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.”

With a light and airy color palette, the glossy white backsplash tile in a timeless offset pattern takes center stage in this kitchen. DESIGN Caitlin Flemming PHOTOS Stephanie Russo Tile Shown: 4x4 in White Wash

Laura Ganem
Living room - mid-century modern living room idea in New York with blue walls

The distressed green island sits atop brown stained hardwood floors and creates a focal point at the center of this traditional kitchen. Topped with ubatuba granite, the island is home to three metal barstools painted ivory with sage green chenille seats. Visual Comfort globe pendants, in a mix of metals, marry the island’s antique brass bin pulls to the pewter hardware of the perimeter cabinetry. Breaking up the cream perimeter cabinets are large windows dressed with woven wood blinds. A window bench covered in a watery blue and green leaf pattern coordinates with the island and with the Walker Zanger glass tile backsplash. The backsplash and honed black granite countertop, wraps the kitchen in luxurious texture. The spacious room is equipped with stainless steel appliances from Thermador and Viking.

Nestled in the former antiques & design district, this loft unites a charismatic history with lively modern vibes. If these walls could talk. We gave this industrial time capsule an urban facelift by enhancing the 19-century architecture with a mix of metals, textures and sleek surfaces to appeal to a sassy & youthful lifestyle. Transcending time and place, we designed this loft to be clearly confident, uniquely refined while maintaining its authentic bones.

Greg Wilson Photography
Patio - large mediterranean backyard concrete paver patio idea in Tampa with a fire pit and a roof extension

The perfect office space for an audiophile. Built by Blue Sound Construction Designed by MAKE Design Photos by Alex Hayden
Trendy built-in desk medium tone wood floor and brown floor home office photo in Seattle with blue walls

Ed Ritger Photography
Example of a transitional medium tone wood floor and brown floor kitchen pantry design in San Francisco with blue cabinets, open cabinets, wood countertops and brown countertops

The kitchen was created with entertaining in mind. A large island provides a gathering space, a multi-temperature wine refrigerator allows the avid wine collectors plenty of storage, and major appliances were specifically placed out of view. Wall Paint colors: Benjamin Moore # 8306, Zephyr Trim Paint Color: Sherwin Williams SW7005 Pure White Architectural Design: Sennikoff Architects. Kitchen Design and Architectural Detailing: Zieba Builders. Photography: Ken Henry.

We stripped, re-stained and sealed the existing maple cabinets a nutmeg color. Slab granite, subway tile backsplash with glass decorative mosaic tiles tie it all together. A stainless hood vent over the island cooktop. We added a multi-piece crown system to cover existing soffits to blend into cabinetry. Photo by Vern Uyetake

Kitchen: Material – Painted Maple; Finish – Custom Color; Door Style – #7 Shaker 1/4"; Cabinet Construction – Full Overlay
Transitional u-shaped medium tone wood floor and brown floor kitchen photo in San Francisco with shaker cabinets, blue cabinets, an undermount sink, gray backsplash, matchstick tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, a peninsula and white countertops

Mid-Century Remodel on Tabor Hill This sensitively sited house was designed by Robert Coolidge, a renowned architect and grandson of President Calvin Coolidge. The house features a symmetrical gable roof and beautiful floor to ceiling glass facing due south, smartly oriented for passive solar heating. Situated on a steep lot, the house is primarily a single story that steps down to a family room. This lower level opens to a New England exterior. Our goals for this project were to maintain the integrity of the original design while creating more modern spaces. Our design team worked to envision what Coolidge himself might have designed if he'd had access to modern materials and fixtures. With the aim of creating a signature space that ties together the living, dining, and kitchen areas, we designed a variation on the 1950's "floating kitchen." In this inviting assembly, the kitchen is located away from exterior walls, which allows views from the floor-to-ceiling glass to remain uninterrupted by cabinetry. We updated rooms throughout the house; installing modern features that pay homage to the fine, sleek lines of the original design. Finally, we opened the family room to a terrace featuring a fire pit. Since a hallmark of our design is the diminishment of the hard line between interior and exterior, we were especially pleased for the opportunity to update this classic work.

Inspiration for a contemporary u-shaped beige floor kitchen remodel in Austin with flat-panel cabinets, black cabinets and an island

When the homeowners decided it was time to update their kitchen to have it reflect more their current tastes and needs, they came to me. They wanted to have a hearth-style hood area and a mantel to display seasonal decorations. The kitchen was extended slightly to accommodate the mantel, and to add the microwave, oven, & warming drawer to the primary work side of the kitchen. A second prep sink and refrigerator drawers were added to the island. Hand selected Teak wood was used as the countertop, because of the luscious texture and durability around wet areas, more than most other woods. A very long towel bar, set to the backside of the island, allows Trisha a handy place to display tea towels. Challenging to this design was that the ceiling height is only 94”, which we couldn’t raise. The kitchen, however, feels more open due to the lightness of the cabinet color, the glass-front and open display cabinets, the different levels of cabinets, and the liberal amount of well-balanced details. The bountiful details include two cabinet colors, two counter top materials, five door styles, three glass types, three drawer styles, and four hardware styles all designed to keep the observer engaged in the space. This kitchen can be described as a lush bouquet with each individual element gracefully adding to the spectacular result Design and remodel by Design Studio West Brady Architectural Photography

Inspiration for a contemporary light wood floor kitchen remodel in San Francisco with a double-bowl sink, glass-front cabinets, blue cabinets, wood countertops, blue backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and glass tile backsplash

To stay or to go? This is the question our clients are still pondering. Yet, as their youngest child heads off to college, they are ready to enjoy their new kitchen or feature it in a real estate listing. Since they were unsure of their plans, we decided a pull and replace renovation was the logical — and most economical—choice. While all appliances remain in their same locations, we were able to make easy adjustments with cabinetry to update the space: convert a desk to a beverage center; increase the size of the island; install an island countertop with overhang for seating; and lengthen the perimeter cabinetry and add a tip-up, on-counter cabinet to house small appliances. The color palette was based on introducing warm grays to the space while ensuring the existing Brazilian cherry floor remained compatible with the new design. A combination of light gray and dark gray painted cabinetry (Medallion, Irish Crème and Frappe) updates the space, along with bronze finishes. A unique hex-patterned white tile backsplash with contrasting gray grout on the perimeter adds interest yet keeps the focus on the island. We installed the understated Cambria Whitehall on the perimeter with the vivid Cambria Skara Brae on the island. We worked closely with the stone fabricator to ensure the Skara Brae’s veining pattern matched the client’s vision. Above the island countertop, we installed two oversized pendants to add intensity and beauty as you enter the room.

A lovely Colonial revival in Larchmont NY was begging for a fresh start. Custom cabinetry by Studio Dearborn in a soft grey was fitted into the compact kitchen utilizing every inch of space. A muted palette keeps the space feeling light, allowing the colorful Le Creuset cookware to take center stage. Bosch cooktop, Signature Hardware range hood, Kohler faucet, Kraus sink, Sonoma Marketplace Pure white bevel subway tile 3x6. Cabinetry custom color match to Benjamin Moore Balboa Mist. Countertops in Jet Mist granite by Rye Marble and Stone. Hardware –Bistro pulls and Asbury knobs by Restoration Hardware. GC: Classic Construction Group LLC. Photos, Sarah Robertson.c 2015

The end of this island features clean lines and plenty of storage. Additionally, there is a prep sink and plenty of seating.
Eat-in kitchen - large traditional l-shaped dark wood floor eat-in kitchen idea in Chicago with an undermount sink, raised-panel cabinets, white cabinets, granite countertops, gray backsplash, stone tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Sherwin Williams Worldly gray cabinetry in shaker style. Side by side front load washer & dryer on custom built pedastals. Art Sysley multi color floor tile brings a cheerful welcome from the garage. Drop in utility sink with a laminate counter top. Light fixture by Murray Feiss.