This kitchen with full height backsplash in Gaston came together in Calacatta Lilly, an engineered quartz from AG Stones that gives you that bright white background with soft gray and gold veining moving through it. We used the same stone into the bathroom vanities too, so the whole house reads consistent without repeating the same room twice. Quartz like this is manufactured under controlled conditions, so the veining pattern is engineered to look natural while staying more predictable slab to slab than a lot of natural stone. That consistency matters most in a kitchen, where the counters are doing the real work every day. Calacatta Lilly holds up to knives, hot pans, and the general chaos of cooking without needing much babying. It's non-porous, so there's no sealing schedule to keep track of, no worrying about a glass of wine sitting too long or lemon juice etching a ring into the surface. You wipe it down and move on with your life. Getting the look right across a kitchen this size takes some care at the template stage. We're matching veining direction across the island, the perimeter, and working out where the seams fall so they land somewhere quiet, not right in your line of sight. With a manufactured stone like this, the pattern repeats in a way that actually helps us keep that continuity, but it still takes a careful eye to lay it out so the kitchen looks like one continuous piece rather than a handful of slabs pieced together. In the bathroom, that same white and gray palette does something different. Vanities don't take the abuse a kitchen counter does, so the quartz there is more about keeping a clean, bright look day after day with almost zero maintenance. We finished both spaces with an eased edge, simple and clean, letting the stone itself carry the room instead of the edge detail. Gaston sits right in that stretch of the Midlands where we do a lot of our work, and it's always good to get out there and put a stone like this into a house. Calacatta Lilly gives this kitchen and bath a bright, cohesive look that's going to hold up fine to daily life for a long time to come.

This kitchen with full height backsplash in Gaston came together in Calacatta Lilly, an engineered quartz from AG Stones that gives you that bright white background with soft gray and gold veining moving through it. We used the same stone into the bathroom vanities too, so the whole house reads consistent without repeating the same room twice. Quartz like this is manufactured under controlled conditions, so the veining pattern is engineered to look natural while staying more predictable slab to slab than a lot of natural stone. That consistency matters most in a kitchen, where the counters are doing the real work every day. Calacatta Lilly holds up to knives, hot pans, and the general chaos of cooking without needing much babying. It's non-porous, so there's no sealing schedule to keep track of, no worrying about a glass of wine sitting too long or lemon juice etching a ring into the surface. You wipe it down and move on with your life. Getting the look right across a kitchen this size takes some care at the template stage. We're matching veining direction across the island, the perimeter, and working out where the seams fall so they land somewhere quiet, not right in your line of sight. With a manufactured stone like this, the pattern repeats in a way that actually helps us keep that continuity, but it still takes a careful eye to lay it out so the kitchen looks like one continuous piece rather than a handful of slabs pieced together. In the bathroom, that same white and gray palette does something different. Vanities don't take the abuse a kitchen counter does, so the quartz there is more about keeping a clean, bright look day after day with almost zero maintenance. We finished both spaces with an eased edge, simple and clean, letting the stone itself carry the room instead of the edge detail. Gaston sits right in that stretch of the Midlands where we do a lot of our work, and it's always good to get out there and put a stone like this into a house. Calacatta Lilly gives this kitchen and bath a bright, cohesive look that's going to hold up fine to daily life for a long time to come.

This kitchen with full height backsplash in Gaston came together in Calacatta Lilly, an engineered quartz from AG Stones that gives you that bright white background with soft gray and gold veining moving through it. We used the same stone into the bathroom vanities too, so the whole house reads consistent without repeating the same room twice. Quartz like this is manufactured under controlled conditions, so the veining pattern is engineered to look natural while staying more predictable slab to slab than a lot of natural stone. That consistency matters most in a kitchen, where the counters are doing the real work every day. Calacatta Lilly holds up to knives, hot pans, and the general chaos of cooking without needing much babying. It's non-porous, so there's no sealing schedule to keep track of, no worrying about a glass of wine sitting too long or lemon juice etching a ring into the surface. You wipe it down and move on with your life. Getting the look right across a kitchen this size takes some care at the template stage. We're matching veining direction across the island, the perimeter, and working out where the seams fall so they land somewhere quiet, not right in your line of sight. With a manufactured stone like this, the pattern repeats in a way that actually helps us keep that continuity, but it still takes a careful eye to lay it out so the kitchen looks like one continuous piece rather than a handful of slabs pieced together. In the bathroom, that same white and gray palette does something different. Vanities don't take the abuse a kitchen counter does, so the quartz there is more about keeping a clean, bright look day after day with almost zero maintenance. We finished both spaces with an eased edge, simple and clean, letting the stone itself carry the room instead of the edge detail. Gaston sits right in that stretch of the Midlands where we do a lot of our work, and it's always good to get out there and put a stone like this into a house. Calacatta Lilly gives this kitchen and bath a bright, cohesive look that's going to hold up fine to daily life for a long time to come.

This kitchen with full height backsplash in Gaston came together in Calacatta Lilly, an engineered quartz from AG Stones that gives you that bright white background with soft gray and gold veining moving through it. We used the same stone into the bathroom vanities too, so the whole house reads consistent without repeating the same room twice. Quartz like this is manufactured under controlled conditions, so the veining pattern is engineered to look natural while staying more predictable slab to slab than a lot of natural stone. That consistency matters most in a kitchen, where the counters are doing the real work every day. Calacatta Lilly holds up to knives, hot pans, and the general chaos of cooking without needing much babying. It's non-porous, so there's no sealing schedule to keep track of, no worrying about a glass of wine sitting too long or lemon juice etching a ring into the surface. You wipe it down and move on with your life. Getting the look right across a kitchen this size takes some care at the template stage. We're matching veining direction across the island, the perimeter, and working out where the seams fall so they land somewhere quiet, not right in your line of sight. With a manufactured stone like this, the pattern repeats in a way that actually helps us keep that continuity, but it still takes a careful eye to lay it out so the kitchen looks like one continuous piece rather than a handful of slabs pieced together. In the bathroom, that same white and gray palette does something different. Vanities don't take the abuse a kitchen counter does, so the quartz there is more about keeping a clean, bright look day after day with almost zero maintenance. We finished both spaces with an eased edge, simple and clean, letting the stone itself carry the room instead of the edge detail. Gaston sits right in that stretch of the Midlands where we do a lot of our work, and it's always good to get out there and put a stone like this into a house. Calacatta Lilly gives this kitchen and bath a bright, cohesive look that's going to hold up fine to daily life for a long time to come.

This kitchen with full height backsplash in Gaston came together in Calacatta Lilly, an engineered quartz from AG Stones that gives you that bright white background with soft gray and gold veining moving through it. We used the same stone into the bathroom vanities too, so the whole house reads consistent without repeating the same room twice. Quartz like this is manufactured under controlled conditions, so the veining pattern is engineered to look natural while staying more predictable slab to slab than a lot of natural stone. That consistency matters most in a kitchen, where the counters are doing the real work every day. Calacatta Lilly holds up to knives, hot pans, and the general chaos of cooking without needing much babying. It's non-porous, so there's no sealing schedule to keep track of, no worrying about a glass of wine sitting too long or lemon juice etching a ring into the surface. You wipe it down and move on with your life. Getting the look right across a kitchen this size takes some care at the template stage. We're matching veining direction across the island, the perimeter, and working out where the seams fall so they land somewhere quiet, not right in your line of sight. With a manufactured stone like this, the pattern repeats in a way that actually helps us keep that continuity, but it still takes a careful eye to lay it out so the kitchen looks like one continuous piece rather than a handful of slabs pieced together. In the bathroom, that same white and gray palette does something different. Vanities don't take the abuse a kitchen counter does, so the quartz there is more about keeping a clean, bright look day after day with almost zero maintenance. We finished both spaces with an eased edge, simple and clean, letting the stone itself carry the room instead of the edge detail. Gaston sits right in that stretch of the Midlands where we do a lot of our work, and it's always good to get out there and put a stone like this into a house. Calacatta Lilly gives this kitchen and bath a bright, cohesive look that's going to hold up fine to daily life for a long time to come.

Having evergreens on your property is an extraordinary way to include color that will stay fresh all year long. Knowing how to take care of your evergreens is also important if you want them to thrive long-term. How you plant your evergreens and where you plant them is important, but their maintenance equally critical. You should always fortify your evergreens by watering them liberally and mulching their soil beds. This will help reduce any damage caused by winds, cold weather, and intense sun exposure. Pruning on a consistent schedule will also ensure that your evergreen always looks neat, healthy, and green. How to Properly Care for Evergreens Evergreens are very low-maintenance trees but they still require care. Neglected plants will dry out and wither which has the contrary effect of what you intended for when you planted them. Mulching & Watering The level of moisture in the soil will determine how well an evergreen can handle winter conditions and dry conditions. Adding wood chips or shredded bark mulch around the bottom of your plant will help lock in soil moisture. Make sure this is close to the tree’s drip line. Adding organic materials to your mulch, such as compost, will further boost the nutrient levels in the soil. This, in turn, will help your evergreen grow strong, healthy and green. Make sure you water your plant regularly to maintain soil moisture levels. Read More: https://www.fivestartreecare.ca/blog/best-way-to-care-for-evergreens/

This kitchen in Irmo features MSI Calacatta Elysio, an engineered quartz with a bright white background and soft gray and gold veining moving through it, giving it plenty of movement and warmth without ever feeling flat or cold. Quartz makes sense in a kitchen like this one. It's non-porous, so there's no sealing to keep up with and no worrying about wine or lemon juice sitting on the counter too long. Engineered stone gives us a consistent pattern too, which matters when you're trying to match veining across a seam or carry the look from the perimeter counters over to an island. We template every job on site with precision equipment so the fit is tight before a single cut gets made in the shop. Fabricating a quartz top like this takes patience. Getting the veining to match at the seam in the farm sink is paramount, especially if the kitchen has an island or a stretch of counter longer than 8 or 9 feet, takes some planning up front. We look at the whole layout before we cut so the pattern flows the way it should instead of looking chopped up. Day to day, this is a surface that's built for real cooking. It resists scratches and stains well, handles daily wear without much fuss, and doesn't ask for any regular maintenance routine to keep it looking good. Hot pans still require a trivet, but for prepping, and everything else that happens in a working kitchen, it holds up. We do a lot of this kind of work across the Midlands, and Irmo kitchens like this one are a good example of why quartz keeps showing up on our schedule. It gives homeowners a bright, clean look with a practical, low-maintenance surface that fits how people actually use their kitchens.

This kitchen in Irmo features MSI Calacatta Elysio, an engineered quartz with a bright white background and soft gray and gold veining moving through it, giving it plenty of movement and warmth without ever feeling flat or cold. Quartz makes sense in a kitchen like this one. It's non-porous, so there's no sealing to keep up with and no worrying about wine or lemon juice sitting on the counter too long. Engineered stone gives us a consistent pattern too, which matters when you're trying to match veining across a seam or carry the look from the perimeter counters over to an island. We template every job on site with precision equipment so the fit is tight before a single cut gets made in the shop. Fabricating a quartz top like this takes patience. Getting the veining to match at the seam in the farm sink is paramount, especially if the kitchen has an island or a stretch of counter longer than 8 or 9 feet, takes some planning up front. We look at the whole layout before we cut so the pattern flows the way it should instead of looking chopped up. Day to day, this is a surface that's built for real cooking. It resists scratches and stains well, handles daily wear without much fuss, and doesn't ask for any regular maintenance routine to keep it looking good. Hot pans still require a trivet, but for prepping, and everything else that happens in a working kitchen, it holds up. We do a lot of this kind of work across the Midlands, and Irmo kitchens like this one are a good example of why quartz keeps showing up on our schedule. It gives homeowners a bright, clean look with a practical, low-maintenance surface that fits how people actually use their kitchens.

This kitchen in Irmo features MSI Calacatta Elysio, an engineered quartz with a bright white background and soft gray and gold veining moving through it, giving it plenty of movement and warmth without ever feeling flat or cold. Quartz makes sense in a kitchen like this one. It's non-porous, so there's no sealing to keep up with and no worrying about wine or lemon juice sitting on the counter too long. Engineered stone gives us a consistent pattern too, which matters when you're trying to match veining across a seam or carry the look from the perimeter counters over to an island. We template every job on site with precision equipment so the fit is tight before a single cut gets made in the shop. Fabricating a quartz top like this takes patience. Getting the veining to match at the seam in the farm sink is paramount, especially if the kitchen has an island or a stretch of counter longer than 8 or 9 feet, takes some planning up front. We look at the whole layout before we cut so the pattern flows the way it should instead of looking chopped up. Day to day, this is a surface that's built for real cooking. It resists scratches and stains well, handles daily wear without much fuss, and doesn't ask for any regular maintenance routine to keep it looking good. Hot pans still require a trivet, but for prepping, and everything else that happens in a working kitchen, it holds up. We do a lot of this kind of work across the Midlands, and Irmo kitchens like this one are a good example of why quartz keeps showing up on our schedule. It gives homeowners a bright, clean look with a practical, low-maintenance surface that fits how people actually use their kitchens.

This kitchen in Irmo features MSI Calacatta Elysio, an engineered quartz with a bright white background and soft gray and gold veining moving through it, giving it plenty of movement and warmth without ever feeling flat or cold. Quartz makes sense in a kitchen like this one. It's non-porous, so there's no sealing to keep up with and no worrying about wine or lemon juice sitting on the counter too long. Engineered stone gives us a consistent pattern too, which matters when you're trying to match veining across a seam or carry the look from the perimeter counters over to an island. We template every job on site with precision equipment so the fit is tight before a single cut gets made in the shop. Fabricating a quartz top like this takes patience. Getting the veining to match at the seam in the farm sink is paramount, especially if the kitchen has an island or a stretch of counter longer than 8 or 9 feet, takes some planning up front. We look at the whole layout before we cut so the pattern flows the way it should instead of looking chopped up. Day to day, this is a surface that's built for real cooking. It resists scratches and stains well, handles daily wear without much fuss, and doesn't ask for any regular maintenance routine to keep it looking good. Hot pans still require a trivet, but for prepping, and everything else that happens in a working kitchen, it holds up. We do a lot of this kind of work across the Midlands, and Irmo kitchens like this one are a good example of why quartz keeps showing up on our schedule. It gives homeowners a bright, clean look with a practical, low-maintenance surface that fits how people actually use their kitchens.

'Carmello' tomatoes growing in a large terra-cotta pot. Photo by Steve Masley
Photo of an eclectic landscaping in San Francisco.

Willie & Leslie of Barrington Hills loved the location of their home. Its breathtaking views overlooked a wooded backyard and a captivating lake. They didn’t want to move, but they needed more space. But the house was missing that big family room where everyone could gather, relax and converse, and the house was completely cut off visually from the beautiful outdoor view right outside! They knew what they wanted meant building an addition to their home. They began searching the internet and came across Advance Design Studio, and after browsing through project after project and reading one outstanding client review after another, they were sold on Advance Design. Additionally, they loved Advance Design’s “Common Sense Remodeling” process and felt confident that it would allow the Design/Build company to easily coordinate the multiple projects they wanted to complete all at one time. Willie and Leslie immediately set up a meeting with Owner Todd Jurs and Project Designer Claudia Pop. When the meeting ended, they were sure that Advance Design were the right people and the right approach for their project. "Establishing a direction and a budget is always key in project of this size," Todd said. "This house was screaming for a family room and it didn't have one. Ultimately, it's about working together towards the same goal of a beautiful functional addition." The project consisted of a significant family room addition with an extraordinary vaulted ceiling and floor to ceiling fireplace, a guest suite renovation with a luxury bath, a garage addition, and an adjoining outdoor patio renovation complete with a fantastic built in grilling station. The main goal was to add comfort and space to the existing home that would last their lifetime, and finally allow them to capture the amazing view of the backyard and lake that they never could really enjoy previously. Willie, Leslie and Claudia paid special attention to designing the space to make sure that the footprint of the room did not interfere with the views. Floor to ceiling Pella windows were incorporated into a spectacular window wall to provide plenty of natural light. Vaulted ceilings gave the room a bigger feel and the stunning floor to ceiling masonry fireplace was designed giving the room a rustic, comfortable feel of a Colorado Lodge. Barnwood doors and exposed wooden beams accentuate the crackling fireplace and family gathering space. An oversized statement chandelier bathes the space in soft light once the sun sets and compliments the exposed wood and fireplace perfectly. “It simple elegant and beautiful,” Designer Claudia Pop said. “It is a great family room that captures the views perfectly. They love the fireplace, the barndoors and the openness of the space we designed for the whole family now to enjoy.” And when warm weather beckons, the outdoor patio is a terrific place to spend an evening. The family now enjoys fall nights in front of their outdoor fireplace overlooking the quiet lake. Dekton Trillium Quartz counters tops adorn an amazing grilling bar. Nearly indestructible, they are the only manufactured stone product designed exclusively to withstand high heat in summer and extreme cold temperatures in winter. The guest bath renovation makes Willie and Leslie’s friends and family feel like they are staying at a 5-star hotel. Carlisle colored Maple cabinets from Medallion make a roomy dual vanity more than adequate with plenty of space to get ready for the day after a peaceful night’s sleep. Cambria Quartz countertops are durable and elegant, while contrasting the neutral cabinets flawlessly. Heated flooring from Warmly Yours is the cherry on top for this cozy guest bath. All the projects turned out better than they even imagined. Willie and Leslie now have a spacious family room with even better views of the lake and woods, a much larger garage, a fantastic relaxing outdoor patio, and a guest bath that makes it almost impossible to get the guest to leave after their stay. Are you thinking about a remodeling project? Talk to the experts at Advance Design about the renovation of your dreams. Now is the perfect time to renovate. Check out other amazing projects here. With “Common Sense Remodeling”, the process of renovating your home has never been easier. Contact us today at 847-836-2600 or schedule an appointment to talk with us about your kitchen remodeling project, or any other home renovation you are planning. Our talented team can help you design and build the new space you’ve been dreaming about.

The plan for this sensational residence was the original creation of Ken Andersen and his associates at the venerable firm of R.S. Granoff Architects. After enjoying their beautiful home for eight years, the owners felt the time had arrived to expand and enhance their outside living space, and to complement it with an elegant conservatory. Naturally, they turned to Ken for inspiration, who to our gratitude called on the Renaissance Design Team to assist in bringing his plan and his clients’ dreams to fruition. Meeting an exceptionally tight completion schedule was but one of many challenges for this fast-track job. Thanks to the cooperation of every participant, first-shovel to completion was accomplished in an incredibly short twelve weeks; all with minimal disruption to the family’s daily routine. Ken Andersen’s relentless attention to the many intricacies clearly resonates in the glorious finished product. GOALS: • Create a conservatory garden room from which to savor the seasonal splendor of the home’s expansive yards. • Add a new stone patio and open air kitchen, easily accessible from the new conservatory’s dining area. • Provide access from the adjacent family room and the convenience of a direct pathway to the kitchen. • Eliminate the shared family room wall to enhance room size, traffic flow, and natural lighting. • Accomplish all this in a manner consistent with the home’s fine Tudor-inspired architecture. FEATURES: • The suggestion of traditional hewn timber frame construction through the use of chamfered pilasters, ceiling beams, and lantern rafters. • The warmth of naturally finished mahogany accentuating a painted beaded ceiling. • Delicately mullioned transom sash articulated in German Antique art glass with soldered copper cames. • Renaissance’s Signature Revival Series oiled bronze push-pull window hardware. • Concealed rolling insect screens with beaded head valences. • Raised paneling at the knee wall and light shaft, matching those found elsewhere in the home. • A venting roof lantern with motorized sash. • Copper roofing, gutters, spouting, and finial posts.

PHOTOS: Mountain Home Photo CONTRACTOR: 3C Construction Main level living: 1455 sq ft Upper level Living: 1015 sq ft Guest Wing / Office: 520 sq ft Total Living: 2990 sq ft Studio Space: 1520 sq ft 2 Car Garage : 575 sq ft ​ General Contractor: 3C Construction: Steve Lee The client, a sculpture artist, and his wife came to J.P.A. only wanting a studio next to their home. During the design process it grew to having a living space above the studio, which grew to having a small house attached to the studio forming a compound. At this point it became clear to the client; the project was outgrowing the neighborhood. After re-evaluating the project, the live / work compound is currently sited in a natural protected nest with post card views of Mount Sopris & the Roaring Fork Valley. The courtyard compound consist of the central south facing piece being the studio flanked by a simple 2500 sq ft 2 bedroom, 2 story house one the west side, and a multi purpose guest wing /studio on the east side. The evolution of this compound came to include the desire to have the building blend into the surrounding landscape, and at the same time become the backdrop to create and display his sculpture. “Jess has been our architect on several projects over the past ten years. He is easy to work with, and his designs are interesting and thoughtful. He always carefully listens to our ideas and is able to create a plan that meets our needs both as individuals and as a family. We highly recommend Jess Pedersen Architecture”. - Client “As a general contractor, I can highly recommend Jess. His designs are very pleasing with a lot of thought put in to how they are lived in. He is a real team player, adding greatly to collaborative efforts and making the process smoother for all involved. Further, he gets information out on or ahead of schedule. Really been a pleasure working with Jess and hope to do more together in the future!” Steve Lee - 3C Construction

Custom Surface Solutions (www.css-tile.com) - Owner Craig Thompson (512) 430-1215. This project shows the remodel of a small 1950's vintage home master bathroom. 8"" x 18" Calcutta gold marble tile was used on the shower walls and floor wall base and ceramic gray penny tile on the floor. Shower includes curbless pan / floor, dual shower boxes, frameless glass slider, trough duel fixture sink and chrome fixtures.

PHOTOS: Mountain Home Photo CONTRACTOR: 3C Construction Main level living: 1455 sq ft Upper level Living: 1015 sq ft Guest Wing / Office: 520 sq ft Total Living: 2990 sq ft Studio Space: 1520 sq ft 2 Car Garage : 575 sq ft ​ General Contractor: 3C Construction: Steve Lee The client, a sculpture artist, and his wife came to J.P.A. only wanting a studio next to their home. During the design process it grew to having a living space above the studio, which grew to having a small house attached to the studio forming a compound. At this point it became clear to the client; the project was outgrowing the neighborhood. After re-evaluating the project, the live / work compound is currently sited in a natural protected nest with post card views of Mount Sopris & the Roaring Fork Valley. The courtyard compound consist of the central south facing piece being the studio flanked by a simple 2500 sq ft 2 bedroom, 2 story house one the west side, and a multi purpose guest wing /studio on the east side. The evolution of this compound came to include the desire to have the building blend into the surrounding landscape, and at the same time become the backdrop to create and display his sculpture. “Jess has been our architect on several projects over the past ten years. He is easy to work with, and his designs are interesting and thoughtful. He always carefully listens to our ideas and is able to create a plan that meets our needs both as individuals and as a family. We highly recommend Jess Pedersen Architecture”. - Client “As a general contractor, I can highly recommend Jess. His designs are very pleasing with a lot of thought put in to how they are lived in. He is a real team player, adding greatly to collaborative efforts and making the process smoother for all involved. Further, he gets information out on or ahead of schedule. Really been a pleasure working with Jess and hope to do more together in the future!” Steve Lee - 3C Construction

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.”

A custom Bjork Studio banquette in Perennials velvet sits beneath Marvin windows in the breakfast nook. The Urban Electric Co. fixture lights an 18th-century trestle table from Provenance Antiques. A wrap around window system allows 270 degree views of the backyard.

Ian Moore
Design ideas for a large contemporary drought-tolerant backyard gravel retaining wall landscape in San Francisco.