Inspiration for a transitional dark wood floor and brown floor family room remodel in Charleston with beige walls and a wall-mounted tv

Bathroom - large farmhouse master marble floor, gray floor, double-sink, exposed beam and wall paneling bathroom idea in Chicago with flat-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, a two-piece toilet, gray walls, an undermount sink, marble countertops, a hinged shower door, gray countertops and a freestanding vanity

Our clients in Tower Lakes, IL, needed more storage and functionality from their kitchen. They were primarily focused on finding the right combination of cabinets, shelves, and drawers that fit all their cookware, flatware, and appliances. They wanted a brighter, bigger space with a natural cooking flow and plenty of storage. Soffits and crown molding needed to be removed to make the kitchen feel larger. Redesign elements included: relocating the fridge, adding a baking station and coffee bar, and placing the microwave in the kitchen island. Advance Design Studio’s Claudia Pop offered functional, creative, and unique solutions to the homeowners’ problems. Our clients wanted a unique kitchen that was not completely white, a balance of design and function. Claudia offered functional, creative, and unique solutions to Chad and Karen’s kitchen design challenges. The first thing to go was soffits. Today, most kitchens can benefit from the added height and space; removing soffits is nearly always step one. Steely gray-blue was the color of choice for a freshly unique look bringing a sophisticated-looking space to wrap around the fresh new kitchen. Cherry cabinetry in a true brown stain compliments the stormy accents with sharp contrasting white Cambria quartz top balancing out the space with a dramatic flair. “We wanted something unique and special in this space, something none of the neighbors would have,” said Claudia. The dramatic veined Cambria countertops continue upward into a backsplash behind three complimentary open shelves. These countertops provide visual texture and movement in the kitchen. The kitchen includes two larder cabinets for both the coffee bar and baking station. The kitchen is now functional and unique in design. “When we design a new kitchen space, as designers, we are always looking for ways to balance interesting design elements with practical functionality,” Claudia said. “This kitchen’s new design is not only way more functional but is stunning in a way a piece of art can catch one’s attention.” Decorative mullions with mirrored inserts sit atop dual sentinel pantries flanking the new refrigerator, while a 48″ dual fuel Wolf range replaced the island cooktop and double oven. The new microwave is cleverly hidden within the island, eliminating the cluttered counter and attention-grabbing wall of stainless steel from the previous space. The family room was completely renovated, including a beautifully functional entertainment bar with the same combination of woods and stone as the kitchen and coffee bar. Mesh inserts instead of plain glass add visual texture while revealing pristine glassware. Handcrafted built-ins surround the fireplace. The beautiful and efficient design created by designer Claudia transitioned directly to the installation team seamlessly, much like the basement project experience Chad and Karen enjoyed previously. “We definitely will and have recommended Advance Design Studio to friends who are looking to embark on a project small or large,” Karen said. “Everything that was designed and built exactly how we envisioned it, and we are really enjoying it to its full potential,” Karen said. Our award-winning design team would love to create a beautiful, functional, and spacious place for you and your family. With our “Common Sense Remodeling” approach, the process of renovating your home has never been easier. Contact us today at 847-665-1711 or schedule an appointment.

Rain cloud pillows and bedding
Example of a mid-sized danish gender-neutral light wood floor kids' room design in Dallas with white walls

Transitional open concept dark wood floor, brown floor and tray ceiling living room photo in Louisville with gray walls, a standard fireplace and a wall-mounted tv

Benjamin Benschneider / The Seattle Times
Mid-sized minimalist exterior home photo in Seattle

Residential home in Santa Cruz, CA This stunning front and backyard project was so much fun! The plethora of K&D's scope of work included: smooth finished concrete walls, multiple styles of horizontal redwood fencing, smooth finished concrete stepping stones, bands, steps & pathways, paver patio & driveway, artificial turf, TimberTech stairs & decks, TimberTech custom bench with storage, shower wall with bike washing station, custom concrete fountain, poured-in-place fire pit, pour-in-place half circle bench with sloped back rest, metal pergola, low voltage lighting, planting and irrigation! (*Adorable cat not included)

Designed by Thayer Design Studio. We are a full-service interior design firm located in South Boston, MA specializing in new construction, renovations, additions and room by room furnishing for residential and small commercial projects throughout New England. From conception to completion, we engage in a collaborative process with our clients, working closely with contractors, architects, crafts-people and artisans to provide cohesion to our client’s vision. We build spaces that tell a story and create comfort; always striving to find the balance between materials, architectural details, color and space. We believe a well-balanced and thoughtfully curated home is the foundation for happier living.

Why Calm Home Décor Matters A calm home does more than look beautiful. It helps you slow down, clear your mind, and feel more comfortable in your everyday routine. Thoughtful décor can shape the mood of a room, making it feel softer, warmer, and more supportive. When a space feels balanced, it becomes easier to relax and enjoy being there. Choose Meaning Over Clutter One of the best ways to create a peaceful home is to decorate with intention. A calm space does not need to be filled with things just to avoid empty walls or corners. It feels better when each piece has a purpose, whether that is adding comfort, beauty, or personality. This is why meaningful décor often works better than crowded styling. A few well-chosen pieces can make a room feel more grounded and personal than a large number of random accessories. The goal is not to make your home look empty, but to make it feel clear and easy to enjoy. Use Soft, Balanced Colors Color plays a major role in how a room feels. Soft neutrals, earthy greens, muted blues, warm whites, and gentle terracotta tones can bring calm and comfort into your home. These shades create a softer visual atmosphere and help a room feel more open and inviting. Balanced colors also make it easier to combine textures and decorative elements without making the space feel heavy. In living rooms, bedrooms, and quiet corners, a calming color palette can make a noticeable difference. Style Your Walls with Purpose Walls should not be treated as spaces to fill quickly. They are part of the overall atmosphere of a room. Thoughtful wall décor can add softness, reflect your personality, and help the space feel more complete without creating clutter. For example, collections from About Wall Art reflect a more meaningful approach to decorating, where beauty and calm work together. Choosing art with intention can help your home feel more connected, peaceful, and true to your style. Create Small Moments of Comfort A calm home is often built through small details. A cozy chair by a window, a soft throw on the sofa, or a simple, well-styled corner can all make your space feel more supportive. These quiet touches help create balance throughout the home. Conclusion The best home décor ideas are not always the boldest. Often, they are the ones that make your space feel calmer, lighter, and more personal. By choosing meaningful pieces, soft colors, and uncluttered styling, you can create a home that supports both beauty and well-being. A balanced home does not just look good — it helps you feel more at peace in your everyday life.

Inspiration for a timeless bathroom remodel in New York

Inspiration for a contemporary patio remodel in Los Angeles

Photography: Werner Straube
Beach style porch photo in Grand Rapids

Inspiration for a timeless kitchen remodel in New York

Anna Routh Photography
Inspiration for an eclectic medium tone wood floor bedroom remodel in New York with beige walls, a standard fireplace and a tile fireplace

Intentional. Elevated. Artisanal. With three children under the age of 5, our clients were starting to feel the confines of their Pacific Heights home when the expansive 1902 Italianate across the street went on the market. After learning the home had been recently remodeled, they jumped at the chance to purchase a move-in ready property. We worked with them to infuse the already refined, elegant living areas with subtle edginess and handcrafted details, and also helped them reimagine unused space to delight their little ones. Elevated furnishings on the main floor complement the home’s existing high ceilings, modern brass bannisters and extensive walnut cabinetry. In the living room, sumptuous emerald upholstery on a velvet side chair balances the deep wood tones of the existing baby grand. Minimally and intentionally accessorized, the room feels formal but still retains a sharp edge—on the walls moody portraiture gets irreverent with a bold paint stroke, and on the the etagere, jagged crystals and metallic sculpture feel rugged and unapologetic. Throughout the main floor handcrafted, textured notes are everywhere—a nubby jute rug underlies inviting sofas in the family room and a half-moon mirror in the living room mixes geometric lines with flax-colored fringe. On the home’s lower level, we repurposed an unused wine cellar into a well-stocked craft room, with a custom chalkboard, art-display area and thoughtful storage. In the adjoining space, we installed a custom climbing wall and filled the balance of the room with low sofas, plush area rugs, poufs and storage baskets, creating the perfect space for active play or a quiet reading session. The bold colors and playful attitudes apparent in these spaces are echoed upstairs in each of the children’s imaginative bedrooms. Architect + Developer: McMahon Architects + Studio, Photographer: Suzanna Scott Photography

Photo by Greg Premru Cabinet Design, Architect Tom Catalano
Inspiration for a large coastal u-shaped ceramic tile and multicolored floor enclosed kitchen remodel in Boston with a farmhouse sink, recessed-panel cabinets, green cabinets, solid surface countertops, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash and an island

ye-h photography
Example of a mid-sized trendy entryway design in Seattle

CHAD CHENIER PHOTOGRAPHY
Elegant living room photo in New Orleans

Example of a transitional bedroom design in Indianapolis