The focal point is the hand painted image of a King of Spades – painted on the sliding door that opens up to the Den. This art was specially chosen to reflect the client’s personality and his personal entertainment space. This partition acts as a two way as to keep the den room private when required and can also help the den room act as a larger gathering space when kept open. It is steeped in shades of bottle green exhibiting a raw chic neutral vibe. A visual contrast between finished and unfinished walls with exposed bricks and the herringbone flooring beautifully compliments the setting.

A 36" fireclay farmhouse sink under a large double casement window is an enjoyable place to wash dishes. Farmhouse sinks require a specific type of base cabinet, specially built to support the enormous weight of the sink.

The resident of this 1904 classic Montford home has owned it for more than 30 years. Behind the walls and under the floors of the kitchen and bathroom were a myriad problem areas that needed attention. Hanging new cabinets on walls and from ceilings that may have been plumb a hundred years ago is par for the course. Our project manager even fabricated a special switch plate from wood that was required for an awkward spot in the bathroom. LED can lights and hand-blown glass pendants brighten the kitchen. Intricate tile work and massive glass sliding shower doors bring the bathroom up to date.

The pool’s infinity edge was not well designed and did not function properly. Betz was able to resolve this by improving the water recirculation and installing a properly functioning auto leveller to maintain a constant level along the spill wall. Infinity pools are beautiful but, require special knowledge and techniques to ensure they work properly.

The resident of this 1904 classic Montford home has owned it for more than 30 years. Behind the walls and under the floors of the kitchen and bathroom were a myriad problem areas that needed attention. Hanging new cabinets on walls and from ceilings that may have been plumb a hundred years ago is par for the course. Our project manager even fabricated a special switch plate from wood that was required for an awkward spot in the bathroom. LED can lights and hand-blown glass pendants brighten the kitchen. Intricate tile work and massive glass sliding shower doors bring the bathroom up to date.

We specialize in creating custom designed and functional kitchens. Cabinets and built-in furniture require precise engineering, space planning, and an aesthetic eye for balance and symmetry. We have mastered these skills and invite you to examine our work. Many families spend more waking hours in the kitchen than any other room in the home, so it needs to be both attractive and functional. The challenge of designing a kitchen is identifying what each homeowner wants in terms of functionality, placing appliances and prep areas where they can be intuitively found, and keeping the space neat and attractive. All of these things can be achieved with good design. As our client, you will be guided through the world of interior options, floor and counter materials, hood designs and many other important details that will define your new kitchen. Working with design professionals who have specialized in this field, we can assure you that your kitchen will be an ideal expression of your needs and lifestyle.

This is the second kitchen that I have renovated in the Crafts House. They are very small kitchen spaces and require a lot of very special planning and experience to make these into all they can be. In both kitchens I have done all white cabinets, walls, and marble or the original wood flooring. In this one we did a 24" wide Ref and an 18" wide DW. I also added a bead- board ceiling to conceal the many cracks in the original plaster.

As more homeowners make the decision to remain in their own houses for as long as possible as they age, a demand for renovations that make residences more functional, accessible and safer is becoming ever popular for this aging population and their families. A variety of features require special attention when designing for these situations including wheelchair accessible bathrooms, universal design functions, no-step entry options, easy-living products, elder law, financial planning and home health care services.

A favorite subwoofer for our clients is the compact but very powerful JL Audio E-Sub e110-GLOSS. https://tinyurl.com/mu7325u3 It is a self-powered subwoofer with 10-inch woofer and an internal 1200 watt amplifier. It special woofer design allows it to deliver more bass than competitive designs by maximizing its ability to energize the space and deliver the impact for home theater and the finesse required for delicate music. See Sound & Vision for your JL Audio subwoofer! https://tinyurl.com/42mra43s #soundandvision #jlaudio #esub #bass #hometheater #audiophile #music #subwoofer

These stained glass windows are in hinged wooden doors of Japanese Maple. The imagery is from my "Tumbling Blocks" Series, which explores movement and color in a multitude of applications. The decorative glasswork is encapsulated in special Insulated Glass Units (I.G.U.) that protect it from moisture, and meet code requirements for safety glass.

DEEP RICH MULTI-TONE COLORS Styles are produced by a special thermal process to achieve the deep rich color visuals. Every plank is unique in character. Species: European White Oak Grade: Character Texture: Natural Grain Brushed Construction: Engineered Finish: UV Cured High Performance Urethane Carton Quantity: 27.5 Sft./Ctn. Plank Dimensions: 7/16” (T) x 6” (W) x 60″ (L) RL Installation: Glue • Float • Staple *Glue assist required

This is the second kitchen that I have renovated in the Crafts House. They are very small kitchen spaces and require a lot of very special planning and experience to make these into all they can be. In both kitchens I have done all white cabinets, walls, and marble or the original wood flooring. In this one we did a 24" wide Ref and an 18" wide DW. I also added a bead- board ceiling to conceal the many cracks in the original plaster.

The resident of this 1904 classic Montford home has owned it for more than 30 years. Behind the walls and under the floors of the kitchen and bathroom were a myriad problem areas that needed attention. Hanging new cabinets on walls and from ceilings that may have been plumb a hundred years ago is par for the course. Our project manager even fabricated a special switch plate from wood that was required for an awkward spot in the bathroom. LED can lights and hand-blown glass pendants brighten the kitchen. Intricate tile work and massive glass sliding shower doors bring the bathroom up to date.

Installation of a custom two-tier chandelier within a high recessed ceiling required specialized equipment and precision leveling to ensure perfect balance & alignment. Projects like this demand careful cable management, proper support, and exact positioning to achieve a clean floating appearance once the installation is complete. Our team regularly handles high-ceiling chandelier installations for luxury homes across South Florida.

"A masterclass in functional luxury. This Contemporary Chef's Kitchen showcases the seamless integration of professional-grade appliances with custom, flat-panel cabinetry in a sophisticated sage green. At Granite Palace, we specialize in the high-precision stone fabrication required for these high-performance environments—from the stunning marble island to the technical installation around professional ranges. For builders and contractors, we offer the technical expertise and the 'well-done' standard necessary to execute dual-zone cooking spaces and complex integrated layouts. Let's partner to elevate the culinary experience in your next luxury residential build. ⚒️"

"A sophisticated example of Modern Organic design. This project highlights the perfect balance between dark, textured wood cabinetry and high-contrast stone surfaces. At Granite Palace, we specialize in the custom fabrication of dual-stone layouts—combining sleek white quartz perimeters with bold, ornamental granite islands for maximum visual impact. For builders and contractors, we provide the technical expertise to execute complex, multi-material designs with the 'well-done' standard your high-end projects require. From the custom-fitted cabinetry to the precision-cut stone, let’s partner to build something extraordinary. ⚒️"

Inspiration for a large transitional master gray tile light wood floor and brown floor freestanding bathtub remodel in Houston with brown walls, a standard fireplace, light wood cabinets, a drop-in sink, a hinged shower door and a built-in vanity

Duarte Photo
Inspiration for an industrial home design remodel in Los Angeles

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.”