The thatched roof is the very first attribute of the Ukrainian mud hut house - mazanka. This means that this material is very connected with our Ukrainian culture. Reed walls are a tribute to culture. There are already more modern technologies for the roof and we should not go to such architectural extremes as making a thatched roof in the 21st century. Therefore, it makes sense to consider reeds as a facing material for walls.

Mike and Anne of Barrington Hills desperately needed to update and renovate both their kid’s hall bath and guest bath, and in their 1980’s home each project presented a different set of unique challenges to overcome. When they set out to identify the right remodeling company to partner with, it was important to find a company that could help them to visualize design solutions for the bath renovations. When they came across Advance Design Studio’s website, they were immediately drawn to the solution-oriented remodeling process and the family friendly company. They say they chose Advance Design because of the integrated approach of “Common Sense Remodeling”, making the design, project management and construction all happen in one place. When they met with Project Designer Michelle Lecinski, they knew they chose the right company. “Michelle’s excellent work on the initial designs made it easy to proceed with Advance Design Studio,” Mike said. Like most homeowners anticipating a big renovation project, they had some healthy fears; with two bathrooms being remodeled at the same time they worried about timeframes and staying within budget. With the help of Michelle, and the “Common Sense” guidelines, they were confident that Advance Design would stay true, orchestrating all the moving parts to stay within both the estimated timeline and budget. The guest bath offered the biggest design challenge. A dormer obstruction made the already cramped shower awkward to access. Mike and Anne also wanted the shower size to be expanded, making it more accommodating. Working with Advance’s construction expert DJ Yurik, Michelle relocated the shower concealing the original dormer and creating a larger, more comfortable and aesthetically pleasing guest shower. The unsightly and not at all user-friendly closet was removed and replaced with elegant White Maple Dura Supreme cabinetry with much improved function featuring dual tall linen cabinets, a special makeup area and two sinks, providing a dual vanity which was extremely important for better guest use. The Fossil Brown quartz countertop is in pleasing contrast to the white cabinetry, and coordinates nicely with the mocha porcelain tile gracing the shower for an accent. The decorative glazed turquoise tile backsplash, tile border, and bottle niche adds a taste of marine green to the room, while marble-looking porcelain tile makes guests feel they are staying in a 5-star hotel. Polished nickel Kohler plumbing fixtures were chosen to add a touch of sophistication. This renovated guest bath is comfortable and elegant, and Anne and Mike’s house guests may never want to leave! “The end result was updated and restyled bathrooms that the client will enjoy and increase the value of their home,” Designer Michelle said. The children’s hall bath had its own set of challenges. The current placement of the sink was not conducive to the best use of the existing space, nor did it allow for any visual interest, something Advance’s designers always work to achieve even within the tight confines of a small bath. Advance removed the linen closet and used the gain in wall space to create a dramatic focal point on the vanity wall. They also took additional space that wasn’t being used for new Storm Gray Dura Supreme tall built-in linen cabinets, creating functional storage space that the former bath lacked. A customized glass splash panel was created for the bath, and the high ceilings with skylights were accented with a custom-made track lighting fixture featuring industrial pipe and cage materials. Authentic cement encaustic tile was used wall to wall surrounding the vanity to create a dramatic and interesting back drop for the new elegant and stately furniture-like double sink wall. Hand-made encaustic tile originated in Western Europe beginning in the 1850’s and reminded Mike and Anne of tile they had seen and loved from their travels overseas. Today, encaustic tile has made a re-appearance in today’s modern bath design with its wide array of appealing patterns and artistic use of color. Oil rubbed bronze Kohler fixtures echo the black accents in the beautiful tile pattern and reflect the matte black of the unique lighting detail. Easy to maintain Blanca Arabescato Quartz countertops add practicality and natural beauty and compliments the warm wood porcelain tile floors. This handsome bath has generated praise from friends and family even before it’s complete unveiling as photos of the space leaked out on social media! It’s not only completely functional to use, but especially pretty to look at. “Advance Design Studio did a terrific job for us. We really appreciated how easy it was to work with them on a complex project of the complete remodeling of two bathrooms. They very capably handled all the details from design, to project management, to construction. It is a great group of people to work with and we would welcome the opportunity to work with them again anytime,” Mike said.

This kitchen was great, but the layout was not working for these new homeowners. They really wanted a bigger kitchen that would give them more storage space, a pantry and a second island. We started by tearing out all the existing cabinets and countertop. For the new cabinets, they went with a mission door in maple from our Kitchen Solvers Classic Collection line. To really give this kitchen that “Wow” factor the upper cabinets were done in a snow color while the lower cabinets were done in Gale Force. To finish this new look we added a Calacatta Laza quartz countertop and a subway tile backsplash in white Urbeno. Now this homeowner has a kitchen they love to entertain in.

The thatched roof is the very first attribute of the Ukrainian mud hut house - mazanka. This means that this material is very connected with our Ukrainian culture. Reed walls are a tribute to culture. There are already more modern technologies for the roof and we should not go to such architectural extremes as making a thatched roof in the 21st century. Therefore, it makes sense to consider reeds as a facing material for walls.

This kitchen was great, but the layout was not working for these new homeowners. They really wanted a bigger kitchen that would give them more storage space, a pantry and a second island. We started by tearing out all the existing cabinets and countertop. For the new cabinets, they went with a mission door in maple from our Kitchen Solvers Classic Collection line. To really give this kitchen that “Wow” factor the upper cabinets were done in a snow color while the lower cabinets were done in Gale Force. To finish this new look we added a Calacatta Laza quartz countertop and a subway tile backsplash in white Urbeno. Now this homeowner has a kitchen they love to entertain in.

The original bathroom on the main floor had an odd Jack-and-Jill layout with two toilets, two vanities and only a single tub/shower (in vintage mint green, no less). With some creative modifications to existing walls and the removal of a small linen closet, we were able to divide the space into two functional and totally separate bathrooms. In the guest bathroom, we opted for a clean black and white palette and chose a stained wood vanity to add warmth. The bold hexagon tiles add a huge wow factor to the small bathroom and the vertical tile layout draws the eye upward. We made the most out of every inch of space by including a tall niche for towels and toiletries and still managed to carve out a full size linen closet in the hall.

This kitchen was great, but the layout was not working for these new homeowners. They really wanted a bigger kitchen that would give them more storage space, a pantry and a second island. We started by tearing out all the existing cabinets and countertop. For the new cabinets, they went with a mission door in maple from our Kitchen Solvers Classic Collection line. To really give this kitchen that “Wow” factor the upper cabinets were done in a snow color while the lower cabinets were done in Gale Force. To finish this new look we added a Calacatta Laza quartz countertop and a subway tile backsplash in white Urbeno. Now this homeowner has a kitchen they love to entertain in.

The original bathroom on the main floor had an odd Jack-and-Jill layout with two toilets, two vanities and only a single tub/shower (in vintage mint green, no less). With some creative modifications to existing walls and the removal of a small linen closet, we were able to divide the space into two functional and totally separate bathrooms. In the guest bathroom, we opted for a clean black and white palette and chose a stained wood vanity to add warmth. The bold hexagon tiles add a huge wow factor to the small bathroom and the vertical tile layout draws the eye upward. We made the most out of every inch of space by including a tall niche for towels and toiletries and still managed to carve out a full size linen closet in the hall.

Authentic French Country Estate in one of Houston's most exclusive neighborhoods - Hunters Creek Village.
Example of a mid-sized classic marble floor and white floor dining room design in Houston with white walls

This kitchen was great, but the layout was not working for these new homeowners. They really wanted a bigger kitchen that would give them more storage space, a pantry and a second island. We started by tearing out all the existing cabinets and countertop. For the new cabinets, they went with a mission door in maple from our Kitchen Solvers Classic Collection line. To really give this kitchen that “Wow” factor the upper cabinets were done in a snow color while the lower cabinets were done in Gale Force. To finish this new look we added a Calacatta Laza quartz countertop and a subway tile backsplash in white Urbeno. Now this homeowner has a kitchen they love to entertain in.

The original bathroom on the main floor had an odd Jack-and-Jill layout with two toilets, two vanities and only a single tub/shower (in vintage mint green, no less). With some creative modifications to existing walls and the removal of a small linen closet, we were able to divide the space into two functional and totally separate bathrooms. In the guest bathroom, we opted for a clean black and white palette and chose a stained wood vanity to add warmth. The bold hexagon tiles add a huge wow factor to the small bathroom and the vertical tile layout draws the eye upward. We made the most out of every inch of space by including a tall niche for towels and toiletries and still managed to carve out a full size linen closet in the hall.

Brad Haines knows a thing or two about building things. The intensely creative and innovative founder of Oklahoma City-based Haines Capital is the driving force behind numerous successful companies including Bank 7 (NASDAQ BSVN), which proudly reported record year-end earnings since going public in September of last year. He has beautifully built, renovated, and personally thumb printed all of his commercial spaces and residences. “Our theory is to keep things sophisticated but comfortable,” Brad says. That’s the exact approach he took in his personal haven in Nichols Hills, Oklahoma. Painstakingly renovated over the span of two years by Candeleria Foster Design-Build of Oklahoma City, his home boasts museum-white, authentic Venetian plaster walls and ceilings; charcoal tiled flooring; imported marble in the master bath; and a pretty kitchen you’ll want to emulate. Reminiscent of an edgy luxury hotel, it is a vibe conjured by Cantoni designer Nicole George. “The new remodel plan was all about opening up the space and layering monochromatic color with lots of texture,” says Nicole, who collaborated with Brad on two previous projects. “The color palette is minimal, with charcoal, bone, amber, stone, linen and leather.” “Sophisticated“Sophisticated“Sophisticated“Sophisticated“Sophisticated Nicole helped oversee space planning and selection of interior finishes, lighting, furnishings and fine art for the entire 7,000-square-foot home. It is now decked top-to-bottom in pieces sourced from Cantoni, beginning with the custom-ordered console at entry and a pair of Glacier Suspension fixtures over the stairwell. “Every angle in the house is the result of a critical thought process,” Nicole says. “We wanted to make sure each room would be purposeful.” To that end, “we reintroduced the ‘parlor,’ and also redefined the formal dining area as a bar and drink lounge with enough space for 10 guests to comfortably dine,” Nicole says. Brad’s parlor holds the Swing sectional customized in a silky, soft-hand charcoal leather crafted by prominent Italian leather furnishings company Gamma. Nicole paired it with the Kate swivel chair customized in a light grey leather, the sleek DK writing desk, and the Black & More bar cabinet by Malerba. “Nicole has a special design talent and adapts quickly to what we expect and like,” Brad says. To create the restaurant-worthy dining space, Nicole brought in a black-satin glass and marble-topped dining table and mohair-velvet chairs, all by Italian maker Gallotti & Radice. Guests can take a post-dinner respite on the adjoining room’s Aston sectional by Gamma. In the formal living room, Nicole paired Cantoni’s Fashion Affair club chairs with the Black & More cocktail table, and sofas sourced from Désirée, an Italian furniture upholstery company that creates cutting-edge yet comfortable pieces. The color-coordinating kitchen and breakfast area, meanwhile, hold a set of Guapa counter stools in ash grey leather, and the Ray dining table with light-grey leather Cattelan Italia chairs. The expansive loggia also is ideal for entertaining and lounging with the Versa grand sectional, the Ido cocktail table in grey aged walnut and Dolly chairs customized in black nubuck leather. Nicole made most of the design decisions, but, “she took my suggestions seriously and then put me in my place,” Brad says. She had the master bedroom’s Marlon bed by Gamma customized in a remarkably soft black leather with a matching stitch and paired it with onyx gloss Black & More nightstands. “The furnishings absolutely complement the style,” Brad says. “They are high-quality and have a modern flair, but at the end of the day, are still comfortable and user-friendly.” The end result is a home Brad not only enjoys, but one that Nicole also finds exceptional. “I honestly love every part of this house,” Nicole says. “Working with Brad is always an adventure but a privilege that I take very seriously, from the beginning of the design process to installation.”

A kitchen traditional for today. This beautiful, bright kitchen is nestled within a colonial style home located in Manchester, NH. Created to blend the traditional style of the home with the contemporary entertaining style of the home’s newest owners, transforming the kitchen into a functional cooking and entertaining space did not come without a few challenges. The dated kitchen lacked counter, storage and pantry space. As with many older homes, there were sloping floors, chimney chases, and a lack of wall space. Rising to the challenge, I created three unique designs, each one designed to manage these challenges while offering the homeowners their choice of WOW factors. Indeed, the final design includes plenty of necessary counter space, amazing deep drawer storage, and wonderful pantry space. To make cooking easier and far more efficient, I accessorized with complements of oil pullouts, tray dividers, dual waste pull outs, and utensil dividers. The layout is also perfect for two cooking at the same time, and the additional counter seating makes this island the hot spot for all gatherings. To keep the “HOT” out of the hotspot however, guests remain comfortable with the pop up down draft installed alongside the 6 burner range efficiently drawing in that heat. Additionally, the raised bar behind the range top not only covers the down draft when in its raised position, but shields guests from any cooking splatter. 
AND, it’s the perfect bar height for leaning on or standing around those trays of yummy appetizers set upon it during a party! The final transformation of space into the perfect entertaining spot is the bar. The kitchen is open to the dining room so placing a small bar between the two spaces creates an easy bridge for guests to grab a drink without crossing the entire kitchen to the fridge. Lighting from the bar’s mullion wall cabinet softly cascades into the kitchen/seating area, illuminating the homeowner’s fine crystal wine and champagne glasses as it reflects the warmth and style of the new kitchen. Next to the bar is the creative addition of an oversized but streamlined chalk board where the signature drink of the night can be whimsically showcased restaurant style. Or, if they choose, guests may leave a note… White painted cabinets wrap around the perimeter of the kitchen while grey glazed cabinets ground the island. A traditional raised panel door and drawer style suit the home perfectly. Both are topped with polished black pearl granite countertops. The stainless steel double ovens, refrigerator, and dishwasher coordinate beautifully with the grey glazed island and rustic iron cabinet hardware. Large windows on two walls open to scenic views and let in lots of natural light. Smokey glass pendants and recessed lighting strategically light work stations while artfully illuminating the entire kitchen. Day and night, this now organized, streamlined kitchen embraces the home with a sense of light and warmth; an inviting space perfect for cooking or enjoying time with friends and family. Photography by Scott Sherman

Authentic French Country Estate in one of Houston's most exclusive neighborhoods - Hunters Creek Village.
Large elegant dark wood floor wine cellar photo in Houston

This kitchen was great, but the layout was not working for these new homeowners. They really wanted a bigger kitchen that would give them more storage space, a pantry and a second island. We started by tearing out all the existing cabinets and countertop. For the new cabinets, they went with a mission door in maple from our Kitchen Solvers Classic Collection line. To really give this kitchen that “Wow” factor the upper cabinets were done in a snow color while the lower cabinets were done in Gale Force. To finish this new look we added a Calacatta Laza quartz countertop and a subway tile backsplash in white Urbeno. Now this homeowner has a kitchen they love to entertain in.

This kitchen was great, but the layout was not working for these new homeowners. They really wanted a bigger kitchen that would give them more storage space, a pantry and a second island. We started by tearing out all the existing cabinets and countertop. For the new cabinets, they went with a mission door in maple from our Kitchen Solvers Classic Collection line. To really give this kitchen that “Wow” factor the upper cabinets were done in a snow color while the lower cabinets were done in Gale Force. To finish this new look we added a Calacatta Laza quartz countertop and a subway tile backsplash in white Urbeno. Now this homeowner has a kitchen they love to entertain in.

This truly magnificent King City Project is the ultra-luxurious family home you’ve been dreaming of! This immaculate 5 bedroom residence has stunning curb appeal, with a beautifully designed white Cape Cod wood siding, professionally landscaped gardens, precisely positioned home on 3 acre lot and a private driveway leading up to the 4 car garage including workshop. This beautiful 8200 square foot Georgian style home is every homeowners dream plus a beautiful 5800 square foot walkout basement. The English inspired exterior cladding and landscaping has an endless array of attention and detail. The handpicked materials of the interior has endless exceptional unfinished oak hardwood throughout, varying 9” to 12” plaster crown mouldings throughout and see each room accented with upscale interior light fixtures. Spend the end of your hard worked days in our beautiful Conservatory walking out of the kitchen/family room, this open concept room his met with high ceilings and 60 linear feet of glass looking out onto 3 acres of land. Our exquisite Bloomsbury Kitchen designed kitchen is a hand painted work of art. Simple but stunning craftsmanship for this gourmet kitchen with a 10ft calacatta island and countertops. 2 apron sinks incorporated into counter and islands with 2-Georgian Bridge polished nickel faucets. Our 60” range will help every meal taste better than the last. 3 stainless steel fridges. The bright breakfast area is ideal for enjoying morning meals and conversation while overlooking the verdant backyard, or step out to the conservatory to savor your meals under the stars. All accented with Carrara backsplash. Also, on the main level is the expansive Master Suite with stunning views of the countryside, and a magnificent ensuite washroom, featuring built-in cabinetry, a makeup counter, an oversized glass shower, and a separate free standing tub. All is sitting on a beautifully layout of carrara floor tiles. All bedrooms have abundant walk-in closet space, large windows and full ensuites with heated floor in all tiled areas. Hardwood floors throughout have been such an important detail in this home. We take a lot of pride in the finish as well as the planning that went into designing the floors. We have a wide variety of French parque flooring, herringbone in main areas as well as chevron in our dining room and eating areas. Feel the texture on your feet as this oak hardwood comes to life with its beautiful stained finished. 75% of the home is a paneling heaven. The entire first floor leading up to the second floor has extensive recessed panels, archways and bead board from floor to ceiling to give it that country feel. Our main floor spiral staircase is nothing but luxury with its simple handrails and beautifully stained steps. Walk out onto two Garden Walkways, one off of the kitchen and the other off of the master bedroom hallway. BBQ area or just relaxing in front of a wood burning fireplace looking off of a porch with clean cut glass railings. Our wood burning fireplace can be seen in the basement, first floor and exterior of the garden walkway terrace. These fireplaces are cladded with Owen Sound limestone and having a herringbone designed box. To help enjoy these fireplaces, take full advantage of the two storey electronic dumbwaiter elevator for the firewood. Get work done in our 600 square foot office, that is surrounded by oak recessed paneling, custom crafted built ins and hand carved oak desk, all looking onto 3 acres of country side. Enjoy wine? See our beautifully designed wine cellar finished with marble border and pebble stone floor to give you that authentic feel of a real winery. This handcrafted room holds up to 3000 bottles of wine and is a beautiful feature every home should have. Wine enthusiasts will love the climatized wine room for displaying and preserving your extensive collection. This wine room has floor to ceiling glass looking onto the family room of the basement with a wood burning fireplace. After your long meal and couple glasses of wine, see our 1500 square foot gym with all the latest equipment and rubber floor and surrounded in floor to ceiling mirrors. Once you’re done with your workout, you have the option of using our traditional sauna, infrared sauna or taking a dip in the hot tub. Extras include a side entrance to the mudroom, two spacious cold rooms, a CVAC system throughout, 400 AMP Electrical service with generator for entire home, a security system, built-in speakers throughout and Control4 Home automation system that includes lighting, audio & video and so much more. A true pride of ownership and masterpiece built and managed by Dellfina Homes Inc.

Authentic French Country Estate in one of Houston's most exclusive neighborhoods - Hunters Creek Village.
Example of a mid-sized classic girl carpeted and beige floor kids' room design in Houston with white walls

This kitchen was great, but the layout was not working for these new homeowners. They really wanted a bigger kitchen that would give them more storage space, a pantry and a second island. We started by tearing out all the existing cabinets and countertop. For the new cabinets, they went with a mission door in maple from our Kitchen Solvers Classic Collection line. To really give this kitchen that “Wow” factor the upper cabinets were done in a snow color while the lower cabinets were done in Gale Force. To finish this new look we added a Calacatta Laza quartz countertop and a subway tile backsplash in white Urbeno. Now this homeowner has a kitchen they love to entertain in.