This challenging kitchen came our way at the same time as another similarly located Centennial kitchen. It was apparent that both houses had been built by the same builder: tight space, low ceilings, awkward arrangement, and poor building materials. Our client here is a single mother of three boys with an incredibly demanding work life. Once finally home at the end of a busy day, our client was virtually unable to use her kitchen. Cabinet doors were falling off, limited storage and workspace offered her little opportunity to cook and prep for her children, and the dark and low ceiling created an atmosphere that can only be described as depressing. Our client is also from Louisiana and has always dreamed of a kitchen that reminds her of home warmth and hospitality. Our goal was not only to expand functional storage and workspace, but bring in the southern NOLA appeal that reminds our client so much of home. To do this, we removed the wall between the formal dining room and kitchen to create an extended kitchen that runs the full length of both spaces. The back wall of what used to be the dining room is now the cooking zone for our client: we've relocated her range and microwave, and have created an island full of storage where her children can sit and socialize. We've also lifted up the low ceiling to create a tray ceiling that we have finished with ghostwood. The cabinetry is an off-white color with a hazelnut glaze that offers a more traditional, warm appearance. The island and mini work nook feature dramatic, handmade tin ceiling tiles for a dramatic texture and color. We've finished the space with functional quartz countertops and an arabesque two-toned marble backspalsh. The sinks, faucets and hardware are all in a matte black finish that offer a dramatic pop throughout the space. Little touches of Parisian flair add to this Cajun-French aesthetic and we are so thrilled with the final result!

After serving as a rental for some time, this home was ready to be reclaimed by its owner and her son. Gutting “back to the studs” was an understatement for this one. This transformation involved replanning everything; including the roof, the HVAC system, the entire plumbing system, and relocating the side entrance and staircase to the back of the house. Only the subfloors, the exterior framing structure, and the brick remains from this original 1940’s-built bungalow. When we’re renovating an old structure, we’re bound to find some surprises. This renovation did not disappoint! From basement to roof, we found more than a few, shall we say, potentially catastrophic surprises along the way. Let’s start with the basement. The homeowner wanted to update the basement and make it a usable living space for her adult son as well as a spa with a sauna for her. This required bringing the 6 foot ceiling height up to code at 7 feet. To do this, we had to re-think the HVAC system that was in the basement ceiling. When we opened up the basement ceiling to remove the HVAC supply and return trunks, we discovered asbestos! The asbestos had to be removed before we could dismantle and remove the HVAC system. For the main floor, when we were replanning the existing 2-bedroom layout to create two master bedrooms each with their own ensuites, we looked at the possibility of removing the main load-bearing wall. But our investigations led to the discovery that the load bearing wall was not lined up with the roof or the basement load points, so the load of the house was not continuous throughout. This was a disaster waiting to happen. And as we found out, this lack of alignment was causing major issues with the roof when we went to replace the shingles. We discovered portions of the roof truss in very poor condition, literally moments away from giving out. These were replaced and other truss components were fortified before we went on to re-shingle the roof and replace all the soffits and eavestroughs. Once the structural and space planning elements were sorted out, we could turn our focus to helping this homeowner select the finishes she and her son wanted for their new spaces. She wanted white all the way, and he wanted bold colours. You will see these color choices reflected in their private bathrooms as well as in the upper kitchen and living area that she will mostly use, and the basement entertainment area that he will mostly use. To round out the personalization of this made-new-again home, we converted the basement into an entertainment center with a bar for her son, and a sauna and third full bathroom with a jacuzzi tub for a spa-like feel for her. Without having to build from scratch, this homeowner got the custom home of her dreams. While you “can’t teach an old dog new tricks”, the sky’s the limit on how you can transform an old home into the home of your dreams. When your “old dog” needs some new tricks, we are the Renovator You Can Count On.

Surprise 2 Bedroom Makeover In A Day!! Parents wanted to surprise their kids with a remodeled room as a Christmas gift. Their parents asked for some specific: · It had to be a surprise—we just have one day to keep them out of the house, · Stay on low budget—under $1,000 for each room, · Provide enough space for their trophies, · Have a “homework” area, · Each room should not be too different from the other to avoid conflict between them, · Fix the poor illumination on the rooms, Our young clients Santiago (13 yrs.) and Matias (10 yrs.) are two vibrant and close brothers, who love red color and taekwondo. Our solution: Maximize space, making storage more efficient, while brightening the room with color, and keeping it versatile so over time our young clients could include their own taste and personality on the rooms.

Reference: BB507-US Model: RONDO Color: Concrete gray Shape: round Finish: honed inside and outside US Dimensions: 16 x 4-1/3" US Drain size: standard hole size (1.5") Material- Basalt-Andesite RONDO is a 15-3/4" x 4-1/3" round Concrete gray Andesite (basalt) vessel sink, genuine stone made for bathroom decoration. Our products cannot be compared to poor quality plastic, often overpriced vessel sinks. RONDO pure and sleek lines will give a cool and chic look to your bathroom with its gray tones reminder of the concrete color fashionable for the bathroom decor.

When this family of 7 bought their home, they came to us and said "We want a purple kitchen!". Naturally we jumped at the opportunity to create something outside of the box. With 5 young children, functionality and storage was imperative. We designed the kitchen to accommodate our client's lifestyle and busy household. It houses, 3 floor to ceiling storage compartments, each with its own individual function. First, the "Chef's Pantry", complete with top to bottom pullouts. Secondly, the "Breakfast Pantry", that houses everyday appliances, dinner ware, breakfast cereals and spreads. Finally, the once closet, converted 'Walk In Pantry". The oak frame around the range was specifically designed to allow for quick & easy access to everyday cooking essentials, and serve as a focal point in the space. Additional accessories included in the design were a double garbage pull out bin, retractable shelf for smaller, yet heavy appliances, Tupperware organizer, 2 spice pulls, and 2 Le Mans corner organizers. We opted for bespoke cabinetry, with an HDF painted & and oak construction, paired with purple and champagne bronze accents to tie it all together. Overall, this once dull and poorly organized kitchen is now the embodiment of bright, bold and beautiful, offering this colorful family comfort and convenience as they live life as an expression of their values.

Architectural / Interior Design, Custom Cabinetry, Architectural Millwork & Fabrication by Michelle Rein and Ariel Snyders of American Artisans. Photo by Brandon Rein

We are delighted to have completed the radical transformation of a tired detached property in South Croydon. When they appointed Granit, our clients were living in the property which had previously been divided into a number of flats. The historic sub-division had resulted in an extremely poor use of space with redundant staircases, kitchens and bathrooms throughout. Our clients sought to reconfigure the property back into a single dwelling for his growing family. Our client had an eye for design and was keen to balance contemporary design whilst maintaining as much of the character of the original house. Maximising natural light, space and establishing a visual and physical connection were also key drivers for the design. Owing to the size of the property, it became apparent that reconfiguration rather than extension provided the solution to meet the brief. A metal clad ‘intervention’ was introduced to the rear facade. This created a strong horizontal element creating a visual balance with the vertical nature of the three storey gable. The metal cladding specified echoed the colour of the red brick string courses tying old with new. Slender frame sliding doors provide access and views of the large garden. The central circulation space was transformed by the introduction of a double height glazed slot wrapping up the rear facade and onto the roof. This allows daylight to permeate into the heart of the otherwise dark deep floor plan. The staircase was reconfigured into a series of landings looking down over the main void space below and out towards the tree canopies at the rear of the garden. The introduction of double pocket doors throughout the ground floor creates a series of interconnected spaces and the whitewashed Larch flooring flows seamlessly from room to room. A bold palette of colours and materials lends character and texture throughout the property. The end result is a spacious yet cosy environment for the family to inhabit for years to come.

We are delighted to have completed the radical transformation of a tired detached property in South Croydon. When they appointed Granit, our clients were living in the property which had previously been divided into a number of flats. The historic sub-division had resulted in an extremely poor use of space with redundant staircases, kitchens and bathrooms throughout. Our clients sought to reconfigure the property back into a single dwelling for his growing family. Our client had an eye for design and was keen to balance contemporary design whilst maintaining as much of the character of the original house. Maximising natural light, space and establishing a visual and physical connection were also key drivers for the design. Owing to the size of the property, it became apparent that reconfiguration rather than extension provided the solution to meet the brief. A metal clad ‘intervention’ was introduced to the rear facade. This created a strong horizontal element creating a visual balance with the vertical nature of the three storey gable. The metal cladding specified echoed the colour of the red brick string courses tying old with new. Slender frame sliding doors provide access and views of the large garden. The central circulation space was transformed by the introduction of a double height glazed slot wrapping up the rear facade and onto the roof. This allows daylight to permeate into the heart of the otherwise dark deep floor plan. The staircase was reconfigured into a series of landings looking down over the main void space below and out towards the tree canopies at the rear of the garden. The introduction of double pocket doors throughout the ground floor creates a series of interconnected spaces and the whitewashed Larch flooring flows seamlessly from room to room. A bold palette of colours and materials lends character and texture throughout the property. The end result is a spacious yet cosy environment for the family to inhabit for years to come.

After serving as a rental for some time, this home was ready to be reclaimed by its owner and her son. Gutting “back to the studs” was an understatement for this one. This transformation involved replanning everything; including the roof, the HVAC system, the entire plumbing system, and relocating the side entrance and staircase to the back of the house. Only the subfloors, the exterior framing structure, and the brick remains from this original 1940’s-built bungalow. When we’re renovating an old structure, we’re bound to find some surprises. This renovation did not disappoint! From basement to roof, we found more than a few, shall we say, potentially catastrophic surprises along the way. Let’s start with the basement. The homeowner wanted to update the basement and make it a usable living space for her adult son as well as a spa with a sauna for her. This required bringing the 6 foot ceiling height up to code at 7 feet. To do this, we had to re-think the HVAC system that was in the basement ceiling. When we opened up the basement ceiling to remove the HVAC supply and return trunks, we discovered asbestos! The asbestos had to be removed before we could dismantle and remove the HVAC system. For the main floor, when we were replanning the existing 2-bedroom layout to create two master bedrooms each with their own ensuites, we looked at the possibility of removing the main load-bearing wall. But our investigations led to the discovery that the load bearing wall was not lined up with the roof or the basement load points, so the load of the house was not continuous throughout. This was a disaster waiting to happen. And as we found out, this lack of alignment was causing major issues with the roof when we went to replace the shingles. We discovered portions of the roof truss in very poor condition, literally moments away from giving out. These were replaced and other truss components were fortified before we went on to re-shingle the roof and replace all the soffits and eavestroughs. Once the structural and space planning elements were sorted out, we could turn our focus to helping this homeowner select the finishes she and her son wanted for their new spaces. She wanted white all the way, and he wanted bold colours. You will see these color choices reflected in their private bathrooms as well as in the upper kitchen and living area that she will mostly use, and the basement entertainment area that he will mostly use. To round out the personalization of this made-new-again home, we converted the basement into an entertainment center with a bar for her son, and a sauna and third full bathroom with a jacuzzi tub for a spa-like feel for her. Without having to build from scratch, this homeowner got the custom home of her dreams. While you “can’t teach an old dog new tricks”, the sky’s the limit on how you can transform an old home into the home of your dreams. When your “old dog” needs some new tricks, we are the Renovator You Can Count On.

For many, professional interior design is a luxury. Whether your home’s design project is large or small, having the ability to transform your house, apartment or condo into a beautiful, unique space is a wonderful opportunity for self-expression. Even if it is a just simple accent wall painted in a color that speaks to you, or a complete renovation of your cabinets to achieve the kitchen of your dreams, interior design allows you to create an environment that is both personal and comfortable. That is exactly how interior designer and founder of Design Exchange Sean Carlson Perry feels about what he does for a living. “The reason that I love designing spaces, and value the impact of space design on people, is the way the spaces make us feel, the visceral appeal of good design. Good design should stimulate the senses and generate an emotionally engaging experience. As a designer, I get to massage and sculpt people’s experience of space!” Perry shared with us. In late 2017, the Paintzen team connected with Perry regarding a very special design project he was working on. Design Exchange was renovating, redesigning and re-furnishing The Ali Forney Center. The Ali Forney Center, based in New York City, is the largest and most comprehensive organization dedicated to housing homeless LGBTQ youth. Nearly 40% of the homeless youth population is LGBTQ. Homeless LGBTQ youth are eight times more likely to experience violence, discrimination, and suicide. AFC houses 124 youths each night and provides services to over 1,400 homeless young people per year. Although the organization does an incredible job to provide safety and shelter to homeless youth, Perry and his team felt the space itself could use some updating and could feel more welcoming. Rooms were dark, cold, and lacked proper storage. Furniture was in poor shape and didn’t work. The rooms were being under-utilized; overall, there was so much more that could be done within the walls of the AFC that could be improved using interior design & paint! We at Paintzen were excited to partner with Design Exchange to do our part in this transformation. The dark, paneled walls were re-painted white. This entirely opened up the space, making it brighter, warmer and more welcoming. The white walls also served as a much better backdrop for smart lighting, as well as for the furniture, wall decor, and new flooring. Beyond painting, Perry and his team used FLOR carpet tiles for durability in a bright Fuchsia shade for a pop of color. They created a more functional layout to maximize the space and make better use of its architectural details and added new furniture including lamps, tables, throws, a sofa, a TV and a Roku to make the space beautiful, and even fun. “Design increases connection and community,” Perry told us. “When we revamp a shelter space, history tells us that the residents spend more time in the space, more time with their peers, building connections and community; a greater sense of home.” Perry’s goal was to create an environment that set its residents up for success by improving their quality of life, outlook and self-esteem. “This isn’t extreme home makeover (although I wish I had that budget!). It’s about improving the aesthetics of the space to create a better environment and experience for people who are going through challenging times. I’ve been lucky enough to have an amount of work that allows me to donate a portion of profits to Design Exchange Projects.” Sean Carlson Perry founded Design Exchange as a way to use his talent, passion, and skills to help those who are struggling, or in a place of immediate need. He was searching to bring deeper meaning and a humanitarian component to his work. Perry has worked with clients in New York, San Francisco, and Los Angeles. “Good design—functionally, aesthetically and ergonomically—promotes a better quality of life.” This is a mantra that describes why Perry does what he does through Design Exchange, working to help the underserved of New York City and other cities across the country. “I grew up gay in Nebraska, and have gone through some hard times when I was younger, but I can’t imagine going through what these kids go through – rejection from family, being kicked out of the house for being who they are, homeless and having nowhere else to turn,” said Perry. “Luckily, there is The Ali Forney Center. Doing these projects for AFC strikes close to home for me, so they are extra special and close to my heart.”

This challenging kitchen came our way at the same time as another similarly located Centennial kitchen. It was apparent that both houses had been built by the same builder: tight space, low ceilings, awkward arrangement, and poor building materials. Our client here is a single mother of three boys with an incredibly demanding work life. Once finally home at the end of a busy day, our client was virtually unable to use her kitchen. Cabinet doors were falling off, limited storage and workspace offered her little opportunity to cook and prep for her children, and the dark and low ceiling created an atmosphere that can only be described as depressing. Our client is also from Louisiana and has always dreamed of a kitchen that reminds her of home warmth and hospitality. Our goal was not only to expand functional storage and workspace, but bring in the southern NOLA appeal that reminds our client so much of home. To do this, we removed the wall between the formal dining room and kitchen to create an extended kitchen that runs the full length of both spaces. The back wall of what used to be the dining room is now the cooking zone for our client: we've relocated her range and microwave, and have created an island full of storage where her children can sit and socialize. We've also lifted up the low ceiling to create a tray ceiling that we have finished with ghostwood. The cabinetry is an off-white color with a hazelnut glaze that offers a more traditional, warm appearance. The island and mini work nook feature dramatic, handmade tin ceiling tiles for a dramatic texture and color. We've finished the space with functional quartz countertops and an arabesque two-toned marble backspalsh. The sinks, faucets and hardware are all in a matte black finish that offer a dramatic pop throughout the space. Little touches of Parisian flair add to this Cajun-French aesthetic and we are so thrilled with the final result!

Photographer: Kat Brannaman
Inspiration for a timeless kitchen remodel in Other

Keeping It Green http://keepingitgreenoutdoors.com 2014 PLNA Awards for Landscape Excellence Winner Category: Residential $0-$15,000 Award Level: Honorable Mention Project Description: The objective of this project was to match the surrounding natural woodland setting with the new landscaping and outdoor area. The homeowners enjoy being outside and wanted an extension of their house that they could enjoy with family and friends. After returning from vacations in their cabin, they wanted to re-create the same feeling at their home. To complete their new cabin feel they wanted somewhere to have a camp fire with good company. I wanted to create flow from each area, and maximize space in a very limited area. The overall look of the project needed to blend with the natural environment and appear as though is has been there for years. The clients were very open minded and great to work with through the design process and we were able to achieve everything we needed while working with budgets and preferences. The area was shaded with very poor drainage, which created a unusable space full of mud. The wet area made an already tight area with difficult access more challenging. It was also important to place the fire-pit at a safe distance from the house, and the tree canopy. The area was regarded to allow for better drainage and the downspouts were buried. A decorative river stone was selected to aide with drainage. All plant material needed to be shade tolerant and provide color. As a result, I chose plants with terrific foliage color, and texture; Aucuba, Heuchera, Athyrium and Hosta. The construction materials to build the steps, walls and fire-pit needed to be a stone that would match the existing stone and environment. For this I chose PA flagstone and fieldstone of varying sizes for interest and to create a more natural look. This project is special because of the limited space that needed to have its potential discovered and created. With the strong wooded environment the new outdoor area had to blend into that while working with the house and existing concrete patio. We exceeded our clients expectations by creating a new area that looked like it had been there forever. Plant List: 5 Astilbe chinensis ‘Vision in Pink’ 6 Heuchera x villosa ‘Citronella’ 6 Hosta x ‘Sum and Substance’ 2 Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Endless Summer 5 Buxus x ‘Green Velvet’ 1 Leucothoe fontsiana ‘Rainbow’ 4 Rhododendron ‘PJM’ 2 Chamaecyparis obtusa ‘Aurea Nana’ 1 Aucuba japonica ‘Variegata’ 3 Athyrium filix-femina 24 Pachysandra terminalis 16 Torenia fournieri Photo Credit: Keeping It Green

This challenging kitchen came our way at the same time as another similarly located Centennial kitchen. It was apparent that both houses had been built by the same builder: tight space, low ceilings, awkward arrangement, and poor building materials. Our client here is a single mother of three boys with an incredibly demanding work life. Once finally home at the end of a busy day, our client was virtually unable to use her kitchen. Cabinet doors were falling off, limited storage and workspace offered her little opportunity to cook and prep for her children, and the dark and low ceiling created an atmosphere that can only be described as depressing. Our client is also from Louisiana and has always dreamed of a kitchen that reminds her of home warmth and hospitality. Our goal was not only to expand functional storage and workspace, but bring in the southern NOLA appeal that reminds our client so much of home. To do this, we removed the wall between the formal dining room and kitchen to create an extended kitchen that runs the full length of both spaces. The back wall of what used to be the dining room is now the cooking zone for our client: we've relocated her range and microwave, and have created an island full of storage where her children can sit and socialize. We've also lifted up the low ceiling to create a tray ceiling that we have finished with ghostwood. The cabinetry is an off-white color with a hazelnut glaze that offers a more traditional, warm appearance. The island and mini work nook feature dramatic, handmade tin ceiling tiles for a dramatic texture and color. We've finished the space with functional quartz countertops and an arabesque two-toned marble backspalsh. The sinks, faucets and hardware are all in a matte black finish that offer a dramatic pop throughout the space. Little touches of Parisian flair add to this Cajun-French aesthetic and we are so thrilled with the final result!

This challenging kitchen came our way at the same time as another similarly located Centennial kitchen. It was apparent that both houses had been built by the same builder: tight space, low ceilings, awkward arrangement, and poor building materials. Our client here is a single mother of three boys with an incredibly demanding work life. Once finally home at the end of a busy day, our client was virtually unable to use her kitchen. Cabinet doors were falling off, limited storage and workspace offered her little opportunity to cook and prep for her children, and the dark and low ceiling created an atmosphere that can only be described as depressing. Our client is also from Louisiana and has always dreamed of a kitchen that reminds her of home warmth and hospitality. Our goal was not only to expand functional storage and workspace, but bring in the southern NOLA appeal that reminds our client so much of home. To do this, we removed the wall between the formal dining room and kitchen to create an extended kitchen that runs the full length of both spaces. The back wall of what used to be the dining room is now the cooking zone for our client: we've relocated her range and microwave, and have created an island full of storage where her children can sit and socialize. We've also lifted up the low ceiling to create a tray ceiling that we have finished with ghostwood. The cabinetry is an off-white color with a hazelnut glaze that offers a more traditional, warm appearance. The island and mini work nook feature dramatic, handmade tin ceiling tiles for a dramatic texture and color. We've finished the space with functional quartz countertops and an arabesque two-toned marble backspalsh. The sinks, faucets and hardware are all in a matte black finish that offer a dramatic pop throughout the space. Little touches of Parisian flair add to this Cajun-French aesthetic and we are so thrilled with the final result!

Eat-in kitchen - large traditional u-shaped medium tone wood floor eat-in kitchen idea in Dallas with an undermount sink, raised-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, granite countertops, beige backsplash, stone tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Bud Kane has remodeled nearly every room in his own home over many years. Now reaching his 70’s, he contemplated heading up a major kitchen and laundry room renovation himself, planning on doing the carpentry work with his own hands. “I was not convinced I would ever meet anyone who could do it as well as I could do it myself”, said Bud. Ruth and Bud spent 5 years visiting kitchen firms and interviewing designers. They couldn’t however bring themselves to pull the trigger on the project, until they met Advance Design Studio in 2015. “No one understood what I wanted”, said Ruth. She was continually frustrated by experiences with designers who weren’t hearing what was important to her. “Everyone kept designing my kitchen with what they thought it should look like; I couldn’t find anyone who would listen to me”! When they met designer Scott Christensen from Advance Design Studio, they liked him right away. He listened to Ruth and designed a kitchen that she loved, all the while interjecting years of wisdom and design expertise that Ruth appreciated. “The finished product is better than I expected”, says Ruth. “I respected Scott’s opinions and together we created the perfect place for me to bake with my grandkids and truly enjoy the kitchen and laundry room I’ve been dreaming of for many years!” The kitchen transformation began with removing the home’s soffits, and extending new painted maple cabinetry to the ceiling with the addition of an elegant crown molding. Ruth’s new Vita Mix holds a coveted place on her counter, and adjustments were planned to size the cabinets in conjunction with the under cabinet decorative light molding to fit this appliance just right. “This one small detail was really important to me”, says Ruth smiling. An elegant new island replaced the original island, complete with room for 3 stools where her grandchildren will sit to make home-made pasta every Thanksgiving, and cookies at Christmas time. “Traditions are very important in my family, and making my kitchen work to suit cherished activities with my family was the number one reason this renovation was so desired”, replied Ruth when asked about the island. A picture perfect new tea station replaced a cluttered unused desk area, creating a wonderful place to prepare hot drinks for sipping any season of the year while overlooking the couple’s wonderfully manicured gardens from the lovely 3 season’s room just off the kitchen. The soft sage island bead panel detail was repeated on the backsplash, replicating the feel of a fine old piece of furniture. The biggest problem with the laundry room was 3 doors, one from the garage, one from the closet, and one to the hallway. “Scott designed a pocket door, and oh what a dream it is now to bring groceries in from the garage!” exclaims Bud who grew to disdain this task! Doing laundry is now a breeze in this attractive new space that doubles as a wonderful pantry for the kitchen with room to store food items that didn’t have a home in the poorly designed original space. New Hickory distressed wood flooring was laid both in the kitchen and leading to the hall foyer. Soft gray wood-replicating porcelain was placed in the laundry area, making for an easily cleanable surface for what doubles as a mud room from the garage. Creamy tumbled marble graces an unobtrusive backsplash spilling onto shiny granite counter tops in a rich earthy pattern of fall colors that mimic colors throughout the home. Advance is known details that included custom crafted furniture toe kicks, luxurious crown moldings, and beaded under cabinet moldings. The kitchen is complete with a glass display cabinet showing Ruth’s treasured china tea collection. Early on, it was initially only their intention of purchasing cabinets for the new design. They were so impressed however with Advance Design’s complete program for budgeting, design, installation and management that it became clear to them both that they wanted Advance to handle the entire project from start to finish. “After seeing the quality work they did, coupled with the in-house team completely dedicated to our satisfaction, it became apparent there was no other choice but to hire them to handle everything. And we’re so glad we did, we have not one regret”, says Bud. “The attention to detail by the carpentry crew more than satisfied my perfectionist expectations of the finished carpentry,” exclaimed Bud. “Every one of Advance Design’s people we encountered from design through construction was wonderful. We’ve never met a group of people so dedicated to making sure we were happy with every single detail, and every single part of this experience”, said Ruth and Bud. Designer: Scott Christensen Photographer: Joe Nowak

See "5-Year Kitchen in Elgin" for the kitchen featured in this description. Bud Kane has remodeled nearly every room in his own home over many years. Now reaching his 70’s, he contemplated heading up a major kitchen and laundry room renovation himself, planning on doing the carpentry work with his own hands. “I was not convinced I would ever meet anyone who could do it as well as I could do it myself”, said Bud. Ruth and Bud spent 5 years visiting kitchen firms and interviewing designers. They couldn’t however bring themselves to pull the trigger on the project, until they met Advance Design Studio in 2015. “No one understood what I wanted”, said Ruth. She was continually frustrated by experiences with designers who weren’t hearing what was important to her. “Everyone kept designing my kitchen with what they thought it should look like; I couldn’t find anyone who would listen to me”! When they met designer Scott Christensen from Advance Design Studio, they liked him right away. He listened to Ruth and designed a kitchen that she loved, all the while interjecting years of wisdom and design expertise that Ruth appreciated. “The finished product is better than I expected”, says Ruth. “I respected Scott’s opinions and together we created the perfect place for me to bake with my grandkids and truly enjoy the kitchen and laundry room I’ve been dreaming of for many years!” The kitchen transformation began with removing the home’s soffits, and extending new painted maple cabinetry to the ceiling with the addition of an elegant crown molding. Ruth’s new Vita Mix holds a coveted place on her counter, and adjustments were planned to size the cabinets in conjunction with the under cabinet decorative light molding to fit this appliance just right. “This one small detail was really important to me”, says Ruth smiling. An elegant new island replaced the original island, complete with room for 3 stools where her grandchildren will sit to make home-made pasta every Thanksgiving, and cookies at Christmas time. “Traditions are very important in my family, and making my kitchen work to suit cherished activities with my family was the number one reason this renovation was so desired”, replied Ruth when asked about the island. A picture perfect new tea station replaced a cluttered unused desk area, creating a wonderful place to prepare hot drinks for sipping any season of the year while overlooking the couple’s wonderfully manicured gardens from the lovely 3 season’s room just off the kitchen. The soft sage island bead panel detail was repeated on the backsplash, replicating the feel of a fine old piece of furniture. The biggest problem with the laundry room was 3 doors, one from the garage, one from the closet, and one to the hallway. “Scott designed a pocket door, and oh what a dream it is now to bring groceries in from the garage!” exclaims Bud who grew to disdain this task! Doing laundry is now a breeze in this attractive new space that doubles as a wonderful pantry for the kitchen with room to store food items that didn’t have a home in the poorly designed original space. New Hickory distressed wood flooring was laid both in the kitchen and leading to the hall foyer. Soft gray wood-replicating porcelain was placed in the laundry area, making for an easily cleanable surface for what doubles as a mud room from the garage. Creamy tumbled marble graces an unobtrusive backsplash spilling onto shiny granite counter tops in a rich earthy pattern of fall colors that mimic colors throughout the home. Advance is known details that included custom crafted furniture toe kicks, luxurious crown moldings, and beaded under cabinet moldings. The kitchen is complete with a glass display cabinet showing Ruth’s treasured china tea collection. Early on, it was initially only their intention of purchasing cabinets for the new design. They were so impressed however with Advance Design’s complete program for budgeting, design, installation and management that it became clear to them both that they wanted Advance to handle the entire project from start to finish. “After seeing the quality work they did, coupled with the in-house team completely dedicated to our satisfaction, it became apparent there was no other choice but to hire them to handle everything. And we’re so glad we did, we have not one regret”, says Bud. “The attention to detail by the carpentry crew more than satisfied my perfectionist expectations of the finished carpentry,” exclaimed Bud. “Every one of Advance Design’s people we encountered from design through construction was wonderful. We’ve never met a group of people so dedicated to making sure we were happy with every single detail, and every single part of this experience”, said Ruth and Bud. Designer: Scott Christensen Photographer: Joe Nowak

For many, professional interior design is a luxury. Whether your home’s design project is large or small, having the ability to transform your house, apartment or condo into a beautiful, unique space is a wonderful opportunity for self-expression. Even if it is a just simple accent wall painted in a color that speaks to you, or a complete renovation of your cabinets to achieve the kitchen of your dreams, interior design allows you to create an environment that is both personal and comfortable. That is exactly how interior designer and founder of Design Exchange Sean Carlson Perry feels about what he does for a living. “The reason that I love designing spaces, and value the impact of space design on people, is the way the spaces make us feel, the visceral appeal of good design. Good design should stimulate the senses and generate an emotionally engaging experience. As a designer, I get to massage and sculpt people’s experience of space!” Perry shared with us. In late 2017, the Paintzen team connected with Perry regarding a very special design project he was working on. Design Exchange was renovating, redesigning and re-furnishing The Ali Forney Center. The Ali Forney Center, based in New York City, is the largest and most comprehensive organization dedicated to housing homeless LGBTQ youth. Nearly 40% of the homeless youth population is LGBTQ. Homeless LGBTQ youth are eight times more likely to experience violence, discrimination, and suicide. AFC houses 124 youths each night and provides services to over 1,400 homeless young people per year. Although the organization does an incredible job to provide safety and shelter to homeless youth, Perry and his team felt the space itself could use some updating and could feel more welcoming. Rooms were dark, cold, and lacked proper storage. Furniture was in poor shape and didn’t work. The rooms were being under-utilized; overall, there was so much more that could be done within the walls of the AFC that could be improved using interior design & paint! We at Paintzen were excited to partner with Design Exchange to do our part in this transformation. The dark, paneled walls were re-painted white. This entirely opened up the space, making it brighter, warmer and more welcoming. The white walls also served as a much better backdrop for smart lighting, as well as for the furniture, wall decor, and new flooring. Beyond painting, Perry and his team used FLOR carpet tiles for durability in a bright Fuchsia shade for a pop of color. They created a more functional layout to maximize the space and make better use of its architectural details and added new furniture including lamps, tables, throws, a sofa, a TV and a Roku to make the space beautiful, and even fun. “Design increases connection and community,” Perry told us. “When we revamp a shelter space, history tells us that the residents spend more time in the space, more time with their peers, building connections and community; a greater sense of home.” Perry’s goal was to create an environment that set its residents up for success by improving their quality of life, outlook and self-esteem. “This isn’t extreme home makeover (although I wish I had that budget!). It’s about improving the aesthetics of the space to create a better environment and experience for people who are going through challenging times. I’ve been lucky enough to have an amount of work that allows me to donate a portion of profits to Design Exchange Projects.” Sean Carlson Perry founded Design Exchange as a way to use his talent, passion, and skills to help those who are struggling, or in a place of immediate need. He was searching to bring deeper meaning and a humanitarian component to his work. Perry has worked with clients in New York, San Francisco, and Los Angeles. “Good design—functionally, aesthetically and ergonomically—promotes a better quality of life.” This is a mantra that describes why Perry does what he does through Design Exchange, working to help the underserved of New York City and other cities across the country. “I grew up gay in Nebraska, and have gone through some hard times when I was younger, but I can’t imagine going through what these kids go through – rejection from family, being kicked out of the house for being who they are, homeless and having nowhere else to turn,” said Perry. “Luckily, there is The Ali Forney Center. Doing these projects for AFC strikes close to home for me, so they are extra special and close to my heart.”