The best of the past and present meet in this distinguished design. Custom craftsmanship and distinctive detailing give this lakefront residence its vintage flavor while an open and light-filled floor plan clearly mark it as contemporary. With its interesting shingled roof lines, abundant windows with decorative brackets and welcoming porch, the exterior takes in surrounding views while the interior meets and exceeds contemporary expectations of ease and comfort. The main level features almost 3,000 square feet of open living, from the charming entry with multiple window seats and built-in benches to the central 15 by 22-foot kitchen, 22 by 18-foot living room with fireplace and adjacent dining and a relaxing, almost 300-square-foot screened-in porch. Nearby is a private sitting room and a 14 by 15-foot master bedroom with built-ins and a spa-style double-sink bath with a beautiful barrel-vaulted ceiling. The main level also includes a work room and first floor laundry, while the 2,165-square-foot second level includes three bedroom suites, a loft and a separate 966-square-foot guest quarters with private living area, kitchen and bedroom. Rounding out the offerings is the 1,960-square-foot lower level, where you can rest and recuperate in the sauna after a workout in your nearby exercise room. Also featured is a 21 by 18-family room, a 14 by 17-square-foot home theater, and an 11 by 12-foot guest bedroom suite. Photography: Ashley Avila Photography & Fulview Builder: J. Peterson Homes Interior Design: Vision Interiors by Visbeen

The Fall City Renovation began with a farmhouse on a hillside overlooking the Snoqualmie River valley, about 30 miles east of Seattle. On the main floor, the walls between the kitchen and dining room were removed, and a 25-ft. long addition to the kitchen provided a continuous glass ribbon around the limestone kitchen counter. The resulting interior has a feeling similar to a fire look-out tower in the national forest. Adding to the open feeling, a custom island table was created using reclaimed elm planks and a blackened steel base, with inlaid limestone around the sink area. Sensuous custom blown-glass light fixtures were hung over the existing dining table. The completed kitchen-dining space is serene, light-filled and dominated by the sweeping view of the Snoqualmie Valley. The second part of the renovation focused on the master bathroom. Similar to the design approach in the kitchen, a new addition created a continuous glass wall, with wonderful views of the valley. The blackened steel-frame vanity mirrors were custom-designed, and they hang suspended in front of the window wall. LED lighting has been integrated into the steel frames. The tub is perched in front of floor-to-ceiling glass, next to a curvilinear custom bench in Sapele wood and steel. Limestone counters and floors provide material continuity in the space. Sustainable design practice included extensive use of natural light to reduce electrical demand, low VOC paints, LED lighting, reclaimed elm planks at the kitchen island, sustainably harvested hardwoods, and natural stone counters. New exterior walls using 2x8 construction achieved 40% greater insulation value than standard wall construction. Photo: Benjamin Benschneider

Design ideas for a transitional kitchen in Birmingham with limestone benchtops, beige splashback, stone slab splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island, shaker cabinets and grey cabinets.

Stanford Wood Cottage extension and conversion project by Absolute Architecture. Photos by Jaw Designs, Kitchens and joinery by Ben Heath.
Inspiration for a small traditional l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Berkshire with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, grey cabinets, limestone benchtops, metallic splashback, mirror splashback, panelled appliances, ceramic floors and no island.

Wine Storage Room Photo Credit: Martina Gemmola Styling: Bea + Co and Bask Interiors Builder: Hart Builders
Contemporary galley open plan kitchen in Melbourne with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, grey cabinets, limestone benchtops, grey splashback, limestone splashback, black appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and grey benchtop.

Eric Rorer
Photo of a small transitional galley kitchen in San Francisco with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, grey cabinets, limestone benchtops, white splashback, stone tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, no island and brown floor.

Mid-sized country u-shaped separate kitchen in Other with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, blue cabinets, limestone benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, glass tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, vinyl floors and no island.

David Cohen
Design ideas for a mid-sized transitional l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Seattle with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, limestone benchtops, white splashback, subway tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors and no island.

The best of the past and present meet in this distinguished design. Custom craftsmanship and distinctive detailing give this lakefront residence its vintage flavor while an open and light-filled floor plan clearly mark it as contemporary. With its interesting shingled roof lines, abundant windows with decorative brackets and welcoming porch, the exterior takes in surrounding views while the interior meets and exceeds contemporary expectations of ease and comfort. The main level features almost 3,000 square feet of open living, from the charming entry with multiple window seats and built-in benches to the central 15 by 22-foot kitchen, 22 by 18-foot living room with fireplace and adjacent dining and a relaxing, almost 300-square-foot screened-in porch. Nearby is a private sitting room and a 14 by 15-foot master bedroom with built-ins and a spa-style double-sink bath with a beautiful barrel-vaulted ceiling. The main level also includes a work room and first floor laundry, while the 2,165-square-foot second level includes three bedroom suites, a loft and a separate 966-square-foot guest quarters with private living area, kitchen and bedroom. Rounding out the offerings is the 1,960-square-foot lower level, where you can rest and recuperate in the sauna after a workout in your nearby exercise room. Also featured is a 21 by 18-family room, a 14 by 17-square-foot home theater, and an 11 by 12-foot guest bedroom suite. Photography: Ashley Avila Photography & Fulview Builder: J. Peterson Homes Interior Design: Vision Interiors by Visbeen

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.”

Design ideas for a large transitional l-shaped open plan kitchen in Miami with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, grey cabinets, multi-coloured splashback, matchstick tile splashback, panelled appliances, with island, limestone benchtops, porcelain floors and beige floor.

Rev-a-Shelf pantry storage with custom features Jeff Herr Photography
Photo of a large country kitchen pantry in Atlanta with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, limestone benchtops, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors and with island.

Design ideas for a large transitional single-wall eat-in kitchen in Providence with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, limestone benchtops, brown splashback, subway tile splashback, panelled appliances, light hardwood floors, with island and beige floor.

A spacious Tudor Revival in Lower Westchester was revamped with an open floor plan and large kitchen with breakfast area and counter seating. The leafy view on the range wall was preserved with a series of large leaded glass windows by LePage. Wire brushed quarter sawn oak cabinetry in custom stain lends the space warmth and old world character. Kitchen design and custom cabinetry by Studio Dearborn. Architect Ned Stoll, Stoll and Stoll. Pietra Cardosa limestone counters by Rye Marble and Stone. Appliances by Wolf and Subzero; range hood by Best. Cabinetry color: Benjamin Moore Brushed Aluminum. Hardware by Schaub & Company. Stools by Arteriors Home. Shell chairs with dowel base, Modernica. Photography Neil Landino.

Contemporary kitchen in San Francisco with limestone benchtops, stainless steel appliances, shaker cabinets and dark wood cabinets.

The three-level Mediterranean revival home started as a 1930s summer cottage that expanded downward and upward over time. We used a clean, crisp white wall plaster with bronze hardware throughout the interiors to give the house continuity. A neutral color palette and minimalist furnishings create a sense of calm restraint. Subtle and nuanced textures and variations in tints add visual interest. The stair risers from the living room to the primary suite are hand-painted terra cotta tile in gray and off-white. We used the same tile resource in the kitchen for the island's toe kick.

William Quarles
Design ideas for a large beach style u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Charleston with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, limestone benchtops, white splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors and with island.

Brookhaven "Edgemont Recessed" custom cabinetry with framed drawer heads and bead board paneling at the raised breakfast bar in a Vintage Nordic White finish. "White Spring" Leathered Granite. Photo: John Martinelli

A spacious Tudor Revival in Lower Westchester was revamped with an open floor plan and large kitchen with breakfast area and counter seating. The leafy view on the range wall was preserved with a series of large leaded glass windows by LePage. Wire brushed quarter sawn oak cabinetry in custom stain lends the space warmth and old world character. Kitchen design and custom cabinetry by Studio Dearborn. Architect Ned Stoll, Stoll and Stoll. Pietra Cardosa limestone counters by Rye Marble and Stone. Appliances by Wolf and Subzero; range hood by Best. Cabinetry color: Benjamin Moore Brushed Aluminum. Hardware by Schaub & Company. Stools by Arteriors Home. Shell chairs with dowel base, Modernica. Photography Neil Landino.