Removing wall to wall carpet revealed an inlaid marble floor in need of restoration. An antique Aubusson rug defines the sitting area where silk, velvet, and glove leather invite you to sit and enjoy afternoon tea. The walls softly echo the garden outside with palm leaves impressed into the plaster wallpaper. Just to the left, a table waits for cards.

This kitchen renovation in Menands is like chicken soup for the soul. During this transformation, our client wanted to move on to a more modern look while still embracing their family history. Project Manager, Jason Watson, knew he was going to need extra help to make this a perfect space, so he called in the entire Design Team to make our client’s dreams come true. Our mission was to maximize storage while preserving cherished memories and heirlooms. We incorporated a small bookcase which proudly showcases cherished family photos and treasured cookbooks from past generations, connecting the kitchen to the rich tapestry of the homeowner’s lineage. A storage garage was discreetly nestled beside the fireplace concealing the beverage service until it was time to unwind and put up one’s feet. The ogee traditional edge on the island is an elegant detail serving as a nod to the heritage of the home. The warmth and charm of the wooden beam on the mantle, reclaimed from the homeowner’s family home, beautifully compliments the beams above, creating a sense of unity and history. We cleverly disguised the TV as a piece of artwork, which blends seamlessly and doesn’t compromise the traditional ambiance. This remodel embodies the essence of tradition, family and the timeless connection between the homeowner’s past and future home. This story will be told for generations to come.

Vallari Talapatra
Photo of a landscaping in Chicago.

Jackie and Sean loved the Algonquin neighborhood they lived in with the peaceful neighborhood and the close proximity to work and school. What they didn’t love was how outdated their home had become. With a cramped kitchen and an unused dining room, they decided a remodel was the perfect solution to their problem. They would be able to continue to live in the area they loved, while at the same time they could have the dream home they envisioned. After a thorough search, Jackie came across Advance Design Studio. She was impressed by all of the positive reviews she saw on the internet and saw herself identifying with all of the project stories she saw on the website. Once they met with designer Scott Christensen and owner Todd Jurs, they knew Advance Design was the right company to make their dreams a reality. The project consisted of four main areas: the kitchen/dining/powder room, the laundry room, the master bathroom, and the kid’s bathroom. They wanted to expand the kitchen into the seldom used dining room and add a large island for hosting parties and family gatherings. They also wanted new hardwood flooring throughout the first level. The laundry room needed to be more functional, and all three bathrooms were in dire need of updating. The closed off kitchen was opened up to create a sweeping space between the new eating area and the much larger kitchen. A handsome dry bar complete with a beverage refrigerator and lighted glass door cabinetry makes an elegant transition across from a peninsula area filled with storage. An additional decorative cabinet lighting up elegant dishware through the mullioned glass sits directly across from the drybar. An expansive island was critical to the kitchen plans. Jackie, Sean and Scott worked closely together to create just the right details for their design. They wanted the island to be functional in addition to being the centerpiece of the room. Added storage for the kid’s school supplies was hidden behind cabinet doors so the children could do their schoolwork right at the island, and a microwave drawer glides open with the touch of a finger hidden inconspicuously within the island space. The easy to care for Cambria Britannica Quartz island top with its sweeping grey and white marble look perched atop hand-carved Craftsman corbels was absolutely what they were hoping for, blending both beauty and function perfectly. Adding a nice contrast to the brightness of the quartz and the white cabinetry, Kodiak - Leather granite countertops were used to balance the light and dark tones of the space. Dura Supreme Classic White painted cabinets grace the perimeter, while Maple Poppy Seed stained cabinets with a beautiful soft grey woodgrain were used in the beverage center and island. The two tones compliment the large space balancing it out nicely creating interest and elegance with the simple Craftsman style full overlay doors. A deep warm Barnwood White Oak flooring was added throughout the lower level. The new floor brings additional contrast to the bright kitchen and provides unity with the now open floorplan as it rolls in to the foyer and family room. Final details like the show-stopping lunar like duo light fixtures complete the space and intermix expertly with crisscross details of the glass door mullions, the island bar seating and even accessories in the space. The small cluttered laundry room needed more space and more storage. With a busy family it seemed to overflow daily and did not have anywhere to hide the families “in and out stuff.” Scott designed the new space with a stackable washer and dryer and much more efficiently organized cabinetry. Doing laundry is now (almost!) a pleasure and keeping everyone’s “stuff” hidden, but readily accessible is now a snap. The master bath was not a place where the couple enjoyed spending time getting ready for their day. The tub almost never was used, so removing it made it possible to build an extra-large shower, replacing the small cramped cube of the previous shower they hated. Clean, horizontal lines softly draw your eye around the space with porcelain tile called Driftwood Sea spray. Full overlay cabinetry in a soft white vanity with double sinks makes getting ready for the day much more convenient for the busy couple. Long floor planks made of porcelain tile mimic real hardwood floors in a soft grey to compliment the shower, but with the ease and care of a tile surface. Cambrian Black Granite counters with a matte finish and under mount porcelain sinks with handsome brushed chrome hardware complete the handsome space. A real bonus in any master bath; a custom built in storage nook was tucked in the corner of the space for linens and heavenly storage. The kid’s bath was in sad shape because it was original to the house. To keep the budget in control, the tub which was in great condition was retained, but focus was on the new large brick style porcelain charcoal tile on the floor, crisp white new Craftsman style cabinetry with pretty furniture details on the corner base, a striking granite top with white under mount porcelain sinks and fresh hardware and faucets. Some beautiful soft grey wood mirrors to match mom and dads were custom sized and placed under new lighting, and 4 hooks were smartly arranged down the wall for kids’ towels. This couple was determined not to move, and made their house their dream home. Not only does their home function greatly now, but Jackie says, “When the neighbors come to visit, they’re asking if they can “steal” the design”! The added functionality, elegance, and open floor plan were exactly what this family needed in order to stay. Advance Design Studio, Joe Nowak

When a design-build kitchen remodel and interior design are in unison, it means that the process of renovating or creating a new kitchen is seamlessly integrated with the overall aesthetic and functional goals of the entire interior space. This unified approach ensures that every aspect of the kitchen remodel aligns with and enhances the broader design vision for the home. This stunning Ijamsville Maryland home renovation is an example of that unity in a project.

The Versailles Mirror has a 1 ½” beveled clear glass mirror and gold beaded filet has a very ornately carved exquisite gold frame and is able to hang horizontally or vertically. Additional Information: The process of painting on wood enables me to recreate the countenance of an ancient fresco. Using the wood’s grain as my canvas, I employ multiple hand layered painting techniques to build the background, and, once completed, I then sketch my design directly onto the surface. Then comes the painstaking application of paints to create colors and textures intrinsic to the piece. The addition of layer upon layer of glazes and varnishes consummates the artwork’s depth and translucency, similar to that of stained glass…and a good sprinkling of Swarovski crystals allow it light up any room. In the end, I look for total unity in design, accenting each work of art with the perfect frame and accenting each piece with pure gold or silver leaf. - Michelle Woolley Sauter, One Coast Design

This Golden Sparkle Granite pool bar and hot tub ledge are a stunning element in this Southern Maryland pool. The fluid pattern in the stone compliments the calm motion of the water, creating a sense of unity between the objects.

Indulge in the epitome of contemporary elegance with our 'Modern Monochrome' kitchen renovation, where shades of grey harmoniously converge to create a sleek and stylish culinary haven. This transformative project features a cohesive palette of grey tones, from the Grey Island to the matching Grey Cabinets, all complemented by a sophisticated Contemporary Backsplash. The heart of the kitchen, the Grey Island, stands as a symbol of modern sophistication. Its neutral hue exudes a sense of calm and versatility, while providing a striking focal point that anchors the space. Paired seamlessly with Grey Cabinets, the design achieves a sense of unity and understated luxury, creating a kitchen that is both visually appealing and highly functional. Adding an artistic touch to the ensemble is the Contemporary Backsplash, a thoughtful choice that elevates the overall aesthetic. The dynamic interplay of shapes, textures, and patterns injects a sense of modernity, turning the backsplash into a statement piece that ties the entire design together.

This Golden Sparkle Granite pool bar and hot tub ledge are a stunning element in this Southern Maryland pool. The fluid pattern in the stone compliments the calm motion of the water, creating a sense of unity between the objects.

An elegant yet cozy house ,masterfully designed by our visualization team, radiates the vibe of peacefulness and unity with nature.
Danish living room photo in Other

BEFORE PHOTO: Part of an extensive home remodel, this kitchen design was born of one man’s love of all things Harley Davidson. Color inspiration came from the client’s own cherished bike which was a stunning combination of matte black and brushed steel. The client’s wish was to have a large open area in which he could “be one with his guests” when hosting large gatherings. Cabinets, hardware and appliances all in black allow the focus to be on the beauty of the larger architectural elements as a whole. Included along the main storage wall is a hidden 42” refrigerator, dual pull-out pantries, and extra wide drawers below a pair of upper cabinets with matte black glass fold-up doors that open & close automatically via servo-drive technology. The new island - which measures just shy of 16 ½ feet! - is a true central point around which all action revolves. Wide walkways on either side provide ease of flow for multiple sous chefs and guests alike. A textured cypress soffit above the island was designed to house the modern hood and also create a feeling of unity as it is the same size as the island below. Textured cypress wood also wraps matte black cabinetry and lines the main wall, changing grain direction to provide visual interest. The 5’ Galley Workstation is a multi-functional marvel, easily transitioning from prep station to serving surface to clean-up with the addition of its built-in accessories. Placing an undercounter wine refrigerator on the back side of the island makes it easy for guests at the bar to help themselves. Close to the bar seating area, a 42” flat screen tv fits perfectly flush in the wall, practically disappearing when not in use. Unique details include a large display cabinet with a metal framed front & side crafted out of steel by a local artisan. The glass is 2-way mirror so when the interior light is off, the treasure is concealed inside. The interior is painted in the trademark Harley orange. Above a modern dining table, a one-of-a-kind chandelier was created from 3 bike helmets, painted in Harley orange by a local automobile detail shop. The interiors are finished in metallic silver for extra glow. Adjacent to the Kitchen, and initially deceiving in its simplicity, the main tv wall was quite complex and challenging to realize. It has a convex curve from left to right and slopes back from floor to ceiling. The interior hollow space created room for a shallow tv niche on top and partially recessed deep media storage cabinets below. The planning and framing involved to create the proper compound miter connections required extra diligence from the designers and builder, but the finished product was worth the effort! Photo credit: Fred Donham of Photographerlink

Located in the coveted West End of downtown Greenville, SC, Park Place on Hudson St. brings new living to old Greenville. Just a half-mile from Flour Field, a short walk to the Swamp Rabbit Trail, and steps away from the future Unity Park, this community is ideal for families young and old. The craftsman style town home community consists of twenty-three units, thirteen with 3 beds/2.5 baths and ten with 2 beds/2.5baths. The design concept they came up with was simple – three separate buildings with two basic floors plans that were fully customizable. Each unit came standard with an elevator, hardwood floors, high-end Kitchen Aid appliances, Moen plumbing fixtures, tile showers, granite countertops, wood shelving in all closets, LED recessed lighting in all rooms, private balconies with built-in grill stations and large sliding glass doors. While the outside craftsman design with large front and back porches was set by the city, the interiors were fully customizable. The homeowners would meet with a designer at the Park Place on Hudson Showroom to pick from a selection of standard options, all items that would go in their home. From cabinets to door handles, from tile to paint colors, there was virtually no interior feature that the owners did not have the option to choose. They also had the ability to fully customize their unit with upgrades by meeting with each vendor individually and selecting the products for their home – some of the owners even choose to re-design the floor plans to better fit their lifestyle.

West Des Moines two story homes create challenges for homeowners with layouts including small rooms that don’t seem to flow together. The family that lives in this home found that entertaining and gathering in the kitchen was almost impossible with the current layout and asked for an addition to solve the problem. After listening to the challenges of that they faced and working with the homeowners, a new solution emerged without an addition, reducing the overall budget and allowing the whole main floor to be updated. By removing the wall between the kitchen and dinning room, the team was able to design an island for family and friends to congregate around. Then by flanking the island with a large commercial range surrounded by a custom backsplash and custom hood a picture perfect kitchen was born. Lastly by repeating elements within the range hood, island and fireplace, the team was able to create unity throughout the space. This visually makes the space feel larger and feels like the addition was built

The objective was to create a warm neutral space to later customize to a specific colour palate/preference of the end user for this new construction home being built to sell. A high-end contemporary feel was requested to attract buyers in the area. An impressive kitchen that exuded high class and made an impact on guests as they entered the home, without being overbearing. The space offers an appealing open floorplan conducive to entertaining with indoor-outdoor flow. Due to the spec nature of this house, the home had to remain appealing to the builder, while keeping a broad audience of potential buyers in mind. The challenge lay in creating a unique look, with visually interesting materials and finishes, while not being so unique that potential owners couldn’t envision making it their own. The focus on key elements elevates the look, while other features blend and offer support to these striking components. As the home was built for sale, profitability was important; materials were sourced at best value, while retaining high-end appeal. Adaptations to the home’s original design plan improve flow and usability within the kitchen-greatroom. The client desired a rich dark finish. The chosen colours tie the kitchen to the rest of the home (creating unity as combination, colours and materials, is repeated throughout). Photos- Paul Grdina

Walking through this Industrial-Contemporary home is a treat. It intrigues your ideas and thoughts, it pushes the people within the space to feel inspired, successful and hopeful. The contemporary and industrial textures mixed together form a team of undeniable unity. This type of feeling comes form a splash of French-Country in the shiplap, and the depth of the colors and textures lining the home. When used along side the natural stains thought the home, the space has a brilliant feminine style, mixed with a masculine flavor. The textures found in the wheatgrass wallpapers throughout the space, lend a softer flavor up against the stone, and large paneled porcelain on the fireplaces. Window coverings, drapes and the window drape liners soften the direct lines in this project. Porcelain countertops create a contemporary feel in the kitchen and bathrooms. Porcelain countertops are a home run! If you're looking for a product that doesn't require maintenance but looks amazing, porcelain countertops are a product used often in high end homes and have great success. Of course, install is usually only successful when using the correct installer. Laminam porcelain countertops don't hair line fracture like many of the other porcelain countertops.

When a design-build kitchen remodel and interior design are in unison, it means that the process of renovating or creating a new kitchen is seamlessly integrated with the overall aesthetic and functional goals of the entire interior space. This unified approach ensures that every aspect of the kitchen remodel aligns with and enhances the broader design vision for the home. This stunning Ijamsville Maryland home renovation is an example of that unity in a project.

Outbuildings grow out of their particular function and context. Design maintains unity with the main house and yet creates interesting elements to the Outbuilding itself, treating it like an accent piece.

Our clients for this Silicon Valley remodel wanted us to enlarge their existing kitchen by expanding into their adjacent dinette and family room area and address heat and glare issues caused by the afternoon sun at the rear of the residence. Our remodel eventually addressed almost all of the ground floor rooms. In addition we coordinated the addition of new windows throughout the house and “refreshed” the front entry and rear façade. We expanded the kitchen into the dinette area by creating an informal bar area to replace their existing dinette area. We increased indoor-outdoor flow by creating a wall of French doors and windows at the rear which included solar shading integrated into the rear wall by means of a system of interior wall panels defined by carefully laid out reveals. We created a dropped ceiling between the kitchen and the family room to define the bar counter area. A new, minimalist fireplace design replaced the existing brick fireplace. Wenge-colored cabinets and soft putty-colored walls in the dining/family room create a serene overall unity to the space. At the front entry, new doors, hardware and lighting brought this Mid-century rancher into the 21st Century. Photos by Mark Brand.

Located in the coveted West End of downtown Greenville, SC, Park Place on Hudson St. brings new living to old Greenville. Just a half-mile from Flour Field, a short walk to the Swamp Rabbit Trail, and steps away from the future Unity Park, this community is ideal for families young and old. The craftsman style town home community consists of twenty-three units, thirteen with 3 beds/2.5 baths and ten with 2 beds/2.5baths. The design concept they came up with was simple – three separate buildings with two basic floors plans that were fully customizable. Each unit came standard with an elevator, hardwood floors, high-end Kitchen Aid appliances, Moen plumbing fixtures, tile showers, granite countertops, wood shelving in all closets, LED recessed lighting in all rooms, private balconies with built-in grill stations and large sliding glass doors. While the outside craftsman design with large front and back porches was set by the city, the interiors were fully customizable. The homeowners would meet with a designer at the Park Place on Hudson Showroom to pick from a selection of standard options, all items that would go in their home. From cabinets to door handles, from tile to paint colors, there was virtually no interior feature that the owners did not have the option to choose. They also had the ability to fully customize their unit with upgrades by meeting with each vendor individually and selecting the products for their home – some of the owners even choose to re-design the floor plans to better fit their lifestyle.