An old stone mansion built in 1924 had seen a number of renovations over the decades and the time had finally come to address a growing list of issues. Rather than continue with a patchwork of fixes, the owners engaged us to conduct a full house renovation to bring this home back to its former glory and in line with its status as an international consulate residence where dignitaries are hosted on a regular basis. One of the biggest projects was remodeling the expansive 365 SF kitchen; the main kitchen needed to be both a workhorse for the weekly catered events as well as serve as the residents’ primary hub. We made adjustments to the kitchen layout to maximize countertop and storage space as well as enhance overall functionality, being mindful of the dual purposes this kitchen serves. To add visual interest to the large space we used two toned cabinets – classic white along the perimeter and a deep blue to distinguish the two islands and tall pantry. Brushed brass accents echo the original brass hardware and fixtures throughout the home. A kitchen this large needed a statement when it came to the countertops so we selected a stunning Nuvolato quartzite with distinctive veining that complements the blue cabinets. We restored and refinished the original Heart of Pine floors, letting the natural character of the wood shine through. A custom antique Heart of Pine wood top was commissioned for the fixed island – the warmth of wood was preferable to stone for the informal seating area. The second island serves as both prep area and staging space for dinners and events. This mobile island can be pushed flush with the stationary island to provide a generous area for the caterers to expedite service. Adjacent to the main kitchen, we added a second service kitchen for the live-in staff and their family. This room used to be a catch-all laundry/storage/mudroom so we had to get creative in order to incorporate all of those features while adding a fully functioning eat-in kitchen. Using smaller appliances allowed us to capture more space for cabinetry and by stacking the cabinets and washer/dryer (relocated to the rear service foyer) we managed to meet all the requirements. We installed salvaged Heart of Pine floors to match the originals in the adjacent kitchen and chose a neutral finish palette that will be easy to maintain. These kitchens weren’t the only projects we undertook in the historic stone mansion. Other renovations include 7 bathrooms, flooring throughout (hardwoods, custom carpets/runners/wall-to-wall), custom drapery and window treatments, new lighting/electric, as well as paint/trim and custom closet and cabinetry.

9. Maintain organization: Implement organizational systems such as labeled storage bins, dividers for drawers, and specific zones for different types of clothing. Regularly declutter and reorganize to ensure your walk-in closet remains functional and well-organized. 10. Regular maintenance: Keep your walk-in closet clean and well-maintained. Dust shelves and surfaces regularly, vacuum or sweep the floor, and check for any signs of wear and tear. A well-maintained closet will enhance its functionality and longevity.

Photography by Eric Roth
Inspiration for a large victorian open concept medium tone wood floor living room remodel in Boston with beige walls, a standard fireplace and no tv

Cleaning your wooden fence regularly is one of the main factors for maintaining the fence. Here are some tips for power washing your fence.

Photos by Valerie Wilcox
Eat-in kitchen - large transitional l-shaped medium tone wood floor eat-in kitchen idea in Toronto with stainless steel appliances, an island, a double-bowl sink, shaker cabinets, quartz countertops, multicolored backsplash, porcelain backsplash and light wood cabinets

Sarah Reynolds
Minimalist home office photo in Dublin

When this suburban family decided to renovate their kitchen, they knew that they wanted a little more space. Advance Design worked together with the homeowner to design a kitchen that would work for a large family who loved to gather regularly and always ended up in the kitchen! So the project began with extending out an exterior wall to accommodate a larger island and more moving-around space between the island and the perimeter cabinetry. Style was important to the cook, who began collecting accessories and photos of the look she loved for months prior to the project design. She was drawn to the brightness of whites and grays, and the design accentuated this color palette brilliantly with the incorporation of a warm shade of brown woods that originated from a dining room table that was a family favorite. Classic gray and white cabinetry from Dura Supreme hits the mark creating a perfect balance between bright and subdued. Hints of gray appear in the bead board detail peeking just behind glass doors, and in the application of the handsome floating wood shelves between cabinets. White subway tile is made extra interesting with the application of dark gray grout lines causing it to be a subtle but noticeable detail worthy of attention. Suede quartz Silestone graces the countertops with a soft matte hint of color that contrasts nicely with the presence of white painted cabinetry finished smartly with the brightness of a milky white farm sink. Old melds nicely with new, as antique bronze accents are sprinkled throughout hardware and fixtures, and work together unassumingly with the sleekness of stainless steel appliances. The grace and timelessness of this sparkling new kitchen maintains the charm and character of a space that has seen generations past. And now this family will enjoy this new space for many more generations to come in the future with the help of the team at Advance Design Studio. Dura Supreme Cabinetry Photographer: Joe Nowak

This backyard landscape design is inspired by our Blu Grande Smooth patio slab. Perfect paving slab for modern poolsides and backyard design, Blu Grande Smooth is a large concrete patio stone available in multiple colors. It's smooth texture is sleek to the eye but rougher to the touch which avoids it from getting slippery when wet. The large rectangular shape works as an easy add-on into Blu 60 regular modular patterns but can also work as a stand-alone to create a very linear look. Check out the HD2 Blu Grande Smooth which is all about seamless looks with a tighter/poreless texture and anti-aging technology. Check out our website to shop the look! https://www.techo-bloc.com/shop/slabs/blu-grande-smooth/

Metal containers with specimen Agave 'Blue Glow'. Staghorn ferns on shaded wall. Installed and maintained by Curtis Horticulture, Inc.
Mid-sized beach style drought-tolerant and partial sun porch container garden idea in San Francisco with decking

Mirror TV from Seura. When turned off, regular reflective mirror, when TV is on image shows through the mirror for little design intrusion to maintain the aesthetics of your home.

M. Wright Design Photographer: Marc Angeles
Example of a classic powder room design in Los Angeles with a console sink and black walls

Open concept Master Bathroom opens to bedroom in foreground and master closet beyond via sliding barn doors - Interior Architecture: HAUS | Architecture + BRUSFO - Construction Management: WERK - Photo: HAUS | Architecture

Andrea Calo
Elegant medium tone wood floor kitchen photo in Austin with shaker cabinets, white cabinets, soapstone countertops, multicolored backsplash, subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Ed Castro Landscape: Atlanta's finest source for landscape design, construction, maintenance, and horticultural services.
Photo of a traditional landscaping in Atlanta.

Custom copper epoxy kitchen countertops. As opposed to marble, which is prone to staining and must be maintained regularly, as well as granite, which is easily chipped, epoxy countertops are one of the most durable surfaces for regular use, and will provide many years of enjoyment. If the surface is ever damaged, or the homeowner simply wishes for a change of pace, the surface may be sanded and a fresh clear-coat applied, or an entirely different finish may be installed for a new look.

We installed this silver and charcoal ashlar slate patio, walkway, and steps in 2002. The customers have maintained their investment by resealing regularly. This photo was taken in 2018 to illustrate how properly maintained concrete can last for years. PGS Concrete Designs, LLC

We installed this silver and charcoal ashlar slate patio, walkway, and steps in 2002. The customers have maintained their investment by resealing regularly. This photo was taken in 2018 to illustrate how properly maintained concrete can last for years. PGS Concrete Designs, LLC

We installed this silver and charcoal ashlar slate patio, walkway, and steps in 2002. The customers have maintained their investment by resealing regularly. This photo was taken in 2018 to illustrate how properly maintained concrete can last for years. PGS Concrete Designs, LLC