In today's blog, we're continuing to discuss tips to help you tackle your dream renovation Self-care for your own renovation sanity is vitally important. Of course, having an experienced construction team with decades of experience and expertise makes renovating a thousand times easier. As always, our Mayflower design consultants we’re here to help you every step of the way. Use the QR code or link below to read the full blog. Link: https://mayflowerva.com/how-to-stay-sane-during-your-renovation-part-2/

If you ever wondered if you can run a business from a shed, just ask a few of our wonderful customers who made it look so easy. Antoinette is a woman who prides herself on the work she does at her facial spa. Read about her experience purchasing a shed to run her business and how it has been ever since!

Experience the ultimate in comfort with our exclusive line of rocking chairs. Each chair is carefully crafted to offer the utmost in relaxation with a calming, soothing rocking motion. Constructed from premium materials, these chairs are long-lasting and elegant, fitting nicely with any type of decor. Our rocking chairs offer comfort and style for your house, whether you're developing a comfortable reading corner or giving your living room a stylish update.

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.”

Experience urban sophistication meets artistic flair in this unique Chicago residence. Combining urban loft vibes with Beaux Arts elegance, it offers 7000 sq ft of modern luxury. Serene interiors, vibrant patterns, and panoramic views of Lake Michigan define this dreamy lakeside haven. The sitting area in the primary bedroom features a large Mooi loveseat and a custom ottoman in a John Derian art-print fabric. It offers a calming view of Lake Michigan's meditative expanse.

Experience urban sophistication meets artistic flair in this unique Chicago residence. Combining urban loft vibes with Beaux Arts elegance, it offers 7000 sq ft of modern luxury. Serene interiors, vibrant patterns, and panoramic views of Lake Michigan define this dreamy lakeside haven. The sitting area in the primary bedroom features a large Mooi loveseat and a custom ottoman in a John Derian art-print fabric. It offers a calming view of Lake Michigan's meditative expanse.

Photo by Ryan Davis of CG&S
This is an example of a mid-sized contemporary screened-in and metal railing back porch design in Austin with a roof extension.

Effortlessly blending traditional design with a vibrant hue, this charming lounge chair lends a medieval-chic aesthetics to your home ensemble. Both of the lounge chair and the ottoman are feature foam-filled velvet upholstery with button-tufted detailing, which not only give your space an inviting feel but offer a stunning seating experience. Thanks to the ergonomic inspiration, the ottoman and armrest design are delightful, you can completely relax when you are lying on the lounge chair. What's more, the angle of the backrest can be adjusted according to your need, ideal for reading books, watching TV and other entertainment. Liven up your living room seating group with this handsome lounge chair, or place it beside a sunny window to craft an inviting reading nook.

An open stove design that invites creativity and conversation, making every meal a shared experience
Minimalist kitchen photo in Tampa

A tiny space overlooking the family room offers a place to be alone and yet still be connected to the rest of the family. This space is referred to as the "Sunset Room" because of the beautiful views to the west in addition to the view of the lake to the north. Designing the windows with a lower-than-typical sill height, and making them small, but direct intensifies the experience for the person lucky enough to spend some quiet moments in this chair.

Color-coordinated cat blanket helps protect against overuse of this cat's favorite chair, and helps hide cat hair. Tactile and visual experience is rich with a mix of patterns and textures in this intimate conversation or reading corner.

Experience comfortable seating and spend your free time by reading your favorite book, relaxing on this cosy and soft Sectional Sofa. Wonderful sectional features corduroy knit fabric upholstery, wooden bookcase armrest in espresso finish makes it look very elegant. The legs are wooden. For added durability this sectional has kiln dried solid wood frame structure. Perfect to fit any modern living room. http://ow.ly/tHB1308N6Ym

Ruthie and her husband were born overseas and traveled the world together. Their home is an expression of the things that they love and have collected over the years. With touches of Africa and a definite global flair throughout the home, their home is eclectic, relaxed and certainly collected. They realize that not everyone loves this style, but home is suppose to be what YOU love. Ruthie loves a mix of styles and is comfortable with some rooms being more eclectic and others more traditional. Her home is her palette to express her design aesthetic and experiment with things she loves.

In the last blog, we began the discussion of how to make your renovation more enjoyable focusing on what to do before construction takes place. In part two of this topic, we’ll talk about ways you can make your life easier while your house is in the midst of construction. While construction stress can’t be eliminated entirely, there are plenty of ways to set yourself up for a successful experience! Scan the QR code or use the following link to read our full blog! https://mayflowerva.com/how-to-reduce-discomfort-when-doing-a-remodel-part-two/

Escape into the epitome of luxury within our master bedroom suite. The room boasts a stunning high headboard, exuding elegance and creating a focal point of grandeur. Custom abstract art, touched with hints of gold, adorns the walls, adding a touch of artistic allure. Large nightstands provide ample storage and complete the refined look. A cozy seating area by the fireplace beckons for quiet nights of reading, creating an intimate haven of relaxation. Experience a sanctuary of sophistication and tranquility in this opulent master bedroom suite.

Escape into the epitome of luxury within our master bedroom suite. The room boasts a stunning high headboard, exuding elegance and creating a focal point of grandeur. Custom abstract art, touched with hints of gold, adorns the walls, adding a touch of artistic allure. Large nightstands provide ample storage and complete the refined look. A cozy seating area by the fireplace beckons for quiet nights of reading, creating an intimate haven of relaxation. Experience a sanctuary of sophistication and tranquility in this opulent master bedroom suite.

Escape into the epitome of luxury within our master bedroom suite. The room boasts a stunning high headboard, exuding elegance and creating a focal point of grandeur. Custom abstract art, touched with hints of gold, adorns the walls, adding a touch of artistic allure. Large nightstands provide ample storage and complete the refined look. A cozy seating area by the fireplace beckons for quiet nights of reading, creating an intimate haven of relaxation. Experience a sanctuary of sophistication and tranquility in this opulent master bedroom suite.

Escape into the epitome of luxury within our master bedroom suite. The room boasts a stunning high headboard, exuding elegance and creating a focal point of grandeur. Custom abstract art, touched with hints of gold, adorns the walls, adding a touch of artistic allure. Large nightstands provide ample storage and complete the refined look. A cozy seating area by the fireplace beckons for quiet nights of reading, creating an intimate haven of relaxation. Experience a sanctuary of sophistication and tranquility in this opulent master bedroom suite.

Example of a mid-sized transitional brown floor living room design in New York with blue walls and a wood fireplace surround