This kitchen remodel was designed to make a statement—balancing bold character with refined craftsmanship to create a space that’s both highly functional and visually unforgettable. At the heart of the design is a striking contrast palette. Crisp white perimeter cabinetry keeps the space bright and open, while rich black lower cabinets and a substantial island ground the room with depth and sophistication. The oversized island serves as both a functional workspace and a central gathering point, topped with a dramatic stone surface that adds movement and texture. The flooring plays a defining role in the overall aesthetic. A custom black-and-white patterned tile layout introduces energy and personality, transforming the kitchen into a true design centerpiece while maintaining a timeless appeal. This bold foundation is thoughtfully balanced by clean lines, classic shaker cabinetry, and elegant hardware selections. Functionality was a key driver throughout the project. The layout maximizes workflow efficiency with dedicated zones for cooking, prep, and cleanup. A professional-grade range anchors the island, while the farmhouse sink positioned beneath large windows brings in natural light and enhances the everyday experience. Custom storage solutions—including extended cabinetry, integrated dish storage, and built-in appliance areas—ensure everything has its place without compromising the clean aesthetic. Lighting was carefully layered to elevate both form and function. Statement pendant fixtures above the island add architectural interest, while recessed lighting provides consistent illumination throughout the space. The result is a kitchen that feels both elevated and livable—where bold design choices meet practical everyday use. It’s a space designed not just to cook in, but to gather, entertain, and truly enjoy.

A meticulously designed contemporary laundry room at Modern Living at Versailles combines high-end functionality with sleek aesthetics. The space features custom cabinetry with warm wood finishes, quartz countertops, and built-in organizational systems for seamless workflow. Energy-efficient Speed Queen appliances (washer/dryer) integrate with smart home controls via a wall-mounted tablet. Design details include zero-threshold access flooring, LED task lighting, and concealed folding stations that maintain the room’s minimalist appeal.

Casey Chapman Ross Photography
Inspiration for a contemporary kitchen remodel in Austin

Every kitchen remodel is rewarding, but when we saw the skylights go in the new vaulted ceiling on this job it was a STUNNING improvement! So much spaciousness and natural light, we love it. Also featured are the fantastic custom cabinets, and new appliances. A better workflow, an island table for extra workspace and an improved view into the dining area were part of the project as well. The clients tell us that many days, they don't even turn the lights on until evening. LOVE it!

This kitchen remodel was designed to make a statement—balancing bold character with refined craftsmanship to create a space that’s both highly functional and visually unforgettable. At the heart of the design is a striking contrast palette. Crisp white perimeter cabinetry keeps the space bright and open, while rich black lower cabinets and a substantial island ground the room with depth and sophistication. The oversized island serves as both a functional workspace and a central gathering point, topped with a dramatic stone surface that adds movement and texture. The flooring plays a defining role in the overall aesthetic. A custom black-and-white patterned tile layout introduces energy and personality, transforming the kitchen into a true design centerpiece while maintaining a timeless appeal. This bold foundation is thoughtfully balanced by clean lines, classic shaker cabinetry, and elegant hardware selections. Functionality was a key driver throughout the project. The layout maximizes workflow efficiency with dedicated zones for cooking, prep, and cleanup. A professional-grade range anchors the island, while the farmhouse sink positioned beneath large windows brings in natural light and enhances the everyday experience. Custom storage solutions—including extended cabinetry, integrated dish storage, and built-in appliance areas—ensure everything has its place without compromising the clean aesthetic. Lighting was carefully layered to elevate both form and function. Statement pendant fixtures above the island add architectural interest, while recessed lighting provides consistent illumination throughout the space. The result is a kitchen that feels both elevated and livable—where bold design choices meet practical everyday use. It’s a space designed not just to cook in, but to gather, entertain, and truly enjoy.

This 1,000ft² recording and production studio, built in 2021 for producer couple Latifah Alattas and Lucas Morton, was designed as a fully custom creative environment that supports writing, mixing, and collaboration at the highest level. Both Latifah and Lucas are multi-instrumentalists, engineers, and mixers, and the studio reflects the full range of their workflows—visually inspiring, technically precise, and intuitive in every room. The facility was built from the ground up with a strong emphasis on architectural acoustics and plug-and-play connectivity. The layout includes two Control Rooms, multiple isolation booths, and shared common spaces, all tied together with seamless audio integration. No matter where you are in the studio, routing, monitoring, and communication remain effortless and consistent. Behind the aesthetic, the acoustic design is exceptionally robust. Six independent floating-floor systems support the suites, ensuring each room operates with minimal sound transmission. Tailored sound-reducing wall assemblies, full-lite doors, engineered window systems, and intentional treatment plans deliver clarity, isolation, and precision for tracking and mixing. Each space is mechanically decoupled, allowing multiple rooms to run simultaneously without compromise. For monitoring, both Latifah and Lucas chose Genelec “The Ones” series monitors with GLM calibration to ensure accurate translation and consistency across the entire facility. Natural light and a warm, welcoming aesthetic anchor the visual identity of the studio, reflecting the creative energy and personality of its owners. The result is a highly functional, beautifully crafted space where ideas can move freely and production can happen without limitations.

Built by Schumacher Homes, America's Largest Custom Home Builder, this stunning Santa Barbara American Tradition model home in Columbia, South Carolina, effortlessly balances classic architectural character with contemporary modern design. It is no wonder this spacious open-concept layout is a homeowner favorite, keeping families connected across shared living spaces while offering a peaceful, private retreat for parents. The main living areas feature stunning vaulted ceilings anchored by rich structural box beams spanning the great room and kitchen, beautifully drawing the eye upward. Elevated interior design elements, including custom wood plank walls and crisp shiplap ceiling details, bring incredible texture and high-end architectural detail to the space. The gourmet kitchen boasts an expansive walk-in pantry uniquely designed with its own window, flooding the storage area with natural light. Designed with unparalleled convenience in mind, the smart floor plan features a direct-access layout where the main laundry room connects seamlessly into the massive walk-in closet of the luxurious primary suite. Serving as the ultimate sanctuary, the quiet owner's retreat offers a private oasis to unwind. Off the main entry, a high-ceiling flex room with an impressive 11-foot plate height creates an airy, grand first impression. This versatile bonus space is open to interpretation—whether used as a formal dining room, a music room, or a kids' playroom—and currently displays a custom built-in desk and open shelving for maximum storage and a productive home office setup. Combining highly sought-after custom millwork, airy high ceilings, and an exceptionally practical family workflow, this customizable floor plan provides exceptional custom home inspiration for modern family living.

This elegant galley kitchen remodel focuses on clean lines, timeless finishes, and smart functionality. Custom shaker-style cabinetry maximizes storage while maintaining a bright, open feel. The quartz countertops and full-height backsplash create a seamless, modern look that’s both durable and easy to maintain. Recessed lighting combined with wall sconces adds layered lighting for a warm and inviting atmosphere. The layout was carefully designed to improve workflow, featuring integrated appliances and thoughtful details that elevate everyday use.

This modern transitional kitchen remodel combines timeless design with everyday functionality. Featuring custom white shaker cabinetry, sleek black quartz countertops and backsplash, matte black hardware, a professional-grade range, and warm wood-look flooring, this space feels bright, open, and inviting. Every detail was thoughtfully designed to maximize storage, improve workflow, and create a clean, sophisticated aesthetic built to stand the test of time.

A bulky butcher block island was removed to increase workflow in the kitchen. The off-white cabinets and dark granite countertops were replaced with custom white stacked cabinets in a Dempsey shaker door style and Cambria quartz Berwyn countertops that were inspired by the peaks and ridges of a rugged mountain range. Paired beautifully with the quartz countertops was a full-height shimmering gray subway tile backsplash. New stainless and black appliances from GE and Sharp coordinated nicely with the elegant cabinet pulls and a gooseneck faucet that was positioned proudly over a Vigo 30” single basin sink. Brushed nickel lighting fixtures complete the look. Progressive repainted the kitchen and the rest of the common areas in a creamy white (Sherwin Williams #7012) on both the walls and the ceilings. The new 6″ Chale Miele Wood Plank Porcelain flooring was installed throughout the house to seamlessly blend the living spaces together.

"From the very beginning, it was obvious that Kerry Taylor is a creative, calm, solution oriented person who deals with challenges extremely well. His professionalism, knowledge, and work ethic are exemplary and his crew mirrors every one of those qualities. From structural problems that required immediate resolution to working around other contractors (flooring, windows), to everyday cleanup and protection of our surroundings, they did it all. Kerry designed and built special structures to support the cabinet crown moldings that we had purchased and which turned out not to be as we expected. We hadn't decided on everything ahead of time and the necessary resulting change orders were very decently priced and well documented in his invoices and receipts. He came in absolutely on budget and on time because he knows how to efficiently manage a project so that the workflow is smooth. We will absolutely call on him for future projects." ~ Avis D, Client Single bowl sink, double faucets, under cabinet led lighting, TV center, key cabinet, spice rack pull out, toe kick drawer, rollouts, stainless steel hood, pendant, solar tube, appliance garage. Photo by: Kerry W. Taylor

This 3,738 Square Foot custom home resides on a lush, wooded hillside overlooking Arbutus Lake. The clients wanted to thoughtfully combine a “lodge” and “cottage” feel to their space. The home’s style has been affectionately and effectively called “Cott-odge” A beautiful blend of neutrals compose the home’s color palette to reflect the surrounding setting’s stone, sands, woods and water. White casework and rustic knotty beams round out the careful blend of “cott-odge” style. The great room’s multi-colored ledge stone fireplace and large beams create a cozy space to gather with family, while the efficient kitchen adorned with custom cabinetry accommodates optimal work-flow. The pairing of the varied styles creates an inviting lakeside, family retreat.

This small and narrow kitchen design focused on maximizing storage and infusing charm to create a functional space tailored for the couple’s busy hosting lifestyle. Despite its size, the kitchen boasts smart functionality and thoughtful features that elevate its appeal. Appliances were strategically relocated to ensure the best possible workflow.

Opposite side island workstation fitted with dual basin sink, tall pull-down spray faucet and integrated under-counter dishwasher. Full-height tall storage cabinet is set beside the entry door for pantry storage, while oversized floor windows overlook city skyline. This layout separates washing, prepping and cooking zones reasonably, improving kitchen workflow and catering to high-end resident living demands in Panama downtown high-rise.

This 1,000ft² recording and production studio, built in 2021 for producer couple Latifah Alattas and Lucas Morton, was designed as a fully custom creative environment that supports writing, mixing, and collaboration at the highest level. Both Latifah and Lucas are multi-instrumentalists, engineers, and mixers, and the studio reflects the full range of their workflows—visually inspiring, technically precise, and intuitive in every room. The facility was built from the ground up with a strong emphasis on architectural acoustics and plug-and-play connectivity. The layout includes two Control Rooms, multiple isolation booths, and shared common spaces, all tied together with seamless audio integration. No matter where you are in the studio, routing, monitoring, and communication remain effortless and consistent. Behind the aesthetic, the acoustic design is exceptionally robust. Six independent floating-floor systems support the suites, ensuring each room operates with minimal sound transmission. Tailored sound-reducing wall assemblies, full-lite doors, engineered window systems, and intentional treatment plans deliver clarity, isolation, and precision for tracking and mixing. Each space is mechanically decoupled, allowing multiple rooms to run simultaneously without compromise. For monitoring, both Latifah and Lucas chose Genelec “The Ones” series monitors with GLM calibration to ensure accurate translation and consistency across the entire facility. Natural light and a warm, welcoming aesthetic anchor the visual identity of the studio, reflecting the creative energy and personality of its owners. The result is a highly functional, beautifully crafted space where ideas can move freely and production can happen without limitations.

After six years of living in their Huntley IL home, Chris and Meghan were tired of their dark, dingy, outdated kitchen and it was finally time for a long-anticipated change. “The kitchen is the place where we live, it’s where we do everything,” Meghan said. “It was important that it be a space where we wanted to be.” Meghan loves cooking and enjoys including their girls in healthy meal prepping, this led them to want a brighter, more enjoyable kitchen with increased functionality and improved storage. For Chris especially, the laundry room was an entirely dysfunctional eyesore. “We had a washer and a dryer, but it was all kind-of cobbled together!” Chris said. “There were always laundry piles everywhere, we weren’t really sure what we wanted to do in there, but it was time for us to make a change.” The mess of the space was stressful every time they walked in the door from the garage each day. Kids’ backpacks and shoes piled up haphazardly in the makeshift boot-bench closet left the family feeling disorganized and stressed. They needed space for folding clothes and locker cubbies to help keep the family organized. Having known Christine and Todd in the Huntley community for years, Chris and Meghan were familiar with their work. “We already trusted them personally and having seen their projects for years we knew they did top notch work. After we reviewed the initial round of designs, we knew that hiring them was definitely the right choice,” Meghan and Chris said. Although Chris had done a lot of work in their home himself, the kitchen and laundry room renovation was such a large undertaking that he didn’t want to steal time away from his family to spend what would surely be many long weekends doing the job himself. “That would not have been a wise choice for us,” Chris laughed. “Our designer, Michelle was very, very, easy to work with; anything we wanted to see or weren’t sure about, she went above and beyond to make this easy for us. She was easy to get hold of and always quick to respond,” the couple said. Michelle pulled ideas that mirrored the couple’s taste and style and was adept at directing the couple to limited choices that didn’t overwhelm them and kept the process moving. “I have a hard time making decisions. Michelle made the decision-making process so easy. I loved how she listened to what I liked and then presented three great options for me to choose from,” Meghan said. The main objectives for the kitchen were better storage solutions, they wanted the space to reflect their lifestyle and taste, and they wanted it to last for years with low maintenance. One of the first steps in creating a more functional kitchen was relocating the refrigerator, creating an improved workflow for the busy family. “We didn’t know that we could even move the refrigerator to a new location where it is now, that was something that we never would have thought of,” Chris said. “The new refrigerator location makes the kitchen feel so much bigger. We didn’t add any space, but our whole kitchen with the new design just seems like it’s so much larger than before!” Meghan said. The perimeter mist colored cabinets helped warm and brighten the entire room, while the graphite colored cabinets on the island added contrast. Using this fresh, clean color palette satisfied the couple’s desire for a bright space that was the exact opposite of what they had before. Organization accessories were also added to the cabinets such as a spice drawer tray and roll outs to create hidden convenience. “I absolutely love the hidden spices – it makes cooking so much more enjoyable!” Chris said. “And all the pull outs, and the double trash bin, who would think you could get so excited about organization!” the couple said in unison. One thing they hated in their original kitchen was how dark the space felt. Added lighting on the ceiling with the new light fixtures combined with the lighter cabinetry colors throughout solved this problem. “Our new kitchen has this warm, almost cozy feeling that our old kitchen never had, it’s just a space that I love spending my time in now,” Meghan said. The light airy feeling was accentuated with the use of floating white shelves on either side of the decorative range hood. “We have so much cabinetry space, the new design is amazing we actually have more storage space than we will ever need,” Meghan said. The island was extended to create more work surface and added space for stool seating. “The new island changes how we live. Now the kids can be in the kitchen with us, doing homework, eating breakfast, and the three of us have special dinners there when Chris is working late,” Meghan said. The Carrara Marmi Quartz countertops were chosen because they are, not only beautiful, but are made from hard-working material that doesn’t require maintenance. The white subway tile backsplash that wraps to the ceiling behind the focal point cooktop range/hood compliments the crisp white countertops perfectly, while brushed brass hardware and light fixtures keep the design fresh and new. The couple had a few fears at the beginning of the project, as most homeowners do. Their biggest fear was being out of their kitchen and laundry room for an extended time. The crew made it very easy for the family to work in a limited space keeping the washer and dryer hooked up the majority of the time, and also getting appliances working with minimal downtime. “They above and beyond accommodated us to get us through the process,” Meghan said. “They did a great job making sure we were as comfortable as possible throughout the process,” Chris added. “Our project manager DJ did a great job. He was very good at updating us on schedule changes, getting guys in as quickly as possible. Everyone that stepped in the house was nice and did great work,” said Chris. They thought Advance’s carpenter was phenomenal and were impressed when he took a conceptual idea from a photograph and worked with designer Michelle to create a one of a kind range/hood that has become the topic of conversation with friends and family who visit the new kitchen. “He was in our house literally every day for several weeks. He was easy to work with and good at what he did,” Meghan and Chris said. The focal point of the kitchen; a hand-crafted, custom-built ventilation hood was clad with handpicked reclaimed barnwood. Advance Design’s carpenter built the framework and the cladding to create a one-of-a-kind design element that the couple loves. “I think it was especially fun for him to create something unique from scratch, showcasing his talent in this area,” Meghan said. “I love that my kitchen is not like everyone else’s. I got to pick out the wood on my hood and watch it being built and was able to choose what pieces of wood went where on it. It’s totally unique.” Red Oak flooring was toothed-in throughout the kitchen and the rest of the first floor anywhere changes were made. Then the whole floor was refinished to tone down the orange undertones in the existing floor stain, ultimately changing the color complexion of the entire first floor. The result is a completely new feeling to the entire home. Renovating the laundry room was extremely important to Meghan and Chris, but they had trouble visualizing what the possibilities were for the seemingly small space. Michelle produced beautiful 3D illustrations that helped them envision the space in a whole new way. “I must have told Michelle 100 times that I am a visual person, seeing the designs in 3D made it so easy to make decisions and see what we could really do with our space,” Meghan said. A dividing wall and doorway were removed between the existing laundry room and hallway formerly containing a coat closet, providing space to design specialized graphite colored cabinetry matching the kitchen island to house custom storage cubbies for each family member. Adding the tall utility cabinetry in the new laundry area helped solve the storage issue, tucking away cleaning supplies, household items, and even the cat got its own cubby. “I love how everything is now hidden in its own space. I can’t tell you how much I hated coming home and seeing everything sitting around on counters,” Chris said. Electrical outlets were planned for the inside of utility cabinets, so devices could charge in hidden locations. Stacking the washer and dryer allowed for wider countertop space to provide a folding area and a special space for clothes to hang. “The way I do laundry has been completely transformed! I can actually fold clothes and hang them now right out of the washer and dryer,” Meghan said. “The end result in the kitchen and the laundry/mud room was an updated light and bright space, with a smarter work flow that better meets the needs of this family,” Michelle said. “I would totally recommend Advance Design,” Meghan said. “Sometimes I sit and just look at my kitchen and laundry room and think ‘Wow, I can’t believe I get to live here!’ It’s an understatement to say we love our new space.”

The newly remodeled kitchen creates a better workflow for a family of five. Now updated this kitchen is brighter with the focus on function. To eliminate clutter and create a workstation, the new design expanded the pantry from a single door to a double door walk-in pantry, a command center for schedules and communication, as well as plenty of storage for canned goods and groceries. Now everything can be tucked away behind closed doors, but is still easily accessible and well organized.

Inspiration for a modern kitchen remodel in San Diego

Recently, I designed and installed a modern, functional kitchen that combines elegance with practicality. I used high-quality materials, such as quartz countertops, custom cabinets with natural wood finishes, and state-of-the-art stainless steel appliances. The optimized layout allows for an efficient workflow. Every detail, from the handles to the placement of the islands, has been carefully considered to create a welcoming and sophisticated environment, perfect for any cooking enthusiast.