A fantastic and cute remodel and addition to a small single story home. The main challenge with this home is that the property is in a flood zone and the home was originally built too low to the ground. So part of the construction process will involve raising up the original floor level and augmenting the existing foundations to support the higher floor level. Outside of that small challenge, this remodel and addition came together really easily for my wonderful clients. Their main focus was to get as large of a great room as possible with a huge open kitchen, dining, and family room. The bedrooms are somewhat smaller to accommodate that request, but I was at least able to incorporate a home office for the work-from-home couple.

We transformed the River Edge H.O.A. community! We took on the challenge of renovating 55 old, deteriorated decks and constructing 7 new ones for a local homeowners association. Using Trex decking products and vinyl railings reinforced with aluminum, we provided a durable, stylish, and low-maintenance solution for residents to enjoy. In this video, Ryan from Stately General Contracting takes you on a project walk-thru, showcasing the quality of our work and sharing insights into our process. Witness the incredible transformation of these decks, all completed in just about 12 weeks! To learn more about this project and to request a free estimate, visit StatelyBuilders.com/gallery/decks-and-patios/river-edge/

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.”

Home office - contemporary freestanding desk light wood floor and beige floor home office idea in Dallas with white walls

The client’s request was quite common - a typical 2800 sf builder home with 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, living space, and den. However, their desire was for this to be “anything but common.” The result is an innovative update on the production home for the modern era, and serves as a direct counterpoint to the neighborhood and its more conventional suburban housing stock, which focus views to the backyard and seeks to nullify the unique qualities and challenges of topography and the natural environment. The Terraced House cautiously steps down the site’s steep topography, resulting in a more nuanced approach to site development than cutting and filling that is so common in the builder homes of the area. The compact house opens up in very focused views that capture the natural wooded setting, while masking the sounds and views of the directly adjacent roadway. The main living spaces face this major roadway, effectively flipping the typical orientation of a suburban home, and the main entrance pulls visitors up to the second floor and halfway through the site, providing a sense of procession and privacy absent in the typical suburban home. Clad in a custom rain screen that reflects the wood of the surrounding landscape - while providing a glimpse into the interior tones that are used. The stepping “wood boxes” rest on a series of concrete walls that organize the site, retain the earth, and - in conjunction with the wood veneer panels - provide a subtle organic texture to the composition. The interior spaces wrap around an interior knuckle that houses public zones and vertical circulation - allowing more private spaces to exist at the edges of the building. The windows get larger and more frequent as they ascend the building, culminating in the upstairs bedrooms that occupy the site like a tree house - giving views in all directions. The Terraced House imports urban qualities to the suburban neighborhood and seeks to elevate the typical approach to production home construction, while being more in tune with modern family living patterns. Overview: Elm Grove Size: 2,800 sf, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms Completion Date: September 2014 Services: Architecture, Landscape Architecture Interior Consultants: Amy Carman Design

Our clients are seasoned home renovators. Their Malibu oceanside property was the second project JRP had undertaken for them. After years of renting and the age of the home, it was becoming prevalent the waterfront beach house, needed a facelift. Our clients expressed their desire for a clean and contemporary aesthetic with the need for more functionality. After a thorough design process, a new spatial plan was essential to meet the couple’s request. This included developing a larger master suite, a grander kitchen with seating at an island, natural light, and a warm, comfortable feel to blend with the coastal setting. Demolition revealed an unfortunate surprise on the second level of the home: Settlement and subpar construction had allowed the hillside to slide and cover structural framing members causing dangerous living conditions. Our design team was now faced with the challenge of creating a fix for the sagging hillside. After thorough evaluation of site conditions and careful planning, a new 10’ high retaining wall was contrived to be strategically placed into the hillside to prevent any future movements. With the wall design and build completed — additional square footage allowed for a new laundry room, a walk-in closet at the master suite. Once small and tucked away, the kitchen now boasts a golden warmth of natural maple cabinetry complimented by a striking center island complete with white quartz countertops and stunning waterfall edge details. The open floor plan encourages entertaining with an organic flow between the kitchen, dining, and living rooms. New skylights flood the space with natural light, creating a tranquil seaside ambiance. New custom maple flooring and ceiling paneling finish out the first floor. Downstairs, the ocean facing Master Suite is luminous with breathtaking views and an enviable bathroom oasis. The master bath is modern and serene, woodgrain tile flooring and stunning onyx mosaic tile channel the golden sandy Malibu beaches. The minimalist bathroom includes a generous walk-in closet, his & her sinks, a spacious steam shower, and a luxurious soaking tub. Defined by an airy and spacious floor plan, clean lines, natural light, and endless ocean views, this home is the perfect rendition of a contemporary coastal sanctuary. PROJECT DETAILS: • Style: Contemporary • Colors: White, Beige, Yellow Hues • Countertops: White Ceasarstone Quartz • Cabinets: Bellmont Natural finish maple; Shaker style • Hardware/Plumbing Fixture Finish: Polished Chrome • Lighting Fixtures: Pendent lighting in Master bedroom, all else recessed • Flooring: Hardwood - Natural Maple Tile – Ann Sacks, Porcelain in Yellow Birch • Tile/Backsplash: Glass mosaic in kitchen • Other Details: Bellevue Stand Alone Tub Photographer: Andrew, Open House VC

This rural contemporary home was designed for a couple with two grown children not living with them. The couple wanted a clean contemporary plan with attention to nice materials and practical for their relaxing lifestyle with them, their visiting children and large dog. The designer was involved in the process from the beginning by drawing the house plans. The couple had some requests to fit their lifestyle. Central location for the former music teacher's grand piano Tall windows to take advantage of the views Bioethanol ventless fireplace feature instead of traditional fireplace Casual kitchen island seating instead of dining table Vinyl plank floors throughout add warmth and are pet friendly

A dear client who resides in Mcallen-TX requested a Full Backyard Design including a pool, outdoor kitchen, firepit, edible garden, art, and a secluded area for quiet reading and privacy among other structures and hardscape. We proceeded with the design process virtually due to his location being away from The Woodlands, TX. The client filled a questionnaire with specific questions regarding his site nature, style, and needs. He sent photos of the existing landscape, survey, and photos from the house interior that would help us match his modern style to his outdoor space. We were very pleased to present our planting and construction drawings with 3D walk-thru video in a videoconference. All plans were sent to this client to start the building process at his own pace. He certainly loved the modern space we were able to create for him! "You envision it, we create it" is our EZ MOTTO

Walnut cabinets, soapstone countertops, built-in oven hood with floating shelves.
1950s u-shaped light wood floor eat-in kitchen photo in Sacramento with a single-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, soapstone countertops, stainless steel appliances and a peninsula

Terran Landscapes http://www.terranlandscapes.com Project Entry: Fishers Woodland Garden 2014 PLNA Awards for Landscape Excellence Winner Category: Theme Garden $15,000-$30,000 Award Level: Bronze Photo Description: We were contracted by the client to design a calming space for their staff to relax, take a walk, and enjoy a leisurely lunch as well as to provide their grandchildren a place to run and pick flowers. The space was originally dominated by large trees and had been overgrown with ivy, sumac and aggressive vines, providing an unwelcome, dark space with little color or visual appeal. The client requested a colorful blend of shrubs and perennials that would provide interest throughout the seasons, as well as provide privacy by screening the street traffic along Carisbrooke Road. Our goal was to create the privacy screen along the road by layering plants from the ground to the tree canopy. The theme was to let nature inspire the landscape, allowing a space that was originally woodland to become an enhanced version of itself, creating a beautiful habitat for birds and butterflies to excite the senses and satisfy all who enjoy the beauty of nature. We began by clearing the brush and removing all aggressive vines and ivy that jeopardized the health of the trees. We kept and transplanted all non- invasive or native plant material in the area to various locations throughout the property. Several yards of compost were then tilled into the soil and the existing trees fertilized to provide a rich growing environment. A few challenges occurred during the design process. It was decided that a new generator was to be installed in the woodland and due to a future addition to the house, we were forced to eliminate planned additional impervious pathway surfaces. We provided screening to hide the generator and buffer the noise, and created a meandering path and sitting area out of natural woodchips instead of the proposed bluestone to solve the impervious space issue. The woodchips add a sense of informality and invite the viewer to walk slowly through the space. The reduced noise from the additional screening of the generator allows for quiet reflection as chipmunks scurry and hummingbirds dart about between the flowers. Our plant palette consists of shady understory plants that thrive and flower vigorously from spring through fall. A tall, lush, evergreen backdrop of Ilex opaca and Prunus laurocerasus ‘Schipkaensis’ provides the screening and blends into a middle layer of ‘Ivory Halo’ dogwood, hydrangeas and winterberry hollies. Beautiful perennials and groundcovers bloom along the woodland path, providing a low visual layer of color and texture. Movement throughout the garden is provided by the graceful Calamagrostis brachytricha and Hakenchloa that soften the nearby hardscaping. The woodland floor is full of shade-loving Solomon’s seal, hosta, astilbe, ferns, bleeding heart, Tiarella and Aconitum. The street side of this woodland required plants with a preference for a little more sun and drought tolerance. A palette of oakleaf hydrangea, Agastache, Liatris and Rudbeckia softens the fence line and provides the desired color. As designed and installed, the woodland garden successfully provides the client’s family and office staff a quiet space where they can take a peaceful moment and enjoy nature. Photo Credit: Lisa C. Falls

Our clients are seasoned home renovators. Their Malibu oceanside property was the second project JRP had undertaken for them. After years of renting and the age of the home, it was becoming prevalent the waterfront beach house, needed a facelift. Our clients expressed their desire for a clean and contemporary aesthetic with the need for more functionality. After a thorough design process, a new spatial plan was essential to meet the couple’s request. This included developing a larger master suite, a grander kitchen with seating at an island, natural light, and a warm, comfortable feel to blend with the coastal setting. Demolition revealed an unfortunate surprise on the second level of the home: Settlement and subpar construction had allowed the hillside to slide and cover structural framing members causing dangerous living conditions. Our design team was now faced with the challenge of creating a fix for the sagging hillside. After thorough evaluation of site conditions and careful planning, a new 10’ high retaining wall was contrived to be strategically placed into the hillside to prevent any future movements. With the wall design and build completed — additional square footage allowed for a new laundry room, a walk-in closet at the master suite. Once small and tucked away, the kitchen now boasts a golden warmth of natural maple cabinetry complimented by a striking center island complete with white quartz countertops and stunning waterfall edge details. The open floor plan encourages entertaining with an organic flow between the kitchen, dining, and living rooms. New skylights flood the space with natural light, creating a tranquil seaside ambiance. New custom maple flooring and ceiling paneling finish out the first floor. Downstairs, the ocean facing Master Suite is luminous with breathtaking views and an enviable bathroom oasis. The master bath is modern and serene, woodgrain tile flooring and stunning onyx mosaic tile channel the golden sandy Malibu beaches. The minimalist bathroom includes a generous walk-in closet, his & her sinks, a spacious steam shower, and a luxurious soaking tub. Defined by an airy and spacious floor plan, clean lines, natural light, and endless ocean views, this home is the perfect rendition of a contemporary coastal sanctuary. PROJECT DETAILS: • Style: Contemporary • Colors: White, Beige, Yellow Hues • Countertops: White Ceasarstone Quartz • Cabinets: Bellmont Natural finish maple; Shaker style • Hardware/Plumbing Fixture Finish: Polished Chrome • Lighting Fixtures: Pendent lighting in Master bedroom, all else recessed • Flooring: Hardwood - Natural Maple Tile – Ann Sacks, Porcelain in Yellow Birch • Tile/Backsplash: Glass mosaic in kitchen • Other Details: Bellevue Stand Alone Tub Photographer: Andrew, Open House VC

This rural contemporary home was designed for a couple with two grown children not living with them. The couple wanted a clean contemporary plan with attention to nice materials and practical for their relaxing lifestyle with them, their visiting children and large dog. The designer was involved in the process from the beginning by drawing the house plans. The couple had some requests to fit their lifestyle. Central location for the former music teacher's grand piano Tall windows to take advantage of the views Bioethanol ventless fireplace feature instead of traditional fireplace Casual kitchen island seating instead of dining table Vinyl plank floors throughout add warmth and are pet friendly Clay Bostian

A dear client who resides in Mcallen-TX requested a Full Backyard Design including a pool, outdoor kitchen, firepit, edible garden, art, and a secluded area for quiet reading and privacy among other structures and hardscape. We proceeded with the design process virtually due to his location being away from The Woodlands, TX. The client filled a questionnaire with specific questions regarding his site nature, style, and needs. He sent photos of the existing landscape, survey, and photos from the house interior that would help us match his modern style to his outdoor space. We were very pleased to present our planting and construction drawings with 3D walk-thru video in a videoconference. All plans were sent to this client to start the building process at his own pace. He certainly loved the modern space we were able to create for him! "You envision it, we create it" is our EZ MOTTO

Hi Lindsay, I’m excited to share my vision for your office space. My goal was to create a moody, trendy, and classy space that aligns with your style and needs. The color palette in this design features a neutral base as the foundation, with black walls and accents of brown, cream, rust, and gold for depth and character. Key furniture pieces include the burlwood desk with a chunky base to help hide cords, and a modern black bookcase chosen for it’s style and functionality. Lighting will balance ambiance and practicality, with funky brass wall sconces and a small shelf lamp on the bookcase. To complete the look, I’ve selected chairs that are funky and modern and that can be shopped in person, as well as a gallery wall of portraits per your request. The layout and thoughtfully chosen furniture pieces ensure clear flow and maximized functionality in your small office space. I also wanted to acknowledge your comments about possibly adding decorative molding. Yes, peel and stick molding does exist however, will all the other pieces you requested, you can see that the room filled up fast and it doesn’t feel like anything is lacking. However, if you still want to see what molding will look like, I’d be happy to add that for you in the revision process!

This nursery makeover was a surprise to the homeowners during a "big reveal". This project began as an online design plan by Sarah Macklem of http://www.theyellowcapecod.com. After an online consultation, Sarah got to work creating a nursery design for Brian and Heidi, inspired by their favorite place to visit…the mountains. The design plan included an inspiration board, true to scale floorplan illustration, product source list, custom paint color recommendations and step-by-step instructions on how to install the design. Instead of delivering the plan to Brian and Heidi to handle the installation, Sarah took this project a step further. To demonstrate how a design plan comes to life, she flew to Denver to install the room, by herself, in just two days. Since Sarah offered to install the new nursery, the clients requested to be completely surprised by the design. They had no idea what the room looked like until the reveal. The process was documented here: http://www.theyellowcapecod.com/2013/05/real-life-two-day-makeover-challenge.html Sarah brought along her daughter, Hannah and camera-shy-sister Laura to photograph as Sarah worked to put the room together (including hand painting a mountain mural).

A dear client who resides in Mcallen-TX requested a Full Backyard Design including a pool, outdoor kitchen, firepit, edible garden, art, and a secluded area for quiet reading and privacy among other structures and hardscape. We proceeded with the design process virtually due to his location being away from The Woodlands, TX. The client filled a questionnaire with specific questions regarding his site nature, style, and needs. He sent photos of the existing landscape, survey, and photos from the house interior that would help us match his modern style to his outdoor space. We were very pleased to present our planting and construction drawings with 3D walk-thru video in a videoconference. All plans were sent to this client to start the building process at his own pace. He certainly loved the modern space we were able to create for him! "You envision it, we create it" is our EZ MOTTO

This rural contemporary home was designed for a couple with two grown children not living with them. The couple wanted a clean contemporary plan with attention to nice materials and practical for their relaxing lifestyle with them, their visiting children and large dog. The designer was involved in the process from the beginning by drawing the house plans. The couple had some requests to fit their lifestyle. Central location for the former music teacher's grand piano Tall windows to take advantage of the views Bioethanol ventless fireplace feature instead of traditional fireplace Casual kitchen island seating instead of dining table Vinyl plank floors throughout add warmth and are pet friendly Clay Bostian

A dear client who resides in Mcallen-TX requested a Full Backyard Design including a pool, outdoor kitchen, firepit, edible garden, art, and a secluded area for quiet reading and privacy among other structures and hardscape. We proceeded with the design process virtually due to his location being away from The Woodlands, TX. The client filled a questionnaire with specific questions regarding his site nature, style, and needs. He sent photos of the existing landscape, survey, and photos from the house interior that would help us match his modern style to his outdoor space. We were very pleased to present our planting and construction drawings with 3D walk-thru video in a videoconference. All plans were sent to this client to start the building process at his own pace. He certainly loved the modern space we were able to create for him! "You envision it, we create it" is our EZ MOTTO

A new kitchen was requested that would bridge with the character of the existing house and would have state-of-the-art equipment. A space plan was created to include a center work island and to make the kitchen more functional.