A feminine and fun glass mosaic graces the backsplash in the younger daughter's en suite bath
Inspiration for a transitional kids' shower curtain remodel in Boston with recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets and an undermount sink

Embracing the natural elements of this circa 1960’s Condo development in Stowe Vermont was a priority for our clients. We worked closely with a great design team and our clients to create this simple, but beautiful minimalist retreat. Our clients, both authors, wanted a place to withdraw from the endless distractions and fast pace rhythms of the city. Custom made cabinets, bookshelves and built ins helped off set the sandblasted CMU block walls and ground concrete floors. A beautiful handcrafted stairwell was a center piece connecting the three floors. A handcrafted integrated concrete sink in the master is was another testament to the mixed mediums used to create this space. We embraced exposed conduit and commercial grade light fixtures throughout which helped add to the overall minimalist feel of the space. There is a beautiful rawness to this project which everyone came to admire.

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.”

Paint by Sherwin Williams - https://goo.gl/nb9e74 Body - Anew Grey - SW7030 - https://goo.gl/rfBJBn Trim - Dover White - SW6385 - https://goo.gl/2x84RY Fireplace by Pro Electric Fireplace - https://goo.gl/dWX48i Fireplace Surround by Eldorado Stone - https://goo.gl/q1ZB2z Vantage30 in White Elm - https://goo.gl/T6i22G Hearthstone by Stone NW Inc - Polished Pioneer Sandstone - https://goo.gl/hu0luL Flooring by Macadam Floor + Design - https://goo.gl/r5rCto Metropolitan Floor's Wild Thing Maple in Hearth Stone - https://goo.gl/DuC9G8 Storage + Shelving by Northwood Cabinets - https://goo.gl/tkQPFk Alder Wood stained Briar to match Floating Matle and Exposed Linear Beams on Ceiling Windows by Milgard Window + Door - https://goo.gl/fYU68l Style Line Series - https://goo.gl/ISdDZL Supplied by TroyCo - https://goo.gl/wihgo9 Interior Design by Creative Interiors & Design - https://goo.gl/zsZtj6 Partially Furnished by Uttermost Lighting & Furniture - https://goo.gl/46Fi0h All Root Company - https://goo.gl/4oTWJS Built by Cascade West Development Inc Cascade West Facebook: https://goo.gl/MCD2U1 Cascade West Website: https://goo.gl/XHm7Un Photography by ExposioHDR - Portland, Or Exposio Facebook: https://goo.gl/SpSvyo Exposio Website: https://goo.gl/Cbm8Ya Original Plans by Alan Mascord Design Associates - https://goo.gl/Fg3nFk Plan 2476 - The Thatcher - https://goo.gl/5o0vyw

Paint by Sherwin Williams - https://goo.gl/nb9e74 Body - Anew Grey - SW7030 - https://goo.gl/rfBJBn Trim - Dover White - SW6385 - https://goo.gl/2x84RY Fireplace by Pro Electric Fireplace - https://goo.gl/dWX48i Fireplace Surround by Eldorado Stone - https://goo.gl/q1ZB2z Vantage30 in White Elm - https://goo.gl/T6i22G Hearthstone by Stone NW Inc - Polished Pioneer Sandstone - https://goo.gl/hu0luL Flooring by Macadam Floor + Design - https://goo.gl/r5rCto Metropolitan Floor's Wild Thing Maple in Hearth Stone - https://goo.gl/DuC9G8 Windows by Milgard Window + Door - https://goo.gl/fYU68l Style Line Series - https://goo.gl/ISdDZL Supplied by TroyCo - https://goo.gl/wihgo9 Lighting by Destination Lighting - https://goo.gl/mA8XYX Golden Lighting - Modern Chandelier - https://goo.gl/qE8RUD Kichler Lighting - Modern Pendants - https://goo.gl/RcOqsa Interior Design by Creative Interiors & Design - https://goo.gl/zsZtj6 Partially Furnished by Uttermost Lighting & Furniture - https://goo.gl/46Fi0h All Root Company - https://goo.gl/4oTWJS Built by Cascade West Development Inc Cascade West Facebook: https://goo.gl/MCD2U1 Cascade West Website: https://goo.gl/XHm7Un Photography by ExposioHDR - Portland, Or Exposio Facebook: https://goo.gl/SpSvyo Exposio Website: https://goo.gl/Cbm8Ya Original Plans by Alan Mascord Design Associates - https://goo.gl/Fg3nFk Plan 2476 - The Thatcher - https://goo.gl/5o0vyw

Sequined Asphalt Studios
Inspiration for a mid-sized coastal dark wood floor entryway remodel in New York with beige walls and a glass front door

Photo Credit: Amy Barkow | Barkow Photo, Lighting Design: LOOP Lighting, Interior Design: Blankenship Design, General Contractor: Constructomics LLC

Jeri Koegel
Family room - contemporary open concept family room idea in Orange County with a ribbon fireplace and a wall-mounted tv

Located on a corner lot perched high up in the prestigious East Hill of Cresskill, NJ, this home has spectacular views of the Northern Valley to the west. Comprising of 7,200 sq. ft. of space on the 1st and 2nd floor, plus 2,800 sq. ft. of finished walk-out basement space, this home encompasses 10,000 sq. ft. of livable area. The home consists of 6 bedrooms, 6 full bathrooms, 2 powder rooms, a 3-car garage, 4 fireplaces, huge kitchen, generous home office room, and 2 laundry rooms. Unique features of this home include a covered porte cochere, a golf simulator room, media room, octagonal music room, dance studio, wine room, heated & screened loggia, and even a dog shower!

TEAM Developer: Green Phoenix Development Architect: LDa Architecture & Interiors Interior Design: LDa Architecture & Interiors Builder: Essex Restoration Home Stager: BK Classic Collections Home Stagers Photographer: Greg Premru Photography

Paint by Sherwin Williams Body Color - Agreeable Gray - SW 7029 Trim Color - Dover White - SW 6385 Media Room Wall Color - Accessible Beige - SW 7036 Floor & Wall Tile by Macadam Floor & Design Tile Countertops & Shower Walls by Florida Tile Tile Product Sequence in Drift (or in Breeze) Shower Wall Accent Tile by Marazzi Tile Product Luminescence in Silver Shower Niche and Mud Set Shower Pan Tile by Tierra Sol Tile Product - Driftwood in Brown Hexagon Mosaic Sinks by Decolav Sink Faucet by Delta Faucet Windows by Milgard Windows & Doors Window Product Style Line® Series Window Supplier Troyco - Window & Door Window Treatments by Budget Blinds Lighting by Destination Lighting Fixtures by Crystorama Lighting Interior Design by Creative Interiors & Design Custom Cabinetry & Storage by Northwood Cabinets Customized & Built by Cascade West Development Photography by ExposioHDR Portland Original Plans by Alan Mascord Design Associates

Leland Gebhardt ( http://lelandphotos.com)
Mid-sized transitional light wood floor mudroom photo in Phoenix with beige walls

Trendy galley light wood floor and beige floor kitchen photo in Seattle with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, multicolored backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and white countertops

Powder room - transitional powder room idea in Chicago

John Cole Photography
Minimalist shed photo in DC Metro

Paint Colors by Sherwin Williams Exterior Body Color : Dorian Gray SW 7017 Exterior Accent Color : Gauntlet Gray SW 7019 Exterior Trim Color : Accessible Beige SW 7036 Exterior Timber Stain : Weather Teak 75% Stone by Eldorado Stone Exterior Stone : Shadow Rock in Chesapeake Windows by Milgard Windows & Doors Product : StyleLine Series Windows Supplied by Troyco Garage Doors by Wayne Dalton Garage Door Lighting by Globe Lighting / Destination Lighting Exterior Siding by James Hardie Product : Hardiplank LAP Siding Exterior Shakes by Nichiha USA Roofing by Owens Corning Doors by Western Pacific Building Materials Deck by Westcoat

Lawrence Taylor Photography
Staircase - large mediterranean wooden curved metal railing staircase idea in Orlando with tile risers

Laura Moss Photography
Mid-sized transitional formal dark wood floor living room photo in Boston with gray walls, a standard fireplace and no tv

The mudroom has large built-ins for hanging items, a built in bench with upholstered seat cushion, and plenty of hooks for beach blankets & bags.
Entryway - coastal entryway idea in Boston