It’s common today to create multi-purpose spaces in your home. Whether it’s a home office and gym or a laundry and mudroom combo, families are looking to maximize every inch of space. We were called in to do just that for this local Amarillo homeowner and she knew exactly what she wanted, a matching addition to her existing brick ranch. This new space was needed to accommodate a private space for visiting guests throughout the year. Since this room would only be used occasionally as a bedroom, the homeowner also wished to use it as an exercise room. How can this be accomplished? With a murphy bed! We set out to design the addition to blend seamlessly with the existing house using the same windows, doors and exterior brick. Inside the addition, a Murphy bed is flanked with custom built-ins featuring open shelving on the top and cabinets on the bottom. The room overlooks the pool and has it’s own private entrance, separate from the main home. The adjoining bath features a tile shower with glass surround, a closet and two skylights. When not being used as a bedroom, the Murphy bed folds nicely into the wall and the floor space can be used for yoga or other floor exercises. The treadmill fits nicely in the room even when the bed is folded down.

Additional standout features of the lower level include in-floor heat for those cold Minnesota winters, a media lounge, an additional guest bedroom and bathroom, a game area, an exercise room, and a 28’x29’ athletic court.

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 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

Sun and Stars Studio Sunroom with a tile floor as an exercise room.
Sunroom - contemporary sunroom idea in Orange County

Sauna - small traditional sauna idea in DC Metro

Existing house had no covered entry way nor any sense of arrival. The porch anchors the house and radically changes the flatness of the front facade. The space directly below is a new full bathroom serving the remodeled basement. The sunken walk out lightwell sits disguised below grade while the remodeled skylit sunroom on the left, relates to the water feature, side patio and outdoor kitchen. The front garden and brick path was designed and installed by London Landscapes. Photo: Ron Freudenheim

The owners of a Bethesda home purchased the property next door with the intent to combine the two lots and build an addition to their existing house. They wanted a swimming pool with an outdoor living area, a two-car garage, family room, kitchenette, and guest suite. The client wanted a place to park two sports cars. The new garage is 625 sq.ft. We installed a heavy-duty elastomeric-coated floor that has a high polish. Our team reviewed the site and what it would look like once the neighboring house was demolished. One of the crucial goals of the designers was to locate the pool behind the addition and keep the massing of the addition down to retain sunlight to the pool in the summer without the new structure or existing house shading the pool. Framing. We ordered pre-built trusses for the roof of the addition. Pre-built trusses are more common in new house construction, but it was the most efficient way to frame the structure. The trusses were delivered to the jobsite and we hired a crane and operator to lift them onto the structure where our crew fit them in place. Though there is currently no connection between the second floor of the main house and the second floor of the addition, the trusses were designed to allow for a future connection, should the clients want. For the two openings that connect the main floor of the house to the main floor of the addition, we waited until we had almost completed the framing before we cut through the back wall of the house. Exterior Finishes. For the siding, we used real stucco to match the stucco on the existing home. We added Hardipanel with a stucco pattern as an accent. We also matched the existing home’s roofing for the addition. Upper level. The second floor of the addition is 632 sq.f.t and has a sitting area/exercise space, a full bath, bedroom and a storage closet. The trusses were designed so the clients can eventually connect the addition through the second floor of the main house. The railings on the stairs to this level match the railing in the main house. Michael K. Wilkinson

Example of a mid-sized classic look-out laminate floor and multicolored floor basement design with beige walls and no fireplace

Creating an open airy space for a home gym is a great use of space. At O'Connor Contracting, we collaborate with clients on customizing windows, lights, and mirrors to create the perfect exercise space.

Mid-sized transitional beige two-story vinyl gable roof idea in Boise

The owners of a Bethesda home purchased the property next door with the intent to combine the two lots and build an addition to their existing house. They wanted a swimming pool with an outdoor living area, a two-car garage, family room, kitchenette, and guest suite. The client wanted a place to park two sports cars. The new garage is 625 sq.ft. We installed a heavy-duty elastomeric-coated floor that has a high polish. Our team reviewed the site and what it would look like once the neighboring house was demolished. One of the crucial goals of the designers was to locate the pool behind the addition and keep the massing of the addition down to retain sunlight to the pool in the summer without the new structure or existing house shading the pool. Framing. We ordered pre-built trusses for the roof of the addition. Pre-built trusses are more common in new house construction, but it was the most efficient way to frame the structure. The trusses were delivered to the jobsite and we hired a crane and operator to lift them onto the structure where our crew fit them in place. Though there is currently no connection between the second floor of the main house and the second floor of the addition, the trusses were designed to allow for a future connection, should the clients want. For the two openings that connect the main floor of the house to the main floor of the addition, we waited until we had almost completed the framing before we cut through the back wall of the house. Exterior Finishes. For the siding, we used real stucco to match the stucco on the existing home. We added Hardipanel with a stucco pattern as an accent. We also matched the existing home’s roofing for the addition. Upper level. The second floor of the addition is 632 sq.f.t and has a sitting area/exercise space, a full bath, bedroom and a storage closet. The trusses were designed so the clients can eventually connect the addition through the second floor of the main house. The railings on the stairs to this level match the railing in the main house. Michael K. Wilkinson

The owners of a Bethesda home purchased the property next door with the intent to combine the two lots and build an addition to their existing house. They wanted a swimming pool with an outdoor living area, a two-car garage, family room, kitchenette, and guest suite. The client wanted a place to park two sports cars. The new garage is 625 sq.ft. We installed a heavy-duty elastomeric-coated floor that has a high polish. Our team reviewed the site and what it would look like once the neighboring house was demolished. One of the crucial goals of the designers was to locate the pool behind the addition and keep the massing of the addition down to retain sunlight to the pool in the summer without the new structure or existing house shading the pool. Framing. We ordered pre-built trusses for the roof of the addition. Pre-built trusses are more common in new house construction, but it was the most efficient way to frame the structure. The trusses were delivered to the jobsite and we hired a crane and operator to lift them onto the structure where our crew fit them in place. Though there is currently no connection between the second floor of the main house and the second floor of the addition, the trusses were designed to allow for a future connection, should the clients want. For the two openings that connect the main floor of the house to the main floor of the addition, we waited until we had almost completed the framing before we cut through the back wall of the house. Exterior Finishes. For the siding, we used real stucco to match the stucco on the existing home. We added Hardipanel with a stucco pattern as an accent. We also matched the existing home’s roofing for the addition. Upper level. The second floor of the addition is 632 sq.f.t and has a sitting area/exercise space, a full bath, bedroom and a storage closet. The trusses were designed so the clients can eventually connect the addition through the second floor of the main house. The railings on the stairs to this level match the railing in the main house. Michael K. Wilkinson

The owners of a Bethesda home purchased the property next door with the intent to combine the two lots and build an addition to their existing house. They wanted a swimming pool with an outdoor living area, a two-car garage, family room, kitchenette, and guest suite. The client wanted a place to park two sports cars. The new garage is 625 sq.ft. We installed a heavy-duty elastomeric-coated floor that has a high polish. Our team reviewed the site and what it would look like once the neighboring house was demolished. One of the crucial goals of the designers was to locate the pool behind the addition and keep the massing of the addition down to retain sunlight to the pool in the summer without the new structure or existing house shading the pool. Framing. We ordered pre-built trusses for the roof of the addition. Pre-built trusses are more common in new house construction, but it was the most efficient way to frame the structure. The trusses were delivered to the jobsite and we hired a crane and operator to lift them onto the structure where our crew fit them in place. Though there is currently no connection between the second floor of the main house and the second floor of the addition, the trusses were designed to allow for a future connection, should the clients want. For the two openings that connect the main floor of the house to the main floor of the addition, we waited until we had almost completed the framing before we cut through the back wall of the house. Exterior Finishes. For the siding, we used real stucco to match the stucco on the existing home. We added Hardipanel with a stucco pattern as an accent. We also matched the existing home’s roofing for the addition. Upper level. The second floor of the addition is 632 sq.f.t and has a sitting area/exercise space, a full bath, bedroom and a storage closet. The trusses were designed so the clients can eventually connect the addition through the second floor of the main house. The railings on the stairs to this level match the railing in the main house. Michael K. Wilkinson

Creating an open airy space for a home gym is a great use of space. At O'Connor Contracting, we collaborate with clients on customizing windows, lights, and mirrors to create the perfect exercise space.

This project began as a design-build proposal to build an addition for an indoor swim spa and exercise room to a ranch style house. The Clients were seeking a functional and inviting space reminiscent of the luxury resorts and space they have visited during their international travels. David Wakely

The owners of a Bethesda home purchased the property next door with the intent to combine the two lots and build an addition to their existing house. They wanted a swimming pool with an outdoor living area, a two-car garage, family room, kitchenette, and guest suite. The client wanted a place to park two sports cars. The new garage is 625 sq.ft. We installed a heavy-duty elastomeric-coated floor that has a high polish. Our team reviewed the site and what it would look like once the neighboring house was demolished. One of the crucial goals of the designers was to locate the pool behind the addition and keep the massing of the addition down to retain sunlight to the pool in the summer without the new structure or existing house shading the pool. Framing. We ordered pre-built trusses for the roof of the addition. Pre-built trusses are more common in new house construction, but it was the most efficient way to frame the structure. The trusses were delivered to the jobsite and we hired a crane and operator to lift them onto the structure where our crew fit them in place. Though there is currently no connection between the second floor of the main house and the second floor of the addition, the trusses were designed to allow for a future connection, should the clients want. For the two openings that connect the main floor of the house to the main floor of the addition, we waited until we had almost completed the framing before we cut through the back wall of the house. Exterior Finishes. For the siding, we used real stucco to match the stucco on the existing home. We added Hardipanel with a stucco pattern as an accent. We also matched the existing home’s roofing for the addition. Upper level. The second floor of the addition is 632 sq.f.t and has a sitting area/exercise space, a full bath, bedroom and a storage closet. The trusses were designed so the clients can eventually connect the addition through the second floor of the main house. The railings on the stairs to this level match the railing in the main house. Michael K. Wilkinson

The owners of a Bethesda home purchased the property next door with the intent to combine the two lots and build an addition to their existing house. They wanted a swimming pool with an outdoor living area, a two-car garage, family room, kitchenette, and guest suite. The client wanted a place to park two sports cars. The new garage is 625 sq.ft. We installed a heavy-duty elastomeric-coated floor that has a high polish. Our team reviewed the site and what it would look like once the neighboring house was demolished. One of the crucial goals of the designers was to locate the pool behind the addition and keep the massing of the addition down to retain sunlight to the pool in the summer without the new structure or existing house shading the pool. Framing. We ordered pre-built trusses for the roof of the addition. Pre-built trusses are more common in new house construction, but it was the most efficient way to frame the structure. The trusses were delivered to the jobsite and we hired a crane and operator to lift them onto the structure where our crew fit them in place. Though there is currently no connection between the second floor of the main house and the second floor of the addition, the trusses were designed to allow for a future connection, should the clients want. For the two openings that connect the main floor of the house to the main floor of the addition, we waited until we had almost completed the framing before we cut through the back wall of the house. Exterior Finishes. For the siding, we used real stucco to match the stucco on the existing home. We added Hardipanel with a stucco pattern as an accent. We also matched the existing home’s roofing for the addition. Upper level. The second floor of the addition is 632 sq.f.t and has a sitting area/exercise space, a full bath, bedroom and a storage closet. The trusses were designed so the clients can eventually connect the addition through the second floor of the main house. The railings on the stairs to this level match the railing in the main house. Michael K. Wilkinson

For this couple, planning to move back to their rambler home in Arlington after living overseas for few years, they were ready to get rid of clutter, clean up their grown-up kids’ boxes, and transform their home into their dream home for their golden years. The old home included a box-like 8 feet x 10 feet kitchen, no family room, three small bedrooms and two back to back small bathrooms. The laundry room was located in a small dark space of the unfinished basement. This home is located in a cul-de-sac, on an uphill lot, of a very secluded neighborhood with lots of new homes just being built around them. The couple consulted an architectural firm in past but never were satisfied with the final plans. They approached Michael Nash Custom Kitchens hoping for fresh ideas. The backyard and side yard are wooded and the existing structure was too close to building restriction lines. We developed design plans and applied for special permits to achieve our client’s goals. The remodel includes a family room, sunroom, breakfast area, home office, large master bedroom suite, large walk-in closet, main level laundry room, lots of windows, front porch, back deck, and most important than all an elevator from lower to upper level given them and their close relative a necessary easier access. The new plan added extra dimensions to this rambler on all four sides. Starting from the front, we excavated to allow a first level entrance, storage, and elevator room. Building just above it, is a 12 feet x 30 feet covered porch with a leading brick staircase. A contemporary cedar rail with horizontal stainless steel cable rail system on both the front porch and the back deck sets off this project from any others in area. A new foyer with double frosted stainless-steel door was added which contains the elevator. The garage door was widened and a solid cedar door was installed to compliment the cedar siding. The left side of this rambler was excavated to allow a storage off the garage and extension of one of the old bedrooms to be converted to a large master bedroom suite, master bathroom suite and walk-in closet. We installed matching brick for a seam-less exterior look. The entire house was furnished with new Italian imported highly custom stainless-steel windows and doors. We removed several brick and block structure walls to put doors and floor to ceiling windows. A full walk in shower with barn style frameless glass doors, double vanities covered with selective stone, floor to ceiling porcelain tile make the master bathroom highly accessible. The other two bedrooms were reconfigured with new closets, wider doorways, new wood floors and wider windows. Just outside of the bedroom, a new laundry room closet was a major upgrade. A second HVAC system was added in the attic for all new areas. The back side of the master bedroom was covered with floor to ceiling windows and a door to step into a new deck covered in trex and cable railing. This addition provides a view to wooded area of the home. By excavating and leveling the backyard, we constructed a two story 15’x 40’ addition that provided the tall ceiling for the family room just adjacent to new deck, a breakfast area a few steps away from the remodeled kitchen. Upscale stainless-steel appliances, floor to ceiling white custom cabinetry and quartz counter top, and fun lighting improved this back section of the house with its increased lighting and available work space. Just below this addition, there is extra space for exercise and storage room. This room has a pair of sliding doors allowing more light inside. The right elevation has a trapezoid shape addition with floor to ceiling windows and space used as a sunroom/in-home office. Wide plank wood floors were installed throughout the main level for continuity. The hall bathroom was gutted and expanded to allow a new soaking tub and large vanity. The basement half bathroom was converted to a full bathroom, new flooring and lighting in the entire basement changed the purpose of the basement for entertainment and spending time with grandkids. Off white and soft tone were used inside and out as the color schemes to make this rambler spacious and illuminated. Final grade and landscaping, by adding a few trees, trimming the old cherry and walnut trees in backyard, saddling the yard, and a new concrete driveway and walkway made this home a unique and charming gem in the neighborhood.