One of the biggest challenges of this remodel was fitting the client’s massive 15’ x 9’ oil painting into a room with a low ceiling and west wall that angled sharply downwards, and designing lighting which could fit into the tight space allowed. Further complicating matters were the strict code restrictions on building height. The roof-line was raised and the wall elevated within very tight guidelines. Numerous calculations and research went into specifying and installing the light fixtures, and ultimately there was only a 1” tolerance between the light fixture and ceiling for it to adequately light the painting.

The layout of this early 90’s home was adequate for the husband when he was just living there. However, now the family of three and their loving cat live there together; the space quickly became confined and inadequate. The Clients contacted us to discuss what their options may be to help the home feel more spacious. After a few weeks of design and engineering, we went to work on opening up the first floor to increase the size of the rooms while creating continuity with the adjoining rooms. A once tired and confined layout became a spacious, comfortable, & aesthetically pleasing space to live and entertain.

Kristine Ginsberg of Elite Staging and Re-Design, Morris Co, NJ helped finish out this light filled family room layout design by Thomas Baio Architect PC.

This remodeling story is a wonderful example of how removing and shifting walls can have an amazing impact on the functionality and visual appeal of an entire level of a home. When our clients reached out to us, they were looking to create an open concept Kitchen that would allow for easy entertaining. The couple had recently purchased this townhome so his mother could be closer to the family. The existing floorplan offered first floor living, but the Kitchen was tucked in the back and was separated from the rest of the living space by a full wall with a small pass through into the Dining Room. Our design involved removing the dividing wall between the Dining Room and Kitchen as well as the fake columns and beam that separated the Dining Room and Living Room. The entire space was opened up to allow for easy flow and view throughout the first floor living space. The wall shared by the Kitchen and large Master Bedroom was shifted back just enough to provide a full wall of additional cabinetry including a much-needed large double Pantry cabinet. Now that we had opened up the Kitchen area we could focus on the cabinetry layout and selections. The existing wood toned cabinets were replaced with white cabinets and crown molding to match the rest of the home. The larger, open space allowed for more cabinetry and the addition of an island with new undermount sink, dishwasher and convenient trash pullout along with seating for the grandchildren. A new range hood was installed and vented to the exterior of the house to replace the old recirculating hood. We were able to repurpose the some of the existing cabinets for use above the washer and dryer in the adjoining Laundry Room and swapped out the existing swinging door for a pocket door to free up traffic flow when doing Laundry and working in the Kitchen. The slate-look ceramic tile was replaced with a pre-engineered hardwood floor that creates a sense of warmth while easy to clean. The new Cambria countertop compliments the slate-look tile found in the Dining Room and Living Room and a natural field tile backsplash offsets the cabinets beautifully. The single fluorescent ceiling light was outdated and did not provide adequate lighting for the new Kitchen. The new lighting plan was carefully thought out to provide general illumination through well placed recessed lighting; task lighting through pendant lighting over the island and under cabinet lighting; and aesthetic fluidity with an eye-catching chandelier for the Dining Room table. Special details include a touch faucet, under counter microwave and glass front cabinetry for displaying dishes. By removing and shifting walls, we improved the entire flow of the first floor visually as well as functionally and created a beautiful, light-filled space for cooking and entertaining. Grandma can easily prepare meals in her new Kitchen and still chat with her guests and grandchildren who love to sit at the island as well as in the adjoining Dining Room and Living Room. The Benson Homes team really enjoyed creating this space for this family and we hope they will enjoy spending time with friends and family for years to come.

The existing 12’x14’ footprint for the kitchen was far too small for the owner’s vision. Multiple layouts were considered and modified until the final design emerged. A 22’x 15’ addition more than doubled the space, creating multiple stations for cooking and feasting, direct access to the future Party Patio, adequate storage, and a light-filled space to enjoy and share.

We also converted the relatively unused formal living room into the new dining room, providing adequate space to accommodate the large table this couple needed to comfortably seat 12.

Chris and Sofia of Arlington Heights knew when they purchased their home that they would finish the basement. They needed a space for the kids to hang out, for family and friends to stay, and to have a better space for hosting holidays and parties. The dark unfinished space went mostly unused for three years, but once their kids reached the ideal age for use of a well-built basement, they moved ahead with their plan. “The old basement was dark and cold, and the kids came down and played, but they didn’t like it. The new space is like a whole other house, so we have this space for family game nights and for watching games or Super Bowl parties,” Chris said. The couple found Advance Design Studio through a friend who had their entire home renovated by the remodeling company. After the initial meeting and visiting the showroom, Chris and Sofia were positive that Advance Design was the company that could best turn their unfinished basement into a family friendly space for everyone to enjoy. “We really liked the showroom, we liked being able to choose all of those finishes and meet with them in one place,” Chris said. A Custom Space for a Family with Multiple Needs The project began with a fireplace focal point complete with an amazing entertainment wall, a fantastic full kitchen complete with every amenity, and a brand new full bath. The new basement truly has a space for everyone. If the kids want to watch a movie and hang out on the couch they can, if family wants to play games and have a pizza party on the large island they can, and if guests want to stay over night on the pull-out sofa they can enjoy the entire private “suite” complete with a full bath. It is the true definition of a multifunctional basement. The stunning, full kitchen is the highlight of this now bright and airy basement. You walk down the stairs and are immediately impressed with the detailed metal tile work on the ceiling, bringing to mind the classic feel of a comfortable old pub. Cherry Merlot cabinets provide a rich contrast against the soft neutral walls and the contrasting copper tin ceiling tile and backsplash. Rich Santa Cecelia granite countertops pair nicely with timeless stonework on the outer walls. The island is large enough to provide a more than adequate entertaining space, and provides plenty of both seating and storage. The well-appointed kitchen houses a regular size refrigerator, a full size oven for pizza parties and cookie baking anytime, a microwave oven as well as complete sink and trash set up. One could easily do without a home kitchen forever in this generously designed secondary space! The fireplace and buffet wall seating area is the ideal place to watch movies or sporting events. The coordinating stonework on the fireplace flows throughout the basement, and a burnt orange accent wall brings color and warmth to otherwise ordinary basement space. The Elite Merlot media buffet compliments the kitchen as well as provides storage and a unique functional display option, giving this part of the basement a sophisticated, yet functional feel. The full bath is complete with a unique furniture style cherry DuraSupreme vanity and matching custom designed mirror. The weathered look to the cabinets and mirror give the bathroom some earthy texture as does the stone floor in the walk-in shower. Soft blue makes the space a spa-like mini retreat, and the handsome wall to wall tile and granite speak luxury at every corner. Advance Design added clever custom storage spaces to take advantage of otherwise wasted corners. They built a custom mudroom for the kids to house their sports equipment and a handy built in bench area with basket pull outs for a custom home gym. “They were able to custom fit this second mudroom with the lockers and the bench, they were able to custom build that, so the kids could store all of their equipment down here for the sports that they are in,” Chris said. They Got The Amazing Space They Had Envisioned for Years! The basement Chris and Sofia had envisioned had come to life in a few short months of planning, design and construction, just a perfect fit in the summer months. Advance Design Studio was able to design and build a custom, multifunctional space that the whole family can enjoy. “I would recommend Advance Design because of the showroom, because of the cleanliness on the jobsite and the professionalism, combined with Christine’s design side as well as Todd’s builder’s side - it’s nice to have it all together,” reminisced Chris after the project was complete.

This project is an exhilarating exploration into function, simplicity, and the beauty of a white palette. Our wonderful client and friend was seeking a massive upgrade to a newly purchased home and had hopes of integrating her European inspired aesthetic throughout. At the forefront of consideration was clean-lined simplicity, and this concept is evident in every space in the home. The highlight of the project is the heart of the home: the kitchen. We integrated smooth, sleek, white slab cabinetry to create a functional kitchen with minimal door details and upgraded modernity. The cabinets are topped with concrete-look quartz from Caesarstone; a welcome soft contrast that further emphasizes the contemporary approach we took. The backsplash is a simple and elongated white subway paired against white grout for a modernist grid that virtually melts into the background. Taking the kitchen far outside of its intended footprint, we created a floating island with a waterfall countertop that can house critical cooking fixtures on one side and adequate seating on the other. The island is backed by a dramatic exotic wood countertop that extends into a full wall splash reaching the ceiling. Pops of black and high-gloss finishes in appliances add a touch of drama in an otherwise white field. The entire main level has new hickory floors in a natural finish, allowing the gorgeous variation of the wood to shine. Also included on the main level is a re-face to the living room fireplace, powder room, and upgrades to all walls and lighting. Upstairs, we created two critical retreats: a warm Mediterranean inspired bathroom for the client's mother, and the master bathroom. In the mother's bathroom, we covered the floors and a large accent wall with dramatic travertine tile in a bold Versailles pattern. We paired this highly traditional tile with sleek contemporary floating vanities and dark fixtures for contrast. The shower features a slab quartz base and thin profile glass door. In the master bath, we welcomed drama and explored space planning and material use adventurously. Keeping with the quiet monochromatic palette, we integrated all black and white into our bathroom concept. The floors are covered with large format graphic tiles in a deco pattern that reach through every part of the space. At the vanity area, high gloss white floating vanities offer separate space for his/her use. Tall linear LED fixtures provide ample lighting and illuminate another grid pattern backsplash that runs floor to ceiling. The show-stopping bathtub is a square steel soaker tub that nestles quietly between windows in the bathroom's far corner. We paired this tub with an unapologetic tub filler that is bold and large in scale. Next to the tub, an open shower is adorned with a full expanse of white grid subway tile, a slab quartz shower base, and sleek steel fixtures. This project was exciting and inspiring in its ability to push the boundaries of simplicity and quietude in color. We love the result and are so thrilled that our wonderful clients can enjoy this home for years to come!

Randy Colwell

Set against the superb modernist architecture of Moto Designshop, and within the existing COR-TEN steel rain troughs by Studio | Bryan Hanes, this terraced garden frames and maximizes views from the rear facade to the pond below. The garden design focused on verging wild, intermingled plant communities with the floor-to-ceiling windows of the family's living space to provide ongoing seasonal interest and visual diversity. Working closely with agronomists, aggregate substrates, calcium and humates were incorporated to ensure adequate drainage and soil health. Rapid stabilization of the very wet, narrow spaces was achieved with freely seeding Eupatorium coelestinum and plantings of stoloniferous and rhizomatous plants, such as Carex muskingumensis and Iris fulva, among cespitose clumps.

The goal of this project was to create an open, clean and crisp space that is still warm and inviting. Using high ceilings, and great light warmed with natural wood accents, designers achieved this goal. The island size served as a challenge since it was larger than any one slab could adequately cover, but it is the perfect proportion for the kitchen. The challenge was deciding the best placement for the seam of the stone. This planning resulted in a welcoming kitchen that is also open, clean, and crisp. Although some of the individual elements were contradictory in style, they blended together perfectly, providing a classic look that can be enjoyed for a lifetime . Designer: Zach and Kristen Stafford Appliances from ADL Appliances

Client started a new fresh attitude lifestyle in a River Forest condo. Space was opened up; soffits were removed allowing cabinetry and crown detail to be taken all the way to the ceiling. All the walls and the water heater closet were removed. WE have an issue with the water heater closet which was inside the kitchen. To keep adequate hot water available, we had to retain a certain size. We put this inside of a pantry microwave cabinet, customizing the fit. We added glass to two of the wall cabinetry to add some extra charm to this now open concept entertaining space. All of the appliances were updated. The Zephyr hood added great style and function. Client actually cooks and entertains. Having the larger, corner shaped island has become a center for quests as well as cooking work space. The entire floor was redone, windows, and doors replaced. All new lighting added among many other details were updated. This is now a delightful transitional living space perfect for living to the fullest.

PA Landscape Group INC http://www.palandscapegroup.com Project Entry: Yellow Breeches Residence 2014 PLNA Awards for Landscape Excellence Winner Category: Hardscaping-Residential $60,000-$120,000 Award Level: Bronze Photo Description: At this Yellow Breeches Residence our hardscape project went hand in hand with an addition to the back of the house, not uncommon. However, the new addition was designed in such a way that it created one opportunity to integrate an outdoor kitchen and living area into the design. With the pool already in place and the location of the house against a mountain side, after the addition was built it would cut off all access to add out living space in the future. So with careful thought and planning we set out to make sure that nothing was forgotten, from a kitchen area for congregating and preparing meals, to creating adequate patio space for entertaining, to assuring that the area was drained properly. The materials for the project were staged 6 months in advance of them being installed while the addition was being constructed and drainage work and base preparation for paving happened before the construction for the addition started. The homeowners’ goal was to add an outdoor living space that had an updated feel, while still feeling as if it fit behind this mountainside home. The blending of the refined look of the Unilock Umbriano paver with the border of natural river stone was our way of meeting their request. Gravel-lock was applied to the gravel border so that it could act as spill over patio space when entertaining large groups. Boulders where used to retain grade where needed and keep with the natural feel. Accent boulders were added to the slope to blend existing with the new. Natural slab step where used as the transition between the upper patio space and pool surround. LED low voltage lighting was used to accent the plant material and structures as well as make the space usable for the evening hours. The lighting was installed up the mountainside to stretch out the landscape at night and give the landscape depth. In the end the project exceeded the homeowners’ expectations and it is the most used room in the house we are told. Photo Credit: Dimitri Ganas

Custom bamboo wine racks with a golden stain and clear finish complete this closet conversion perfectly. Tight spaces create challenges in terms of creating sufficient bottle capacity, adequate aisle space to maneuver and an elegance associated with residential wine storage. The dynamic storage and display styles selected by this client allowed the stars to align in terms of meeting and exceeding aesthetic expectations and functionality.

The homeowner wanted something different, out of the ordinary, as an entertainment center and bar combination that would add an unusual dimension to watching TV. It had to be in character with the rest of the residence, tastefully designed and executed to deliver the maximum effect. A two-piece combination bar and seating, coupled with a fireplace and large screen TV was designed. A system was designed and custom built cabinet consisting of a radius front entertainment center houses a large flat screen TV and enclosed stereo speakers on the top level, and a gas log fireplace below. A custom built see-through bar sports a matching radius front, plenty of storage, and room for three to eat, drink, and enjoy the warmth of the fireplace without missing any of the action on the TV. For even greater functionality, the TV is also viewable through the large opening in the bar while meals or snacks are prepared from the kitchen. Traffic flow is unique: access and egress between the bar front and TV can happen with ease around both sides of the bar, and the opening in the back of the bar provides for service both from and to the kitchen area. Because of the free and easy movement about the space, adequate lighting, and lack of combustibles at or on the fireplace, safety, as well as an ample use of space, are both achieved. Both pieces are custom fabricated from start to finish, and match each other identically in all respects. Both are constructed of clear cherry finish with a clear satin lacquer. Both enjoy chrome accents strips and custom crafted, glass cabinet doors with matching radii, and both are tastefully lit with accenting puck lights. The design and fabrication for both units shared issues in common as well as individually. The entertainment center was fabricated in the shop in three units and then assembled onsite. The opening for the flat screen TV had to be carefully considered as it too had a radius and therefore had to be designed so that the TV would fit. The entire bar system, except the countertop, had to be fabricated onsite due to the structural columns on either side between which the curved lower cabinets would rest. Then the countertop template was prepared, fabricated elsewhere, returned and installed. After the countertop was in place, the cabinetmaker had to wrap the two columns on either side as well as the overhead beam while making sure the joints at the columns and header maintained alignment. A complement of matching radii cabinet doors had to be constructed for both units. Radius glass inserts had to be ordered with precise dimensions to assure a perfect fit to openings with tight tolerances. Any mistake would have been expensive to correct. Because of the abundance of natural light into the space, the finishes had to be dead-on, otherwise every flaw would show. The custom walnut inlays were fabricated out of square stock, which protruded above the radius in each door. A jig matching the radius had to be designed and fabricated, then a router used to trim excess material and then sanded and finished. Solving the multitude of challenges associated with the project was one of the parts that made the project fun and interesting. The homeowners now can entertain every night.

THE SETUP The original primary bathroom was characterized by a disjointed and segmented layout. The shower featured a bulky glass-block enclosure that overwhelmed the space visually. There was a considerable amount of open, unused space, and despite having a his and hers vanity, the arrangement lacked personal space for each user, as they shared the conjoined space between the sinks. The toilet was inconveniently located right by the door, with a half-wall partition meant to provide privacy but instead contributing to a cramped and unbalanced feel. Overall, the bathroom’s layout and design were fragmented, failing to make the most of the available space and lacking adequate storage solutions. Design objectives: - Reconfigure the layout to enhance functionality and flow. - Create an elegant, upscale aesthetic that is light and bright. - Incorporate specialized storage solutions for female hair care needs. - Increase overall storage capacity. - Develop a spa-like shower experience. - Provide a significant wow factor to the space. THE REMODEL Design challenges to be solved: - Repositioning the toilet to a more suitable location. - Designing hair care storage solutions without cluttering the elegant space. - Balancing an upscale, elegant design with a feminine touch in the color palette. - Increasing the brightness of the room without adding windows. - Completely replacing the existing shower to create a spa-like experience. - Planning new storage solutions without adding bulkiness or clutter to the cabinetry. THE RENEWED SPACE Design solutions: Toilet Relocation: Moved the toilet by the window, creating a better overall layout that also opened up two full walls for cabinetry and storage solutions. Specialized Vanity Storage: The left side of the left vanity is the wife’s. Open shelves facing across the vanity can be used for decorative or daily needs items. Pull-out docking drawers with power outlets and metal basins handle hot hair appliances. Bright and Elegant Color Scheme: White cabinets, countertops, floors, and shower walls keep the space bright. The just-off-white wall color with a hint of pink adds a feminine touch. Thin wainscoting with white trim offers traditional-leaning elegance. Layered Lighting Strategy: Ceiling can lights, sconces, lighted mirrors, and toe-kick lighting were installed. Natural light-rated bulbs keep the space bright and natural-feeling. Spa-Like Shower: An extra-large shower was created using the same floor tile materials for continuity. Equipped with a Kohler Anthem system with a shower head, hand-held, and four body sprays. His and Hers niches for separate body care product storage. Enhanced Storage Solutions: Added a linen cabinet within the vanity area for efficient storage of towels and bathroom essentials. This elegant bathroom feels incredibly spacious now. The color palette and lights keep the room bright and cheery. Gold fixtures, the herringbone pattern on the floor, and exquisite trim work add an elegant touch. With the husband and wife having their own vanity wall sections joined at the corner, each user truly has their own space within the space. The clients are very happy with the final result.

The transitional style of the interior of this remodeled shingle style home in Connecticut hits all of the right buttons for todays busy family. The sleek white and gray kitchen is the centerpiece of The open concept great room which is the perfect size for large family gatherings, but just cozy enough for a family of four to enjoy every day. The kids have their own space in addition to their small but adequate bedrooms whch have been upgraded with built ins for additional storage. The master suite is luxurious with its marble bath and vaulted ceiling with a sparkling modern light fixture and its in its own wing for additional privacy. There are 2 and a half baths in addition to the master bath, and an exercise room and family room in the finished walk out lower level.

Beautiful rustic kitchen with modern touches. The floating shelves were handmade out of white oak and stained to match the floors. An open floor-plan and adequate storage were important to this family.

A minimal insertion into a densely wooded landscape, the Collector’s Pavilion provides the owners with an 8,000 sf private fitness space and vintage automobile gallery. On a gently sloping site in amongst a grove of trees, the pavilion slides into the topography - mimicking and contrasting the surrounding landscape with a folded roof plane that hovers over a board formed concrete base. The clients’ requirement for a nearby room to display a growing car collection as well as provide a remote area for personal fitness carries with it a series of challenges related to privacy and security. The pavilion nestles into the wooded site - finding a home in a small clearing - and merges with the sloping landscape. The building has dual personalities, serving as a private and secure bunker from the exterior, while transforming into a warm and inviting space on the interior. The use of indirect light and the need to obscure direct views from the public right away provides the client with adequate day light for day-to-day use while ensuring that strict privacy is maintained. This shifting personality is also dramatically affected by the seasons - contrasting and merging with the surrounding environment depending on the time of year. The Collector’s Pavilion employs meticulous detailing of its concrete to steel to wood connections, exploring the grounded nature of poured concrete in conjunction with a delicate wood roof system that floats above a grid of steel. Above all, the Pavilion harmonizes with it’s natural surroundings through it’s materiality, formal language, and siting. Overview Chenequa, WI Size 8,000 sf Completion Date May 2013 Services Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Interior Design