Large transitional u-shaped light wood floor open concept kitchen photo in Orange County with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, stone tile backsplash, beige backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and gray countertops

If you are fortunate to have a hot tub as a key part of outdoor activity, creating desirable mood lighting can be relatively easy. Because spas boast lots of available lighting options — with no special landscaping required. That was certainly the case for this project. Very little additional lighting was required along with a few containers for flowers. www.besthottubs.com

This is a great house. Perched high on a private, heavily wooded site, it has a rustic contemporary aesthetic. Vaulted ceilings, sky lights, large windows and natural materials punctuate the main spaces. The existing large format mosaic slate floor grabs your attention upon entering the home extending throughout the foyer, kitchen, and family room. Specific requirements included a larger island with workspace for each of the homeowners featuring a homemade pasta station which requires small appliances on lift-up mechanisms as well as a custom-designed pasta drying rack. Both chefs wanted their own prep sink on the island complete with a garbage “shoot” which we concealed below sliding cutting boards. A second and overwhelming requirement was storage for a large collection of dishes, serving platters, specialty utensils, cooking equipment and such. To meet those needs we took the opportunity to get creative with storage: sliding doors were designed for a coffee station adjacent to the main sink; hid the steam oven, microwave and toaster oven within a stainless steel niche hidden behind pantry doors; added a narrow base cabinet adjacent to the range for their large spice collection; concealed a small broom closet behind the refrigerator; and filled the only available wall with full-height storage complete with a small niche for charging phones and organizing mail. We added 48” high base cabinets behind the main sink to function as a bar/buffet counter as well as overflow for kitchen items. The client’s existing vintage commercial grade Wolf stove and hood commands attention with a tall backdrop of exposed brick from the fireplace in the adjacent living room. We loved the rustic appeal of the brick along with the existing wood beams, and complimented those elements with wired brushed white oak cabinets. The grayish stain ties in the floor color while the slab door style brings a modern element to the space. We lightened the color scheme with a mix of white marble and quartz countertops. The waterfall countertop adjacent to the dining table shows off the amazing veining of the marble while adding contrast to the floor. Special materials are used throughout, featured on the textured leather-wrapped pantry doors, patina zinc bar countertop, and hand-stitched leather cabinet hardware. We took advantage of the tall ceilings by adding two walnut linear pendants over the island that create a sculptural effect and coordinated them with the new dining pendant and three wall sconces on the beam over the main sink.

Clearstone™ is a specially formulated polyester resin based system, which is water clear and non-yellowing. It can be applied to many types of natural stone including marble, limestone, travertine, onyx and sandstone.

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.”

Alcove bathtub - small modern blue tile and mosaic tile ceramic tile and multicolored floor alcove bathtub idea in Austin with shaker cabinets, blue cabinets, an undermount sink, marble countertops, a hinged shower door and white countertops

Hear what our clients, Karen & Robert, have to say about their project by clicking on the Facebook link and then the Videos tab.
Inspiration for a transitional full sun backyard stone landscaping in Chicago for fall.

We were able to make this house very special (and very green) by adding the first village-approved rain garden in Northbrook. Rain gardens use vegetation, soils, and other elements to restore some of the natural processes required to manage water and create a healthier environment. We installed a 5,000 gallon sub-ground retention system to diminish the load of a large rain event on the property and the municipal system, while retaining water for the homeowner that can then be used for irrigation on the property.

Multi-size brushed limestone. We call this Mondore its from Morocco. We import direct and stock in Southern California. We offer cut to size special orders for jobs requiring 3,000 + square feet.

Ryan Bent
Country exterior home idea in Burlington

Multi-size brushed limestone. We call this Mondore its from Morocco. We import direct and stock in Southern California. We offer cut to size special orders for jobs requiring 3,000 + square feet.

Modern Bedroom Silk by Huppe. The Silk collection is manufactured in birch veneer specially selected, which is timeless and sophisticated. The Bed repeats the lines of the night tables, giving a sense of balance to the collection. The headboard consists of 5 distinct sections with architectural details that let daylight or optional LED lighting pass through. Silk creates a warm and comforting atmosphere. Optionally, the set also offers a dresser, chest and nightstands to give the bed a comfortable storage system. Equipped with invisible self-clothing slides, the drawers close efficiently. The interior of the drawers is specially treated and stained to match the exterior. The platform bed only requires a mattress that sits on a European-style wooden base with metal slats. The bed can be ordered with an optional Storage Platform, please check the additional images. Available in a variety of finishes according to our color samples. Shown in Smoked #32 finish. The starting price is for the Queen size Bed. Contact our office to get Silk Bed for even better price! Limited Time Offer! P: 718-676-1977 (MIG Furniture, Brooklyn NY) Dimensions: Queen Size Bed: W79" x D88.7" x H37" King Size Bed: W97" x D88.7" x H37" 1 Drawer Night Stand: W21.7" x D20" x H13.5" 2 Drawer Night Stand: W22" x D19" x H16" 6 Drawer Dresser: W66" x D19" x H29" 5 Drawer Chest: W30" x D19" x H50" Horizontal Mirror: W46" x D2.3" x H26" Floor Mirror: W23" x D2.3" x H75"

Multi-size brushed limestone. We call this Mondore its from Morocco. We import direct and stock in Southern California. We offer cut to size special orders for jobs requiring 3,000 + square feet.

Once a foreclosure in shambles, this house was gutted and completely flipped into a gorgeous family home. The entry, living and kitchen were unlivable and required in depth redesign to create the open flow the home offers now. Clean lines and modern tranquility are now enjoyed daily by these homeowners! Design by Chad Hatfield, CR, CRKB. Photography by Versatile Imaging.

The SÓLAS TWENTY6 VF is a versatile wall mount “landscape” design fireplace that can be placed in almost any room in a variety of home and commercial settings. The TWENTY6 VF is also an ideal model for homeowners who want to add supplemental zone heating at “couch height”. The TWENTY6 VF is the answer for an easy and flexible fireplace installation, with no requirement for non-combustible materials, specialized construction, framing, or venting

Coco Small Chandelier Round is made of steel draped with crystals. Finish in black or nickel. Requires 25 watt, 120 volt B10 candelabra incandescent bulbs, not included. General light distribution. Small: 23.6 inch diameter x 29.5 inch height. Supplied with a 59.1 inch chain, 78.7 electrical cable and ceiling canopy. All sizes require a special rated junction box for fixtures weighing over 50 pounds.

4 retractable modules of fully movable pool dome allowing to use the pool year round. This install took place in Caledon, Ontario, Canada using specially designed aluminum profiles that complies with the structural requirements on snow and wind loads in Canada.

A 1927 colonial home in Shaker Heights, Ohio, received a breathtaking renovation that required extensive work, transforming it from a tucked away, utilitarian space, to an all-purpose gathering room, a role that most kitchens embrace in a home today. The scope of work changed over the course of the project, starting more minimalistically and then quickly becoming the main focus of the house's remodeling, resulting in a staircase being relocated and walls being torn down to create an inviting focal point to the home where family and friends could connect. The focus of the functionality was to allow for multiple prep areas with the inclusion of two islands and sinks, two eating areas (one for impromptu snacking and small meals of younger family members and friends on island no. two and a built-in bench seat for everyday meals in the immediate family). The kitchen was equipped with all Subzero and Wolf appliances, including a 48" range top with a 12" griddle, two double ovens, a 42" built-in side by side refrigerator and freezer, a microwave drawer on island no. one and a beverage center and icemaker in island no. two. The aesthetic feeling embraces the architectural feel of the home while adding a modern sensibility with the revamped layout and graphic elements that tie the color palette of whites, chocolate and charcoal. The cabinets were custom made and outfitted with beaded inset doors with a Shaker panel frame and finished in Benjamin Moore's OC-17 White Dove, a soft white that allowed for the kitchen to feel warm while still maintaining its brightness. Accents of walnut were added to create a sense of warmth, including a custom premium grade walnut countertop on island no. one from Brooks Custom and a TV cabinet with a doggie feeding station beneath. Bringing the cabinet line to the 8'6" ceiling height helps the room feel taller and bold light fixtures at the islands and eating area add detail to an otherwise simpler ceiling detail. The 1 1/4" countertops feature Calacatta Gold Marble with an ogee edge detail. Special touches on the interiors include secret storage panels, an appliance garage, breadbox, pull-out drawers behind the cabinet doors and all soft-close hinges and drawer glides. A kneading area was made as a part of island no. one for the homeowners' love of baking, complete with a stone top allowing for dough to stay cool. Baskets beneath store kitchen essentials that need air circulation. The room adjacent to the kitchen was converted to a hearth room (from a formal dining room) to extend the kitchen's living space and allow for a natural spillover for family and guests to spill into. Jason Miller, Pixelate

Instantly have a place for comfort with this chair from the Aquios Collection. The contemporary bentwood design will add flare to any living space creating a comfortable place for you in your home. The flexible frame and cozy Warm White fabric finish makes for a special seat that will fit into any decor setting with ease. Crafted with special attention to detail the LBQ-786-C is small enough to easily tuck into a condo space but large enough for comfort. Bring home this contemporary design by CorLiving. Warm White fabric seat Small footprint frees up space in any room Flexible quality bentwood frame Easy to assemble Assembly required.