Mike and Anne of Barrington Hills desperately needed to update and renovate both their kid’s hall bath and guest bath, and in their 1980’s home each project presented a different set of unique challenges to overcome. When they set out to identify the right remodeling company to partner with, it was important to find a company that could help them to visualize design solutions for the bath renovations. When they came across Advance Design Studio’s website, they were immediately drawn to the solution-oriented remodeling process and the family friendly company. They say they chose Advance Design because of the integrated approach of “Common Sense Remodeling”, making the design, project management and construction all happen in one place. When they met with Project Designer Michelle Lecinski, they knew they chose the right company. “Michelle’s excellent work on the initial designs made it easy to proceed with Advance Design Studio,” Mike said. Like most homeowners anticipating a big renovation project, they had some healthy fears; with two bathrooms being remodeled at the same time they worried about timeframes and staying within budget. With the help of Michelle, and the “Common Sense” guidelines, they were confident that Advance Design would stay true, orchestrating all the moving parts to stay within both the estimated timeline and budget. The guest bath offered the biggest design challenge. A dormer obstruction made the already cramped shower awkward to access. Mike and Anne also wanted the shower size to be expanded, making it more accommodating. Working with Advance’s construction expert DJ Yurik, Michelle relocated the shower concealing the original dormer and creating a larger, more comfortable and aesthetically pleasing guest shower. The unsightly and not at all user-friendly closet was removed and replaced with elegant White Maple Dura Supreme cabinetry with much improved function featuring dual tall linen cabinets, a special makeup area and two sinks, providing a dual vanity which was extremely important for better guest use. The Fossil Brown quartz countertop is in pleasing contrast to the white cabinetry, and coordinates nicely with the mocha porcelain tile gracing the shower for an accent. The decorative glazed turquoise tile backsplash, tile border, and bottle niche adds a taste of marine green to the room, while marble-looking porcelain tile makes guests feel they are staying in a 5-star hotel. Polished nickel Kohler plumbing fixtures were chosen to add a touch of sophistication. This renovated guest bath is comfortable and elegant, and Anne and Mike’s house guests may never want to leave! “The end result was updated and restyled bathrooms that the client will enjoy and increase the value of their home,” Designer Michelle said. The children’s hall bath had its own set of challenges. The current placement of the sink was not conducive to the best use of the existing space, nor did it allow for any visual interest, something Advance’s designers always work to achieve even within the tight confines of a small bath. Advance removed the linen closet and used the gain in wall space to create a dramatic focal point on the vanity wall. They also took additional space that wasn’t being used for new Storm Gray Dura Supreme tall built-in linen cabinets, creating functional storage space that the former bath lacked. A customized glass splash panel was created for the bath, and the high ceilings with skylights were accented with a custom-made track lighting fixture featuring industrial pipe and cage materials. Authentic cement encaustic tile was used wall to wall surrounding the vanity to create a dramatic and interesting back drop for the new elegant and stately furniture-like double sink wall. Hand-made encaustic tile originated in Western Europe beginning in the 1850’s and reminded Mike and Anne of tile they had seen and loved from their travels overseas. Today, encaustic tile has made a re-appearance in today’s modern bath design with its wide array of appealing patterns and artistic use of color. Oil rubbed bronze Kohler fixtures echo the black accents in the beautiful tile pattern and reflect the matte black of the unique lighting detail. Easy to maintain Blanca Arabescato Quartz countertops add practicality and natural beauty and compliments the warm wood porcelain tile floors. This handsome bath has generated praise from friends and family even before it’s complete unveiling as photos of the space leaked out on social media! It’s not only completely functional to use, but especially pretty to look at. “Advance Design Studio did a terrific job for us. We really appreciated how easy it was to work with them on a complex project of the complete remodeling of two bathrooms. They very capably handled all the details from design, to project management, to construction. It is a great group of people to work with and we would welcome the opportunity to work with them again anytime,” Mike said.

The quality of oil paint used can make a difference in how the painting looks over the years. As with canvas, it is important that the artist used only high quality, authentically environmental friendly (Formaldehyde-free) paints in the painting process, which ensure the paints durability without fading over years and no harm to human health in the room environment. We guarantee our artists only use high quality, authentically environmental friendly (Formaldehyde-free) paints in their 100% handmade paintings. Our warranty covers no color fading for 5 years although it actually can last for life time. We have the best warranty in the handmade oil painting industry.

Concrete look fireplace on drywall. Used authentic lime based Italian plaster.
Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary enclosed light wood floor, brown floor and tray ceiling family room remodel in Portland with beige walls, a standard fireplace, a concrete fireplace and a tv stand

Photos courtesy of Penofin partner Dreaming Creek - Authentic Architectural Timbering. Penofin Verde was used on all of the interior wood in this amazing home. http://www.dreamingcreek.com/

Recycling and reusing as many materials as possible was a way to bring the past and present harmoniously together. Recycled windows and doors were used, and even a section of the original beaded tongue and groove wall in the laundry. Everything needed to be authentic to the original design, and existing materials were used whereever possible.

Vince Lupo / Direction One, Inc.
Example of a classic medium tone wood floor enclosed dining room design in Baltimore with white walls, a standard fireplace and a stone fireplace

The quality of oil paint used can make a difference in how the painting looks over the years. As with canvas, it is important that the artist used only high quality, authentically environmental friendly (Formaldehyde-free) paints in the painting process, which ensure the paints durability without fading over years and no harm to human health in the room environment. We guarantee our artists only use high quality, authentically environmental friendly (Formaldehyde-free) paints in their 100% handmade paintings. Our warranty covers no color fading for 5 years although it actually can last for life time. We have the best warranty in the handmade oil painting industry.

Inspiration for a small timeless single-wall medium tone wood floor and brown floor kitchen pantry remodel in Chicago with an undermount sink, open cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, wood countertops, gray backsplash, marble backsplash, black appliances and brown countertops

The quality of oil paint used can make a difference in how the painting looks over the years. As with canvas, it is important that the artist used only high quality, authentically environmental friendly (Formaldehyde-free) paints in the painting process, which ensure the paints durability without fading over years and no harm to human health in the room environment. We guarantee our artists only use high quality, authentically environmental friendly (Formaldehyde-free) paints in their 100% handmade paintings. Our warranty covers no color fading for 5 years although it actually can last for life time. We have the best warranty in the handmade oil painting industry.

Reclaimed wood accent wall using our mixed width gray and brown. The mixed width takes a little more time to install, however it is our best seller because it looks awesome! We suggest laying out the wood first to get a good mix of colors and texture. Each board could tell a story. There is so much details and texture in our authentic reclaimed wood that walls like this always start a conversation with guests and become the focal point of any room.

Curtis and Peggy had been thinking of a kitchen remodel for quite some time, but they knew their house would have a unique set of challenges. Their older Victorian house was built in 1891. The kitchen cabinetry was original, and they wanted to keep the authenticity of their period home while adding modern comforts that would improve their quality of life. A friend recommended Advance Design Studio for their exceptional experience and quality of work. After meeting with designer Michelle Lecinski at Advance Design, they were confident they could partner with Advance to accomplish the unique kitchen renovation they’d been talking about for years. “We wanted to do the kitchen for a long, long time,” Curtis said. “(We asked ourselves) what are we actually going to do? How are we going to do this? And who are we going to find to do exactly what we want?” The goal for the project was to keep the home renovation and new kitchen feeling authentic to the time in which it was built. They desperately wanted the modern comforts that come with a larger refrigerator and the dishwasher that they never had! The old home was also a bit drafty so adding a fireplace, wall insulation and new windows became a priority. They very much wanted to create a comfortable hearth room adjacent to the kitchen, complete with old world brick. The original cabinetry had to go to make way for beautiful new kitchen cabinetry that appears as if it was a hundred years old, but with all the benefits of cutting-edge storage, self-closing drawers, and a brand-new look. “We just wanted to keep it old looking, but with some modern updates,” Peggy said. Dura Supreme Highland Cabinets with a Heritage Old World Painted Finish replaced the original 1891 cabinets. The hand-applied careful rubbed-off detailing makes these exquisite cabinets look as if they came from a far-gone era. Despite the small size of the kitchen, Peggy, Curtis and Michelle utilized every inch with custom cabinet sizes to increase storage capacity. The custom cabinets allowed for the addition of a 24” Fisher Paykel dishwasher with a concealing Dura Supreme door panel. Michelle was also able to work into the new design a larger 30” Fisher Paykel French refrigerator. “We made every ¼ inch count in this small space,” designer Michelle said. “Having the ability to custom size the cabinetry was the only way to achieve this.” “The kitchen essentially was designed around the Heartland Vintage range and oven,” says Michelle. A classic appliance that combines nostalgic beauty and craftsmanship for modern cooking, with nickel plated trim and elegantly shaped handles and legs; the not to miss range is a striking focal point of the entire room and an engaging conversation piece. Granite countertops in Kodiak Satin with subtle veining kept with the old-world style. The delicate porcelain La Vie Crackle Sonoma tile kitchen backsplash compliments the home’s style perfectly. A handcrafted passthrough designed to show off Peggy’s fine china was custom built by project carpenters Justin Davis and Jeff Dallain to physically and visually open the space. Additional storage was created in the custom panty room with Latte Edinburg cabinets, hand-made weathered wood shelving with authentic black iron brackets, and an intricate tin copper ceiling. Peggy and Curtis loved the idea of adding a Vermont stove to make the hearth-room not only functional, but a truly beckoning place to be. A stunning Bordeaux red Vermont Castings Stove with crisp black ventilation was chosen and combined with the authentic reclaimed Chicago brick wall. Advance’s talented carpenters custom-built elegant weathered shelves to house family memorabilia, installed carefully chosen barn sconces, and made the hearth room an inviting place to relax with a cup of coffee and a good book. “Peggy and Curtis’ project was so much fun to work on. Creating a space that looks and feels like it always belonged in this beautiful old Victorian home is a designer’s dream. To see the delight in their faces when they saw the design details coming together truly made it worth the time and effort that went into making the very compact kitchen space work”, said Michelle. “The result is an amazing custom kitchen, packed with functionality in every inch, nook and cranny!” exclaims Michelle. The renovation didn’t end with the kitchen. New Pella windows were added to help lessen the drafts. The removal of the original windows and trim necessitated the re-creation of hand-made corbels and trim details no longer available today. The talented carpenter team came to the rescue, crafting new pieces and masterfully finishing them as if they were always there. New custom gutters were formed and installed with a front entry rework necessary to accommodate the changes. The whole house functions better, but it still feels like the original 1891 home. “From start to finish it’s just a much better space than we used to have,” Peggy said. “Jeff and Justin were amazing.” Curtis added; “We were lucky to find Advance Design, because they really came through for us. I loved that they had everything in house, anything you needed to have done, they could do it”.

This stunning new build captured the ambience and history of Traditional Irish Living by integrating authentic antique fixtures, furnishings and mirrors that had once graced local heritage properties. It is punctuated by a stunning hand carved marble fireplace (Circa. 1700's) redeemed from a nearby historic home. Altogether the soothing honey, cream and caramel tones this elegantly furnished space create an atmosphere of calm serenity.

Photos courtesy of Penofin partner Dreaming Creek - Authentic Architectural Timbering. Penofin Verde was used on all of the interior wood in this amazing home. http://www.dreamingcreek.com/

Architect: Michelle Penn, AIA This barn home is modeled after an existing Nebraska barn in Lancaster County. Heating is by passive solar design, supplemented by a geothermal radiant floor system which is located under the wood floors in the hall. The railings are made from goat fencing and walls are tongue and groove pine. The paint color is Paper Mache AF-25 Benjamin Moore. Notice the traditional style interior transoms above the doors! Photo Credits: Jackson Studios

Photos courtesy of Penofin partner Dreaming Creek - Authentic Architectural Timbering. Penofin Verde was used on all of the interior wood in this amazing home. http://www.dreamingcreek.com

John I. Meyer, Jr. AIA LEED AP, principal of Meyer & Meyer, Inc. was recently awarded the 2014 Bulfinch Award for the renovation and restoration of the Admiral’s House, a classic Georgian home, in Newton, MA. Presented by the New England Chapter of the Institute of Classical Art and Architecture, the award recognizes the best work of individuals and firms to preserve and advance the classical tradition in New England. The award is named for Boston Architect Charles Bulfinch (1763-1844), America’s first native-born architect and designer of the Massachusetts State House. Meyer & Meyer, Inc. is an award-winning firm offering comprehensive architectural and interior design services. The firm has earned an impeccable reputation for design, detailing, and use of quality materials. Expertise ranges from authentic historical styles to innovative contemporary design. Richard Mandelkorn Photography

This Magnificent Spanish Colonial Estate Is An Exclusive 6,755 sq.ft. Custom Home in Thousand Oaks, CA. Mountain And Valley Vistas Unfold Along Entry Drive, Which Is Lined With A Charming Vineyard. This Sprawling 7.47 Acre Estate Boasts A Main House, A Guest Casita, Elegant Pool And Large Motor Courtyard With A Four-Bay Garage. This Custom Home's Architecture And Amenities Blend Exquisite Centuries-Old Detail And Craftsmanship With The Best of Today's Easy Living Style. The Spacious Interior Home Has Five Bedrooms With Suite Baths, Library Or Office, Game Room, Garden/Craft Room, Breakfast Room, Spacious Gourmet Kitchen And Large Family Room. The Master Suite With Private Retreat Or Gym Is Conveniently Located On The Entry Level. The Home Is Infused With Authentic Old World Charm Throughout. A Generous Use of Outdoor Covered Areas Create Delightful Living Spaces and Contribute To The Estate's Total 10,839 Square Feet of Covered Living Area.

For the portico addition as well as all the remaining exterior trim we used AZEK composite stock. This product allowed us to create authentic traditional details with the benefits of no maintenance.The use of mahogany bead board for the barrel ceiling and copper trim accents provide an elegant and inviting entry way

Photos courtesy of Penofin partner Dreaming Creek - Authentic Architectural Timbering. Penofin Verde was used on all of the interior wood in this amazing home. http://www.dreamingcreek.com/