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 Mid Century inspired kitchen was manufactured for a couple who definitely didn't want a traditional 'new' fitted kitchen as part of their extension to a 1930's house in a desirable Manchester suburb. The walk in pantry was fitted into a bricked up recess previously occupied by a range. U-shaped shelves and larder racks mean there is plenty of storage for food meaning none needs to be stored in the kitchen cabinets. Strip LED lighting illuminates the interior. Photo: Ian Hampson

Modern kitchen with light trough. Photography by Raimund Koch.
Photo of a large contemporary l-shaped eat-in kitchen in New York with a single-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, blue cabinets, white splashback, stainless steel appliances, porcelain floors, with island and white floor.

This custom kitchen is a combination of many textures and finishes that can be classified as a farmhouse style or a classic style. Regardless it has great appeal for any taste! The perimeter cabinets are painted a soft grey with a darker grey glaze, featuring glass wall cabinet doors with cathedral mullions. The range hood is stained knotty alder. The island has a rustic grey textured application on each end with the main section an heirloom finish. The countertop is Fantasy Brown marble with a leathered finish.

Cocina en color blanco y paramento vertical en color amarillo mostaza.
This is an example of a large contemporary l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Valencia with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, stainless steel appliances, porcelain floors, no island and grey floor.

This Montana inspired kitchen was designed to reflect the homeowners' love of the great outdoors. Earthy wood tones and majestic granite complement the western decor of their home. Cherry cabinets have a western style door and rugged oil rubbed bronze handles. Two structural changes were made. First, a tray ceiling was created to increase the height of the kitchen. Next, the kitchen was opened up completely to the family room by removing a doorway and partial wall. The end of the peninsula curves around to invite everyone into the family room. The apothecary drawers (left of the dishwasher) add a rustic western charm. But the highlight of this kitchen is the custom built large pantry. A granite work surface within the pantry complete with electrical outlets allows the homeowner to use small appliances right where they located and stored. Upper shelves allow the homeowners to easily see their large and small pantry items along with generously sized spice racks on each door. Plenty of drawers and a second food pantry provide the needed storage for this active family.

Rebecca Purdy Design | Toronto Interior Design | Entire Home Renovation | Architect Endes Design Inc. | Contractor Doug Householder | Photography Leeworkstudio, Katrina Lee

This is an example of a large transitional l-shaped eat-in kitchen in New York with an undermount sink, white cabinets, panelled appliances, with island, recessed-panel cabinets, marble benchtops, stone slab splashback, porcelain floors and beige floor.

Design ideas for a large tropical u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Santa Barbara with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, light wood cabinets, quartz benchtops, green splashback, glass tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, porcelain floors, with island and beige floor.

Large contemporary galley separate kitchen in London with an integrated sink, white cabinets, white splashback, stainless steel appliances, porcelain floors and no island.

Cabinets to ceiling, Rustic Hickory, 2 refrigerators
Design ideas for a large country l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Denver with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, distressed cabinets, granite benchtops, beige splashback, subway tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, porcelain floors, with island, brown floor and multi-coloured benchtop.

Designing a new staircase to connect all three levels freed up space for this kitchen. Before, my client had to squeeze through a narrow opening in the corner of the kitchen to access an equally narrow stair to the basement. In the process of evaluating the space we discovered there was no foundation under the kitchen walls! Noticing that the entry to their home was little used--everyone came right in to the kitchen--gave me the idea that we could connect the kitchen to the entry and convert it into a pantry! Hence, the white painted brick--that wall was formerly an exterior wall. William Feemster

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.

Scott Frederick
This is an example of a large traditional u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Philadelphia with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, granite benchtops, beige splashback, porcelain splashback, stainless steel appliances, porcelain floors and with island.

This Arlington, VA Kitchen Bump-out displayed these MOSS customers' unique tastes with modern kitchen light fixtures, dark kitchen cabinets and a sleek white kitchen countertop. These homeowners opted for raised ceilings for an airy eat-in kitchen rather than expanding their master bedroom above.

Cabinets featured are Design Craft Park Place Flat Panel in a painted finish color White Icing. Countertops are fabricated from 3CM Taj Mahal Quartzite Natural Stone Slabs. Complimentary mosaic tile backsplash shown is Lunada Bay Agate Martini color in Cortona Pearl finish. Flooring by Marazzi USA style Harmony 6"x36" Porcelain Tile in color Note set in a random pattern. Viking 4 burner stove top with indoor grill. Sales Design Consultant: Anna Karfias

William Quarles
Photo of a large contemporary l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Charleston with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, granite benchtops, grey splashback, glass tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, porcelain floors, with island and brown floor.

The sensible Belgian aesthetic used in the space compliments the more ornate architecture of this historic home.
Large l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Minneapolis with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, grey cabinets, marble benchtops, grey splashback, ceramic splashback, coloured appliances, porcelain floors and with island.

Here's an example of a well used, oddly shaped corner. Every inch is accounted for with a stacked cabinets and wine cubby. Stainless steel fridge and built in microwave oven combo by Jenn-Air work well side by side. Photo Credit: Julie Lehite