the grill is near the kitchen, and close enough to the fire pit to socialize with visitors
Inspiration for a small mid-century modern partial sun backyard landscaping in Seattle with a fire pit.

Here the old floors were re-stained a dark walnut and the light and bright neutral wall color is carried throughout the home. The bed was on clearance in closeouts at Pottery Barn. Side Tables were from an old antique vanity in terrible shape, so we broke it up and made to bed side tables to fit into the compact space.

Arts and crafts ceramic tile kitchen photo in Albuquerque with an undermount sink, medium tone wood cabinets, quartzite countertops, metal backsplash and stainless steel appliances

Example of a mid-sized mountain style ceramic tile entryway design in Other with red walls and a glass front door

Interior Design: Bob Michels & Bruce Kading | Photography: Landmark Photography
Inspiration for a large rustic master bathroom remodel in Minneapolis with raised-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets and an undermount sink

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.”

Example of a mid-sized classic backyard stone and kidney-shaped natural pool fountain design in Santa Barbara

Mike Zimmerman, Photographer
Example of a huge classic open concept dark wood floor living room design in Chicago

SpaceCrafting
Inspiration for a transitional kitchen remodel in Minneapolis

The cedar shakes, siding and trim are finished with PPG® PROLUXE™ Cetol® SRD wood stain in Mahogany, applied by Carl Schatz of Peak Painting.
Rustic exterior home idea in Other

Paul Finkel
Example of a large minimalist entryway design in Austin with brown walls and a glass front door

Renovation is stressful. Wouldn’t it be nice to let someone else oversee product selections, manage day-to-day issues, and bring your project to a successful completion? The owners of a two-family in Arlington recently did just that, flying off to Florida just as we began renovating their first floor unit. Of course, before they left we thoroughly discussed all aspects of the work order, which included renovating the kitchen and bathroom, painting the bedroom, and adding a laundry closet. We reviewed color and material selections, and set up a schedule for regular briefings. A handful of issues did come up. But because we had planned ahead, we were able to resolve them with very little stress for our clients. For instance, the client had chosen a bright yellow paint color for the kitchen walls, but once the new cabinets, countertop, and flooring had been installed, it was clear that yellow would clash. We suggested a more complementary Benjamin Moore Lancaster Whitewash shade instead. In the bathroom, the clients had selected a deep inset mirrored medicine cabinet. But when the wall behind the vanity was opened, it revealed a pipe running up the wall, too close for the inset model. In this small space, a bump-out medicine cabinet would be awkward, so instead we placed a mirror over the sink and two smaller inset cabinets on either side – a solution that pleased the homeowners, who now have his-and-hers storage spaces. Finally, the homeowners had resigned themselves to the fact that the laundry closet would be too small for storing detergent and other needs. However once the units were in place, we realized that a small custom shelf could be built and had it installed to the delight of the homeowners. Photo by Shelly Harrison

The two crawlspace windows were also in terrible shape but turned out nicely with wood filler, new glass, hardware and paint. Chad Shiflett
Arts and crafts home design photo in DC Metro

Traditional exterior home idea in Portland

123 W Valley Brook Rd, Long Valley NJ Currently Listed for sale with Coldwell Banker. For more information, contact Kathryn Barcellona at 908.328.3232 or by email at homes@kbarcellona.com Nestled in the rolling hills of north-west New Jersey bordering Chester and Tewksbury, this custom Contemporary has a spacious open floor plan, thoughtfully designed to unify indoor-outdoor living. Enjoy the natural beauty of the forest through all four seasons on this one of a kind property. The interior is flooded with natural light by an abundance of windows and 3 large skylights. The forest can be viewed from every window giving your family a spectacular view, changing with every season, year after year. The large kitchen w/ a 9x5 custom Center Island, seating 6, was designed to allow multiple chefs to cook, while entertaining family and friends. Kitchen features include: heated ceramic tile floor, Jenn-air professional 6 Burner Glass Stove w/ indoor BBQ, Built-in Double Oven (Convection/Conventional), modern Dishwasher, and skylight. Two large wooden decks, one with Sliding Glass doors, expand your living and entertainment space tremendously. Main level boasts natural red-oak hardwood floors, vaulted ceilings, a large laundry room and radiant heated ceramic tile floor in the kitchen. Upper Level bedrooms showcase wall-to-wall carpeting. Home also offers a large office, a newly remodeled rec room, ample storage space, and an oversized 2 car garage in the walk-out basement. The 4.2 acre property and gardens attract hummingbirds, butterflies, and dozens of song birds throughout the year. Kids will love exploring Tanners Brook, the woods surrounding the house, and playing in the small treehouse. Hacklebarney State Park, Alsteads Farm and The Columbia Trails are all within minutes. See the listing on Trulia or Zillow: http://www.trulia.com/property/3164587947-123-W-Valley-Brook-Rd-Califon-NJ-07830 http://www.zillow.com/homedetails/123-W-Valley-Brook-Rd-Califon-NJ-07830/39509634_zpid/

This home is Castle’s first Save a Castle. It was purchased in early 2013 and completed by end of Spring. When Castle first purchased this home, it was in terrible shape. The copper pipes had been stolen, there were major structural issues, the porch ceiling had collapsed, and the house had been trashed but there was potential. On the main floor a wall between the dining room and kitchen was removed to create a more open floor plan. The kitchen was completely transformed with new custom cabinetry and updated stainless steel appliances in place, as well as recycled glass countertops and butcher block countertops. On the second floor the bathroom was updated with new tile and glass block window and the bedrooms were made over to match the charm of the home. This home received new Kolbe windows and the hardwood floors were re-sanded and stained dark to compliment the white woodwork. The existing porch felt outdated and did not fit with the rest of the home so it was opened up to create a more inviting porch. Finally the yard also received a makeover with new sod, bushes, and mulch. While the house originally looked as though it hadn’t been taken care of in years this Castle is now ready for another 100 years. Photographer: Hannah Lloyd

This basement apartment egress window installation was completed by using brickmould, completely replacing the old unit and enlarging the opening, installation from brick-to-brick.

Inspiration for a timeless enclosed kitchen remodel in Phoenix with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, quartzite countertops, ceramic backsplash and black appliances

Andrew Pitzer
Small transitional l-shaped light wood floor open concept kitchen photo in New York with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartz countertops, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and a peninsula