This remarkable renovation reimagines an entire lower level into a multi-room retreat that reads less like a basement and more like a private members' club. Every inch was designed with intention — layering bold textures, curated art, and a confident mix of moody and luminous palettes to create a space that is simultaneously dramatic and deeply livable. Main Living Area The heart of this renovation is a sweeping living room where refined restraint meets expressive design. Walls are finished with architectural fluted millwork banding near the ceiling — a detail that adds rhythm and sophistication without overwhelming the space. Flanking panels of delicately patterned textured wallpaper frame a striking large-scale abstract canvas in black, white, and gold, which serves as both the focal point and the color story for the entire room. Paired frosted glass capsule sconces with warm brass fittings illuminate the artwork from either side, casting a soft, gallery-like glow. The furniture selection is equally considered: a generous cream linen sofa anchors the primary seating area, complemented by a pair of sculptural dark leather swivel lounge chairs with a stone travertine pedestal side table nestled between them. A plush velvet ottoman, a brass arc floor lamp, and a soft gray area rug over wide-plank hardwood floors complete the composition with quiet luxury. Bar & Entertainment Area The bar is nothing short of a showpiece. Custom cabinetry in a sophisticated greige-gray, featuring a mix of flat-panel and reeded/fluted door fronts, is crowned with a jaw-dropping geometric faceted tile backsplash. The tile — a mosaic of black, white, and metallic stone set in a kaleidoscopic diamond pattern — catches the light and shifts dramatically depending on the angle. A pair of oversized brass dome pendant lights hang above a sleek island topped in richly veined dark marble, providing both task lighting and a glamorous focal point. Open shelving built into the backsplash wall displays sculptural art objects — including a carved Buddha head and white abstract sculptures — reinforcing the home's gallery aesthetic. A brass spring-coil faucet, integrated beverage refrigerator, and patterned swirl-print ottomans tucked beneath the island make this bar equally functional and unforgettable. Game Room A complete tonal departure, the game room embraces deep, moody drama through floor-to-ceiling dark olive green walls and ceiling. A large-format sage green square tile accent wall grounds a wall-mounted flat screen TV, while a mahogany billiard table with slate blue felt takes center stage on a vintage-style area rug. A sculptural brass sputnik chandelier overhead adds a touch of glam that keeps the space from feeling too heavy. Floor-to-ceiling windows flood the room with natural light and offer serene woodland views — a beautiful contrast to the room's intentionally dark interior palette. Sitting Room A quieter counterpart to the more dramatic spaces, the sitting room offers a warm, neutral sanctuary. A modern channel-tufted sofa in warm gray is dressed with rust terracotta and watercolor sage pillows. A sculptural tub chair in textured charcoal fabric, a pair of curved bronze ottomans with ribbed white upholstery, and a small dark marble side table complete a seating vignette that feels curated and calm. Signature Art Installation Perhaps the most conversation-starting element in the entire project is a bespoke wall sculpture: dozens of white ceramic pods with gold-leafed interiors, arranged in a sweeping, wave-like pattern across a stairwell or hallway wall. The installation bridges art and architecture, transforming a transitional space into a destination.

One pair of 6", 7" or 8" square hand forged Mantel brackets. Available on etsy today! We can ship you standard sizes of our hand forged brackets and you can source your own non-hewn beam for beams that are 6", 7" or 8" square. The retail prices for a pair of 6" mantle brackets are $580 + shipping. Price and Shipping will vary depending on your beam and your address, and the distance from Lawrenceburg, Kentucky. Call for a custom quote! (502)859-3170 We can also provide you a quote for a custom size if you already have a beam, and we can provide you a shipping quote based on the "ship to" address if you send an address. Our email address for inquiries is office [!at] maynardstudios.com We hope you enjoy endless hours at the fireplace with our new mantle brackets!

This remarkable renovation reimagines an entire lower level into a multi-room retreat that reads less like a basement and more like a private members' club. Every inch was designed with intention — layering bold textures, curated art, and a confident mix of moody and luminous palettes to create a space that is simultaneously dramatic and deeply livable. Main Living Area The heart of this renovation is a sweeping living room where refined restraint meets expressive design. Walls are finished with architectural fluted millwork banding near the ceiling — a detail that adds rhythm and sophistication without overwhelming the space. Flanking panels of delicately patterned textured wallpaper frame a striking large-scale abstract canvas in black, white, and gold, which serves as both the focal point and the color story for the entire room. Paired frosted glass capsule sconces with warm brass fittings illuminate the artwork from either side, casting a soft, gallery-like glow. The furniture selection is equally considered: a generous cream linen sofa anchors the primary seating area, complemented by a pair of sculptural dark leather swivel lounge chairs with a stone travertine pedestal side table nestled between them. A plush velvet ottoman, a brass arc floor lamp, and a soft gray area rug over wide-plank hardwood floors complete the composition with quiet luxury. Bar & Entertainment Area The bar is nothing short of a showpiece. Custom cabinetry in a sophisticated greige-gray, featuring a mix of flat-panel and reeded/fluted door fronts, is crowned with a jaw-dropping geometric faceted tile backsplash. The tile — a mosaic of black, white, and metallic stone set in a kaleidoscopic diamond pattern — catches the light and shifts dramatically depending on the angle. A pair of oversized brass dome pendant lights hang above a sleek island topped in richly veined dark marble, providing both task lighting and a glamorous focal point. Open shelving built into the backsplash wall displays sculptural art objects — including a carved Buddha head and white abstract sculptures — reinforcing the home's gallery aesthetic. A brass spring-coil faucet, integrated beverage refrigerator, and patterned swirl-print ottomans tucked beneath the island make this bar equally functional and unforgettable. Game Room A complete tonal departure, the game room embraces deep, moody drama through floor-to-ceiling dark olive green walls and ceiling. A large-format sage green square tile accent wall grounds a wall-mounted flat screen TV, while a mahogany billiard table with slate blue felt takes center stage on a vintage-style area rug. A sculptural brass sputnik chandelier overhead adds a touch of glam that keeps the space from feeling too heavy. Floor-to-ceiling windows flood the room with natural light and offer serene woodland views — a beautiful contrast to the room's intentionally dark interior palette. Sitting Room A quieter counterpart to the more dramatic spaces, the sitting room offers a warm, neutral sanctuary. A modern channel-tufted sofa in warm gray is dressed with rust terracotta and watercolor sage pillows. A sculptural tub chair in textured charcoal fabric, a pair of curved bronze ottomans with ribbed white upholstery, and a small dark marble side table complete a seating vignette that feels curated and calm. Signature Art Installation Perhaps the most conversation-starting element in the entire project is a bespoke wall sculpture: dozens of white ceramic pods with gold-leafed interiors, arranged in a sweeping, wave-like pattern across a stairwell or hallway wall. The installation bridges art and architecture, transforming a transitional space into a destination.

This remarkable renovation reimagines an entire lower level into a multi-room retreat that reads less like a basement and more like a private members' club. Every inch was designed with intention — layering bold textures, curated art, and a confident mix of moody and luminous palettes to create a space that is simultaneously dramatic and deeply livable. Main Living Area The heart of this renovation is a sweeping living room where refined restraint meets expressive design. Walls are finished with architectural fluted millwork banding near the ceiling — a detail that adds rhythm and sophistication without overwhelming the space. Flanking panels of delicately patterned textured wallpaper frame a striking large-scale abstract canvas in black, white, and gold, which serves as both the focal point and the color story for the entire room. Paired frosted glass capsule sconces with warm brass fittings illuminate the artwork from either side, casting a soft, gallery-like glow. The furniture selection is equally considered: a generous cream linen sofa anchors the primary seating area, complemented by a pair of sculptural dark leather swivel lounge chairs with a stone travertine pedestal side table nestled between them. A plush velvet ottoman, a brass arc floor lamp, and a soft gray area rug over wide-plank hardwood floors complete the composition with quiet luxury. Bar & Entertainment Area The bar is nothing short of a showpiece. Custom cabinetry in a sophisticated greige-gray, featuring a mix of flat-panel and reeded/fluted door fronts, is crowned with a jaw-dropping geometric faceted tile backsplash. The tile — a mosaic of black, white, and metallic stone set in a kaleidoscopic diamond pattern — catches the light and shifts dramatically depending on the angle. A pair of oversized brass dome pendant lights hang above a sleek island topped in richly veined dark marble, providing both task lighting and a glamorous focal point. Open shelving built into the backsplash wall displays sculptural art objects — including a carved Buddha head and white abstract sculptures — reinforcing the home's gallery aesthetic. A brass spring-coil faucet, integrated beverage refrigerator, and patterned swirl-print ottomans tucked beneath the island make this bar equally functional and unforgettable. Game Room A complete tonal departure, the game room embraces deep, moody drama through floor-to-ceiling dark olive green walls and ceiling. A large-format sage green square tile accent wall grounds a wall-mounted flat screen TV, while a mahogany billiard table with slate blue felt takes center stage on a vintage-style area rug. A sculptural brass sputnik chandelier overhead adds a touch of glam that keeps the space from feeling too heavy. Floor-to-ceiling windows flood the room with natural light and offer serene woodland views — a beautiful contrast to the room's intentionally dark interior palette. Sitting Room A quieter counterpart to the more dramatic spaces, the sitting room offers a warm, neutral sanctuary. A modern channel-tufted sofa in warm gray is dressed with rust terracotta and watercolor sage pillows. A sculptural tub chair in textured charcoal fabric, a pair of curved bronze ottomans with ribbed white upholstery, and a small dark marble side table complete a seating vignette that feels curated and calm. Signature Art Installation Perhaps the most conversation-starting element in the entire project is a bespoke wall sculpture: dozens of white ceramic pods with gold-leafed interiors, arranged in a sweeping, wave-like pattern across a stairwell or hallway wall. The installation bridges art and architecture, transforming a transitional space into a destination.

Rustic, inviting family room for this family of 5
Family room - large traditional open concept medium tone wood floor family room idea in Charlotte with yellow walls, a standard fireplace, a brick fireplace and a wall-mounted tv

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 expansive first floor takes luxury to the next level. A once dreary and dark kitchen, lacking in function, takes on a new look. Natural light floods through the kitchen with wall-to-wall windows, highlighting the gorgeous wood texture from the rift sawn white oak and walnut inset cabinets. A french La Corneau range provides a beautiful focal point, paired with layered designer lighting and various stones. A host’s dream space for entertaining with a hidden pantry, fully stocked with a chefs sink, dishwasher, and wall oven with ample storage for dry goods and small appliances. A morning brew or 5'oclock cocktail can be found in the fully loaded wet bar stocked with an integrated espresso maker, ice maker, refrigerator, freezer, wine cooler, and spirits collected from traveling the globe. Cheers!

My directive from this client was to make her office feminine and creamy. The damask silky drapery panels are functional and beautiful! Happy client... happy me!

We introduce to you one of our newer services we are providing here at Kitchen Design Concepts: spaces that just need a little reviving! As of recent, we are taking on projects that are in need of minimal updating, as in, spaces that don’t need a full-on remodel. Yes, you heard right! If your space has good bones, you like the layout of your kitchen, and you just need a few cosmetic changes, then today’s feature is for you! Recently, we updated a space where we did just this! The kitchen was in need of a little love, some fresh paint, and new finishes. And if we’re being honest here, the result looks almost as if the kitchen had a full-on remodel! To learn more about this space and how we did our magic, continue reading below: The Before and After First, see what an impact new finishes can make! The “before” image shows a kitchen with outdated finishes such as the tile countertops, backsplash, and cabinetry finish. The “after” image, is a kitchen that looks almost as if its brand new, the image speaks for itself! Cabinetry With the wooden cabinetry in this kitchen already having great bones, all we needed to do was our refinishing process that involved removing door and drawer fronts, sanding, priming, and painting. The main color of the cabinetry is white (Sherwin Williams Pure White 7005) and as an accent, we applied a deep navy blue that really pops in this space (Sherwin Willaims Naval 6244). As a special design element, we incorporated a natural wooden band across the hood which is subtle but adds an element of surprise. Countertops The original countertops in this space were a 12×12 tile with cracks and discolored grout from all the wear and tear. To replace the countertops, we installed a clean and crisp quartz that is not only durable but easy to maintain (no grout here!). The 3cm countertops are a Cambria quartz in a grey-tone color (Carrick). Backsplash Keeping things simple, yet classic, we installed a 3×6 subway tile from Interceramic. The crisp white pairs well with all the other finishes of the space and really brighten the space up! To spice things up, we paired the white tile with a contrasting grout color (Cape Grey) that matches the countertop. This is a simple method to add interest to your white backsplash! Fixtures and Fittings For the fixtures and fittings of the kitchen, we wanted pieces that made a statement. That’s why we selected this industrial style faucet from Brizo! The faucet is a Brizo LITZE™ PULL-DOWN FAUCET WITH ARC SPOUT AND INDUSTRIAL HANDLE (63044LF-BLGL). The matte black paired with the luxe gold elements really make a statement! To match the gold elements of the faucet, we installed cabinetry hardware from Topknobs in the same gold finish. The hardware is a Channing pull TK743HB. Lastly, the large single bowl sink (who doesn’t want a large sink?!) is a great functional touch to the kitchen. The sink is a Blanco Precision 16″ R10 super single with 16″ Drainer in stainless steel (516216).

There are two pairs of Evening Song duet at opposing ends of this breezeway. My clients wanted "screen doors like my grandmother had, only with birds". The breezeway perfectly links the historic home to its addition. Another stellar project by Clayton/Little architects.

Photo: Kayla Stark © 2016 Houzz
Example of an eclectic dining room design in New Orleans

Sleek and contemporary, the Soul Collection by Starpool is designed with a dynamic range of finishes and footprints to fit any aesthetic. This fully encapsulated sauna and steam room pair is shown in Pure Soul - a light and airy color scheme with walls and doors in ivory white finishes.

Example of a transitional home design design in Seattle

Hear what our clients, Allison & Rick, have to say about their project by clicking on the Facebook link and then the Videos tab.
Inspiration for a traditional full sun front yard formal garden in Chicago for fall.

Huge transitional medium tone wood floor and brown floor entryway photo in Dallas with white walls and a metal front door

This master bathroom renovation transforms a builder-grade standard into a personalized retreat for our lovely Stapleton clients. Recognizing a need for change, our clients called on us to help develop a space that would capture their aesthetic loves and foster relaxation. Our design focused on establishing an airy and grounded feel by pairing various shades of white, natural wood, and dynamic textures. We replaced the existing ceramic floor tile with wood-look porcelain tile for a warm and inviting look throughout the space. We then paired this with a reclaimed apothecary vanity from Restoration Hardware. This vanity is coupled with a bright Caesarstone countertop and warm bronze faucets from Delta to create a strikingly handsome balance. The vanity mirrors are custom-sized and trimmed with a coordinating bronze frame. Elegant wall sconces dance between the dark vanity mirrors and bright white full height mirrors flanking the bathtub. The tub itself is an oversized freestanding bathtub paired with a tall bronze tub filler. We've created a feature wall with Tile Bar's Billowy Clouds ceramic tile floor to ceiling behind the tub. The wave-like movement of the tiles offers a dramatic texture in a pure white field. We removed the existing shower and extended its depth to create a large new shower. The walls are tiled with a large format high gloss white tile. The shower floor is tiled with marble circles in varying sizes that offer a playful aesthetic in an otherwise minimalist space. We love this pure, airy retreat and are thrilled that our clients get to enjoy it for many years to come!

Photo: Rikki Snyder © 2015 Houzz
Hallway - country hallway idea in New York

This master bathroom renovation transforms a builder-grade standard into a personalized retreat for our lovely Stapleton clients. Recognizing a need for change, our clients called on us to help develop a space that would capture their aesthetic loves and foster relaxation. Our design focused on establishing an airy and grounded feel by pairing various shades of white, natural wood, and dynamic textures. We replaced the existing ceramic floor tile with wood-look porcelain tile for a warm and inviting look throughout the space. We then paired this with a reclaimed apothecary vanity from Restoration Hardware. This vanity is coupled with a bright Caesarstone countertop and warm bronze faucets from Delta to create a strikingly handsome balance. The vanity mirrors are custom-sized and trimmed with a coordinating bronze frame. Elegant wall sconces dance between the dark vanity mirrors and bright white full height mirrors flanking the bathtub. The tub itself is an oversized freestanding bathtub paired with a tall bronze tub filler. We've created a feature wall with Tile Bar's Billowy Clouds ceramic tile floor to ceiling behind the tub. The wave-like movement of the tiles offers a dramatic texture in a pure white field. We removed the existing shower and extended its depth to create a large new shower. The walls are tiled with a large format high gloss white tile. The shower floor is tiled with marble circles in varying sizes that offer a playful aesthetic in an otherwise minimalist space. We love this pure, airy retreat and are thrilled that our clients get to enjoy it for many years to come!

Example of a small beach style l-shaped porcelain tile enclosed kitchen design in Miami with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, granite countertops, multicolored backsplash, stone slab backsplash, stainless steel appliances and no island