When full-time Massachusetts residents contemplate building a second home in Telluride, Colorado the question immediately arises; does it make most sense to hire a regionally based Rocky Mountain architect or a sea level architect conveniently located for all of the rigorous collaboration required for successful bespoke home design. Determined to prove the latter true, Siemasko + Verbridge accompanied the potential client as they scoured the undulating Telluride landscape in search of the perfect house site. The selected site’s harmonious balance of untouched meadow rising up to meet the edge of an aspen grove and the opposing 180 degree view of Wilson’s Range spoke to everyone. A plateau just beyond a fork in the meadow provided a natural flatland, requiring little excavation and yet the right amount of upland slope to capture the views. The intrinsic character of the site was only enriched by an elk trail and snake-rail fence. Establishing the expanse of Wilson’s range would be best served by rejecting the notion of selected views, the central sweeping curve of the roof inverts a small saddle in the range with which it is perfectly aligned. The soaring wave of custom windows and the open floor plan make the relatively modest house feel sizable despite its footprint of just under 2,000 square feet. Officially a two bedroom home, the bunk room and loft allow the home to comfortably sleep ten, encouraging large gatherings of family and friends. The home is completely off the grid in response to the unique and fragile qualities of the landscape. Great care was taken to respect the regions vernacular through the use of mostly native materials and a palette derived from the terrain found at 9,820 feet above sea level. Photographer: Gibeon Photography

This closet accompanied the entry into this home in Whitefish, MT. The entire remodel used this style of head trim extending past the legs to give it a distinctly Montana look.

Karen and Chad of Tower Lakes, IL were tired of their unfinished basement functioning as nothing more than a storage area and depressing gym. They wanted to increase the livable square footage of their home with a cohesive finished basement design, while incorporating space for the kids and adults to hang out. “We wanted to make sure that upon renovating the basement, that we can have a place where we can spend time and watch movies, but also entertain and showcase the wine collection that we have,” Karen said. After a long search comparing many different remodeling companies, Karen and Chad found Advance Design Studio. They were drawn towards the unique “Common Sense Remodeling” process that simplifies the renovation experience into predictable steps focused on customer satisfaction. “There are so many other design/build companies, who may not have transparency, or a focused process in mind and I think that is what separated Advance Design Studio from the rest,” Karen said. Karen loved how designer Claudia Pop was able to take very high-level concepts, “non-negotiable items” and implement them in the initial 3D drawings. Claudia and Project Manager DJ Yurik kept the couple in constant communication through the project. “Claudia was very receptive to the ideas we had, but she was also very good at infusing her own points and thoughts, she was very responsive, and we had an open line of communication,” Karen said. A very important part of the basement renovation for the couple was the home gym and sauna. The “high-end hotel” look and feel of the openly blended work out area is both highly functional and beautiful to look at. The home sauna gives them a place to relax after a long day of work or a tough workout. “The gym was a very important feature for us,” Karen said. “And I think (Advance Design) did a very great job in not only making the gym a functional area, but also an aesthetic point in our basement”. An extremely unique wow-factor in this basement is the walk in glass wine cellar that elegantly displays Karen and Chad’s extensive wine collection. Immediate access to the stunning wet bar accompanies the wine cellar to make this basement a popular spot for friends and family. The custom-built wine bar brings together two natural elements; Calacatta Vicenza Quartz and thick distressed Black Walnut. Sophisticated yet warm Graphite Dura Supreme cabinetry provides contrast to the soft beige walls and the Calacatta Gold backsplash. An undermount sink across from the bar in a matching Calacatta Vicenza Quartz countertop adds functionality and convenience to the bar, while identical distressed walnut floating shelves add an interesting design element and increased storage. Rich true brown Rustic Oak hardwood floors soften and warm the space drawing all the areas together. Across from the bar is a comfortable living area perfect for the family to sit down at a watch a movie. A full bath completes this finished basement with a spacious walk-in shower, Cocoa Brown Dura Supreme vanity with Calacatta Vicenza Quartz countertop, a crisp white sink and a stainless-steel Voss faucet. Advance Design’s Common Sense process gives clients the opportunity to walk through the basement renovation process one step at a time, in a completely predictable and controlled environment. “Everything was designed and built exactly how we envisioned it, and we are really enjoying it to it’s full potential,” Karen said. Constantly striving for customer satisfaction, Advance Design’s success is heavily reliant upon happy clients referring their friends and family. “We definitely will and have recommended Advance Design Studio to friends who are looking to embark on a remodeling project small or large,” Karen exclaimed at the completion of her project.

Tropical Pool Landscape
Inspiration for a large tropical partial sun courtyard gravel water fountain landscape in Tampa.

Brushed Nickel poles are accompanied with white embroidered linen drapes.
Trendy bedroom photo in Charleston

Kimberley Bryan
Inspiration for a cottage home design remodel in Seattle

Blake sofa and Del Ray ottoman accompanied by a leather recliner from Comfort Design. Accessories are from True Vine Creations.
Eclectic basement photo in Grand Rapids

Living room - mid-sized modern formal and open concept light wood floor and beige floor living room idea with beige walls, a standard fireplace, a metal fireplace and no tv

On a quiet cul-de-sac not too far from downtown San Luis Obispo lies the contemporary craftsman styled Clausen Residence. The challenges that accompanied this project were what, in the end, made it so interesting. The buildable area of the site is very small due to the fact that almost half of the property is occupied by a biological open space easement, established to protect the creek that runs behind the lot. In addition to this, the site is incredibly steep, which lent itself well to a stair stepped 3-story floor plan. Strict height restrictions set by the local jurisdiction governed the decision to bury the garage in the hill, and set the main living space on top of it, accompanied by the children’s bedrooms and game room further back on the site. The 3rd floor is occupied fully by the master suite, which looks down on the back yard below. Off of the great room is a vast deck, with built in barbecue, fire place and heaters, ideal for outdoor entertaining year round. The house, adorned in lap siding and true craftsman details is flanked by gorgeous oak trees and the creek beyond.

Rustic wood look tile accompanied with a modern tub and vanity. Photo by Custom Floors
Example of an eclectic master brown tile and porcelain tile porcelain tile drop-in bathtub design in Bridgeport with quartz countertops

An enclosed wine rack is conveniently located in the hallway accompanied by a wet bar.
Example of a mountain style single-wall ceramic tile wet bar design in Phoenix with an undermount sink, glass-front cabinets, dark wood cabinets, granite countertops, gray backsplash and stone slab backsplash

Example of a farmhouse entryway design in Sacramento

Small wet bar with accompanying beverage fridge for entertaining. Also, bench seating has been incorporated for additional seating space.
Mountain style home design photo in Atlanta

Vertical Steel supports accompanying a steel balcony with glass railings and a plexiglass deck.
Inspiration for a contemporary exterior home remodel in San Francisco

L-Shaped Kitchen sporting blue vintage bar stools, mercury glass pendant lights, silver farmhouse sink accompanied by cream kitchen cabinets and neutral porcelain tile back-splash. Photography by Andrea Behrends

Inspiration for a timeless bedroom remodel in Toronto

SeaThru is a new, waterfront, modern home. SeaThru was inspired by the mid-century modern homes from our area, known as the Sarasota School of Architecture. This homes designed to offer more than the standard, ubiquitous rear-yard waterfront outdoor space. A central courtyard offer the residents a respite from the heat that accompanies west sun, and creates a gorgeous intermediate view fro guest staying in the semi-attached guest suite, who can actually SEE THROUGH the main living space and enjoy the bay views. Noble materials such as stone cladding, oak floors, composite wood louver screens and generous amounts of glass lend to a relaxed, warm-contemporary feeling not typically common to these types of homes. Photos by Ryan Gamma Photography

This well-designed Modern Farmhouse plan delivers a welcoming one-story layout with an equally welcoming exterior design. The traditional white board and batten siding along with the covered wrap-around front entry offers dynamite curb appeal. Additionally, the multi-paneled windows accompanied by the dormer windows not only add to the attractive exterior but also pour in natural light into the interior.

This picture shows the impact lighting can have on a simple home in Centreville, Virginia. The soft wash on the house accompanied by the subtle up lighting on the trees make a dramatic impact.