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.

In 2014, we were approached by a couple to achieve a dream space within their existing home. They wanted to expand their existing bar, wine, and cigar storage into a new one-of-a-kind room. Proud of their Italian heritage, they also wanted to bring an “old-world” feel into this project to be reminded of the unique character they experienced in Italian cellars. The dramatic tone of the space revolves around the signature piece of the project; a custom milled stone spiral stair that provides access from the first floor to the entry of the room. This stair tower features stone walls, custom iron handrails and spindles, and dry-laid milled stone treads and riser blocks. Once down the staircase, the entry to the cellar is through a French door assembly. The interior of the room is clad with stone veneer on the walls and a brick barrel vault ceiling. The natural stone and brick color bring in the cellar feel the client was looking for, while the rustic alder beams, flooring, and cabinetry help provide warmth. The entry door sequence is repeated along both walls in the room to provide rhythm in each ceiling barrel vault. These French doors also act as wine and cigar storage. To allow for ample cigar storage, a fully custom walk-in humidor was designed opposite the entry doors. The room is controlled by a fully concealed, state-of-the-art HVAC smoke eater system that allows for cigar enjoyment without any odor.

The groin-vaulted ceiling and gravel floor recall ancient French wine cellars. Robert Benson Photography
Huge mountain style wine cellar photo in New York

This 6,000sf luxurious custom new construction 5-bedroom, 4-bath home combines elements of open-concept design with traditional, formal spaces, as well. Tall windows, large openings to the back yard, and clear views from room to room are abundant throughout. The 2-story entry boasts a gently curving stair, and a full view through openings to the glass-clad family room. The back stair is continuous from the basement to the finished 3rd floor / attic recreation room. The interior is finished with the finest materials and detailing, with crown molding, coffered, tray and barrel vault ceilings, chair rail, arched openings, rounded corners, built-in niches and coves, wide halls, and 12' first floor ceilings with 10' second floor ceilings. It sits at the end of a cul-de-sac in a wooded neighborhood, surrounded by old growth trees. The homeowners, who hail from Texas, believe that bigger is better, and this house was built to match their dreams. The brick - with stone and cast concrete accent elements - runs the full 3-stories of the home, on all sides. A paver driveway and covered patio are included, along with paver retaining wall carved into the hill, creating a secluded back yard play space for their young children. Project photography by Kmieick Imagery.

One of our most popular award-winning kitchens with a dramatic vaulted ceiling exemplifies how simply white is simply stunning! Texture added with distressed white/gray beams that replace the previous heavy beam structure. The expansive island is almost 11' long! Perfect for family and friends to gather 'round! Check out the Before and After white kitchen photos! Enjoy! Photographer Jennifer Siu-Rivera

Located in Manhattan, this beautiful three-bedroom, three-and-a-half-bath apartment incorporates elements of mid-century modern, including soft greys, subtle textures, punchy metals, and natural wood finishes. Throughout the space in the living, dining, kitchen, and bedroom areas are custom red oak shutters that softly filter the natural light through this sun-drenched residence. Louis Poulsen recessed fixtures were placed in newly built soffits along the beams of the historic barrel-vaulted ceiling, illuminating the exquisite décor, furnishings, and herringbone-patterned white oak floors. Two custom built-ins were designed for the living room and dining area: both with painted-white wainscoting details to complement the white walls, forest green accents, and the warmth of the oak floors. In the living room, a floor-to-ceiling piece was designed around a seating area with a painting as backdrop to accommodate illuminated display for design books and art pieces. While in the dining area, a full height piece incorporates a flat screen within a custom felt scrim, with integrated storage drawers and cabinets beneath. In the kitchen, gray cabinetry complements the metal fixtures and herringbone-patterned flooring, with antique copper light fixtures installed above the marble island to complete the look. Custom closets were also designed by Studioteka for the space including the laundry room.

Architect: Ted Schultz, Schultz Architecture ( http://www.schultzarchitecture.com/) Contractor: Casey Eskra, Pacific Coast Construction ( http://pcc-sd.com/), Christian Naylor Photography: Chipper Hatter Photography ( http://www.chipperhatter.com/)

Our goal on this project was to create a live-able and open feeling space in a 690 square foot modern farmhouse. We planned for an open feeling space by installing tall windows and doors, utilizing pocket doors and building a vaulted ceiling. An efficient layout with hidden kitchen appliances and a concealed laundry space, built in tv and work desk, carefully selected furniture pieces and a bright and white colour palette combine to make this tiny house feel like a home. We achieved our goal of building a functionally beautiful space where we comfortably host a few friends and spend time together as a family. John McManus

Transitional master carpeted, beige floor, vaulted ceiling and wallpaper bedroom photo in New York with gray walls

Transitional porch photo in Richmond with a roof extension and a bbq area

Living room - large contemporary open concept light wood floor and vaulted ceiling living room idea in Grand Rapids with white walls, a standard fireplace and a concrete fireplace

This whole-home transformation began with a vision: breathe new life into a stunning Mediterranean-influenced residence while honoring its architectural character, including soaring vaulted ceilings, dark wood beams, and graceful arched windows. The complete kitchen remodel introduced a white shaker cabinetry suite, a natural white oak island, stone backsplash, panel-ready appliances, and custom linen pendant lights, seamlessly flowing into a redesigned dining area anchored by a custom built-in arched glass-front china cabinet and rattan chandelier. The master bathroom refresh brought spa-like serenity with a painted barrel vault ceiling in soft sky blue, a sculptural petal flush mount, and refined finishes that feel both timeless and tranquil. Throughout the living room, dining room, master bedroom, and guest room, every furnishing was thoughtfully selected: a blue velvet sofa, organic wood coffee table, cane bed, French settee, and chinoiserie accents layered against a warm neutral palette of cream, camel, and dusty blue. Custom draperies tailored in soft linen with delicate trim details were designed and installed in every room, tying the home together with a cohesive, light-filled elegance. A whole-home paint refresh completed the transformation, unifying every space under a palette that is warm, sophisticated, and unmistakably livable. The result: a home that feels curated, not decorated, and entirely, beautifully theirs.

Elliott Johnson
Example of a huge tuscan dark wood floor hallway design in San Luis Obispo with white walls

American Farmhouse - Scott Wilson Architect, LLC, GC - Shane McFarland Construction, Photographer - Reed Brown
Inspiration for a mid-sized french country master dark wood floor bedroom remodel in Nashville with gray walls and no fireplace

Luxurious modern take on a traditional white Italian villa. An entry with a silver domed ceiling, painted moldings in patterns on the walls and mosaic marble flooring create a luxe foyer. Into the formal living room, cool polished Crema Marfil marble tiles contrast with honed carved limestone fireplaces throughout the home, including the outdoor loggia. Ceilings are coffered with white painted crown moldings and beams, or planked, and the dining room has a mirrored ceiling. Bathrooms are white marble tiles and counters, with dark rich wood stains or white painted. The hallway leading into the master bedroom is designed with barrel vaulted ceilings and arched paneled wood stained doors. The master bath and vestibule floor is covered with a carpet of patterned mosaic marbles, and the interior doors to the large walk in master closets are made with leaded glass to let in the light. The master bedroom has dark walnut planked flooring, and a white painted fireplace surround with a white marble hearth. The kitchen features white marbles and white ceramic tile backsplash, white painted cabinetry and a dark stained island with carved molding legs. Next to the kitchen, the bar in the family room has terra cotta colored marble on the backsplash and counter over dark walnut cabinets. Wrought iron staircase leading to the more modern media/family room upstairs. Project Location: North Ranch, Westlake, California. Remodel designed by Maraya Interior Design. From their beautiful resort town of Ojai, they serve clients in Montecito, Hope Ranch, Malibu, Westlake and Calabasas, across the tri-county areas of Santa Barbara, Ventura and Los Angeles, south to Hidden Hills- north through Solvang and more. ArcDesign Architects

Large transitional master medium tone wood floor and brown floor bedroom photo in Charlotte with beige walls

Hinsdale, IL Residence by Charles Vincent George Architects Photographs by Emilia Czader Example of an open concept transitional style great room with 2-story fireplace exposed beam ceiling medium tone wood floor media wall white trim, and vaulted ceiling.

Kitchen - large transitional galley porcelain tile and brown floor kitchen idea in Austin with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, dark wood cabinets, granite countertops, gray backsplash, stone tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and gray countertops

Don Kadair
Inspiration for a timeless dark wood floor entryway remodel in New Orleans with beige walls and a white front door