This Award-winning kitchen proves vintage doesn't have to look old and tired. This previously dark kitchen was updated with white, gold, and wood in the historic district of Monte Vista. The challenge is making a new kitchen look and feel like it belongs in a charming older home. The highlight and starting point is the original hex tile flooring in white and gold. It was in excellent condition and merely needed a good cleaning. The addition of white calacatta marble, white subway tile, walnut wood counters, brass and gold accents keep the charm intact. Cabinet panels mimic original door panels found in other areas of the home. Custom coffee storage is a modern bonus! Sub-Zero Refrig, Rohl sink, brass woven wire grill.

beautiful tuxedo kitchen with herringbone tile on the back of the island
This is an example of a mid-sized midcentury l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Phoenix with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, black cabinets, quartzite benchtops, white splashback, subway tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, porcelain floors, with island, grey floor and white benchtop.

For this walk in pantry a palette of French Navy, white and grey was used. Large format grey stone look tiles, white engineered stone benchtops, grey handmade subway tiles and Laminex French Navy Cabinetry. Built by Homes by Howe. Photography by Hcreations.

An outdated 1920's kitchen in Bayside Queens was turned into a refreshed, classic and timeless space that utilized the very limited space to its maximum capacity. The cabinets were once outdated and a dark brown that made the space look even smaller. Now, they are a bright white, accompanied by white subway tile, a light quartzite countertop and brushed brass hardware throughout. What made all the difference was the use of the dark porcelain floors as a great contrast to all the white. We were also diligent to keep the hold extractor a clear glass and stainless steel.

Inspiration for a mid-sized modern l-shaped open plan kitchen in Tampa with an undermount sink, raised-panel cabinets, white cabinets, marble benchtops, grey splashback, subway tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, porcelain floors, with island, grey floor and grey benchtop.

The brass hardware on the walnut island really brings out the colors. A look at this perfect kitchen from the pantry. Photos by Chris Veith.
Inspiration for a mid-sized midcentury l-shaped kitchen pantry in New York with a drop-in sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, white splashback, subway tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, porcelain floors, with island, grey floor, white benchtop and quartzite benchtops.

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 is an example of a large contemporary u-shaped open plan kitchen in Other with a farmhouse sink, flat-panel cabinets, medium wood cabinets, subway tile splashback, with island, beige floor, quartzite benchtops, black splashback, stainless steel appliances and porcelain floors.

Large transitional u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Las Vegas with an undermount sink, raised-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, granite benchtops, white splashback, subway tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, porcelain floors, with island, beige floor and white benchtop.

Refinished kitchen cabinets, new countertops, plumbing fixtures, backsplash and floor. Removed wallpaper, painted walls and ceiling. Convert ceiling lighting to LED and added undercabinet lighting. Paint: Walls – Sherwin Williams Seashell Gray in a satin finish Ceiling – Sherwin Williams Flat White Perimeter cabinets - Sherwin Williams High Reflective White in a Satin finish Island – Sherwin Williams Semi-Sweet in a Satin Finish Countertop – 3cm Vicostone Statuario Polished Quartz Sink – Blanco Silgranite 60/40 Metal Grey Faucet – Delta 9197ARDST with hand spray Backsplash – 3” x 6” Matte Artic White Bevel Glazed Ceramic tile installed in a Herringbone pattern Floor tile – 12” x 24” Silk Elegant Glazed Porcelain installed in a staggered brick pattern

This is an example of a large midcentury u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Dallas with a drop-in sink, flat-panel cabinets, medium wood cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, subway tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, porcelain floors, with island and white floor.

Anne Matheis Photography
Small country l-shaped kitchen in St Louis with shaker cabinets, blue cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, subway tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, porcelain floors, with island and an undermount sink.

Mid-sized transitional l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Cincinnati with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, dark wood cabinets, granite benchtops, white splashback, subway tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, porcelain floors, with island and grey floor.

Photo of a mid-sized contemporary l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Philadelphia with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, grey cabinets, solid surface benchtops, white splashback, subway tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, porcelain floors, with island and brown floor.

This kitchen received a major "face lift" by painting the existing dark cabinets this light gray and adding some new additions as well. The built in desk area became a beverage center with sub-zero refrigerator built in and glass upper cabinets added. The double ovens were replaced with a steam and convection oven and the slide in range and upper cabinets were replaced with a stainless hood and pull out bottom drawers. Pull out trash cabinet and pan cabinet were added as well as a custom built television frame to mount the tv above the refrigerator and also hide away items not used as often, Calcutta gold quartz replaced the old black granite and subway tile replaced the slate back splash. Glass pendants were added over the peninsula and the counter-top was all lowered to counter level. A new paneled curved bar back was added to the peninsula.

Photo of a mid-sized transitional u-shaped open plan kitchen in Phoenix with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, solid surface benchtops, white splashback, subway tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, porcelain floors and with island.

Design ideas for a mid-sized modern open plan kitchen in San Diego with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, black cabinets, solid surface benchtops, white splashback, subway tile splashback, stainless steel appliances and porcelain floors.

This Award-winning kitchen proves vintage doesn't have to look old and tired. This previously dark kitchen was updated with white, gold, and wood in the historic district of Monte Vista. The challenge is making a new kitchen look and feel like it belongs in a charming older home. The highlight and starting point is the original hex tile flooring in white and gold. It was in excellent condition and merely needed a good cleaning. The addition of white calacatta marble, white subway tile, walnut wood counters, brass and gold accents keep the charm intact. Cabinet panels mimic original door panels found in other areas of the home. Custom coffee storage is a modern bonus! 30" Sub-Zero Refrig, Rohl sink.

Photo of a mid-sized transitional l-shaped separate kitchen in Toronto with an undermount sink, beaded inset cabinets, black cabinets, quartzite benchtops, white splashback, subway tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, porcelain floors and with island.