For this swimming pool renovation in Long Grove, Il we started by building a new pool structure inside an existing steel walled, concrete bottomed pool. We then added a new hot tub with its own dedicated, separate equipment. Both pool and spa received Hartstone coping and Jewelscapes glass bead interior. The pool has a full-end sun shelf in the deep end of the pool and full-end steps in the shallow end. The pool is also equipped with a new automatic cover. The Hot Tub equipment is located in the basement, which provides for year-round operation. Both the pool and the hot tub are controlled by a Pentair Intellitouch system with iPhone interface compatibility.

For this swimming pool renovation in Long Grove, Il we started by building a new pool structure inside an existing steel walled, concrete bottomed pool. We then added a new hot tub with its own dedicated, separate equipment. Both pool and spa received Hartstone coping and Jewelscapes glass bead interior. The pool has a full-end sun shelf in the deep end of the pool and full-end steps in the shallow end. The pool is also equipped with a new automatic cover. The Hot Tub equipment is located in the basement, which provides for year-round operation. Both the pool and the hot tub are controlled by a Pentair Intellitouch system with iPhone interface compatibility.

Chestnut Hickory Solid Hardwood | This 3/4in. x 5in. Chestnut Hickory Solid Hardwood has a 25 year residential/ lifetime structural warranty. Install this solid hardwood flooring by nailing-down or gluing-down. Use this solid hardwood flooring in your home at ground level or above. Solid hardwood adds character, warmth and value to any room in your house. Our selection of pre-finished solid hardwood flooring offers you a variety of finishes, widths and options to match your style, from rustic to classic to contemporary. From oak to walnut to exotic hardwoods, we offer exceptional wood floors that will enhance the look of your home.

Seasonal interest, English garden style and a love for perennials inspired this front yard transformation. The goal was to combine these client loves with some structure and create a year round garden space they could enjoy. The walkway was the only element that had to stay. The rest was a collaboration between myself and the homeowners to end up with this beautiful garden.

The use of high-end laminate doors and a complex grey/brown paint color have transformed dated built - in cabinets. Add in a 3D industrial-style tile to this fireplace and you have a family room you'll love for years to come.

Landscape Fusion 2017 South Tampa Biz of the Year Crisscross artificial turf with ocean blue marble pool deck, Custom hip style cypress cabana, Custom outdoor kitchen and Pool remodel with glass tile and sheer waterfalls

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 small transitional guest carpeted and beige floor bedroom remodel in Toronto with beige walls

Over the years, my jobs have involved collaborating with homeowners, business owners, architects and contractors analyzing and designing plans for new construction and remodels, renovating kitchens, designing fireplaces, cabinetry, lighting, window treatments and furnishings. But even more important than the design, I believe the ability to communicate all the ideas and concepts of the design to the various trades people involved is critical to achieving the end results my clients and I envision. My 35 years in the business as well as my academic background in design have given me the ability to confidently provide this service. Give me a call, I'd love to hear from you and discuss your project.

This landscape of this transitional dwelling aims to compliment the architecture while providing an outdoor space for high end living and entertainment. The outdoor kitchen, hot tub, tiered gardens, living and dining areas as well as a formal lawn provide ample space for enjoyment year round. Photographs courtesy of The Richards Group.

For this swimming pool renovation in Long Grove, Il we started by building a new pool structure inside an existing steel walled, concrete bottomed pool. We then added a new hot tub with its own dedicated, separate equipment. Both pool and spa received Hartstone coping and Jewelscapes glass bead interior. The pool has a full-end sun shelf in the deep end of the pool and full-end steps in the shallow end. The pool is also equipped with a new automatic cover. The Hot Tub equipment is located in the basement, which provides for year-round operation. Both the pool and the hot tub are controlled by a Pentair Intellitouch system with iPhone interface compatibility.

These owners were downsizing out of a 7,500 sqft home built in the '80s to their "forever home." They wanted Alair to create a traditional setting that showcased the antiques they had collected over the years, while still blending seamlessly with the modern touches required to live comfortably in today's world.

Ecosystem Ponds are the crown jewel of the Water Feature world. They soon become the centerpiece of your landscape. These low-maintenance, natural-looking water gardens work with Mother Nature, not against her, to stay clean and clear without using chemicals or UV sterilizers or anything artificial. The key is the symbiotic relationship between the Pond Fish, the beneficial bacteria, and the Aquatic Plants. There is no sound in nature quite as relaxing as moving, falling water. It soothes away your stress at the end of a long day and you instantly start to feel more relaxed. Watching the Koi and other Pond Fish gracefully swimming around and nibbling from the underwater rocks and gravel can be almost hypnotizing. A variety of birds come to drink and bathe in the stream and colorful dragonflies flit here and there on mosquito patrol. Water lilies bloom in almost every color you can imagine and you'll soon see that frogs really DO sit on lily pads! Having one of these Ponds in your landscape is like coming home every day to a private vacation retreat right in your own backyard! Texas Ponds and Water Features creates some of the most beautiful and natural looking Ecosystem Ponds and Water Gardens in the Austin and Central Texas area. We also work in the Houston, Southeast Texas area and almost anywhere in between. Working with only natural stone, our specialists craft waterfalls and ponds that look as if they had been carved by the hand of nature. Our two main pond guys have over 27 years of experience between them. We are at the Master level of Certified Aquascape Contractors--among the best in the world at what we do. Contact us today to get started on your own backyard paradise.

Inspiration for a large contemporary open concept dark wood floor living room remodel in Atlanta with white walls, a standard fireplace and a wall-mounted tv

For this swimming pool renovation in Long Grove, Il we started by building a new pool structure inside an existing steel walled, concrete bottomed pool. We then added a new hot tub with its own dedicated, separate equipment. Both pool and spa received Hartstone coping and Jewelscapes glass bead interior. The pool has a full-end sun shelf in the deep end of the pool and full-end steps in the shallow end. The pool is also equipped with a new automatic cover. The Hot Tub equipment is located in the basement, which provides for year-round operation. Both the pool and the hot tub are controlled by a Pentair Intellitouch system with iPhone interface compatibility.

For this swimming pool renovation in Long Grove, Il we started by building a new pool structure inside an existing steel walled, concrete bottomed pool. We then added a new hot tub with its own dedicated, separate equipment. Both pool and spa received Hartstone coping and Jewelscapes glass bead interior. The pool has a full-end sun shelf in the deep end of the pool and full-end steps in the shallow end. The pool is also equipped with a new automatic cover. The Hot Tub equipment is located in the basement, which provides for year-round operation. Both the pool and the hot tub are controlled by a Pentair Intellitouch system with iPhone interface compatibility.

For this swimming pool renovation in Long Grove, Il we started by building a new pool structure inside an existing steel walled, concrete bottomed pool. We then added a new hot tub with its own dedicated, separate equipment. Both pool and spa received Hartstone coping and Jewelscapes glass bead interior. The pool has a full-end sun shelf in the deep end of the pool and full-end steps in the shallow end. The pool is also equipped with a new automatic cover. The Hot Tub equipment is located in the basement, which provides for year-round operation. Both the pool and the hot tub are controlled by a Pentair Intellitouch system with iPhone interface compatibility.

For this swimming pool renovation in Long Grove, Il we started by building a new pool structure inside an existing steel walled, concrete bottomed pool. We then added a new hot tub with its own dedicated, separate equipment. Both pool and spa received Hartstone coping and Jewelscapes glass bead interior. The pool has a full-end sun shelf in the deep end of the pool and full-end steps in the shallow end. The pool is also equipped with a new automatic cover. The Hot Tub equipment is located in the basement, which provides for year-round operation. Both the pool and the hot tub are controlled by a Pentair Intellitouch system with iPhone interface compatibility.

MIRIAM MOORE has a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Interior Design from Miami International University of Art and Design. She has been responsible for numerous residential and commercial projects and her work is featured in design publications with national circulation. Before turning her attention to interior design, Miriam worked for many years in the fashion industry, owning several high-end boutiques. Miriam is an active member of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID).