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Willie & Leslie of Barrington Hills loved the location of their home. Its breathtaking views overlooked a wooded backyard and a captivating lake. They didn’t want to move, but they needed more space. But the house was missing that big family room where everyone could gather, relax and converse, and the house was completely cut off visually from the beautiful outdoor view right outside! They knew what they wanted meant building an addition to their home. They began searching the internet and came across Advance Design Studio, and after browsing through project after project and reading one outstanding client review after another, they were sold on Advance Design. Additionally, they loved Advance Design’s “Common Sense Remodeling” process and felt confident that it would allow the Design/Build company to easily coordinate the multiple projects they wanted to complete all at one time. Willie and Leslie immediately set up a meeting with Owner Todd Jurs and Project Designer Claudia Pop. When the meeting ended, they were sure that Advance Design were the right people and the right approach for their project. "Establishing a direction and a budget is always key in project of this size," Todd said. "This house was screaming for a family room and it didn't have one. Ultimately, it's about working together towards the same goal of a beautiful functional addition." The project consisted of a significant family room addition with an extraordinary vaulted ceiling and floor to ceiling fireplace, a guest suite renovation with a luxury bath, a garage addition, and an adjoining outdoor patio renovation complete with a fantastic built in grilling station. The main goal was to add comfort and space to the existing home that would last their lifetime, and finally allow them to capture the amazing view of the backyard and lake that they never could really enjoy previously. Willie, Leslie and Claudia paid special attention to designing the space to make sure that the footprint of the room did not interfere with the views. Floor to ceiling Pella windows were incorporated into a spectacular window wall to provide plenty of natural light. Vaulted ceilings gave the room a bigger feel and the stunning floor to ceiling masonry fireplace was designed giving the room a rustic, comfortable feel of a Colorado Lodge. Barnwood doors and exposed wooden beams accentuate the crackling fireplace and family gathering space. An oversized statement chandelier bathes the space in soft light once the sun sets and compliments the exposed wood and fireplace perfectly. “It simple elegant and beautiful,” Designer Claudia Pop said. “It is a great family room that captures the views perfectly. They love the fireplace, the barndoors and the openness of the space we designed for the whole family now to enjoy.” And when warm weather beckons, the outdoor patio is a terrific place to spend an evening. The family now enjoys fall nights in front of their outdoor fireplace overlooking the quiet lake. Dekton Trillium Quartz counters tops adorn an amazing grilling bar. Nearly indestructible, they are the only manufactured stone product designed exclusively to withstand high heat in summer and extreme cold temperatures in winter. The guest bath renovation makes Willie and Leslie’s friends and family feel like they are staying at a 5-star hotel. Carlisle colored Maple cabinets from Medallion make a roomy dual vanity more than adequate with plenty of space to get ready for the day after a peaceful night’s sleep. Cambria Quartz countertops are durable and elegant, while contrasting the neutral cabinets flawlessly. Heated flooring from Warmly Yours is the cherry on top for this cozy guest bath. All the projects turned out better than they even imagined. Willie and Leslie now have a spacious family room with even better views of the lake and woods, a much larger garage, a fantastic relaxing outdoor patio, and a guest bath that makes it almost impossible to get the guest to leave after their stay. Are you thinking about a remodeling project? Talk to the experts at Advance Design about the renovation of your dreams. Now is the perfect time to renovate. Check out other amazing projects here. With “Common Sense Remodeling”, the process of renovating your home has never been easier. Contact us today at 847-836-2600 or schedule an appointment to talk with us about your kitchen remodeling project, or any other home renovation you are planning. Our talented team can help you design and build the new space you’ve been dreaming about.

This re-design took a dated split level and transformed it into an attractive and functional home to meet the needs of a growing family. Additional square footage was added to incorporate a larger master suite and a second garage. The front entry became a bright and open space, with an open to below music room above it. The master suite took advantage of the large trees in this established neighbourhood giving it a feeling of being in a secluded treehouse. See this project and more at www.beginwithdesign.com Photos: Carol Ellergodt

With sweeping views of the Willamette river and Mt. Hood, this Atwater Place condo was designed with a balance of minimalism and livability in mind. A complete kitchen remodel brought a dark interior kitchen to the light and a full furnishings package welcomed Los Angeles transplants home to their new modern and bright residence. Our clients, a retired camera operator for both feature films and television and a producer/production manager on numerous television series including Weeds and The Middle, relocated from their traditionally-styled LA bungalow to Portland in the Summer of 2014. The couple sought a design departure from their long-term California residence and a fresh start for their new life in the South Waterfront. With only two pieces of sentimental furniture and a handful of artwork included in the plan, we set out to create a comfortable and clean-lined furnishings package complimenting the broad southeast views. Organically shaped upholstery pieces juxtaposed with angular steel and wood tables create a soft balance in the open floor plan. Several custom pieces, including a dining table designed by our studio and a custom hand-blown glass chandelier crafted by Scott Schiesel with Lightlite compliment timeless pieces from Knoll, Herman Miller, and B&B Italia. The kitchen is designed to reflect light and create brilliance in a space that is otherwise naturally dark. A material balance of stainless steel, back painted glass, quartz composite, lacquer, and mirror all play their part in creating a vibrant cooking environment. We collectively decided to forgo the traditional island pendant for a linear commercial fixture that provides tremendous light to the prep surface and creates an unexpected architectural element. The mirrored prep island creates the illusion of open space while concealing casework and wine storage on the working side of the kitchen. It is worth noting that this project was designed and installed almost entirely while our clients were still living in LA and wrapping up professional obligations and selling their home. This afforded us the tremendous opportunity to send our clients to showrooms not available in Portland to view key pieces before final specification. Textiles and finish samples were approved via mail and communication took place over e-mail, telephone, and an occasional office visit. This unique process lead to a successful result and a beautifully balanced living environment. Josh Partee Photography

Nestled within an established west-end enclave, this transformation is both contemporary yet traditional—in keeping with the surrounding neighbourhood's aesthetic. A family home is refreshed with a spacious master suite, large, bright kitchen suitable for both casual gatherings and entertaining, and a sizeable rear addition. The kitchen's crisp, clean palette is the perfect neutral foil for the handmade backsplash, and generous floor-to-ceiling windows provide a vista to the lush green yard and onto the Humber ravine. The rear 2-storey addition is blended seamlessly with the existing home, revealing a new master suite bedroom and sleek ensuite with bold blue tiling. Two additional additional bedrooms were refreshed to update juvenile kids' rooms to more mature finishes and furniture—appropriate for young adults.

Northeast Portland is full of great old neighborhoods and houses bursting with character. The owners of this particular home had enjoyed their pink and blue bathroom’s quirky charm for years, but had finally outgrown its awkward layout and lack of functionality. The Goal: Create a fresh, bright look for this bathroom that is both functional and fits the style of the home. Step one was to establish the color scheme and style for our clients’ new bathroom. Bright whites and classic elements like marble, subway tile and penny-rounds helped establish a transitional style that didn’t feel “too modern” for the home. When it comes to creating a more functional space, storage is key. The original bathroom featured a pedestal sink with no practical storage options. We designed a custom-built vanity with plenty of storage and useable counter space. And by opting for a durable, low-maintenance quartz countertop, we were able to create a beautiful marble-look without the hefty price-tag. Next, we got rid of the old tub (and awkward shower outlet), and moved the entire shower-area to the back wall. This created a far more practical layout for this bathroom, providing more space for the large new vanity and the open, walk-in shower our clients were looking for.

The renovation / addition of this 1932 brick salt box home focused on filling the home with natural light, starting with the steel and frosted glass front door. The wall separating the entry hall from the dining was paneled with frosted glass, allowing diffused sunlight to fill the entry during the course of the day. By painting the interior walls a soft white, the sunlight bounces, filling the rooms, while high-lighting the architecture and furniture alike. The flooring received an ebony stain, establishing a solid foundation that sets off each room. (Joint collaboration with Four Square Design Group / Laura Michaelides. Built 2007)

This re-design took a dated split level and transformed it into an attractive and functional home to meet the needs of a growing family. Additional square footage was added to incorporate a larger master suite and a second garage. The front entry became a bright and open space, with an open to below music room above it. The master suite took advantage of the large trees in this established neighbourhood giving it a feeling of being in a secluded treehouse. See this project and more at www.beginwithdesign.com Photos: Carol Ellergodt

  Free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   Working with this Glen Ellyn client was so much fun the first time around, we were thrilled when they called to say they were considering moving across town and might need some help with a bit of design work at the new house. The kitchen in the new house had been recently renovated, but it was not exactly what they wanted. What started out as a few tweaks led to a pretty big overhaul of the kitchen, mudroom and laundry room. Luckily, we were able to use re-purpose the old kitchen cabinetry and custom island in the remodeling of the new laundry room — win-win! As parents of two young girls, it was important for the homeowners to have a spot to store equipment, coats and all the “behind the scenes” necessities away from the main part of the house which is a large open floor plan. The existing basement mudroom and laundry room had great bones and both rooms were very large. To make the space more livable and comfortable, we laid slate tile on the floor and added a built-in desk area, coat/boot area and some additional tall storage. We also reworked the staircase, added a new stair runner, gave a facelift to the walk-in closet at the foot of the stairs, and built a coat closet. The end result is a multi-functional, large comfortable room to come home to! Just beyond the mudroom is the new laundry room where we re-used the cabinets and island from the original kitchen. The new laundry room also features a small powder room that used to be just a toilet in the middle of the room. You can see the island from the old kitchen that has been repurposed for a laundry folding table. The other countertops are maple butcherblock, and the gold accents from the other rooms are carried through into this room. We were also excited to unearth an existing window and bring some light into the room. Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKD, CBD Photography by: Michael Alan Kaskel For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

Nestled within an established west-end enclave, this transformation is both contemporary yet traditional—in keeping with the surrounding neighbourhood's aesthetic. A family home is refreshed with a spacious master suite, large, bright kitchen suitable for both casual gatherings and entertaining, and a sizeable rear addition. The kitchen's crisp, clean palette is the perfect neutral foil for the handmade backsplash, and generous floor-to-ceiling windows provide a vista to the lush green yard and onto the Humber ravine. The rear 2-storey addition is blended seamlessly with the existing home, revealing a new master suite bedroom and sleek ensuite with bold blue tiling. Two additional additional bedrooms were refreshed to update juvenile kids' rooms to more mature finishes and furniture—appropriate for young adults.

Minimalist master carpeted bedroom photo in New York with white walls

The renovations at Horseshoe Hill transformed a disjointed property into an alluring farmhouse with strong connections to the landscape and a fresh aesthetic to complement the owner’s South African furnishings. A new main gable establishes a strong central focus for the massing, and an entry wing addition welcomes visitors with a charming porch and inviting foyer. New south-facing covered porches create comfortable outdoor living areas, connect major rooms to the outdoors, and provide shade and filtered light for interior spaces. The home’s updated floor plan distills an existing warren of disconnected, small chambers into spacious, open rooms that infuse the house with a modern flow and engage the new pool.

Nestled within an established west-end enclave, this transformation is both contemporary yet traditional—in keeping with the surrounding neighbourhood's aesthetic. A family home is refreshed with a spacious master suite, large, bright kitchen suitable for both casual gatherings and entertaining, and a sizeable rear addition. The kitchen's crisp, clean palette is the perfect neutral foil for the handmade backsplash, and generous floor-to-ceiling windows provide a vista to the lush green yard and onto the Humber ravine. The rear 2-storey addition is blended seamlessly with the existing home, revealing a new master suite bedroom and sleek ensuite with bold blue tiling. Two additional additional bedrooms were refreshed to update juvenile kids' rooms to more mature finishes and furniture—appropriate for young adults.

Design Builders & Remodeling is a one stop shop operation. From the start, design solutions are strongly rooted in practical applications and experience. Project planning takes into account the realities of the construction process and mindful of your established budget. All the work is centralized in one firm reducing the chances of costly or time consuming surprises. A solid partnership with solid professionals to help you realize your dreams for a new or improved home. This classic Connecticut home was bought by a growing family. The house was in an ideal location but needed to be expanded. Design Builders & Remodeling almost doubled the square footage of the home. Creating a new sunny and spacious master bedroom, new guestroom, laundry room, garage, kids bathroom, expanded and renovated the kitchen, family room, and playroom. The upgrades and addition is seamlessly and thoughtfully integrated to the original footprint.

Mid-sized elegant l-shaped dark wood floor eat-in kitchen photo in Austin with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, marble countertops, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

2019 Addition/Remodel by Steven Allen Designs, LLC - Featuring Clean Subtle lines + 42" Front Door + 48" Italian Tiles + Quartz Countertops + Custom Shaker Cabinets + Oak Slat Wall and Trim Accents + Design Fixtures + Artistic Tiles + Wild Wallpaper + Top of Line Appliances

Nestled within an established west-end enclave, this transformation is both contemporary yet traditional—in keeping with the surrounding neighbourhood's aesthetic. A family home is refreshed with a spacious master suite, large, bright kitchen suitable for both casual gatherings and entertaining, and a sizeable rear addition. The kitchen's crisp, clean palette is the perfect neutral foil for the handmade backsplash, and generous floor-to-ceiling windows provide a vista to the lush green yard and onto the Humber ravine. The rear 2-storey addition is blended seamlessly with the existing home, revealing a new master suite bedroom and sleek ensuite with bold blue tiling. Two additional additional bedrooms were refreshed to update juvenile kids' rooms to more mature finishes and furniture—appropriate for young adults.

Nestled within an established west-end enclave, this transformation is both contemporary yet traditional—in keeping with the surrounding neighbourhood's aesthetic. A family home is refreshed with a spacious master suite, large, bright kitchen suitable for both casual gatherings and entertaining, and a sizeable rear addition. The kitchen's crisp, clean palette is the perfect neutral foil for the handmade backsplash, and generous floor-to-ceiling windows provide a vista to the lush green yard and onto the Humber ravine. The rear 2-storey addition is blended seamlessly with the existing home, revealing a new master suite bedroom and sleek ensuite with bold blue tiling. Two additional additional bedrooms were refreshed to update juvenile kids' rooms to more mature finishes and furniture—appropriate for young adults.

Nestled within an established west-end enclave, this transformation is both contemporary yet traditional—in keeping with the surrounding neighbourhood's aesthetic. A family home is refreshed with a spacious master suite, large, bright kitchen suitable for both casual gatherings and entertaining, and a sizeable rear addition. The kitchen's crisp, clean palette is the perfect neutral foil for the handmade backsplash, and generous floor-to-ceiling windows provide a vista to the lush green yard and onto the Humber ravine. The rear 2-storey addition is blended seamlessly with the existing home, revealing a new master suite bedroom and sleek ensuite with bold blue tiling. Two additional additional bedrooms were refreshed to update juvenile kids' rooms to more mature finishes and furniture—appropriate for young adults.