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.”

Inspiration for a large timeless backyard concrete paver patio kitchen remodel in Baltimore with a pergola

Oshii Sushi. Boston, MA
Living room - contemporary living room idea in Boston

HISTORIC PRESERVATION: Award of Excellence PROJECT: Hotel Monaco CLIENT: PMC Property Group and Kimpton Real Estate Investment Funds ARCHITECTURE FIRM: Strada Architecture, LLC with Gensler ENGINEERS: Atlantic Engineering Services CONTRACTORS: Fastrack Construction, Inc. PHOTOGRAPHER: Dennis Marsico DESCRIPTION: The Hotel Monaco reinvigorates the original 1903 Duquesne Light Company Building, creating 248 guest rooms, 13 suites, 11,300 sf of meeting space, a restaurant/bar, and a rooftop garden. The project aimed to inhabit the building seamlessly while bringing it (the historic building) back to life; repairing and restoring the exterior facades were an important part of this. Additionally, grand ballrooms on the main floor take advantage of the original two-story lobby, where windows and columns have been restored, while a basement mailroom has been converted into a new restaurant. JURY COMMENTS: The finished product has allowed the historic parts to shine through. The improvements are compatible with the buildings original design and beautifully executed.

Example of a classic entryway design in Los Angeles

Lara Swimmer Photography http://www.swimmerphoto.com/
Industrial glass flat roof idea in Seattle

Example of a large classic beige two-story stone exterior home design in Denver with a hip roof

MODERN HEIRLOOM A historic house, eclectically reimagined. DESIGN DESCRIPTION The original Victorian details of this home are preserved and paired with a collected, modern sensibility. The story begins in the foyer, where encaustic tile, oak panelling and stained glass are warmed by coral grasscloth. A grand oak staircase, dressed in a striped runner beneath a sculptural brass chandelier, rises to a stained-glass window seat. In the dining room, a lacquered teal ceiling and botanical wallpaper crown chartreuse velvet chairs and a glowing smoked-glass chandelier. The living room plays jewel-toned velvets and sculptural pieces against carved plaster and leaded glass, while the powder room makes a bold statement in graphic tile and an ornate silver mirror. Upstairs, the palette softens to luminous white. In the bedroom, a wall of antiqued mirror glows above sumptuous linen beside a carved oak mantel. In the bathroom, an antique oak sideboard has been reborn as a vanity, set beside a sculptural soaking tub and Calacatta marble. Throughout the home, richness is balanced with restraint, and heritage with quiet luxury.

Soaring 37 stories above Miami and boasting dramatic ocean and city views, Canvas’ mostly glass facade is witness to the radically evolving landscape immediately north of downtown Miami. This is the ideal home for young people and artists. Amenities include; lounge, restaurant and bar, Jam session and music room, indoor pool, racquetball court, Jacuzzi, Gym, social room, yoga garden, children’s playroom and more! Residences from $247k to $417k.

Sand Blend is a delicate mix of creams, tans and soft golds. It has a rich, uncomplicated feel that awakens the spirit. Sand Blend is part of our Signature Series of Granite Split Stone Veneer.

Mr. and Mrs. Eades, the owners of this Chicago home, were inspired to build a Kalamazoo outdoor kitchen because of their love of cooking. “The grill became the center point for doing our outdoor kitchen,” Mr. Eades noted. After working long days, Mr. Eades and his wife, prefer to experiment with new recipes in the comfort of their own home. The Hybrid Fire Grill is the focal point of this compact outdoor kitchen. Weather-tight cabinetry was built into the masonry for storage, and an Artisan Fire Pizza Oven sits atop the countertop and allows the Eades’ to cook restaurant quality Neapolitan style pizzas in their own backyard.

There are many places homeowners can incorporate thin brick veneer in their homes. Thin brick veneer bars are a sought-after trend for residential and commercial projects alike. Its rustic appeal is perfect for basement bars and makes you feel as though you were in a restaurant. Thin brick veneer adds an element of texture to a space and is perfect for interior projects as it is lightweight and easy to install.

Example of a transitional kitchen design in New York

Located in Ovacik, an area in Izmir, Turkey, covering 2580 sqm harvested land especially for vineyards, oriented towards North-West, South-East axis, the Ovacik winery is designed as a wine manufacturing - aiming to produce 10.000 wine bottles per year- and accommodation center. The North-East facade is facing the vineyards while the South-West facade is facing the Aegean Sea view. The wine manufacturing and the accommodation rooms are two programs in the project serving diverse user groups; seasonal employees and leisure visitors. The manufacturing area on the North-West wing designed next to the adjacent farm, blocks the noise acting as a barrier for the rest of the complex. On the North-West parcel, on one third portion of the lot an ancient village house ruin from the late 19th century is found which is preserved and integrated into the landscape and design. Due to the manufacturing process, wine making area require 6m of ceiling height. From the terrace level through the openings on the restaurant facing the neighboring manufacturing area, the visitors can observe the process of wine making. Also these openings allow natural ventilation which helps protect the barrel cellar from excessive heat and drought. For heating and cooling of the facility, ground source system is integrated, allowing minimum external intervention in the future through the stabilization of the heat of ground. In order to maintain the temperature conditions for the wine storage room, the barrel cellar is constructed under the landscape. Following the natural slope topography existing earth/soil is carried and reused above the accommodation volumes to create a green roof which can also be seen from the restaurant terrace as a part of the natural environment.

MALIBU RESTAURANT The stacked volumes of 22716 Pacific Coast Highway, recall Rudolph Schindler’s beach side Lovell house with its clean modern lines, generous overhangs and framed views of the Santa Monica bay and the Malibu pier. In a palette rich with teak timbers, meticulous wood detailing and rugged stone accents, this restaurant offers secluded moments in intimately-sized spaces as well as expansive areas for dining and event gatherings, each with their own breezy vistas. Away from the hum of the Pacific Coast Highway, the low-lying forms and earthy materials were derived from the site’s exquisite natural setting on Carbon Beach in Malibu. Passing through a tall stone wall one is escorted from the hectic PCH to the tranquil interiors filled with luxurious natural woods and stones, accented with bronze and glass. The expansive south facing glass facade then encourages the visitor to take in the panoramic views of the sea. Deep overhangs ensure that those seeking protection can be shielded from the rays, but sun-hungry guests can also chose an outdoor deck area with cozy spots between the canopy trees that recall the fashionably intimate beaches of Saint Tropez.

This Texas Farmhouse was part of a Luxury Home tour in Austin Texas. This farmhouse design combines stone and wood siding to emulate a Barn look to arrive at an attractive Farmhouse design. This Farmhouse has both traditional and modern farmhouse elements making it a unique blend of the 2. It's elegant enough for a luxury home tour, and traditional enough to create a cozy and timeless look perfect for a Farmhouse to call "Home".

This historic Cleveland Park home has housed a Georgetown Professor and a well known cartoon artist for the New Yorker and Washington Post. The front as shown here has original beautiful masonry details and a charming facade, but had not been maintained and was in ill repair when our client Hans and Ginny Wydler purchased the property. Hans Wydler is owner of one of the most successful real estate firms, Wydler Brothers and his wife Ginny loves interior design and the two decided to start a development team to create spec home developments that are finished to a very high level. They hired Ballard Mensua to help them to expand and renovate the home. We then hired Kathryn Everett as our landscape designer and Clemens Group Construction as our builder to complete the team. We believe the project to be a successful example of maintaining historic charm while adding modern amenities. Some day, we will do the same thing for Seth Ballard and his wife to move into .. it is a great house for a young family or for empty nesters who want to sell their large suburban home and move to where they can walk to restaurants and the park.

Chistie's Beverly Hills transforms a nondescript office building into a dynamic neighbor to shops, restaurants and galleries on Camden Way. The early California style facade is inspired by the location and client's desire for the building to express a sense of history and permanence. Beverly Hills strict planning department and architectural review process was an important consideration for the facade that is inspired by buildings typical in Santa Barbara and captures the spirit of Southern California. To achieve the authentic look for the intricate stone decorations and trim on the exterior facade was a challenge. Too often attempts at recreating similar decorations fall short. The design team researched fabricators and products and found an artisan specialized in custom glass fiber reinforced concrete, GFRC, design and construction. The decorations were developed in sketches based on the the design teams renderings. The artisans sketches were reviewed and approved before the final pieces were cast and shipped for installation by the local contractor. Custom and standard shapes are used to achieve a rich and authentic looking decoration with while controlling costs. Accenting the stonework and hand troweled plaster is the custom wrought iron work at the windows and doors. Based on drawings by the design team, a local shop designed and fabricated each piece to fit. Canvas awnings, Spanish tile roof and flag poles complete the study in vernacular architecture. Client: Christie's Architect: KAA, Grant Kirkpatrick, Patti Poundstone, Michael Robbins, Deana Silverman GFRC Designer: Robert Boucher Contractor: Matt Construction

Steve Hasenfeld Custom-made metal grill door for exterior by HMH Architectural Metal & Glass. We did bespoke curved steel grille with custom decorative flowers. We applied a laser-cut, metal bend, welding to produce high-end glrill. In combination with wood frame this external door has transition look that enhance cozy style of facade design. Also, we added a brass canopy to compliment exterior style. Flat brass awning with satin brush finish is the best solution for transitional style. As a result, we got unique stylish entrance which impresses guest and gives inspiration to residents. You may view our other metal grill door here. We did also custom metal doors for hotels, restaurants, bars.