The owners were interested in updating their kitchen with design elements that met their needs. Stir fry cooking was at the top of the list for entertainment when friends and family gathered. An extended family that included elderly parents and small children was considered when planning the seating arrangements in the space. We started with an island design that offered integrated seating at standard table height in addition to café height stools. A nine foot high ceiling was lowered over the island and wall cabinets. This allowed for a large ventilation system and added some coziness to the space. Stainless steel appliances along with a matching appliance garage added timeless beauty and function. Honed Black granite counter tops on natural Cherry cabinets soften the overall feel of the room. The addition of Euro style stainless steel hardware helps to pull the whole space together!

The new addition to the family's home allowed for a spacious mud room entry for their children. The floor is tough for foot traffic, boots, shoes and school backpacks. It became the casual welcoming entry for a side door from the driveway as well as the garage. Bead board on the lower wall allowed for a second wall color and some practical durability for shoes or backpacks bumping into walls on their way to built in cubbies (not pictured) and furry friends that may be wet from a rainy or snow day.

This beautiful kitchen area was created with family in mind. Our clients have young children so it was important that this design incorporate beauty and comfort as well as durability for years to come. The sleek and clean white cabinets and counters plus the pop of navy in the island and bar area are accented beautifully with brass hardware and fixtures. Additionally, we integrated a showstopping quartz sink. Completed during the covid pandemic, we were sure to go above and beyond to make everyone comfortable while perfecting every aspect of this kitchen, dining space and powder bath.

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.

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.

The remodeled child's bedroom is simple and bright. Photo: Steve King.
Example of a bedroom minimalist nursery design in Los Angeles

Cedar shakes mix with siding and stone to create a richly textural Craftsman exterior. This floor plan is ideal for large or growing families with open living spaces making it easy to be together. The master suite and a bedroom/study are downstairs while three large bedrooms with walk-in closets are upstairs. A second-floor pocket office is a great space for children to complete homework or projects and a bonus room provides additional square footage for recreation or storage.

In the hills of San Anselmo in Marin County, this 5,000 square foot existing multi-story home was enlarged to 6,000 square feet with a new dance studio addition with new master bedroom suite and sitting room for evening entertainment and morning coffee. Sited on a steep hillside one acre lot, the back yard was unusable. New concrete retaining walls and planters were designed to create outdoor play and lounging areas with stairs that cascade down the hill forming a wrap-around walkway. The goal was to make the new addition integrate the disparate design elements of the house and calm it down visually. The scope was not to change everything, just the rear façade and some of the side facades. The new addition is a long rectangular space inserted into the rear of the building with new up-swooping roof that ties everything together. Clad in red cedar, the exterior reflects the relaxed nature of the one acre wooded hillside site. Fleetwood windows and wood patterned tile complete the exterior color material palate. The sitting room overlooks a new patio area off of the children’s playroom and features a butt glazed corner window providing views filtered through a grove of bay laurel trees. Inside is a television viewing area with wetbar off to the side that can be closed off with a concealed pocket door to the master bedroom. The bedroom was situated to take advantage of these views of the rear yard and the bed faces a stone tile wall with recessed skylight above. The master bath, a driving force for the project, is large enough to allow both of them to occupy and use at the same time. The new dance studio and gym was inspired for their two daughters and has become a facility for the whole family. All glass, mirrors and space with cushioned wood sports flooring, views to the new level outdoor area and tree covered side yard make for a dramatic turnaround for a home with little play or usable outdoor space previously. Photo Credit: Paul Dyer Photography.

This cute backyard patio was renovated to provide an outdoor seating area with a firepit by Benintoshape, bar seating for entertaining and a cozy dining area adjacent to the kitchen. Barbara designed perennials and bulbs to be added to the existing shade garden spaces and new plantings were incorporated to provide more seasonal color and interest in the rose garden. New shade tolerant shrubs and groundcovers were added under a large Norway Maple tree that cast considerable shade in the backyard. A new stepping stone path provided access to the nearby sunny lawn and playscape in the side yard. The back and side yards were enclosed with a picket fence to keep the pets and children safe. Comfortable lounge furniture by Janus et Cie and pillows by Elaine Smith were placed in the renovated patio space. The dining area was covered with a Tuuci cantilever umbrella for additional shade in the afternoon.

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.

This brownstone, located in Harlem, consists of five stories which had been duplexed to create a two story rental unit and a 3 story home for the owners. The owner hired us to do a modern renovation of their home and rear garden. The garden was under utilized, barely visible from the interior and could only be accessed via a small steel stair at the rear of the second floor. We enlarged the owner’s home to include the rear third of the floor below which had walk out access to the garden. The additional square footage became a new family room connected to the living room and kitchen on the floor above via a double height space and a new sculptural stair. The rear facade was completely restructured to allow us to install a wall to wall two story window and door system within the new double height space creating a connection not only between the two floors but with the outside. The garden itself was terraced into two levels, the bottom level of which is directly accessed from the new family room space, the upper level accessed via a few stone clad steps. The upper level of the garden features a playful interplay of stone pavers with wood decking adjacent to a large seating area and a new planting bed. Wet bar cabinetry at the family room level is mirrored by an outside cabinetry/grill configuration as another way to visually tie inside to out. The second floor features the dining room, kitchen and living room in a large open space. Wall to wall builtins from the front to the rear transition from storage to dining display to kitchen; ending at an open shelf display with a fireplace feature in the base. The third floor serves as the children’s floor with two bedrooms and two ensuite baths. The fourth floor is a master suite with a large bedroom and a large bathroom bridged by a walnut clad hall that conceals a closet system and features a built in desk. The master bath consists of a tiled partition wall dividing the space to create a large walkthrough shower for two on one side and showcasing a free standing tub on the other. The house is full of custom modern details such as the recessed, lit handrail at the house’s main stair, floor to ceiling glass partitions separating the halls from the stairs and a whimsical builtin bench in the entry.

This beautiful kitchen area was created with family in mind. Our clients have young children so it was important that this design incorporate beauty and comfort as well as durability for years to come. The sleek and clean white cabinets and counters plus the pop of navy in the island and bar area are accented beautifully with brass hardware and fixtures. Additionally, we integrated a showstopping quartz sink. Completed during the covid pandemic, we were sure to go above and beyond to make everyone comfortable while perfecting every aspect of this kitchen, dining space and powder bath.

This beautiful kitchen area was created with family in mind. Our clients have young children so it was important that this design incorporate beauty and comfort as well as durability for years to come. The sleek and clean white cabinets and counters plus the pop of navy in the island and bar area are accented beautifully with brass hardware and fixtures. Additionally, we integrated a showstopping quartz sink. Completed during the covid pandemic, we were sure to go above and beyond to make everyone comfortable while perfecting every aspect of this kitchen, dining space and powder bath.

Family friendly landscape featuring a large, partially covered composite deck, a kid's play space with a seat wall that can also be used as a fire pit, new landscaping and a large lawn for play time. In addition, the new paver path makes trash days a breeze while the paved side yard doubles as a vegetable garden and more play space. The upper yard is landscaped with native and drought tolerant plants and the foundation features colorful perennials.

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.

This 1975 split-level home in a wooded area of Reston, Virginia, is home to a growing family of six. Needless to say, space was at a premium and they needed more of it. So they turned to Michael Nash Design, Build & Homes to create a second-story expansion. With limited ability to expand the footprint of the home due to lot restrictions, the design team created a 25’ x 35’ master suite addition to be placed over the existing first floor. The space would be located above the living room, dining room and kitchen, creating a private and secluded oasis for mom and dad. The children would have the home’s three middle level bedrooms and a bath of their own. A New Master Suite A new custom wooden staircase leads the homeowner to the doorstep of what she now calls her “heavenly space.” It’s a large master bedroom complete with a seating area, vaulted ceiling and skylights, and a beautiful Bordeaux-finish maple wood floor. Bright color paint was selected for the walls to complement the wood flooring and bedroom furniture. The new 11’x12’ master bathroom offers a spa-like experience. The new bath touts a large shower stall with a built-in bench and storage niches covered with flagstone tiles; a soaking whirlpool tub; and a long double vanity with granite top and fancy fixtures. Exterior Ties It Together Like any large addition, this one required exterior renovation to make the addition look like the rest of the home. New vinyl siding and architectural shingles replaced the old cedar siding and run down shingles on the original structure. A new front porch with half-stone columns and pillars maintains the home’s cottage look. A new double car garage replaces the original carport. Both are a big part of the home’s new front elevation which greatly improves its curbside appeal. The end result of this project offers everyone in the family a place of their own. The children have new bedrooms and the parents have their sanctuary in their new master suite.

Our client came to us with the idea of renovating some of the rooms for their three growing children, twin boys and a girl, in this apartment on Riverside Drive with breath-taking views of the Hudson River. The original bedrooms were crowded with built-in pieces and the boys used to share one room. As their needs are changing as they grow, our clients wanted to renovate their childish bedrooms and give them new bedrooms for each one of them that would still feel ‘updated’ and ‘grown up’ for many more years to come. A previously room used as a Den, was transformed into a bedroom for one of the boys, while the other one kept the original bedroom. Both spaces have similar materials and fabrics, but each has a color scheme that was developed from the kids’ favorite colors, the built-in desk, shelving and platform bed in dark mahogany gives the rooms a more masculine and grown up feel. The girl’s room was a very small and odd space with angled walls; to make the room more square and symmetrical, a new desk with shelves, built-in closet, night-stand and platform bed were installed around the perimeter of the room. This layout allowed for additional space for a reading chair, floor lamp and side table. The color palette for this bedroom was also based on the girl’s favorite colors: purple and green, which were wisely used over a background of cream color used throughout the cabinetry and carpet to avoid feeling overwhelming in the small space. Most of the vertical surfaces in all three rooms were covered in a tackable material so they could display posters and school work, yet the textile wall covering gives the walls a very elegant feel when the posters come off.

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.

This beautiful kitchen area was created with family in mind. Our clients have young children so it was important that this design incorporate beauty and comfort as well as durability for years to come. The sleek and clean white cabinets and counters plus the pop of navy in the island and bar area are accented beautifully with brass hardware and fixtures. Additionally, we integrated a showstopping quartz sink. Completed during the covid pandemic, we were sure to go above and beyond to make everyone comfortable while perfecting every aspect of this kitchen, dining space and powder bath.