We collaborated with our clients to design an extensive home renovation for their southeastern Ontario farmhouse, infusing it with a Modern Craftsman flair. Both the main and second levels will undergo complete transformations. The existing enclosed porch will be expanded both vertically and horizontally with a new second-storey addition and 28’x19’ bump-out across the back of the home. Large and abundant windows throughout will give the home a light and airy atmosphere. On the main level, relocating the stairs will create an expansive open-concept living, dining, and kitchen space, perfect for entertaining family and friends. The living area will be anchored by a modern fireplace, complete with custom millwork filling the entire wall on both sides. Easy access to the backyard patio through triple sliding doors from the dining area will make indoor-outdoor living effortless. The kitchen will boast plentiful counter space, a sizable island seating four, and lots of storage in the walk-in pantry. A new private corner office offers two views of the picturesque rural property. The new front entry will feature a covered exterior and a spacious interior, warmly welcoming visitors. Upstairs, the transformation continues with a luxurious primary suite featuring a cathedral ceiling and a partial wall to differentiate the sleeping and seating areas. Storage will not be an issue in the substantial walk-in closet. The ensuite cleverly offers a separate toilet room along with the 60” soaker tub, oversized shower, and two-sink vanity. Two additional bedrooms will have walk-in closets, one with an ensuite bathroom, and the fourth bedroom will have a wall of closet space. A main bathroom and linen closet will complete the second floor. The exterior will combine pre-finished wood and stone, with simple wood accents at the entryways. Full ICF construction from the foundation to the top of the two-storey walls will ensure the home is highly energy-efficient.

Greg Premru This historic restoration and renovation was the cover story for the September / October 2015 issue of Design New England. Working with skilled craftsmen, we salvaged a derelict house and brought it into the 21st century. We were fortunate to design all aspects of the home, from architecture to interiors to the landscape plan!

This historic restoration and renovation was the cover story for the September / October 2015 issue of Design New England. Working with skilled craftsmen, we salvaged a derelict house and brought it into the 21st century. We were fortunate to design all aspects of the home, from architecture to interiors to the landscape plan!

The original house which was located here had been in the family for several decades, used as a summer house and then altered to have another rental unit below. A family member then took on the task of renovating this house, originally the design process included saving the existing building due to location issues, however it was then allowed to be built completely new which then put it under new guidelines to raise it out of any potential high water zones. The new house borrowed the compact gambrel roof lines from the original Beach bungalow. However this historic family home took advantage of all views and solar exposure. The new layout features a one story, 3 bedroom unit on the garden level with a 2 story, 3 bedroom unit above it so all the relatives can stay together. The goal was to provide a flexible and energy efficient design with ample light and cross ventilation for all bedrooms.

Greg Premru This historic restoration and renovation was the cover story for the September / October 2015 issue of Design New England. Working with skilled craftsmen, we salvaged a derelict house and brought it into the 21st century. We were fortunate to design all aspects of the home, from architecture to interiors to the landscape plan!

HVAC Contractor

We collaborated with our clients to design an extensive home renovation for their southeastern Ontario farmhouse, infusing it with a Modern Craftsman flair. Both the main and second levels will undergo complete transformations. The existing enclosed porch will be expanded both vertically and horizontally with a new second-storey addition and 28’x19’ bump-out across the back of the home. Large and abundant windows throughout will give the home a light and airy atmosphere. On the main level, relocating the stairs will create an expansive open-concept living, dining, and kitchen space, perfect for entertaining family and friends. The living area will be anchored by a modern fireplace, complete with custom millwork filling the entire wall on both sides. Easy access to the backyard patio through triple sliding doors from the dining area will make indoor-outdoor living effortless. The kitchen will boast plentiful counter space, a sizable island seating four, and lots of storage in the walk-in pantry. A new private corner office offers two views of the picturesque rural property. The new front entry will feature a covered exterior and a spacious interior, warmly welcoming visitors. Upstairs, the transformation continues with a luxurious primary suite featuring a cathedral ceiling and a partial wall to differentiate the sleeping and seating areas. Storage will not be an issue in the substantial walk-in closet. The ensuite cleverly offers a separate toilet room along with the 60” soaker tub, oversized shower, and two-sink vanity. Two additional bedrooms will have walk-in closets, one with an ensuite bathroom, and the fourth bedroom will have a wall of closet space. A main bathroom and linen closet will complete the second floor. The exterior will combine pre-finished wood and stone, with simple wood accents at the entryways. Full ICF construction from the foundation to the top of the two-storey walls will ensure the home is highly energy-efficient.

This historic restoration and renovation was the cover story for the September / October 2015 issue of Design New England. Working with skilled craftsmen, we salvaged a derelict house and brought it into the 21st century. We were fortunate to design all aspects of the home, from architecture to interiors to the landscape plan!

We collaborated with our clients to design an extensive home renovation for their southeastern Ontario farmhouse, infusing it with a Modern Craftsman flair. Both the main and second levels will undergo complete transformations. The existing enclosed porch will be expanded both vertically and horizontally with a new second-storey addition and 28’x19’ bump-out across the back of the home. Large and abundant windows throughout will give the home a light and airy atmosphere. On the main level, relocating the stairs will create an expansive open-concept living, dining, and kitchen space, perfect for entertaining family and friends. The living area will be anchored by a modern fireplace, complete with custom millwork filling the entire wall on both sides. Easy access to the backyard patio through triple sliding doors from the dining area will make indoor-outdoor living effortless. The kitchen will boast plentiful counter space, a sizable island seating four, and lots of storage in the walk-in pantry. A new private corner office offers two views of the picturesque rural property. The new front entry will feature a covered exterior and a spacious interior, warmly welcoming visitors. Upstairs, the transformation continues with a luxurious primary suite featuring a cathedral ceiling and a partial wall to differentiate the sleeping and seating areas. Storage will not be an issue in the substantial walk-in closet. The ensuite cleverly offers a separate toilet room along with the 60” soaker tub, oversized shower, and two-sink vanity. Two additional bedrooms will have walk-in closets, one with an ensuite bathroom, and the fourth bedroom will have a wall of closet space. A main bathroom and linen closet will complete the second floor. The exterior will combine pre-finished wood and stone, with simple wood accents at the entryways. Full ICF construction from the foundation to the top of the two-storey walls will ensure the home is highly energy-efficient.

We collaborated with our clients to design an extensive home renovation for their southeastern Ontario farmhouse, infusing it with a Modern Craftsman flair. Both the main and second levels will undergo complete transformations. The existing enclosed porch will be expanded both vertically and horizontally with a new second-storey addition and 28’x19’ bump-out across the back of the home. Large and abundant windows throughout will give the home a light and airy atmosphere. On the main level, relocating the stairs will create an expansive open-concept living, dining, and kitchen space, perfect for entertaining family and friends. The living area will be anchored by a modern fireplace, complete with custom millwork filling the entire wall on both sides. Easy access to the backyard patio through triple sliding doors from the dining area will make indoor-outdoor living effortless. The kitchen will boast plentiful counter space, a sizable island seating four, and lots of storage in the walk-in pantry. A new private corner office offers two views of the picturesque rural property. The new front entry will feature a covered exterior and a spacious interior, warmly welcoming visitors. Upstairs, the transformation continues with a luxurious primary suite featuring a cathedral ceiling and a partial wall to differentiate the sleeping and seating areas. Storage will not be an issue in the substantial walk-in closet. The ensuite cleverly offers a separate toilet room along with the 60” soaker tub, oversized shower, and two-sink vanity. Two additional bedrooms will have walk-in closets, one with an ensuite bathroom, and the fourth bedroom will have a wall of closet space. A main bathroom and linen closet will complete the second floor. The exterior will combine pre-finished wood and stone, with simple wood accents at the entryways. Full ICF construction from the foundation to the top of the two-storey walls will ensure the home is highly energy-efficient.

360VIP
Inspiration for a transitional home design remodel in Minneapolis

Craig Thompson Photography The client was looking for a contemporary but comfortable space as a gathering place for themselves, their family and friends in the city. They wanted color, which was right up my alley. The specific color requests were orange, aqua and purple. We used the orange and aqua in the main living space adding a rich chocolate to the mix to provide a bold color palette. One theme that was consistent in the design was the use of circles, ellipses, and flowing curves. This was evidenced in the fabrics, furniture, wall sconces, bar design, artwork, TV area wall covering, and artwork. Often times contemporary design is very angular, straight lined and rigid. This was not the desired look for this client. They desired an open layout in the main living space to accentuate the breathtaking view. With these units there are always structural issues to be worked through. There is a structural column in an inopportune place in the main Living area. To make sense of this, it was incorporated into a bar that goes right up to the full height window. When sitting at the bar, it almost feels like you are floating in mid air, looking down on the hustle and bustle of the city. The bar is faced with dimensional glass tile with quartz countertops. An elliptical shaped floating bulkhead is intersected by the bold orange column. The bulkhead was finished in the dark chocolate with a silver deco molding around the face like a bracelet, architectural jewelry as I like to refer to it as. The bar creates an interesting architectural focal point, but also provides function for entertaining. We did a softer version of the aqua, combined with gray and cream for the color palette in the Master suite. I was able to give the client her request for purple which we did in the Guest Bedroom (not photographed) as the accent wall behind the bed and combined it with gold to complete the scheme.

The original house which was located here had been in the family for several decades, used as a summer house and then altered to have another rental unit below. A family member then took on the task of renovating this house, originally the design process included saving the existing building due to location issues, however it was then allowed to be built completely new which then put it under new guidelines to raise it out of any potential high water zones. The new house borrowed the compact gambrel roof lines from the original Beach bungalow. However this historic family home took advantage of all views and solar exposure. The new layout features a one story, 3 bedroom unit on the garden level with a 2 story, 3 bedroom unit above it so all the relatives can stay together. The goal was to provide a flexible and energy efficient design with ample light and cross ventilation for all bedrooms.

We collaborated with our clients to design an extensive home renovation for their southeastern Ontario farmhouse, infusing it with a Modern Craftsman flair. Both the main and second levels will undergo complete transformations. The existing enclosed porch will be expanded both vertically and horizontally with a new second-storey addition and 28’x19’ bump-out across the back of the home. Large and abundant windows throughout will give the home a light and airy atmosphere. On the main level, relocating the stairs will create an expansive open-concept living, dining, and kitchen space, perfect for entertaining family and friends. The living area will be anchored by a modern fireplace, complete with custom millwork filling the entire wall on both sides. Easy access to the backyard patio through triple sliding doors from the dining area will make indoor-outdoor living effortless. The kitchen will boast plentiful counter space, a sizable island seating four, and lots of storage in the walk-in pantry. A new private corner office offers two views of the picturesque rural property. The new front entry will feature a covered exterior and a spacious interior, warmly welcoming visitors. Upstairs, the transformation continues with a luxurious primary suite featuring a cathedral ceiling and a partial wall to differentiate the sleeping and seating areas. Storage will not be an issue in the substantial walk-in closet. The ensuite cleverly offers a separate toilet room along with the 60” soaker tub, oversized shower, and two-sink vanity. Two additional bedrooms will have walk-in closets, one with an ensuite bathroom, and the fourth bedroom will have a wall of closet space. A main bathroom and linen closet will complete the second floor. The exterior will combine pre-finished wood and stone, with simple wood accents at the entryways. Full ICF construction from the foundation to the top of the two-storey walls will ensure the home is highly energy-efficient.

We collaborated with our clients to design an extensive home renovation for their southeastern Ontario farmhouse, infusing it with a Modern Craftsman flair. Both the main and second levels will undergo complete transformations. The existing enclosed porch will be expanded both vertically and horizontally with a new second-storey addition and 28’x19’ bump-out across the back of the home. Large and abundant windows throughout will give the home a light and airy atmosphere. On the main level, relocating the stairs will create an expansive open-concept living, dining, and kitchen space, perfect for entertaining family and friends. The living area will be anchored by a modern fireplace, complete with custom millwork filling the entire wall on both sides. Easy access to the backyard patio through triple sliding doors from the dining area will make indoor-outdoor living effortless. The kitchen will boast plentiful counter space, a sizable island seating four, and lots of storage in the walk-in pantry. A new private corner office offers two views of the picturesque rural property. The new front entry will feature a covered exterior and a spacious interior, warmly welcoming visitors. Upstairs, the transformation continues with a luxurious primary suite featuring a cathedral ceiling and a partial wall to differentiate the sleeping and seating areas. Storage will not be an issue in the substantial walk-in closet. The ensuite cleverly offers a separate toilet room along with the 60” soaker tub, oversized shower, and two-sink vanity. Two additional bedrooms will have walk-in closets, one with an ensuite bathroom, and the fourth bedroom will have a wall of closet space. A main bathroom and linen closet will complete the second floor. The exterior will combine pre-finished wood and stone, with simple wood accents at the entryways. Full ICF construction from the foundation to the top of the two-storey walls will ensure the home is highly energy-efficient.

Neil Michael - Axiom Photography
Inspiration for a small modern courtyard patio remodel in Sacramento

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.”

Cottage exterior home photo in Minneapolis

Eucalyptus-veneer cabinetry and a mix of countertop materials add organic interest in the kitchen. A water wall built into a cabinet bank separates the kitchen from the foyer. The overall use of water in the house lends a sense of escapism. Featured in the November 2008 issue of Phoenix Home & Garden, this "magnificently modern" home is actually a suburban loft located in Arcadia, a neighborhood formerly occupied by groves of orange and grapefruit trees in Phoenix, Arizona. The home, designed by architect C.P. Drewett, offers breathtaking views of Camelback Mountain from the entire main floor, guest house, and pool area. These main areas "loft" over a basement level featuring 4 bedrooms, a guest room, and a kids' den. Features of the house include white-oak ceilings, exposed steel trusses, Eucalyptus-veneer cabinetry, honed Pompignon limestone, concrete, granite, and stainless steel countertops. The owners also enlisted the help of Interior Designer Sharon Fannin. The project was built by Sonora West Development of Scottsdale, AZ.