Michael J. Lee Photography
Design ideas for a traditional kitchen in Boston with light wood cabinets and limestone benchtops.

Naturstein hat eine besondere Wirkung, wenn er eine gewisse, massive Stärke zeigt. Auch bei Küchenarbeitsplatten ist dies möglich. Ist es technisch nicht möglich, massive Stücke einzubauen, kann die massive Optik durch Verkleben dünnerer Platten erreicht werden. Hier wurde die Wirkung des Blocks noch durch den flächenbündigen Einsatz von Spüle, Kochfeld und Steckdoseneinsatz unterstützt. Das Material Bateig Azul, einen spanischen Kalksandstein, könnte man fast für Beton halten, wenn nicht die fein geschliffene Oberfläche diesen speziellen warme Sandstein-Touch hätte.

Proyecto realizado por Meritxell Ribé - The Room Studio Construcción: The Room Work Fotografías: Mauricio Fuertes
Inspiration for a mid-sized mediterranean l-shaped open plan kitchen in Barcelona with a drop-in sink, raised-panel cabinets, beige cabinets, limestone benchtops, ceramic floors, with island, multi-coloured floor and grey benchtop.

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 an expansive traditional l-shaped separate kitchen in Orange County with an undermount sink, raised-panel cabinets, white cabinets, limestone benchtops, beige splashback, stone tile splashback, panelled appliances, brick floors and with island.

Inspiration for a mid-sized country l-shaped open plan kitchen in Tampa with an undermount sink, raised-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, limestone benchtops, beige splashback, stone tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, travertine floors and with island.

Shane Johnson Photography
Photo of a mid-sized modern u-shaped open plan kitchen in Nashville with a double-bowl sink, shaker cabinets, dark wood cabinets, limestone benchtops, white splashback, subway tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors and with island.

This Victorian old house from the beginning of the previous century had to keep its exterior look, but the interior went through a dramatic change and brought it into our era. The first floor of the house was completely transformed into a huge open space, which by doing that already gave it a modern feeling around. The use of modern laminate door style in different colors had emphasized the contemporary style that was brought in with so much elegancy together with the light wood floors and light counter tops. The island was given a sculpture look to create a nice focal point for the kitchen where the cooking preparation is mostly taking place at. Door Style Finish: Alno Look, laminate door style, in the graphite, yellow and magnolia white colors finish.

Meier Residential, LLC
Inspiration for a mid-sized modern u-shaped separate kitchen in Austin with a single-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, grey cabinets, limestone benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, mosaic tile splashback, panelled appliances, cork floors and with island.

The Magnolia Renovation has been primarily concerned with the design of a new, highly crafted modern kitchen in a traditional home located in the Magnolia neighborhood of Seattle. The kitchen design relies on the creation of a very simple continuous space that is occupied by highly crafted pieces of furniture, cabinets and fittings. Materials such as steel, bronze, bamboo, stained elm, woven cattail, and sea grass are used in juxtaposition, allowing each material to benefit from adjacent contrasts in texture and color. The existing kitchen and dining room consisted of separate rooms with a dividing wall. This wall was removed to create a long, continuous, east-west space, approximately 34 feet long, with cabinets and counters along each wall. The west end of the space has glass doors and views to the Puget Sound. The east end also has glass doors, leading to a small garden space. In the center of the new kitchen/dining space, we designed two long, custom tables from reclaimed elm planks (20" wide, 2" thick). The first table is a working kitchen island, the second table is the dining table. Both tables have custom blued-steel bases with laser-cut bronze overlay. We also designed custom stools with blued-steel bases and woven cattail rush seats. The lighting of the kitchen consists of 15 small, candle-like fixtures arranged in a random array with custom steel brackets. The cabinets are custom designed, with bleached Alaskan yellow cedar frames and bamboo panels. The counters are a dark limestone with a beautiful stone mosaic backsplash with a bamboo-like pattern. Adjacent to the backsplash is a long horizontal window with a “beargrass” resin panel placed on the interior side of the window. The “beargrass” panel contains actual sea grasses, which are backlit by the window behind the panel. Photo: Benjamin Benschneider

Tropical kitchen in Hawaii with limestone benchtops.

Renovering av mindre, förfallen gård. Ursprungligen två separata byggnader som sammanlänkas med ny byggnadskropp som innehåller entré och kök.
Design ideas for a mid-sized eat-in kitchen in Gothenburg with flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, limestone benchtops, limestone floors, grey floor, grey benchtop and exposed beam.

Design ideas for a large transitional l-shaped separate kitchen in Phoenix with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, limestone benchtops, grey splashback, mosaic tile splashback, panelled appliances, light hardwood floors, with island and brown floor.

Conceptually the Clark Street remodel began with an idea of creating a new entry. The existing home foyer was non-existent and cramped with the back of the stair abutting the front door. By defining an exterior point of entry and creating a radius interior stair, the home instantly opens up and becomes more inviting. From there, further connections to the exterior were made through large sliding doors and a redesigned exterior deck. Taking advantage of the cool coastal climate, this connection to the exterior is natural and seamless Photos by Zack Benson

Architect: Russ Tyson, Whitten Architects Photography By: Trent Bell Photography “Excellent expression of shingle style as found in southern Maine. Exciting without being at all overwrought or bombastic.” This shingle-style cottage in a small coastal village provides its owners a cherished spot on Maine’s rocky coastline. This home adapts to its immediate surroundings and responds to views, while keeping solar orientation in mind. Sited one block east of a home the owners had summered in for years, the new house conveys a commanding 180-degree view of the ocean and surrounding natural beauty, while providing the sense that the home had always been there. Marvin Ultimate Double Hung Windows stayed in line with the traditional character of the home, while also complementing the custom French doors in the rear. The specification of Marvin Window products provided confidence in the prevalent use of traditional double-hung windows on this highly exposed site. The ultimate clad double-hung windows were a perfect fit for the shingle-style character of the home. Marvin also built custom French doors that were a great fit with adjacent double-hung units. MARVIN PRODUCTS USED: Integrity Awning Window Integrity Casement Window Marvin Special Shape Window Marvin Ultimate Awning Window Marvin Ultimate Casement Window Marvin Ultimate Double Hung Window Marvin Ultimate Swinging French Door

New addition for kitchen, breakfast nook, sunroom porch, and mudroom. New large windows face onto backyard for southern light, views, and flow onto rear patio. Period cabinetry with inset hinges and doors with a blue-green paint finish. Jerusalem gold limestone counters. Large island with Kohler linear bar sink.

Every Mom needs a small command center near the kitchen!
This is an example of a mid-sized u-shaped eat-in kitchen in San Francisco with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, medium wood cabinets, limestone benchtops, beige splashback, stone tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, multiple islands and beige benchtop.

Martin King
This is an example of a large mediterranean l-shaped open plan kitchen in Orange County with white cabinets, beige splashback, beige floor, limestone splashback, limestone floors, with island, a farmhouse sink, recessed-panel cabinets, limestone benchtops, stainless steel appliances and beige benchtop.

Area cucina open. Mobili su disegno; top e isola in travertino. rivestimento frontale in rovere, sgabelli alti in velluto. Pavimento in parquet a spina francese