In this small but quaint project, the owners wanted to build a new front entry vestibule to their existing 1920's home. Keeping in mind the period detailing, the owners requested a hand rendering of the proposed addition to help them visualize their new entry space. Due to existing lot constraints, the project required approval by the local Zoning Board of Appeals, which we assisted the homeowner in obtaining. The new addition, when completed, added the finishing touch to the homeowner's meticulous restoration efforts. Photo: Amy M. Nowak-Palmerini

Lissa Gotwals Photography
Example of a large classic master medium tone wood floor and brown floor bedroom design in Raleigh with beige walls and a wood stove

Home design - traditional home design idea in Chicago

Marion Brenner Photography
Example of a large minimalist front yard stone patio design in San Francisco with a fire pit

Ken Vaughan - Vaughan Creative Media
Dedicated laundry room - small craftsman single-wall slate floor and gray floor dedicated laundry room idea in Dallas with shaker cabinets, blue cabinets and a side-by-side washer/dryer

The clients were familiar with remodeling, friendly, clear about what they wanted for the home and how much they wanted to spend. We were selected from among three other Contractors who were bidding on the project. Within a few weeks of that decision, the permit was ready and we had clarified all of the clients interior finishes and selections. The home addition design required the removal of a large portion of the roof, concrete porches, a fair amount of siding, some windows, plus demolition of the kitchen and existing bathroom. New foundations and framing were installed to accommodate higher ceilings, the enlarged kitchen, new master bathroom and bedroom, larger front porch, and interior wall changes. The home's exterior was updated with new gable and wall siding, new roof and gutters, new energy efficient windows, and trim. Inside, the electrical system was updated, new plumbing services and furnace were installed along with all new wood flooring. The existing bathroom was completely remodeled, and the new master bathroom was outfitted with new cabinetry, plumbing fixtures and tile surfacing. The new open kitchen was finished with custom hardwood cabinetry, high end appliances, and stone countertops. Throughout the interior, walls were finished with wood paneling and trim to fit the cottage architecture. A full interior and exterior paint job completed the project with charming results. http://santaellamedia.com/

The clients were familiar with remodeling, friendly, clear about what they wanted for the home and how much they wanted to spend. We were selected from among three other Contractors who were bidding on the project. Within a few weeks of that decision, the permit was ready and we had clarified all of the clients interior finishes and selections. The home addition design required the removal of a large portion of the roof, concrete porches, a fair amount of siding, some windows, plus demolition of the kitchen and existing bathroom. New foundations and framing were installed to accommodate higher ceilings, the enlarged kitchen, new master bathroom and bedroom, larger front porch, and interior wall changes. The home's exterior was updated with new gable and wall siding, new roof and gutters, new energy efficient windows, and trim. Inside, the electrical system was updated, new plumbing services and furnace were installed along with all new wood flooring. The existing bathroom was completely remodeled, and the new master bathroom was outfitted with new cabinetry, plumbing fixtures and tile surfacing. The new open kitchen was finished with custom hardwood cabinetry, high end appliances, and stone countertops. Throughout the interior, walls were finished with wood paneling and trim to fit the cottage architecture. A full interior and exterior paint job completed the project with charming results. http://santaellamedia.com/

The clients were familiar with remodeling, friendly, clear about what they wanted for the home and how much they wanted to spend. We were selected from among three other Contractors who were bidding on the project. Within a few weeks of that decision, the permit was ready and we had clarified all of the clients interior finishes and selections. The home addition design required the removal of a large portion of the roof, concrete porches, a fair amount of siding, some windows, plus demolition of the kitchen and existing bathroom. New foundations and framing were installed to accommodate higher ceilings, the enlarged kitchen, new master bathroom and bedroom, larger front porch, and interior wall changes. The home's exterior was updated with new gable and wall siding, new roof and gutters, new energy efficient windows, and trim. Inside, the electrical system was updated, new plumbing services and furnace were installed along with all new wood flooring. The existing bathroom was completely remodeled, and the new master bathroom was outfitted with new cabinetry, plumbing fixtures and tile surfacing. The new open kitchen was finished with custom hardwood cabinetry, high end appliances, and stone countertops. Throughout the interior, walls were finished with wood paneling and trim to fit the cottage architecture. A full interior and exterior paint job completed the project with charming results. http://santaellamedia.com/

The clients were familiar with remodeling, friendly, clear about what they wanted for the home and how much they wanted to spend. We were selected from among three other Contractors who were bidding on the project. Within a few weeks of that decision, the permit was ready and we had clarified all of the clients interior finishes and selections. The home addition design required the removal of a large portion of the roof, concrete porches, a fair amount of siding, some windows, plus demolition of the kitchen and existing bathroom. New foundations and framing were installed to accommodate higher ceilings, the enlarged kitchen, new master bathroom and bedroom, larger front porch, and interior wall changes. The home's exterior was updated with new gable and wall siding, new roof and gutters, new energy efficient windows, and trim. Inside, the electrical system was updated, new plumbing services and furnace were installed along with all new wood flooring. The existing bathroom was completely remodeled, and the new master bathroom was outfitted with new cabinetry, plumbing fixtures and tile surfacing. The new open kitchen was finished with custom hardwood cabinetry, high end appliances, and stone countertops. Throughout the interior, walls were finished with wood paneling and trim to fit the cottage architecture. A full interior and exterior paint job completed the project with charming results. http://santaellamedia.com/

The clients were familiar with remodeling, friendly, clear about what they wanted for the home and how much they wanted to spend. We were selected from among three other Contractors who were bidding on the project. Within a few weeks of that decision, the permit was ready and we had clarified all of the clients interior finishes and selections. The home addition design required the removal of a large portion of the roof, concrete porches, a fair amount of siding, some windows, plus demolition of the kitchen and existing bathroom. New foundations and framing were installed to accommodate higher ceilings, the enlarged kitchen, new master bathroom and bedroom, larger front porch, and interior wall changes. The home's exterior was updated with new gable and wall siding, new roof and gutters, new energy efficient windows, and trim. Inside, the electrical system was updated, new plumbing services and furnace were installed along with all new wood flooring. The existing bathroom was completely remodeled, and the new master bathroom was outfitted with new cabinetry, plumbing fixtures and tile surfacing. The new open kitchen was finished with custom hardwood cabinetry, high end appliances, and stone countertops. Throughout the interior, walls were finished with wood paneling and trim to fit the cottage architecture. A full interior and exterior paint job completed the project with charming results. http://santaellamedia.com/

The clients were familiar with remodeling, friendly, clear about what they wanted for the home and how much they wanted to spend. We were selected from among three other Contractors who were bidding on the project. Within a few weeks of that decision, the permit was ready and we had clarified all of the clients interior finishes and selections. The home addition design required the removal of a large portion of the roof, concrete porches, a fair amount of siding, some windows, plus demolition of the kitchen and existing bathroom. New foundations and framing were installed to accommodate higher ceilings, the enlarged kitchen, new master bathroom and bedroom, larger front porch, and interior wall changes. The home's exterior was updated with new gable and wall siding, new roof and gutters, new energy efficient windows, and trim. Inside, the electrical system was updated, new plumbing services and furnace were installed along with all new wood flooring. The existing bathroom was completely remodeled, and the new master bathroom was outfitted with new cabinetry, plumbing fixtures and tile surfacing. The new open kitchen was finished with custom hardwood cabinetry, high end appliances, and stone countertops. Throughout the interior, walls were finished with wood paneling and trim to fit the cottage architecture. A full interior and exterior paint job completed the project with charming results. http://santaellamedia.com/

The clients were familiar with remodeling, friendly, clear about what they wanted for the home and how much they wanted to spend. We were selected from among three other Contractors who were bidding on the project. Within a few weeks of that decision, the permit was ready and we had clarified all of the clients interior finishes and selections. The home addition design required the removal of a large portion of the roof, concrete porches, a fair amount of siding, some windows, plus demolition of the kitchen and existing bathroom. New foundations and framing were installed to accommodate higher ceilings, the enlarged kitchen, new master bathroom and bedroom, larger front porch, and interior wall changes. The home's exterior was updated with new gable and wall siding, new roof and gutters, new energy efficient windows, and trim. Inside, the electrical system was updated, new plumbing services and furnace were installed along with all new wood flooring. The existing bathroom was completely remodeled, and the new master bathroom was outfitted with new cabinetry, plumbing fixtures and tile surfacing. The new open kitchen was finished with custom hardwood cabinetry, high end appliances, and stone countertops. Throughout the interior, walls were finished with wood paneling and trim to fit the cottage architecture. A full interior and exterior paint job completed the project with charming results. http://santaellamedia.com/

The clients were familiar with remodeling, friendly, clear about what they wanted for the home and how much they wanted to spend. We were selected from among three other Contractors who were bidding on the project. Within a few weeks of that decision, the permit was ready and we had clarified all of the clients interior finishes and selections. The home addition design required the removal of a large portion of the roof, concrete porches, a fair amount of siding, some windows, plus demolition of the kitchen and existing bathroom. New foundations and framing were installed to accommodate higher ceilings, the enlarged kitchen, new master bathroom and bedroom, larger front porch, and interior wall changes. The home's exterior was updated with new gable and wall siding, new roof and gutters, new energy efficient windows, and trim. Inside, the electrical system was updated, new plumbing services and furnace were installed along with all new wood flooring. The existing bathroom was completely remodeled, and the new master bathroom was outfitted with new cabinetry, plumbing fixtures and tile surfacing. The new open kitchen was finished with custom hardwood cabinetry, high end appliances, and stone countertops. Throughout the interior, walls were finished with wood paneling and trim to fit the cottage architecture. A full interior and exterior paint job completed the project with charming results. http://santaellamedia.com/

The clients were familiar with remodeling, friendly, clear about what they wanted for the home and how much they wanted to spend. We were selected from among three other Contractors who were bidding on the project. Within a few weeks of that decision, the permit was ready and we had clarified all of the clients interior finishes and selections. The home addition design required the removal of a large portion of the roof, concrete porches, a fair amount of siding, some windows, plus demolition of the kitchen and existing bathroom. New foundations and framing were installed to accommodate higher ceilings, the enlarged kitchen, new master bathroom and bedroom, larger front porch, and interior wall changes. The home's exterior was updated with new gable and wall siding, new roof and gutters, new energy efficient windows, and trim. Inside, the electrical system was updated, new plumbing services and furnace were installed along with all new wood flooring. The existing bathroom was completely remodeled, and the new master bathroom was outfitted with new cabinetry, plumbing fixtures and tile surfacing. The new open kitchen was finished with custom hardwood cabinetry, high end appliances, and stone countertops. Throughout the interior, walls were finished with wood paneling and trim to fit the cottage architecture. A full interior and exterior paint job completed the project with charming results. http://santaellamedia.com/

The new basement area below the sunroom has been turned into a dance studio, complete with tall, wall-to-wall mirrors and a ballet barre. The new basement is a few steps down from the existing floor level, providing the additional height required for leaps and bounds. The floor is sprung, with a hardwood surface. Natural light and safety egress for the dance studio is granted by a lightwell with a custom bulkhead door fitted out with tempered glass panels.

Ryan Gamma Photography
Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary gray tile and porcelain tile porcelain tile doorless shower remodel in Tampa with an integrated sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz countertops, a two-piece toilet and white walls

Todd Holloway, www.potinc.ca
Design ideas for a contemporary landscaping in Vancouver.

Mike and Michelle of Lake Barrington knew they needed extra space. Their home was becoming too crowded for their family with blossoming teenagers, so a basement renovation offered the perfect solution for more space for the kids and more room to entertain for the adults. “Our project consisted of expanding our laundry room, putting in a first floor wet bar so we had adult space upstairs, while also renovating our basement for a family-friendly and teen-functional area as well,” Michelle says. They found Advance Design Studio through a neighbor who gave a glowing recommendation, giving Michelle and Mike the confidence they needed to move forward with a major home renovation. They felt like they knew Advance Design before they even worked together. When they met with the owner Todd Jurs and designer Nicole Ryan, Mike and Michelle knew they were getting a trustworthy, dependable team that could create the project they had been dreaming about for 7 years. Having virtually no natural light to work with, one of the biggest design challenges was creating a basement that did not feel dark and depressing. The Advance team got to work creating architectural archways and custom detailed dry-stack stone columns artfully designed into the space, adding a dramatic element that made the space feel less like a basement or more like a relaxing family room. Color 3D renderings were created to portray what the space would look like so Mike and Michelle could visualize the space in advance. Detailed trim and crown moldings grace the built in buffet and wet bar making for an amazingly functional space that lacks nothing in style and visual interest. Cherry wood cabinetry by Dura Supreme is featured in the space with a “Cocoa Brown” finish and includes beautiful mirrored glass doors embellished with unique elliptical mullion details. A built-in microwave, dishwasher and mini fridge add practicality to the ample entertainment mecca. An under mounted sink finishes the space joined with a intricate mosaic tile backsplash and “Ventisca Polished” quartz countertops. The basement is absolutely perfect for hosting friends and family with expertly designed key areas such as a game space for the kids, a movie area for the family, an ample workout room with luxurious full bath, and even built in wine storage. The family absolutely loves the new basement living space, and has already enjoyed numerous family movie nights and sleep-overs with friends. While custom cabinets made by Dura Supreme were used to create unique spaces that lived up to Mike and Michelle’s expectations., heated flooring under the 16”x16” “Mongolian Spring” tile was installed giving all tiled areas of the basement a much cozier feel, eliminating that cold hard surface most of us hate in our basements! The new basement must-have requirement list included a new bath space, which was incorporated adjacent to the work out room. The sleek shower door and cabinets in the new bathroom make guests and family feel like they are in an elegant hotel. The new guest bath features 4”x36” “Silver Screen” honed marble tile in a brick pattern on the shower walls and 2”x2” “Chenille” limestone tile in a hexagon mosaic pattern on the shower floor. “I came in with very specific requirements for our three project areas,” Michelle says. “There was not one time that I felt like I was asking for something that was not going to turn out how I anticipated.” Tying in multiple rooms during a renovation if you have can do it makes a lot of sense and saves money in the long run. A fully functional laundry room as well was a must on this family’s wish list. Michelle wanted to add space to the existing cramped and awkward laundry room, and Mike wanted to make sure they could still park a car in the garage. Reconfiguring interior walls required borrowing unused space cleverly from the garage in order to enlarge the laundry room space. Drawers under the stairs added beautiful hidden storage created almost magically out of dead space. White painted Dura Supreme cabinets bring additional light into the small space; while the 16”x16” cleft slate tile flooring provides excellent contrast and the naturally earthy feel Michelle wanted. Quartz countertops with a 3”x12” “Debut Dew” subway tile backsplash add elegance to the now upliftingly bright laundry room. The extra space makes doing laundry much more pleasurable and the added storage is a great for all those little things like winter hats and gloves, umbrellas and the like. “The Advance Design project team was phenomenal to work with,” Michelle says. “They came in, shared the plans with us and walked us through the expectations. We always knew what was coming next.” Converting an existing closet space, the wet bar upstairs was challenging because they wanted a functional area that didn’t look or feel like cabinets just sticking out of a closet. So the Advance team transformed this ordinary closet space into a stunning wet bar that architecturally appears as if it’s always been there. Traditional, elegant hand carved custom molding matching the adjacent fireplace ties the new entertainment bar area in nicely with the existing family room and kitchen area. Featuring a built in wine refrigerator, Dura Supreme cabinetry in deep cherry wood elegantly displays wine bottles and etched glass mullion doors that fill with soft light in the evening hours. Cambria “Windermere” quartz countertops with a sophisticated hammered copper sink and a glimmering backsplash round out the stunning wet bar. Hosting parties and family functions has become much more enjoyable now that they have a dedicated beverage serving area large enough to include hors devours. All three projects were designed and constructed together at the same time, making for a cohesive project that was administered smoothly and easily both for the design team and for the family. Disruption to the home was minimal as each phase was completed in each project conclusively, and design and meeting time for the homeowner was efficient and organized making for an enjoyable process. “Advance Design was great to work with,” Michelle says. “I would highly recommend them to anyone considering a home improvement project. They took the time at the beginning to understand our needs, our budget, and our vision for our home. The field team was great, attentive, on time, cleaned up each day and made the overall experience very positive. We couldn't be happier with the finished product.” With the help of our talented, award winning design team you can create the basement, laundry room, or any other home renovation that you have been dreaming of. With our “Common Sense Remodeling” approach, the process of renovating you home has never been easier. Contact us today at 847-836-2600 or schedule an appointment to talk with us about that kitchen remodeling project. Joe Nowak

The owners of this beautiful historic farmhouse had been painstakingly restoring it bit by bit. One of the last items on their list was to create a wrap-around front porch to create a more distinct and obvious entrance to the front of their home. Aside from the functional reasons for the new porch, our client also had very specific ideas for its design. She wanted to recreate her grandmother’s porch so that she could carry on the same wonderful traditions with her own grandchildren someday. Key requirements for this front porch remodel included: - Creating a seamless connection to the main house. - A floorplan with areas for dining, reading, having coffee and playing games. - Respecting and maintaining the historic details of the home and making sure the addition felt authentic. Upon entering, you will notice the authentic real pine porch decking. Real windows were used instead of three season porch windows which also have molding around them to match the existing home’s windows. The left wing of the porch includes a dining area and a game and craft space. Ceiling fans provide light and additional comfort in the summer months. Iron wall sconces supply additional lighting throughout. Exposed rafters with hidden fasteners were used in the ceiling. Handmade shiplap graces the walls. On the left side of the front porch, a reading area enjoys plenty of natural light from the windows. The new porch blends perfectly with the existing home much nicer front facade. There is a clear front entrance to the home, where previously guests weren’t sure where to enter. We successfully created a place for the client to enjoy with her future grandchildren that’s filled with nostalgic nods to the memories she made with her own grandmother. "We have had many people who asked us what changed on the house but did not know what we did. When we told them we put the porch on, all of them made the statement that they did not notice it was a new addition and fit into the house perfectly.” – Homeowner