This project was such an incredible design opportunity, and instilled inspiration and excitement at every turn! Our amazing clients came to us with the challenge of converting their beloved family home into a welcoming haven for all members of the family. At the time that we met our clients, they were struggling with the difficult personal decision of the fate of the home. Their father/father-in-law had passed away and their mother/mother-in-law had recently been admitted into a nursing facility and was fighting Alzheimer’s. Resistant to loss of the home now that both parents were out of it, our clients purchased the home to keep in in the family. Despite their permanent home currently being in New Jersey, these clients dedicated themselves to keeping and revitalizing the house. We were moved by the story and became immediately passionate about bringing this dream to life. The home was built by the parents of our clients and was only ever owned by them, making this a truly special space to the family. Our goal was to revitalize the home and to bring new energy into every room without losing the special characteristics that were original to the home when it was built. In this way, we were able to develop a house that maintains its own unique personality while offering a space of welcoming neutrality for all members of the family to enjoy over time. The renovation touched every part of the home: the exterior, foyer, kitchen, living room, sun room, garage, six bedrooms, three bathrooms, the laundry room, and everything in between. The focus was to develop a style that carried consistently from space to space, but allowed for unique expression in the small details in every room. Starting at the entry, we renovated the front door and entry point to offer more presence and to bring more of the mid-century vibe to the home’s exterior. We integrated a new modern front door, cedar shingle accents, new exterior paint, and gorgeous contemporary house numbers that really allow the home to stand out. Just inside the entry, we renovated the foyer to create a playful entry point worthy of attention. Cement look tile adorns the foyer floor, and we’ve added new lighting and upgraded the entry coat storage. Upon entering the home, one will immediately be captivated by the stunning kitchen just off the entry. We transformed this space in just about every way. While the footprint of the home ultimately remained almost identical, the aesthetics were completely turned on their head. We re-worked the kitchen to maximize storage and to create an informal dining area that is great for casual hosting or morning coffee. We removed the entry to the garage that was once in the informal dining, and created a peninsula in its place that offers a unique division between the kitchen/informal dining and the formal dining and living areas. The simple light warm light gray cabinetry offers a bit of traditional elegance, along with the marble backsplash and quartz countertops. We extended the original wood flooring into the kitchen and stained all floors to match for a warmth that truly resonates through all spaces. We upgraded appliances, added lighting everywhere, and finished the space with some gorgeous mid century furniture pieces. In the formal dining and living room, we really focused on maintaining the original marble fireplace as a focal point. We cleaned the marble, repaired the mortar, and refinished the original fireplace screen to give a new sleek look in black. We then integrated a new gas insert for modern heating and painted the upper portion in a rich navy blue; an accent that is carried through the home consistently as a nod to our client’s love of the color. The former entry into the old covered porch is now an elegant glass door leading to a stunning finished sunroom. This room was completely upgraded as well. We wrapped the entire space in cozy white shiplap to keep a casual feel with brightness. We tiled the floor with large format concrete look tile, and painted the old brick fireplace a bright white. We installed a new gas burning unit, and integrated transitional style lighting to bring warmth and elegance into the space. The new black-frame windows are adorned with decorative shades that feature hand-sketched bird prints, and we’ve created a dedicated garden-ware “nook” for our client who loves to work in the yard. The far end of this space is completed with two oversized chaise loungers and overhead lights…the most perfect little reading nook! Just off the dining room, we created an entirely new space to the home: a mudroom. The clients lacked this space and desperately needed a landing spot upon entering the home from the garage. We uniquely planned existing space in the garage to utilize for this purpose, and were able to create a small but functional entry point without losing the ability to park cars in the garage. This new space features cement-look tile, gorgeous deep brown cabinetry, and plenty of storage for all the small items one might need to store while moving in and out of the home. The remainder of the upstairs level includes massive renovations to the guest hall bathroom and guest bedroom, upstairs master bed/bath suite, and a third bedroom that we converted into a home office for the client. Some of the largest transformations were made in the basement, where unfinished space and lack of light were converted into gloriously lit, cozy, finished spaces. Our first task was to convert the massive basement living room into the new master bedroom for our clients. We removed existing built-ins, created an entirely new walk-in closet, painted the old brick fireplace, installed a new gas unit, added carpet, introduced new lighting, replaced windows, and upgraded every part of the aesthetic appearance. One of the most incredible features of this space is the custom double sliding barn door made by a Denver artisan. This space is truly a retreat for our clients! We also completely transformed the laundry room, back storage room, basement master bathroom, and two bedrooms. This home’s massive scope and ever-evolving challenges were thrilling and exciting to work with, and the result is absolutely amazing. At the end of the day, this home offers a look and feel that the clients love. Above all, though, the clients feel the spirit of their family home and have a welcoming environment for all members of the family to enjoy for years to come.

Example of a trendy pool design in Miami

Trendy pool photo in Miami

Example of a trendy home office design in Miami

Hand Painted Happily Ever After Wedding & Anniversary Serving Platter by Museware Pottery. Hand painted in classic black, white & neutral to complement any style home decor. 12.5 square, food safe, hand wash.

This interior design project focuses on creating a multifunctional space that balances study, relaxation, and play for our young client. Inspired by her love of blue, we incorporated calming hues throughout the room to promote a serene atmosphere. We prioritized natural light, allowing the beauty of her suburban surroundings to enhance the space. Functional furniture enables smooth transitions between studying and relaxing, while cozy nooks invite comfort and creativity. Personal touches, such as custom artwork featuring her favorite wildlife and decor reflecting her personality, make this space unique. We have transformed her room into a wellness-centered chic retreat that nurtures her academic pursuits and personal joy.

Kasia Karska Design is a design-build firm located in the heart of the Vail Valley and Colorado Rocky Mountains. The design and build process should feel effortless and enjoyable. Our strengths at KKD lie in our comprehensive approach. We understand that when our clients look for someone to design and build their dream home, there are many options for them to choose from. With nearly 25 years of experience, we understand the key factors that create a successful building project. -Seamless Service – we handle both the design and construction in-house -Constant Communication in all phases of the design and build -A unique home that is a perfect reflection of you -In-depth understanding of your requirements -Multi-faceted approach with additional studies in the traditions of Vaastu Shastra and Feng Shui Eastern design principles Because each home is entirely tailored to the individual client, they are all one-of-a-kind and entirely unique. We get to know our clients well and encourage them to be an active part of the design process in order to build their custom home. One driving factor as to why our clients seek us out is the fact that we handle all phases of the home design and build. There is no challenge too big because we have the tools and the motivation to build your custom home. At Kasia Karska Design, we focus on the details; and, being a women-run business gives us the advantage of being empathetic throughout the entire process. Thanks to our approach, many clients have trusted us with the design and build of their homes. If you’re ready to build a home that’s unique to your lifestyle, goals, and vision, Kasia Karska Design’s doors are always open. We look forward to helping you design and build the home of your dreams, your own personal sanctuary.

Our clients fell in love with this expansive modern home and collaborated with us to inject their personalities and add function to meet their lifestyle. Original artwork collected during their travels inspired much of the interior palette, and we looked to vibrant patterned fabrics, bold accents and gorgeous floral wallpapers to boost the personality of the spaces. In the great room, we added color with a bold wool area rug and accent pillows, and the pair of swivel chairs in the window invites leisurely time taking in the sweeping views. The richly textured dining room has its own personality with brick-clad walls and an unapologetically stylish sputnik chandelier. The primary bedroom is wrapped in soft, modern floral wallpaper that inspired the palette of the bespoke furnishings and luxurious bedding. Rich upholstery and supple leather adorn pieces customized for the space. The home’s key entertaining space is the ground level bar and lounge which boasts a custom handcrafted wine wall by Sommi Wine Cellars. Furnishings with colorful patterns and unique shapes are everywhere, inviting lively gatherings and conversation. The hobby room invites the couple to get creative together and serves as a multi-purpose getaway. The guest room repurposed the couple’s existing bedroom furniture and area rug, and we pulled it all together with new artwork, lamps and bedding to create an inviting space for guests. Photography by Meagan Larsen Photography

RCID was thrilled to take on the role of project manager for this Elbow Valley Redecorating Project—a collaboration that celebrated creativity, trust, and personalization. This project was a joy from start to finish, as our clients allowed us the creative freedom to reimagine their spaces with fresh color, texture, and form. Each room was thoughtfully designed to feel cohesive yet uniquely personal. The result is a home that feels refreshed, balanced, and brimming with character. Projects like this remind us why we love what we do—collaborating with wonderful clients to turn their homes into spaces that truly reflect who they are.

Our clients fell in love with this expansive modern home and collaborated with us to inject their personalities and add function to meet their lifestyle. Original artwork collected during their travels inspired much of the interior palette, and we looked to vibrant patterned fabrics, bold accents and gorgeous floral wallpapers to boost the personality of the spaces. In the great room, we added color with a bold wool area rug and accent pillows, and the pair of swivel chairs in the window invites leisurely time taking in the sweeping views. The richly textured dining room has its own personality with brick-clad walls and an unapologetically stylish sputnik chandelier. The primary bedroom is wrapped in soft, modern floral wallpaper that inspired the palette of the bespoke furnishings and luxurious bedding. Rich upholstery and supple leather adorn pieces customized for the space. The home’s key entertaining space is the ground level bar and lounge which boasts a custom handcrafted wine wall by Sommi Wine Cellars. Furnishings with colorful patterns and unique shapes are everywhere, inviting lively gatherings and conversation. The hobby room invites the couple to get creative together and serves as a multi-purpose getaway. The guest room repurposed the couple’s existing bedroom furniture and area rug, and we pulled it all together with new artwork, lamps and bedding to create an inviting space for guests. Photography by Meagan Larsen Photography

Designed as a space for conversation and contemplation, the sitting room celebrates color, art, and individuality. Pale robin's egg blue paneling provides a fresh architectural backdrop for an eclectic mix of furnishings layered with texture, character, and unexpected forms. Bold statement artwork commands attention, infusing the room with personality and creative energy while reflecting the homeowner's unique point of view. Carefully curated pieces strike a balance between sophistication and playfulness, resulting in a space that feels collected, expressive, and unmistakably personal.

Our clients fell in love with this expansive modern home and collaborated with us to inject their personalities and add function to meet their lifestyle. Original artwork collected during their travels inspired much of the interior palette, and we looked to vibrant patterned fabrics, bold accents and gorgeous floral wallpapers to boost the personality of the spaces. In the great room, we added color with a bold wool area rug and accent pillows, and the pair of swivel chairs in the window invites leisurely time taking in the sweeping views. The richly textured dining room has its own personality with brick-clad walls and an unapologetically stylish sputnik chandelier. The primary bedroom is wrapped in soft, modern floral wallpaper that inspired the palette of the bespoke furnishings and luxurious bedding. Rich upholstery and supple leather adorn pieces customized for the space. The home’s key entertaining space is the ground level bar and lounge which boasts a custom handcrafted wine wall by Sommi Wine Cellars. Furnishings with colorful patterns and unique shapes are everywhere, inviting lively gatherings and conversation. The hobby room invites the couple to get creative together and serves as a multi-purpose getaway. The guest room repurposed the couple’s existing bedroom furniture and area rug, and we pulled it all together with new artwork, lamps and bedding to create an inviting space for guests. Photography by Meagan Larsen Photography

Our clients fell in love with this expansive modern home and collaborated with us to inject their personalities and add function to meet their lifestyle. Original artwork collected during their travels inspired much of the interior palette, and we looked to vibrant patterned fabrics, bold accents and gorgeous floral wallpapers to boost the personality of the spaces. In the great room, we added color with a bold wool area rug and accent pillows, and the pair of swivel chairs in the window invites leisurely time taking in the sweeping views. The richly textured dining room has its own personality with brick-clad walls and an unapologetically stylish sputnik chandelier. The primary bedroom is wrapped in soft, modern floral wallpaper that inspired the palette of the bespoke furnishings and luxurious bedding. Rich upholstery and supple leather adorn pieces customized for the space. The home’s key entertaining space is the ground level bar and lounge which boasts a custom handcrafted wine wall by Sommi Wine Cellars. Furnishings with colorful patterns and unique shapes are everywhere, inviting lively gatherings and conversation. The hobby room invites the couple to get creative together and serves as a multi-purpose getaway. The guest room repurposed the couple’s existing bedroom furniture and area rug, and we pulled it all together with new artwork, lamps and bedding to create an inviting space for guests. Photography by Meagan Larsen Photography

Zack Benson Photography
Transitional master gray tile and subway tile medium tone wood floor bathroom photo in San Diego with gray cabinets, gray walls, an undermount sink and a hinged shower door

The homeowners desired an outdoor space that felt more rustic than their refined interior spaces, but still related architecturally to their house. Cement plaster support arbor columns provide enough of visual tie to the existing house exterior. Oversized wood beams and rafter members provide a unique outdoor atmosphere. Structural bolts and hardware were minimized for a cleaner appearance. Structural connections and supports were engineered to meet California's stringent earthquake standards. Ali Atri Photography

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 home study room for parents and children is located in this renovated garage, several steps down from the kitchen. The new detached garage is visible through the window. Makeover of the entire exterior of this Wilmette Home. Addition of a Foyer and front porch / portico. Converted Garage into a family study / office. Remodeled mudroom. Patsy McEnroe Photography Cabinetry by Counterpoint-cabinetry-inc

The shape of the angled porch-roof, sets the tone for a truly modern entryway. This protective covering makes a dramatic statement, as it hovers over the front door. The blue-stone terrace conveys even more interest, as it gradually moves upward, morphing into steps, until it reaches the porch. Porch Detail The multicolored tan stone, used for the risers and retaining walls, is proportionally carried around the base of the house. Horizontal sustainable-fiber cement board replaces the original vertical wood siding, and widens the appearance of the facade. The color scheme — blue-grey siding, cherry-wood door and roof underside, and varied shades of tan and blue stone — is complimented by the crisp-contrasting black accents of the thin-round metal columns, railing, window sashes, and the roof fascia board and gutters. This project is a stunning example of an exterior, that is both asymmetrical and symmetrical. Prior to the renovation, the house had a bland 1970s exterior. Now, it is interesting, unique, and inviting. Photography Credit: Tom Holdsworth Photography Contractor: Owings Brothers Contracting

We were approached by a Karen, a renowned sculptor, and her husband Tim, a retired MD, to collaborate on a whole-home renovation and furnishings overhaul of their newly purchased and very dated “forever home” with sweeping mountain views in Tigard. Karen and I very quickly found that we shared a genuine love of color, and from day one, this project was artistic and thoughtful, playful, and spirited. We updated tired surfaces and reworked odd angles, designing functional yet beautiful spaces that will serve this family for years to come. Warm, inviting colors surround you in these rooms, and classic lines play with unique pattern and bold scale. Personal touches, including mini versions of Karen’s work, appear throughout, and pages from a vintage book of Audubon paintings that she’d treasured for “ages” absolutely shine displayed framed in the living room. Partnering with a proficient and dedicated general contractor (LHL Custom Homes & Remodeling) makes all the difference on a project like this. Our clients were patient and understanding, and despite the frustrating delays and extreme challenges of navigating the 2020/2021 pandemic, they couldn’t be happier with the results. Photography by Christopher Dibble