This little kitchen wasn’t functioning at its best and quickly became the biggest undertaking of this remodel. The original brick wall had not fared well over the years, and was in need of some serious structural help, so rebuilding the back of the house became our first order of business, but this let us increase the size of the windows and flood the kitchen with all that gorgeous northern light. We reimagined the layout of the kitchen to bring in some much-needed functionality, and we were even able to tuck in a beverage center. Aesthetically, we wanted the kitchen to feel bright and open, even as we utilized every square inch of storage we could get, so we selected a crisp light blue for the walls, white cabinets, and white tile for the backsplash. But we were dead set against this kitchen becoming a space that didn’t drip with charm, so we brough it handmade star and cross tiles on the backsplash (with a little pop to the beverage area tile with a hand painted design), a marble look quartz counter top, and touches of black and brass for a little glitz. We also carried the wood flooring from the rest of the home into the kitchen and designed a custom steel and wood island to bring warmth into this space. The laundry room & pantry were also updated to include lovely built-in storage and tie in with the finishes in the kitchen.

This little kitchen wasn’t functioning at its best and quickly became the biggest undertaking of this remodel. The original brick wall had not fared well over the years, and was in need of some serious structural help, so rebuilding the back of the house became our first order of business, but this let us increase the size of the windows and flood the kitchen with all that gorgeous northern light. We reimagined the layout of the kitchen to bring in some much-needed functionality, and we were even able to tuck in a beverage center. Aesthetically, we wanted the kitchen to feel bright and open, even as we utilized every square inch of storage we could get, so we selected a crisp light blue for the walls, white cabinets, and white tile for the backsplash. But we were dead set against this kitchen becoming a space that didn’t drip with charm, so we brough it handmade star and cross tiles on the backsplash (with a little pop to the beverage area tile with a hand painted design), a marble look quartz counter top, and touches of black and brass for a little glitz. We also carried the wood flooring from the rest of the home into the kitchen and designed a custom steel and wood island to bring warmth into this space. The laundry room & pantry were also updated to include lovely built-in storage and tie in with the finishes in the kitchen.

Our team was approached by a lovely client in early January 2022 to undertake a full home renovation project. The scope of the project initially included updating the interior of the home, with a focus on the kitchen, flooring, all the bathrooms, and the basement. We also took on the task of painting the entire interior of the house, giving it a fresh and updated look. As the project progressed, the client expressed interest in updating the exterior of the home as well. We worked with them to design and build a new deck that provided a functional and stylish space for outdoor entertaining. We also tackled the landscaping of the front and backyard of the property, creating a cohesive and inviting look that complemented the updated interior design. Throughout the project, we worked closely with the client to ensure that their vision was realized, taking care to incorporate their input and preferences into every aspect of the design. We also prioritized functionality and durability, selecting materials and finishes that would stand the test of time and provide lasting value for the homeowner. Despite the scale of the project, we were able to complete it in just four months, from day one to last one. Our team worked efficiently and effectively to ensure that every detail was taken care of, from the initial design to the final finishing touches. The end result is a stunning and functional home that the client is thrilled with. The updated interior provides a modern and comfortable living space, while the new deck and landscaping create a welcoming and inviting exterior. We are proud to have been a part of this transformative project and look forward to providing more high-quality renovation services in the future.

The renovation project at Hollywood Avenue in North York took a total of five months from start to finish. Astaneh Construction was hired to undertake the project, which involved a complete transformation of the house. The scope of work included creating an open concept living area, renovating the kitchen and bathrooms, painting the entire house, upgrading the flooring and trim work. The project began with a thorough assessment of the existing space and a detailed plan was developed to ensure that the final outcome would meet the client's expectations. The team at Astaneh Construction worked diligently to ensure that every detail of the project was completed to the highest standard. The end result was a beautiful and modern living space that exceeded the client's expectations. The open concept design allowed for a seamless flow of natural light throughout the space, creating a bright and welcoming environment. The kitchen was completely renovated with modern fixtures and finishes, providing a functional and aesthetically pleasing workspace for the homeowners. The bathrooms were also transformed with new tiling, fixtures and vanities, creating a spa-like atmosphere. The entire house was painted with a fresh coat of paint, creating a clean and modern look. The flooring was upgraded to high-quality materials, providing durability and comfort underfoot. The trim work was also upgraded, adding a touch of elegance to the space. In summary, Astaneh Construction successfully completed a comprehensive renovation of Hollywood Avenue in North York, creating a beautiful and modern living space for the homeowners. The project took five months to complete and involved creating an open concept living area, renovating the kitchen and bathrooms, painting, flooring and upgrading the trim work.

The renovation project at Hollywood Avenue in North York took a total of five months from start to finish. Astaneh Construction was hired to undertake the project, which involved a complete transformation of the house. The scope of work included creating an open concept living area, renovating the kitchen and bathrooms, painting the entire house, upgrading the flooring and trim work. The project began with a thorough assessment of the existing space and a detailed plan was developed to ensure that the final outcome would meet the client's expectations. The team at Astaneh Construction worked diligently to ensure that every detail of the project was completed to the highest standard. The end result was a beautiful and modern living space that exceeded the client's expectations. The open concept design allowed for a seamless flow of natural light throughout the space, creating a bright and welcoming environment. The kitchen was completely renovated with modern fixtures and finishes, providing a functional and aesthetically pleasing workspace for the homeowners. The bathrooms were also transformed with new tiling, fixtures and vanities, creating a spa-like atmosphere. The entire house was painted with a fresh coat of paint, creating a clean and modern look. The flooring was upgraded to high-quality materials, providing durability and comfort underfoot. The trim work was also upgraded, adding a touch of elegance to the space. In summary, Astaneh Construction successfully completed a comprehensive renovation of Hollywood Avenue in North York, creating a beautiful and modern living space for the homeowners. The project took five months to complete and involved creating an open concept living area, renovating the kitchen and bathrooms, painting, flooring and upgrading the trim work.

Our team was approached by a lovely client in early January 2022 to undertake a full home renovation project. The scope of the project initially included updating the interior of the home, with a focus on the kitchen, flooring, all the bathrooms, and the basement. We also took on the task of painting the entire interior of the house, giving it a fresh and updated look. As the project progressed, the client expressed interest in updating the exterior of the home as well. We worked with them to design and build a new deck that provided a functional and stylish space for outdoor entertaining. We also tackled the landscaping of the front and backyard of the property, creating a cohesive and inviting look that complemented the updated interior design. Throughout the project, we worked closely with the client to ensure that their vision was realized, taking care to incorporate their input and preferences into every aspect of the design. We also prioritized functionality and durability, selecting materials and finishes that would stand the test of time and provide lasting value for the homeowner. Despite the scale of the project, we were able to complete it in just four months, from day one to last one. Our team worked efficiently and effectively to ensure that every detail was taken care of, from the initial design to the final finishing touches. The end result is a stunning and functional home that the client is thrilled with. The updated interior provides a modern and comfortable living space, while the new deck and landscaping create a welcoming and inviting exterior. We are proud to have been a part of this transformative project and look forward to providing more high-quality renovation services in the future.

This bathroom remodel in Belle Meade, Nashville, TN, was a complete gut renovation, transforming two outdated spaces into luxurious bathrooms with modern bathroom design and high-end finishes. The project showcases custom cabinetry design, flat panel vanity cabinets, and custom millwork, blending clean lines with a sleek, contemporary aesthetic. The walk-in shower features custom shower glass, custom shower niches with two shelves, and brass fixtures, adding both modern storage solutions and timeless elegance. The bathroom lighting design incorporates recessed lighting, sconces, and LED fixtures, ensuring a well-lit, inviting atmosphere. To complete the transformation, we refreshed the space with interior painting, enhancing the walls and custom furnishings with a sophisticated, polished finish. The floors were upgraded with modern flooring solutions, providing both durability and beauty. Hardware selections such as modern kitchen hardware and high-end mirrors were carefully chosen to complement the overall design. As trusted general contractors specializing in kitchen and bath remodels, custom construction, and high-end homes, we bring expertise in architectural planning, eco-friendly renovations, and design-build projects. Whether updating a home with custom furniture, decorative painting, or wall coverings, or undertaking an extensive remodel and home addition, we deliver tailored solutions with expert craftsmanship and attention to detail.

Project Spotlight: Elegant Half-Bath Renovation in East Windsor, NJ At BMR Belmax Remodeling, we recently completed a stunning half-bath renovation for a home in East Windsor, NJ, turning an outdated space into a modern, elegant retreat. This project involved a complete transformation, blending functionality with sophisticated design to meet the homeowner's vision. Project Details ✅ Removal of Old Features: Stripped the walls of dated wallpaper. Removed the linoleum flooring to prepare for a fresh, updated look. ✅ Tile Installation: Installed beautiful wall tiles up to 4 feet high, incorporating accent tiles and finished with bullnose edging for a polished effect. Laid down mosaic tiles on the floor, adding texture and visual interest to the space. ✅ New Fixtures and Features: Installed a new vanity and a sleek toilet, enhancing both functionality and style. Replaced the medicine cabinet, providing updated storage with a modern aesthetic. ✅ Customized Electrical Adjustments: Moved and adjusted electrical outlets to align perfectly with the new tile layout, ensuring a seamless design. ✅ Lighting and Finishing Touches: Installed a new light fixture for improved illumination and ambiance. Added new bathroom fixtures for a cohesive, elegant look. Updated the window casings, completing the transformation with clean and crisp finishes. The Result This half-bath is now an elegant, modern space with stunning details and enhanced functionality. From the beautifully coordinated tiles to the updated fixtures, every element reflects the care and craftsmanship we bring to every project. Why Choose BMR Belmax Remodeling? Whether you’re updating a half-bath or undertaking a full renovation, we ensure every detail is tailored to your needs and preferences. ? Contact us today to start your bathroom transformation!

This bathroom remodel in Belle Meade, Nashville, TN, was a complete gut renovation, transforming two outdated spaces into luxurious bathrooms with modern bathroom design and high-end finishes. The project showcases custom cabinetry design, flat panel vanity cabinets, and custom millwork, blending clean lines with a sleek, contemporary aesthetic. The walk-in shower features custom shower glass, custom shower niches with two shelves, and brass fixtures, adding both modern storage solutions and timeless elegance. The bathroom lighting design incorporates recessed lighting, sconces, and LED fixtures, ensuring a well-lit, inviting atmosphere. To complete the transformation, we refreshed the space with interior painting, enhancing the walls and custom furnishings with a sophisticated, polished finish. The floors were upgraded with modern flooring solutions, providing both durability and beauty. Hardware selections such as modern kitchen hardware and high-end mirrors were carefully chosen to complement the overall design. As trusted general contractors specializing in kitchen and bath remodels, custom construction, and high-end homes, we bring expertise in architectural planning, eco-friendly renovations, and design-build projects. Whether updating a home with custom furniture, decorative painting, or wall coverings, or undertaking an extensive remodel and home addition, we deliver tailored solutions with expert craftsmanship and attention to detail.

This bathroom remodel in Belle Meade, Nashville, TN, was a complete gut renovation, transforming two outdated spaces into luxurious bathrooms with modern bathroom design and high-end finishes. The project showcases custom cabinetry design, flat panel vanity cabinets, and custom millwork, blending clean lines with a sleek, contemporary aesthetic. The walk-in shower features custom shower glass, custom shower niches with two shelves, and brass fixtures, adding both modern storage solutions and timeless elegance. The bathroom lighting design incorporates recessed lighting, sconces, and LED fixtures, ensuring a well-lit, inviting atmosphere. To complete the transformation, we refreshed the space with interior painting, enhancing the walls and custom furnishings with a sophisticated, polished finish. The floors were upgraded with modern flooring solutions, providing both durability and beauty. Hardware selections such as modern kitchen hardware and high-end mirrors were carefully chosen to complement the overall design. As trusted general contractors specializing in kitchen and bath remodels, custom construction, and high-end homes, we bring expertise in architectural planning, eco-friendly renovations, and design-build projects. Whether updating a home with custom furniture, decorative painting, or wall coverings, or undertaking an extensive remodel and home addition, we deliver tailored solutions with expert craftsmanship and attention to detail.

Project Spotlight: Elegant Half-Bath Renovation in East Windsor, NJ At BMR Belmax Remodeling, we recently completed a stunning half-bath renovation for a home in East Windsor, NJ, turning an outdated space into a modern, elegant retreat. This project involved a complete transformation, blending functionality with sophisticated design to meet the homeowner's vision. Project Details ✅ Removal of Old Features: Stripped the walls of dated wallpaper. Removed the linoleum flooring to prepare for a fresh, updated look. ✅ Tile Installation: Installed beautiful wall tiles up to 4 feet high, incorporating accent tiles and finished with bullnose edging for a polished effect. Laid down mosaic tiles on the floor, adding texture and visual interest to the space. ✅ New Fixtures and Features: Installed a new vanity and a sleek toilet, enhancing both functionality and style. Replaced the medicine cabinet, providing updated storage with a modern aesthetic. ✅ Customized Electrical Adjustments: Moved and adjusted electrical outlets to align perfectly with the new tile layout, ensuring a seamless design. ✅ Lighting and Finishing Touches: Installed a new light fixture for improved illumination and ambiance. Added new bathroom fixtures for a cohesive, elegant look. Updated the window casings, completing the transformation with clean and crisp finishes. The Result This half-bath is now an elegant, modern space with stunning details and enhanced functionality. From the beautifully coordinated tiles to the updated fixtures, every element reflects the care and craftsmanship we bring to every project. Why Choose BMR Belmax Remodeling? Whether you’re updating a half-bath or undertaking a full renovation, we ensure every detail is tailored to your needs and preferences. ? Contact us today to start your bathroom transformation!

Jane Benson
Example of a large mountain style wooden l-shaped staircase design with wooden risers

After six years of living in their Huntley IL home, Chris and Meghan were tired of their dark, dingy, outdated kitchen and it was finally time for a long-anticipated change. “The kitchen is the place where we live, it’s where we do everything,” Meghan said. “It was important that it be a space where we wanted to be.” Meghan loves cooking and enjoys including their girls in healthy meal prepping, this led them to want a brighter, more enjoyable kitchen with increased functionality and improved storage. For Chris especially, the laundry room was an entirely dysfunctional eyesore. “We had a washer and a dryer, but it was all kind-of cobbled together!” Chris said. “There were always laundry piles everywhere, we weren’t really sure what we wanted to do in there, but it was time for us to make a change.” The mess of the space was stressful every time they walked in the door from the garage each day. Kids’ backpacks and shoes piled up haphazardly in the makeshift boot-bench closet left the family feeling disorganized and stressed. They needed space for folding clothes and locker cubbies to help keep the family organized. Having known Christine and Todd in the Huntley community for years, Chris and Meghan were familiar with their work. “We already trusted them personally and having seen their projects for years we knew they did top notch work. After we reviewed the initial round of designs, we knew that hiring them was definitely the right choice,” Meghan and Chris said. Although Chris had done a lot of work in their home himself, the kitchen and laundry room renovation was such a large undertaking that he didn’t want to steal time away from his family to spend what would surely be many long weekends doing the job himself. “That would not have been a wise choice for us,” Chris laughed. “Our designer, Michelle was very, very, easy to work with; anything we wanted to see or weren’t sure about, she went above and beyond to make this easy for us. She was easy to get hold of and always quick to respond,” the couple said. Michelle pulled ideas that mirrored the couple’s taste and style and was adept at directing the couple to limited choices that didn’t overwhelm them and kept the process moving. “I have a hard time making decisions. Michelle made the decision-making process so easy. I loved how she listened to what I liked and then presented three great options for me to choose from,” Meghan said. The main objectives for the kitchen were better storage solutions, they wanted the space to reflect their lifestyle and taste, and they wanted it to last for years with low maintenance. One of the first steps in creating a more functional kitchen was relocating the refrigerator, creating an improved workflow for the busy family. “We didn’t know that we could even move the refrigerator to a new location where it is now, that was something that we never would have thought of,” Chris said. “The new refrigerator location makes the kitchen feel so much bigger. We didn’t add any space, but our whole kitchen with the new design just seems like it’s so much larger than before!” Meghan said. The perimeter mist colored cabinets helped warm and brighten the entire room, while the graphite colored cabinets on the island added contrast. Using this fresh, clean color palette satisfied the couple’s desire for a bright space that was the exact opposite of what they had before. Organization accessories were also added to the cabinets such as a spice drawer tray and roll outs to create hidden convenience. “I absolutely love the hidden spices – it makes cooking so much more enjoyable!” Chris said. “And all the pull outs, and the double trash bin, who would think you could get so excited about organization!” the couple said in unison. One thing they hated in their original kitchen was how dark the space felt. Added lighting on the ceiling with the new light fixtures combined with the lighter cabinetry colors throughout solved this problem. “Our new kitchen has this warm, almost cozy feeling that our old kitchen never had, it’s just a space that I love spending my time in now,” Meghan said. The light airy feeling was accentuated with the use of floating white shelves on either side of the decorative range hood. “We have so much cabinetry space, the new design is amazing we actually have more storage space than we will ever need,” Meghan said. The island was extended to create more work surface and added space for stool seating. “The new island changes how we live. Now the kids can be in the kitchen with us, doing homework, eating breakfast, and the three of us have special dinners there when Chris is working late,” Meghan said. The Carrara Marmi Quartz countertops were chosen because they are, not only beautiful, but are made from hard-working material that doesn’t require maintenance. The white subway tile backsplash that wraps to the ceiling behind the focal point cooktop range/hood compliments the crisp white countertops perfectly, while brushed brass hardware and light fixtures keep the design fresh and new. The couple had a few fears at the beginning of the project, as most homeowners do. Their biggest fear was being out of their kitchen and laundry room for an extended time. The crew made it very easy for the family to work in a limited space keeping the washer and dryer hooked up the majority of the time, and also getting appliances working with minimal downtime. “They above and beyond accommodated us to get us through the process,” Meghan said. “They did a great job making sure we were as comfortable as possible throughout the process,” Chris added. “Our project manager DJ did a great job. He was very good at updating us on schedule changes, getting guys in as quickly as possible. Everyone that stepped in the house was nice and did great work,” said Chris. They thought Advance’s carpenter was phenomenal and were impressed when he took a conceptual idea from a photograph and worked with designer Michelle to create a one of a kind range/hood that has become the topic of conversation with friends and family who visit the new kitchen. “He was in our house literally every day for several weeks. He was easy to work with and good at what he did,” Meghan and Chris said. The focal point of the kitchen; a hand-crafted, custom-built ventilation hood was clad with handpicked reclaimed barnwood. Advance Design’s carpenter built the framework and the cladding to create a one-of-a-kind design element that the couple loves. “I think it was especially fun for him to create something unique from scratch, showcasing his talent in this area,” Meghan said. “I love that my kitchen is not like everyone else’s. I got to pick out the wood on my hood and watch it being built and was able to choose what pieces of wood went where on it. It’s totally unique.” Red Oak flooring was toothed-in throughout the kitchen and the rest of the first floor anywhere changes were made. Then the whole floor was refinished to tone down the orange undertones in the existing floor stain, ultimately changing the color complexion of the entire first floor. The result is a completely new feeling to the entire home. Renovating the laundry room was extremely important to Meghan and Chris, but they had trouble visualizing what the possibilities were for the seemingly small space. Michelle produced beautiful 3D illustrations that helped them envision the space in a whole new way. “I must have told Michelle 100 times that I am a visual person, seeing the designs in 3D made it so easy to make decisions and see what we could really do with our space,” Meghan said. A dividing wall and doorway were removed between the existing laundry room and hallway formerly containing a coat closet, providing space to design specialized graphite colored cabinetry matching the kitchen island to house custom storage cubbies for each family member. Adding the tall utility cabinetry in the new laundry area helped solve the storage issue, tucking away cleaning supplies, household items, and even the cat got its own cubby. “I love how everything is now hidden in its own space. I can’t tell you how much I hated coming home and seeing everything sitting around on counters,” Chris said. Electrical outlets were planned for the inside of utility cabinets, so devices could charge in hidden locations. Stacking the washer and dryer allowed for wider countertop space to provide a folding area and a special space for clothes to hang. “The way I do laundry has been completely transformed! I can actually fold clothes and hang them now right out of the washer and dryer,” Meghan said. “The end result in the kitchen and the laundry/mud room was an updated light and bright space, with a smarter work flow that better meets the needs of this family,” Michelle said. “I would totally recommend Advance Design,” Meghan said. “Sometimes I sit and just look at my kitchen and laundry room and think ‘Wow, I can’t believe I get to live here!’ It’s an understatement to say we love our new space.”

James Meyer Photography
Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional master beige tile and glass tile ceramic tile and white floor corner shower remodel in New York with shaker cabinets, dark wood cabinets, a two-piece toilet, white walls, an undermount sink, quartz countertops, a hinged shower door and white countertops

This Villa Park home was one of our most significant undertakings at APlus. The homeowners wanted to transform their home into a modern and stylish dwelling, but they also wanted to add square footage, in the form of a luxurious master retreat, including a bedroom and large en suite bathroom. What previously existed in this Villa Park home were low ceilings and beams that created an even more closed-in feeling. The kitchen felt outdated with limited storage and cabinetry space, and a relatively small island. After working closely with the homeowners, Alex gave them a kitchen that was beautifully modern with an expansive island topped by waterfall-edge natural stone in pristine white, custom white cabinetry, hidden storage and pantries, and luxury stainless steel appliances. The kitchen concept also features recessed lights and pendants over the island, as well as a mosaic glass tile backsplash. This area of the home seamlessly carries into the dining and living area with flowing plank flooring. The family room features a revamped fireplace with a stacked stone surround and a stylish, floating mantel. The bedroom addition added about 600 square feet of living space to this Villa Park property, and APlus was charged with the entire construction process, starting with the pouring of concrete and framing. The result is a bedroom with vaulted ceilings and a wall of closets, along with plentiful natural light. The bathroom features a spacious double vanity and a walk-in shower, as well as freestanding storage and a separate custom vanity area. This Villa Park renovation also included a revamp of the staircase, a refresh of the formal living area and its fireplace, and a remodel of the guest bathroom to include a modern floating vanity, new flooring and updated light fixtures.

After six years of living in their Huntley IL home, Chris and Meghan were tired of their dark, dingy, outdated kitchen and it was finally time for a long-anticipated change. “The kitchen is the place where we live, it’s where we do everything,” Meghan said. “It was important that it be a space where we wanted to be.” Meghan loves cooking and enjoys including their girls in healthy meal prepping, this led them to want a brighter, more enjoyable kitchen with increased functionality and improved storage. For Chris especially, the laundry room was an entirely dysfunctional eyesore. “We had a washer and a dryer, but it was all kind-of cobbled together!” Chris said. “There were always laundry piles everywhere, we weren’t really sure what we wanted to do in there, but it was time for us to make a change.” The mess of the space was stressful every time they walked in the door from the garage each day. Kids’ backpacks and shoes piled up haphazardly in the makeshift boot-bench closet left the family feeling disorganized and stressed. They needed space for folding clothes and locker cubbies to help keep the family organized. Having known Christine and Todd in the Huntley community for years, Chris and Meghan were familiar with their work. “We already trusted them personally and having seen their projects for years we knew they did top notch work. After we reviewed the initial round of designs, we knew that hiring them was definitely the right choice,” Meghan and Chris said. Although Chris had done a lot of work in their home himself, the kitchen and laundry room renovation was such a large undertaking that he didn’t want to steal time away from his family to spend what would surely be many long weekends doing the job himself. “That would not have been a wise choice for us,” Chris laughed. “Our designer, Michelle was very, very, easy to work with; anything we wanted to see or weren’t sure about, she went above and beyond to make this easy for us. She was easy to get hold of and always quick to respond,” the couple said. Michelle pulled ideas that mirrored the couple’s taste and style and was adept at directing the couple to limited choices that didn’t overwhelm them and kept the process moving. “I have a hard time making decisions. Michelle made the decision-making process so easy. I loved how she listened to what I liked and then presented three great options for me to choose from,” Meghan said. The main objectives for the kitchen were better storage solutions, they wanted the space to reflect their lifestyle and taste, and they wanted it to last for years with low maintenance. One of the first steps in creating a more functional kitchen was relocating the refrigerator, creating an improved workflow for the busy family. “We didn’t know that we could even move the refrigerator to a new location where it is now, that was something that we never would have thought of,” Chris said. “The new refrigerator location makes the kitchen feel so much bigger. We didn’t add any space, but our whole kitchen with the new design just seems like it’s so much larger than before!” Meghan said. The perimeter mist colored cabinets helped warm and brighten the entire room, while the graphite colored cabinets on the island added contrast. Using this fresh, clean color palette satisfied the couple’s desire for a bright space that was the exact opposite of what they had before. Organization accessories were also added to the cabinets such as a spice drawer tray and roll outs to create hidden convenience. “I absolutely love the hidden spices – it makes cooking so much more enjoyable!” Chris said. “And all the pull outs, and the double trash bin, who would think you could get so excited about organization!” the couple said in unison. One thing they hated in their original kitchen was how dark the space felt. Added lighting on the ceiling with the new light fixtures combined with the lighter cabinetry colors throughout solved this problem. “Our new kitchen has this warm, almost cozy feeling that our old kitchen never had, it’s just a space that I love spending my time in now,” Meghan said. The light airy feeling was accentuated with the use of floating white shelves on either side of the decorative range hood. “We have so much cabinetry space, the new design is amazing we actually have more storage space than we will ever need,” Meghan said. The island was extended to create more work surface and added space for stool seating. “The new island changes how we live. Now the kids can be in the kitchen with us, doing homework, eating breakfast, and the three of us have special dinners there when Chris is working late,” Meghan said. The Carrara Marmi Quartz countertops were chosen because they are, not only beautiful, but are made from hard-working material that doesn’t require maintenance. The white subway tile backsplash that wraps to the ceiling behind the focal point cooktop range/hood compliments the crisp white countertops perfectly, while brushed brass hardware and light fixtures keep the design fresh and new. The couple had a few fears at the beginning of the project, as most homeowners do. Their biggest fear was being out of their kitchen and laundry room for an extended time. The crew made it very easy for the family to work in a limited space keeping the washer and dryer hooked up the majority of the time, and also getting appliances working with minimal downtime. “They above and beyond accommodated us to get us through the process,” Meghan said. “They did a great job making sure we were as comfortable as possible throughout the process,” Chris added. “Our project manager DJ did a great job. He was very good at updating us on schedule changes, getting guys in as quickly as possible. Everyone that stepped in the house was nice and did great work,” said Chris. They thought Advance’s carpenter was phenomenal and were impressed when he took a conceptual idea from a photograph and worked with designer Michelle to create a one of a kind range/hood that has become the topic of conversation with friends and family who visit the new kitchen. “He was in our house literally every day for several weeks. He was easy to work with and good at what he did,” Meghan and Chris said. The focal point of the kitchen; a hand-crafted, custom-built ventilation hood was clad with handpicked reclaimed barnwood. Advance Design’s carpenter built the framework and the cladding to create a one-of-a-kind design element that the couple loves. “I think it was especially fun for him to create something unique from scratch, showcasing his talent in this area,” Meghan said. “I love that my kitchen is not like everyone else’s. I got to pick out the wood on my hood and watch it being built and was able to choose what pieces of wood went where on it. It’s totally unique.” Red Oak flooring was toothed-in throughout the kitchen and the rest of the first floor anywhere changes were made. Then the whole floor was refinished to tone down the orange undertones in the existing floor stain, ultimately changing the color complexion of the entire first floor. The result is a completely new feeling to the entire home. Renovating the laundry room was extremely important to Meghan and Chris, but they had trouble visualizing what the possibilities were for the seemingly small space. Michelle produced beautiful 3D illustrations that helped them envision the space in a whole new way. “I must have told Michelle 100 times that I am a visual person, seeing the designs in 3D made it so easy to make decisions and see what we could really do with our space,” Meghan said. A dividing wall and doorway were removed between the existing laundry room and hallway formerly containing a coat closet, providing space to design specialized graphite colored cabinetry matching the kitchen island to house custom storage cubbies for each family member. Adding the tall utility cabinetry in the new laundry area helped solve the storage issue, tucking away cleaning supplies, household items, and even the cat got its own cubby. “I love how everything is now hidden in its own space. I can’t tell you how much I hated coming home and seeing everything sitting around on counters,” Chris said. Electrical outlets were planned for the inside of utility cabinets, so devices could charge in hidden locations. Stacking the washer and dryer allowed for wider countertop space to provide a folding area and a special space for clothes to hang. “The way I do laundry has been completely transformed! I can actually fold clothes and hang them now right out of the washer and dryer,” Meghan said. “The end result in the kitchen and the laundry/mud room was an updated light and bright space, with a smarter work flow that better meets the needs of this family,” Michelle said. “I would totally recommend Advance Design,” Meghan said. “Sometimes I sit and just look at my kitchen and laundry room and think ‘Wow, I can’t believe I get to live here!’ It’s an understatement to say we love our new space.”

This Villa Park home was one of our most significant undertakings at APlus. The homeowners wanted to transform their home into a modern and stylish dwelling, but they also wanted to add square footage, in the form of a luxurious master retreat, including a bedroom and large en suite bathroom. What previously existed in this Villa Park home were low ceilings and beams that created an even more closed-in feeling. The kitchen felt outdated with limited storage and cabinetry space, and a relatively small island. After working closely with the homeowners, Alex gave them a kitchen that was beautifully modern with an expansive island topped by waterfall-edge natural stone in pristine white, custom white cabinetry, hidden storage and pantries, and luxury stainless steel appliances. The kitchen concept also features recessed lights and pendants over the island, as well as a mosaic glass tile backsplash. This area of the home seamlessly carries into the dining and living area with flowing plank flooring. The family room features a revamped fireplace with a stacked stone surround and a stylish, floating mantel. The bedroom addition added about 600 square feet of living space to this Villa Park property, and APlus was charged with the entire construction process, starting with the pouring of concrete and framing. The result is a bedroom with vaulted ceilings and a wall of closets, along with plentiful natural light. The bathroom features a spacious double vanity and a walk-in shower, as well as freestanding storage and a separate custom vanity area. This Villa Park renovation also included a revamp of the staircase, a refresh of the formal living area and its fireplace, and a remodel of the guest bathroom to include a modern floating vanity, new flooring and updated light fixtures.

Overthinking a situation isn’t always a bad thing, particularly when the home in question is one in which the past is suddenly meeting the present. Originally designed by Finnish architect Olav Hammarstrom in 1952 for fellow architect Eero Saarinen, this unique home recently received its first transformation in decades. Still in its 1950s skin, it was completely gutted, inside and out. It was a serious undertaking, as the homeowner wanted modern upgrades, while keeping an eye toward retaining the home’s 1950s charm. She had a vision for her home, and she stuck to it from beginning to end. Perched on a rise of land and overlooking the tranquil Wellfleet Herring Pond, the home initially appears split, with the guest house on the left, and the main house of the right, but both ends are connected with a breezeway. The original home’s bones were in good shape, but many upgrades and replacements were necessary to bring the house up to date. New siding, roofing, gutters, insulation and mechanical systems were all replaced. Doors and windows with metal frames were custom made by a company in Long Island that fabricates doors for office buildings. Modern heating and cooling systems were added, and the three bathrooms were all updated. The footprint of the home remained unchanged. Inside, the only expansion was more closet space. The attention to detail in retaining the 50s-style look took a lot of online searching, from handles and knobs to lighting fixtures, with bits and pieces arriving from all over the world, including a doorstop from New Zealand. The homeowner selected many of the fixtures herself, while a very detail-oriented foreman exhaustively researched as well, looking for just the right piece for each and every location. High-end appliances were purchased to modernize the kitchen and all of the old cabinetry was removed, replaced and refaced with NUVACOR, a versatile surfacing material that not only provided a sleek, modern look, but added convenience and ease of use. Bare, wood-beamed ceilings throughout give a nod to the home’s natural surroundings, while the main living area (formerly a fisherman’s cabin), with a brick fireplace, was completely trimmed in walnut, while multiple windows of varying sizes welcome sunlight to brighten the home. Here, the sheetrock ceiling with faux rafters provides an interesting and room-brightening feature. Behind the house sits the serene pond, which can now be enjoyed from the stunning new deck. Here, decking material was not laid out side by side, as it typically is but, instead, meticulously laid out on edge, creating an unusual and eye-catching effect. A railing of tempered glass panels allows unobstructed views of the surrounding natural beauty, and keeps consistent with the open, airy feel of the place. A new outdoor shower is accessible via the deck and left open to the wilderness and the pond below, completing the bold yet sophisticated feeling of this retro-modern home.

Matt WInquist - 2428
Inspiration for a modern living room remodel in Phoenix