New York interiors come with all kinds of challenges, from uneven brownstone walls to tight high-rise spaces. I’ve installed wallpaper in bedrooms, foyers, and living areas using a wide range of materials. My focus is always on crisp alignment and flawless detail, no matter the layout.

This renovation is a stunning use of space! Windows, walls, and doorways were removed to completely open up the space, and have a huge kitchen, with massive island. The unique angle of the back wall made for an interesting design challenge, but keeping the colours, and design simple made it look planned. Venting made a bulkhead necessary, but working with the builder allowed us to turn an unsightly eyesore into a feature.

Residential And Home Decorating Many homes have unique spaces that create a decorating challenge. We can help you make the most of your rooms by giving you expert advice on furniture selection and placement. You will find we can help you make the most of your space in both style and function. Our professional interior designers can help you visualize your space and create balance with the proper scale, heights and colors.

Landscape by Stonepocket located in Minnetonka, Minnesota Creating a elegant landscape to blend with a home with such character and charm was a challenge in controlled resistant. Did not want the landscape to overwhelm the home, nor did I want a typical landscape for this style that usually involves a box hedge. Utilizing light in the front to create a perennial garden give the home a sense of place. Keep the planting mostly to whites and greens in the back unifies the space. photos by Stonepocket, Inc

**Project Overview** This new construction home is built next to a picturesque lake, and the bar adjacent to the kitchen and living areas is designed to frame the breathtaking view. This custom, curved bar creatively echoes many of the lines and finishes used in other areas of the first floor, but interprets them in a new way. **What Makes This Project Unique?** The bar connects visually to other areas of the home custom columns with leaded glass. The same design is used in the mullion detail in the furniture piece across the room. The bar is a flowing curve that lets guests face one another. Curved wainscot panels follow the same line as the stone bartop, as does the custom-designed, strategically implemented upper platform and crown that conceal recessed lighting. **Design Challenges** Designing a curved bar with rectangular cabinets is always a challenge, but the greater challenge was to incorporate a large wishlist into a compact space, including an under-counter refrigerator, sink, glassware and liquor storage, and more. The glass columns take on much of the storage, but had to be engineered to support the upper crown and provide space for lighting and wiring that would not be seen on the interior of the cabinet. Our team worked tirelessly with the trim carpenters to ensure that this was successful aesthetically and functionally. Another challenge we created for ourselves was designing the columns to be three sided glass, and the 4th side to be mirrored. Though it accomplishes our aesthetic goal and allows light to be reflected back into the space this had to be carefully engineered to be structurally sound. Photo by MIke Kaskel

This new, ground-up home was recently built atop the Richmond Hills. Despite the beautiful site with its panoramic 270-degree view, the lot had been left undeveloped over the years due to its modest size and challenging approval issues. Saikley Architects handled the negotiations for County approvals, and worked closely with the owner-builder to create a 2,300 sq. ft., three bedroom, two-and-a-half bath family home that maximizes the site’s potential. The first-time owner-builder is a landscape builder by trade, and Saikley Architects coordinated closely with for him on this spec home. Saikley Architects provided building design details which the owner then carried through in many unique interior design and furniture design details throughout the house. Photo by Chi Chin Photography. https://saikleyarchitects.com/portfolio/hilltop-contemporary/

A bathroom to suit a tween both now and as she grows was a unique challenge. By avoiding clichéd childish decor and incorporating timeless, elegant elements, we achieved a design that will evolve with her. We used classic materials like white subway tiles and recycled glass penny rounds for a pop of color and shimmer.

This renovation is a stunning use of space! Windows, walls, and doorways were removed to completely open up the space, and have a huge kitchen, with massive island. The unique angle of the back wall made for an interesting design challenge, but keeping the colours, and design simple made it look planned. Venting made a bulkhead necessary, but working with the builder allowed us to turn an unsightly eyesore into a feature.

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.”

Dublin owners wanted to expand their outdoor patio into a four season enclosure. The result of this outdoor patio project increased over 40% of their seating capacity. This project was unique due to the attachment to a public parking facility. The grade change from one end to the other, was almost two feet, making the design and installation challenging. Dublin's has used the space for live entertainment, private parties, and banquets. It paid for itself in less than a year.

New York interiors come with all kinds of challenges, from uneven brownstone walls to tight high-rise spaces. I’ve installed wallpaper in bedrooms, foyers, and living areas using a wide range of materials. My focus is always on crisp alignment and flawless detail, no matter the layout.

This renovation is a stunning use of space! Windows, walls, and doorways were removed to completely open up the space, and have a huge kitchen, with massive island. The unique angle of the back wall made for an interesting design challenge, but keeping the colours, and design simple made it look planned. Venting made a bulkhead necessary, but working with the builder allowed us to turn an unsightly eyesore into a feature.

This renovation is a stunning use of space! Windows, walls, and doorways were removed to completely open up the space, and have a huge kitchen, with massive island. The unique angle of the back wall made for an interesting design challenge, but keeping the colours, and design simple made it look planned. Venting made a bulkhead necessary, but working with the builder allowed us to turn an unsightly eyesore into a feature.

The unique opportunity and challenge for the Joshua Tree project was to enable the architecture to prioritize views. Set in the valley between Mummy and Camelback mountains, two iconic landforms located in Paradise Valley, Arizona, this lot “has it all” regarding views. The challenge was answered with what we refer to as the desert pavilion. This highly penetrated piece of architecture carefully maintains a one-room deep composition. This allows each space to leverage the majestic mountain views. The material palette is executed in a panelized massing composition. The home, spawned from mid-century modern DNA, opens seamlessly to exterior living spaces providing for the ultimate in indoor/outdoor living. Project Details: Architecture: Drewett Works, Scottsdale, AZ // C.P. Drewett, AIA, NCARB // www.drewettworks.com Builder: Bedbrock Developers, Paradise Valley, AZ // http://www.bedbrock.com Interior Designer: Est Est, Scottsdale, AZ // http://www.estestinc.com Photographer: Michael Duerinckx, Phoenix, AZ // www.inckx.com

New York interiors come with all kinds of challenges, from uneven brownstone walls to tight high-rise spaces. I’ve installed wallpaper in bedrooms, foyers, and living areas using a wide range of materials. My focus is always on crisp alignment and flawless detail, no matter the layout.

New York interiors come with all kinds of challenges, from uneven brownstone walls to tight high-rise spaces. I’ve installed wallpaper in bedrooms, foyers, and living areas using a wide range of materials. My focus is always on crisp alignment and flawless detail, no matter the layout.

The challenges we faced? We needed to create a layout that not only accommodated a hot tub (with appropriate ventilation so they didn’t have a mold issue down the road) and a sauna, but also a work out area for an elliptical machine and a rowing machine, a stretching area, a seating area, and built in bar. Check out what we came up with!!

Kitchen Designer: Ralph Katz Design Line Kitchens in Sea Girt, New Jersey Photography by Nettie Einhorn
Inspiration for a large transitional l-shaped terra-cotta tile eat-in kitchen remodel in New York with recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, solid surface countertops, gray backsplash, porcelain backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Creation of a new master bathroom, kids’ bathroom, toilet room and a WIC from a mid. size bathroom was a challenge but the results were amazing. The new kids’ bathroom was given a good size to work with. 5.5’ by 9’. Allowing us to have a good size shower with a bench, 3’ vanity and comfortable space for the toilet to be placed. The bathroom floor is made of white Thasos marble for a neutral look since the wall tiles were so unique in color and design. The main walls of the bathroom are made from blue subway tiles with diagonal lines pattern while the main wall is made of large 24”x6” tile with diamond/triangle shapes in different warm and cool colors. Notice the unique shampoo niche in the bench area, it continues into the pony wall as well without any interruptions thus creating a long L-shaped space for all the bath items to remain hidden.