There's plenty of space in this kitchen for boys to find a snack and parents prepare food and entertain. Pops of color and sturdy barstools with wipeable seats round out the design decisions.

Example of a huge classic white three-story mixed siding gable roof design in New York

Food preparation is done in the outdoor kitchen with all professional grade stainless steel appliances, stone facade, and wood-looking doors. (Photo by Frank Gensheimer)

Whether you're preparing a Thanksgiving feast or grabbing breakfast on the go as you whirl out the door to work, having a highly functional kitchen requires an upfront attention to design detail that borders on fanatical. That's why Colorado Fine Woodworks' kitchen cabinet projects include an in-depth discussion about how you actually use your kitchen. Left-handed or right-handed? Doors or drawers? Concealing or revealing? We ask all the questions, listen to your answers, take our own measurements onsite, create 3D drawings, manage installation, and collaborate with you to ensure even the smallest elements are carefully considered. And, of course, we also make it beautiful, whether your tastes tend toward traditional or contemporary, incorporating influences from elegant to rustic to reclaimed. Our work is: - exclusively custom, built EXACTLY to the specifications of your kitchen - designed to optimize every square inch, with no fillers or dead spaces - crafted to highlight or hide any feature you wish - including your appliances - thoughtfully and thoroughly plotted, from hinges to hardware

Acer palmatum (Japanese Maple) 'Shirazz'. Photo by Jay Sifford.
Example of an eclectic home design design in Charlotte

A hidden pantry provides a bright, clean and organized space for storage, preparation, and clean-up. Photo by Daniel Contelmo Jr. Stylist: Adams Interior Design

The kitchen is in the exact same place as the original kitchen but with a full new look and feel.
Kitchen - transitional kitchen idea in Atlanta

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 Italian-made workhorse is designed to handle the most demanding cooking tasks. The 16,000 btu power burner is located in the center of the cooking surface where it can safely accommodate the largest stock pots. The high efficiency triple burner spreads the heat under the bottom of the cookware for faster cooking results. Two turbo electric convection ovens will prepare your meals faster and with better results than a conventional oven. The large oven will handle a 25-pound turkey with ease and the small oven is perfect for any day to day cooking and can be used alone for energy savings. A full width compartment provides plenty of storage. You can also customize your range to suit your kitchen decor with optional round oven handles, island trims and four designer colors to suit your style.

Karen and Chad of Tower Lakes, IL were tired of their unfinished basement functioning as nothing more than a storage area and depressing gym. They wanted to increase the livable square footage of their home with a cohesive finished basement design, while incorporating space for the kids and adults to hang out. “We wanted to make sure that upon renovating the basement, that we can have a place where we can spend time and watch movies, but also entertain and showcase the wine collection that we have,” Karen said. After a long search comparing many different remodeling companies, Karen and Chad found Advance Design Studio. They were drawn towards the unique “Common Sense Remodeling” process that simplifies the renovation experience into predictable steps focused on customer satisfaction. “There are so many other design/build companies, who may not have transparency, or a focused process in mind and I think that is what separated Advance Design Studio from the rest,” Karen said. Karen loved how designer Claudia Pop was able to take very high-level concepts, “non-negotiable items” and implement them in the initial 3D drawings. Claudia and Project Manager DJ Yurik kept the couple in constant communication through the project. “Claudia was very receptive to the ideas we had, but she was also very good at infusing her own points and thoughts, she was very responsive, and we had an open line of communication,” Karen said. A very important part of the basement renovation for the couple was the home gym and sauna. The “high-end hotel” look and feel of the openly blended work out area is both highly functional and beautiful to look at. The home sauna gives them a place to relax after a long day of work or a tough workout. “The gym was a very important feature for us,” Karen said. “And I think (Advance Design) did a very great job in not only making the gym a functional area, but also an aesthetic point in our basement”. An extremely unique wow-factor in this basement is the walk in glass wine cellar that elegantly displays Karen and Chad’s extensive wine collection. Immediate access to the stunning wet bar accompanies the wine cellar to make this basement a popular spot for friends and family. The custom-built wine bar brings together two natural elements; Calacatta Vicenza Quartz and thick distressed Black Walnut. Sophisticated yet warm Graphite Dura Supreme cabinetry provides contrast to the soft beige walls and the Calacatta Gold backsplash. An undermount sink across from the bar in a matching Calacatta Vicenza Quartz countertop adds functionality and convenience to the bar, while identical distressed walnut floating shelves add an interesting design element and increased storage. Rich true brown Rustic Oak hardwood floors soften and warm the space drawing all the areas together. Across from the bar is a comfortable living area perfect for the family to sit down at a watch a movie. A full bath completes this finished basement with a spacious walk-in shower, Cocoa Brown Dura Supreme vanity with Calacatta Vicenza Quartz countertop, a crisp white sink and a stainless-steel Voss faucet. Advance Design’s Common Sense process gives clients the opportunity to walk through the basement renovation process one step at a time, in a completely predictable and controlled environment. “Everything was designed and built exactly how we envisioned it, and we are really enjoying it to it’s full potential,” Karen said. Constantly striving for customer satisfaction, Advance Design’s success is heavily reliant upon happy clients referring their friends and family. “We definitely will and have recommended Advance Design Studio to friends who are looking to embark on a remodeling project small or large,” Karen exclaimed at the completion of her project.

photo © Marie-Dominique Verdier
Example of a mountain style open concept medium tone wood floor and brown floor living room design with beige walls, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace and a wall-mounted tv

Photo of a large traditional full sun front yard concrete paver driveway in Nashville.

This mid-century modern was a full restoration back to this home's former glory. The vertical grain fir ceilings were reclaimed, refinished, and reinstalled. The floors were a special epoxy blend to imitate terrazzo floors that were so popular during this period. Reclaimed light fixtures, hardware, and appliances put the finishing touches on this remodel. Photo credit - Inspiro 8 Studios

Adam Rouse
Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary single-wall light wood floor and beige floor open concept kitchen remodel in San Francisco with flat-panel cabinets, an undermount sink, white cabinets, gray backsplash, an island, gray countertops and quartz countertops

Stepping out onto the covered patio space, attention is immediately drawn to the tranquil water feature. Faced with Georgetown Blend stone and Bullnose Travertine coping, this water fall feature creates an elegant feel to this outdoor patio. Even in the midst of night, it glows with LED lights and sparkles from the decorative glass backsplash. This lovely water feature requires low maintenance, as it is fitted with a chlorinator and Jandy pump for proper filtration. The Venetian Gold granite blends well with the earthy tones found in the original brick, allowing this outdoor kitchen to stand out yet complement the home’s exterior. The bar top area easily seats 4 to 5 guests and attracts the use of Margarita mixers with accessible countertop electrical outlets. For added convenience, the kitchen sink is equipped with both hot and cold water as well as a sanitary pump. There is ample amount of storage space alongside the stainless steel appliances and an inconspicuous garbage can drawer. The mini refrigerator accommodates 48-60 canned drinks, and the double burner and grill provide the perfect opportunity to prepare an outstanding meal for guests and family. The fire feature in this outdoor project attracts those recently refreshed at the kitchen to come sit and relax! With matching brick as the home, the fire place is a seamless addition to this outdoor living room. Completing the project, varying sizes of Travertine tile are used for the flooring. The variation in size and uniquely chiseled edge of the tile catches the eye of its travelers.

Custom design by Cynthia Soda of Soda Pop Design Inc. in Toronto, Canada. Photography by Stephani Buchman Photography.
Example of a large transitional l-shaped medium tone wood floor open concept kitchen design in Toronto with recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, beige backsplash, stone tile backsplash, an island, wood countertops and stainless steel appliances

Peter Rymwid Architectural Photography Once a small bedroom for a governess, now creatively converted to "Le Petit Pantry de Plumberry" Just steps away from the Master Bedroom, Dressing Area and Atrium lies a pantry like no other! A small, yet fully functional kitchen capable of fulfilling any request or appetite! The cherry cabinetry is finished in a beautiful French blue-grey striate with accents of walnut and adorned with polished nickel and crystal glass knobs. The extraordinary white Calacatta Romano marble countertops are reflected in the hand cut marble mosaics extending the full height of the wall providing a breathtaking moment upon entering this room. A quick cup of fresh hot coffee, espresso or cappuccino is easily accessible as Monsieur dresses for the start of his business day. Maybe he has time to sit at the marble peninsula and enjoy the view and the fireplace as he reads the morning paper and listens to the stock and traffic news. The refrigerator is elegantly camouflaged as an antique mirrored armoire. Inside is an undisclosed amount of cookie dough that serves to cure Madame's fervor for fresh shortbreads with her afternoon tea or a quick snack for the little one's playing in the Atrium. Simply place a few dollops of dough and place in the speed oven for just several minutes and voila. Monsieur loves to prepare a full breakfast for his d'amour as they lounge in their chambers on a lazy morning, along with hot baked croissants, frothing lattes, and fresh berries and cream. Everything he needs is just within reach...a fully stocked refrigerator, induction cooktop, speed oven and concealed dishwasher to provide an easy clean up.

The U-shaped layout of this kitchen allows for family members and guests to comfortably move about the space, even if someone is working at the island. The island was also designed for the sole purpose of food preparation.