Jackie and Sean loved the Algonquin neighborhood they lived in with the peaceful neighborhood and the close proximity to work and school. What they didn’t love was how outdated their home had become. With a cramped kitchen and an unused dining room, they decided a remodel was the perfect solution to their problem. They would be able to continue to live in the area they loved, while at the same time they could have the dream home they envisioned. After a thorough search, Jackie came across Advance Design Studio. She was impressed by all of the positive reviews she saw on the internet and saw herself identifying with all of the project stories she saw on the website. Once they met with designer Scott Christensen and owner Todd Jurs, they knew Advance Design was the right company to make their dreams a reality. The project consisted of four main areas: the kitchen/dining/powder room, the laundry room, the master bathroom, and the kid’s bathroom. They wanted to expand the kitchen into the seldom used dining room and add a large island for hosting parties and family gatherings. They also wanted new hardwood flooring throughout the first level. The laundry room needed to be more functional, and all three bathrooms were in dire need of updating. The closed off kitchen was opened up to create a sweeping space between the new eating area and the much larger kitchen. A handsome dry bar complete with a beverage refrigerator and lighted glass door cabinetry makes an elegant transition across from a peninsula area filled with storage. An additional decorative cabinet lighting up elegant dishware through the mullioned glass sits directly across from the drybar. An expansive island was critical to the kitchen plans. Jackie, Sean and Scott worked closely together to create just the right details for their design. They wanted the island to be functional in addition to being the centerpiece of the room. Added storage for the kid’s school supplies was hidden behind cabinet doors so the children could do their schoolwork right at the island, and a microwave drawer glides open with the touch of a finger hidden inconspicuously within the island space. The easy to care for Cambria Britannica Quartz island top with its sweeping grey and white marble look perched atop hand-carved Craftsman corbels was absolutely what they were hoping for, blending both beauty and function perfectly. Adding a nice contrast to the brightness of the quartz and the white cabinetry, Kodiak - Leather granite countertops were used to balance the light and dark tones of the space. Dura Supreme Classic White painted cabinets grace the perimeter, while Maple Poppy Seed stained cabinets with a beautiful soft grey woodgrain were used in the beverage center and island. The two tones compliment the large space balancing it out nicely creating interest and elegance with the simple Craftsman style full overlay doors. A deep warm Barnwood White Oak flooring was added throughout the lower level. The new floor brings additional contrast to the bright kitchen and provides unity with the now open floorplan as it rolls in to the foyer and family room. Final details like the show-stopping lunar like duo light fixtures complete the space and intermix expertly with crisscross details of the glass door mullions, the island bar seating and even accessories in the space. The small cluttered laundry room needed more space and more storage. With a busy family it seemed to overflow daily and did not have anywhere to hide the families “in and out stuff.” Scott designed the new space with a stackable washer and dryer and much more efficiently organized cabinetry. Doing laundry is now (almost!) a pleasure and keeping everyone’s “stuff” hidden, but readily accessible is now a snap. The master bath was not a place where the couple enjoyed spending time getting ready for their day. The tub almost never was used, so removing it made it possible to build an extra-large shower, replacing the small cramped cube of the previous shower they hated. Clean, horizontal lines softly draw your eye around the space with porcelain tile called Driftwood Sea spray. Full overlay cabinetry in a soft white vanity with double sinks makes getting ready for the day much more convenient for the busy couple. Long floor planks made of porcelain tile mimic real hardwood floors in a soft grey to compliment the shower, but with the ease and care of a tile surface. Cambrian Black Granite counters with a matte finish and under mount porcelain sinks with handsome brushed chrome hardware complete the handsome space. A real bonus in any master bath; a custom built in storage nook was tucked in the corner of the space for linens and heavenly storage. The kid’s bath was in sad shape because it was original to the house. To keep the budget in control, the tub which was in great condition was retained, but focus was on the new large brick style porcelain charcoal tile on the floor, crisp white new Craftsman style cabinetry with pretty furniture details on the corner base, a striking granite top with white under mount porcelain sinks and fresh hardware and faucets. Some beautiful soft grey wood mirrors to match mom and dads were custom sized and placed under new lighting, and 4 hooks were smartly arranged down the wall for kids’ towels. This couple was determined not to move, and made their house their dream home. Not only does their home function greatly now, but Jackie says, “When the neighbors come to visit, they’re asking if they can “steal” the design”! The added functionality, elegance, and open floor plan were exactly what this family needed in order to stay. Advance Design Studio, Joe Nowak

Our clients are seasoned home renovators. Their Malibu oceanside property was the second project JRP had undertaken for them. After years of renting and the age of the home, it was becoming prevalent the waterfront beach house, needed a facelift. Our clients expressed their desire for a clean and contemporary aesthetic with the need for more functionality. After a thorough design process, a new spatial plan was essential to meet the couple’s request. This included developing a larger master suite, a grander kitchen with seating at an island, natural light, and a warm, comfortable feel to blend with the coastal setting. Demolition revealed an unfortunate surprise on the second level of the home: Settlement and subpar construction had allowed the hillside to slide and cover structural framing members causing dangerous living conditions. Our design team was now faced with the challenge of creating a fix for the sagging hillside. After thorough evaluation of site conditions and careful planning, a new 10’ high retaining wall was contrived to be strategically placed into the hillside to prevent any future movements. With the wall design and build completed — additional square footage allowed for a new laundry room, a walk-in closet at the master suite. Once small and tucked away, the kitchen now boasts a golden warmth of natural maple cabinetry complimented by a striking center island complete with white quartz countertops and stunning waterfall edge details. The open floor plan encourages entertaining with an organic flow between the kitchen, dining, and living rooms. New skylights flood the space with natural light, creating a tranquil seaside ambiance. New custom maple flooring and ceiling paneling finish out the first floor. Downstairs, the ocean facing Master Suite is luminous with breathtaking views and an enviable bathroom oasis. The master bath is modern and serene, woodgrain tile flooring and stunning onyx mosaic tile channel the golden sandy Malibu beaches. The minimalist bathroom includes a generous walk-in closet, his & her sinks, a spacious steam shower, and a luxurious soaking tub. Defined by an airy and spacious floor plan, clean lines, natural light, and endless ocean views, this home is the perfect rendition of a contemporary coastal sanctuary. PROJECT DETAILS: • Style: Contemporary • Colors: White, Beige, Yellow Hues • Countertops: White Ceasarstone Quartz • Cabinets: Bellmont Natural finish maple; Shaker style • Hardware/Plumbing Fixture Finish: Polished Chrome • Lighting Fixtures: Pendent lighting in Master bedroom, all else recessed • Flooring: Hardwood - Natural Maple Tile – Ann Sacks, Porcelain in Yellow Birch • Tile/Backsplash: Glass mosaic in kitchen • Other Details: Bellevue Stand Alone Tub Photographer: Andrew, Open House VC

Jackie and Sean loved the Algonquin neighborhood they lived in with the peaceful neighborhood and the close proximity to work and school. What they didn’t love was how outdated their home had become. With a cramped kitchen and an unused dining room, they decided a remodel was the perfect solution to their problem. They would be able to continue to live in the area they loved, while at the same time they could have the dream home they envisioned. After a thorough search, Jackie came across Advance Design Studio. She was impressed by all of the positive reviews she saw on the internet and saw herself identifying with all of the project stories she saw on the website. Once they met with designer Scott Christensen and owner Todd Jurs, they knew Advance Design was the right company to make their dreams a reality. The project consisted of four main areas: the kitchen/dining/powder room, the laundry room, the master bathroom, and the kid’s bathroom. They wanted to expand the kitchen into the seldom used dining room and add a large island for hosting parties and family gatherings. They also wanted new hardwood flooring throughout the first level. The laundry room needed to be more functional, and all three bathrooms were in dire need of updating. The closed off kitchen was opened up to create a sweeping space between the new eating area and the much larger kitchen. A handsome dry bar complete with a beverage refrigerator and lighted glass door cabinetry makes an elegant transition across from a peninsula area filled with storage. An additional decorative cabinet lighting up elegant dishware through the mullioned glass sits directly across from the drybar. An expansive island was critical to the kitchen plans. Jackie, Sean and Scott worked closely together to create just the right details for their design. They wanted the island to be functional in addition to being the centerpiece of the room. Added storage for the kid’s school supplies was hidden behind cabinet doors so the children could do their schoolwork right at the island, and a microwave drawer glides open with the touch of a finger hidden inconspicuously within the island space. The easy to care for Cambria Britannica Quartz island top with its sweeping grey and white marble look perched atop hand-carved Craftsman corbels was absolutely what they were hoping for, blending both beauty and function perfectly. Adding a nice contrast to the brightness of the quartz and the white cabinetry, Kodiak - Leather granite countertops were used to balance the light and dark tones of the space. Dura Supreme Classic White painted cabinets grace the perimeter, while Maple Poppy Seed stained cabinets with a beautiful soft grey woodgrain were used in the beverage center and island. The two tones compliment the large space balancing it out nicely creating interest and elegance with the simple Craftsman style full overlay doors. A deep warm Barnwood White Oak flooring was added throughout the lower level. The new floor brings additional contrast to the bright kitchen and provides unity with the now open floorplan as it rolls in to the foyer and family room. Final details like the show-stopping lunar like duo light fixtures complete the space and intermix expertly with crisscross details of the glass door mullions, the island bar seating and even accessories in the space. The small cluttered laundry room needed more space and more storage. With a busy family it seemed to overflow daily and did not have anywhere to hide the families “in and out stuff.” Scott designed the new space with a stackable washer and dryer and much more efficiently organized cabinetry. Doing laundry is now (almost!) a pleasure and keeping everyone’s “stuff” hidden, but readily accessible is now a snap. The master bath was not a place where the couple enjoyed spending time getting ready for their day. The tub almost never was used, so removing it made it possible to build an extra-large shower, replacing the small cramped cube of the previous shower they hated. Clean, horizontal lines softly draw your eye around the space with porcelain tile called Driftwood Sea spray. Full overlay cabinetry in a soft white vanity with double sinks makes getting ready for the day much more convenient for the busy couple. Long floor planks made of porcelain tile mimic real hardwood floors in a soft grey to compliment the shower, but with the ease and care of a tile surface. Cambrian Black Granite counters with a matte finish and under mount porcelain sinks with handsome brushed chrome hardware complete the handsome space. A real bonus in any master bath; a custom built in storage nook was tucked in the corner of the space for linens and heavenly storage. The kid’s bath was in sad shape because it was original to the house. To keep the budget in control, the tub which was in great condition was retained, but focus was on the new large brick style porcelain charcoal tile on the floor, crisp white new Craftsman style cabinetry with pretty furniture details on the corner base, a striking granite top with white under mount porcelain sinks and fresh hardware and faucets. Some beautiful soft grey wood mirrors to match mom and dads were custom sized and placed under new lighting, and 4 hooks were smartly arranged down the wall for kids’ towels. This couple was determined not to move, and made their house their dream home. Not only does their home function greatly now, but Jackie says, “When the neighbors come to visit, they’re asking if they can “steal” the design”! The added functionality, elegance, and open floor plan were exactly what this family needed in order to stay. Advance Design Studio, Joe Nowak

The front entry incorporates a custom pivot front door and new bluestone walls. We also designed all of the hardscape and landscape. The beams and boarding are all original.

This 1963 one-story classic is the perfect blend of vintage and modern luxury. Prominently sited on a premium view lot in the highly sought-after Loch Lomond neighborhood of San Rafael. Southern exposure with wide open views that open out to a spectacular deck and level yard showing off the Bay, Mt. Tamalpais, and surrounding hills. Remodeled to perfection with a focus on maintaining the mid-century feeling and style with 21st Century amenities. 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, plus Office/Den/5th bedroom with glass French doors opening to family room and doors leading out to private rear patio. Over 1/3 acre level yard and 72" wide steel and glass pivot door opening into an all-glass formal entry. Spectacular open Kitchen/Family combination, custom kitchen cabinetry and large spacious island with counter seating and beautiful thick quartz countertop. Fisher and Paykel stainless appliances, custom built- gas fireplace in family room. Floor to ceiling windows create spectacular bay and mountain views and leads you out to the open and spacious deck area. Vein-cut limestone plank flooring throughout the main areas of the house. Wood floors in master bedroom and high end carpeting in the additional bedrooms. New roof, electric, plumbing, furnace, tank less water heaters, air-conditioning.

garden meister fuschia, tuberous begonias, maiden hair fern.
Mid-sized tuscan home design photo in Portland Maine

How to fit everything into a small back yard....Pool, entertaining and animal accommodation. Additionally our client wanted low maintenance low maintenance and a year round landscape. The artificial turf was an excellent choice for both low maintenance and pet friendly. To keep small areas of turf in pristine condition provided the conditions is highly unlikely, so the artificial turf was an obvious choice.

This couple came to us as newly transplanted homeowners in Sterling, MA, uprooted from Rochester, MA so they could be closer to their growing family and granddaughter. The former kitchen was a bit of a “Plain Jane”, but we transformed it into a charming, modern country farmhouse kitchen. The custom paint color on the cabinets came from a Wood-Mode sample called “Agate.” This lovely paint color is a chameleon, ranging from gray/green, to a beautiful blue hue depending on the lighting conditions. The uniqueness of this color is what caught the homeowner’s eye and it has become a customer favorite. This Sterling home is the perfect setting for such a beautiful color! As a trained chef and former restaurant owner, the husband does all the cooking in the house. Ample room was needed for prepping and serving, so he loves the long, wide peninsula. A full-height quartz backsplash behind the range and sink make for easy clean up. Very deep drawers flank both sides of the range, and the top drawer has special storage for spices. The cabinet over the refrigerator has vertical partitions for both cookie sheets, trays and pans. A tall pantry to the right of the refrigerator is equipped with heavy duty wood rollouts perfect for storing dry goods. Conveniently located to the right of the sink is a double trash cabinet. The end of the peninsula also has a 27” wide cabinet with dual rollouts storing small appliances, casserole dishes & Tupperware. The new space has plenty of room for prepping, cooking and entertaining family and guests in the adjacent dining room. Stepping outside the “white & gray” of common paints into this beautiful custom color has delighted these customers and their friends. We find it both inviting and soothing, a cool color that will be stylish for years to come! BRAND: Brighton Cabinetry DOOR STYLE: Thompson FINISH: Custom Paint Match - Wood-Mode “Agate” COUNTERTOP: “Matterhorn” Hanstone Quartz HARDWARE: Top Knobs TK824HB Pulls, TK832HB Knobs DESIGNER: Ruth Bergstrom PHOTOS: Baumgart Creative Media

Jackie and Sean loved the Algonquin neighborhood they lived in with the peaceful neighborhood and the close proximity to work and school. What they didn’t love was how outdated their home had become. With a cramped kitchen and an unused dining room, they decided a remodel was the perfect solution to their problem. They would be able to continue to live in the area they loved, while at the same time they could have the dream home they envisioned. After a thorough search, Jackie came across Advance Design Studio. She was impressed by all of the positive reviews she saw on the internet and saw herself identifying with all of the project stories she saw on the website. Once they met with designer Scott Christensen and owner Todd Jurs, they knew Advance Design was the right company to make their dreams a reality. The project consisted of four main areas: the kitchen/dining/powder room, the laundry room, the master bathroom, and the kid’s bathroom. They wanted to expand the kitchen into the seldom used dining room and add a large island for hosting parties and family gatherings. They also wanted new hardwood flooring throughout the first level. The laundry room needed to be more functional, and all three bathrooms were in dire need of updating. The closed off kitchen was opened up to create a sweeping space between the new eating area and the much larger kitchen. A handsome dry bar complete with a beverage refrigerator and lighted glass door cabinetry makes an elegant transition across from a peninsula area filled with storage. An additional decorative cabinet lighting up elegant dishware through the mullioned glass sits directly across from the drybar. An expansive island was critical to the kitchen plans. Jackie, Sean and Scott worked closely together to create just the right details for their design. They wanted the island to be functional in addition to being the centerpiece of the room. Added storage for the kid’s school supplies was hidden behind cabinet doors so the children could do their schoolwork right at the island, and a microwave drawer glides open with the touch of a finger hidden inconspicuously within the island space. The easy to care for Cambria Britannica Quartz island top with its sweeping grey and white marble look perched atop hand-carved Craftsman corbels was absolutely what they were hoping for, blending both beauty and function perfectly. Adding a nice contrast to the brightness of the quartz and the white cabinetry, Kodiak - Leather granite countertops were used to balance the light and dark tones of the space. Dura Supreme Classic White painted cabinets grace the perimeter, while Maple Poppy Seed stained cabinets with a beautiful soft grey woodgrain were used in the beverage center and island. The two tones compliment the large space balancing it out nicely creating interest and elegance with the simple Craftsman style full overlay doors. A deep warm Barnwood White Oak flooring was added throughout the lower level. The new floor brings additional contrast to the bright kitchen and provides unity with the now open floorplan as it rolls in to the foyer and family room. Final details like the show-stopping lunar like duo light fixtures complete the space and intermix expertly with crisscross details of the glass door mullions, the island bar seating and even accessories in the space. The small cluttered laundry room needed more space and more storage. With a busy family it seemed to overflow daily and did not have anywhere to hide the families “in and out stuff.” Scott designed the new space with a stackable washer and dryer and much more efficiently organized cabinetry. Doing laundry is now (almost!) a pleasure and keeping everyone’s “stuff” hidden, but readily accessible is now a snap. The master bath was not a place where the couple enjoyed spending time getting ready for their day. The tub almost never was used, so removing it made it possible to build an extra-large shower, replacing the small cramped cube of the previous shower they hated. Clean, horizontal lines softly draw your eye around the space with porcelain tile called Driftwood Sea spray. Full overlay cabinetry in a soft white vanity with double sinks makes getting ready for the day much more convenient for the busy couple. Long floor planks made of porcelain tile mimic real hardwood floors in a soft grey to compliment the shower, but with the ease and care of a tile surface. Cambrian Black Granite counters with a matte finish and under mount porcelain sinks with handsome brushed chrome hardware complete the handsome space. A real bonus in any master bath; a custom built in storage nook was tucked in the corner of the space for linens and heavenly storage. The kid’s bath was in sad shape because it was original to the house. To keep the budget in control, the tub which was in great condition was retained, but focus was on the new large brick style porcelain charcoal tile on the floor, crisp white new Craftsman style cabinetry with pretty furniture details on the corner base, a striking granite top with white under mount porcelain sinks and fresh hardware and faucets. Some beautiful soft grey wood mirrors to match mom and dads were custom sized and placed under new lighting, and 4 hooks were smartly arranged down the wall for kids’ towels. This couple was determined not to move, and made their house their dream home. Not only does their home function greatly now, but Jackie says, “When the neighbors come to visit, they’re asking if they can “steal” the design”! The added functionality, elegance, and open floor plan were exactly what this family needed in order to stay. Advance Design Studio, Joe Nowak

This couple came to us as newly transplanted homeowners in Sterling, MA, uprooted from Rochester, MA so they could be closer to their growing family and granddaughter. The former kitchen was a bit of a “Plain Jane”, but we transformed it into a charming, modern country farmhouse kitchen. The custom paint color on the cabinets came from a Wood-Mode sample called “Agate.” This lovely paint color is a chameleon, ranging from gray/green, to a beautiful blue hue depending on the lighting conditions. The uniqueness of this color is what caught the homeowner’s eye and it has become a customer favorite. This Sterling home is the perfect setting for such a beautiful color! As a trained chef and former restaurant owner, the husband does all the cooking in the house. Ample room was needed for prepping and serving, so he loves the long, wide peninsula. A full-height quartz backsplash behind the range and sink make for easy clean up. Very deep drawers flank both sides of the range, and the top drawer has special storage for spices. The cabinet over the refrigerator has vertical partitions for both cookie sheets, trays and pans. A tall pantry to the right of the refrigerator is equipped with heavy duty wood rollouts perfect for storing dry goods. Conveniently located to the right of the sink is a double trash cabinet. The end of the peninsula also has a 27” wide cabinet with dual rollouts storing small appliances, casserole dishes & Tupperware. The new space has plenty of room for prepping, cooking and entertaining family and guests in the adjacent dining room. Stepping outside the “white & gray” of common paints into this beautiful custom color has delighted these customers and their friends. We find it both inviting and soothing, a cool color that will be stylish for years to come! BRAND: Brighton Cabinetry DOOR STYLE: Thompson FINISH: Custom Paint Match - Wood-Mode “Agate” COUNTERTOP: “Matterhorn” Hanstone Quartz HARDWARE: Top Knobs TK824HB Pulls, TK832HB Knobs DESIGNER: Ruth Bergstrom PHOTOS: Baumgart Creative Media

Aaron Leitz
Inspiration for a modern home design remodel in San Francisco

This couple came to us as newly transplanted homeowners in Sterling, MA, uprooted from Rochester, MA so they could be closer to their growing family and granddaughter. The former kitchen was a bit of a “Plain Jane”, but we transformed it into a charming, modern country farmhouse kitchen. The custom paint color on the cabinets came from a Wood-Mode sample called “Agate.” This lovely paint color is a chameleon, ranging from gray/green, to a beautiful blue hue depending on the lighting conditions. The uniqueness of this color is what caught the homeowner’s eye and it has become a customer favorite. This Sterling home is the perfect setting for such a beautiful color! As a trained chef and former restaurant owner, the husband does all the cooking in the house. Ample room was needed for prepping and serving, so he loves the long, wide peninsula. A full-height quartz backsplash behind the range and sink make for easy clean up. Very deep drawers flank both sides of the range, and the top drawer has special storage for spices. The cabinet over the refrigerator has vertical partitions for both cookie sheets, trays and pans. A tall pantry to the right of the refrigerator is equipped with heavy duty wood rollouts perfect for storing dry goods. Conveniently located to the right of the sink is a double trash cabinet. The end of the peninsula also has a 27” wide cabinet with dual rollouts storing small appliances, casserole dishes & Tupperware. The new space has plenty of room for prepping, cooking and entertaining family and guests in the adjacent dining room. Stepping outside the “white & gray” of common paints into this beautiful custom color has delighted these customers and their friends. We find it both inviting and soothing, a cool color that will be stylish for years to come! BRAND: Brighton Cabinetry DOOR STYLE: Thompson FINISH: Custom Paint Match - Wood-Mode “Agate” COUNTERTOP: “Matterhorn” Hanstone Quartz HARDWARE: Top Knobs TK824HB Pulls, TK832HB Knobs DESIGNER: Ruth Bergstrom PHOTOS: Baumgart Creative Media

This couple came to us as newly transplanted homeowners in Sterling, MA, uprooted from Rochester, MA so they could be closer to their growing family and granddaughter. The former kitchen was a bit of a “Plain Jane”, but we transformed it into a charming, modern country farmhouse kitchen. The custom paint color on the cabinets came from a Wood-Mode sample called “Agate.” This lovely paint color is a chameleon, ranging from gray/green, to a beautiful blue hue depending on the lighting conditions. The uniqueness of this color is what caught the homeowner’s eye and it has become a customer favorite. This Sterling home is the perfect setting for such a beautiful color! As a trained chef and former restaurant owner, the husband does all the cooking in the house. Ample room was needed for prepping and serving, so he loves the long, wide peninsula. A full-height quartz backsplash behind the range and sink make for easy clean up. Very deep drawers flank both sides of the range, and the top drawer has special storage for spices. The cabinet over the refrigerator has vertical partitions for both cookie sheets, trays and pans. A tall pantry to the right of the refrigerator is equipped with heavy duty wood rollouts perfect for storing dry goods. Conveniently located to the right of the sink is a double trash cabinet. The end of the peninsula also has a 27” wide cabinet with dual rollouts storing small appliances, casserole dishes & Tupperware. The new space has plenty of room for prepping, cooking and entertaining family and guests in the adjacent dining room. Stepping outside the “white & gray” of common paints into this beautiful custom color has delighted these customers and their friends. We find it both inviting and soothing, a cool color that will be stylish for years to come! BRAND: Brighton Cabinetry DOOR STYLE: Thompson FINISH: Custom Paint Match - Wood-Mode “Agate” COUNTERTOP: “Matterhorn” Hanstone Quartz HARDWARE: Top Knobs TK824HB Pulls, TK832HB Knobs DESIGNER: Ruth Bergstrom PHOTOS: Baumgart Creative Media

This couple came to us as newly transplanted homeowners in Sterling, MA, uprooted from Rochester, MA so they could be closer to their growing family and granddaughter. The former kitchen was a bit of a “Plain Jane”, but we transformed it into a charming, modern country farmhouse kitchen. The custom paint color on the cabinets came from a Wood-Mode sample called “Agate.” This lovely paint color is a chameleon, ranging from gray/green, to a beautiful blue hue depending on the lighting conditions. The uniqueness of this color is what caught the homeowner’s eye and it has become a customer favorite. This Sterling home is the perfect setting for such a beautiful color! As a trained chef and former restaurant owner, the husband does all the cooking in the house. Ample room was needed for prepping and serving, so he loves the long, wide peninsula. A full-height quartz backsplash behind the range and sink make for easy clean up. Very deep drawers flank both sides of the range, and the top drawer has special storage for spices. The cabinet over the refrigerator has vertical partitions for both cookie sheets, trays and pans. A tall pantry to the right of the refrigerator is equipped with heavy duty wood rollouts perfect for storing dry goods. Conveniently located to the right of the sink is a double trash cabinet. The end of the peninsula also has a 27” wide cabinet with dual rollouts storing small appliances, casserole dishes & Tupperware. The new space has plenty of room for prepping, cooking and entertaining family and guests in the adjacent dining room. Stepping outside the “white & gray” of common paints into this beautiful custom color has delighted these customers and their friends. We find it both inviting and soothing, a cool color that will be stylish for years to come! BRAND: Brighton Cabinetry DOOR STYLE: Thompson FINISH: Custom Paint Match - Wood-Mode “Agate” COUNTERTOP: “Matterhorn” Hanstone Quartz HARDWARE: Top Knobs TK824HB Pulls, TK832HB Knobs DESIGNER: Ruth Bergstrom PHOTOS: Baumgart Creative Media

Photo: Kayla Stark © 2015 Houzz
Eclectic exterior home idea in New Orleans

Jackie and Sean loved the Algonquin neighborhood they lived in with the peaceful neighborhood and the close proximity to work and school. What they didn’t love was how outdated their home had become. With a cramped kitchen and an unused dining room, they decided a remodel was the perfect solution to their problem. They would be able to continue to live in the area they loved, while at the same time they could have the dream home they envisioned. After a thorough search, Jackie came across Advance Design Studio. She was impressed by all of the positive reviews she saw on the internet and saw herself identifying with all of the project stories she saw on the website. Once they met with designer Scott Christensen and owner Todd Jurs, they knew Advance Design was the right company to make their dreams a reality. The project consisted of four main areas: the kitchen/dining/powder room, the laundry room, the master bathroom, and the kid’s bathroom. They wanted to expand the kitchen into the seldom used dining room and add a large island for hosting parties and family gatherings. They also wanted new hardwood flooring throughout the first level. The laundry room needed to be more functional, and all three bathrooms were in dire need of updating. The closed off kitchen was opened up to create a sweeping space between the new eating area and the much larger kitchen. A handsome dry bar complete with a beverage refrigerator and lighted glass door cabinetry makes an elegant transition across from a peninsula area filled with storage. An additional decorative cabinet lighting up elegant dishware through the mullioned glass sits directly across from the drybar. An expansive island was critical to the kitchen plans. Jackie, Sean and Scott worked closely together to create just the right details for their design. They wanted the island to be functional in addition to being the centerpiece of the room. Added storage for the kid’s school supplies was hidden behind cabinet doors so the children could do their schoolwork right at the island, and a microwave drawer glides open with the touch of a finger hidden inconspicuously within the island space. The easy to care for Cambria Britannica Quartz island top with its sweeping grey and white marble look perched atop hand-carved Craftsman corbels was absolutely what they were hoping for, blending both beauty and function perfectly. Adding a nice contrast to the brightness of the quartz and the white cabinetry, Kodiak - Leather granite countertops were used to balance the light and dark tones of the space. Dura Supreme Classic White painted cabinets grace the perimeter, while Maple Poppy Seed stained cabinets with a beautiful soft grey woodgrain were used in the beverage center and island. The two tones compliment the large space balancing it out nicely creating interest and elegance with the simple Craftsman style full overlay doors. A deep warm Barnwood White Oak flooring was added throughout the lower level. The new floor brings additional contrast to the bright kitchen and provides unity with the now open floorplan as it rolls in to the foyer and family room. Final details like the show-stopping lunar like duo light fixtures complete the space and intermix expertly with crisscross details of the glass door mullions, the island bar seating and even accessories in the space. The small cluttered laundry room needed more space and more storage. With a busy family it seemed to overflow daily and did not have anywhere to hide the families “in and out stuff.” Scott designed the new space with a stackable washer and dryer and much more efficiently organized cabinetry. Doing laundry is now (almost!) a pleasure and keeping everyone’s “stuff” hidden, but readily accessible is now a snap. The master bath was not a place where the couple enjoyed spending time getting ready for their day. The tub almost never was used, so removing it made it possible to build an extra-large shower, replacing the small cramped cube of the previous shower they hated. Clean, horizontal lines softly draw your eye around the space with porcelain tile called Driftwood Sea spray. Full overlay cabinetry in a soft white vanity with double sinks makes getting ready for the day much more convenient for the busy couple. Long floor planks made of porcelain tile mimic real hardwood floors in a soft grey to compliment the shower, but with the ease and care of a tile surface. Cambrian Black Granite counters with a matte finish and under mount porcelain sinks with handsome brushed chrome hardware complete the handsome space. A real bonus in any master bath; a custom built in storage nook was tucked in the corner of the space for linens and heavenly storage. The kid’s bath was in sad shape because it was original to the house. To keep the budget in control, the tub which was in great condition was retained, but focus was on the new large brick style porcelain charcoal tile on the floor, crisp white new Craftsman style cabinetry with pretty furniture details on the corner base, a striking granite top with white under mount porcelain sinks and fresh hardware and faucets. Some beautiful soft grey wood mirrors to match mom and dads were custom sized and placed under new lighting, and 4 hooks were smartly arranged down the wall for kids’ towels. This couple was determined not to move, and made their house their dream home. Not only does their home function greatly now, but Jackie says, “When the neighbors come to visit, they’re asking if they can “steal” the design”! The added functionality, elegance, and open floor plan were exactly what this family needed in order to stay. Advance Design Studio, Joe Nowak

Exterior home photo in Charlotte

Andrew Pogue Photography
Large contemporary beige two-story stone exterior home idea in Austin with a shed roof

Our clients are seasoned home renovators. Their Malibu oceanside property was the second project JRP had undertaken for them. After years of renting and the age of the home, it was becoming prevalent the waterfront beach house, needed a facelift. Our clients expressed their desire for a clean and contemporary aesthetic with the need for more functionality. After a thorough design process, a new spatial plan was essential to meet the couple’s request. This included developing a larger master suite, a grander kitchen with seating at an island, natural light, and a warm, comfortable feel to blend with the coastal setting. Demolition revealed an unfortunate surprise on the second level of the home: Settlement and subpar construction had allowed the hillside to slide and cover structural framing members causing dangerous living conditions. Our design team was now faced with the challenge of creating a fix for the sagging hillside. After thorough evaluation of site conditions and careful planning, a new 10’ high retaining wall was contrived to be strategically placed into the hillside to prevent any future movements. With the wall design and build completed — additional square footage allowed for a new laundry room, a walk-in closet at the master suite. Once small and tucked away, the kitchen now boasts a golden warmth of natural maple cabinetry complimented by a striking center island complete with white quartz countertops and stunning waterfall edge details. The open floor plan encourages entertaining with an organic flow between the kitchen, dining, and living rooms. New skylights flood the space with natural light, creating a tranquil seaside ambiance. New custom maple flooring and ceiling paneling finish out the first floor. Downstairs, the ocean facing Master Suite is luminous with breathtaking views and an enviable bathroom oasis. The master bath is modern and serene, woodgrain tile flooring and stunning onyx mosaic tile channel the golden sandy Malibu beaches. The minimalist bathroom includes a generous walk-in closet, his & her sinks, a spacious steam shower, and a luxurious soaking tub. Defined by an airy and spacious floor plan, clean lines, natural light, and endless ocean views, this home is the perfect rendition of a contemporary coastal sanctuary. PROJECT DETAILS: • Style: Contemporary • Colors: White, Beige, Yellow Hues • Countertops: White Ceasarstone Quartz • Cabinets: Bellmont Natural finish maple; Shaker style • Hardware/Plumbing Fixture Finish: Polished Chrome • Lighting Fixtures: Pendent lighting in Master bedroom, all else recessed • Flooring: Hardwood - Natural Maple Tile – Ann Sacks, Porcelain in Yellow Birch • Tile/Backsplash: Glass mosaic in kitchen • Other Details: Bellevue Stand Alone Tub Photographer: Andrew, Open House VC