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.”

Can you find the hidden organization in this space? Think storage benches... a great way to keep family treasures close at hand, but safely tucked away! Room Redefined is a full-service home organization and design consultation firm. We offer move management to help with all stages of move prep to post-move set-up. In this case, once we moved the homeowners into their beautiful custom home, we worked intimately with them to understand how they needed each space to function, and to customize solutions that met their goals. As a part of our process, we helped with sorting and purging of items they did not want in their new home, selling, donating, or recycling the removed items. We then engaged in space planning, product selection and product purchasing. We handled all installation of the products we recommended, and continue to work with this family today to help maintain their space as they go through transitions as a family. We have been honored to work with additional members of their family and now their mountain home in Frisco, Colorado.

Customer: Tim Winters Location: Mission, Texas Product: 61″ x 31″ Rectangle Custom Stone Gas Fire Pit "You guys offer a top-quality service. I've purchased from your fire pit store before, so I didn't consider other options before getting my fire pit. It's a great product, it works nice, and it looks especially great and warm in the evening. I placed it on my front porch. I'd recommend it to everyone because it is worth it! Don’t buy big box generic ones. We love our first custom stone fire pit! We had one built for our second home."

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Frode’s multifunctional design is focused on comfort and a convenient approach to transforming it from sofa to bed. You simply remove the back cushions to have a single bed or pull the seat forward and fold down the back to have a comfortable 55”x79” bed for guests that stay overnight. The pleasant pocket spring dual comfort built on a strong metal frame conveys the perfect spot for sitting, lounging, resting or socializing with friends and family. Frode with its upholstered arms is highly recommended as an everyday sofa as the rounded armrests ensure maximum comfort and lounge effect. Under the seat, Frode holds a bedding box that enables you to store blankets, cushions and beddings.

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Frode’s multifunctional design is focused on comfort and a convenient approach to transforming it from sofa to bed. You simply remove the back cushions to have a single bed or pull the seat forward and fold down the back to have a comfortable 55”x79” bed for guests that stay overnight. The pleasant pocket spring dual comfort built on a strong metal frame conveys the perfect spot for sitting, lounging, resting or socializing with friends and family. Frode with its upholstered arms is highly recommended as an everyday sofa as the rounded armrests ensure maximum comfort and lounge effect. Under the seat, Frode holds a bedding box that enables you to store blankets, cushions and beddings.

These clients wanted to connect their new kitchen bump out to the outdoors via a sheltered area that would block bugs and rain but not the view of the lake below. The NARI member contractor exceeded those goals with a design that actually makes the lake appear closer and seamlessly integrates indoors and out. It even expanded cool weather use with strategically placed heaters and a large fire table. The project features an operable pergola with motorized screen walls and architectural columns over a bluestone patio. The client says it’s a lovely place for open-air naps. “With the wall of Loewen doors open and the pergola screens down, our house has never been so open. We love the design and the final product. We definitely would hire the company again and recommend After Before them,” she said.

Architecture, Construction Management and Design by: Harmoni Designs, LLC. Photographer: Scott Pease, Pease Photography
Inspiration for a large craftsman galley dark wood floor and brown floor open concept kitchen remodel in Cleveland with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, granite countertops, multicolored backsplash, mosaic tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Bruce Cole Photography
Living room - transitional enclosed medium tone wood floor and brown floor living room idea with white walls, a standard fireplace and a stone fireplace

Among the new surfaces are shaker style cherry cabinets with a clear finish, soft closing doors & drawers, and furniture grade domestic maple interiors. The cabinetry was trimmed and carefully installed by our CRC artisans and made by Signature Cabinetry & Design. The countertops are a gorgeous cut of Crema Bordeaux granite slab, fabricated and installed by Marble Fino. The appliances are beautiful KitchenAid stainless steel models the homeowner purchased from Pearson's Appliance, and installed by us. The floor is a new wood look vinyl product by DuChateau Floors called Vinyl Deluxe recommended by Jim Pitcher, Owner of CRC. This is not your mother's vinyl floor! This is cutting edge technology. Can you tell the difference? There are astonishingly similar alternatives to hardwood flooring available today. Banned from kitchens and bathrooms no more! You too can have the look of hardwood without the drawbacks of wood products in wet and high traffic areas. Lighting in the kitchen was enhanced by LED ceiling can lights and under cabinet LED strip lights. Notice there are no visible outlets interrupting the backsplash. We tucked outlets under the upper cabinets giving plenty of power where the homeowner needs it without the outlets being visible. Little details make a big difference.

Photo: Michaela Dodd © 2015 Houzz
Design ideas for a traditional landscaping in DC Metro.

These clients wanted to connect their new kitchen bump out to the outdoors via a sheltered area that would block bugs and rain but not the view of the lake below. The NARI member contractor exceeded those goals with a design that actually makes the lake appear closer and seamlessly integrates indoors and out. It even expanded cool weather use with strategically placed heaters and a large fire table. The project features an operable pergola with motorized screen walls and architectural columns over a bluestone patio. The client says it’s a lovely place for open-air naps. “With the wall of Loewen doors open and the pergola screens down, our house has never been so open. We love the design and the final product. We definitely would hire the company again and recommend After Before them,” she said.

Avenue G Dining Room featuring Phillip Jeffries wallpaper and pink dining chairs
Small transitional light wood floor enclosed dining room photo in Austin with gray walls

A place for everything... and everything in its place. The chef owner of this kitchen worked with us to make sure that it would look clean and tidy when not in use. When in use- everything is in easy reach. Room Redefined is a full-service home organization and design consultation firm. We offer move management to help with all stages of move prep to post-move set-up. In this case, once we moved the homeowners into their beautiful custom home, we worked intimately with them to understand how they needed each space to function, and to customize solutions that met their goals. As a part of our process, we helped with sorting and purging of items they did not want in their new home, selling, donating, or recycling the removed items. We then engaged in space planning, product selection and product purchasing. We handled all installation of the products we recommended, and continue to work with this family today to help maintain their space as they go through transitions as a family. We have been honored to work with additional members of their family and now their mountain home in Frisco, Colorado.

Stone Mosaic A Tangent is defined as ''a line that touches but does not intersect a curve.'' It is a word that describes geometry, but also one used to describe heading off in directions unknown. Both definitions are appropriate for our new collections of decorative stone mosaics, in which abstract geometry and mid century modern design influences merge with the beauty of natural stone, creating a richness that will beguile you anew each time you see it. Usage: Residential: All interior surfaces, including bathroom walls/floors*, shower walls/ floors and kitchen backsplashes. Exterior walls. Commercial: Interior and exterior walls and interior floors. *Flannel not recommended for use in showers or exteriors. See Tools | Usage Guide for more details. See more on this product on the Walker Zanger website here: http://walkerzanger.com/collections/products.php?view=style&mat=Contemporary&coll=Tangent

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).

Eileen Sawyer Photography, interiors by hogueID
Inspiration for a coastal living room remodel in New York

"I cannot say enough good things about the Innovative Construction team and work product. They remodeled our water-damaged, 1930s basement, and exceeded all of our expectations - before and after photos simply cannot do this project justice. The original basement included an awkward staircase in an awkward location, one bedroom, one bathroom, a kitchen and small living space. We had a difficult time imagining that it could be much more than that. Innovative Construction's design team was creative, and thought completely out of the box. They relocated the stairwell in a way we did not think was possible, opening up the basement to reconfigure the bedroom, bathroom, kitchenette, living space, but also adding an office and finished storage room. The end result is as functional as it is beautiful. As with all construction, particularly a renovation of an old house, there will be inconveniences, it will be messy, and plenty of surprises behind the old walls. The Innovative Construction team maintained a clean and safe work site for 100% of the project, with minimal disruption to our daily lives, even when there was a large hole cut into our main living room floor to accommodate new stairs down to the basement. The team showed creativity and an eye for design when working around some of the unexpected "character" revealed when opening the walls. The team effectively uses technology to keep everyone on the same page about changes, requests, schedules, contracts, invoices, etc. Everyone is friendly, competent, helpful, and responsive. I felt heard throughout the process, and my requests were responded to quickly and thoroughly. I recommend Innovative Construction without reservation."

The new space feels light, airy and open exuding a tranquil sophistication. A relaxed, meditative atmosphere is achieved by combining glass tile, white walls, dark cabinets and a porcelain countertop.

Custom Home Built By Werschay Homes. Modern Home Using Stucco, Cedar, Ipe, and Stone. Eagle Windows -James Gray Photography
Large trendy beige one-story stucco exterior home photo in Minneapolis with a hip roof