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.”

Perched on a hillside cul-de-sac lot in Brentwood CA, the Gagne Residence enjoys an unusually private street condition and views toward the ocean, city, and surrounding tree lined hills. To maximize dwelling and garden area on the mostly sloped site, the house is broken into two general volumes, one volume responding to the level and orientation of the street, the other, wrapping and descending along the hill’s contour, acting as retainer while providing a third dwelling level and preserving ample area for a garden. Photo credit: Eric Staudenmaier

A house floating on water—or so it seems. Responding to the lakeside site, the building unfolds in four segments connected by footbridges. Pitched roofs of Corten steel hover above walls clad in stacked limestone and reclaimed timber. A Tennessean sanctuary of space and light, as serene as a pagoda, as homey as a ranch.

Expansive windows on the south side respond to distant views. Robert Benson Photography
Example of a huge cottage red two-story wood exterior home design in New York

Remodel by Ostmo Construction Design by Tyler Engle Architects PS Photos by Dale Lang of NW Architectural Photography
Example of a huge minimalist u-shaped medium tone wood floor and brown floor kitchen pantry design in Portland with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, gray cabinets, quartzite countertops, white backsplash, glass sheet backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Photo Credits: Brian Vanden Brink
Large beach style medium tone wood floor and brown floor hallway photo in Boston with beige walls

Located overlooking the ski resorts of Big Sky, Montana, this MossCreek custom designed mountain home responded to a challenging site, and the desire to showcase a stunning timber frame element. Utilizing the topography to its fullest extent, the designers of MossCreek provided their clients with beautiful views of the slopes, unique living spaces, and even a secluded grotto complete with indoor pool. This is truly a magnificent, and very livable home for family and friends. Photos: R. Wade

Amy Bartlam
Small eclectic formal and open concept dark wood floor living room photo in Orange County with white walls, no fireplace and a wall-mounted tv

The house exterior is composed of two different patterns of wood siding. The closely spaced T&G siding is for the upper portion of the house, while the more broadly spaced channel siding is used at the base of the house. The house overlooks Puget Sound. Read More Here: http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/55328448/list/houzz-tour-pacific-northwest-landscape-inspires-a-seattle-home

Peter Aaron
Beach style home design photo in New York

Landmark Photography
Kitchen - mediterranean dark wood floor and brown floor kitchen idea in Minneapolis with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, black backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Photo by Eric Rorer
Great room - contemporary dark wood floor great room idea in San Francisco with gray walls

The couple's youngest son, Major, is the only Novogratz with his own room. Although he is only five years old, the couple resists going the traditional route of theme decorating. Instead, pieces are thoughtfully considered to give the kids an environment that they can respond to now, but grow with into the future. Here, a portrait of Major by photographer Catherine Hall imbues the space with a sense of ownership. The striped rug teams with a bright red side table and over sized pendant to offer a stimulating environment without being overwhelming. Rug: Stockholm area rug, IKEA Photo: Adrienne DeRosa Photography © 2014 Houzz Design: Cortney and Robert Novogratz

Intercepting the formal linearity of the wardrobes is a bold cantilevered planter box that projects out oblong. The dressing mirror with gold accents responds to the curved projection as though deep in playful conversation.

RVP Photography
Inspiration for a small contemporary black one-story metal exterior home remodel in Cincinnati with a shed roof

This cape cod style home responds to the long narrow site and orientation to the views. The house is built into the steep hillside allowing full use of the site. The 12 foot tall ceilings create a loft like feel in a traditional setting. Floor to ceiling windows show off the pool and outdoor covered patio.

'Farmer's Long Purple' eggplant growing in a large terra-cotta pot. Photo by Steve Masley
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A dynamic design articulated to respond directly to its specific location. Height, colour, voids and form combine to express the client’s individuality through the architecture.

A dynamic design articulated to respond directly to its specific location. Height, colour, voids and form combine to express the client’s individuality through the architecture.