Search results for "Sharp decision making" in Home Design Ideas

Sometimes its the contrast that makes the room, like here where we paid the sharp angles of the counter with the soft curves of the adjustable mirrors.

This kitchen has a new layout which resulted in more organized storage and work space. A flush mounted ceiling hood give it an open feel. A custom baking center keeps like items in their proper place and accessible. Off white glazed cabinets and ogee edged quartz countertops make an elegant statement. A raised live-edge bar and beverage cooler make entertaining a breeze.

Tim Krueger Photographer
Example of a trendy l-shaped eat-in kitchen design in Orange County with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartz countertops, white backsplash, ceramic backsplash and stainless steel appliances
Example of a trendy l-shaped eat-in kitchen design in Orange County with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartz countertops, white backsplash, ceramic backsplash and stainless steel appliances
Find the right local pro for your project

The bathroom was previously closed in and had a large tub off the door. Making this a glass stand up shower, left the space brighter and more spacious. Other tricks like the wall mount faucet and light finishes add to the open clean feel.

This project was such an incredible design opportunity, and instilled inspiration and excitement at every turn! Our amazing clients came to us with the challenge of converting their beloved family home into a welcoming haven for all members of the family. At the time that we met our clients, they were struggling with the difficult personal decision of the fate of the home. Their father/father-in-law had passed away and their mother/mother-in-law had recently been admitted into a nursing facility and was fighting Alzheimer’s. Resistant to loss of the home now that both parents were out of it, our clients purchased the home to keep in in the family. Despite their permanent home currently being in New Jersey, these clients dedicated themselves to keeping and revitalizing the house. We were moved by the story and became immediately passionate about bringing this dream to life.
The home was built by the parents of our clients and was only ever owned by them, making this a truly special space to the family. Our goal was to revitalize the home and to bring new energy into every room without losing the special characteristics that were original to the home when it was built. In this way, we were able to develop a house that maintains its own unique personality while offering a space of welcoming neutrality for all members of the family to enjoy over time.
The renovation touched every part of the home: the exterior, foyer, kitchen, living room, sun room, garage, six bedrooms, three bathrooms, the laundry room, and everything in between. The focus was to develop a style that carried consistently from space to space, but allowed for unique expression in the small details in every room.
Starting at the entry, we renovated the front door and entry point to offer more presence and to bring more of the mid-century vibe to the home’s exterior. We integrated a new modern front door, cedar shingle accents, new exterior paint, and gorgeous contemporary house numbers that really allow the home to stand out. Just inside the entry, we renovated the foyer to create a playful entry point worthy of attention. Cement look tile adorns the foyer floor, and we’ve added new lighting and upgraded the entry coat storage.
Upon entering the home, one will immediately be captivated by the stunning kitchen just off the entry. We transformed this space in just about every way. While the footprint of the home ultimately remained almost identical, the aesthetics were completely turned on their head. We re-worked the kitchen to maximize storage and to create an informal dining area that is great for casual hosting or morning coffee.
We removed the entry to the garage that was once in the informal dining, and created a peninsula in its place that offers a unique division between the kitchen/informal dining and the formal dining and living areas. The simple light warm light gray cabinetry offers a bit of traditional elegance, along with the marble backsplash and quartz countertops. We extended the original wood flooring into the kitchen and stained all floors to match for a warmth that truly resonates through all spaces. We upgraded appliances, added lighting everywhere, and finished the space with some gorgeous mid century furniture pieces.
In the formal dining and living room, we really focused on maintaining the original marble fireplace as a focal point. We cleaned the marble, repaired the mortar, and refinished the original fireplace screen to give a new sleek look in black. We then integrated a new gas insert for modern heating and painted the upper portion in a rich navy blue; an accent that is carried through the home consistently as a nod to our client’s love of the color.
The former entry into the old covered porch is now an elegant glass door leading to a stunning finished sunroom. This room was completely upgraded as well. We wrapped the entire space in cozy white shiplap to keep a casual feel with brightness. We tiled the floor with large format concrete look tile, and painted the old brick fireplace a bright white. We installed a new gas burning unit, and integrated transitional style lighting to bring warmth and elegance into the space. The new black-frame windows are adorned with decorative shades that feature hand-sketched bird prints, and we’ve created a dedicated garden-ware “nook” for our client who loves to work in the yard. The far end of this space is completed with two oversized chaise loungers and overhead lights…the most perfect little reading nook!
Just off the dining room, we created an entirely new space to the home: a mudroom. The clients lacked this space and desperately needed a landing spot upon entering the home from the garage. We uniquely planned existing space in the garage to utilize for this purpose, and were able to create a small but functional entry point without losing the ability to park cars in the garage. This new space features cement-look tile, gorgeous deep brown cabinetry, and plenty of storage for all the small items one might need to store while moving in and out of the home.
The remainder of the upstairs level includes massive renovations to the guest hall bathroom and guest bedroom, upstairs master bed/bath suite, and a third bedroom that we converted into a home office for the client.
Some of the largest transformations were made in the basement, where unfinished space and lack of light were converted into gloriously lit, cozy, finished spaces. Our first task was to convert the massive basement living room into the new master bedroom for our clients. We removed existing built-ins, created an entirely new walk-in closet, painted the old brick fireplace, installed a new gas unit, added carpet, introduced new lighting, replaced windows, and upgraded every part of the aesthetic appearance. One of the most incredible features of this space is the custom double sliding barn door made by a Denver artisan. This space is truly a retreat for our clients!
We also completely transformed the laundry room, back storage room, basement master bathroom, and two bedrooms.
This home’s massive scope and ever-evolving challenges were thrilling and exciting to work with, and the result is absolutely amazing. At the end of the day, this home offers a look and feel that the clients love. Above all, though, the clients feel the spirit of their family home and have a welcoming environment for all members of the family to enjoy for years to come.

Do you move to the suburbs, make do, or add on? For a couple who wanted more kitchen and room to spread out and entertain, the decision was made to stay and grow. An addition was made behind their home that created an entirely new kitchen and family room, complete with vaulted ceilings and custom light fixtures. The addition itself is also not highly visible from the road, cutting down on the “hunchback” look of so many older city homes with massive additions. Windows give the space abundant natural light, with doors that inconspicuously blend indoor and outdoor living – an all in the home and neighborhood the couple loves best.

At Gallery of Shades, we provide high quality and stylish window coverings for any room. Our philosophy is simple and that is to provide our clients with the best products and services at a fair price in order to enrich their home environment. We have been servicing Scottsdale and its surrounding areas for over 25 years.
We have a large selection of window treatments including shutters, blinds, shades, screens, draperies and even tints. Regardless of the windows size or shape, you can rest assured Gallery of Shades has the perfect solution for them. Our design consultants will help you to select the right window covering for any room by bringing the showroom to you. This enables you to get the right look, feel and functionality in your window treatments, and beautify your space while protecting it from the harsh Arizona sun.
Our products are guaranteed for a lifetime. At Gallery of Shades, our top priority is giving our customers more value than they expect. This is measured by price, performance, quality, features and services rendered. This goal is the core of our beliefs and guides us in everything we do. We know making decisions in your home can sometimes be overwhelming so we do our best to make your window covering experience a positive one that you won’t forget.

Sponsored
Sunbury, OH
J.Holderby - Renovations
Franklin County's Leading General Contractors - 2X Best of Houzz!

So charming - love the little path to the front door.
Beautiful color combination:
Have you ever noticed that the colors we see can be described simply in two different types of categories? Natural and unnatural. I noticed while shopping last weekend some really unattractive color combinations and I said to myself why oh why did someone think that looks good because looking at this is painful to my eyes. So let me give you a few tips of what to lookout for when you are making your color decisions.
Image from http://www.lizmarieblog.com/2013/06/favorite-things-friday-24/
Join periodic email updates at https://www.facebook.com/davettamooredesigns/app_141428856257

Our carpenters labored every detail from chainsaws to the finest of chisels and brad nails to achieve this eclectic industrial design. This project was not about just putting two things together, it was about coming up with the best solutions to accomplish the overall vision. A true meeting of the minds was required around every turn to achieve "rough" in its most luxurious state.
Featuring multiple Columbia Cabinet finishes; contrasting backsplashes, wall textures and flooring are all part of what makes this project so unique! Features include: Sharp microwave drawer, glass front wine fridge, fully integrated dishwasher, Blanco compost bin recessed into the counter, Walnut floating shelves, and barn house lighting.
PhotographerLink

At Liberty Kitchen Design, we understand that the kitchen is more than just a space for cooking; it's the heart of your home, where memories are made and shared. Our kitchen remodeling service in Delray Beach is tailored to bring your vision to life, ensuring that every corner of your kitchen reflects your personal style and meets your needs. With an expansive showroom filled with a vast selection of cabinets, countertops, and handles, we offer everything you need to create a space that's uniquely yours. Our team of experts is here to guide you through every step of the remodeling process, from initial design to final touches, making sure your kitchen remodeling journey is as seamless and enjoyable as possible.
Our showroom stands as a testament to the endless possibilities that await your kitchen. Whether you're looking for a modern, sleek design or a cozy, traditional feel, Liberty Kitchen Design has the materials and expertise to bring your dream kitchen to life. Our showroom allows you to touch, feel, and visualize how different options can transform your space, providing a tangible sense of what your finished kitchen will look like. This hands-on experience is invaluable, empowering you to make informed decisions about the elements that will make up your new kitchen. From the latest in minimalist cabinets to classic granite countertops and innovative handles that add the perfect finishing touch, our showroom is designed to inspire and excite every visitor.
Liberty Kitchen Design is more than just a kitchen remodeling service; we're a family-owned business with over eight years of experience in creating stunning, functional kitchens. Our passion for design and commitment to quality have been the cornerstone of our success, driving us to exceed our clients' expectations at every turn. This experience is not just reflected in the craftsmanship of our work but also in the personalized service we provide to each client. We understand that a kitchen remodel is a significant investment, both emotionally and financially. That's why we treat every project with the respect and dedication it deserves, ensuring that your new kitchen is not just beautiful but also a perfect fit for your lifestyle and budget.
Liberty Kitchen Design is your partner in transforming your kitchen into the heart of your home. Our expansive showroom, filled with a wide range of high-quality materials, combined with our expertise and personalized approach, makes us the ideal choice for your kitchen remodeling project. From our family to yours, we're dedicated to providing a remodeling experience that is not only satisfying but also brings your dream kitchen to life. Visit us today and start the journey toward a kitchen that's uniquely yours, filled with the beauty and function that you've always desired.

Designing with Intent: Creating Homes That Tell a Story
Have you ever stepped into a home and felt an instant connection, as if the space itself welcomed you? That’s the power of designing with intent—a thoughtful approach that blends beauty with purpose, ensuring every detail has meaning.
We recently worked on a remarkable 1937 home in Palomar Park, California. The project involved reimagining the second floor to create a master bedroom with a walk in closet and master bathroom while preserving the home’s traditional charm. For the homeowners, this house held decades of memories, and our goal was to honor its legacy while creating a space ready for the next chapter.
The Challenge: Balancing Tradition and Modernity
The homeowners wanted their remodeled space to feel fresh and functional without losing its historic character. This meant every decision, from the layout to the materials, had to strike the perfect balance.
We rebuilt the upstairs including reconstruction of the existing bathroom to make an impressive master bathroom and dressing room, and refinished the hardwood floors to preserve the details that tied back to the home’s 1937 roots. By incorporating traditional elements like marble floors and walls in the bathroom , aged wood vanities and new crown molding for the whole upstairs, we ensured the updated design felt authentic and timeless.
3 Tips for Designing with Intent
Whether you’re working with a historic home or starting a new build, designing with intent can elevate your project. Here are three practical tips to help you create a space that’s as meaningful as it is beautiful:
1. Embrace the Home’s Character
Every home has unique features that tell a story. Whether it’s an original fireplace, old wood floors, or a quirky architectural detail, look for ways to celebrate and integrate these elements into your design.
2. Let Function Drive the Design
No matter how stunning a space looks, it needs to work for your lifestyle. Think about how you use each area and design accordingly. A thoughtful layout, smart storage solutions, and durable materials can transform a home from simply beautiful to truly livable.
In this project, reconfiguring the upstairs wasn’t just about aesthetics—it was about creating a layout that served the family’s everyday needs.
3. Personalize Your Space
The best designs reflect the people who live in them. Incorporate personal touches, such as family heirlooms, meaningful colors, or custom features, to make the space truly yours.
For this home, the homeowners were involved in selecting fixtures and materials that resonated with their style, ensuring the final design felt deeply personal.
Why Intentional Design Matters
Designing with intent transforms a house into a home. It’s about more than just aesthetics—it’s about creating a space that feels deeply connected to your story and needs.
At Prime Design and Build, we believe every project should start with understanding your vision. We work closely with our clients to ensure the design reflects their personality, values, and lifestyle.
Let’s Bring Your Vision to Life
If you’ve been dreaming of a home that feels like a true reflection of you, let’s make it happen. Whether it’s updating a historic property or starting fresh, we’re here to guide you through the process with expertise and care.
As I said in our Palomar Park video, “When we come over to your house, we will get to know you so that we can make your home feel like home too.”
Ready to start your journey? Reach out today for a consultation, and let’s design with intent.

This custom shiplap ceiling is a striking architectural feature that adds depth and character to any room. Crafted with precision, the ceiling showcases sharp angles that create a dynamic interplay of shadows and highlights, enhancing the visual interest of the space.
The shiplap design lends a rustic charm to the ceiling, while the sharp angles introduce a modern twist, making it a perfect blend of traditional and contemporary styles. Each plank is meticulously fitted, ensuring a seamless and cohesive look.
One of the standout features of this ceiling is the reveals. These intentional gaps between the planks add an extra layer of depth and detail, creating a unique pattern that draws the eye upward.
Complementing the shiplap design and sharp angles are the custom moldings on the perimeters. These moldings provide a smooth transition between the ceiling and the walls, framing the ceiling beautifully. They add a touch of elegance and sophistication, enhancing the overall aesthetic of the room.
In summary, this custom shiplap ceiling with sharp angles, reveals, and custom moldings is more than just a ceiling - it's a work of art that adds personality and style to your space.

Designed by Lauren Hunt of Reico Kitchen & Bath in Charlotte NC, this transitional style inspired kitchen design with small bar area features Ultracraft Cabinetry in the Avon door style with two finishes. The perimeter kitchen design is in the Simply White finish with the finish Black on the kitchen island. The kitchen countertops are MSI Q Calacatta Laza. The kitchen also features a Best Tile Soho Rumba Diamond Gris 4x8 tile backsplash.
“Remodeling a kitchen during COVID was certainly a challenge given the delays in the supply chain and while this did extend our timeline, the finished result was well worth it,” said the client. “Lauren had so many great suggestions to make the kitchen work better for us, such as making the most of the lower cabinet areas by adding drawers and selecting a frameless cabinet line that provided more additional space. Cooking and entertaining have never been so much fun! Lauren and our Project Manager Eric are both such great people to work with. I really appreciated their patience as we were trying to make decisions and for their efforts in ensuring all details were addressed.
“The clients were so great to work with and incredibly patient,” said Lauren. “We didn't make any significant layout changes from their existing floor plan, so our goal was to maximize functionality using accessories like a lazy susan, spice pullout, and knife/utensil pullout, and to update the cabinetry to match the rest of their beautiful home. We wanted to keep everything very clean and streamlined, so the appliances were flush installed and we tried to minimize the number of stiles and rails on the cabinetry so the kitchen didn't look too busy. The outcome is truly stunning.”
Photos courtesy of Six Cents Media.

Sponsored
Sunbury, OH
J.Holderby - Renovations
Franklin County's Leading General Contractors - 2X Best of Houzz!

The kitchen was originally planned to mimic the location of appliances in her current kitchen to minimize re-learning of appliance locations. The only change was adding a trash cabinet between the fridge and the sink. A french door fridge allows someone in a wheelchair to easily access frozen and cold foods, while the water and ice dispenser on the outside of the door make it easy to stay hydrated rather than using the sink each time. She can roll up to the kitchen sink or stand at counter height to put away dishes from the dishwasher. The dishwasher is ADA and very simple to use , and is raised off the floor so whether she is sitting or standing it's easier to reach. The gas cooktop has controls at the front making it easy to reach from the wheelchair and the exhaust fan above also has a control at the front. All cabinet door handles are D-shape, which makes them easy to grasp and there is plenty of electric outlets for charging phones, computers and small appliances. The kitchen island is table height at 30" so meal prep can be easily done in a wheelchair while guests and can be seated in a chair or wheelchair around the island. The dining chairs can also be turned around to add extra seating in the living room area. Pendant lights above the kitchen island light up the space, while recessed lighting in the kitchen and living room provide overall room lighting. There is also under cabinet lighting which makes the room glow at night! Wainscotting made of commercial grade material is strategically placed on sharp corners and exposed walls to reduce and minimize damage from the wheel chair, while creating a finished and complete look!

The major kitchen renovation of this old country farmhouse was a task of love, one that had been planned for many years by these Barrington seasoned homeowners. After interviewing no less than five companies, the homeowners chose the design team at Advance Design Studio to make the transformation they had long planned for.
“They had an understanding of the right design for the space almost from the instant they walked in the room”, says Sharon Scott of the design team of Nicole Ryan at Todd Jurs at Advance Design Studio. “They were the only designers who laid out ideas in the first meeting at the house that we really loved”, she says. “It was obvious that they understood the house, and understood us - and from then on the decision to hire them literally made itself”.
The original kitchen had a dividing “wall” of cabinetry…that made the rather large space seem very small, and cut off the kitchen from the eating area that has a beautiful garden view completely hidden from the main kitchen. Circulation was poor, leaving family members on top of one another when entertaining family and friends.
The new kitchen design nearly doubles the kitchen size within the original space; opening it up completely and enjoying an expansive island containing a new Kohler Whitehaven Smart Divide farm sink, a dishwasher, and pull out double trash receptacle. The great new gathering space accommodates four pull out stools beckoning grandchildren and friends alike. Removing the range from the island and relocating it to create a dramatic “feature” wall, completely out of the way of guests; it is now crowned with a beautiful completely customized wood hood designed to ventilate much more efficiently than the original island range containing a limited downdraft system.
The much more efficient use of the space after removing a pantry closet made way for a fully functional “tall wall” housing a double oven and refrigerator, out of the way of guests. Removing the restrictive cabinetry wall now allowed for an expansive floor to ceiling pantry cabinet with full extension pull out shelving, and an elegant display area complete with a beautiful furniture detailed buffet.
Fitting perfectly into the farmhouse charm of the old estate, Medallion Silver Lancaster cabinetry was chosen in a soft white Maple Divinity paint finish lining the perimeter. The stunning island hints to this old home’s past with Medallion Gold’s Maple Devonshire style graced with a Carriage Black Heirloom painted finish. The rubbed off black paint finish reveals the soft wood tones beneath, mimicking furniture you’d see in your grandmother’s home that has lovingly been polished for years to reveal a soft, subtly rubbed-off sheen.
Counter tops reverse contrast with perimeter tops of black “Raven” granite possessing a subtle honed finish, and a shift to Quartz Difinity Viareggio - resembling white Carrera marble on the island. A simple herringbone detail completes the decorative range wall, and subtle porcelain subway tiles grace the backsplash throughout.
The design is finished off with crisp Thermador and Bosch stainless steel appliances, and bright brushed cup pull and handle combination hardware. A pull down Kohler Bellaria faucet makes cleanup a breeze, and soft under-cabinet LED lighting throughout makes every work surface shine softly, and highlights the cabinetry display area with grace.
One special detail was created to make the dramatic ceiling transition to a vaulted area above the breakfast nook extra special. A tongue and groove solid wood ceiling was hung above, and a subtle greenish-grey distressed paint finish was hand developed on site by the talented crew, complementing the new kitchen with a completely unique surface that appears as if it’s been there for many, many years. It’s just one standout feature in the amazing new space that is sure to be in every conversation as newcomers enjoy the newest best hangout in this old home renewed!
After 30 years of renovating homes, this now content homeowner sips a cup of tea enjoying her new garden view, and reminisces projects of past – and lastly reports their experience with Advance Design Studio culminating with their amazing new kitchen to be the most enjoyable and satisfying home experience yet.
Designer: Nicole Ryan
Photographer: Joe Nowak

This project in Northeast Columbia brought together three different stones across the house, and that's not something we get to do every day. Marble in one space, quartzite in another, dolomite doing its own quiet work somewhere else. It's the kind of job that makes you slow down and think about where each material actually belongs instead of just picking one slab and running it everywhere.
The kitchen called for something that could handle the daily grind while still looking like a piece of natural stone should look, full of movement and depth. Quartzite earns its keep here. It reads like marble with all that soft veining and cool background color, but it's far harder and more resistant to etching from citrus, wine, or vinegar splashing around a busy counter. We templated it carefully to keep the veining moving in a way that feels natural across the runs, not chopped up or mismatched at the seams. That takes patience on the slab yard picking the right book match before it ever hits a saw.
The bathroom vanity is where the marble gets to shine. Marble on a vanity top makes sense in a way it doesn't always in a kitchen. Less traffic, less acid exposure, and it gets to just look good day after day with the veining catching the light over the sink. We kept the edge eased throughout the project, a simple softened line that doesn't compete with the stone itself. An eased edge is subtle, it just takes the sharp corner off the top so it feels comfortable under your hand and doesn't chip as easy as a square edge would over the years.
Dolomite showed up in the other space, and it's one of our favorite stones to work with because it splits the difference. It looks a lot like marble, softer tones, that same classic veining, but it's a good bit tougher and more stain resistant, which makes it a smart call anywhere you want that marble look without babying it constantly. Sealing still matters with all three of these stones. A good penetrating sealer keeps them looking right for years and makes cleanup simple, no special stuff needed, just soap and water day to day.
Jobs like this are why we like working across the Midlands. Northeast Columbia homes run the gamut from new builds to older houses getting a real refresh, and getting to move between marble, quartzite, and dolomite in one project keeps the work honest. Every stone got fabricated and set the way it should be, tight seams, clean eased edges, and a finish that'll hold up to real life in that kitchen and that bath for a long time to come.

This project in Northeast Columbia brought together three different stones across the house, and that's not something we get to do every day. Marble in one space, quartzite in another, dolomite doing its own quiet work somewhere else. It's the kind of job that makes you slow down and think about where each material actually belongs instead of just picking one slab and running it everywhere.
The kitchen called for something that could handle the daily grind while still looking like a piece of natural stone should look, full of movement and depth. Quartzite earns its keep here. It reads like marble with all that soft veining and cool background color, but it's far harder and more resistant to etching from citrus, wine, or vinegar splashing around a busy counter. We templated it carefully to keep the veining moving in a way that feels natural across the runs, not chopped up or mismatched at the seams. That takes patience on the slab yard picking the right book match before it ever hits a saw.
The bathroom vanity is where the marble gets to shine. Marble on a vanity top makes sense in a way it doesn't always in a kitchen. Less traffic, less acid exposure, and it gets to just look good day after day with the veining catching the light over the sink. We kept the edge eased throughout the project, a simple softened line that doesn't compete with the stone itself. An eased edge is subtle, it just takes the sharp corner off the top so it feels comfortable under your hand and doesn't chip as easy as a square edge would over the years.
Dolomite showed up in the other space, and it's one of our favorite stones to work with because it splits the difference. It looks a lot like marble, softer tones, that same classic veining, but it's a good bit tougher and more stain resistant, which makes it a smart call anywhere you want that marble look without babying it constantly. Sealing still matters with all three of these stones. A good penetrating sealer keeps them looking right for years and makes cleanup simple, no special stuff needed, just soap and water day to day.
Jobs like this are why we like working across the Midlands. Northeast Columbia homes run the gamut from new builds to older houses getting a real refresh, and getting to move between marble, quartzite, and dolomite in one project keeps the work honest. Every stone got fabricated and set the way it should be, tight seams, clean eased edges, and a finish that'll hold up to real life in that kitchen and that bath for a long time to come.

Sponsored
Columbus, OH
Wannemacher Interiors
Customized Award-Winning Interior Design Solutions in Franklin Cnty OH

The major kitchen renovation of this old country farmhouse was a task of love, one that had been planned for many years by these Barrington seasoned homeowners. After interviewing no less than five companies, the homeowners chose the design team at Advance Design Studio to make the transformation they had long planned for.
“They had an understanding of the right design for the space almost from the instant they walked in the room”, says Sharon Scott of the design team of Nicole Ryan at Todd Jurs at Advance Design Studio. “They were the only designers who laid out ideas in the first meeting at the house that we really loved”, she says. “It was obvious that they understood the house, and understood us - and from then on the decision to hire them literally made itself”.
The original kitchen had a dividing “wall” of cabinetry…that made the rather large space seem very small, and cut off the kitchen from the eating area that has a beautiful garden view completely hidden from the main kitchen. Circulation was poor, leaving family members on top of one another when entertaining family and friends.
The new kitchen design nearly doubles the kitchen size within the original space; opening it up completely and enjoying an expansive island containing a new Kohler Whitehaven Smart Divide farm sink, a dishwasher, and pull out double trash receptacle. The great new gathering space accommodates four pull out stools beckoning grandchildren and friends alike. Removing the range from the island and relocating it to create a dramatic “feature” wall, completely out of the way of guests; it is now crowned with a beautiful completely customized wood hood designed to ventilate much more efficiently than the original island range containing a limited downdraft system.
The much more efficient use of the space after removing a pantry closet made way for a fully functional “tall wall” housing a double oven and refrigerator, out of the way of guests. Removing the restrictive cabinetry wall now allowed for an expansive floor to ceiling pantry cabinet with full extension pull out shelving, and an elegant display area complete with a beautiful furniture detailed buffet.
Fitting perfectly into the farmhouse charm of the old estate, Medallion Silver Lancaster cabinetry was chosen in a soft white Maple Divinity paint finish lining the perimeter. The stunning island hints to this old home’s past with Medallion Gold’s Maple Devonshire style graced with a Carriage Black Heirloom painted finish. The rubbed off black paint finish reveals the soft wood tones beneath, mimicking furniture you’d see in your grandmother’s home that has lovingly been polished for years to reveal a soft, subtly rubbed-off sheen.
Counter tops reverse contrast with perimeter tops of black “Raven” granite possessing a subtle honed finish, and a shift to Quartz Difinity Viareggio - resembling white Carrera marble on the island. A simple herringbone detail completes the decorative range wall, and subtle porcelain subway tiles grace the backsplash throughout.
The design is finished off with crisp Thermador and Bosch stainless steel appliances, and bright brushed cup pull and handle combination hardware. A pull down Kohler Bellaria faucet makes cleanup a breeze, and soft under-cabinet LED lighting throughout makes every work surface shine softly, and highlights the cabinetry display area with grace.
One special detail was created to make the dramatic ceiling transition to a vaulted area above the breakfast nook extra special. A tongue and groove solid wood ceiling was hung above, and a subtle greenish-grey distressed paint finish was hand developed on site by the talented crew, complementing the new kitchen with a completely unique surface that appears as if it’s been there for many, many years. It’s just one standout feature in the amazing new space that is sure to be in every conversation as newcomers enjoy the newest best hangout in this old home renewed!
After 30 years of renovating homes, this now content homeowner sips a cup of tea enjoying her new garden view, and reminisces projects of past – and lastly reports their experience with Advance Design Studio culminating with their amazing new kitchen to be the most enjoyable and satisfying home experience yet.
Designer: Nicole Ryan
Photographer: Joe Nowak

The major kitchen renovation of this old country farmhouse was a task of love, one that had been planned for many years by these Barrington seasoned homeowners. After interviewing no less than five companies, the homeowners chose the design team at Advance Design Studio to make the transformation they had long planned for.
“They had an understanding of the right design for the space almost from the instant they walked in the room”, says Sharon Scott of the design team of Nicole Ryan at Todd Jurs at Advance Design Studio. “They were the only designers who laid out ideas in the first meeting at the house that we really loved”, she says. “It was obvious that they understood the house, and understood us - and from then on the decision to hire them literally made itself”.
The original kitchen had a dividing “wall” of cabinetry…that made the rather large space seem very small, and cut off the kitchen from the eating area that has a beautiful garden view completely hidden from the main kitchen. Circulation was poor, leaving family members on top of one another when entertaining family and friends.
The new kitchen design nearly doubles the kitchen size within the original space; opening it up completely and enjoying an expansive island containing a new Kohler Whitehaven Smart Divide farm sink, a dishwasher, and pull out double trash receptacle. The great new gathering space accommodates four pull out stools beckoning grandchildren and friends alike. Removing the range from the island and relocating it to create a dramatic “feature” wall, completely out of the way of guests; it is now crowned with a beautiful completely customized wood hood designed to ventilate much more efficiently than the original island range containing a limited downdraft system.
The much more efficient use of the space after removing a pantry closet made way for a fully functional “tall wall” housing a double oven and refrigerator, out of the way of guests. Removing the restrictive cabinetry wall now allowed for an expansive floor to ceiling pantry cabinet with full extension pull out shelving, and an elegant display area complete with a beautiful furniture detailed buffet.
Fitting perfectly into the farmhouse charm of the old estate, Medallion Silver Lancaster cabinetry was chosen in a soft white Maple Divinity paint finish lining the perimeter. The stunning island hints to this old home’s past with Medallion Gold’s Maple Devonshire style graced with a Carriage Black Heirloom painted finish. The rubbed off black paint finish reveals the soft wood tones beneath, mimicking furniture you’d see in your grandmother’s home that has lovingly been polished for years to reveal a soft, subtly rubbed-off sheen.
Counter tops reverse contrast with perimeter tops of black “Raven” granite possessing a subtle honed finish, and a shift to Quartz Difinity Viareggio - resembling white Carrera marble on the island. A simple herringbone detail completes the decorative range wall, and subtle porcelain subway tiles grace the backsplash throughout.
The design is finished off with crisp Thermador and Bosch stainless steel appliances, and bright brushed cup pull and handle combination hardware. A pull down Kohler Bellaria faucet makes cleanup a breeze, and soft under-cabinet LED lighting throughout makes every work surface shine softly, and highlights the cabinetry display area with grace.
One special detail was created to make the dramatic ceiling transition to a vaulted area above the breakfast nook extra special. A tongue and groove solid wood ceiling was hung above, and a subtle greenish-grey distressed paint finish was hand developed on site by the talented crew, complementing the new kitchen with a completely unique surface that appears as if it’s been there for many, many years. It’s just one standout feature in the amazing new space that is sure to be in every conversation as newcomers enjoy the newest best hangout in this old home renewed!
After 30 years of renovating homes, this now content homeowner sips a cup of tea enjoying her new garden view, and reminisces projects of past – and lastly reports their experience with Advance Design Studio culminating with their amazing new kitchen to be the most enjoyable and satisfying home experience yet.
Designer: Nicole Ryan
Photographer: Joe Nowak

Designed by Lauren Hunt of Reico Kitchen & Bath in Charlotte NC, this transitional style inspired kitchen design with small bar area features Ultracraft Cabinetry in the Avon door style with two finishes. The perimeter kitchen design is in the Simply White finish with the finish Black on the kitchen island. The kitchen countertops are MSI Q Calacatta Laza. The kitchen also features a Best Tile Soho Rumba Diamond Gris 4x8 tile backsplash.
“Remodeling a kitchen during COVID was certainly a challenge given the delays in the supply chain and while this did extend our timeline, the finished result was well worth it,” said the client. “Lauren had so many great suggestions to make the kitchen work better for us, such as making the most of the lower cabinet areas by adding drawers and selecting a frameless cabinet line that provided more additional space. Cooking and entertaining have never been so much fun! Lauren and our Project Manager Eric are both such great people to work with. I really appreciated their patience as we were trying to make decisions and for their efforts in ensuring all details were addressed.
“The clients were so great to work with and incredibly patient,” said Lauren. “We didn't make any significant layout changes from their existing floor plan, so our goal was to maximize functionality using accessories like a lazy susan, spice pullout, and knife/utensil pullout, and to update the cabinetry to match the rest of their beautiful home. We wanted to keep everything very clean and streamlined, so the appliances were flush installed and we tried to minimize the number of stiles and rails on the cabinetry so the kitchen didn't look too busy. The outcome is truly stunning.”
Photos courtesy of Six Cents Media.
45