Search results for "Minor upgrades" in Home Design Ideas

This 100 year old, Federalist style home in the East End of Pittsburgh, was due for an update. The house sported original cabinetry and plumbing. The project included the entire house, to some degree, and some rooms, the kitchen, for instance, was a total gut job. Engineered hardwood was added to the rooms where old tar linoleum was installed, allowing for the original red oak to compliment these rooms easily.
The master bathroom had previously undergone a minor remodel and I updated the entire house with new, mostly saturated, paint color by Benjamin Moore. My client had quite a nice collection of Baker furniture and upscale area rugs, and I took my cues from those pieces that were incorporated within the new design.
My client has increased the value of his home substantially, and has recently upgraded the small exterior courtyard area with lovely perennials and new pavers and a fire pit; elements that are typically not found in a small city lot. The newly rennovated courtyard is a gathering spot for many outdoor parties that my client is famous for his hosting.

This 100 year old, Federalist style home in the East End of Pittsburgh, was due for an update. The house sported original cabinetry and plumbing. The project included the entire house, to some degree, and some rooms, the kitchen, for instance, was a total gut job. Engineered hardwood was added to the rooms where old tar linoleum was installed, allowing for the original red oak to compliment these rooms easily.
The master bathroom had previously undergone a minor remodel and I updated the entire house with new, mostly saturated, paint color by Benjamin Moore. My client had quite a nice collection of Baker furniture and upscale area rugs, and I took my cues from those pieces that were incorporated within the new design.
My client has increased the value of his home substantially, and has recently upgraded the small exterior courtyard area with lovely perennials and new pavers and a fire pit; elements that are typically not found in a small city lot. The newly rennovated courtyard is a gathering spot for many outdoor parties that my client is famous for his hosting.

This 100 year old, Federalist style home in the East End of Pittsburgh, was due for an update. The house sported original cabinetry and plumbing. The project included the entire house, to some degree, and some rooms, the kitchen, for instance, was a total gut job. Engineered hardwood was added to the rooms where old tar linoleum was installed, allowing for the original red oak to compliment these rooms easily.
The master bathroom had previously undergone a minor remodel and I updated the entire house with new, mostly saturated, paint color by Benjamin Moore. My client had quite a nice collection of Baker furniture and upscale area rugs, and I took my cues from those pieces that were incorporated within the new design.
My client has increased the value of his home substantially, and has recently upgraded the small exterior courtyard area with lovely perennials and new pavers and a fire pit; elements that are typically not found in a small city lot. The newly rennovated courtyard is a gathering spot for many outdoor parties that my client is famous for his hosting.
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This 100 year old, Federalist style home in the East End of Pittsburgh, was due for an update. The house sported original cabinetry and plumbing. The project included the entire house, to some degree, and some rooms, the kitchen, for instance, was a total gut job. Engineered hardwood was added to the rooms where old tar linoleum was installed, allowing for the original red oak to compliment these rooms easily.
The master bathroom had previously undergone a minor remodel and I updated the entire house with new, mostly saturated, paint color by Benjamin Moore. My client had quite a nice collection of Baker furniture and upscale area rugs, and I took my cues from those pieces that were incorporated within the new design.
My client has increased the value of his home substantially, and has recently upgraded the small exterior courtyard area with lovely perennials and new pavers and a fire pit; elements that are typically not found in a small city lot. The newly rennovated courtyard is a gathering spot for many outdoor parties that my client is famous for his hosting.

This 100 year old, Federalist style home in the East End of Pittsburgh, was due for an update. The house sported original cabinetry and plumbing. The project included the entire house, to some degree, and some rooms, the kitchen, for instance, was a total gut job. Engineered hardwood was added to the rooms where old tar linoleum was installed, allowing for the original red oak to compliment these rooms easily.
The master bathroom had previously undergone a minor remodel and I updated the entire house with new, mostly saturated, paint color by Benjamin Moore. My client had quite a nice collection of Baker furniture and upscale area rugs, and I took my cues from those pieces that were incorporated within the new design.
My client has increased the value of his home substantially, and has recently upgraded the small exterior courtyard area with lovely perennials and new pavers and a fire pit; elements that are typically not found in a small city lot. The newly rennovated courtyard is a gathering spot for many outdoor parties that my client is famous for his hosting.

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.”

This 100 year old, Federalist style home in the East End of Pittsburgh, was due for an update. The house sported original cabinetry and plumbing. The project included the entire house, to some degree, and some rooms, the kitchen, for instance, was a total gut job. Engineered hardwood was added to the rooms where old tar linoleum was installed, allowing for the original red oak to compliment these rooms easily.
The master bathroom had previously undergone a minor remodel and I updated the entire house with new, mostly saturated, paint color by Benjamin Moore. My client had quite a nice collection of Baker furniture and upscale area rugs, and I took my cues from those pieces that were incorporated within the new design.
My client has increased the value of his home substantially, and has recently upgraded the small exterior courtyard area with lovely perennials and new pavers and a fire pit; elements that are typically not found in a small city lot. The newly rennovated courtyard is a gathering spot for many outdoor parties that my client is famous for his hosting.

This 100 year old, Federalist style home in the East End of Pittsburgh, was due for an update. The house sported original cabinetry and plumbing. The project included the entire house, to some degree, and some rooms, the kitchen, for instance, was a total gut job. Engineered hardwood was added to the rooms where old tar linoleum was installed, allowing for the original red oak to compliment these rooms easily.
The master bathroom had previously undergone a minor remodel and I updated the entire house with new, mostly saturated, paint color by Benjamin Moore. My client had quite a nice collection of Baker furniture and upscale area rugs, and I took my cues from those pieces that were incorporated within the new design.
My client has increased the value of his home substantially, and has recently upgraded the small exterior courtyard area with lovely perennials and new pavers and a fire pit; elements that are typically not found in a small city lot. The newly rennovated courtyard is a gathering spot for many outdoor parties that my client is famous for his hosting.

This 100 year old, Federalist style home in the East End of Pittsburgh, was due for an update. The house sported original cabinetry and plumbing. The project included the entire house, to some degree, and some rooms, the kitchen, for instance, was a total gut job. Engineered hardwood was added to the rooms where old tar linoleum was installed, allowing for the original red oak to compliment these rooms easily.
The master bathroom had previously undergone a minor remodel and I updated the entire house with new, mostly saturated, paint color by Benjamin Moore. My client had quite a nice collection of Baker furniture and upscale area rugs, and I took my cues from those pieces that were incorporated within the new design.
My client has increased the value of his home substantially, and has recently upgraded the small exterior courtyard area with lovely perennials and new pavers and a fire pit; elements that are typically not found in a small city lot. The newly rennovated courtyard is a gathering spot for many outdoor parties that my client is famous for his hosting.

This 100 year old, Federalist style home in the East End of Pittsburgh, was due for an update. The house sported original cabinetry and plumbing. The project included the entire house, to some degree, and some rooms, the kitchen, for instance, was a total gut job. Engineered hardwood was added to the rooms where old tar linoleum was installed, allowing for the original red oak to compliment these rooms easily.
The master bathroom had previously undergone a minor remodel and I updated the entire house with new, mostly saturated, paint color by Benjamin Moore. My client had quite a nice collection of Baker furniture and upscale area rugs, and I took my cues from those pieces that were incorporated within the new design.
My client has increased the value of his home substantially, and has recently upgraded the small exterior courtyard area with lovely perennials and new pavers and a fire pit; elements that are typically not found in a small city lot. The newly rennovated courtyard is a gathering spot for many outdoor parties that my client is famous for his hosting.

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.”

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.”

Layout
They’d initially planned on having an island but the layout changed a bit once our Kitchen Designer Jen went through the layout design process with them. Jen asks her customer A LOT of questions about exactly how they’ll use the kitchen, what their lifestyle is like, how often they have guests, what types of functionalities are more important for each area of the kitchen.
At first glance, the before and after pictures don’t show drastic layout changes. But trust us; the few tweaks we made in the plans gave Barbara and Larry a TON of extra functionality in the kitchen. Jen helped them make some minor changes to adjust the angles, upgrade the interior set up of the cabinetry, connect the counter to the small office area and tweak the oven area. All those small changes added up to a HUGE impact in the usability and function of the kitchen.
Design
Once they nailed down the layout – Jen started working with Larry and Barbara on colors and finishes. This process can be quick if you know what you want (like Barbara did). Jen says “It’s all in the direction you want to go – warm and inviting, simple and clean, unique or details, etc.” Barbara and Larry really wanted the kitchen design to tie in well with the beautiful, mid-century modern pieces they had in the adjoining dining room. So that also had a big impact on the final design.
The Finished Product
When all was said and done we ended up redesigning the kitchen, butler’s pantry and even upgraded the vanity in the powder room. The before and after’s really speak for themselves.

This 100 year old, Federalist style home in the East End of Pittsburgh, was due for an update. The house sported original cabinetry and plumbing. The project included the entire house, to some degree, and some rooms, the kitchen, for instance, was a total gut job. Engineered hardwood was added to the rooms where old tar linoleum was installed, allowing for the original red oak to compliment these rooms easily.
The master bathroom had previously undergone a minor remodel and I updated the entire house with new, mostly saturated, paint color by Benjamin Moore. My client had quite a nice collection of Baker furniture and upscale area rugs, and I took my cues from those pieces that were incorporated within the new design.
My client has increased the value of his home substantially, and has recently upgraded the small exterior courtyard area with lovely perennials and new pavers and a fire pit; elements that are typically not found in a small city lot. The newly rennovated courtyard is a gathering spot for many outdoor parties that my client is famous for his hosting.

FullerHouse Construction Project: Arapahoe Ridge, Boulder CO whole house remodel
Our clients’ modest, 2,100 SF 1960’s Ranch had received only a few minor cosmetic upgrades since its original construction. And given a need for more space and a desire to stay in their neighborhood – the prime Arapahoe Ridge neighborhood of Boulder – our clients knew their home was due for a major renovation.
By the time DAJ Designs of Louisville had completed drawings, it was clear that very little of the original house was going to remain the same.
To create the space and configuration they desired, the first goal was to add a 2nd story, allocated solely for the new Master Suite, with its own private Balcony. But to create additional space needed for the Kitchen and walk-in pantry, we also pushed out into the original Garage footprint, subsequently extending the Garage to create room for 3+ vehicles. We also reworked nearly every other interior partition wall on the main floor to accommodate a spacious Great Room, 2 kids’ bedrooms, an Office, 2 bathrooms, and a dedicated Laundry room.
With clean white Craftsman details for the Exterior and interior trim and doors, natural granite counters, glass tiles, and creamy white Shaker-style cabinetry, our clients’ good taste added a timeless warmth to their now larger (3,000 SF) and more functional home.

FullerHouse Construction Project: Arapahoe Ridge, Boulder CO whole house remodel
Our clients’ modest, 2,100 SF 1960’s Ranch had received only a few minor cosmetic upgrades since its original construction. And given a need for more space and a desire to stay in their neighborhood – the prime Arapahoe Ridge neighborhood of Boulder – our clients knew their home was due for a major renovation.
By the time DAJ Designs of Louisville had completed drawings, it was clear that very little of the original house was going to remain the same.
To create the space and configuration they desired, the first goal was to add a 2nd story, allocated solely for the new Master Suite, with its own private Balcony. But to create additional space needed for the Kitchen and walk-in pantry, we also pushed out into the original Garage footprint, subsequently extending the Garage to create room for 3+ vehicles. We also reworked nearly every other interior partition wall on the main floor to accommodate a spacious Great Room, 2 kids’ bedrooms, an Office, 2 bathrooms, and a dedicated Laundry room.
With clean white Craftsman details for the Exterior and interior trim and doors, natural granite counters, glass tiles, and creamy white Shaker-style cabinetry, our clients’ good taste added a timeless warmth to their now larger (3,000 SF) and more functional home.

RG Painting & Construction, Inc. is Santa Barbara’s trusted local favorite for warm, high-quality home remodels. As a licensed general contractor with all trades in-house, we help homeowners reimagine their spaces with thoughtful design, durable materials, and craftsmanship that fits the Santa Barbara and Montecito lifestyle. We understand local homes, coastal weather, and the character that makes each property unique, and we remodel with care, intention, and long-lasting quality.
Our home remodeling services include:
• Full home remodels, interior and exterior renovations, and complete property updates
• Kitchen remodeling, layout redesigns, cabinetry, countertops, and custom finishes
• Bathroom remodeling with tile, stone, walk-in showers, and spa-inspired upgrades
• Exterior home remodels, painting, stucco repair, siding, and curb-appeal improvements
• Drywall, carpentry, trim work, and custom wood details
• Lighting upgrades, electrical improvements, and minor plumbing corrections
• Window and door installation, energy-efficient updates, and coastal protection
• Permitting, inspections, project planning, and full remodel management
Why Santa Barbara homeowners feel comfortable choosing us:
• Local, family-run company with roots in the community
• One in-house team handling every step for a smoother, faster remodel
• Warm communication, honest budgeting, and clear expectations
• Meticulous preparation, clean work sites, and respectful crews
• Beautiful, lasting craftsmanship designed for Santa Barbara’s coastal climate
Whether you’re updating an older Santa Barbara home, refreshing a Montecito property, or transforming a space that no longer fits your lifestyle, we approach every remodel with care and pride. Our goal is to make the process feel easy, organized, and enjoyable while delivering a home you love coming back to every day.
Serving Santa Barbara, Montecito, Hope Ranch, Goleta, Mission Canyon, the Riviera, and surrounding neighborhoods.

FullerHouse Construction Project: Arapahoe Ridge, Boulder CO whole house remodel
Our clients’ modest, 2,100 SF 1960’s Ranch had received only a few minor cosmetic upgrades since its original construction. And given a need for more space and a desire to stay in their neighborhood – the prime Arapahoe Ridge neighborhood of Boulder – our clients knew their home was due for a major renovation.
By the time DAJ Designs of Louisville had completed drawings, it was clear that very little of the original house was going to remain the same.
To create the space and configuration they desired, the first goal was to add a 2nd story, allocated solely for the new Master Suite, with its own private Balcony. But to create additional space needed for the Kitchen and walk-in pantry, we also pushed out into the original Garage footprint, subsequently extending the Garage to create room for 3+ vehicles. We also reworked nearly every other interior partition wall on the main floor to accommodate a spacious Great Room, 2 kids’ bedrooms, an Office, 2 bathrooms, and a dedicated Laundry room.
With clean white Craftsman details for the Exterior and interior trim and doors, natural granite counters, glass tiles, and creamy white Shaker-style cabinetry, our clients’ good taste added a timeless warmth to their now larger (3,000 SF) and more functional home.

FullerHouse Construction Project: Arapahoe Ridge, Boulder CO whole house remodel
Our clients’ modest, 2,100 SF 1960’s Ranch had received only a few minor cosmetic upgrades since its original construction. And given a need for more space and a desire to stay in their neighborhood – the prime Arapahoe Ridge neighborhood of Boulder – our clients knew their home was due for a major renovation.
By the time DAJ Designs of Louisville had completed drawings, it was clear that very little of the original house was going to remain the same.
To create the space and configuration they desired, the first goal was to add a 2nd story, allocated solely for the new Master Suite, with its own private Balcony. But to create additional space needed for the Kitchen and walk-in pantry, we also pushed out into the original Garage footprint, subsequently extending the Garage to create room for 3+ vehicles. We also reworked nearly every other interior partition wall on the main floor to accommodate a spacious Great Room, 2 kids’ bedrooms, an Office, 2 bathrooms, and a dedicated Laundry room.
With clean white Craftsman details for the Exterior and interior trim and doors, natural granite counters, glass tiles, and creamy white Shaker-style cabinetry, our clients’ good taste added a timeless warmth to their now larger (3,000 SF) and more functional home.

FullerHouse Construction Project: Arapahoe Ridge, Boulder CO whole house remodel
Our clients’ modest, 2,100 SF 1960’s Ranch had received only a few minor cosmetic upgrades since its original construction. And given a need for more space and a desire to stay in their neighborhood – the prime Arapahoe Ridge neighborhood of Boulder – our clients knew their home was due for a major renovation.
By the time DAJ Designs of Louisville had completed drawings, it was clear that very little of the original house was going to remain the same.
To create the space and configuration they desired, the first goal was to add a 2nd story, allocated solely for the new Master Suite, with its own private Balcony. But to create additional space needed for the Kitchen and walk-in pantry, we also pushed out into the original Garage footprint, subsequently extending the Garage to create room for 3+ vehicles. We also reworked nearly every other interior partition wall on the main floor to accommodate a spacious Great Room, 2 kids’ bedrooms, an Office, 2 bathrooms, and a dedicated Laundry room.
With clean white Craftsman details for the Exterior and interior trim and doors, natural granite counters, glass tiles, and creamy white Shaker-style cabinetry, our clients’ good taste added a timeless warmth to their now larger (3,000 SF) and more functional home.
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