A sleeping alcove tucked into one end of a guest room just off the main living area provides respite even when the rest of the home is busy. Images | Kurt Jordan Photography

Compact galley kitchen. All appliances are under-counter. Slate tile flooring, hand-glazed ceramic tile backsplash, custom walnut cabinetry, and quartzite countertop.

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.”

The sleek design allows you to move around the kitchen without protruding catching handles. The doors and drawers incorporate state of the art technology allowing for simple tap or push on the surface for the cabinetry to open. This is especially useful when your hands have food on them when you’re cooking as you are able to use your knee or thigh to activate doors to open. Even refrigerator and freezer have a fully integrated hidden custom pull handle that looks like a vertical reveal – this allows for good grip to pull the heavy doors with suction, and the white acrylic panels are very easy to keep clean. Positions of two sinks on the island were specifically placed in the locations to facilitate the steps in food preparation - having them both on a single working surface makes it easier to work between them without dropping food or dripping water on the floors while preparing for cooking. Island incorporates a tall counter to sit at for a quick bite or just to stand around with you friends as you are preparing a meal. . This island truly is the heart of the kitchen and the heart of this home. Photography: Craig Denis

This is an example of a traditional courtyard landscaping in Kansas City.

Inspiration for an eclectic galley enclosed kitchen remodel in Other with white cabinets and stainless steel appliances

A quaint private garden sits to the side of the home surrounded with concrete pavers creating a fairytale lounging area.
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Stacy Zarin Photography
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At Vision Home Remodeling, our customers’ experience is our top priority for new pool and outdoor kitchen remodel in Santa Clarita. Our belief that ethics makes us Santa Clarita's top choice for new pool and outdoor kitchen remodel and pabers remodeling services. New Pool in Santa Clarita CA Outdoor Kitchen Remodel in Santa Clarita CA Pabers Installation in Santa Clarita CA New Pool and Outdoor Kitchen Remodel and Pabers in Santa Clarita CA - http://visionhomeremodeling.com/

Quartzite waterfall design on island with counter seating, panel ready appliances, plaster hood, stone backsplash wrapping into large window frame. Pocket doors closed for coffee station

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The clients were involved in the neighborhood organization dedicated to keeping the housing instead of tearing down. They wanted to utilize every inch of storage which resulted in floor-to-ceiling cabinetry. Cabinetry and counter space work together to create a balance between function and style.

While this client is not on the road, he loves to cook for his family and closest friends. This is why this kitchen has the top of the line modern appliances, gas cooktop, and a whole back up pantry storage around the corner with full size refrigerator, freezer, and a wine fridge. Client asked us for a sleek and functional kitchen that has a dual purpose: it acts as an every day kitchen for the family, and it can be closed off from the areas of the house with hidden doors to become a catering kitchen for the parties. In lieu of traditional hood and pendants, we designed an incredible stainless steel hood that supports cantilevered structure with LED panel providing functional lighting over the island. This design was inspired by a fashion runway show catwalk and this kitchen certainly is a show stage for culinary excellence. The sleek design allows you to move around the kitchen without protruding catching handles. The doors and drawers incorporate state of the art technology allowing for simple tap or push on the surface for the cabinetry to open. This is especially useful when your hands have food on them when you’re cooking as you are able to use your knee or thigh to activate doors to open. Even refrigerator and freezer have a fully integrated hidden custom pull handle that looks like a vertical reveal – this allows for good grip to pull the heavy doors with suction, and the white acrylic panels are very easy to keep clean. Positions of two sinks on the island were specifically placed in the locations to facilitate the steps in food preparation - having them both on a single working surface makes it easier to work between them without dropping food or dripping water on the floors while preparing for cooking. Island incorporates a tall counter to sit at for a quick bite or just to stand around with you friends as you are preparing a meal. . This island truly is the heart of the kitchen and the heart of this home. Photography: Craig Denis

Photo: Joyelle West
Eat-in kitchen - mid-sized transitional l-shaped medium tone wood floor and brown floor eat-in kitchen idea in Boston with blue cabinets, terra-cotta backsplash, an island, raised-panel cabinets, multicolored backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an undermount sink and quartz countertops

The kitchen island leads into the family room, where glowing floral lighting call to the gardens outside. Nature inspired artwork by Kaoru Mansour and Joyce Gehl hang on the walls, creating another conversation with the plant life outside.A Calacata Avorio marble island offers a large surface to prepare food, or enjoy breakfast while admiring exterior views. Stacks of produce are at the ready for convenient snacking, with vegan cookbooks close at hand in preparation for larger meals. A custom niche was designed to display a pottery collection, and offers another space for plant life to grow. Golden hues in the marble add warmth. Wooden bar stools neatly tuck into the island, perfect for socializing and conversation while preparing meals. The kitchen was made with natural materials to inspire peace, and encourage a connection between the environment when considering the food being prepared. A custom knife drawer as part of cabinetry made in collaboration with a local artisan, conveniently located near the oven for easy preparation. FSC certified no VOC apple ply was used for the cabinetry. Custom silverware drawers give ample space for a variety of flatware. Fresh fruit available for healthy snacking doubles as colorful decor. Artwork by Karen Sikie provides a permanent bouquet when flowers begin to wilt. The pantry, featuring a large concealed fridge to match the cabinetry. On the left, two freezer drawers sit below the counter, with additional storage for dried goods and spices. Custom cabinets made in collaboration with a local craftsperson are painted in a warm grey to bring out the dove tones in the marble. The counter tops were specified to reach the clients ideal height for food preparation. The kitchen is designed for ease of use and calm, creating a mindful experience for cooking.

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Governor's House Breakfast Nook by Lisa Tharp. 2019 Bulfinch Award - Interior Design. Photo by Michael J. Lee
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• A busy family wanted to rejuvenate their entire first floor. As their family was growing, their spaces were getting more cramped and finding comfortable, usable space was no easy task. The goal of their remodel was to create a warm and inviting kitchen and family room, great room-like space that worked with the rest of the home’s floor plan. The focal point of the new kitchen is a large center island around which the family can gather to prepare meals. Exotic granite countertops and furniture quality light-colored cabinets provide a warm, inviting feel. Commercial-grade stainless steel appliances make this gourmet kitchen a great place to prepare large meals. A wide plank hardwood floor continues from the kitchen to the family room and beyond, tying the spaces together. The focal point of the family room is a beautiful stone fireplace hearth surrounded by built-in bookcases. Stunning craftsmanship created this beautiful wall of cabinetry which houses the home’s entertainment system. French doors lead out to the home’s deck and also let a lot of natural light into the space. From its beautiful, functional kitchen to its elegant, comfortable family room, this renovation achieved the homeowners’ goals. Now the entire family has a great space to gather and spend quality time.

Customer comment: I have shown anyone and everyone who has walked into our home (even the copper roofing guy-who was very impressed by the way) our Rachiele sink. Honestly, my husband laughs because I am so in love with this sink and can't help myself but to tell everyone all the benefits of owning a Rachiele sink. Besides it being absolutely gorgeous I point out all the perks saying such things as, "why wouldn't you want to have both a full size trash and recycling can under your sink?". This is the best sink EVER! Teresa S. This is a Rachiele Signature Series workstation sink with a custom rustic patina on the apron. As you can see, our sinks are shallow enough (and the drain is in the rear corner) that you can have a double trash pullout under your sink. That location is where most trash is generated. Why waste an entire valuable cabinet on trash storage? So, what is the "Signature Series" Sink? It is the first sink where you can do all of your food preparation INSIDE the sink and keep your counters clean! No more cutting chicken on a cutting board next to the sink and having chicken "juice" running all over the countertop and possibly the floor. Everything is done inside the confines of the sink! Offset sink drain location - Allows for set-off space and even a dish rack on the left side, while having the ability to wash dishes on the side with the drain. Use the sink like a double bowl sink without the divider in the way. Long single bowl kitchen sinks - Double bowl sinks became extinct with the invention of the dishwasher. I feel a 36" to 42" long sink is the ultimate size for a Signature Series kitchen sink if you have the space in your kitchen for one. That being said, I use a 24" version at my home and it works nicely. The Signature Series Kitchen Sink option - a 1/2" ledge, 2" down from the front and rear of the sink. This ledge allows for many timesaving components such as: Cutting boards and grid drains, This option is available on copper apron front sinks, under mount and top mount sinks - both in copper and stainless steel. This sink is called the "Signature Series Sink" because I sign each sink. You can do all of your food preparation inside the confines of the sink instead of adjacent to the sink. When you prepare poultry, you generally have a cutting board to the side of the sink - and the chicken juice generally runs off the cutting board on to the countertop. What a mess! Now, you can set the raw chicken on the copper grid, place a custom poly cutting board adjacent to it (inside the bowl on the ledge) and do all the food prep with no mess on the countertop. There are some sinks out there with similar options, but they miscalculated. With theirs, the cutting board is either flush with the countertop or just above it. Imagine rinsing it off. The water will flow right onto the floor and counter. Ours has a recess that will not allow for that problem. This sink is not designed like the Kohler Stages or DeGulio's sink..Their interior ledge for the cutting board appears that it is too high inside the sink. It seems impossible to me that you can run water over the cutting board without getting it all over the countertop. Our ledge is thoughtfully placed 2" down, so the 1" thick board is 1 inch below the top of the sink.