Stone Veneer Copper flashing Copper Downspouts Copper Scupper Heads Slate roof
Huge elegant beige two-story stone house exterior photo in Chicago with a gambrel roof and a shingle roof

The design challenge was to enhance the square footage, flow and livability in this 1,442 sf 1930’s Tudor style brick house for a growing family of four. A two story 1,000 sf addition was the solution proposed by the design team at Advance Design Studio, Ltd. The new addition provided enough space to add a new kitchen and eating area with a butler pantry, a food pantry, a powder room and a mud room on the lower level, and a new master suite on the upper level. The family envisioned a bright and airy white classically styled kitchen accented with espresso in keeping with the 1930’s style architecture of the home. Subway tile and timely glass accents add to the classic charm of the crisp white craftsman style cabinetry and sparkling chrome accents. Clean lines in the white farmhouse sink and the handsome bridge faucet in polished nickel make a vintage statement. River white granite on the generous new island makes for a fantastic gathering place for family and friends and gives ample casual seating. Dark stained oak floors extend to the new butler’s pantry and powder room, and throughout the first floor making a cohesive statement throughout. Classic arched doorways were added to showcase the home’s period details. On the upper level, the newly expanded garage space nestles below an expansive new master suite complete with a spectacular bath retreat and closet space and an impressively vaulted ceiling. The soothing master getaway is bathed in soft gray tones with painted cabinets and amazing “fantasy” granite that reminds one of beach vacations. The floor mimics a wood feel underfoot with a gray textured porcelain tile and the spacious glass shower boasts delicate glass accents and a basket weave tile floor. Sparkling fixtures rest like fine jewelry completing the space. The vaulted ceiling throughout the master suite lends to the spacious feel as does the archway leading to the expansive master closet. An elegant bank of 6 windows floats above the bed, bathing the space in light. Photo Credits- Joe Nowak

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

Mid-sized 1960s master white tile and porcelain tile porcelain tile, black floor, double-sink and wood ceiling bathroom photo in Chicago with shaker cabinets, brown cabinets, green walls, quartzite countertops, white countertops and a freestanding vanity

Inspiration for a craftsman home design remodel in Other

This sophisticated bar area is a stunning balance of modern elegance and functional design. The deep grey cabinetry establishes a bold yet timeless foundation, beautifully contrasted by warm wood open shelves and rich gold fixtures. The striking 2" thick shelves not only add a statement but also provide a perfect showcase for curated décor and glassware. A key design challenge was seamlessly complementing the warm wood flooring while maintaining a contemporary aesthetic. This was achieved through a carefully selected quartz countertop and full-height backsplash, which add a luxurious and cohesive touch. The upper cabinets with glass doors enhance storage while keeping the space visually open and airy. This Crystal Current design maximizes storage without compromising on style. The thoughtful integration of a built-in beverage cooler, elegant hardware, and a layered lighting scheme elevates the space, making it both highly functional and visually striking.

An adjacent area originally displaced was incorporated into the kitchen by removing a few walls to tie it in to the new space. Transformed into an attractive dinette bar, the complex task of incorporating stairs in the kitchen was successfully accomplished with a beautiful custom designed stainless steel and glass railing and a quaint bench seat. A cluttered closet was transformed into a functional walk in pantry just around the corner. Jurs took advantage of fourteen-foot ceilings by stacking beautiful maple cabinetry over eight feet high around the perimeter of the kitchen. Elegant glass doors with frosted glass lit from behind wrap the entire kitchen for a dramatic effect in the evening. The island was custom designed to suit the specific needs of the cook. Standard height work surfaces were created on either side of the island for food prep and chopping on two Sipo Mahogany wood tops. The center island of Cambrian honed black granite was set at 37 ½” high, perfectly suited for a tall cook! The large curved breakfast bar easily accommodates groups of kids, as well as guests and family during entertaining. New floors tie the entire living space together with White Ash Hardwood and a granite looking Porcelain tile from Italy. Full height granite backsplashes add depth, while situated on dramatic Crema Bordeaux granite counter tops that boast colors of the Grand Canyon. Frameless, wide style Shaker doors and Stainless Steel accents emphasize the warm, yet simple contemporary nature of this beautiful new space.

Inspiration for a mid-sized 1950s master white tile and porcelain tile porcelain tile, black floor, double-sink and wood ceiling bathroom remodel in Chicago with shaker cabinets, brown cabinets, green walls, quartzite countertops, white countertops and a freestanding vanity

Advanced LED Technology linear lighting design
Minimalist hallway photo in Miami with white walls

With a unique architectural element featuring two structural beams running crosswise through the kitchen, the cabinetry needed to work to enhance the detail. On the wish list was an impressive island with seating that could replace the large kitchen table. The kitchen was designed with 33” high custom wall cabinets of varying heights, to float unobtrusively below the beams. A window was removed in order to accommodate the new beautiful focal point; a custom designed stucco hood and cooking area with a decorative ledge niche. Skylights in the vaulted area produce ample light, allowing the sink to be relocated to the large center island. The cherry glazed island conceals two dishwashers, with a soft outer arc so that diners can see one another. An elegant dinette area was created to showcase glassware and store linens. With a matching wood top and a hidden TV, this beautiful furniture piece is in direct view from the living room area, making the kitchen, at a glance, as well appointed as the rest of the home. Softly distressed ivory cabinetry with a brown glaze lightened the originally dark kitchen, creating a roomy and cheerful space. Golden tumbled travertine and crackled glass details on the backsplash accentuate the dramatic “Grand Canyon” colors of the natural stone counter tops.

The snack bar is fully-stocked with movie treats, including 20 or so popcorn flavorings!
Example of a mid-sized transitional single-wall vinyl floor and brown floor home bar design in Chicago with shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartzite countertops and gray countertops

The design challenge was to enhance the square footage, flow and livability in this 1,442 sf 1930’s Tudor style brick house for a growing family of four. A two story 1,000 sf addition was the solution proposed by the design team at Advance Design Studio, Ltd. The new addition provided enough space to add a new kitchen and eating area with a butler pantry, a food pantry, a powder room and a mud room on the lower level, and a new master suite on the upper level. The family envisioned a bright and airy white classically styled kitchen accented with espresso in keeping with the 1930’s style architecture of the home. Subway tile and timely glass accents add to the classic charm of the crisp white craftsman style cabinetry and sparkling chrome accents. Clean lines in the white farmhouse sink and the handsome bridge faucet in polished nickel make a vintage statement. River white granite on the generous new island makes for a fantastic gathering place for family and friends and gives ample casual seating. Dark stained oak floors extend to the new butler’s pantry and powder room, and throughout the first floor making a cohesive statement throughout. Classic arched doorways were added to showcase the home’s period details. On the upper level, the newly expanded garage space nestles below an expansive new master suite complete with a spectacular bath retreat and closet space and an impressively vaulted ceiling. The soothing master getaway is bathed in soft gray tones with painted cabinets and amazing “fantasy” granite that reminds one of beach vacations. The floor mimics a wood feel underfoot with a gray textured porcelain tile and the spacious glass shower boasts delicate glass accents and a basket weave tile floor. Sparkling fixtures rest like fine jewelry completing the space. The vaulted ceiling throughout the master suite lends to the spacious feel as does the archway leading to the expansive master closet. An elegant bank of 6 windows floats above the bed, bathing the space in light. Photo Credits- Joe Nowak

Example of a classic closet design in Philadelphia

Advance Cabinetry MI Mouser Custom Cabinetry
Example of a classic home bar design in Other

Example of a trendy kitchen design in Los Angeles

Example of a mid-sized minimalist gray one-story mixed siding exterior home design in Omaha with a hip roof

Mike and Stacy moved to the country to be around the rolling landscape and feed the birds outside their Hampshire country home. After living in the home for over ten years, they knew exactly what they wanted to renovate their 1980’s two story once their children moved out. It all started with the desire to open up the floor plan, eliminating constricting walls around the dining room and the eating area that they didn’t plan to use once they had access to what used to be a formal dining room. They wanted to enhance the already warm country feel their home already had, with some warm hickory cabinets and casual granite counter tops. When removing the pantry and closet between the kitchen and the laundry room, the new design now just flows from the kitchen directly into the smartly appointed laundry area and adjacent powder room. The new eat in kitchen bar is frequented by guests and grand-children, and the original dining table area can be accessed on a daily basis in the new open space. One instant sensation experienced by anyone entering the front door is the bright light that now transpires from the front of the house clear through the back; making the entire first floor feel free flowing and inviting. Photo Credits- Joe Nowak

Like most homes built in the 1980’s this combined entry, living room, eating area, and kitchen were completely compartmentalized with walls. They loved the idea of opening up the spaces to accommodate more of a great room feeling. Advance Design accomplished this by opening up the corner of the kitchen to not only make the space flow, but to let light into the dark eating nook and living room. Working on a budget, opening up the space and installing new hardwood flooring was a priority, so a more expansive kitchen had to be economical. Wanting a clean, contemporary feel; tall espresso shaker cabinets replaced old soffits, and River White granite made an impressive and clean lined contrast. A drywall pantry was replaced with an efficient roll out pantry, and stylish long stainless steel pulls tie the whole look together. Photo Credits- Joe Nowak

An adjacent area originally displaced was incorporated into the kitchen by removing a few walls to tie it in to the new space. Transformed into an attractive dinette bar, the complex task of incorporating stairs in the kitchen was successfully accomplished with a beautiful custom designed stainless steel and glass railing and a quaint bench seat. A cluttered closet was transformed into a functional walk in pantry just around the corner. Jurs took advantage of fourteen-foot ceilings by stacking beautiful maple cabinetry over eight feet high around the perimeter of the kitchen. Elegant glass doors with frosted glass lit from behind wrap the entire kitchen for a dramatic effect in the evening. The island was custom designed to suit the specific needs of the cook. Standard height work surfaces were created on either side of the island for food prep and chopping on two Sipo Mahogany wood tops. The center island of Cambrian honed black granite was set at 37 ½” high, perfectly suited for a tall cook! The large curved breakfast bar easily accommodates groups of kids, as well as guests and family during entertaining. New floors tie the entire living space together with White Ash Hardwood and a granite looking Porcelain tile from Italy. Full height granite backsplashes add depth, while situated on dramatic Crema Bordeaux granite counter tops that boast colors of the Grand Canyon. Frameless, wide style Shaker doors and Stainless Steel accents emphasize the warm, yet simple contemporary nature of this beautiful new space.