This project was more of an overhaul for this family with replacing all the floors in the first level which made all the difference in the whole feel of their home. They were so ready to create the kitchen of their dreams after not being able to have more than 1 person working in the kitchen area thinking they would have to blow out several walls to make it feel more spacious. With some crazy hairbrained ideas from her mom, Andy was able to use his engineering brain and skills to modify the walls and a closet from the next room to build that hidden walk-in pantry. Marty guided them through the door and color selection, helped select flooring, and assisted in finding and loving the perfect countertops. The partnership through the design process ensured every square inch was planned for and utilized in the best possible way.

This project was more of an overhaul for this family with replacing all the floors in the first level which made all the difference in the whole feel of their home. They were so ready to create the kitchen of their dreams after not being able to have more than 1 person working in the kitchen area thinking they would have to blow out several walls to make it feel more spacious. With some crazy hairbrained ideas from her mom, Andy was able to use his engineering brain and skills to modify the walls and a closet from the next room to build that hidden walk-in pantry. Marty guided them through the door and color selection, helped select flooring, and assisted in finding and loving the perfect countertops. The partnership through the design process ensured every square inch was planned for and utilized in the best possible way.

This project was more of an overhaul for this family with replacing all the floors in the first level which made all the difference in the whole feel of their home. They were so ready to create the kitchen of their dreams after not being able to have more than 1 person working in the kitchen area thinking they would have to blow out several walls to make it feel more spacious. With some crazy hairbrained ideas from her mom, Andy was able to use his engineering brain and skills to modify the walls and a closet from the next room to build that hidden walk-in pantry. Marty guided them through the door and color selection, helped select flooring, and assisted in finding and loving the perfect countertops. The partnership through the design process ensured every square inch was planned for and utilized in the best possible way.

This project was more of an overhaul for this family with replacing all the floors in the first level which made all the difference in the whole feel of their home. They were so ready to create the kitchen of their dreams after not being able to have more than 1 person working in the kitchen area thinking they would have to blow out several walls to make it feel more spacious. With some crazy hairbrained ideas from her mom, Andy was able to use his engineering brain and skills to modify the walls and a closet from the next room to build that hidden walk-in pantry. Marty guided them through the door and color selection, helped select flooring, and assisted in finding and loving the perfect countertops. The partnership through the design process ensured every square inch was planned for and utilized in the best possible way.

This project was more of an overhaul for this family with replacing all the floors in the first level which made all the difference in the whole feel of their home. They were so ready to create the kitchen of their dreams after not being able to have more than 1 person working in the kitchen area thinking they would have to blow out several walls to make it feel more spacious. With some crazy hairbrained ideas from her mom, Andy was able to use his engineering brain and skills to modify the walls and a closet from the next room to build that hidden walk-in pantry. Marty guided them through the door and color selection, helped select flooring, and assisted in finding and loving the perfect countertops. The partnership through the design process ensured every square inch was planned for and utilized in the best possible way.

The Courtyard Oasis project encompasses what abarnai does best; remodeling a space with an emphasis on functional installation artwork. Our clients wanted a beautiful and tranquil outdoor space as a seamless extension of their indoor living space. They initially described the outdoor area as a drainage ditch, and to transform it into a Courtyard Oasis required detailed design work and creative collaboration. An open central patio, with custom trellises as a living focal point, was the starting point of the design to connect the indoor and outdoor spaces and allow the courtyard area to be divided into different zones -- for relaxing, entertaining and gardening. The abarnai team loved this project because they go to completely revamp the area and utilize a wide variety of design and building skills, including patio construction, custom trellis artwork, composite decking and stairs, a wood retaining wall, feature lighting systems, planting areas, and a sprinkler system.

Vienna Addition Skill Construction & Design, LLC, Design/Build a two-story addition to include remodeling the kitchen and connecting to the adjoining rooms, creating a great room for this family of four. After removing the side office and back patio, it was replaced with a great room connected to the newly renovated kitchen with an eating area that doubles as a homework area for the children. There was plenty of space left over for a walk-in pantry, powder room, and office/craft room. The second story design was for an Adult’s Only oasis; this was designed for the parents to have a permitted Staycation. This space includes a Grand Master bedroom with three walk-in closets, and a sitting area, with plenty of room for a king size bed. This room was not been completed until we brought the outdoors in; this was created with the three big picture windows allowing the parents to look out at their Zen Patio. The Master Bathroom includes a double size jet tub, his & her walk-in shower, and his & her double vanity with plenty of storage and two hideaway hampers. The exterior was created to bring a modern craftsman style feel, these rich architectural details are displayed around the windows with simple geometric lines and symmetry throughout. Craftsman style is an extension of its natural surroundings. This addition is a reflection of indigenous wood and stone sturdy, defined structure with clean yet prominent lines and exterior details, while utilizing low-maintenance, high-performance materials. We love the artisan style of intricate details and the use of natural materials of this Vienna, VA addition. We especially loved working with the family to Design & Build a space that meets their family’s needs as they grow.

This project was more of an overhaul for this family with replacing all the floors in the first level which made all the difference in the whole feel of their home. They were so ready to create the kitchen of their dreams after not being able to have more than 1 person working in the kitchen area thinking they would have to blow out several walls to make it feel more spacious. With some crazy hairbrained ideas from her mom, Andy was able to use his engineering brain and skills to modify the walls and a closet from the next room to build that hidden walk-in pantry. Marty guided them through the door and color selection, helped select flooring, and assisted in finding and loving the perfect countertops. The partnership through the design process ensured every square inch was planned for and utilized in the best possible way.

The Courtyard Oasis project encompasses what abarnai does best; remodeling a space with an emphasis on functional installation artwork. Our clients wanted a beautiful and tranquil outdoor space as a seamless extension of their indoor living space. They initially described the outdoor area as a drainage ditch, and to transform it into a Courtyard Oasis required detailed design work and creative collaboration. An open central patio, with custom trellises as a living focal point, was the starting point of the design to connect the indoor and outdoor spaces and allow the courtyard area to be divided into different zones -- for relaxing, entertaining and gardening. The abarnai team loved this project because they go to completely revamp the area and utilize a wide variety of design and building skills, including patio construction, custom trellis artwork, composite decking and stairs, a wood retaining wall, feature lighting systems, planting areas, and a sprinkler system.

Our clients relocated to Ann Arbor and struggled to find an open layout home that was fully functional for their family. We worked to create a modern inspired home with convenient features and beautiful finishes. This 4,500 square foot home includes 6 bedrooms, and 5.5 baths. In addition to that, there is a 2,000 square feet beautifully finished basement. It has a semi-open layout with clean lines to adjacent spaces, and provides optimum entertaining for both adults and kids. The interior and exterior of the home has a combination of modern and transitional styles with contrasting finishes mixed with warm wood tones and geometric patterns.

This previously small and under-utilized hall bathroom presented several design challenges. Maximizing storage and creating a big feeling with limited square footage was priority. It was also imperative that the end result be bright yet warm, durable and easy to maintain while achieving a sleek contemporary look. The solution was multifold. The fixture layout was rearranged to maximize function. European frameless cabinetry with large drawers was used to maximize storage. A larger medicine cabinet was custom designed and placed on an angle to give maximum storage above the vanity. Warmth was brought into the space with the charcoal wood grain patterned floor tile and Rift White Oak horizontal grain cabinetry. A soft blue grey hue was chosen for the walls and a new 5 lite door, bringing serenity and peace to the space. Updated LED recessed lights bounce off the Porcelonosa wall tile and highlight the subtle stripe detail. The old light bar was replaced with sleek wall sconces providing more flattering light both outward for the user and down to the counter to illuminate items gracing the surface. Special details such as the stone wrapped vanity were achieved through acute intention by the designer and skillful execution by fine local craftsman. Dekton was used as the wrap and is a striking and unexpected detail creating abundant simplicity and modern elegance while providing a durable and easy to maintain surface. The mirror was inset flush with the surrounding Porcelanosa wall tile and its edges align perfectly with the lines of the tile. Wall to wall Euro glass sliding shower doors maximize the spacious feeling and slide seamlessly on a brushed nickel mechanical rail system.

Gorgeous master bath with dramatic retro "wave" tile. Peak Photography
Example of a 1950s bathroom design in Los Angeles

Living room - transitional living room idea in Jacksonville

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.”

Exquisite Worktops and High-end Kitchen Guide Homeowners The fuel to every person's happiness: food; is stored in a kitchen. We gotta agree that even if life is created in a bedroom, it is certainly lived in a kitchen. Hence, It is undeniable that every homeowner would want to invest mindfully in creating a proper outlook of a place that nourishes the heart of both its family and its guests. While designing a kitchen unlike other spaces of a home one must pay attention to the choice of materials for worktops, floors, sinks, etc that suit the hygiene purposes alongside the aesthetic point of view, which might usually result in a very high budget plan. So this is where practicality hits a common man as no matter what one`s wishlist is, execution ultimately depends on their capability of expenditure. However, with sufficient guidance on kitchen design planning, one can drastically minimise the expenses without necessarily having to purchase cheap worktops. The choice of the right materials is just as important as the ability to financially invest in the same, if not more. This means if a person has enough knowledge of what they are looking for, they can cleverly create an exquisite look under a much lesser budget-friendly scheme. Key Points to Consider When on a Mission to Create a High-end Kitchen Under Restrained Pockets Estimating a Budget Plan: Setting a realistic budget before the investment is a very important aspect which shouldn't be overlooked. According to NKBA, a proper guide to setting one`s kitchen budget while planning a new one should look like- 29% cabinets and hardware, 17% installation, 14% appliances and ventilation, 10% countertops, 7% flooring, 5% walls and ceilings, 5% lighting, 5% faucets and plumbing, 4% doors and windows, 4% design fees and 1% miscellaneous. Pick Your Beautiful Stone for Work-top: As we all know, beauty is not just conventional, so natural stones, as well as engineered stones, are beautiful in their own way. Engineered countertops are still impressively resistant to scratch and stains. They can almost replicate the intrinsic character and sparkle of granite and marbles. The manufacturing technique of engineered stones has made it so that, wherever they are incorporated, they add a sense of style and class. And with minimal maintenance, they can last for a very long time in a household. One can even go for the mix and matching technique where one can use both expensive and inexpensive buys in such a way that the former occupies the areas on display while the latter covers up for other units. Being on a budget, though, must not mean hiring inexperienced fabricators to compromise on cost. The short-term result might be tempting but doing so will only increase the future risk thus being more of a loss than an advantage. However, if one is confident enough in their skills, DIY-ing the fittings will drastically reduce the cost of expenditure. Reusing and Recycling Off Cuts: While extending or renovating one always has the option to think about how some materials from the previous space can be given a second life. Worktops can be altered to fit a new plan, cupboard doors can be fitted to the kitchen and given a fresh look by repainting, and old appliances can be sold on to help contribute towards pitching in some money for purchasing new ones. The stone remnants and offcuts can always be utilised for smaller projects. Check out these Remnants that are available within your region. Flooring: Renovating a floor on a tight budget doesn't necessarily mean that one doesn't care about durability or looks. Ideally, one will still want a decent lifespan and great finish even if it's the most affordable kitchen floor out there. To avail this best possible combination of durability, style, and affordability, consider laminate and vinyl flooring designs. They mimic wood and tile flooring convincingly enough. Work-top Lights: Light fixtures are easy and impactful and one of the easiest ways to upgrade a room's look. Impeccable lighting not only makes the room look stunning but also provides effective task lighting to make the space easier and more enjoyable to use. If the plan is to introduce new lighting to an existing kitchen, one can try using battery-operated LED spotlights and strips that don’t need wiring in. Installing them over worktops, under cabinets and inside open or glass-fronted cupboards can create an expensive appearance. Colour Details: Choosing the right colour of paint has the potential to drastically change the outlook. For example, just visualise a completely white kitchen worktop. Done? Now similarly, a completely black kitchen. You can't deny that both would bring out completely different aesthetic values. Colour is one of the best ways to inject personality into a space but it's important to get the proportions right. For a guaranteed unregretted approach, you can choose neutral tones for the structural elements that are more costly and difficult to replace, including cabinets, floors, worktops, kitchen countertops, and appliances. Then introduce colour with less-expensive updates to the walls, backsplash, window treatments, lighting, and other accents. With this strategy, you can easily and affordably swap out your colour scheme as your tastes and popular trends change. Creating Interest: Worktops One unique way to enhance the design is by introducing an interesting element to catch the eye and provide a focal point. Decorating Walls: Attractive wallpapers add a sense of style to the kitchen. It is a great way to freshen up a room without needing to do a lot of work or spending much money. In a rental property, one can try vinyl wall decals or temporary wallpaper. However, overdoing the work in the hype of excitement will make it worse than doing good. Open Shelf: One can utilize an empty wall for open shelves. It adds more storage and creates a display area. Go for a decorative or contrasting shelf to add character. Keeping the shelves clear of clutter and using them as a design piece to show off styled arrangements of recipe books, beautiful objects and interesting pieces is always recommended. Upgrading Cabinet Doors: Replacing the cabinet doors is a simple way to give the appearance a brand-new look. As long as the units are standard size and the main framework is in good condition, one can just swap the doors without having to worry about the worktop, splashback, plumbing or electrics. Another simple way to upgrade the units is to replace the handles. Vintage cabinets can be given a modification to look contemporary or vice versa with this simple trick. Similarly, cheap, basic-looking handles can be replaced with beautiful handmade ceramic knobs or adding a stylish leather door pull can upgrade the kitchen’s chic factor. With all these points and our collection of stones, you will have an exquisite kitchen right in front of you. Our service charges are minimum to make kitchen renovation an achievable dream for all homeowners. Email info@work-tops.com for free quotes and to know about our special offers.

Designed by Hunter and Miranda Mantell-Hecathorn and built by the skilled MHB team, this stunning family home is a must see on the tour! Indicative of their high quality, this home has many features you won’t see in other homes on the tour. A few include: oversized Kolbe Triple-Pane windows; 12” thick, double-stud walls; a 6.5kW solar PV system; and is heated and cooled by only two small, highly efficient central units. The open floor plan was designed with entertaining and large family gatherings in mind. Whether seated in the living room with 12’ ceilings and massive windows with views of the Ponderosas or seated at the island in the kitchen you won’t be far from the action. The large covered back porch and beautiful back yard allows the kids to play while the adults relax by the fire pit. This home also utilizes a Control4 automation system, which allows the owners total control of lighting, audio, and comfort systems from anywhere. With a HERS score of 11, this home is 89% more efficient than the typical new home. Mantell-Hecathorn Builders has been building high quality homes since 1975 and is proud to be 100% committed to building their homes to the rigorous standards of Department of Energy Zero Energy Ready and Energy Star Programs, and have won national DOE awards for their innovative homes. Mantell-Hecathorn Builders also prides itself in being a true hands-on family-run company. They are personally on site daily to assure the MHB high standards are being met. Honesty, efficiency, transparency are a few qualities they strive for in every aspect of the business.

Vienna Addition Skill Construction & Design, LLC, Design/Build a two-story addition to include remodeling the kitchen and connecting to the adjoining rooms, creating a great room for this family of four. After removing the side office and back patio, it was replaced with a great room connected to the newly renovated kitchen with an eating area that doubles as a homework area for the children. There was plenty of space left over for a walk-in pantry, powder room, and office/craft room. The second story design was for an Adult’s Only oasis; this was designed for the parents to have a permitted Staycation. This space includes a Grand Master bedroom with three walk-in closets, and a sitting area, with plenty of room for a king size bed. This room was not been completed until we brought the outdoors in; this was created with the three big picture windows allowing the parents to look out at their Zen Patio. The Master Bathroom includes a double size jet tub, his & her walk-in shower, and his & her double vanity with plenty of storage and two hideaway hampers. The exterior was created to bring a modern craftsman style feel, these rich architectural details are displayed around the windows with simple geometric lines and symmetry throughout. Craftsman style is an extension of its natural surroundings. This addition is a reflection of indigenous wood and stone sturdy, defined structure with clean yet prominent lines and exterior details, while utilizing low-maintenance, high-performance materials. We love the artisan style of intricate details and the use of natural materials of this Vienna, VA addition. We especially loved working with the family to Design & Build a space that meets their family’s needs as they grow.

Vienna Addition Skill Construction & Design, LLC, Design/Build a two-story addition to include remodeling the kitchen and connecting to the adjoining rooms, creating a great room for this family of four. After removing the side office and back patio, it was replaced with a great room connected to the newly renovated kitchen with an eating area that doubles as a homework area for the children. There was plenty of space left over for a walk-in pantry, powder room, and office/craft room. The second story design was for an Adult’s Only oasis; this was designed for the parents to have a permitted Staycation. This space includes a Grand Master bedroom with three walk-in closets, and a sitting area, with plenty of room for a king size bed. This room was not been completed until we brought the outdoors in; this was created with the three big picture windows allowing the parents to look out at their Zen Patio. The Master Bathroom includes a double size jet tub, his & her walk-in shower, and his & her double vanity with plenty of storage and two hideaway hampers. The exterior was created to bring a modern craftsman style feel, these rich architectural details are displayed around the windows with simple geometric lines and symmetry throughout. Craftsman style is an extension of its natural surroundings. This addition is a reflection of indigenous wood and stone sturdy, defined structure with clean yet prominent lines and exterior details, while utilizing low-maintenance, high-performance materials. We love the artisan style of intricate details and the use of natural materials of this Vienna, VA addition. We especially loved working with the family to Design & Build a space that meets their family’s needs as they grow.

This beautiful Craftsman style Passive House has a carbon footprint 20% that of a typically built home in Oregon. Its 12-in. thick walls with cork insulation, ultra-high efficiency windows and doors, solar panels, heat pump hot water, Energy Star appliances, fresh air intake unit, and natural daylighting keep its utility bills exceptionally low. Jen G. Pywell