Project design and build by Advance Design Studio. Double vanity by Medallion Cabinetry, hardware by Top Knobs, fixtures by Kohler. Bathroom tile by MSI. Project completed in Barrington Hills, IL.

When you see the before photos of this kitchen, the finished product is nearly unrecognizable! This is because the original kitchen was 10x10, and wall separated the kitchen area from the eating area. Opening up the 2 spaces was exactly what this new kitchen needed! Since the dining area was directly adjacent to the family room, the designer at Advance Design created a low wall of matching decorative book case cabinets with a granite top to create separation needed between the spaces. This bank also eloquently held a beautifully wood appointed supporting column necessary for the structural ceiling load. The focal point of the new kitchen is the hand-painted backsplash centered under a wooden hood in the chef’s special cooking area. A completely functional island now has space for several stools, and even has a decorative touch with the shelving unit facing the eating area. The space next to the refrigerator became an efficiently organized bill paying area for the lady of the house, complete with pull out file drawers hidden behind matching kitchen cabinets. Replacing the “black hole” of a pantry; pull out shelves grace the interior of new pantry units suitable for the family of five busy people. Existing hardwood oak was repaired and refinished on the entire first floor. A light patterned gold granite works effortlessly with the tumbled marble backsplash that enjoys hints of weathered iron looking details that coordinate nicely with the cabinetry hardware. What makes this kitchen special is how elegant it appears despite the rustic feel of the knotty alder cabinetry. Clean design lines lend an air of sophistication to the otherwise “rustic” looking materials. Now this active family can enjoy the open space, cooking and hanging out together is now an enjoyable pastime.

White kitchen remodel in Hampshire featuring white cabinetry, quartz countertops, and a large kitchen island with a built-in stovetop.
Inspiration for a large transitional l-shaped vinyl floor and brown floor eat-in kitchen remodel in Chicago with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartzite countertops, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, two islands and multicolored countertops

Advance Home Improvement, LLC
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Master bathroom vanity.
Example of a mid-sized transitional master bathroom design in Chicago with a built-in vanity

Full master bath remodel designed and built by Advance Design Studio. Cabinetry by Medallion.
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Granite countertop for wet bar in Elgin basement renovation.
Large transitional single-wall brown floor wet bar photo in Chicago with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, brown cabinets, granite countertops and mirror backsplash

Inspiration for a transitional home design remodel in Chicago

Basement kitchenette with spacious island, waterfall countertop, dual beverage fridges, dishwasher, prep sink, and microwave. Design and build by Advance Design Studio.

After living in this home for a decade, Crystal Lake residents Ken & Bonnie needed an update to their tired original kitchen to meet the needs of their busy family. Together with the expertise of designer Scott Christensen at Advance Design Studio they planned to completely reconfigure the entire space. They began by removing the restrictive peninsula and replaced it with a generous island designed to house an expansive farmhouse sink, convenient pull out trash receptacles, and a hidden dishwasher. Now there was ample room to add island seating to accommodate family gatherings, or for just “hanging out” with teenagers. A dramatic new focal point was created with the design of an elegant range area featuring a beautiful custom wood mantle hood detailed with crushed glass handmade tile. Hidden storage houses every spice imaginable right at the cook’s fingertips. Double-stacked glass cabinetry emphasizes the impressive height of the room that was a wonderful architectural element that previously went unnoticed in the original kitchen. The entire kitchen and breakfast nook was opened up to the 2 story family room by integrating enlarged arched openings. An outdated desk area was transformed into a beautiful breakfront bar with beverage refrigeration, glass display cabinets and plenty of new storage for entertainment pieces. An espresso nook was tucked neatly between tall cabinetry, and an old fashioned closet with shelves was converted into an efficient chef’s dream of organized custom pull out pantries. “I am the leader of the Scott Christensen fan club,” says Bonnie. “With my busy family and a full time career, Scott made the process of designing this space so easy for me. He didn’t overwhelm me, but carefully determined what I liked and offered me two thoughtful solutions for just about everything - complete with his expert opinion that I really respected.” Bright white Jay Rambo custom made maple cabinets are accented by Cambria quartz counter tops and simple subway tiles. Original hardwood floors were refinished and stained a darker shade, and stair risers and balusters were painted white to coordinate with the smart wainscot details throughout the first floor. The end effect is a cohesive first floor that flows together with grace and a level of elegance perfectly suitable for this stately Crystal Lake home. Designer: Scott Christensen Photographer: Joe Nowak

Inspiration for a transitional kitchen remodel in Chicago

New LED 4" recessed lights - 3000k Crown - 5 1/4" pine - painted Cloud White Floors - Golden maple - semi gloss
Inspiration for a timeless dining room remodel in New York

Spice drawer in Hampshire kitchen remodel.
Eat-in kitchen - large transitional l-shaped vinyl floor and brown floor eat-in kitchen idea in Chicago with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartzite countertops, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, two islands and multicolored countertops

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Plant nook located underneath the main staircase leading to the upper floor of the home. Grow lights and accent LED lights were included for additional lighting.

Transitional kitchen photo in Charleston

Colorful kitchen remodel in Huntley, IL
Eat-in kitchen - large contemporary l-shaped light wood floor and brown floor eat-in kitchen idea in Chicago with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz countertops, multicolored backsplash, porcelain backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and gray countertops

This clean cut kitchen stemmed from the design challenge to place a contemporary kitchen in a traditional Tudor style house in the Northwest Suburbs of Chicago. Our client was a self-described city person living in the country - who wanted an urban contemporary feeling incorporated into her home. She says she waited many years to find the right design team who understood her vision! Not wanting to ignore the beautiful 50 year old oaks outside her window, Advance Design transformed her traditional kitchen into an urban kitchen utopia with the use of texture and earthy finishes keeping with the feel of the existing home. Dura Supreme Bria frameless cabinets with a soft pillowed door works to incorporate a woodsy feel in shades of grey textured foil appropriately called “Twig”. Aluminum framed opaque glass doors are hinged with a lift up Aventos hinge for a contemporary twist and a super-functional opening. Brushed nickel hardware in various sizes keeps with the clean line feel. To keep the design organic and “fit it in” with the rest of the house, we covered the floor with a natural looking travertine porcelain laid on a 45 degree angle simulating a more traditional feel in a neutral tone of silvery-brown. The backsplash is clean and crisp with large Carrera marble tiles in a brick pattern, and a splash of energy from a vertical marble and glass mosaic accent. We then finished off the look with clean Cambria Torquay countertops portraying minimal patterning to keep the work surfaces feeling uncluttered and open. Other areas of the home were addressed to “blend” the style in with lightly distressed grey tone hardwood floors and a “matching” renovated powder room displaying contemporary features to compliment the nearby kitchen’s style. Photo Credits- Joe Nowak

Family room remodel with custom fireplace in Deerfield, IL.
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