Lance Kelly
Inspiration for a mid-sized farmhouse full sun backyard gravel landscaping in Boston for summer.

Photo: Danielle Sykes © 2015 Houzz
Design ideas for a farmhouse backyard landscaping in Boston.

Bedroom - large transitional master dark wood floor and brown floor bedroom idea in Charlotte with gray walls and no fireplace

This eclectic dining room mixes modern and vintage pieces to create a comfortable yet sophisticated space to entertain friends. The salon style installation feature the client's favorite family photos. Photo Credit - Christopher Stark

This expansive first floor takes luxury to the next level. A once dreary and dark kitchen, lacking in function, takes on a new look. Natural light floods through the kitchen with wall-to-wall windows, highlighting the gorgeous wood texture from the rift sawn white oak and walnut inset cabinets. A french La Corneau range provides a beautiful focal point, paired with layered designer lighting and various stones. A host’s dream space for entertaining with a hidden pantry, fully stocked with a chefs sink, dishwasher, and wall oven with ample storage for dry goods and small appliances. A morning brew or 5'oclock cocktail can be found in the fully loaded wet bar stocked with an integrated espresso maker, ice maker, refrigerator, freezer, wine cooler, and spirits collected from traveling the globe. Cheers!

Large mountain style mixed material railing deck photo in Los Angeles with a fireplace and a roof extension

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.”

Rich, warm yet strikingly beautiful! This kitchen got a major overhaul with its oversized island housing a pre-sing, wine fridge, and tons of storage. Relocation of the refractor to make way for the gourmet range alongside the existing window framed sink. This kitchen is "L" shaped and has a hidden pantry built-in behind the fridge.

This home, built in 1920, is a quintessential Virginia Highland craftsman bungalow in intown Atlanta. The home underwent an extensive renovaton that included the addition of a screened porch and deck off the back, dormers on the second story in the front, and finishing out the basement level. Most interior spaces were updated including the kitchen, multiple bathrooms, a mudroom and laundry room.

1950s bathroom photo in San Francisco

Photo: Sarah Greenman © 2013 Houzz
Example of an arts and crafts green exterior home design in Dallas

Transitional living room photo in Other

Photo by Samantha Robison
Small transitional backyard stone patio photo in Other with a pergola

Trendy gender-neutral nursery photo in Austin with multicolored walls

This Altadena home is the perfect example of modern farmhouse flair. The powder room flaunts an elegant mirror over a strapping vanity; the butcher block in the kitchen lends warmth and texture; the living room is replete with stunning details like the candle style chandelier, the plaid area rug, and the coral accents; and the master bathroom’s floor is a gorgeous floor tile. Project designed by Courtney Thomas Design in La Cañada. Serving Pasadena, Glendale, Monrovia, San Marino, Sierra Madre, South Pasadena, and Altadena. For more about Courtney Thomas Design, click here: https://www.courtneythomasdesign.com/ To learn more about this project, click here: https://www.courtneythomasdesign.com/portfolio/new-construction-altadena-rustic-modern/

Perched on Lake George in the Adirondacks, this sophisticated outdoor kitchen masterfully blends into its natural surroundings while maximizing functionality for entertaining. The thoughtful U-shaped design ensures that everyone—whether cooking, prepping, or socializing—shares in the magnificent lake views that inspired the space. The aesthetic harmony is achieved through carefully selected materials: rustic blue outdoor-rated NatureKast cabinetry echoes the lake's hues, while timber frame beams and outdoor-rated white quartz countertops create a seamless transition between built and natural environments. Deep drawers and roll-out cabinetry provide abundant storage while maintaining the space's elegant profile. The layout is a study in purposeful zoning: one area dedicated to prep work, another to cooking—featuring a grill, smoker, warming drawer, and space for a portable pizza oven, all serviced by a ceiling-mounted hood. The opposite side houses a two-drawer refrigerator, under-counter refrigerator, wet sink, and waste management. Connecting seamlessly to the indoor kitchen through pass-through windows with adjacent counter space and storage, this outdoor entertainment hub transforms lakeside cooking into an immersive experience. Every element has been carefully considered to create a space that's both functional for serious cooking and perfect for casual gatherings, all while celebrating its stunning Adirondack setting

Luxury Spa experience at home. Custom Master Bathroom has everything from Aromatherapy Steam Shower to a sound system. Free sanding tub and luxury bathroom fixtures

Down-to-studs remodel and second floor addition. The original house was a simple plain ranch house with a layout that didn’t function well for the family. We changed the house to a contemporary Mediterranean with an eclectic mix of details. Space was limited by City Planning requirements so an important aspect of the design was to optimize every bit of space, both inside and outside. The living space extends out to functional places in the back and front yards: a private shaded back yard and a sunny seating area in the front yard off the kitchen where neighbors can easily mingle with the family. A Japanese bath off the master bedroom upstairs overlooks a private roof deck which is screened from neighbors’ views by a trellis with plants growing from planter boxes and with lanterns hanging from a trellis above. Photography by Kurt Manley. https://saikleyarchitects.com/portfolio/modern-mediterranean/

The exterior features black metal fascias wrapping exposed wood at the upper soffits. Select structural beams are exposed at key points to add warmth to the design.