This 1930's Barrington Hills farmhouse was in need of some TLC when it was purchased by this southern family of five who planned to make it their new home. The renovation taken on by Advance Design Studio's designer Scott Christensen and master carpenter Justin Davis included a custom porch, custom built in cabinetry in the living room and children's bedrooms, 2 children's on-suite baths, a guest powder room, a fabulous new master bath with custom closet and makeup area, a new upstairs laundry room, a workout basement, a mud room, new flooring and custom wainscot stairs with planked walls and ceilings throughout the home. The home's original mechanicals were in dire need of updating, so HVAC, plumbing and electrical were all replaced with newer materials and equipment. A dramatic change to the exterior took place with the addition of a quaint standing seam metal roofed farmhouse porch perfect for sipping lemonade on a lazy hot summer day. In addition to the changes to the home, a guest house on the property underwent a major transformation as well. Newly outfitted with updated gas and electric, a new stacking washer/dryer space was created along with an updated bath complete with a glass enclosed shower, something the bath did not previously have. A beautiful kitchenette with ample cabinetry space, refrigeration and a sink was transformed as well to provide all the comforts of home for guests visiting at the classic cottage retreat. The biggest design challenge was to keep in line with the charm the old home possessed, all the while giving the family all the convenience and efficiency of modern functioning amenities. One of the most interesting uses of material was the porcelain "wood-looking" tile used in all the baths and most of the home's common areas. All the efficiency of porcelain tile, with the nostalgic look and feel of worn and weathered hardwood floors. The home’s casual entry has an 8" rustic antique barn wood look porcelain tile in a rich brown to create a warm and welcoming first impression. Painted distressed cabinetry in muted shades of gray/green was used in the powder room to bring out the rustic feel of the space which was accentuated with wood planked walls and ceilings. Fresh white painted shaker cabinetry was used throughout the rest of the rooms, accentuated by bright chrome fixtures and muted pastel tones to create a calm and relaxing feeling throughout the home. Custom cabinetry was designed and built by Advance Design specifically for a large 70” TV in the living room, for each of the children’s bedroom’s built in storage, custom closets, and book shelves, and for a mudroom fit with custom niches for each family member by name. The ample master bath was fitted with double vanity areas in white. A generous shower with a bench features classic white subway tiles and light blue/green glass accents, as well as a large free standing soaking tub nestled under a window with double sconces to dim while relaxing in a luxurious bath. A custom classic white bookcase for plush towels greets you as you enter the sanctuary bath. Joe Nowak

Initially designed as a bachelor's Sonoma weekend getaway, The Fan House features glass and steel garage-style doors that take advantage of the verdant 40-acre hilltop property. With the addition of a wife and children, the secondary residence's interiors needed to change. Ann Lowengart Interiors created a family-friendly environment while adhering to the homeowner's preference for streamlined silhouettes. In the open living-dining room, a neutral color palette and contemporary furnishings showcase the modern architecture and stunning views. A separate guest house provides a respite for visiting urban dwellers.

Extensive work was required on this property to deal with both the poor existing condition as well as to expand the livability of the interior and enhance the exterior appearance. The new open kitchen and informal eating area provide great natural light and extensive views to the rear yard and outdoor entertainment space. The scope of the work also included the addition of a new bedroom, new master bedroom suite (formerly a maid's quarters), children's play area, and expanded garage.

This 1990s brick home had decent square footage and a massive front yard, but no way to enjoy it. Each room needed an update, so the entire house was renovated and remodeled, and an addition was put on over the existing garage to create a symmetrical front. The old brown brick was painted a distressed white. The 500sf 2nd floor addition includes 2 new bedrooms for their teen children, and the 12'x30' front porch lanai with standing seam metal roof is a nod to the homeowners' love for the Islands. Each room is beautifully appointed with large windows, wood floors, white walls, white bead board ceilings, glass doors and knobs, and interior wood details reminiscent of Hawaiian plantation architecture. The kitchen was remodeled to increase width and flow, and a new laundry / mudroom was added in the back of the existing garage. The master bath was completely remodeled. Every room is filled with books, and shelves, many made by the homeowner. Project photography by Kmiecik Imagery.

When the owners of a sprawling home in Baltimore County decided to downsize, they chose to turn over the house to the children, and move into an existing guest apartment on the property. The apartment was outdated and relatively small, so the existing space was extensively renovated and the footprint was expanded with a modest addition, including the creation of new a screen porch. A gourmet kitchen opens to great room and casual dining area, and a coffered ceiling was added to give the space old world character. To allow for graceful aging in place, the entire renovation was designed with accessibility in mind. Mitch Allen Photography

This remodel was a completely structural renovation where we took out a barring wall that was between the kitchen and family room to create an open space concept. Additionally the island in the center was shaped like an arrow and we were able to completely restructure the shape and scope of the kitchen by removing it and redesigning the center island. Incidentally this restructure shaped a new means of interaction for the family; they were not only able to communicate more effectively between the kitchen and living room, they also gained visible oversight of the pool in the backyard allowing adults to watch over the children playing outside without having to physically stand outside with them. Todd Ramsey

Inspired by historic homes in America’s grand old neighborhoods, the Wainsborough combines the rich character and architectural craftsmanship of the past with contemporary conveniences. Perfect for today’s busy lifestyles, the home is the perfect blend of past and present. Touches of the ever-popular Shingle Style – from the cedar lap siding to the pitched roof – imbue the home with all-American charm without sacrificing modern convenience. Exterior highlights include stone detailing, multiple entries, transom windows and arched doorways. Inside, the home features a livable open floor plan as well as 10-foot ceilings. The kitchen, dining room and family room flow together, with a large fireplace and an inviting nearby deck. A children’s wing over the garage, a luxurious master suite and adaptable design elements give the floor plan the flexibility to adapt as a family’s needs change. “Right-size” rooms live large, but feel cozy. While the floor plan reflects a casual, family-friendly lifestyle, craftsmanship throughout includes interesting nooks and window seats, all hallmarks of the past. The main level includes a kitchen with a timeless character and architectural flair. Designed to function as a modern gathering room reflecting the trend toward the kitchen serving as the heart of the home, it features raised panel, hand-finished cabinetry and hidden, state-of-the-art appliances. Form is as important as function, with a central square-shaped island serving as a both entertaining and workspace. Custom-designed features include a pull-out bookshelf for cookbooks as well as a pull-out table for extra seating. Other first-floor highlights include a dining area with a bay window, a welcoming hearth room with fireplace, a convenient office and a handy family mud room near the side entrance. A music room off the great room adds an elegant touch to this otherwise comfortable, casual home. Upstairs, a large master suite and master bath ensures privacy. Three additional children’s bedrooms are located in a separate wing over the garage. The lower level features a large family room and adjacent home theater, a guest room and bath and a convenient wine and wet bar.

When they first purchased the home, the owners didn't think they'd need to renovate. But with two growing girls, they eventually realized that the house didn't fully suit their needs. While cooking, they couldn't keep an eye on the children as they played in the living room on the other side of the house. We designed a 325 sf addition that expanded the kitchen and added a family room and powder room. Renovations were also made to the adjacent mudroom including plenty of built-in storage.

Initially designed as a bachelor's Sonoma weekend getaway, The Fan House features glass and steel garage-style doors that take advantage of the verdant 40-acre hilltop property. With the addition of a wife and children, the secondary residence's interiors needed to change. Ann Lowengart Interiors created a family-friendly environment while adhering to the homeowner's preference for streamlined silhouettes. In the open living-dining room, a neutral color palette and contemporary furnishings showcase the modern architecture and stunning views. A separate guest house provides a respite for visiting urban dwellers.

Michelle and Dominic had purchased their home in Wake Forest several years earlier with the idea in mind that it would serve as a family-centric place where they could gather with extended family. Situated in a quiet residential neighborhood with large lots, it was the perfect place for them to raise and home school their 4 children. As their family grew, the children’s daily activities were split between the 1st and 2nd floors, making it difficult to coordinate activities amongst them all. And their extended family get-togethers had become cramped and increasingly difficult to accommodate everyone comfortably. They were in need of added living space that could serve their family’s needs as well as provide extra entertaining areas to host family gatherings. With our experience in helping homeowners secure financing for their Home Improvement projects, we worked with Dominic and Michelle to prepare all of the necessary documentation required to apply for an FHA 203K Home Renovation loan. As a result, they were able to finance the full cost of the construction of their new Family Room Addition. Our solution was to add a 1st floor living space that harmonized with the existing floor plan and décor, was central to the existing Kitchen, and flexible enough to facilitate large groups and accommodate the whole family’s daily activities and access to the outdoors. As a result of their newly added flexible living area, they are now able to comfortably gather with their extended family as well accommodate the whole family’s needs, giving them the opportunity spend more quality time with their family and friends. Design Features Harmony with the home’s existing architecture and décor. Seamless Transition into the adjoining Kitchen and Living Room, separating the two with a light and bright 15-Lite Double French Door. Light and bright natural hardwood flooring. A bright and open floor plan achieved by introducing a double 15-Lite French door in the Kitchen and generous amount of double-hung Low-E windows. Window Well in the Roof to accommodate required foot-print placement. Easy access to the outdoors and the large deck and yard. Extra storage space for tools and outdoor equipment. Energy Efficient and Green Features 1st floor HVAC Compressor and Air Handler replaced with a more efficient 15 Seer unit. Floor penetrations and perimeter bottom plates caulked and air sealed. No-VOC Paints and Finishes. Durable Exterior Construction No-Maintenance Composite and PVC Low-E Windows Cement Fiber Siding Cement Fiber and PVC Trim Life-time Architectural Shingles Metal Roof Flashing with Gutter Kick-Outs Superior Window Flashing and Water Intrusion sealing measures

This colorful Contemporary design / build project started as an Addition but included new cork flooring and painting throughout the home. The Kitchen also included the creation of a new pantry closet with wire shelving and the Family Room was converted into a beautiful Library with space for the whole family. The homeowner has a passion for picking paint colors and enjoyed selecting the colors for each room. The home is now a bright mix of modern trends such as the barn doors and chalkboard surfaces contrasted by classic LA touches such as the detail surrounding the Living Room fireplace. The Master Bedroom is now a Master Suite complete with high-ceilings making the room feel larger and airy. Perfect for warm Southern California weather! Speaking of the outdoors, the sliding doors to the green backyard ensure that this white room still feels as colorful as the rest of the home. The Master Bathroom features bamboo cabinetry with his and hers sinks. The light blue walls make the blue and white floor really pop. The shower offers the homeowners a bench and niche for comfort and sliding glass doors and subway tile for style. The Library / Family Room features custom built-in bookcases, barn door and a window seat; a readers dream! The Children’s Room and Dining Room both received new paint and flooring as part of their makeover. However the Children’s Bedroom also received a new closet and reading nook. The fireplace in the Living Room was made more stylish by painting it to match the walls – one of the only white spaces in the home! However the deep blue accent wall with floating shelves ensure that guests are prepared to see serious pops of color throughout the rest of the home. The home features art by Drica Lobo ( https://www.dricalobo.com/home)

This colorful Contemporary design / build project started as an Addition but included new cork flooring and painting throughout the home. The Kitchen also included the creation of a new pantry closet with wire shelving and the Family Room was converted into a beautiful Library with space for the whole family. The homeowner has a passion for picking paint colors and enjoyed selecting the colors for each room. The home is now a bright mix of modern trends such as the barn doors and chalkboard surfaces contrasted by classic LA touches such as the detail surrounding the Living Room fireplace. The Master Bedroom is now a Master Suite complete with high-ceilings making the room feel larger and airy. Perfect for warm Southern California weather! Speaking of the outdoors, the sliding doors to the green backyard ensure that this white room still feels as colorful as the rest of the home. The Master Bathroom features bamboo cabinetry with his and hers sinks. The light blue walls make the blue and white floor really pop. The shower offers the homeowners a bench and niche for comfort and sliding glass doors and subway tile for style. The Library / Family Room features custom built-in bookcases, barn door and a window seat; a readers dream! The Children’s Room and Dining Room both received new paint and flooring as part of their makeover. However the Children’s Bedroom also received a new closet and reading nook. The fireplace in the Living Room was made more stylish by painting it to match the walls – one of the only white spaces in the home! However the deep blue accent wall with floating shelves ensure that guests are prepared to see serious pops of color throughout the rest of the home. The home features art by Drica Lobo ( https://www.dricalobo.com/home)

This 1990s brick home had decent square footage and a massive front yard, but no way to enjoy it. Each room needed an update, so the entire house was renovated and remodeled, and an addition was put on over the existing garage to create a symmetrical front. The old brown brick was painted a distressed white. The 500sf 2nd floor addition includes 2 new bedrooms for their teen children, and the 12'x30' front porch lanai with standing seam metal roof is a nod to the homeowners' love for the Islands. Each room is beautifully appointed with large windows, wood floors, white walls, white bead board ceilings, glass doors and knobs, and interior wood details reminiscent of Hawaiian plantation architecture. The kitchen was remodeled to increase width and flow, and a new laundry / mudroom was added in the back of the existing garage. The master bath was completely remodeled. Every room is filled with books, and shelves, many made by the homeowner. Project photography by Kmiecik Imagery.

Our goal with this project was to combine a cramped kitchen and small dining room into an airy, open kitchen which serves many functions for this busy couple with young children. A central island provides plenty of space for food prep, school projects as well as everyday family dinners. We rearranged the large front room to create both an intimate conversation area and a more formal dining area. As the main floor lacked a powder room and closet for coats and boots, we annexed an unused portion of the house's airshaft to create both. The addition also features a skylight which along with the enlarged rear window, floods the new kitchen with sunshine. The richly cool palette of grays and white offers a soothing backdrop in what has become the hub of this family's colorful life...

This 1930's Barrington Hills farmhouse was in need of some TLC when it was purchased by this southern family of five who planned to make it their new home. The renovation taken on by Advance Design Studio's designer Scott Christensen and master carpenter Justin Davis included a custom porch, custom built in cabinetry in the living room and children's bedrooms, 2 children's on-suite baths, a guest powder room, a fabulous new master bath with custom closet and makeup area, a new upstairs laundry room, a workout basement, a mud room, new flooring and custom wainscot stairs with planked walls and ceilings throughout the home. The home's original mechanicals were in dire need of updating, so HVAC, plumbing and electrical were all replaced with newer materials and equipment. A dramatic change to the exterior took place with the addition of a quaint standing seam metal roofed farmhouse porch perfect for sipping lemonade on a lazy hot summer day. In addition to the changes to the home, a guest house on the property underwent a major transformation as well. Newly outfitted with updated gas and electric, a new stacking washer/dryer space was created along with an updated bath complete with a glass enclosed shower, something the bath did not previously have. A beautiful kitchenette with ample cabinetry space, refrigeration and a sink was transformed as well to provide all the comforts of home for guests visiting at the classic cottage retreat. The biggest design challenge was to keep in line with the charm the old home possessed, all the while giving the family all the convenience and efficiency of modern functioning amenities. One of the most interesting uses of material was the porcelain "wood-looking" tile used in all the baths and most of the home's common areas. All the efficiency of porcelain tile, with the nostalgic look and feel of worn and weathered hardwood floors. The home’s casual entry has an 8" rustic antique barn wood look porcelain tile in a rich brown to create a warm and welcoming first impression. Painted distressed cabinetry in muted shades of gray/green was used in the powder room to bring out the rustic feel of the space which was accentuated with wood planked walls and ceilings. Fresh white painted shaker cabinetry was used throughout the rest of the rooms, accentuated by bright chrome fixtures and muted pastel tones to create a calm and relaxing feeling throughout the home. Custom cabinetry was designed and built by Advance Design specifically for a large 70” TV in the living room, for each of the children’s bedroom’s built in storage, custom closets, and book shelves, and for a mudroom fit with custom niches for each family member by name. The ample master bath was fitted with double vanity areas in white. A generous shower with a bench features classic white subway tiles and light blue/green glass accents, as well as a large free standing soaking tub nestled under a window with double sconces to dim while relaxing in a luxurious bath. A custom classic white bookcase for plush towels greets you as you enter the sanctuary bath.

This colorful Contemporary design / build project started as an Addition but included new cork flooring and painting throughout the home. The Kitchen also included the creation of a new pantry closet with wire shelving and the Family Room was converted into a beautiful Library with space for the whole family. The homeowner has a passion for picking paint colors and enjoyed selecting the colors for each room. The home is now a bright mix of modern trends such as the barn doors and chalkboard surfaces contrasted by classic LA touches such as the detail surrounding the Living Room fireplace. The Master Bedroom is now a Master Suite complete with high-ceilings making the room feel larger and airy. Perfect for warm Southern California weather! Speaking of the outdoors, the sliding doors to the green backyard ensure that this white room still feels as colorful as the rest of the home. The Master Bathroom features bamboo cabinetry with his and hers sinks. The light blue walls make the blue and white floor really pop. The shower offers the homeowners a bench and niche for comfort and sliding glass doors and subway tile for style. The Library / Family Room features custom built-in bookcases, barn door and a window seat; a readers dream! The Children’s Room and Dining Room both received new paint and flooring as part of their makeover. However the Children’s Bedroom also received a new closet and reading nook. The fireplace in the Living Room was made more stylish by painting it to match the walls – one of the only white spaces in the home! However the deep blue accent wall with floating shelves ensure that guests are prepared to see serious pops of color throughout the rest of the home. The home features art by Drica Lobo ( https://www.dricalobo.com/home)

This house was a very small mid-century bungalow with previous additions that resulted in a large but chaotic layout. The owners wanted to convert the house to a super-efficient, and charming Craftsman-style, 6 bedroom home for their large family and work at home. We achieved the space needs by moving a few walls for a more efficient, organized layout, setting up spaces for overlapping uses, and making a small upstairs addition. Every bit of square footage was optimized to meet the goals of the project without making the house huge or adding unnecessary cost. Much thought was given to the entry sequence near the front door. A large flow-through mudroom with storage for each family member, and adjacent laundry, make it easy for children to be taught to keep their things organized and to contribute to household chores. A mail station and central home admin area at the mudroom help keep clutter down at other areas and minimize home management tasks. A garage door near the kitchen gives quick access to bulk items. The existing house had too much view to the street from the living room through large corner windows, and too little entry transition, to the extent that the family did not feel comfortable using the living room much without shades drawn. We raised the window sills and brought the new windows in from the corner of the house, allowing plenty of light while protecting privacy and a sense of enclosure in the living room. We enlarged the front porch to create a more graceful transition from the public to private space. We located the front door so that the circulation from entry into the house would allow for furnishing the living room with a sitting circle that is not intruded upon by people walking through the room. Sight lines through the living spaces were an important consideration in the design. The owners wanted discreet spaces for living room, kitchen, dining and family room, but also wanted the living spaces to feel connected and to be able to easily watch their children. Being able to see the children playing in the yard while getting things done inside the house was also important. While largely working with the existing structure, we opened walls and rearranged the use of spaces to make a series of connected living spaces with long views through them. The character of the remodeled house is a contemporary Craftsman with classic materials and cool, consistent colors. A few arches echo through the house to frame spaces and soften the feeling of the rooms. Photography: Kurt Manley https://saikleyarchitects.com/portfolio/bungalow-expansion/

Children's play room that can also transform into a guest bedroom. Features exposed walnut stained beams with matching fan from Big Ass Fans. Engineered maple wood flooring carries throughout the space and connects to the office featured in the photo. Recessed can lights and white wall sconces add extra dimension to the space, especially at night.

Michelle and Dominic had purchased their home in Wake Forest several years earlier with the idea in mind that it would serve as a family-centric place where they could gather with extended family. Situated in a quiet residential neighborhood with large lots, it was the perfect place for them to raise and home school their 4 children. As their family grew, the children’s daily activities were split between the 1st and 2nd floors, making it difficult to coordinate activities amongst them all. And their extended family get-togethers had become cramped and increasingly difficult to accommodate everyone comfortably. They were in need of added living space that could serve their family’s needs as well as provide extra entertaining areas to host family gatherings. With our experience in helping homeowners secure financing for their Home Improvement projects, we worked with Dominic and Michelle to prepare all of the necessary documentation required to apply for an FHA 203K Home Renovation loan. As a result, they were able to finance the full cost of the construction of their new Family Room Addition. Our solution was to add a 1st floor living space that harmonized with the existing floor plan and décor, was central to the existing Kitchen, and flexible enough to facilitate large groups and accommodate the whole family’s daily activities and access to the outdoors. As a result of their newly added flexible living area, they are now able to comfortably gather with their extended family as well accommodate the whole family’s needs, giving them the opportunity spend more quality time with their family and friends. Design Features Harmony with the home’s existing architecture and décor. Seamless Transition into the adjoining Kitchen and Living Room, separating the two with a light and bright 15-Lite Double French Door. Light and bright natural hardwood flooring. A bright and open floor plan achieved by introducing a double 15-Lite French door in the Kitchen and generous amount of double-hung Low-E windows. Window Well in the Roof to accommodate required foot-print placement. Easy access to the outdoors and the large deck and yard. Extra storage space for tools and outdoor equipment. Energy Efficient and Green Features 1st floor HVAC Compressor and Air Handler replaced with a more efficient 15 Seer unit. Floor penetrations and perimeter bottom plates caulked and air sealed. No-VOC Paints and Finishes. Durable Exterior Construction No-Maintenance Composite and PVC Low-E Windows Cement Fiber Siding Cement Fiber and PVC Trim Life-time Architectural Shingles Metal Roof Flashing with Gutter Kick-Outs Superior Window Flashing and Water Intrusion sealing measures