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.”

Inspiration for a large timeless dark wood floor entryway remodel in Nashville with white walls and a dark wood front door

Julie Soefer
Inspiration for a coastal kitchen remodel in Houston

This Spanish Revival-inspired home in La Quinta, CA lends itself to today’s upscale desert homes and lifestyles, according to architect Frank Stolz, of Southcoast Architects. “The Estancia” that he recently designed as a second home for his client, the Taylors, blends the beauty and elegance of Old European architecture with contemporary elements that create a welcoming and comfortable desert oasis for family and friends. The 8,000 square foot home is located in the prestigious golf community of PGA West, which offers stunning views of this world class golf course and the Santa Rosa Mountains beyond. The front façade features a turnabout motor court surrounded by a water trough, which creates a relaxing, cooling effect for visitors as they arrive. The entry foyer is a point of welcome that leads guests into a gallery complimented on one side by a verdant courtyard that helps transcend the indoor/outdoor feel of the home. An expansive floor plan gives the great room a wide open feeling with stunning views of the golf course through the use of large pocket doors that fold back and open the home completely to the outdoors. The great room is flanked not only by the kitchen nook, but a large bar lounge that is the focal point for entertaining. One of the most unique spaces in the home is the dining room. “Our client asked us to create a dining experience that made them feel as if they were entertaining in a wine cellar without sacrificing their stunning view. “To achieve that, we used materials reminiscent of being in a cellar, which immediately led us to the Eldorado Stone brick line. Its tumbled, weathered style combined with an overgrout technique used in the installation gives it such a realistic look that it’s hard to believe it’s not centuries old brick we shipped from Europe.” Stolz adds, “The dramatic application of brick is used extensively in the space, covering the walls and the entire ceiling, which was designed in a barrel shape to create an even stronger wine cellar ambience.” Soffits were installed near the ceiling with a series of interesting brick patterns and then back lit to highlight the deep, rich colors found in the brick. “For an added touch we created a wine cellar below the dining room that can be seen through a glass floor. By doing so, we were able to visually bring the wine and the cellar up to the dining experience.” “The Taylors love everything about their new home,” says Stolz. “We captured the look and feel of what they wanted by carefully blending the old with the new and using materials like Eldorado Brick to achieve our design goals.” Eldorado Brick Profile Featured: Cassis ModenaBrick with an overgrout technique Builder: Peter Jacobs Homes, La Quinta, CA Phone: 760-777-9921 Architect: Frank Stolz, Southcoast Architects, Newport Beach, CA Website: www.southcoastarchitects.com Interior Designer: Jeanette Kyser, Kyser Interiors, Inc., Irvine, CA Website: www.kyserinteriors.com

Nantucket Architectural Photography
Example of a large beach style kitchen design in Boston

Siding and Timbers: Product - ranchwood™. Profile - random width shiplap. Color - Yellowstone. Texture - Circle saw.
Inspiration for a rustic home design remodel in Salt Lake City

ARNOLD Masonry and Landscape - Come view our website! https://www.arnoldmasonryandlandscape.com 770-345-2686 Drone video highlighting a complete outdoor living backyard makeover. Project included many masonry hardscape and landscape construction facets for our Sandy Springs, Atlanta, GA. Clients. • A large 20’ x 35’ flagstone patio and walkway to start on this open canvas. • A large custom Tennessee fieldstone outdoor fireplace with side benches. • An adjacent custom outdoor kitchen including new grill, Green Egg, ice maker, refrigerator and cabinets. • A custom cedar pergola. • A custom-built putting green w/ 3 holes and side “Chipper”. • Fieldstone border walls for all landscape accents. • Low voltage night lighting throughout project. • Custom complete landscape w/ dry creek beds. • New water, electrical and natural gas runs to projects. From DREAM to CONCEPT to REALITY since 1985! Atlanta's Award-Winning Outdoor Living, Masonry Landscape & Hardscape Company. We are artisans that provide top quality construction and superior service with a commitment to adding value and enjoyment to your home. CONTACT US! – https://www.arnoldmasonryandlandscape.com/contact/ ARNOLD Masonry and Landscape ARNOLD Masonry and Landscape,your premier Atlanta Hardscape, Landscape, Stonescape and Home Renovation Contractor Firm

On the costs of painted wood vs drywall: “You can go with ugly drywall but if you go with level 5 (nice) drywall that stuff is expensive. Obviously it is more for the wood (materials and labor) but it’s not out of reach for a lot of people. It makes a HUGE difference and there is a HUGE impact with it. It’s like night and day!” ************************************************************************* Buffalo Lumber specializes in Custom Milled, Factory Finished Wood Siding and Paneling. We ONLY do real wood.

The interior of this home blurs the line between modern and traditional, forging a relaxed living environment. The arched, copper porch, which features Eldorado Stone’s modern LedgeCut33, creates an inviting presentation with its continuous linear pattern displayed throughout this residence. Additionally, Eldorado Stone’s Sage LegdeCut33 adds a modern element with its lines while its cool color palette blends into the surrounding elements, which allows the home to reveal itself progressively. Builder: Zetterberg Custom Homes & Remodels Website: www.zetterberg.com Phone: (253) 770-1730 Facebook: Zetterberg Custom Homes and Remodeling

How do you update a standard 70's house into a classic Mediterranean home? Morey Remodeling Group achieved this goal with the richness, texture, and warmth provided by Eldorado Stone’s products. As a favorite “go-to” stone veneer of their designers, the beautiful, authentic look and feel of Orchard Cypress Ridge was selected and installed with an over-grout technique throughout the residence. It is featured on the front door entrance, indoor fireplace walls, interior archways and indoor/outdoor living room. The delighted homeowners have successfully brought the Mediterranean to their Long Beach, CA home… and are living happily ever after. Eldorado Stone Profile Featured: Orchard Cypress Ridge installed with an over-grout technique Design & Build: Morey Construction Website: www.moreyconstructiongroup.com Phone: (562) 425-1321 Houzz Portfolio: Morey Construction Facebook: Morey Construction Photography: David Nicholson Photography Website: www.davidnicholsonphotography.com Phone: (310) 994-7828

Inspiration for a small timeless master white tile and subway tile bathroom remodel in Boston with a pedestal sink, beaded inset cabinets, gray cabinets and blue walls

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.”

Darlene Halaby
Living room - large contemporary formal and open concept light wood floor living room idea in Orange County with multicolored walls, a ribbon fireplace, a tile fireplace and no tv

Glass balustrades are a great way to zone a living room without putting any heavy walls up. This way you can see straight out into the garden and you have a beautiful, bright workspace. The warm tone of the wooden flooring adds a nother element to the space with its light aesthetic. Large rooms done in white, look bigger but can feel cold. Adding in warm tones and dark contrasting materials is a great way to bring depth back to a bright space. You can afford to go dark when you have a large open plan white space. Be brave with colour and you wont regret it! Looking for help with a project? Contact us through our Houzz profile or our website at www.granit.co.uk

Caitlin Mogridge
Mid-sized eclectic single-wall concrete floor and white floor open concept kitchen photo in London with a single-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, concrete countertops, white backsplash, brick backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and gray countertops

Ed Butera
Example of a minimalist home bar design in Other

Example of a 1960s hallway design in Los Angeles

David Dietrich
Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary light wood floor and brown floor entryway remodel in Charlotte with beige walls and a light wood front door

This residence boasts many amazing features, but one that stands out in specific is the dual sided fireplace clad in Eldorado Stone’s Black River Stacked Stone. Adding stone to the fireplace automatically creates a dramatic focal point and compliments the interior decor by mixing natural and artificial elements, contrasting colors, as well as incorporating a variety of textures. By weaving in stone as architectural accents throughout the the home, the interior and the exterior seamlessly flow into one another and the project as a whole becomes an architectural masterpiece. Designer: Contour Interior Design, LLC Website: www.contourinteriordesign.com Builder: Capital Builders Website: www.capitalbuildreshouston.com Eldorado Stone Profile Featured: Black River Stacked Stone installed with a Dry-Stack grout technique