Quality craftsmanship, superior service, and communication go hand in hand with cost management and integrity as the key ingredients for building a home. For over 25 years, Vanco Construction has built the dreams of homeowners in Short Hills, NJ., as well as in the surrounding Morris County communities of Mendham, Bernardsville, Basking Ridge and New Vernon. "Our approach begins with a clear understanding that producing a dream project is a team effort," explains Steve Vanadia, president of Vanco Construction. "The homeowner, builder, architect and interior designer must work as a team."

CLIENT ISSUES/PROBLEMS o Large property with variety of native and foreign species o requires expertise and thorough understanding of gardening to ensure property maintenance o regular functions held on weekends, require coordination to ensure all aspects of required gardening are addressed MOMENTOUS APPROACH o 6 year maintenance client o weekly maintenance scheduled for end of week to ensure property looks it’s best for weekend functions o recommendation of plants and soil for areas needing replacement or additions o consistent crew leader to ensure development of relationship with client o treatment of plants for pests/mites/insects (IPM Certified Staff) RESULTS o Well maintained property that shows amazing colour and interest year-round o Strong relationship between Momentous Impressions and Client, allowing for ease of communication and quick follow-up for client requests

This classic estate sits on over 30 acres of land. Fairfield House & Garden managed all the site work, hardscape, and plantings. As you travel up the long, curved driveway you approach the limestone-enclosed cobblestone parking courtyard complete with granite paver inlays. This grand courtyard allowed for the placement of Specimen Columnar Purple Beech Trees as well as Hydrangea, Roses, Boxwoods and Holly. The back of the home consists of two formal sod panel lawns with perimeters of white marble stabilized gravel paths. Adjacent to the timeless Japanese Maple tree is a 70ft formal fountain. Continuing down the stunning stone staircase that is surrounded by lush plantings, you are led to a sprawling great lawn.

This highly unique entryway is found on the Colorado Parade of Homes Best Home for 2005. This door was inspired by a combination of Cubism as well as traditional Japanese motif. Raleigh Renfree, in true homage to masters such as Braques, combines block, plane, texture, light, and shadow to create a dynamic landscape that transforms from a traditional Japanese Bonsai into pure form as you approach. This piece came to life over three months and was constructed out of multiple solid mahogany blocks. Perhaps Renfree’s greatest work to date, this piece dares to question the very nature of a door. Taking a conventionally two-dimensional space and transforming it into a three-dimensional objet d’art, the Cubistic Bonsai Sunrise alchemizes a mere entryway into an elegant threshold in an expansion of the possibilities of architectural art.

This project consisted of a full refurbishment of the ground floor of a seventies villa. After having lived there for around 30 years, the couple approached us to upgrade their family home to a more contemporary style that is better adapted to their current way of life. We did this by creating a more open plan living and dining space, as well as extending the new kitchen space out into the garden to create a better connection to the outdoors. The staircase was closed off on the ground floor level to conceal a much needed storage space and cloakroom area. In so doing, the extensively large entrance hall was given a cosier feel, making it altogether more welcoming. The previously stiff formal room, on the left-hand side of the entrance, was transformed into a secondary living space for the couples’ daughters and their friends. Lighter curtains and soft furnishings were introduced, while a pale blue colour on the walls offset the clients’ antique pieces with a fresher backdrop giving the room a more welcoming feel.

This classic estate sits on over 30 acres of land. Fairfield House & Garden managed all the site work, hardscape, and plantings. As you travel up the long, curved driveway you approach the limestone-enclosed cobblestone parking courtyard complete with granite paver inlays. This grand courtyard allowed for the placement of Specimen Columnar Purple Beech Trees as well as Hydrangea, Roses, Boxwoods and Holly. The back of the home consists of two formal sod panel lawns with perimeters of white marble stabilized gravel paths. Adjacent to the timeless Japanese Maple tree is a 70ft formal fountain. Continuing down the stunning stone staircase that is surrounded by lush plantings, you are led to a sprawling great lawn.

This project consisted of a full refurbishment of the ground floor of a seventies villa. After having lived there for around 30 years, the couple approached us to upgrade their family home to a more contemporary style that is better adapted to their current way of life. We did this by creating a more open plan living and dining space, as well as extending the new kitchen space out into the garden to create a better connection to the outdoors. The staircase was closed off on the ground floor level to conceal a much needed storage space and cloakroom area. In so doing, the extensively large entrance hall was given a cosier feel, making it altogether more welcoming. The previously stiff formal room, on the left-hand side of the entrance, was transformed into a secondary living space for the couples’ daughters and their friends. Lighter curtains and soft furnishings were introduced, while a pale blue colour on the walls offset the clients’ antique pieces with a fresher backdrop giving the room a more welcoming feel.

Our clients built this home with breathtaking water views of Lake Sammamish in the early 80s. The homeowners approached us to redesign their living room, family room, as well as create an office space, and a powder room all in time for their daughter’s wedding. Luckily, this project was right up our alley. The end result is a living room with breathtaking views of Lake Sammamish that the homeowners now can enjoy, while sitting on a brand new perfectly arranged furniture. Tall custom drapery panels frame the windows, providing softness and elegance to the room. The newly designed family room boasts a brand-new fireplace, a custom built-in unit specifically designed to hide the audio-visual equipment, and enough space for the homeowners to display their cherishable possessions. Want to see this space before it was done? Head to our blog https://www.bypopov.com/single-post/2018/10/04/LAKE-VIEW-Before-after

Mark Hoyle Originally, this 3700 SF two level eclectic farmhouse from the mid 1980’s underwent design changes to reflect a more colonial style. Now, after being completely renovated with additional 2800 SF living space, it’s combined total of 6500 SF boasts an Energy Star certification of 5 stars. Approaching this completed home, you will meander along a new driveway through the dense buffer of trees until you reach the clearing, and then circle a tiered fountain on axis with the front entry accentuating the symmetrical main structure. Many of the exterior changes included enclosing the front porch and rear screened porch, replacing windows, replacing all the vinyl siding with and fiber cement siding, creating a new front stoop with winding brick stairs and wrought iron railings as will as other additions to the left and rear of the home. The existing interior was completely fro the studs and included modifying uses of many of the existing rooms such as converting the original dining room into an oval shaped theater with reclining theater seats, fiber-optic starlight ceiling and an 80” television with built-in surround sound. The laundry room increased in size by taking in the porch and received all new cabinets and finishes. The screened porch across the back of the house was enclosed to create a new dining room, enlarged the kitchen, all of which allows for a commanding view of the beautifully landscaped pool. The upper master suite begins by entering a private office then leads to a newly vaulted bedroom, a new master bathroom with natural light and an enlarged closet. The major portion of the addition space was added to the left side as a part time home for the owner’s brother. This new addition boasts an open plan living, dining and kitchen, a master suite with a luxurious bathroom and walk–in closet, a guest suite, a garage and its own private gated brick courtyard entry and direct access to the well appointed pool patio. And finally the last part of the project is the sunroom and new lagoon style pool. Tucked tightly against the rear of the home. This room was created to feel like a gazebo including a metal roof and stained wood ceiling, the foundation of this room was constructed with the pool to insure the look as if it is floating on the water. The pool’s negative edge opposite side allows open views of the trees beyond. There is a natural stone waterfall on one side of the pool and a shallow area on the opposite side for lounge chairs to be placed in it along with a hot tub that spills into the pool. The coping completes the pool’s natural shape and continues to the patio utilizing the same stone but separated by Zoysia grass keeping the natural theme. The finishing touches to this backyard oasis is completed utilizing large boulders, Tempest Torches, architectural lighting and abundant variety of landscaping complete the oasis for all to enjoy.

Soft gray cabinetry and a dark wood island create a balanced contrast in this transitional kitchen by Bradford & Kent. A broad white island countertop provides space for preparation and casual seating, with an integrated sink keeping the work area central. An oversized lantern pendant adds a sculptural focal point, while two skylights bring natural light into the room. Stainless steel appliances and a coordinating range hood complement the gray palette. White horizontal backsplash detailing and light wood flooring brighten the space, with warm metallic accents adding a finishing touch.

We began by lightening the space up with a whole unit paint job and lighter engineered wood floors. This lighter space gave us a great foundation for the relaxing feel the client wanted. To address the irregular room shape, we use a layered rug approach. We perched a new relaxing cushy sectional with a chaise to allow for optimal visibility and flow in the space. The natural tone wood coffee table grounded the family room space. The swivel chair allows for enjoying the beautiful city views as well as conversing within the space. We utilized the existing ripple fold hardware and installed new blue/gray custom ripple fold draperies. Accent furniture, art and accessories finish off the soft transitional look with beach-inspired colors featuring the client's unique art.

This project consisted of a full refurbishment of the ground floor of a seventies villa. After having lived there for around 30 years, the couple approached us to upgrade their family home to a more contemporary style that is better adapted to their current way of life. We did this by creating a more open plan living and dining space, as well as extending the new kitchen space out into the garden to create a better connection to the outdoors. The staircase was closed off on the ground floor level to conceal a much needed storage space and cloakroom area. In so doing, the extensively large entrance hall was given a cosier feel, making it altogether more welcoming. The previously stiff formal room, on the left-hand side of the entrance, was transformed into a secondary living space for the couples’ daughters and their friends. Lighter curtains and soft furnishings were introduced, while a pale blue colour on the walls offset the clients’ antique pieces with a fresher backdrop giving the room a more welcoming feel.

This project consisted of a full refurbishment of the ground floor of a seventies villa. After having lived there for around 30 years, the couple approached us to upgrade their family home to a more contemporary style that is better adapted to their current way of life. We did this by creating a more open plan living and dining space, as well as extending the new kitchen space out into the garden to create a better connection to the outdoors. The staircase was closed off on the ground floor level to conceal a much needed storage space and cloakroom area. In so doing, the extensively large entrance hall was given a cosier feel, making it altogether more welcoming. The previously stiff formal room, on the left-hand side of the entrance, was transformed into a secondary living space for the couples’ daughters and their friends. Lighter curtains and soft furnishings were introduced, while a pale blue colour on the walls offset the clients’ antique pieces with a fresher backdrop giving the room a more welcoming feel.

Photo by Jody Dole John R. Schroeder, AIA is a professional design firm specializing in architecture, interiors, and planning. We have over 30 years experience with projects of all types, sizes, and levels of complexity. Because we love what we do, we approach our work with enthusiasm and dedication. We are committed to the highest level of design and service on each and every project. We engage our clients in positive and rewarding collaborations. We strive to exceed expectations through our attention to detail, our understanding of the “big picture”, and our ability to effectively manage a team of design professionals, industry representatives, and building contractors. We carefully analyze budgets and project objectives to assist clients with wise fund allocation. We continually monitor and research advances in technology, materials, and construction methods, both sustainable and otherwise, to provide a responsible, well-suited, and cost effective product. Our design solutions are highly functional using both innovative and traditional approaches. Our aesthetic style is flexible and open, blending cues from client desires, building function, site context, and material properties, making each project unique, personalized, and enduring.

Carney Properties & Investment Group did it again! This beautiful home they have created features an expansive open floor plan, an absolutely to-die-for view, and luxurious interior features that will surely captivate. Lovely home, great job! As you can see our kitchen is a single wall design with a large island for entertaining and meal preparation, and features a two-tone color combo that is becoming ever so popular. The large one-plane island is becoming a standard design these days over the raised bar top style, as it provides one large working surface if needed, as well as keeps the room open and does not partition the kitchen and the living room, allowing for a more free-flowing entertainment space. The bathrooms take a more elegant, transitional approach over the contemporary kitchen, definitely giving off a spa-like feel in each. The master bathroom boasts a beautifully tiled shower area, which compliments the white cabinetry and black countertops very well, and definitely makes for a grand impression when entering. Cabinetry: All rooms - Kith Kitchens - Door Style: Benton, Color: Vintage Slate, Bright White w/ Grey Brushstroke, Bright White Hardware: Atlas Homewares - 874-BN, 4011-BN

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.”

This project consisted of a full refurbishment of the ground floor of a seventies villa. After having lived there for around 30 years, the couple approached us to upgrade their family home to a more contemporary style that is better adapted to their current way of life. We did this by creating a more open plan living and dining space, as well as extending the new kitchen space out into the garden to create a better connection to the outdoors. The staircase was closed off on the ground floor level to conceal a much needed storage space and cloakroom area. In so doing, the extensively large entrance hall was given a cosier feel, making it altogether more welcoming. The previously stiff formal room, on the left-hand side of the entrance, was transformed into a secondary living space for the couples’ daughters and their friends. Lighter curtains and soft furnishings were introduced, while a pale blue colour on the walls offset the clients’ antique pieces with a fresher backdrop giving the room a more welcoming feel.

This classic estate sits on over 30 acres of land. Fairfield House & Garden managed all the site work, hardscape, and plantings. As you travel up the long, curved driveway you approach the limestone-enclosed cobblestone parking courtyard complete with granite paver inlays. This grand courtyard allowed for the placement of Specimen Columnar Purple Beech Trees as well as Hydrangea, Roses, Boxwoods and Holly. The back of the home consists of two formal sod panel lawns with perimeters of white marble stabilized gravel paths. Adjacent to the timeless Japanese Maple tree is a 70ft formal fountain. Continuing down the stunning stone staircase that is surrounded by lush plantings, you are led to a sprawling great lawn.

This project consisted of a full refurbishment of the ground floor of a seventies villa. After having lived there for around 30 years, the couple approached us to upgrade their family home to a more contemporary style that is better adapted to their current way of life. We did this by creating a more open plan living and dining space, as well as extending the new kitchen space out into the garden to create a better connection to the outdoors. The staircase was closed off on the ground floor level to conceal a much needed storage space and cloakroom area. In so doing, the extensively large entrance hall was given a cosier feel, making it altogether more welcoming. The previously stiff formal room, on the left-hand side of the entrance, was transformed into a secondary living space for the couples’ daughters and their friends. Lighter curtains and soft furnishings were introduced, while a pale blue colour on the walls offset the clients’ antique pieces with a fresher backdrop giving the room a more welcoming feel.