A large lunette window, oval window, and expansive French doors punctuate the façade of the pool house; while the main entrance is protected by a metal-clad shed roof supported by free-standing Doric columns. Jim Fiora Photography LLC

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.”

Light-filtering roller shades are layered with pinch pleat curtains to bring additional color to this hip, home office.
Home office - small transitional freestanding desk home office idea in Orange County

Stone” fluted coffee table. With limewash paint for a stone-like finish. Head to probablythis.com for a step by step DIY. We’re obsessed! - Color used here is Velvet Noir. Sealer or Clear Wax is recommended for a protective topcoat. Learn more and order at coloratelierpaint.com

The perfect space to showcase and protect fine wines. A complete custom design maximizes every inch of space. Mirroring the curves and soft edges of the bottles this room holds - the cellar has been created for lingering, admiring and preserving this clients passion for wine! Scott Amundson Photography Learn more about our showroom and kitchen and bath design: http://www.mingleteam.com

Our St. Pete studio designed this stunning home in a Greek Mediterranean style to create the best of Florida waterfront living. We started with a neutral palette and added pops of bright blue to recreate the hues of the ocean in the interiors. Every room is carefully curated to ensure a smooth flow and feel, including the luxurious bathroom, which evokes a calm, soothing vibe. All the bedrooms are decorated to ensure they blend well with the rest of the home's decor. The large outdoor pool is another beautiful highlight which immediately puts one in a relaxing holiday mood! --- Pamela Harvey Interiors offers interior design services in St. Petersburg and Tampa, and throughout Florida's Suncoast area, from Tarpon Springs to Naples, including Bradenton, Lakewood Ranch, and Sarasota. For more about Pamela Harvey Interiors, see here: https://www.pamelaharveyinteriors.com/ To learn more about this project, see here: https://www.pamelaharveyinteriors.com/portfolio-galleries/waterfront-home-tampa-fl

Hunter Douglas Unique Solera™ Soft Shades Made of woven and non-woven fabrics, Solera™ Soft Shades create a fluid, sculpted look. The only soft shades with cellular construction, they also lend both light-filtering and room-darkening options. UV protection SUNSCREEN FOR YOUR VALUABLES Protect your furniture, flooring and artwork from fading with at least 75% protection from harmful UV rays. Platinum™ Technology CONTROL FROM YOUR PHONE OR TABLET Controlling your window treatments with a mobile device means you can set your blinds to movie mode, work mode, or 8 a.m. mode with the touch of a button, without leaving your seat. It’s effortless, fun and smart—with perfectly smooth operation. Learn More Lifetime Guarantee FOR LIFE Hunter Douglas products are designed and custom-assembled in the U.S. with the highest level of quality. But just in case, every window treatment from Hunter Douglas is covered by our lifetime limited guarantee. Read the Hunter Douglas Warranty to learn more. Hunter Douglas Solera™ Soft Shades Hunter Douglas Solera™ Soft Shades with EasyRise™ Cord Loop Hunter Douglas Solera™ Soft Shades with EasyRise™ Material: Alexa Light Filtering Color: Harbor Mist Operating Systems: EasyRise Cord Loop Room: Living Room Room Styles: Contemporary, Transitional Available from Accent Window Fashions LLC Hunter Douglas Showcase Priority Dealer Hunter Douglas Certified Installer Hunter Douglas Certified Professional Dealer #Hunter_Douglas #Solera #Soft_Shades #EasyRise #Cord_Loop #Living_Room #Contemporary #Transitional #Window_Shadings #Window_Treatments #HunterDouglas #Accent_Window_Fashions Copyright 2001-2014 Hunter Douglas, Inc. All rights reserved.

Beautiful and simple ARMOR board and batten shutters complement Lowcountry architecture, as seen on this Bluffton, SC custom home. Learn more about benefits of our beautiful, rustic board and batten shutters: • Popular architectural style • Custom sizes for any window • Finest quality in the industry • Won’t shrink or crack • Available in any color and many styles

This beautiful bar cabinet with burnt oak adjustable shelves is part of our Loft Shelving System. Our Loft posts in blackened gunmetal and fully machined brass fittings in our buffed brass finish mount from the top of our cabinet and tie back to the wall to support 8 shelves. Amuneal’s proprietary machined hardware clamps onto the posts so that the shelves can be easily adjusted at any time. The burnt oak shelves are milled in house from solid white oak to a thickness of 1.5” before being hand-finished using the traditional Shou Sugi Ban process of burning the wood. Once completed, the shelves are sealed with a protective coating that keeps that burnt finish from rubbing off. The combination of blackened steel posts, machined and patinated brass hardware and the charred oak shelves make this a stunning and sculptural shelving option for any space. Integrated bronze bottle stops and wine glass holders add detail and purpose. The lower portion of this bar system is a tall credenza in one of Amuneal’s new finishes, cerused chestnut. The credenza storage highlights the system’s flexibility with drawers, cabinets and glass fronted doors, all with Amuneal fully machined and full width drawer pulls. Behind the glass doors, are a series of pull-out wine trays, carved from solid oak, allowing both display and storage in this unit. This unit is fabricated in our Philadelphia-based furniture studio and can be customized with different metal and wood finishes as well as different shelf widths, sizes and configurations.

Inspiration for a mid-sized timeless l-shaped medium tone wood floor enclosed kitchen remodel in Minneapolis with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, quartz countertops, beige backsplash, stone tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, beige walls and an island

New home gym/pool house built by Makara ADU in Montgomery County MD. This Makara 375 space is the perfect size for a home gym, pool house, guest room and studio apartment. Visit www.makara-adu.com to learn more.

Acero Series - Hardware detail Inspired by the minimal use of metal and precision crafted design of our Matrix Series, the Acero frameless, shower enclosure offers a clean, Architectural statement ideal for any transitional or contemporary bath setting. With built-in adjustability to fit almost any wall condition and a range of glass sizes available, the Acero will complement your bath and stall opening. Acero is constructed with durable, stainless steel hardware combined with 3/8" optimum clear (low-iron), tempered glass that is protected with EnduroShield glass coating. A truly frameless, sliding door is supported by a rectangular stainless steel rail eliminating the typical header. Two machined stainless steel rollers allow you to effortlessly operate the enclosure. Finish choices include Brushed Stainless Steel and High Polished Stainless Steel.

Acero Series - Handle Hardware Detail Offering exquisite craftsmanship with attention to detail and superior functionality. Inspired by the minimal use of metal and precision crafted design of our Matrix Series, the Acero frameless, shower enclosure offers a clean, Architectural statement ideal for any transitional or contemporary bath setting. With built-in adjustability to fit almost any wall condition and a range of glass sizes available, the Acero will complement your bath and stall opening. Acero is constructed with durable, stainless steel hardware combined with 3/8" optimum clear (low-iron), tempered glass that is protected with EnduroShield glass coating. A truly frameless, sliding door is supported by a rectangular stainless steel rail eliminating the typical header. Two machined stainless steel rollers allow you to effortlessly operate the enclosure. Finish choices include Brushed Stainless Steel and High Polished Stainless Steel.

100% Soft Polyester. Patented eco-friendly and soft fabric with skin-friendly pH and 100% hypoallergenic. Wingback chair cover fits most chairs: Slipcover is made of patented stretch bi-elastic fabric. Fitting wingback chair 24”- 43” wide. PLEASE MEASURE BEFORE PURCHASING. Ideal for homes with children and pets or anyone seeking an economical solution for furniture protection from daily wear, tear and stains. Prevents your dogs and cats from scratching furniture. Note: Slipcovers are not waterproof. Slipcover is machine washable in cold water. Wash separately at gentle cycle. Do not bleach. Low heat, do not tumble dry. Do not dry-clean. Do not iron.

Renovated, open-plan mid-century modern kitchen with red accents. Dual beer tap beverage bar integrated into galley-style kitchen. Teri Fotheringham photography

Hunter Douglas Unique Solera™ Soft Shades Made of woven and non-woven fabrics, Solera™ Soft Shades create a fluid, sculpted look. The only soft shades with cellular construction, they also lend both light-filtering and room-darkening options. UV protection SUNSCREEN FOR YOUR VALUABLES Protect your furniture, flooring and artwork from fading with at least 75% protection from harmful UV rays. Platinum™ Technology CONTROL FROM YOUR PHONE OR TABLET Controlling your window treatments with a mobile device means you can set your blinds to movie mode, work mode, or 8 a.m. mode with the touch of a button, without leaving your seat. It’s effortless, fun and smart—with perfectly smooth operation. Learn More Lifetime Guarantee FOR LIFE Hunter Douglas products are designed and custom-assembled in the U.S. with the highest level of quality. But just in case, every window treatment from Hunter Douglas is covered by our lifetime limited guarantee. Read the Hunter Douglas Warranty to learn more. Hunter Douglas Solera™ Soft Shades Hunter Douglas Solera™ Soft Shades with UltraGlide® Material: Cobblestone Room Darkening Color: Granite Hunter Douglas Solera™ Soft Shades with UltraGlide® Operating Systems: UltraGlide Room: Living Room Room Styles: Contemporary, Transitional Available from Accent Window Fashions LLC Hunter Douglas Showcase Priority Dealer Hunter Douglas Certified Installer Hunter Douglas Certified Professional Dealer #Hunter_Douglas #Solera #Soft_Shades #UltraGlide #Living_Room #Contemporary #Transitional #Window_Shadings #Window_Treatments #HunterDouglas #Accent_Window_Fashions Copyright 2001-2014 Hunter Douglas, Inc. All rights reserved.

Leah Pine