Custom Walnut Kitchen with Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances, heated travertine floors. Photos by Literal Concepts
Example of a large trendy u-shaped travertine floor kitchen pantry design in Vancouver with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, dark wood cabinets, solid surface countertops, beige backsplash, stone tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Our bestselling, most comfortable bedding. The signature weave is simple, but never ordinary. Long-staple, 100% organic cotton is spun cloud-weight and super soft--literally the stuff dreams are made of.

Interesting aspects of this project: - Custom built cherry cabinets. - Franke stainless steel sinks - DCS appliances - Antiqued copper tile back splash with penny tile inlay

James Solomon Photographer
Eat-in kitchen - large contemporary l-shaped dark wood floor eat-in kitchen idea in Boston with a single-bowl sink, recessed-panel cabinets, green cabinets, solid surface countertops, stainless steel appliances and an island

The landscape speaker system is a robust setup designed to be durable while providing excellent audio fidelity and volume. A subterranean subwoofer was even installed by the pool to add base that literally makes the ground shake! The luxury landscape speakers are also from James Loudspeaker.

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.”

The SEKTION kitchen system was designed to give you freedom to create the kitchen that's just right for you. Everything from the cabinets to the handles has been developed to give you as many options as possible. There are literally thousands of possible combinations so you're sure to find the one that gives you the functions you need and the look you love.

Photo: Howard Doughty
Inspiration for a rustic living room remodel in Minneapolis

Eat-in kitchen - large transitional l-shaped eat-in kitchen idea in DC Metro with shaker cabinets, blue cabinets, wood countertops, blue backsplash, ceramic backsplash, paneled appliances and an island

"Maison de Verre" literally translates from French to English as "House of Glass. The phrase "de verre" is French, meaning "of glass". In English, it's pronounced like "duh vair

1960s living room photo with a music area, a standard fireplace and a stone fireplace

The stair stretches over a built-in desk creating a little office nook. Photo: Ryan Farnau
Example of a large trendy wooden straight open staircase design in Houston

Kitchen after - The original corner sink at the window was a perfect spot to incorporate a second prep sink using the existing plumbing. A beautiful and practical cork floor warms up the space both aesthetically and literally!

Sean Dagen
Small eclectic freestanding desk shed photo in San Francisco

Window placement is literally and figuratively highlighted. There are no direct views of the activity inside the home. The houses are exposed without being vulnerable, private without being closed. Photo Credit: Craig Washburn Pictures

Michael J Lee Photography See more at https://platemark.com/commonwealth

Our goal on this project was to make the main floor of this lovely early 20th century home in a popular Vancouver neighborhood work for a growing family of four. We opened up the space, both literally and aesthetically, with windows and skylights, an efficient layout, some carefully selected furniture pieces and a soft colour palette that lends a light and playful feel to the space. Our clients can hardly believe that their once small, dark, uncomfortable main floor has become a bright, functional and beautiful space where they can now comfortably host friends and hang out as a family. Interior Design by Lori Steeves of Simply Home Decorating Inc. Photos by Tracey Ayton Photography.

In a separate wing on the second floor, a guest suite awaits. Entertaining guests and family members for a night or a few weeks has never been easier. With an oversized bedroom that sleeps four, spa bath, large living room and kitchen, this house contains the perfect guest suite. Designed to incorporate the clean lines captured throughout the house, the living room offers a private space and very comfortable sitting area. The cozy kitchen surrounded with custom made cabinetry, a hand cut glass backsplash featuring cooking terminology (“grill”,“simmer”) and black granite counters offers guests an opportunity to steal away for a quiet meal or a quick midnight snack. Privately tucked away off the back staircase and away from the main house, the only problem with this guest suite is that your in-laws may never want to leave. Exiting down the backstairs, you arrive in an expansive mudroom with built-in cubbies and cabinetry, a half bath, a “command center” entered through a sliding glass barn door and, something every pet owner needs, a dog wash!

This client came to me requesting a concept rather than a style. After living in his home for 15 years, he wanted it to have a “beach-poolside vibe”. This made for a fun approach. Styles can have so many names and nuances that clients don’t always know exactly what style they are looking at or requesting. With a request for a concept, I just needed to determine if my approach should be literal or figurative. I came to the initial consultation with concept boards with both approaches, and it was determined that figurative was the desired approach. As the project unfolded, playfulness did too, and some literal elements were added—particularly for the pleasure of his future guests.