After scoring this amazing home, the clients were excited for their new lakefront location, but the home's style and materials were tired and dated. There was way too much mauve granite, and the 90's building codes were no longer satisfactory. Working as a team with Chuckanut Builders, Arbour North Architects and Smith and Vallee Woodworks, the home was gutted in order to prepare for a new interior layout, an addition to the second floor, and deep energy retrofits. Cork exterior insulation and new efficient windows were just two of the many upgrades this home received. Throughout the interior, flat panel walnut cabinets were installed on top of white oak floors. White quartz countertops and simple subway tile kept the home clean and contemporary. The fireplace received a special large format tile, which highlighted the vaulted living room. Photography by Chris DiNottia

After scoring this amazing home, the clients were excited for their new lakefront location, but the home's style and materials were tired and dated. There was way too much mauve granite, and the 90's building codes were no longer satisfactory. Working as a team with Chuckanut Builders, Arbour North Architects and Smith and Vallee Woodworks, the home was gutted in order to prepare for a new interior layout, an addition to the second floor, and deep energy retrofits. Cork exterior insulation and new efficient windows were just two of the many upgrades this home received. Throughout the interior, flat panel walnut cabinets were installed on top of white oak floors. White quartz countertops and simple subway tile kept the home clean and contemporary. The fireplace received a special large format tile, which highlighted the vaulted living room. Photography by Chris DiNottia

After scoring this amazing home, the clients were excited for their new lakefront location, but the home's style and materials were tired and dated. There was way too much mauve granite, and the 90's building codes were no longer satisfactory. Working as a team with Chuckanut Builders, Arbour North Architects and Smith and Vallee Woodworks, the home was gutted in order to prepare for a new interior layout, an addition to the second floor, and deep energy retrofits. Cork exterior insulation and new efficient windows were just two of the many upgrades this home received. Throughout the interior, flat panel walnut cabinets were installed on top of white oak floors. White quartz countertops and simple subway tile kept the home clean and contemporary. The fireplace received a special large format tile, which highlighted the vaulted living room. Photography by Chris DiNottia

The owners are restaurateurs with a special passion for preparing and serving meals to their patrons. This love carried over into their new outdoor living/cooking area addition. The project required taking an existing detached covered pool pavilion and expanding it into an outdoor living and kitchen destination for themselves and their guests. To start, the existing pavilion is turned into an enclosed air-conditioned kitchen space with accordion French door units on three sides to allow it to be used comfortably year round and to encourage easy circulation through it from each side. The newly expanded spaces on each side include a fireplace with a covered sitting area to the right and a covered BBQ area to the left, which ties the new structure to an existing garage storage room. This storage room is converted into another prep kitchen to help with support for larger functions. The vaulted roof structure is maintained in the renovated center space which has an existing slate roof. The two new additions on each side have a flat ceiling clad in antique tongue and groove wood with a lower pitched standing seam copper roof which helps define their function and gives dominance to the original structure in the center. With their love of entertaining through preparing and serving food, this transformed outdoor space will continue to be a gathering place enjoyed by family and friends in every possible setting.

Craftsmanship Meets Innovation: Walnut Fronts with a Grooved Texture The design journey begins with the selection of Walnut Fronts, chosen for their natural beauty and enhanced by a distinctive grooved texture. This choice was intentional, aiming to bring warmth and depth into the kitchen space. The application of a special metallic lacquer introduces a subtle contrast, adding an extra layer of sophistication and elegance to the design. Functionality Redefined: The Honed Countertop Central to the design is the honed Countertop, featuring an island top that cleverly opens and closes. This element is not just a testament to beauty but also to functionality, offering versatility in kitchen use — whether for meal preparation or as an inviting space for gathering, or as a smart prep space with a hidden Bocchi Ceramic Sink. The Latest in Culinary Excellence: Gaggenau 200 Series Complementing the aesthetic elements are the Gaggenau 200 series appliances, a choice that reflects our commitment to integrating the latest in culinary technology. These appliances not only enhance the kitchen's functionality but also embody the cutting-edge design and innovation that our clients expect.

After scoring this amazing home, the clients were excited for their new lakefront location, but the home's style and materials were tired and dated. There was way too much mauve granite, and the 90's building codes were no longer satisfactory. Working as a team with Chuckanut Builders, Arbour North Architects and Smith and Vallee Woodworks, the home was gutted in order to prepare for a new interior layout, an addition to the second floor, and deep energy retrofits. Cork exterior insulation and new efficient windows were just two of the many upgrades this home received. Throughout the interior, flat panel walnut cabinets were installed on top of white oak floors. White quartz countertops and simple subway tile kept the home clean and contemporary. The fireplace received a special large format tile, which highlighted the vaulted living room. Photography by Chris DiNottia

After scoring this amazing home, the clients were excited for their new lakefront location, but the home's style and materials were tired and dated. There was way too much mauve granite, and the 90's building codes were no longer satisfactory. Working as a team with Chuckanut Builders, Arbour North Architects and Smith and Vallee Woodworks, the home was gutted in order to prepare for a new interior layout, an addition to the second floor, and deep energy retrofits. Cork exterior insulation and new efficient windows were just two of the many upgrades this home received. Throughout the interior, flat panel walnut cabinets were installed on top of white oak floors. White quartz countertops and simple subway tile kept the home clean and contemporary. The fireplace received a special large format tile, which highlighted the vaulted living room. Photography by Chris DiNottia

After scoring this amazing home, the clients were excited for their new lakefront location, but the home's style and materials were tired and dated. There was way too much mauve granite, and the 90's building codes were no longer satisfactory. Working as a team with Chuckanut Builders, Arbour North Architects and Smith and Vallee Woodworks, the home was gutted in order to prepare for a new interior layout, an addition to the second floor, and deep energy retrofits. Cork exterior insulation and new efficient windows were just two of the many upgrades this home received. Throughout the interior, flat panel walnut cabinets were installed on top of white oak floors. White quartz countertops and simple subway tile kept the home clean and contemporary. The fireplace received a special large format tile, which highlighted the vaulted living room. Photography by Chris DiNottia

After scoring this amazing home, the clients were excited for their new lakefront location, but the home's style and materials were tired and dated. There was way too much mauve granite, and the 90's building codes were no longer satisfactory. Working as a team with Chuckanut Builders, Arbour North Architects and Smith and Vallee Woodworks, the home was gutted in order to prepare for a new interior layout, an addition to the second floor, and deep energy retrofits. Cork exterior insulation and new efficient windows were just two of the many upgrades this home received. Throughout the interior, flat panel walnut cabinets were installed on top of white oak floors. White quartz countertops and simple subway tile kept the home clean and contemporary. The fireplace received a special large format tile, which highlighted the vaulted living room. Photography by Chris DiNottia

Craftsmanship Meets Innovation: Walnut Fronts with a Grooved Texture The design journey begins with the selection of Walnut Fronts, chosen for their natural beauty and enhanced by a distinctive grooved texture. This choice was intentional, aiming to bring warmth and depth into the kitchen space. The application of a special metallic lacquer introduces a subtle contrast, adding an extra layer of sophistication and elegance to the design. Functionality Redefined: The Honed Countertop Central to the design is the honed Countertop, featuring an island top that cleverly opens and closes. This element is not just a testament to beauty but also to functionality, offering versatility in kitchen use — whether for meal preparation or as an inviting space for gathering, or as a smart prep space with a hidden Bocchi Ceramic Sink. The Latest in Culinary Excellence: Gaggenau 200 Series Complementing the aesthetic elements are the Gaggenau 200 series appliances, a choice that reflects our commitment to integrating the latest in culinary technology. These appliances not only enhance the kitchen's functionality but also embody the cutting-edge design and innovation that our clients expect.

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.”

Today, almost any activity you enjoy inside your home you can bring to the outside. Depending on your budget, your outdoor room can be simple, with a stamped concrete patio, a grill and a table for dining, or more elaborate with a fully functional outdoor kitchen complete with concrete countertops for preparing and serving food, a sink and a refrigerator. You can take the concept even further by adding such amenities as a concrete pizza oven, a fireplace or fire-pit, a concrete bar-top for serving cocktails, an architectural concrete fountain, landscape lighting and concrete statuary. Cooking Something to cook with, such as a barbecue grill or wood-fired pizza oven, and countertops for food preparation and serving are key elements in a well-designed outdoor kitchen. Concrete countertops offer the advantages of weather resistance and versatility, since they can be formed into any shape you desire to suit the space. A coat of sealer will simplify cleanup by protecting your countertop from stains. Other amenities, such as concrete bar-tops and outdoor sinks with plumbing, can expand your entertainment options. Hearth Wood-burning or gas fireplaces, fire pits, chimineas and portable patio heaters extend the enjoyment of outdoor living well into the evening while creating a cozy conversation area for people to gather around. Sunset Construction and Design specializes in creating residential patio retreats, outdoor kitchens with fireplaces and luxurious outdoor living rooms. Our design-build service can turn an ordinary back yard into a natural extension of your home giving you a whole new dimension for entertaining or simply unwinding at the end of the day. If you’re interested in converting a boring back yard or starting from scratch in a new home, look us up! A great patio and outdoor living area can easily be yours. Greg, Sunset Construction & Design in Fresno, CA.

The owners are restaurateurs with a special passion for preparing and serving meals to their patrons. This love carried over into their new outdoor living/cooking area addition. The project required taking an existing detached covered pool pavilion and expanding it into an outdoor living and kitchen destination for themselves and their guests. To start, the existing pavilion is turned into an enclosed air-conditioned kitchen space with accordion French door units on three sides to allow it to be used comfortably year round and to encourage easy circulation through it from each side. The newly expanded spaces on each side include a fireplace with a covered sitting area to the right and a covered BBQ area to the left, which ties the new structure to an existing garage storage room. This storage room is converted into another prep kitchen to help with support for larger functions. The vaulted roof structure is maintained in the renovated center space which has an existing slate roof. The two new additions on each side have a flat ceiling clad in antique tongue and groove wood with a lower pitched standing seam copper roof which helps define their function and gives dominance to the original structure in the center. With their love of entertaining through preparing and serving food, this transformed outdoor space will continue to be a gathering place enjoyed by family and friends in every possible setting.

The owners are restaurateurs with a special passion for preparing and serving meals to their patrons. This love carried over into their new outdoor living/cooking area addition. The project required taking an existing detached covered pool pavilion and expanding it into an outdoor living and kitchen destination for themselves and their guests. To start, the existing pavilion is turned into an enclosed air-conditioned kitchen space with accordion French door units on three sides to allow it to be used comfortably year round and to encourage easy circulation through it from each side. The newly expanded spaces on each side include a fireplace with a covered sitting area to the right and a covered BBQ area to the left, which ties the new structure to an existing garage storage room. This storage room is converted into another prep kitchen to help with support for larger functions. The vaulted roof structure is maintained in the renovated center space which has an existing slate roof. The two new additions on each side have a flat ceiling clad in antique tongue and groove wood with a lower pitched standing seam copper roof which helps define their function and gives dominance to the original structure in the center. With their love of entertaining through preparing and serving food, this transformed outdoor space will continue to be a gathering place enjoyed by family and friends in every possible setting.

The owners are restaurateurs with a special passion for preparing and serving meals to their patrons. This love carried over into their new outdoor living/cooking area addition. The project required taking an existing detached covered pool pavilion and expanding it into an outdoor living and kitchen destination for themselves and their guests. To start, the existing pavilion is turned into an enclosed air-conditioned kitchen space with accordion French door units on three sides to allow it to be used comfortably year round and to encourage easy circulation through it from each side. The newly expanded spaces on each side include a fireplace with a covered sitting area to the right and a covered BBQ area to the left, which ties the new structure to an existing garage storage room. This storage room is converted into another prep kitchen to help with support for larger functions. The vaulted roof structure is maintained in the renovated center space which has an existing slate roof. The two new additions on each side have a flat ceiling clad in antique tongue and groove wood with a lower pitched standing seam copper roof which helps define their function and gives dominance to the original structure in the center. With their love of entertaining through preparing and serving food, this transformed outdoor space will continue to be a gathering place enjoyed by family and friends in every possible setting.

The owners are restaurateurs with a special passion for preparing and serving meals to their patrons. This love carried over into their new outdoor living/cooking area addition. The project required taking an existing detached covered pool pavilion and expanding it into an outdoor living and kitchen destination for themselves and their guests. To start, the existing pavilion is turned into an enclosed air-conditioned kitchen space with accordion French door units on three sides to allow it to be used comfortably year round and to encourage easy circulation through it from each side. The newly expanded spaces on each side include a fireplace with a covered sitting area to the right and a covered BBQ area to the left, which ties the new structure to an existing garage storage room. This storage room is converted into another prep kitchen to help with support for larger functions. The vaulted roof structure is maintained in the renovated center space which has an existing slate roof. The two new additions on each side have a flat ceiling clad in antique tongue and groove wood with a lower pitched standing seam copper roof which helps define their function and gives dominance to the original structure in the center. With their love of entertaining through preparing and serving food, this transformed outdoor space will continue to be a gathering place enjoyed by family and friends in every possible setting.

The owners are restaurateurs with a special passion for preparing and serving meals to their patrons. This love carried over into their new outdoor living/cooking area addition. The project required taking an existing detached covered pool pavilion and expanding it into an outdoor living and kitchen destination for themselves and their guests. To start, the existing pavilion is turned into an enclosed air-conditioned kitchen space with accordion French door units on three sides to allow it to be used comfortably year round and to encourage easy circulation through it from each side. The newly expanded spaces on each side include a fireplace with a covered sitting area to the right and a covered BBQ area to the left, which ties the new structure to an existing garage storage room. This storage room is converted into another prep kitchen to help with support for larger functions. The vaulted roof structure is maintained in the renovated center space which has an existing slate roof. The two new additions on each side have a flat ceiling clad in antique tongue and groove wood with a lower pitched standing seam copper roof which helps define their function and gives dominance to the original structure in the center. With their love of entertaining through preparing and serving food, this transformed outdoor space will continue to be a gathering place enjoyed by family and friends in every possible setting.

The existing site had large mature trees to work with as well as some grading and drainage issues. The client wanted to create an outdoor space for entertaining with key focal features. The wood burning outdoor pizza oven is a chef's dream, making it easy to prepare and serve food and drinks. And the wood pergola with roller shade is perfect when sitting around the gas firepit. Perennials and accent trees along with large stepping stones set in turf, frame the natural stone water feature wall. Although beautiful in the day, is really steals the show when lit up at night. Luxury & Leisure won two 2016 Landscape Awards of Excellence for both residential construction and special interest for the covered kitchen.

Schroeder Design/Build created seven different layout options and our clients selected an “L” shaped design that required removing a bearing wall. This allowed us to open up the kitchen area and create a laundry area that was formerly an under stair closet. The new kitchen features loads of counter space for working and cabinets and drawers for storage. Appliances were placed to maximize flow and prevent traffic jams. A well-planned layered light plan offers overhead, task and accent lighting throughout. The peninsula seating area allows the kids to sit and do homework or socialize while mom’s preparing meals. This kitchen remodel includes many special touches that make it perfectly suited for this family. The knee wall under the peninsula is tiled to prevent damage to the cabinets from accidental kicking while the kids sit on stools. There’s a niche behind the sink to add extra counter depth for plants.