John G Wilbanks Photography
Elegant u-shaped eat-in kitchen photo in Seattle with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, subway tile backsplash, paneled appliances, granite countertops and gray backsplash

Perimeter Cabinetry: www.bertch.com Door Style: Oxford 3 Wood Species: Birch Finish: Polar Matte Island and Butler's Pantry: www.marshfurniture.com Door Style: Jamestown 1 Wood Species: Maple Finish: Greystone Counters: www.cambriausa.com Color: Oakmoor Hardware: www.hardwareresources.com Style: mirada series Light Fixtures: Homeowner supplied Plumbing Fixtures: homeowner supplied Tile: Grey field tile: 4" x 16" tender grey www.olympiatile.com Mosaic: Midpark mosaics from Marazzi www.marazziusa.com

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.”

A talented interior designer was ready for a complete redo of her 1980s style kitchen in Chappaqua. Although very spacious, she was looking for better storage and flow in the kitchen, so a smaller island with greater clearances were desired. Grey glazed cabinetry island balances the warm-toned cerused white oak perimeter cabinetry. White macauba countertops create a harmonious color palette while the decorative backsplash behind the range adds both pattern and texture. Kitchen design and custom cabinetry by Studio Dearborn. Interior design finishes by Strauss House Designs LLC. White Macauba countertops by Rye Marble. Refrigerator, freezer and wine refrigerator by Subzero; Range by Viking Hardware by Lewis Dolan. Sink by Julien. Over counter Lighting by Providence Art Glass. Chandelier by Niche Modern (custom). Sink faucet by Rohl. Tile, Artistic Tile. Chairs and stools, Soho Concept. Photography Adam Kane Macchia.

Transitional kitchen photo in Atlanta

Photo by Michele Lee Willson
Mid-sized 1960s u-shaped eat-in kitchen photo in San Francisco with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, quartzite countertops, white backsplash, ceramic backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Nearly two decades ago now, Susan and her husband put a letter in the mailbox of this eastside home: "If you have any interest in selling, please reach out." But really, who would give up a Flansburgh House? Fast forward to 2020, when the house went on the market! By then it was clear that three children and a busy home design studio couldn't be crammed into this efficient footprint. But what's second best to moving into your dream home? Being asked to redesign the functional core for the family that was. In this classic Flansburgh layout, all the rooms align tidily in a square around a central hall and open air atrium. As such, all the spaces are both connected to one another and also private; and all allow for visual access to the outdoors in two directions—toward the atrium and toward the exterior. All except, in this case, the utilitarian galley kitchen. That space, oft-relegated to second class in midcentury architecture, got the shaft, with narrow doorways on two ends and no good visual access to the atrium or the outside. Who spends time in the kitchen anyway? As is often the case with even the very best midcentury architecture, the kitchen at the Flansburgh House needed to be modernized; appliances and cabinetry have come a long way since 1970, but our culture has evolved too, becoming more casual and open in ways we at SYH believe are here to stay. People (gasp!) do spend time—lots of time!—in their kitchens! Nonetheless, our goal was to make this kitchen look as if it had been designed this way by Earl Flansburgh himself. The house came to us full of bold, bright color. We edited out some of it (along with the walls it was on) but kept and built upon the stunning red, orange and yellow closet doors in the family room adjacent to the kitchen. That pop was balanced by a few colorful midcentury pieces that our clients already owned, and the stunning light and verdant green coming in from both the atrium and the perimeter of the house, not to mention the many skylights. Thus, the rest of the space just needed to quiet down and be a beautiful, if neutral, foil. White terrazzo tile grounds custom plywood and black cabinetry, offset by a half wall that offers both camouflage for the cooking mess and also storage below, hidden behind seamless oak tambour. Contractor: Rusty Peterson Cabinetry: Stoll's Woodworking Photographer: Sarah Shields

In this remodel we painted the existing perimeter cabinets a soft sea salt color and built a new island that included a cozy banquette that faces the gorgeous view of the Flatirons.

In Katy, Texas, Tradition Outdoor Living designed an outdoor living space, transforming the average backyard into a Texas Ranch-style retreat. Entering this outdoor addition, the scene boasts Texan Ranch with custom made cedar Barn-style doors creatively encasing the recessed TV above the fireplace. Maintaining the appeal of the doors, the fireplace cedar mantel is adorned with accent rustic hardware. The 60” electric fireplace, remote controlled with LED lights, flickers warm colors for a serene evening on the patio. An extended hearth continues along the perimeter of living room, creating bench seating for all. This combination of Rustic Taloka stack stone, from the fireplace and columns, and the polished Verano stone, capping the hearth and columns, perfectly pairs together enhancing the feel of this outdoor living room. The cedar-trimmed coffered beams in the tongue and groove ceiling and the wood planked stamped concrete make this space even more unique! In the large Outdoor Kitchen, beautifully polished New Venetian Gold granite countertops allow the chef plenty of space for serving food and chatting with guests at the bar. The stainless steel appliances sparkle in the evening while the custom, color-changing LED lighting glows underneath the kitchen granite. In the cooler months, this outdoor space is wired for electric radiant heat. And if anyone is up for a night of camping at the ranch, this outdoor living space is ready and complete with an outdoor bathroom addition! Photo Credit: Jennifer Sue Photography

Mid-sized contemporary kitchen remodel, u-shaped with island featuring white shaker cabinets, black granite and quartz countertops, marble mosaic backsplash with black hardware, induction cooktop and paneled hood. Cabinet Finishes: Sherwin Williams "Pure white" Wall Color: Sherwin Williams "Pure white" Perimeter Countertop: Pental Quartz "Absolute Black Granite Honed" Island Countertop: Pental Quartz "Arezzo" Backsplash: Bedrosians "White Cararra Marble Random Linear Mosaic"

Photo Credit: Annie M Design

Kim Reierson
Example of a classic kitchen design in Santa Barbara with a farmhouse sink, glass-front cabinets, gray cabinets, beige backsplash and paneled appliances

Huge re-model including taking ceiling from a flat ceiling to a complete transformation. Bamboo custom cabinetry was given a grey stain, mixed with walnut strip on the bar and the island given a different stain. Huge amounts of storage from deep pan corner drawers, roll out trash, coffee station, built in refrigerator, wine and alcohol storage, appliance garage, pantry and appliance storage, the amounts go on and on. Floating shelves with a back that just grabs the eye takes this kitchen to another level. The clients are thrilled with this huge difference from their original space.

Beaux arts architecture of Blairsden was inspiration for kitchen. Homeowner wanted clean airy look while repurposing cold commercial cooking space to an aesthetically pleasing functional kitchen for family and friends or for a catering staff during larger gatherings. Aside from the hand made LaCornue range, no appliances were to be be in the kitchen so as not to interfere with the aesthetic. Instead, the appliances were moved to an adjacent space and celebrated as their own aesthetic with complimentary stainless steel cabinetry and tiled walls. The color pallet of the kitchen was intentionally subtle with tones of beige white and grey. Light was reintroduced into the space by rebuilding the east and north windows. Traffic pattern was improved by moving range from south wall to north wall. Custom stainless structural window, with stainless steel screen and natural brass harlequin grill encapsulated in insulated frosted glass, was engineered to support hood and creates a stunning backdrop for the already gorgeous range. All hardware in kitchen is unlacquered natural brass intentionally selected so as to develop its own patina as it oxides over time to give a true historic quality. Other interesting point about kitchen: All cabinetry doors 5/4" All cabinetry interiors natural walnut All cabinetry interiors on sensors and light up with LED lights that are routed into frames of cabinetry Magnetic cutlery dividers in drawers enable user to reposition easily Venician plaster walls Lava stone countertops on perimeter Marble countertop island 2 level cutting boards and strainers in sink by galley workstation

El Desperado daylily and Pachysandra hug the patio perimeter while still affording a nice view out into the yard. Photo courtesy of Mike Crews Photography.

Open concept kitchen - contemporary u-shaped light wood floor, beige floor, exposed beam and vaulted ceiling open concept kitchen idea in Minneapolis with flat-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, marble countertops, multicolored backsplash, marble backsplash, an island and multicolored countertops

Caleb Vandermeer Photography
Large farmhouse galley vinyl floor and brown floor open concept kitchen photo in Portland with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, blue cabinets, quartz countertops, white backsplash, wood backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

The dark wood tones in this space compliment the older nature of the home along with the brass hardware. The black faucet and mixed metal combination are a touch of modern in the space.

A new induction cooktop in the island replaced an electric one. The top of the island previously had blue ceramic tile and laminate countertops ran the perimeter. These were replaced by quartz tops in Coastal Gray. Photography by Chrissy Racho