Renovation of existing ranch. Primary goal was to enlarge kitchen and make it part of family room. Resulting program caused the kitchen and dining room to change locations and for kitchen to take some of exiting living room. Nathan Kirkman

The 7,600 square-foot residence was designed for large, memorable gatherings of family and friends at the lake, as well as creating private spaces for smaller family gatherings. Keeping in dialogue with the surrounding site, a palette of natural materials and finishes was selected to provide a classic backdrop for all activities, bringing importance to the adjoining environment. In optimizing the views of the lake and developing a strategy to maximize natural ventilation, an ideal, open-concept living scheme was implemented. The kitchen, dining room, living room and screened porch are connected, allowing for the large family gatherings to take place inside, should the weather not cooperate. Two main level master suites remain private from the rest of the program; yet provide a complete sense of incorporation. Bringing the natural finishes to the interior of the residence, provided the opportunity for unique focal points that complement the stunning stone fireplace and timber trusses. Photographer: John Hession

Joshua Drake Photography
Living room - transitional formal and enclosed dark wood floor living room idea in Charleston with beige walls and a standard fireplace

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 program consists of a detached Guest House with full Kitchen, Living and Dining amenities, Carport and Office Building with attached Main house and Master Bedroom wing. The arrangement of buildings was dictated by the numerous majestic oaks and organized as a procession of spaces leading from the Entry arbor up to the front door. Large covered terraces and arbors were used to extend the interior living spaces out onto the site. All the buildings are clad in Texas limestone with accent bands of Leuders limestone to mimic the local limestone cliffs in the area. Steel was used on the arbors and fences and left to rust. Vertical grain Douglas fir was used on the interior while flagstone and stained concrete floors were used throughout. The flagstone floors extend from the exterior entry arbors into the interior of the Main Living space and out onto the Main house terraces.

MH Advantage ( Manufactured Home Advantage ) program is a new program created by Fanny Mae that allows for financing of homes similar to site built homes and including down payment as low as 3%,. MH Advantage Homes should have a lower price and customizable finishes of modern manufactured homes. MH Advantage homes are built to blend into traditional neighborhoods. MH Advantage homes are homes built to Federal Building Code that need to include features like low profile foundation, higher pitch roofs ( 4/12 ) garage or carport, dormers, porch, and drywall throughout the home. When a home is built to the MH Advantage standards, a sticker will be applied to the home that identifies the home as a MH Advantage home and allows Appraisers to choose the most appropriate comparable sales, which – unlike standard Manufactured Homes — may include sales of site-built homes. Confirming the home is eligible for MH Advantage is also easy for lenders: and once confirmed opens up many loan programs

MH Advantage ( Manufactured Home Advantage ) program is a new program created by Fanny Mae that allows for financing of homes similar to site built homes and including down payment as low as 3%,. MH Advantage Homes should have a lower price and customizable finishes of modern manufactured homes. MH Advantage homes are built to blend into traditional neighborhoods. MH Advantage homes are homes built to Federal Building Code that need to include features like low profile foundation, higher pitch roofs ( 4/12 ) garage or carport, dormers, porch, and drywall throughout the home. When a home is built to the MH Advantage standards, a sticker will be applied to the home that identifies the home as a MH Advantage home and allows Appraisers to choose the most appropriate comparable sales, which – unlike standard Manufactured Homes — may include sales of site-built homes. Confirming the home is eligible for MH Advantage is also easy for lenders: and once confirmed opens up many loan programs

MH Advantage ( Manufactured Home Advantage ) program is a new program created by Fanny Mae that allows for financing of homes similar to site built homes and including down payment as low as 3%,. MH Advantage Homes should have a lower price and customizable finishes of modern manufactured homes. MH Advantage homes are built to blend into traditional neighborhoods. MH Advantage homes are homes built to Federal Building Code that need to include features like low profile foundation, higher pitch roofs ( 4/12 ) garage or carport, dormers, porch, and drywall throughout the home. When a home is built to the MH Advantage standards, a sticker will be applied to the home that identifies the home as a MH Advantage home and allows Appraisers to choose the most appropriate comparable sales, which – unlike standard Manufactured Homes — may include sales of site-built homes. Confirming the home is eligible for MH Advantage is also easy for lenders: and once confirmed opens up many loan programs

This open space was turned into a perfect area for entertaining. a few punches of color makes for a vibrant, fun space. An indoor/outdoor rug is a breeze for busy families. Photo by: Melodie Hayes

This three-story vacation home for a family of ski enthusiasts features 5 bedrooms and a six-bed bunk room, 5 1/2 bathrooms, kitchen, dining room, great room, 2 wet bars, great room, exercise room, basement game room, office, mud room, ski work room, decks, stone patio with sunken hot tub, garage, and elevator. The home sits into an extremely steep, half-acre lot that shares a property line with a ski resort and allows for ski-in, ski-out access to the mountain’s 61 trails. This unique location and challenging terrain informed the home’s siting, footprint, program, design, interior design, finishes, and custom made furniture. Credit: Samyn-D'Elia Architects

The magnificent Casey Flat Ranch Guinda CA consists of 5,284.43 acres in the Capay Valley and abuts the eastern border of Napa Valley, 90 minutes from San Francisco. There are 24 acres of vineyard, a grass-fed Longhorn cattle herd (with 95 pairs), significant 6-mile private road and access infrastructure, a beautiful ~5,000 square foot main house, a pool, a guest house, a manager's house, a bunkhouse and a "honeymoon cottage" with total accommodation for up to 30 people. Agriculture improvements include barn, corral, hay barn, 2 vineyard buildings, self-sustaining solar grid and 6 water wells, all managed by full time Ranch Manager and Vineyard Manager.The climate at the ranch is similar to northern St. Helena with diurnal temperature fluctuations up to 40 degrees of warm days, mild nights and plenty of sunshine - perfect weather for both Bordeaux and Rhone varieties. The vineyard produces grapes for wines under 2 brands: "Casey Flat Ranch" and "Open Range" varietals produced include Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Syrah, Grenache, Mourvedre, Sauvignon Blanc and Viognier. There is expansion opportunity of additional vineyards to more than 80 incremental acres and an additional 50-100 acres for potential agricultural business of walnuts, olives and other products. Casey Flat Ranch brand longhorns offer a differentiated beef delight to families with ranch-to-table program of lean, superior-taste "Coddled Cattle". Other income opportunities include resort-retreat usage for Bay Area individuals and corporations as a hunting lodge, horse-riding ranch, or elite conference-retreat.

The home sits into an extremely steep, half-acre lot that shares a property line with a ski resort and allows for ski-in, ski-out access to the mountain’s 61 trails. This unique location and challenging terrain informed the home’s siting, footprint, program, design, interior design, finishes, and custom made furniture. Credit: Samyn-D'Elia Architects

This family room was totally redesigned with new shelving and all new furniture. The blue grasscloth added texture and interest. The fabrics are all kid friendly and the rug is an indoor/outdoor rug by Stark. Photo by: Melodie Hayes

Example of a trendy bathroom design in Atlanta

Tricia Shay Photography
Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary gray two-story mixed siding house exterior remodel in Milwaukee with a shed roof

Photo: HomeServices of Illinois, LLC
Kitchen/dining room combo - mid-sized contemporary light wood floor and brown floor kitchen/dining room combo idea in Chicago with gray walls and no fireplace

Jim Bartsch
Mid-sized elegant master white tile corner shower photo in Santa Barbara with an undermount sink, white cabinets, an undermount tub, beige walls and a niche

Bill Taylor
Example of a classic formal and open concept dark wood floor and coffered ceiling living room design in Boston with white walls, a standard fireplace and a stone fireplace

Defining a sense of place is a work of art by a team of excellent players(BPC architects and Cross Rip Builders) and the homeowner that bring their clear senses of who they are to the program is exquisitely interpreted here.