Utility room - mid-sized rustic l-shaped porcelain tile and gray floor utility room idea with a drop-in sink, gray cabinets, white walls, white countertops and shaker cabinets

Example of a mid-sized eclectic home gym design in Cleveland

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.”

WINNER OF IDS DESIGNER OF THE YEAR AWARD 2014 Like all the spaces we design, this room is totally about the people who live in it. True, the room started as a blank empty box, and while this couple likes architectural interest, the low ceiling was a challenge. Our solution was to add a wonderful niche – perfect to correct the uneven window wall AND indulge an architectural craving. Au courante grass cloth wallpaper and a modern rug are the perfect foil for the refreshing furnishings and appointments that span from 19th century to mid-century to modern.

Remote outdoor fire pit stone and marble top by outdoor living fabulously designer Michael Gotowala founder of THE OUTDOOR KITCHEN DESIGN STORE BY PREFERRED PROPERTIES.Outdoor kitchen designer Michael Gotowala Founder of THE OUTDOOR KITCHEN DESIGN Store by Preferred Properties. Middlebury, CT. With their home sitting on a lakeside lot, these homeowners are naturally drawn to the great outdoors. After 15 years with a simple brick-paved patio, the couple decided to upgrade the space into a truly fabulous outdoor living area. With visions of grandeur, they hired Michael Gotowala of Preferred Properties Landscaping & Masonry, the same designer who had completed their original patio years before. Gotowala called on his vast experience for this complete renovation, designing and installing the hardscaping, fire pit, landscaping, lighting, and outdoor kitchen. He enlarged the patio area by adding stone sitting walls to surround an incredible stone and marble gas fire pit. The open-air kitchen’s island features a T-shaped bar and beverage counter, and its position allows the couple and their guests to capture breathtaking views of the lake in a private setting. The original brick pavers were replaced with a luxurious blue marble patio floor, which is banded with antiqued and sand-blasted marble to accent the true grandeur of this outstanding home. There is also extensive marble coping on the stone sitting walls and bullnose marble coping on stairs. Stunning surfaces complete, Gotowala then equipped the kitchen with all the high-end al fresco appliances needed for true lakeside living! For more great outdoor kitchen ideas go to THE OUTDOOR KITCHEN DESIGN STORE by PREFERRED PROPERTIES. www.OUTDOORKITCHENDESIGNER.com Looking for that fabulous outdoor living design? call 1-855- GET OUTDOORS

Located in the heart of Menlo Park, in one of the most prestigious neighborhoods, this residence is a true eye candy. The couple purchased this home and wanted to renovate before moving in. That is how they came to TBS. The idea was to create warm and cozy yet very specious and functional kitchen/dining and family room area, renovate and upgrade master bathroom with another powder room and finish with whole house repainting. TBS designers were inspired with family’s way of spending time together and entertaining. Taking their vision and desires into consideration house was transformed the way homeowners have imagined it would be. Bringing in high quality custom materials., tailoring every single corner to everyone we are sure this Menlo Park home will create many wonderful memories for family and friends. Photographer @agajphoto

The Heirloom Hardwood Collection features true North American wood species from the Appalachian region. Heirloom is prized for its characteristics such as its quality and unique smooth graining. The planks are handcrafted and finished in a warm array of natural colors. These boards are reminiscent of the historic hardwoods of old European manors featuring the look of subtly aged timber. Hallmarks authentic 4mm sawn-cut style coupled with a medium sculpted texture that is 100% hand applied, provides a truly classic, transitional design. These floors where purchased through Shoreline Flooring Inc. located in Myrtle Beach, SC. To learn more about Heirloom please visit: https://hallmarkfloors.com/hallmark-hardwoods/heirloom-hardwood-floors/

Photo: Elaine Musiwa © 2015 Houzz Creative Assistant: Omar Ammar
Example of a minimalist home design design in New York

This Carlsbad couple yearned for a generous master bath that included a big soaking tub, double vanity, water closet, large walk-in shower, and walk in closet. Unfortunately, their current master bathroom was only 6'x12'. Our design team went to work and came up with a solution to push the back wall into an unused 2nd floor vaulted space in the garage, and further expand the new master bath footprint into two existing closet areas. These inventive expansions made it possible for their luxurious master bath dreams to come true. Just goes to show that, with TaylorPro Design & Remodeling, fitting a square peg in a round hole could be possible! Photos by: Jon Upson

The kitchen is the heart of a home and we have found this is no less true on vacation. The Kitchen at "Evermore" is state of the art and aside from it's architectural details features professional Viking appliances, a gas range, an enormous island and high end cabinetry all coordinated / designed by local boutique owner Dawn White of Lake Street Design Studio. The counters are a creamy white variation of "Chocolate Bordeaux" granite coupled with dark walnut on the distressed hutch opposite the range. This kitchen was made for for the chef who loves to host & for families who enjoy large holiday gatherings. Photo Credit: Chris Potoski

This wonderful couple had a traditional Cape style home and wanted to age in place. We designed a primary suite addition including laundry and an additional family room space for true first floor living. The bathroom and walk in closet give them plenty of space to move around. The large windows and quad slider provide a lot of natural light in their new spaces.

For a Small urban townhouse, built in the early 1950’s, located in a neighborhood called Westover, in North Old Town Alexandria, their bathrooms were old and dysfunctional. Design solutions: We have redesigned the three bedrooms on the second floor to allow a larger bathroom, walk in closet and wider hallways. We installed new roofing and a large skylight to allow natural light into the bathroom and the upper hallway. The basement was totally revamped. New plumbing was put in place for full bathroom, laundry room and a den. They were experiencing leaky walls, so we have installed a French drainage system and waterproofed related walls. Outcome: This couple loves the neighborhood and now their home gives them more opportunities to stay in the same location. The color schemes are bright, uplifting and alive. True testimony to the homeowners’ spirit.

Our client had taken a memorable trip to Japan a couple of years ago and wanted to bring some Japandi into her life here in MD!. She wanted a mid-century modern, zen, clean look for the whole home. While she wanted sleek and clean, she also is a family of 4 so the family room still needed to provide comfort and be welcoming. We kept the color tones neutral and lines simple but added plush pillows and an ottoman for movie night. This was truly a collaboration between RedBird and the client who had a very clear vision. We loved making it come true in her home. Contractor: https://cabidodesign.com/ Photography: Alison Sutich @asutich

This wonderful couple had a traditional Cape style home and wanted to age in place. We designed a primary suite addition including laundry and an additional family room space for true first floor living. The bathroom and walk in closet give them plenty of space to move around. The large windows and quad slider provide a lot of natural light in their new spaces.

Perched among the treetops, this condo feels like a modern treehouse with wrap-around windows that frame sweeping views of the outdoors. Our clients—an artistic, nature-loving couple—wanted their remodel to celebrate those views while creating a spa-like retreat where they could relax, recharge, and find creative inspiration. The interior design was intentionally kept tranquil and understated so the surrounding landscape could remain the true focal point. Every color and texture was selected with precision and purpose, bringing softness and harmony to each space. Vaulted ceilings accented with rustic beams add height and sculptural interest, while the cabinetry provides a subtle, functional anchor without overwhelming the serenity of the room. This home now lives exactly as they imagined—calming, artful, and deeply connected to the beauty just outside their windows.

Step into the Grand Hammam at Hurrem Hammam, where Ottoman-inspired architecture meets luxurious marble craftsmanship. The space features sweeping archways, detailed mosaics, and polished stone surfaces, creating an atmosphere of timeless elegance and tranquility. Every element, from the ornate ceilings to the hand-carved accents, is designed to showcase authentic Turkish artistry, making the Grand Hammam a true masterpiece of design and detail.

This wonderful couple had a traditional Cape style home and wanted to age in place. We designed a primary suite addition including laundry and an additional family room space for true first floor living. The bathroom and walk in closet give them plenty of space to move around. The large windows and quad slider provide a lot of natural light in their new spaces.

This wonderful couple had a traditional Cape style home and wanted to age in place. We designed a primary suite addition including laundry and an additional family room space for true first floor living. The bathroom and walk in closet give them plenty of space to move around. The large windows and quad slider provide a lot of natural light in their new spaces.

"Let There Be Light" is a complete re-imagining of a 1920's Tudor-style mansion, that garnered multiple Georgie and Ovation awards, and earned Versa Homes a trophy for Best Renovated Room of 2017. The existing estate had a dark and sombre feel. The young couple and their three children wanted a bright, liveable, kid-friendly home with modern amenities, while preserving the traditional beauty and grandeur of the house. A 3,000 square-foot unfinished basement was transformed into a wonderland of home entertainment, with a home theatre, indoor hockey rink, gymnasium, arts and crafts room, billiards room, bar and seating for dozens of guests. Felipe and the Versa team worked closely with the family to select finishes and materials that were "just right". Every room is endowed with a unique motif. The finished renovation combines classic stylings with modern chic, and rustic "New York Loft" elements, in a playful ensemble that is a true expression of the personalities in the household.