Inspiration for a southwestern master brown floor bathroom remodel in Phoenix with flat-panel cabinets and beige cabinets

David Papazian
Inspiration for a huge contemporary brown three-story wood gable roof remodel in Seattle

Builder: John Kraemer & Sons | Building Architecture: Charlie & Co. Design | Interiors: Martha O'Hara Interiors | Photography: Landmark Photography
Mid-sized transitional formal and open concept light wood floor living room photo in Minneapolis with gray walls, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace and a wall-mounted tv

Mike and Anne of Barrington Hills desperately needed to update and renovate both their kid’s hall bath and guest bath, and in their 1980’s home each project presented a different set of unique challenges to overcome. When they set out to identify the right remodeling company to partner with, it was important to find a company that could help them to visualize design solutions for the bath renovations. When they came across Advance Design Studio’s website, they were immediately drawn to the solution-oriented remodeling process and the family friendly company. They say they chose Advance Design because of the integrated approach of “Common Sense Remodeling”, making the design, project management and construction all happen in one place. When they met with Project Designer Michelle Lecinski, they knew they chose the right company. “Michelle’s excellent work on the initial designs made it easy to proceed with Advance Design Studio,” Mike said. Like most homeowners anticipating a big renovation project, they had some healthy fears; with two bathrooms being remodeled at the same time they worried about timeframes and staying within budget. With the help of Michelle, and the “Common Sense” guidelines, they were confident that Advance Design would stay true, orchestrating all the moving parts to stay within both the estimated timeline and budget. The guest bath offered the biggest design challenge. A dormer obstruction made the already cramped shower awkward to access. Mike and Anne also wanted the shower size to be expanded, making it more accommodating. Working with Advance’s construction expert DJ Yurik, Michelle relocated the shower concealing the original dormer and creating a larger, more comfortable and aesthetically pleasing guest shower. The unsightly and not at all user-friendly closet was removed and replaced with elegant White Maple Dura Supreme cabinetry with much improved function featuring dual tall linen cabinets, a special makeup area and two sinks, providing a dual vanity which was extremely important for better guest use. The Fossil Brown quartz countertop is in pleasing contrast to the white cabinetry, and coordinates nicely with the mocha porcelain tile gracing the shower for an accent. The decorative glazed turquoise tile backsplash, tile border, and bottle niche adds a taste of marine green to the room, while marble-looking porcelain tile makes guests feel they are staying in a 5-star hotel. Polished nickel Kohler plumbing fixtures were chosen to add a touch of sophistication. This renovated guest bath is comfortable and elegant, and Anne and Mike’s house guests may never want to leave! “The end result was updated and restyled bathrooms that the client will enjoy and increase the value of their home,” Designer Michelle said. The children’s hall bath had its own set of challenges. The current placement of the sink was not conducive to the best use of the existing space, nor did it allow for any visual interest, something Advance’s designers always work to achieve even within the tight confines of a small bath. Advance removed the linen closet and used the gain in wall space to create a dramatic focal point on the vanity wall. They also took additional space that wasn’t being used for new Storm Gray Dura Supreme tall built-in linen cabinets, creating functional storage space that the former bath lacked. A customized glass splash panel was created for the bath, and the high ceilings with skylights were accented with a custom-made track lighting fixture featuring industrial pipe and cage materials. Authentic cement encaustic tile was used wall to wall surrounding the vanity to create a dramatic and interesting back drop for the new elegant and stately furniture-like double sink wall. Hand-made encaustic tile originated in Western Europe beginning in the 1850’s and reminded Mike and Anne of tile they had seen and loved from their travels overseas. Today, encaustic tile has made a re-appearance in today’s modern bath design with its wide array of appealing patterns and artistic use of color. Oil rubbed bronze Kohler fixtures echo the black accents in the beautiful tile pattern and reflect the matte black of the unique lighting detail. Easy to maintain Blanca Arabescato Quartz countertops add practicality and natural beauty and compliments the warm wood porcelain tile floors. This handsome bath has generated praise from friends and family even before it’s complete unveiling as photos of the space leaked out on social media! It’s not only completely functional to use, but especially pretty to look at. “Advance Design Studio did a terrific job for us. We really appreciated how easy it was to work with them on a complex project of the complete remodeling of two bathrooms. They very capably handled all the details from design, to project management, to construction. It is a great group of people to work with and we would welcome the opportunity to work with them again anytime,” Mike said.

Achieving the old world look and feel in the kitchen, a Melrose Partners Designs signature look is used: high gloss stained doors and cabinets meet polished nickel oversized hardware. Dark walnut interiors and striking English ice box hinges and pulls were procured, along with oversized quartz countertops on both the center island and main counter space run; mirror-polished stainless steel drawer fronts dress up the distressed hickory and insert doors on the main island. An added bonus: a 45-inch under-mounted sink with a hot and cold water dispenser. In order to achieve a grandiose feel for the space, a Cerused finished, 12-inch plank white oak, expanses the floor.

Design ideas for a rustic partial sun backyard stone landscaping in Boise.

Rehme Steel Windows & Doors Don B. McDonald, Architect TMD Builders Thomas McConnell Photography
Inspiration for a rustic backyard patio remodel in Austin with a roof extension

Example of a small trendy galley dedicated laundry room design in Detroit with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, beige cabinets, wood countertops, a side-by-side washer/dryer and brown countertops

A Marble-Wrapped Island Adds a Natural Element to the Minimal White Kitchen
Example of a minimalist l-shaped light wood floor and beige floor kitchen design in New York with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, marble countertops, white backsplash, stone slab backsplash, an island, green countertops and paneled appliances

Richard Leo Johnson
Example of a mountain style living room design in Atlanta

Two-Story Family Room with Leather Sectional Sofa, Round Ottoman, Club Chairs, Geometric Patterned Rug, Modern Stone Two-Story Fireplace and Floor-to -Ceiling Window Treatments Photo by Alcove Images

Surrounded by canyon views and nestled in the heart of Orange County, this 9,000 square foot home encompasses all that is “chic”. Clean lines, interesting textures, pops of color, and an emphasis on art were all key in achieving this contemporary but comfortable sophistication. Photography by Chad Mellon

The kitchen was at the top of the list for a total overhaul – the worn oak cabinets, dated appliances, and clunky layout all had to go. Removing the decorative soffits allowed us to take the new cabinetry all the way to the ceiling, adding functional storage and visually extending the room’s height. We reconfigured the layout from a modified U to an L-shape which accomplished several things – it opened up the kitchen to the dining room, redirected circulation, and most importantly, created space for an island. A brand new pantry was created for overflow food storage, bulk items, occasional dishware and small appliances, ensuring that our client’s goal of uncluttered countertops was achievable. The finish selections and clean lines give a nod to the home’s mid-century bones. The wood island provides warmth and the light quartz countertops, textured backsplash and white cabinets keep the kitchen feeling light and bright. We opted to install open shelving above the sink which provides display space and needed storage without the bulkiness of an overhead cabinet. The matte black faucet, hardware and decorative pendants add another level of visual interest to the modern kitchen. To unify the kitchen and dining room, we replaced the drab kitchen flooring with select red oak hardwoods that were expertly installed and refinished to match the gorgeous wood flooring throughout the home.

In this masterbath renovation we installed Medallion Platinum Santa Cruz cabinets in Cherry Pecan. Cambria Berekley quartz was used for the countertop with Ogee edge on the front and backsplash with 2 Kohler Caxton undermount white sinks accented with Moen Kingsley faucets in Antique Nickel. In the shower, the waterproofing Schluter system was installed on the walls and floor. A custom 3 panel style frameless shower door with brushed nickle finish hardware. Mirasol 10x14 polished wall tile in Crème Liala with random forest marble mix for the shower floor. Mosaic wall border and back of niche in Sanaa Gendai natural random mosaic. A multi-function shower head with 2 Gianna body sprays were installed in the shower. Brooke 4 light bath bar in antique nickel with etched opal glass with matching pewter robe hook, towel bar accessories. A pocket door was installed.

For a family who believes fitness is not only an essential part of life but also a fun opportunity for the whole family to connect, build and achieve greatness together there is nothing better than a custom designed obstacle course right in your back yard. THEME The theme of this half mile trail through the woods is evident in the fun, creative and all-inclusive obstacles hidden in the natural flow of the land around this amazing family home. The course was created with adults and children, advanced and beginner athletes, competitive and entertaining events all accounted for. Each of the 13 obstacles was designed to be challenging no matter the size, skill or ability of the athlete lucky enough to run the course. FOCUS The focus for this family was to create an outdoor adventure that could be an athletic, social and personal outlet for their entire family while maintaining the natural beauty of the landscape and without altering the sweeping views from the home. The large scale of the challenging obstacles is camouflaged within the landscape using the rolling hills and mature trees as a natural curtain in every season. The beauty of the course does not diminish the functional and demanding nature of the obstacles which are designed to focus on multiple strength, agility, and cardio fitness abilities and intensities. STORAGE The start of the trail includes a raised training area offering a dedicated space clear from the ground to place bags, mats and other equipment used during the run. A small all-terrain storage cart was provided for use with 6 yoga mats, 3 medicine balls of various weights, rings, sprinting cones, and a large digital timer to record laps. GROWTH The course was designed to provide an athletic and fun challenge for children, teens and adults no matter their experience or athletic prowess. This course offers competitive athletes a challenge and budding athletes an opportunity to experience and ignite their passion for physical activity. Initially the concept for the course was focused on the youngest of the family however as the design grew so did the obstacles and now it is a true family experience that will meet their adapting needs for years. Each obstacle is paired with an instructional sign directing the runners in proper use of the obstacle, adaptations for skill levels and tips on form. These signs are all customized for this course and are printed on metal to ensure they last for many years. SAFETY Safety is crucial for all physical activity and an obstacle course of this scale presents unique safety concerns. Children should always be supervised when participating in an adventure on the course however additional care was paid to details on the course to ensure everyone has a great time. All of the course obstacles have been created with pressure treated lumber that will withstand the seasonal poundings. All footer pilings that support obstacles have been placed into the ground between 3 to 4 feet (.9 to 1.2 meters) and each piling has 2 to 3 bags of concrete (totaling over 90 bags used throughout the course) ensuring stability of the structure and safety of the participants. Additionally, all obstacle lumber has been given rounded corners and sanded down offering less splintering and more time for everyone to enjoy the course. This athletic and charismatic family strives to incorporate a healthy active lifestyle into their daily life and this obstacle course offers their family an opportunity to strengthen themselves and host some memorable and active events at their amazing home.

Hamptons-Inspired Kitchen One cannot help but feel a distinct sense of serenity and timeless beauty when entering this Hamptons-style kitchen. Bathed in natural light and shimmering with inspired accents and details, this complete kitchen transformation is at once elegant and inviting. Plans and elevations were conceived to create balance and function without sacrificing harmony and visual intrigue. A metal custom hood, with an eye-catching brass band and impeccably balanced cabinets on either side, provides a strong focal point for the kitchen, which can be viewed from the adjacent living room. Brass faucets, hardware and light fixtures complement and draw further attention to this anchoring element. A wall of glass cabinetry enhances the existing windows and pleasantly expands the sense of openness in the space. Taj Mahal quartzite blends gracefully with the cabinet finishes. Cream-tone, herringbone tiles are custom-cut into different patterns to create a sense of visual movement as the eyes move across the room. An elegant, marble-top island paired with sumptuous, leather-covered stools, not only offers extra counterspace, but also an ideal gathering place for loved ones to enjoy. This unforgettable kitchen gem shines even brighter with the addition of glass cabinets, designed to display the client’s collection of Portmeirion china. Careful consideration was given to the selection of stone for the countertops, as well as the color of paint for the cabinets, to highlight this inspiring collection. Breakfast room A thoughtfully blended mix of furniture styles introduces a splash of European charm to this Hamptons-style kitchen, with French, cane-back chairs providing a sense of airy elegance and delight. A performance velvet adorns the banquette, which is piled high with lush cushions for optimal comfort while lounging in the room. Another layer of texture is achieved with a wool area rug that defines and accentuates this gorgeous breakfast nook with sprawling views of the outdoors. Finishing features include drapery fabric and Brunschwig and Fils Bird and Thistle paper, whose natural, botanic pattern combines with the beautiful vistas of the backyard to inspire a sense of being in a botanical, outdoor wonderland.

The interior has incredible detail with coffered ceilings and wood paneling on the walls in the entry. The wide plank oak flooring stands out against the crisp white walls and elegant lighting. The floor to ceiling windows and doors provide plenty of light for the open floor plan. The wide arched doorways add to the architectural detail throughout the living areas. The kitchen has double islands and plenty of space to create a culinary masterpiece. The quartz counter tops and white custom cabinets stand out under the stained wood plank ceiling. Glass cabinet doors and a custom vent hood add that extra touch to this gorgeous space. Built by Phillip Vlahos of Destin Custom Home Builders. It was designed by Bob Chatham Custom Home Design and decorated by Allyson Runnels.

Best of Houzz Design & Service 2014. --Photography by Paul Dyer.
Living room - large transitional open concept medium tone wood floor living room idea in San Francisco with gray walls, a standard fireplace and a stone fireplace