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.”

©Robin Victor Goetz Photography / GoRVGP.com
Example of an eclectic basement design in Cincinnati

Oasis in the Desert You can find a whole lot of fun ready for the kids in this fun contemporary play-yard in the dessert. Theme: The overall theme of the play-yard is a blend of creative and active outdoor play that blends with the contemporary styling of this beautiful home. Focus: The overall focus for the design of this amazing play-yard was to provide this family with an outdoor space that would foster an active and creative playtime for their children of various ages. The visual focus of this space is the 15-foot tree placed in the middle of the turf yard. This fantastic structure beacons the children to climb the mini stumps and enjoy the slide or swing happily from the branches all the while creating a touch of whimsical nature not typically found in the desert. Surrounding the tree the play-yard offers an array of activities for these lucky children from the chalkboard walls to create amazing pictures to the custom ball wall to practice their skills, the custom myWall system provides endless options for the kids and parents to keep the space exciting and new. Rock holds easily clip into the wall offering ever changing climbing routes, custom water toys and games can also be adapted to the wall to fit the fun of the day. Storage: The myWall system offers various storage options including shelving, closed cases or hanging baskets all of which can be moved to alternate locations on the wall as the homeowners want to customize the play-yard. Growth: The myWall system is built to grow with the users whether it is with changing taste, updating design or growing children, all the accessories can be moved or replaced while leaving the main frame in place. The materials used throughout the space were chosen for their durability and ability to withstand the harsh conditions for many years. The tree also includes 3 levels of swings offering children of varied ages the chance to swing from the branches. Safety: Safety is of critical concern with any play-yard and a space in the harsh conditions of the desert presented specific concerns which were addressed with light colored materials to reflect the sun and reduce heat buildup and stainless steel hardware was used to avoid rusting. The myWall accessories all use a locking mechanism which allows for easy adjustments but also securely locks the pieces into place once set. The flooring in the treehouse was also textured to eliminate skidding.

Amy Williams photography Fun and whimsical family room & kitchen remodel. This room was custom designed for a family of 7. My client wanted a beautiful but practical space. We added lots of details such as the bead board ceiling, beams and crown molding and carved details on the fireplace. The kitchen is full of detail and charm. Pocket door storage allows a drop zone for the kids and can easily be closed to conceal the daily mess. Beautiful fantasy brown marble counters and white marble mosaic backsplash compliment the herringbone ceramic tile floor. We designed this custom TV unit to be left open for access to the equipment. The sliding barn doors allow the unit to be closed as an option, but the decorative boxes make it attractive to leave open for easy access. The hex coffee tables allow for flexibility on movie night ensuring that each family member has a unique space of their own. And for a family of 7 a very large custom made sofa can accommodate everyone. The colorful palette of blues, whites, reds and pinks make this a happy space for the entire family to enjoy. Ceramic tile laid in a herringbone pattern is beautiful and practical for a large family.

Oasis in the Desert You can find a whole lot of fun ready for the kids in this fun contemporary play-yard in the dessert. Theme: The overall theme of the play-yard is a blend of creative and active outdoor play that blends with the contemporary styling of this beautiful home. Focus: The overall focus for the design of this amazing play-yard was to provide this family with an outdoor space that would foster an active and creative playtime for their children of various ages. The visual focus of this space is the 15-foot tree placed in the middle of the turf yard. This fantastic structure beacons the children to climb the mini stumps and enjoy the slide or swing happily from the branches all the while creating a touch of whimsical nature not typically found in the desert. Surrounding the tree the play-yard offers an array of activities for these lucky children from the chalkboard walls to create amazing pictures to the custom ball wall to practice their skills, the custom myWall system provides endless options for the kids and parents to keep the space exciting and new. Rock holds easily clip into the wall offering ever changing climbing routes, custom water toys and games can also be adapted to the wall to fit the fun of the day. Storage: The myWall system offers various storage options including shelving, closed cases or hanging baskets all of which can be moved to alternate locations on the wall as the homeowners want to customize the play-yard. Growth: The myWall system is built to grow with the users whether it is with changing taste, updating design or growing children, all the accessories can be moved or replaced while leaving the main frame in place. The materials used throughout the space were chosen for their durability and ability to withstand the harsh conditions for many years. The tree also includes 3 levels of swings offering children of varied ages the chance to swing from the branches. Safety: Safety is of critical concern with any play-yard and a space in the harsh conditions of the desert presented specific concerns which were addressed with light colored materials to reflect the sun and reduce heat buildup and stainless steel hardware was used to avoid rusting. The myWall accessories all use a locking mechanism which allows for easy adjustments but also securely locks the pieces into place once set. The flooring in the treehouse was also textured to eliminate skidding.

Full-overlay Rustic Beech cabinets in the "Charleston" door style and "Briarwood" finish. Village Home Stores
Example of a large mountain style kitchen design in Chicago

Pamper yourself with this simple yet functional shower faucet. Featuring a square stainless steel rain shower head, it will endow you with a fabulous, luxurious shower experience. Equipped with a hand shower kit with shower hose, this shower system offers targeted cleaning over your body and gives you the maximum flexibility and movement. Designed with a thermostatic valve, it offers water at the desired temperature to protect you from scald, safe and practical. Constructed from solid brass and finished in brushed nickel, this concealed shower system allows for long-lasting use and a timeless look that fits your bathroom seamlessly. Four support poles can be installed either mounted flush or exposed to suit your preference. - This product comes with a thermostatic shower valve with scald prevention feature. - The shower head can be installed either mount flush or exposed. - Constructed from solid brass and 304 stainless steel (shower head) for durability and reliability. - Finished in a high quality, corrosion resistant brushed nickel. - Includes 16" (400mm) rain shower head, ceiling mount shower arms, hand shower parts and 2-function shower valve. - Hand shower with 60" (1500mm) stainless steel hose included. - Not suitable for low pressure. Minimum required water pressure is 0.1 MPa (1 bar). - Rough-in valve and mounting hardware are included.

Photo of Citrus Contemporary Living Room makeover by Black Cat Interiors. Photos courtesy of Doug Wieringa Photography.
Small trendy kitchen/dining room combo photo in Seattle with white walls

Capturing the critical importance of EMF testing, this professional photo showcases a certified inspector using a state-of-the-art EMF meter to measure dirty electricity levels near a home's electrical panel. The meter's digital display glows with clear numerical readings, while the inspector's careful positioning demonstrates proper testing technique for accurate measurements. Dirty electricity testing is crucial for modern homes because: Poor power quality can affect both human health and electronic equipment performance. When your home's electrical system carries microsurges and voltage spikes (dirty electricity), it can contribute to headaches, fatigue, and sleep issues. Additionally, sensitive electronics may malfunction or have shortened lifespans when exposed to poor power quality. Dirty electricity often stems from modern devices like LED lights, smart appliances, solar inverters, and dimmer switches. These technologies, while energy-efficient, can create electrical noise that travels throughout your home's wiring. Professional testing helps identify problematic areas and guides targeted solutions like whole-house filters or circuit-specific interventions. For families concerned about creating a truly healthy home environment, dirty electricity testing is an essential but often overlooked assessment. Our comprehensive testing services help identify EMF hotspots and power quality issues, allowing us to recommend effective mitigation strategies for a cleaner electrical environment. [Note: This description would pair well with a photo on Houzz showcasing EMF inspection services and healthy home practices.]

This kitchen renovation in Central Texas focused on creating a more custom, cohesive look through upgraded cabinetry, integrated lighting, and modern finishes. Bespoke Builders TX completed the project with a combination of black and warm wood-tone shaker cabinetry, quartz countertops, a dark subway tile backsplash, and built-in stainless steel appliances. A major feature of the remodel is the layered LED lighting throughout the kitchen. Under-cabinet lighting brightens the work surfaces, while toe-kick lighting adds warm ambient illumination along the base cabinets. Additional accent lighting above the cabinetry helps emphasize the height of the room and gives the kitchen a more finished, high-end appearance. The finished space combines modern design with practical storage and everyday functionality. Bespoke Builders TX provides kitchen remodeling, custom cabinetry, appliance integration, lighting upgrades, and general contracting services throughout Central Texas. We work on both full kitchen renovations and targeted upgrades designed to improve the look, function, and value of an existing home.

This kitchen renovation in Central Texas focused on creating a more custom, cohesive look through upgraded cabinetry, integrated lighting, and modern finishes. Bespoke Builders TX completed the project with a combination of black and warm wood-tone shaker cabinetry, quartz countertops, a dark subway tile backsplash, and built-in stainless steel appliances. A major feature of the remodel is the layered LED lighting throughout the kitchen. Under-cabinet lighting brightens the work surfaces, while toe-kick lighting adds warm ambient illumination along the base cabinets. Additional accent lighting above the cabinetry helps emphasize the height of the room and gives the kitchen a more finished, high-end appearance. The finished space combines modern design with practical storage and everyday functionality. Bespoke Builders TX provides kitchen remodeling, custom cabinetry, appliance integration, lighting upgrades, and general contracting services throughout Central Texas. We work on both full kitchen renovations and targeted upgrades designed to improve the look, function, and value of an existing home.

Oasis in the Desert You can find a whole lot of fun ready for the kids in this fun contemporary play-yard in the dessert. Theme: The overall theme of the play-yard is a blend of creative and active outdoor play that blends with the contemporary styling of this beautiful home. Focus: The overall focus for the design of this amazing play-yard was to provide this family with an outdoor space that would foster an active and creative playtime for their children of various ages. The visual focus of this space is the 15-foot tree placed in the middle of the turf yard. This fantastic structure beacons the children to climb the mini stumps and enjoy the slide or swing happily from the branches all the while creating a touch of whimsical nature not typically found in the desert. Surrounding the tree the play-yard offers an array of activities for these lucky children from the chalkboard walls to create amazing pictures to the custom ball wall to practice their skills, the custom myWall system provides endless options for the kids and parents to keep the space exciting and new. Rock holds easily clip into the wall offering ever changing climbing routes, custom water toys and games can also be adapted to the wall to fit the fun of the day. Storage: The myWall system offers various storage options including shelving, closed cases or hanging baskets all of which can be moved to alternate locations on the wall as the homeowners want to customize the play-yard. Growth: The myWall system is built to grow with the users whether it is with changing taste, updating design or growing children, all the accessories can be moved or replaced while leaving the main frame in place. The materials used throughout the space were chosen for their durability and ability to withstand the harsh conditions for many years. The tree also includes 3 levels of swings offering children of varied ages the chance to swing from the branches. Safety: Safety is of critical concern with any play-yard and a space in the harsh conditions of the desert presented specific concerns which were addressed with light colored materials to reflect the sun and reduce heat buildup and stainless steel hardware was used to avoid rusting. The myWall accessories all use a locking mechanism which allows for easy adjustments but also securely locks the pieces into place once set. The flooring in the treehouse was also textured to eliminate skidding.

Photo: Ryan Hicks © 2017 Houzz
Living room - eclectic living room idea in DC Metro

Large country u-shaped medium tone wood floor kitchen photo in Milwaukee with white cabinets and a peninsula

Oasis in the Desert You can find a whole lot of fun ready for the kids in this fun contemporary play-yard in the dessert. Theme: The overall theme of the play-yard is a blend of creative and active outdoor play that blends with the contemporary styling of this beautiful home. Focus: The overall focus for the design of this amazing play-yard was to provide this family with an outdoor space that would foster an active and creative playtime for their children of various ages. The visual focus of this space is the 15-foot tree placed in the middle of the turf yard. This fantastic structure beacons the children to climb the mini stumps and enjoy the slide or swing happily from the branches all the while creating a touch of whimsical nature not typically found in the desert. Surrounding the tree the play-yard offers an array of activities for these lucky children from the chalkboard walls to create amazing pictures to the custom ball wall to practice their skills, the custom myWall system provides endless options for the kids and parents to keep the space exciting and new. Rock holds easily clip into the wall offering ever changing climbing routes, custom water toys and games can also be adapted to the wall to fit the fun of the day. Storage: The myWall system offers various storage options including shelving, closed cases or hanging baskets all of which can be moved to alternate locations on the wall as the homeowners want to customize the play-yard. Growth: The myWall system is built to grow with the users whether it is with changing taste, updating design or growing children, all the accessories can be moved or replaced while leaving the main frame in place. The materials used throughout the space were chosen for their durability and ability to withstand the harsh conditions for many years. The tree also includes 3 levels of swings offering children of varied ages the chance to swing from the branches. Safety: Safety is of critical concern with any play-yard and a space in the harsh conditions of the desert presented specific concerns which were addressed with light colored materials to reflect the sun and reduce heat buildup and stainless steel hardware was used to avoid rusting. The myWall accessories all use a locking mechanism which allows for easy adjustments but also securely locks the pieces into place once set. The flooring in the treehouse was also textured to eliminate skidding.

Oasis in the Desert You can find a whole lot of fun ready for the kids in this fun contemporary play-yard in the dessert. Theme: The overall theme of the play-yard is a blend of creative and active outdoor play that blends with the contemporary styling of this beautiful home. Focus: The overall focus for the design of this amazing play-yard was to provide this family with an outdoor space that would foster an active and creative playtime for their children of various ages. The visual focus of this space is the 15-foot tree placed in the middle of the turf yard. This fantastic structure beacons the children to climb the mini stumps and enjoy the slide or swing happily from the branches all the while creating a touch of whimsical nature not typically found in the desert. Surrounding the tree the play-yard offers an array of activities for these lucky children from the chalkboard walls to create amazing pictures to the custom ball wall to practice their skills, the custom myWall system provides endless options for the kids and parents to keep the space exciting and new. Rock holds easily clip into the wall offering ever changing climbing routes, custom water toys and games can also be adapted to the wall to fit the fun of the day. Storage: The myWall system offers various storage options including shelving, closed cases or hanging baskets all of which can be moved to alternate locations on the wall as the homeowners want to customize the play-yard. Growth: The myWall system is built to grow with the users whether it is with changing taste, updating design or growing children, all the accessories can be moved or replaced while leaving the main frame in place. The materials used throughout the space were chosen for their durability and ability to withstand the harsh conditions for many years. The tree also includes 3 levels of swings offering children of varied ages the chance to swing from the branches. Safety: Safety is of critical concern with any play-yard and a space in the harsh conditions of the desert presented specific concerns which were addressed with light colored materials to reflect the sun and reduce heat buildup and stainless steel hardware was used to avoid rusting. The myWall accessories all use a locking mechanism which allows for easy adjustments but also securely locks the pieces into place once set. The flooring in the treehouse was also textured to eliminate skidding.

Example of a mid-sized transitional enclosed carpeted and beige floor home theater design in Salt Lake City with gray walls and a wall-mounted tv

Our mission was to create an ocean and California lifestyle-inspired space that would invite consistent clicks, bookings and five-star reviews. To make the most of the great location, we designed Project 11 for travelling singles and couples searching for a cozy and welcoming condo within walking distance to downtown San Diego. Project 11 would also be used by our clients when it was unoccupied, so it had to be practical, functional and beautiful, too. Our clients had a limited budget, so we got thrifty and sourced furnishings from Target, Ikea, Amazon and Etsy. The oversized art prints – which set the tone for our relaxing and soothing beachy theme – were hunted down and found at Etsy of California Lifestyle. We made the most of layers, colors and texture to create spaces that conjured calming ocean vibes and felt wholeheartedly welcoming. We couldn’t repaint the walls, but they gave us a neutral color palette to work with. We built on it by adding in pops of color while maintaining a minimalist approach to understated style. Then we had some fun and added in cute touches like Cali and San Diego inspired mugs, an adorable Kerig to tie in the colors of the ocean again, a swivel chair to view the sunrise and sunset and a totally pimped-out kitchen with all the cooking accessories a guest would need to feel at home in Project 11. By the time we were done, we were tempted to scoop up the first available booking for ourselves! Finally, we invested our energy in designing for effortless functionality so our client’s guests had everything they needed during their stay. Photography: Meg Marie

Our mission was to create an ocean and California lifestyle-inspired space that would invite consistent clicks, bookings and five-star reviews. To make the most of the great location, we designed Project 11 for travelling singles and couples searching for a cozy and welcoming condo within walking distance to downtown San Diego. Project 11 would also be used by our clients when it was unoccupied, so it had to be practical, functional and beautiful, too. Our clients had a limited budget, so we got thrifty and sourced furnishings from Target, Ikea, Amazon and Etsy. The oversized art prints – which set the tone for our relaxing and soothing beachy theme – were hunted down and found at Etsy of California Lifestyle. We made the most of layers, colors and texture to create spaces that conjured calming ocean vibes and felt wholeheartedly welcoming. We couldn’t repaint the walls, but they gave us a neutral color palette to work with. We built on it by adding in pops of color while maintaining a minimalist approach to understated style. Then we had some fun and added in cute touches like Cali and San Diego inspired mugs, an adorable Kerig to tie in the colors of the ocean again, a swivel chair to view the sunrise and sunset and a totally pimped-out kitchen with all the cooking accessories a guest would need to feel at home in Project 11. By the time we were done, we were tempted to scoop up the first available booking for ourselves! Finally, we invested our energy in designing for effortless functionality so our client’s guests had everything they needed during their stay. Photography: Meg Marie