Maybe you can relate to these empty nesters who reached out to us to design and build a new kitchen for their current and long term needs. They do lots of entertaining, have an extensive wine collection and enjoy welcoming more grandchildren into the family. Both cook, although he prefers his grill. They wanted their new kitchen to be an open space that is easier to move around in. They were also looking forward to more storage and new, state-of-the-art appliances. Design objectives: -New layout to accommodate large groups for frequent entertaining -Big island to seat as many people as possible Improve traffic flow by omitting a counter peninsula by the family room and other cabinet barriers -Main cooktop to face visitors with point-of-use spices, utensils, pots & pans nearby -Multiple cooking & refrigeration appliances -Plan for as much countertop space as possible for multiple cooks -Dedicated spaces needed for wine, liquor, cold drinks & decorative glassware -Incorporate special details such as thick or waterfall countertops, unique backsplash, wood accents -Need better task, ambient and general lighting -Make it beautiful – a kitchen the homeowners could be proud of -Seamlessly join kitchen with breakfast room, given load-bearing wall & various ceiling heights -Ensure the large, newly opened space remains intimate and inclusive -Determine how to best utilize the breakfast room, given limited availability of wall space with two sets of French doors and a large window -Relocating two ventilation ducts currently in a wall to be removed -Incorporate multiple appliances while adding functional storage -Integrate special details that wouldn’t be lost in a large room -Utilize multiple finishes and colors that provide continuity Design solutions: -The wall between the kitchen & breakfast nook was completely removed – the structural beam was shortened, providing the largest opening possible -One small wall section remained intact to relocate ductwork, which conveniently created an alcove for the dual refrigerator armoire -Two islands in the same finish visually join the elongated room -The cooking island includes necessary point-of-use storage along with a steam oven and additional storage on the opposite side The wide cooking island allows for two cooks to comfortably share the counter space, allowing casual interaction -The second island fills the center of the former breakfast room; tall cabinets in a contrasting finish flank the French doors and provide visual balance -The sizable second island provides seating for six on a conversation-conducive curve. It houses freezer drawers, a microwave drawer, an under-counter refrigerator, plus additional storage -Docking station inside drawer -Two cabinet styles in three finishes provide continuity, balance and interest in the large room While the clients didn’t have a specific vision of the remodeled space, they were completely open to new ideas and knew which features they wanted when they saw them. They were truly doing the project for their own enjoyment and that of their family and guests. We’re happy to know they are thrilled with the end result. In fact, we had so much fun working together we’re now talking about a new project!

RCID was thrilled to take on the role of project manager for this Elbow Valley Redecorating Project—a collaboration that celebrated creativity, trust, and personalization. This project was a joy from start to finish, as our clients allowed us the creative freedom to reimagine their spaces with fresh color, texture, and form. Each room was thoughtfully designed to feel cohesive yet uniquely personal—especially the kids’ rooms, where playful customization brought out each personality in the most delightful way. The result is a home that feels refreshed, balanced, and brimming with character. Projects like this remind us why we love what we do—collaborating with wonderful clients to turn their homes into spaces that truly reflect who they are.

Star Wars: The Force Awakens Murals in a bedroom by Tom Taylor of Mural Art LLC. The theme for the room was to create the bridge of a star destroyer from Star Wars. Being a huge Star Wars fan myself, I was thrilled to have had the opportunity to create this room. Star Wars themed rooms have been very popular, especially with the new series of movies that Disney has produced. Star Wars art is perfect for any themed room, media room, home theater, office or your children's bedroom. Items featured throughout the room to complete the look: Exploding Death Star Chandelier, bunk bed, Star Wars comforter set, throw pillows, drapes, room darkening shades, table lamps, Star Wars toys and hand painted kids furniture.

This well-loved home belonging to a family of seven was overdue for some more room. Renovations by the team at Advance Design Studio entailed both a lower and upper level addition to original home. Included in the project was a much larger kitchen, eating area, family room and mud room with a renovated powder room on the first floor. The new upper level included a new master suite with his and hers closets, a new master bath, outdoor balcony patio space, and a renovation to the only other full bath on in that part of the house. Having five children formerly meant that when everyone was seated at the large kitchen table, they couldn’t open the refrigerator door! So naturally the main focus was on the kitchen, with a desire to create a gathering place where the whole family could hang out easily with room to spare. The homeowner had a love of all things Irish, and careful details in the crown molding, hardware and tile backsplash were a reflection. Rich cherry cabinetry and green granite counter tops complete a traditional look so as to fit right in with the elegant old molding and door profiles in this fine old home. The second focus for these parents was a master suite and bathroom of their own! After years of sharing, this was an important feature in the new space. This simple yet efficient bath space needed to accommodate a long wall of windows to work with the exterior design. A generous shower enclosure with a comfortable bench seat is open visually to the his and hers vanity areas, and a spacious tub. The makeup table enjoys lots of natural light spilling through large windows and an exit door to the adult’s only exclusive coffee retreat on the rooftop adjacent. Added square footage to the footprint of the house allowed for a spacious family room and much needed breakfast area. The dining room pass through was accentuated by a period appropriate transom detail encasing custom designed carved glass detailing that appears as if it’s been there all along. Reclaimed painted tin panels were added to the dining room ceiling amongst elegant crown molding for unique and dramatic dining room flair. An efficient dry bar area was tucked neatly between the great room spaces, offering an excellent entertainment area to circulating guests and family at any time. This large family now enjoys regular Sunday breakfasts and dinners in a space that they all love to hang out in. The client reports that they spend more time as a family now than they did before because their house is more accommodating to them all. That’s quite a feat anyone with teenagers can relate to! Advance Design was thrilled to work on this project and bring this family the home they had been dreaming about for many, many years. Photographer: Joe Nowak

Two totally refreshed bathroom remodels take center stage in this St. Louis Park home. The homeowners loved their 1968 split level home and its unique period features. It was a well-built custom home with gorgeous maple trim and oak floors throughout. However, the main bathroom had water damage to the sub-floor that needed to be replaced. The owners decided to go ahead and update the rest of the bathroom at the same time, taking care of other items they had long wanted to do. For example, the plumbing was outdated, and the shower didn’t drain well. They also hoped for a wood vanity that would match the rest of the home, in look and era, and wished the previous homeowners hadn’t painted the original. As the couple discussed the remodel, they ultimately decided to take the plunge and take advantage of work being done in the home and update both the main floor bathroom and the master bathroom at the same time. Tackling both projects at once made sense for project efficiency, both in time and budget, and they are thrilled to now each have “their own” new bathroom!

This kitchen has tons of storage and counter space now! The homeowner wasn't thrilled with doing "what everyone else was doing" so she opted to go with two-tone cabinets and a unique mosaic backsplash. By moving the range from the sink wall, we created a much larger and more efficient cooking and prep zone. We also made space for a dishwasher which she didn't have before, as well as a double trash cabinet. The pantry cabinet replaced a makeshift pantry she had before, and the rollouts provide great functional storage

Star Wars: The Force Awakens Murals in a bedroom by Tom Taylor of Mural Art LLC. The theme for the room was to create the bridge of a star destroyer from Star Wars. Being a huge Star Wars fan myself, I was thrilled to have had the opportunity to create this room. Star Wars themed rooms have been very popular, especially with the new series of movies that Disney has produced. Star Wars art is perfect for any themed room, media room, home theater, office or your children's bedroom. Items featured throughout the room to complete the look: Exploding Death Star Chandelier, bunk bed, Star Wars comforter set, throw pillows, drapes, room darkening shades, table lamps, Star Wars toys and hand painted kids furniture.

This project's final result exceeded even our vision for the space! This kitchen is part of a stunning traditional log home in Evergreen, CO. The original kitchen had some unique touches, but was dated and not a true reflection of our client. The existing kitchen felt dark despite an amazing amount of natural light, and the colors and textures of the cabinetry felt heavy and expired. The client wanted to keep with the traditional rustic aesthetic that is present throughout the rest of the home, but wanted a much brighter space and slightly more elegant appeal. Our scope included upgrades to just about everything: new semi-custom cabinetry, new quartz countertops, new paint, new light fixtures, new backsplash tile, and even a custom flue over the range. We kept the original flooring in tact, retained the original copper range hood, and maintained the same layout while optimizing light and function. The space is made brighter by a light cream primary cabinetry color, and additional feature lighting everywhere including in cabinets, under cabinets, and in toe kicks. The new kitchen island is made of knotty alder cabinetry and topped by Cambria quartz in Oakmoor. The dining table shares this same style of quartz and is surrounded by custom upholstered benches in Kravet's Cowhide suede. We introduced a new dramatic antler chandelier at the end of the island as well as Restoration Hardware accent lighting over the dining area and sconce lighting over the sink area open shelves. We utilized composite sinks in both the primary and bar locations, and accented these with farmhouse style bronze faucets. Stacked stone covers the backsplash, and a handmade elk mosaic adorns the space above the range for a custom look that is hard to ignore. We finished the space with a light copper paint color to add extra warmth and finished cabinetry with rustic bronze hardware. This project is breathtaking and we are so thrilled our client can enjoy this kitchen for many years to come!

This well-loved home belonging to a family of seven was overdue for some more room. Renovations by the team at Advance Design Studio entailed both a lower and upper level addition to original home. Included in the project was a much larger kitchen, eating area, family room and mud room with a renovated powder room on the first floor. The new upper level included a new master suite with his and hers closets, a new master bath, outdoor balcony patio space, and a renovation to the only other full bath on in that part of the house. Having five children formerly meant that when everyone was seated at the large kitchen table, they couldn’t open the refrigerator door! So naturally the main focus was on the kitchen, with a desire to create a gathering place where the whole family could hang out easily with room to spare. The homeowner had a love of all things Irish, and careful details in the crown molding, hardware and tile backsplash were a reflection. Rich cherry cabinetry and green granite counter tops complete a traditional look so as to fit right in with the elegant old molding and door profiles in this fine old home. The second focus for these parents was a master suite and bathroom of their own! After years of sharing, this was an important feature in the new space. This simple yet efficient bath space needed to accommodate a long wall of windows to work with the exterior design. A generous shower enclosure with a comfortable bench seat is open visually to the his and hers vanity areas, and a spacious tub. The makeup table enjoys lots of natural light spilling through large windows and an exit door to the adult’s only exclusive coffee retreat on the rooftop adjacent. Added square footage to the footprint of the house allowed for a spacious family room and much needed breakfast area. The dining room pass through was accentuated by a period appropriate transom detail encasing custom designed carved glass detailing that appears as if it’s been there all along. Reclaimed painted tin panels were added to the dining room ceiling amongst elegant crown molding for unique and dramatic dining room flair. An efficient dry bar area was tucked neatly between the great room spaces, offering an excellent entertainment area to circulating guests and family at any time. This large family now enjoys regular Sunday breakfasts and dinners in a space that they all love to hang out in. The client reports that they spend more time as a family now than they did before because their house is more accommodating to them all. That’s quite a feat anyone with teenagers can relate to! Advance Design was thrilled to work on this project and bring this family the home they had been dreaming about for many, many years. Photographer: Joe Nowak

We’re thrilled to announce the successful completion of another stunning bathroom renovation in Ottawa – Minnetonka Road. This project wasn’t just about fixing fixtures – it was about creating a dream space that reflected our client’s unique needs and desires. The Minnetonka Road project exemplifies our commitment to create personal sanctuaries in houses. We recognize that the bathroom is more than simply a practical area; it is a haven where you can relax and recharge. Every part of this refurbishment reflects our meticulous attention to detail and devotion to quality. Renosgroup is more than just renovations; it is about creating memorable experiences. Our portfolio demonstrates our skill in making fantasies a reality. We encourage you to discover the makeover on Minnetonka Road, where our team has flawlessly combined innovation, style, and customer pleasure. Renosgroup is here to make your bathroom dreams come true. Stay tuned for additional information on our most recent projects as we continue to reinvent bathroom renovations in Ottawa, one exquisite space at a time.

Two totally refreshed bathroom remodels take center stage in this St. Louis Park home. The homeowners loved their 1968 split level home and its unique period features. It was a well-built custom home with gorgeous maple trim and oak floors throughout. However, the main bathroom had water damage to the sub-floor that needed to be replaced. The owners decided to go ahead and update the rest of the bathroom at the same time, taking care of other items they had long wanted to do. For example, the plumbing was outdated, and the shower didn’t drain well. They also hoped for a wood vanity that would match the rest of the home, in look and era, and wished the previous homeowners hadn’t painted the original. As the couple discussed the remodel, they ultimately decided to take the plunge and take advantage of work being done in the home and update both the main floor bathroom and the master bathroom at the same time. Tackling both projects at once made sense for project efficiency, both in time and budget, and they are thrilled to now each have “their own” new bathroom!

Our client wanted to take their 1970s kitchen to the 2020s. The original kitchen had many issues - inefficient cabinet space, choppy countertop layout, dated appliances, an obtrusive pantry that blocked access into the kitchen and provided poor storage, and a 1970's style step-down into the space. They requested a space that was clean, bright and open with a modern/mid-century feel where they could easily cook at home and entertain family and friends. Improvements included: - Raising the floor to make it level with the rest of the house - Removing the obtrusive pantry and converting the water heater closet into the new pantry space - Combining the two water heaters into one tank-less water heater - Appliances were moved to create more counter space. The cooktop and oven were combined into a range. The microwave was moved to under the counter. The original trash compactor was replaced by a pull-out waste bin. - The double basin sink was replaced by a single, large basin better suited for washing large pots, pans and tray. Accessories such as a cutting board and strainer fit over the sink making food prep and clean up easier. - The pantry was custom built to fit the clients' needs with pull-out shelves to make accessing everything in the back easier. A socket was installed to create a coffee and smoothie station that can be hidden when not in use behind the pantry doors keeping the countertops cleared. - Custom panels were manufactured for the refrigerator and dishwasher to hide the appliances. - A unique 3-D tile backsplash was installed from counter to ceiling to create eye-catching movement. - Electrical sockets were hidden under the upper cabinets and light switches on either side of the sink were turned horizontal to preserve the look and motion of the backsplash. The dated kitchen with a challenging layout and inefficient storage was replaced with a bright, welcoming kitchen with clean lines and creative touches. The clients are beyond thrilled with the transformation and say that it is the ideal place to gather.

We were thrilled at the opportunity to furnish this beautiful home top to bottom for a young, vibrant couple who have lived around the world and were ready to make a home in Portland. Incredible custom area rugs and curated furnishings fill spaces that are composed and creative yet comfortable and inviting. Luxurious wallpapers highlight spaces throughout the home and even the outdoor patios are furnished to impress. A dozen local artists’ original work is displayed throughout the home, bringing unique inspiration to each space. We improved the kitchen with a slab quartz waterfall island, added luxurious heat to the outdoor spaces, and updated the master bath lighting. Photography by Christopher Dibble

This project presented unique opportunities that are not often found in residential landscaping. The homeowners were not only restoring their 1840's era farmhouse, a piece of their family’s history, but also enlarging and updating the home for modern living. The landscape designers continued this idea by creating a space that is a modern day interpretation of an 1840s era farm rather then a strict recreation. The resulting design combines elements of farm living from that time, as well as acknowledging the property’s history as a horse farm, with staples of 21st century landscapes such as space for outdoor living, lighting, and newer plant varieties. Guests approach from the main driveway which winds through the property and ends at the main barn. There is secondary gated driveway just for the homeowners. Connected to this main driveway is a narrower gravel lane which leads directly to the residence. The lane passes near fruit trees planted in broken rows to give the illusion that they are the remains of an orchard that once existed on the site. The lane widens at the entrance to the gardens where there is a hitching post built into the fence that surrounds the gardens and a watering trough. The widened section is intended as a place to park a golf cart or, in a nod to the home’s past, tie up horses before entering. The gravel lane passes between two stone pillars and then ends at a square gravel court edged in cobblestones. The gravel court transitions into a wide flagstone walk bordered with yew hedges and lavender leading to the front door. Directly to the right, upon entering the gravel court, is located a gravel and cobblestone edged walk leading to a secondary entrance into the residence. The walk is gated where it connects with the gravel court to close it off so as not to confuse visitors and guests to the main residence and to emphasize the primary entrance. An area for a bench is provided along this walk to encourage stopping to view and enjoy the gardens. On either side of the front door, gravel and cobblestone walks branch off into the garden spaces. The one on the right leads to a flagstone with cobblestone border patio space. Since the home has no designated backyard like most modern suburban homes the outdoor living space had to be placed in what would traditionally be thought of as the front of the house. The patio is separated from the entrance walk by the yew hedge and further enclosed by three Amelanchiers and a variety of plantings including modern cultivars of old fashioned plants such as Itea and Hydrangea. A third entrance, the original front door to the 1840’s era section, connects to the patio from the home’s kitchen, making the space ideal for outdoor dining. The gravel and cobblestone walk branching off to the left of the front door leads to the vegetable and perennial gardens. The idea for the vegetable garden was to recreate the tradition of a kitchen garden which would have been planted close to the residence for easy access. The vegetable garden is surrounded by mixed perennial beds along the inside of the wood picket fence which surrounds the entire garden space. Another area designated for a bench is provided here to encourage stopping and viewing. The home’s original smokehouse, completely restored and used as a garden shed, provides a strong architectural focal point to the vegetable garden. Behind the smokehouse is planted lilacs and other plants to give mass and balance to the corner and help screen the garden from the neighboring subdivision. At the rear corner of the garden a wood arbor was constructed to provide a structure on which to grow grapes or other vines should the homeowners choose to. The landscape and gardens for this restored farmhouse and property are a thoughtfully designed and planned recreation of a historic landscape reinterpreted for modern living. The idea was to give a sense of timelessness when walking through the gardens as if they had been there for years but had possibly been updated and rejuvenated as lifestyles changed. The attention to materials and craftsmanship blend seamlessly with the residence and insure the gardens and landscape remain an integral part of the property. The farm has been in the homeowner’s family for many years and they are thrilled at the results and happy to see respect given to the home’s history and to its meticulous restoration.

The Design Team at The Elements is thrilled to partner with Mark Kiester and Unique Homes to present Home 1 for the Home Show Expo 2017 in The Estates on the Ridge development at Echo Valley in Norwalk. The home’s Arts and Crafts exterior belies an interior rich with a sophisticated mix of styles and textures. The warm finishes make this home instantly comfortable, and the fine craftsmanship mean many years of worry-free enjoyment in this incredible home. Photo by Mary Rose Timko, The Elements at Prairie Trail

This South Shore of Boston client approached the team of Renovisions to remodel her existing basement bathroom. This bath, with an outdated fiberglass shower stall was cracked and leaking into the concrete floor below. The room had inadequate storage, was dark and did not boost this home’s overall market value. It was definitely time for a Renovision and the client was excited to get started! She was looking forward to sharing the new space with guests that stay at her home and use the bathroom often. Working alongside this client was fun and productive as great design and product choices were selected together. In the design process, Renovisions presented a unique idea; using the basement foundation ledge for a shelf that ran into the shower area, gaining extra space for shampoos and soaps, eliminating the need for a niche. Another great idea was to implement a Grohe Smart Control valve which brings this shower experience to another level; they can choose ways to spray with the right degree of warmth. The stunning stream-lined shower trims in brushed nickel finish match the style and finish on the single-lever vanity faucet. The contrasting dark grey, large format porcelain floor tile’s texture resembles a linen-look pattern the client requested while complimenting the darker veining in the quartz curb, shelf and vanity countertop. The Carrera-look porcelain shower wall tiles boast no-maintenance and provides a clean, brighter appeal seen through the beautiful custom shower glass enclosure. We lightened up the bath with a light blue paint color which added a fresh look, giving the illusion of a bigger space. As you can see, with the right colors, textures and accessories, we transformed this basement bath from Drab to Fab. The client was thrilled with her basement Renovision, a true Breath of Fresh Flair’!

RCID was thrilled to take on the role of project manager for this Elbow Valley Redecorating Project—a collaboration that celebrated creativity, trust, and personalization. This project was a joy from start to finish, as our clients allowed us the creative freedom to reimagine their spaces with fresh color, texture, and form. Each room was thoughtfully designed to feel cohesive yet uniquely personal. The result is a home that feels refreshed, balanced, and brimming with character. Projects like this remind us why we love what we do—collaborating with wonderful clients to turn their homes into spaces that truly reflect who they are.

An 1800’s carriage house sets the stage for this classic kitchen remodel. The homeowners wanted to be true to the architecture of their home while incorporating top quality, cutting edge appliances and modern day conveniences. They are discerning cooks who entertain often. The original kitchen, done in the 1990’s, had built-out walls covering the original stone of the house. Once exposed and repointed, the stone served as an amazing backsplash in the space, and we were able to gain almost 12” in the width of the room! The fabulous matte black BlueStar range is topped off with a unique antique fireback and is complimented by hand-pegged, hand-planed custom cabinetry that are scribed to the stone walls with precision. The distressed soapstone counters bring warmth to the space that makes you want to cozy up and stay a while. Since the kitchen does not allow for an island, the unused dining room was turned into a combined bar area and butler’s pantry. This small room packs a lot in with antique heart pine countertops, beadboard backsplash, and cabinetry backs, which provide a warm, casual feel. An additional refrigerator and dishwasher, as well as an icemaker, all hidden behind cabinetry panels, provide everything they need, and more, for entertaining family and friends. Suffice it to say, our clients are thrilled with their new ‘old’ kitchen! Matt Villano Photography

This kitchen has tons of storage and counter space now! The homeowner wasn't thrilled with doing "what everyone else was doing" so she opted to go with two-tone cabinets and a unique mosaic backsplash. By moving the range from the sink wall, we created a much larger and more efficient cooking and prep zone. We also made space for a dishwasher which she didn't have before, as well as a double trash cabinet. The pantry cabinet replaced a makeshift pantry she had before, and the rollouts provide great functional storage