusticoTile.com or call (512) 260-9111 / info@rusticotile.com Construction by MelRay Corporation

This large open concept kitchen and dining space was created by removing a load bearing wall between the old kitchen and a porch area. The new porch was insulated and incorporated into the overall space. The kitchen remodel was part of a whole house remodel so new quarter sawn oak flooring,a vaulted ceiling, windows and skylights were added. A large calcutta marble topped island takes center stage. It houses a 5’ galley workstation - a sink that provides a convenient spot for prepping, serving, entertaining and clean up. A 36” induction cooktop is located directly across from the island for easy access. Two appliance garages on either side of the cooktop house small appliances that are used on a daily basis. Honeycomb tile by Ann Sacks and open shelving along the cooktop wall add an interesting focal point to the room. Antique mirrored glass faces the storage unit housing dry goods and a beverage center. “I chose details for the space that had a bit of a mid-century vibe that would work well with what was originally a 1950s ranch. Along the way a previous owner added a 2nd floor making it more of a Cape Cod style home, a few eclectic details felt appropriate”, adds Klimala. The wall opposite the cooktop houses a full size fridge, freezer, double oven, coffee machine and microwave. “There is a lot of functionality going on along that wall”, adds Klimala. A small pull out countertop below the coffee machine provides a spot for hot items coming out of the ovens. The rooms creamy cabinetry is accented by quartersawn white oak at the island and wrapped ceiling beam. The golden tones are repeated in the antique brass light fixtures. “This is the second kitchen I’ve had the opportunity to design for myself. My taste has gotten a little less traditional over the years, and although I’m still a traditionalist at heart, I had some fun with this kitchen and took some chances. The kitchen is super functional, easy to keep clean and has lots of storage to tuck things away when I’m done using them. The casual dining room is fabulous and is proving to be a great spot to linger after dinner. We love it!” Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKD, CBD Photography by: Carlos Vergara For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

Collaboration with Canonbury Homes and Frank Neely Design Associates.
Inspiration for a timeless open concept kitchen remodel in Atlanta with beaded inset cabinets and two islands

Ace and Whim Photography Design and Staging by Fallon Liles
Open concept kitchen - mid-sized traditional l-shaped light wood floor open concept kitchen idea in Phoenix with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, marble countertops, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Gorgeous master bath finished with Dal-Tile's Fabrique porcelain tile in the color Noir Linen polished. Tile size is 12"x24" installed in a brick joint pattern. The floor boasts underfloor heating on a timed thermostat.

Inspiration for a country medium tone wood floor and brown floor dining room remodel in Chicago with white walls

Handscraped or distressed hardwood floors have a natural worn appearance. They look like floors from the days when floors were finished by hand.

Jay Greene Photography
Trendy l-shaped light wood floor kitchen photo in Baltimore with medium tone wood cabinets, laminate countertops, gray backsplash, subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and black countertops

This is my scale 3D layout and space/color planning for my new apartment at Woodside 11. The apartment is nice, but it felt cold with so much gray and modern styling. THe kitchen island is gray granite, and the cabinets in the kitchen are a darker gray. Appliances are all stainless and black. The walls are SW Grateful Gray. I was inspired to add warmth and energy with pinks and reds, offset by navy. This is a visual brainstorm to scale, mood board will be uploaded soon. I've planned room for a bed for my future dog and a jungle gym for my future cat. Most of my friends and I are in the practice of removing shoes upon entering someone's home, but my pet peeve is having nowhere to sit to easily do this, so I added a bench to the right of the door with a mat underneath. Shoes can be stored under the bench, and there will be hooks and a little shelf above for purses, jackets, keys, etc. The middle of the room is referred to as the dining area by the apartment complex, and many people will use it as such. I work from home and live alone, so between the counter stools, patio table and chairs, and a tray on the cocktail ottoman in front of the sofa, I think I have enough dining options. I put my desk in that space instead, facing the gorgeous view. My west-facing patio looks out over grass, trees, sky, and a pond frequented by geese, a blue heron, and an egret. Who wants to be facing a wall while you work?! Please follow this project to see what develops over the next few months.

Charming North Carolina home featuring "Hamilton" brick exteriors.
Home design - mid-sized victorian two-story brick white home design idea

Jay Greene Photography
Kitchen - contemporary l-shaped light wood floor kitchen idea in Baltimore with an undermount sink, light wood cabinets, granite countertops, black backsplash, stone slab backsplash, paneled appliances, a peninsula and black countertops

Jay Greene Photography
Example of a trendy u-shaped light wood floor kitchen design in Baltimore with an undermount sink, white cabinets, granite countertops, white backsplash, stone slab backsplash, paneled appliances, an island and white countertops