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

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.

Photo: Alexandra Crafton © 2016 Houzz
Example of a classic exterior home design in Boston

The Colonial house architecture offers a versatile duplex prototype perfect for a single-family home or a recreational center. Its grand entrance is complemented by a screened front porch, providing a welcoming space for relaxation. On the ground level, a lounge area with a cozy fireplace offers warmth and comfort, while a unique addition includes a powder room for added convenience. The spacious kitchen features a formal dining area, ideal for hosting gatherings and meals. Upstairs, the bedroom layout is designed to create a clear distinction between private and public spaces. The master suite boasts a walk-in closet and a modern ensuite bath with a separate tub and shower, ensuring comfort and luxury. Additional features include two bedrooms with a Jack and Jill toilet, a utility layout for practicality, and a children's playroom for leisure and fun. With a plethora of amenities, this Colonial home is crafted to bring joy and satisfaction to its residents.

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.

The beautiful, old barn on this Topsfield estate was at risk of being demolished. Before approaching Mathew Cummings, the homeowner had met with several architects about the structure, and they had all told her that it needed to be torn down. Thankfully, for the sake of the barn and the owner, Cummings Architects has a long and distinguished history of preserving some of the oldest timber framed homes and barns in the U.S. Once the homeowner realized that the barn was not only salvageable, but could be transformed into a new living space that was as utilitarian as it was stunning, the design ideas began flowing fast. In the end, the design came together in a way that met all the family’s needs with all the warmth and style you’d expect in such a venerable, old building. On the ground level of this 200-year old structure, a garage offers ample room for three cars, including one loaded up with kids and groceries. Just off the garage is the mudroom – a large but quaint space with an exposed wood ceiling, custom-built seat with period detailing, and a powder room. The vanity in the powder room features a vanity that was built using salvaged wood and reclaimed bluestone sourced right on the property. Original, exposed timbers frame an expansive, two-story family room that leads, through classic French doors, to a new deck adjacent to the large, open backyard. On the second floor, salvaged barn doors lead to the master suite which features a bright bedroom and bath as well as a custom walk-in closet with his and hers areas separated by a black walnut island. In the master bath, hand-beaded boards surround a claw-foot tub, the perfect place to relax after a long day. In addition, the newly restored and renovated barn features a mid-level exercise studio and a children’s playroom that connects to the main house. From a derelict relic that was slated for demolition to a warmly inviting and beautifully utilitarian living space, this barn has undergone an almost magical transformation to become a beautiful addition and asset to this stately home.

Designed to complement the existing PNW contemporary architecture, the addition creates greater volume and flexibility for the family while maintaining the character and proportions of the original home. The expanded upper level provides larger bedrooms for the children and transforms the existing kids’ bathroom into a more functional and refined space. A new main-floor bathroom room was designed to serve guests, while select areas throughout the home were renovated to enhance both function and continuity. Throughout the renovation, the design remains grounded in the home’s distinctive architectural language, with exposed wood-beamed ceilings, natural materials, and a strong connection to the surrounding landscape. Rather than feeling like an addition, the new spaces are designed as a seamless extension of the home— expanding its footprint while preserving the warmth, simplicity, and modern PNW character of the original architecture. + Architecture: H2D Architecture + Design + Interior Design: H2D Architecture + Design + Builder: Jonathan David Building Company + Photography: Anastasiya Homes

Designed to complement the existing PNW contemporary architecture, the addition creates greater volume and flexibility for the family while maintaining the character and proportions of the original home. The expanded upper level provides larger bedrooms for the children and transforms the existing kids’ bathroom into a more functional and refined space. A new main-floor bathroom room was designed to serve guests, while select areas throughout the home were renovated to enhance both function and continuity. Throughout the renovation, the design remains grounded in the home’s distinctive architectural language, with exposed wood-beamed ceilings, natural materials, and a strong connection to the surrounding landscape. Rather than feeling like an addition, the new spaces are designed as a seamless extension of the home— expanding its footprint while preserving the warmth, simplicity, and modern PNW character of the original architecture. + Architecture: H2D Architecture + Design + Interior Design: H2D Architecture + Design + Builder: Jonathan David Building Company + Photography: Anastasiya Homes

A detailed shot of the stairs. Designed to complement the existing PNW contemporary architecture, the addition creates greater volume and flexibility for the family while maintaining the character and proportions of the original home. The expanded upper level provides larger bedrooms for the children and transforms the existing kids’ bathroom into a more functional and refined space. A new main-floor bathroom room was designed to serve guests, while select areas throughout the home were renovated to enhance both function and continuity. Throughout the renovation, the design remains grounded in the home’s distinctive architectural language, with exposed wood-beamed ceilings, natural materials, and a strong connection to the surrounding landscape. Rather than feeling like an addition, the new spaces are designed as a seamless extension of the home— expanding its footprint while preserving the warmth, simplicity, and modern PNW character of the original architecture. + Architecture: H2D Architecture + Design + Interior Design: H2D Architecture + Design + Builder: Jonathan David Building Company + Photography: Anastasiya Homes

Building upon the outdoor living spaces introduced in Phase 1, the second phase of this Mukilteo cliffside residence extends the home with a carefully integrated second-story addition. Designed to complement the existing PNW contemporary architecture, the addition creates greater volume and flexibility for the family while maintaining the character and proportions of the original home. The expanded upper level provides larger bedrooms for the children and transforms the existing kids’ bathroom into a more functional and refined space. A new main-floor bathroom room was designed to serve guests, while select areas throughout the home were renovated to enhance both function and continuity. Throughout the renovation, the design remains grounded in the home’s distinctive architectural language, with exposed wood-beamed ceilings, natural materials, and a strong connection to the surrounding landscape. Rather than feeling like an addition, the new spaces are designed as a seamless extension of the home— expanding its footprint while preserving the warmth, simplicity, and modern PNW character of the original architecture. Team: + Architecture: H2D Architecture + Design + Interior Design: H2D Architecture + Design + Builder: Jonathan David Building Company + Photography: Anastasiya Homes

Shower column looks great with the tile and overall space. In addition, the handheld makes children's bath time simple and convenient.
Drop-in bathtub - transitional white tile and ceramic tile porcelain tile drop-in bathtub idea in San Francisco

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.

This New England home has the essence of a traditional home, yet offers a modern appeal. The home renovation and addition involved moving the kitchen to the addition, leaving the resulting space to become a formal dining and living area. The extension over the garage created an expansive open space on the first floor. The large, cleverly designed space seamlessly integrates the kitchen, a family room, and an eating area. A substantial center island made of soapstone slabs has ample space to accommodate prepping for dinner on one side, and the kids doing their homework on the other. The pull-out drawers at the end contain extra refrigerator and freezer space. Additionally, the glass backsplash tile offers a refreshing luminescence to the area. A custom designed informal dining table fills the space adjacent to the center island. Paint colors in keeping with the overall color scheme were given to the children. Their resulting artwork sits above the family computers. Chalkboard paint covers the wall opposite the kitchen area creating a drawing wall for the kids. Around the corner from this, a reclaimed door from the grandmother's home hangs in the opening to the pantry. Details such as these provide a sense of family and history to the central hub of the home. Builder: Anderson Contracting Service Interior Designer: Kristina Crestin Photographer: Jamie Salomon

Fire pit and additional seating on the lower patio provide the perfect view poolside
Large mountain style backyard stone and kidney-shaped natural pool photo in New York

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.

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

Designed to complement the existing PNW contemporary architecture, the addition creates greater volume and flexibility for the family while maintaining the character and proportions of the original home. The expanded upper level provides larger bedrooms for the children and transforms the existing kids’ bathroom into a more functional and refined space. A new main-floor bathroom room was designed to serve guests, while select areas throughout the home were renovated to enhance both function and continuity. Throughout the renovation, the design remains grounded in the home’s distinctive architectural language, with exposed wood-beamed ceilings, natural materials, and a strong connection to the surrounding landscape. Rather than feeling like an addition, the new spaces are designed as a seamless extension of the home— expanding its footprint while preserving the warmth, simplicity, and modern PNW character of the original architecture. + Architecture: H2D Architecture + Design + Interior Design: H2D Architecture + Design + Builder: Jonathan David Building Company + Photography: Anastasiya Homes

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 Claremont home was in the middle stages of construction as a duplex when our clients purchased it. However, they wanted a single family home inspired by Japanese design. The owners have a great modern aesthetic and also wanted to use just a few different materials which created a strong and simple palette. Added to this clean look are chartreuse main doors, midcentury modern lighting, a tatami room, and black metal stair railing. These carefully placed details offer a unique and personal character to the home. In addition, a children’s reading nook and desk under the stair case utilizes the space fully and adds another individual touch.