Tying multiple floors together using 6”x36” dark grey wood-looking tile, laid on a staggered patterned worked well with the tile and concrete floors next to it. Two-toned cabinetry of wired brushed hickory with a grey stain wash, combined with maple wood in a dark slate finish is a current trend. Counter tops: combination of splashy granite and white Caesarstone grounded the display. A custom-designed table of ash wood, with heavy distressing and grey washed stain added warmth. Show custom features: Arched glass door cabinets with crown moulding to match. Unique Features: drawer in drawer for pot lids, pull out drawer in toe kick for dog dishes, toe space step stool, swing up mixer shelf, pull out spice storage. Built in Banquette seating with table and docking station for family meals and working. Custom open shelves and wine rack with detailed legs anchor the three sides of the island. Backsplash rail with spice rack, knife and utensil holder add more storage space. A floating soffit matches the shape of island and helps lower the showroom ceiling height to what would be found in a normal home. It includes: pendant lights for the snack bar, chandelier for the table and recess for task lights over the sink. The large triangular shaped island has eleven foot legs. It fills the unusual space and creates three separate areas: a work space, snack bar/room divider and table area.

Hawaii-based photographer and blogger Elana Jadallah invokes the islands' aqua blue oceans with her latest kitchen remodel. The kitchen features our 4" Hexagon in Aqua from counter to ceiling.

Frameless, bright white Shaker cabinets reflect tons of light into this transitional-modern kitchen. The solid taupe quartz countertops provide a clean, neutral surface that lets the multi-toned, marble backsplash capture the attention.

Open concept kitchen - large transitional l-shaped medium tone wood floor, brown floor and coffered ceiling open concept kitchen idea in Montreal with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartz countertops, white backsplash, quartz backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and white countertops

Large kitchen with built in refrigerator and freezer, bar sink, opening shelving, island and paneled hood. Perimeter Cabinet Finishes: Stained walnut and Benjamin Moore "Chantily Lace" Island Cabinet Finish: Benjamin Moore "Vermont Slate" island Wall Color: Benjamin Moore "Chantily Lace" Countertop: Pental Quartz "Misterio" Backsplash: United tile "Equipe Country" Gris Claro, Jeffery Court "Reef Glass Nori Mosaic" Oceana Matte

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.”

In this master bathroom addition, R. B. Schwarz contractors added a Pella window, inset medicine cabinets, porcelain tile, custom built Amish white cabinets, black absolute granite, Rohl faucets imported from Italy, frameless glass shower door, patterned wallpaper, quiet bath ventilation fan, black and white bathroom. Photo Credit: Marc Golub

Architect: John Lum Architecture Photographer: Isabelle Eubanks
Example of a transitional l-shaped ceramic tile eat-in kitchen design in San Francisco with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartz countertops, blue backsplash, cement tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

This fresh, airy kitchen features all-white cabinetry paired with a striking two-tone island, a warm wood base topped with matching white marble countertops. A sleek two-tone gooseneck faucet adds a modern edge, complementing the classic white subway tile backsplash. Under-cabinet lighting enhances both function and ambiance, while white window trim and medium-tone hardwood floors tie the space together with warmth and elegance. A perfect mix of clean lines and natural texture.

This kitchen took a tired, 80’s builder kitchen and revamped it into a personalized gathering space for our wonderful client. The existing space was split up by the dated configuration of eat-in kitchen table area to one side and cramped workspace on the other. It didn’t just under-serve our client’s needs; it flat out discouraged them from using the space. Our client desired an open kitchen with a central gathering space where family and friends could connect. To open things up, we removed the half wall separating the kitchen from the dining room and the wall that blocked sight lines to the family room and created a narrow hallway to the kitchen. The old oak cabinets weren't maximizing storage and were dated and dark. We used Waypoint Living Spaces cabinets in linen white to brighten up the room. On the east wall, we created a hutch-like stack that features an appliance garage that keeps often used countertop appliance on hand but out of sight. The hutch also acts as a transition from the cooking zone to the coffee and wine area. We eliminated the north window that looked onto the entry walkway and activated this wall as storage with refrigerator enclosure and pantry. We opted to leave the east window as-is and incorporated it into the new kitchen layout by creating a window well for growing plants and herbs. The countertops are Pental Quartz in Carrara. The sleek cabinet hardware is from our friends at Amerock in a gorgeous satin champagne bronze. One of the most striking features in the space is the pattern encaustic tile from Tile Shop. The pop of blue in the backsplash adds personality and contrast to the champagne accents. The reclaimed wood cladding surrounding the large east-facing window introduces a quintessential Colorado vibe, and the natural texture balances the crisp white cabinetry and geometric patterned tile. Minimalist modern lighting fixtures from Mitzi by Hudson Valley Lighting provide task lighting over the sink and at the wine/ coffee station. The visual lightness of the sink pendants maintains the openness and visual connection between the kitchen and dining room. Together the elements make for a sophisticated yet casual vibe-- a comfortable chic kitchen. We love the way this space turned out and are so happy that our clients now have such a bright and welcoming gathering space as the heart of their home!

Example of a large transitional master white tile and porcelain tile travertine floor, beige floor, double-sink and tray ceiling bathroom design in Atlanta with raised-panel cabinets, green cabinets, a two-piece toilet, beige walls, an undermount sink, quartzite countertops, a hinged shower door and a niche

This basement kitchen is given new life as a modern bar with quartz countertop, navy blue cabinet doors, satin brass edge pulls, a beverage fridge, pull out faucet with matte black finish. The backsplash is patterned 8x8 tiles with a walnut wood shelf. The space was painted matte white, the ceiling popcorn was scraped off, painted and installed with recessed lighting. A mirror backsplash was installed on the left side of the bar

While we typically focus on high end homes, this small 1980's house in Stafford sold for under $200,000. We did a remodel and make ready for the homeowner prior to listing so they could take advantage of our hot market. This house is proof that good design can make inexpensive material selections look really good, and that you don't have to spend a fortune on a nice remodel. Floors: Emser Tile 6x24 Heritage Walnut Backsplash: Emser Tile 6x6 Ancient Tumbled Travertine Backsplash Insert: Emser Tile Lucente Grazia Mosaic 5/8" Bath Floors: Emser Tile 18x18 St Moritz Silver Bath Insert: Emser Tile Lucente Grazia Linear Kitchen Granite: Diamond Arrow Master Bath Granite: Diamond Arrow Guest Bath Granite: White Galaxy Wall Paint: PPG Grey Marble Trim Paint: PPG Arctic Cotton Ceiling Paint: PPG Arctic Cotton All Photos by Curtis Lawson

In this kitchen, we updated the existing cabinets with new bronze pulls and knobs hardware. Installed for the countertops are a natural stone Giallo Fiorito 3cm Granite with a small ogee edge profile and Durango 4x4 tumbled decorative tile with Accents Bliss Crème Brulee blend linear glass/stone mosaic tile was used for the backsplash. Also installed was a Blanco Café Brown Undermount sink accented with Moen Arbour stainless steel faucet.

This beautiful back splash in tile over the gas range is picture perfect. Framed tile back splashes are very popular right now.
Elegant galley medium tone wood floor eat-in kitchen photo in DC Metro with a single-bowl sink, beaded inset cabinets, white cabinets, quartz countertops, gray backsplash, glass tile backsplash, black appliances and an island

Example of a classic l-shaped medium tone wood floor kitchen design in Orange County with shaker cabinets, gray cabinets, metallic backsplash, an island, granite countertops, metal backsplash and stainless steel appliances

This kitchen is one of the highlights of the home. The island has a waterfall countertop edge and the two kitchen windows were designed to frame the vent hood and 36 inch range. The light color cabinets, flooring limestone backsplash, and white countertops balance the modern black base cabinets and tall cabinets.

Photo by Seth Hannula
Inspiration for a small mediterranean black and white tile and beige tile travertine floor powder room remodel in Minneapolis with a vessel sink and white walls

Stove wall
Inspiration for a mid-sized modern l-shaped ceramic tile kitchen remodel in Toronto with a double-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, mosaic tile backsplash and white appliances