State-of-the-art home theater environment featuring a sound isolated room, a 227” 2.40:1 aspect ratio screen illuminated by a dual laser projection system, and an 11.2.4 immersive audio system delivering an outstanding movie AND music experience. The control system simplifies extremely unique customer requirements such as a dual screen mode to enable watching two A/V sources simultaneously – one heard through the audio system, and the second through headphones. Granular lighting control provides zones to support movie playback, game-room style usage, and an intimate reading and music environment. The room was built from the ground up as “floating” room featuring a custom engineered isolation system, floating concrete floor, and unique speaker placement system. Designed by industry renowned acoustician Russ Berger, the room’s noise floor measured quieter than a typical recording studio and produces a pinpoint accurate reference audio experience. Powered by a 20kW RoseWater HUB20, electrical noise and potential power interruptions are completely eliminated. The audio system is driven by 11.1kW of amplification powering a reference speaker system. Every detail from structural to mechanical, A/V, lighting, and control was carefully planned and executed by a team of experts whose passion, dedication, and commitment to quality are evident to anyone who experiences it.

We're an innovative company that has captured and perfected the design and construction of highly unique, heavy natural rock boulder waterfalls in meticulous detail. Our large scale creations typically adorn upscale residential properties and, as an added after dark feature, you can enjoy the marriage of timeless natural beauty to modern technology with our totally original “Fireworks in Light” (www.fireworksinlight.com) automatic computer programmed, super high intensity LED lighting system that transforms your waterfall into an awesome nighttime experience of light, sound and programmable music. The water-flow and LED lighting system can be programmed and controlled from any Android platform Smartphone as well as from any iPhone.

Photo Credit: Sign On San Diego. This bathroom was originally a dry sauna, but the owners spent over $50,000 remodeling this bathroom to create the dream steam shower experience. Revel in the Kohler speakers, overhead shower fixtures, and a waterfall feature. The steam unit puts out steam at a constant temperature with ten adjustable settings, mitigating the typical blasts of hot steam and then a cool-off period of less expensive units. The sink and fixtures were designed by Phillipe Starke for Axor. Porcelain tiles with a grass texture cloak the walls.

A couple wanted a weekend retreat without spending a majority of their getaway in an automobile. Therefore, a lot was purchased along the Rocky River with the vision of creating a nearby escape less than five miles away from their home. This 1,300 sf 24’ x 24’ dwelling is divided into a four square quadrant with the goal to create a variety of interior and exterior experiences while maintaining a rather small footprint. Typically, when going on a weekend retreat one has the drive time to decompress. However, without this, the goal was to create a procession from the car to the house to signify such change of context. This concept was achieved through the use of a wood slatted screen wall which must be passed through. After winding around a collection of poured concrete steps and walls one comes to a wood plank bridge and crosses over a Japanese garden leaving all the stresses of the daily world behind. The house is structured around a nine column steel frame grid, which reinforces the impression one gets of the four quadrants. The two rear quadrants intentionally house enclosed program space but once passed through, the floor plan completely opens to long views down to the mouth of the river into Lake Erie. On the second floor the four square grid is stacked with one quadrant removed for the two story living area on the first floor to capture heightened views down the river. In a move to create complete separation there is a one quadrant roof top office with surrounding roof top garden space. The rooftop office is accessed through a unique approach by exiting onto a steel grated staircase which wraps up the exterior facade of the house. This experience provides an additional retreat within their weekend getaway, and serves as the apex of the house where one can completely enjoy the views of Lake Erie disappearing over the horizon. Visually the house extends into the riverside site, but the four quadrant axis also physically extends creating a series of experiences out on the property. The Northeast kitchen quadrant extends out to become an exterior kitchen & dining space. The two-story Northwest living room quadrant extends out to a series of wrap around steps and lounge seating. A fire pit sits in this quadrant as well farther out in the lawn. A fruit and vegetable garden sits out in the Southwest quadrant in near proximity to the shed, and the entry sequence is contained within the Southeast quadrant extension. Internally and externally the whole house is organized in a simple and concise way and achieves the ultimate goal of creating many different experiences within a rationally sized footprint. Photo: Sergiu Stoian

We're an innovative company that has captured and perfected the design and construction of highly unique, heavy natural rock boulder waterfalls in meticulous detail. Our large scale creations typically adorn upscale residential properties and, as an added after dark feature, you can enjoy the marriage of timeless natural beauty to modern technology with our totally original “Fireworks in Light” (www.fireworksinlight.com) automatic computer programmed, super high intensity LED lighting system that transforms your waterfall into an awesome nighttime experience of light, sound and programmable music. The water-flow and LED lighting system can be programmed and controlled from any Android platform Smartphone as well as from any iPhone.

Photo by Eric Rorer
Inspiration for a contemporary living room remodel in San Francisco

Coastline natural stone veneer from the Quarry Mill creates a stunning front entrance. Coastline is a natural New England cobblestone. The pieces of natural stone veneer come in various colors, shapes and sizes. Coastline has a weathered and naturally rough texture with mainly earth tones. This thin stone veneer is a great fit on lake houses or coastal homes. Stones of this style can also be referred to as boulders or round side out stone. Coastline is unique because it is not a quarried stone by rather a natural fieldstone. Cobblestones can be used for both interior and exterior applications and are well suited for both large and small projects. For masons who are comfortable with and have experience installing cobblestones, they typically go quickly and have a medium to low installation cost.

We're an innovative company that has captured and perfected the design and construction of highly unique, heavy natural rock boulder waterfalls in meticulous detail. Our large scale creations typically adorn upscale residential properties and, as an added after dark feature, you can enjoy the marriage of timeless natural beauty to modern technology with our totally original “Fireworks in Light” (www.fireworksinlight.com) automatic computer programmed, super high intensity LED lighting system that transforms your waterfall into an awesome nighttime experience of light, sound and programmable music. The water-flow and LED lighting system can be programmed and controlled from any Android platform Smartphone as well as from any iPhone.

We're an innovative company that has captured and perfected the design and construction of highly unique, heavy natural rock boulder waterfalls in meticulous detail. Our large scale creations typically adorn upscale residential properties and, as an added after dark feature, you can enjoy the marriage of timeless natural beauty to modern technology with our totally original “Fireworks in Light” (www.fireworksinlight.com) automatic computer programmed, super high intensity LED lighting system that transforms your waterfall into an awesome nighttime experience of light, sound and programmable music. The water-flow and LED lighting system can be programmed and controlled from any Android platform Smartphone as well as from any iPhone.

A couple wanted a weekend retreat without spending a majority of their getaway in an automobile. Therefore, a lot was purchased along the Rocky River with the vision of creating a nearby escape less than five miles away from their home. This 1,300 sf 24’ x 24’ dwelling is divided into a four square quadrant with the goal to create a variety of interior and exterior experiences while maintaining a rather small footprint. Typically, when going on a weekend retreat one has the drive time to decompress. However, without this, the goal was to create a procession from the car to the house to signify such change of context. This concept was achieved through the use of a wood slatted screen wall which must be passed through. After winding around a collection of poured concrete steps and walls one comes to a wood plank bridge and crosses over a Japanese garden leaving all the stresses of the daily world behind. The house is structured around a nine column steel frame grid, which reinforces the impression one gets of the four quadrants. The two rear quadrants intentionally house enclosed program space but once passed through, the floor plan completely opens to long views down to the mouth of the river into Lake Erie. On the second floor the four square grid is stacked with one quadrant removed for the two story living area on the first floor to capture heightened views down the river. In a move to create complete separation there is a one quadrant roof top office with surrounding roof top garden space. The rooftop office is accessed through a unique approach by exiting onto a steel grated staircase which wraps up the exterior facade of the house. This experience provides an additional retreat within their weekend getaway, and serves as the apex of the house where one can completely enjoy the views of Lake Erie disappearing over the horizon. Visually the house extends into the riverside site, but the four quadrant axis also physically extends creating a series of experiences out on the property. The Northeast kitchen quadrant extends out to become an exterior kitchen & dining space. The two-story Northwest living room quadrant extends out to a series of wrap around steps and lounge seating. A fire pit sits in this quadrant as well farther out in the lawn. A fruit and vegetable garden sits out in the Southwest quadrant in near proximity to the shed, and the entry sequence is contained within the Southeast quadrant extension. Internally and externally the whole house is organized in a simple and concise way and achieves the ultimate goal of creating many different experiences within a rationally sized footprint.

We're an innovative company that has captured and perfected the design and construction of highly unique, heavy natural rock boulder waterfalls in meticulous detail. Our large scale creations typically adorn upscale residential properties and, as an added after dark feature, you can enjoy the marriage of timeless natural beauty to modern technology with our totally original “Fireworks in Light” (www.fireworksinlight.com) automatic computer programmed, super high intensity LED lighting system that transforms your waterfall into an awesome nighttime experience of light, sound and programmable music. The water-flow and LED lighting system can be programmed and controlled from any Android platform Smartphone as well as from any iPhone.

We're an innovative company that has captured and perfected the design and construction of highly unique, heavy natural rock boulder waterfalls in meticulous detail. Our large scale creations typically adorn upscale residential properties and, as an added after dark feature, you can enjoy the marriage of timeless natural beauty to modern technology with our totally original “Fireworks in Light” (www.fireworksinlight.com) automatic computer programmed, super high intensity LED lighting system that transforms your waterfall into an awesome nighttime experience of light, sound and programmable music. The water-flow and LED lighting system can be programmed and controlled from any Android platform Smartphone as well as from any iPhone.

We're an innovative company that has captured and perfected the design and construction of highly unique, heavy natural rock boulder waterfalls in meticulous detail. Our large scale creations typically adorn upscale residential properties and, as an added after dark feature, you can enjoy the marriage of timeless natural beauty to modern technology with our totally original “Fireworks in Light” (www.fireworksinlight.com) automatic computer programmed, super high intensity LED lighting system that transforms your waterfall into an awesome nighttime experience of light, sound and programmable music. The water-flow and LED lighting system can be programmed and controlled from any Android platform Smartphone as well as from any iPhone.

We're an innovative company that has captured and perfected the design and construction of highly unique, heavy natural rock boulder waterfalls in meticulous detail. Our large scale creations typically adorn upscale residential properties and, as an added after dark feature, you can enjoy the marriage of timeless natural beauty to modern technology with our totally original “Fireworks in Light” (www.fireworksinlight.com) automatic computer programmed, super high intensity LED lighting system that transforms your waterfall into an awesome nighttime experience of light, sound and programmable music. The water-flow and LED lighting system can be programmed and controlled from any Android platform Smartphone as well as from any iPhone.

Only 7-inches deep. The REVO can go nearly anywhere. Hang one on the wall. Or recess in-wall. The choice is yours. Experience stunning design and efficient heat output in REVOlutionary new ways. 8,200 – 24,000 BTUs. Square, horizontal and vertical models. Multiple front and panel finishing options. Optional LED backlighting.

We began by digging the footings for the deck and sunroom; however, we immediately ran into a problem. The back of the lot was built on fill dirt, which meant the structure would need extra support. Fortunately for the customer, with over 20 years of experience in the industry and having dealt with this type of problem before, we were able to contact our structural engineer who devised a plan to take care of the issue. Therefore, what would have been a large problem turned into a simple time delay with some additional cost requirements. To fix the situation, we would up having to dig 12-foot-deep footings with an excavator before adding some additional helical piers for the deck posts and sunroom foundation (FYI – typical footing depth is two feet). Since the customer understood that this was an unexpected situation, we created a change order to cover the extra cost. Still, it’s important to note that the very nature of construction means that hidden situations may occur, so it’s always wise for customers to have contingency plans in place before work on the home begins. In the end, we finished on time and within the homeowners budget, and they were thrilled with the quality of our work.

Minimalist home design photo in New York

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.”

A couple wanted a weekend retreat without spending a majority of their getaway in an automobile. Therefore, a lot was purchased along the Rocky River with the vision of creating a nearby escape less than five miles away from their home. This 1,300 sf 24’ x 24’ dwelling is divided into a four square quadrant with the goal to create a variety of interior and exterior experiences while maintaining a rather small footprint. Typically, when going on a weekend retreat one has the drive time to decompress. However, without this, the goal was to create a procession from the car to the house to signify such change of context. This concept was achieved through the use of a wood slatted screen wall which must be passed through. After winding around a collection of poured concrete steps and walls one comes to a wood plank bridge and crosses over a Japanese garden leaving all the stresses of the daily world behind. The house is structured around a nine column steel frame grid, which reinforces the impression one gets of the four quadrants. The two rear quadrants intentionally house enclosed program space but once passed through, the floor plan completely opens to long views down to the mouth of the river into Lake Erie. On the second floor the four square grid is stacked with one quadrant removed for the two story living area on the first floor to capture heightened views down the river. In a move to create complete separation there is a one quadrant roof top office with surrounding roof top garden space. The rooftop office is accessed through a unique approach by exiting onto a steel grated staircase which wraps up the exterior facade of the house. This experience provides an additional retreat within their weekend getaway, and serves as the apex of the house where one can completely enjoy the views of Lake Erie disappearing over the horizon. Visually the house extends into the riverside site, but the four quadrant axis also physically extends creating a series of experiences out on the property. The Northeast kitchen quadrant extends out to become an exterior kitchen & dining space. The two-story Northwest living room quadrant extends out to a series of wrap around steps and lounge seating. A fire pit sits in this quadrant as well farther out in the lawn. A fruit and vegetable garden sits out in the Southwest quadrant in near proximity to the shed, and the entry sequence is contained within the Southeast quadrant extension. Internally and externally the whole house is organized in a simple and concise way and achieves the ultimate goal of creating many different experiences within a rationally sized footprint.