Julie Soefer Photography
Inspiration for a timeless girl dark wood floor and gray floor nursery remodel in Houston

A beautiful, clean, cool, classic, white Master Bath. Interior Design by Ashley Whittaker.
Small elegant master white tile mosaic tile floor bathroom photo in New York with an undermount sink, white cabinets, marble countertops, an undermount tub, white walls, raised-panel cabinets and white countertops

Irregular bluestone stepper path and woodland shade garden.
Inspiration for a traditional shade stone landscaping in Boston.

Michael J. Lee Photography
Bedroom - mid-sized contemporary guest carpeted bedroom idea in Boston with green walls

The aim was to restore this room to its Victorian era splendor including custom wood panel wainscoting, and original cove ceilings. Focal lighting from Restoration Hardware. Wallpaper is hand printed and installed from Printsburgh. Photo: Christopher Stark

Photography by Corey Gaffer
Small elegant white tile and subway tile powder room photo in Minneapolis with a wall-mount sink and white walls

  Free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   Our clients and their three teenage kids had outgrown the footprint of their existing home and felt they needed some space to spread out. They came in with a couple of sets of drawings from different architects that were not quite what they were looking for, so we set out to really listen and try to provide a design that would meet their objectives given what the space could offer. We started by agreeing that a bump out was the best way to go and then decided on the size and the floor plan locations of the mudroom, powder room and butler pantry which were all part of the project. We also planned for an eat-in banquette that is neatly tucked into the corner and surrounded by windows providing a lovely spot for daily meals. The kitchen itself is L-shaped with the refrigerator and range along one wall, and the new sink along the exterior wall with a large window overlooking the backyard. A large island, with seating for five, houses a prep sink and microwave. A new opening space between the kitchen and dining room includes a butler pantry/bar in one section and a large kitchen pantry in the other. Through the door to the left of the main sink is access to the new mudroom and powder room and existing attached garage. White inset cabinets, quartzite countertops, subway tile and nickel accents provide a traditional feel. The gray island is a needed contrast to the dark wood flooring. Last but not least, professional appliances provide the tools of the trade needed to make this one hardworking kitchen. Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKD, CBD Photography by: Mike Kaskel For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

This 1930's Barrington Hills farmhouse was in need of some TLC when it was purchased by this southern family of five who planned to make it their new home. The renovation taken on by Advance Design Studio's designer Scott Christensen and master carpenter Justin Davis included a custom porch, custom built in cabinetry in the living room and children's bedrooms, 2 children's on-suite baths, a guest powder room, a fabulous new master bath with custom closet and makeup area, a new upstairs laundry room, a workout basement, a mud room, new flooring and custom wainscot stairs with planked walls and ceilings throughout the home. The home's original mechanicals were in dire need of updating, so HVAC, plumbing and electrical were all replaced with newer materials and equipment. A dramatic change to the exterior took place with the addition of a quaint standing seam metal roofed farmhouse porch perfect for sipping lemonade on a lazy hot summer day. In addition to the changes to the home, a guest house on the property underwent a major transformation as well. Newly outfitted with updated gas and electric, a new stacking washer/dryer space was created along with an updated bath complete with a glass enclosed shower, something the bath did not previously have. A beautiful kitchenette with ample cabinetry space, refrigeration and a sink was transformed as well to provide all the comforts of home for guests visiting at the classic cottage retreat. The biggest design challenge was to keep in line with the charm the old home possessed, all the while giving the family all the convenience and efficiency of modern functioning amenities. One of the most interesting uses of material was the porcelain "wood-looking" tile used in all the baths and most of the home's common areas. All the efficiency of porcelain tile, with the nostalgic look and feel of worn and weathered hardwood floors. The home’s casual entry has an 8" rustic antique barn wood look porcelain tile in a rich brown to create a warm and welcoming first impression. Painted distressed cabinetry in muted shades of gray/green was used in the powder room to bring out the rustic feel of the space which was accentuated with wood planked walls and ceilings. Fresh white painted shaker cabinetry was used throughout the rest of the rooms, accentuated by bright chrome fixtures and muted pastel tones to create a calm and relaxing feeling throughout the home. Custom cabinetry was designed and built by Advance Design specifically for a large 70” TV in the living room, for each of the children’s bedroom’s built in storage, custom closets, and book shelves, and for a mudroom fit with custom niches for each family member by name. The ample master bath was fitted with double vanity areas in white. A generous shower with a bench features classic white subway tiles and light blue/green glass accents, as well as a large free standing soaking tub nestled under a window with double sconces to dim while relaxing in a luxurious bath. A custom classic white bookcase for plush towels greets you as you enter the sanctuary bath.

Lisa Romerein
Inspiration for a cottage single front door remodel in San Francisco with beige walls and a glass front door

Patio - eclectic gravel patio idea in Los Angeles

PA Landscape Group INC Project Entry: Mountainside Living 2014 PLNA Awards for Landscape Excellence Winner Category: Hardscaping-Residential $120,000&over Award Level: Silver Photo Description: This residence sits on a mountain side, sloping wooded property. Water was an issue flowing down the mountain, so many rocked swales divert the flow. The area which we are presenting is the rear of the house that will be used to entertain family and friends, a place to unwind in the evenings and weekends. We designed the outdoor areas to meet the needs and desires of the owners. When one walks through the breezeway not only to see an expansive valley view, but a relaxing fireplace and living area below where relaxing begins. Walk down the stairway of natural cut stone, you wonder through a landscaped garden onto the living area patio. Looking to your left is the pool with ample hardscape pool deck; large enough for a party or just the intimacy of two. Separating, yet joining the two areas is the grilling island, bar and outdoor wood burning oven. On the other side of the living area we go down a few steps to the raised planters and conservatory/greenhouse where plant are enjoyed from seedling to flower, or one can read a good book. Each area has it’s own personality for conversation or contemplation. The area is surrounded with plantings to provide color or to silhouette on the gray winter sky.

Inspiration for a transitional freestanding desk study room remodel in DC Metro with black walls

Inspired by elegance and simplicity the Portland collection is on trend with today's decor. The clear organza hardback shade with light gray trim encases the candelabras that emit a soft glow making any room visually appealing. The Brushed Nickel finish completes the look where fashion meets form. Also available in a Western Bronze finish and a complementing light amber organza hardback shade with bronze trim.

__ We had so much fun designing in this Spanish meets beach style with wonderful clients who travel the world with their 3 sons. The clients had excellent taste and ideas they brought to the table, and were always open to Jamie's suggestions that seemed wildly out of the box at the time. The end result was a stunning mix of traditional, Meditteranean, and updated coastal that reflected the many facets of the clients. The bar area downstairs is a sports lover's dream, while the bright and beachy formal living room upstairs is perfect for book club meetings. One of the son's personal photography is tastefully framed and lines the hallway, and custom art also ensures this home is uniquely and divinely designed just for this lovely family. __ Design by Eden LA Interiors Photo by Kim Pritchard Photography

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.”

Pin it Send Edit Breathtaking aerial view of the residence. #AerialView #Pool #Garden Breathtaking aerial view of the residence. #AerialView #Pool #Garden Pinned from simonluxuryhomes.com Pin it Send Edit Aerial view of the enormous green backyard. #Green Aerial view of the enormous green backyard. #Recidence #AerialView #Green Pinned from simonluxuryhomes.com Pin it Send Edit Mansion has a beautiful green backyard. #Backyard #Trees #Facade Mansion has a beautiful green backyard. #Backyard #Trees #Facade Pinned from simonluxuryhomes.com Pin it Send Edit Amenities at backyard include roomy pool and spa! #SwimmingPool #Spa #Backyard Amenities at backyard include roomy pool and spa! #SwimmingPool #Spa #Backyard Pinned from simonluxuryhomes.com Pin it Send Edit Comfortable terrace with pool view. #Terrace #Spa #Patio Comfortable terrace with pool view. #Terrace #Spa #Patio Pinned from simonluxuryhomes.com Pin it Send Edit Huge pool includes spa. #Pool #Spa #Patio Huge pool includes spa. #Pool #Spa #Patio Pinned from simonluxuryhomes.com Pin it Send Edit Spacious pool is perfect to enjoy sunny days! #Pool #Patio #Trees Spacious pool is perfect to enjoy sunny days! #Pool #Patio #Trees Pinned from simonluxuryhomes.com Pin it Send Edit Outdoorliving has elegant ceiling treatment and stainless steel grill. #Outdoors #Grill #Backyard Outdoorliving has elegant ceiling treatment and stainless steel grill. #Outdoors #Grill #Backyard Pinned from simonluxuryhomes.com Pin it Send Edit Residence also includes amazing bar with graceful wood finishes. #Bar #Pantry #Wood #Cabinets Residence also includes amazing bar with graceful wood finishes. #Bar #Pantry #Wood #Cabinets Pinned from simonluxuryhomes.com Pin it Send Edit Bar has pantries and cabinets with fine wood details. #Pantry #Wood #Cabinets Bar has pantries and cabinets with fine wood details. #Pantry #Wood #Cabinets Pinned from simonluxuryhomes.com Pin it Send Edit High-end rustic kitchen has stainless steel appliances. #Rustic #Backsplash #WoodCabinets High-end rustic kitchen has stainless steel appliances. #Rustic #Backsplash #WoodCabinets Pinned from simonluxuryhomes.com Pin it Send Edit Kitchen also includes elegant marble finishes. #Hardwood #Marble #Appliances Kitchen also includes elegant marble finishes. #Hardwood #Marble #Appliances Pinned from simonluxuryhomes.com Pin it Send Edit Kitchen with marble countertops and stunning hardwood cabinets. #Countertop #Marble #Cabinets Kitchen with marble countertops and stunning hardwood cabinets. #Countertop #Marble #Cabinets Pinned from simonluxuryhomes.com Pin it Send Edit The perfect place to host all kinds of meetings. #Woods #Marble #Window #Luxury The perfect place to host all kinds of meetings. #Woods #Marble #Window #Luxury Pinned from simonluxuryhomes.com Pin it Send Edit Dining has marble details and superb pool views. #Door #Marble #Dining Dining has marble details and superb pool views. #Door #Marble #Dining Pinned from simonluxuryhomes.com Pin it Send Edit Upstairs hall with fine wood floor includes wrought iron handrail. #WroughtIron #Hardwood #Upstairs Upstairs hall with fine wood floor includes wrought iron handrail. #WroughtIron #Hardwood #Upstairs Pinned from simonluxuryhomes.com Pin it Send Edit This amazing area of the bar with marble and wood finishes is perfect to share good moments with your friends! #Ceiling #Marble #Hardwood This amazing area of the bar with marble and wood finishes is perfect to share good moments with your friends! #Ceiling #Marble #Hardwood Pinned from simonluxuryhomes.com Pin it Send Edit Residence includes elegant ceiling treatments and gorgeous chandeliers. #Homes #Chandelier #HighCeiling Residence includes elegant ceiling treatments and gorgeous chandeliers. #Homes #Chandelier #HighCeiling Pinned from simonluxuryhomes.com Pin it Send Edit High ceiling with stylish treatments and windows on the top. #Chandelier #HighCeiling #Window High ceiling with stylish treatments and windows on the top. #Chandelier #HighCeiling #Window Pinned from simonluxuryhomes.com Pin it Send Edit Cozy family room has great amenities such as exceptional ceiling treatments, gorgeous chandelir and large windos with pool views. #Luxury #Marble #Window Cozy family room has great amenities such as exceptional ceiling treatments, gorgeous chandelir and large windos with pool views. #Luxury #Marble #Window Pinned from simonluxuryhomes.com Pin it Send Edit Luxury formal dining room has elegant arches with fine wood details, and amazing greek columns. #FormalDining #Luxury #Hall #GreekColumns Luxury formal dining room has elegant arches with fine wood details, and amazing greek columns. #FormalDining #Luxury #Hall #GreekColumns Pinned from simonluxuryhomes.com Pin it Send Edit Master bedroom has huge hardwood walk-in closet with cabinets and closet racks. #Interiors #WalkinCloset #Hardwood Master bedroom has huge hardwood walk-in closet with cabinets and closet racks. #Interiors #WalkinCloset #Hardwood Pinned from simonluxuryhomes.com Pin it Send Edit Residence has warm media room with hardwood walls and marble floor. #MediaRoom #Hardwood #Television Residence has warm media room with hardwood walls and marble floor. #MediaRoom #Hardwood #Television Pinned from simonluxuryhomes.com Pin it Send Edit Residence has a wonderful green golf cours. #Mansion #Trees #GolfCours Residence has a wonderful green golf cours. #Mansion #Trees #GolfCours Pinned from simonluxuryhomes.com Pin it Send Edit This cozy library with all its exceptional wood details invites you to be relaxed and read. #Study #Library #Wood This cozy library with all its exceptional wood details invites you to be relaxed and read. #Study #Library #Wood Pinned from simonluxuryhomes.com Pin it Send Edit Residence has elegant amenities such as marble countertops, wood finishes and ceiling treatments. #Homes #Countertop #Marble Residence has elegant amenities such as marble countertops, wood finishes and ceiling treatments. #Homes #Countertop #Marble Pinned from simonluxuryhomes.com Pin it Send Edit Luxury living room has large windows that illuminate this gracefully area. #Luxury #Table #Window Luxury living room has large windows that illuminate this gracefully area. #Luxury #Table #Window Pinned from simonluxuryhomes.com Pin it Send Edit This living room with the fireplace and its stylish details favors a friendly environment. #Fireplace #Rustic #Wood This living room with the fireplace and its stylish details favors a friendly environment. #Fireplace #Rustic #Wood Pinned from simonluxuryhomes.com Pin it Send Edit View of the main entrance where you can appreciate the gorgeous wood jambs of the windows and the fine door post. #Windows #Hall #Stairs #Mansion View of the main entrance where you can appreciate the gorgeous wood jambs of the windows and the fine door post. #Windows #Hall #Stairs #Mansion Pinned from simonluxuryhomes.com Pin it Send Edit Ceiling of the living room has fine wood treatment and elegant chandelier. #LivingRoom #Luxury #Lamp Ceiling of the living room has fine wood treatment and elegant chandelier. #LivingRoom #Luxury #Lamp Pinned from simonluxuryhomes.com Pin it Send Edit Gorgeous hall has greek column and top-of-the-line finishes you will definitely love! #Hall #LivingRoom #Window Gorgeous hall has greek column and top-of-the-line finishes you will definitely love! #Hall #LivingRoom #Window Pinned from simonluxuryhomes.com Pin it Send Edit Magnificent entrance has high ceilings and fine stairs with wood and wrought iron handrail. #Hall #Entrance #Stairs #HighCeiling Magnificent entrance has high ceilings and fine stairs with wood and wrought iron handrail. #Hall #Entrance #Stairs #HighCeiling

Inspiration for a transitional formal living room remodel in San Francisco with a standard fireplace

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.”

Home office - contemporary home office idea in New York