Mike and Michelle of Lake Barrington knew they needed extra space. Their home was becoming too crowded for their family with blossoming teenagers, so a basement renovation offered the perfect solution for more space for the kids and more room to entertain for the adults. “Our project consisted of expanding our laundry room, putting in a first floor wet bar so we had adult space upstairs, while also renovating our basement for a family-friendly and teen-functional area as well,” Michelle says. They found Advance Design Studio through a neighbor who gave a glowing recommendation, giving Michelle and Mike the confidence they needed to move forward with a major home renovation. They felt like they knew Advance Design before they even worked together. When they met with the owner Todd Jurs and designer Nicole Ryan, Mike and Michelle knew they were getting a trustworthy, dependable team that could create the project they had been dreaming about for 7 years. Having virtually no natural light to work with, one of the biggest design challenges was creating a basement that did not feel dark and depressing. The Advance team got to work creating architectural archways and custom detailed dry-stack stone columns artfully designed into the space, adding a dramatic element that made the space feel less like a basement or more like a relaxing family room. Color 3D renderings were created to portray what the space would look like so Mike and Michelle could visualize the space in advance. Detailed trim and crown moldings grace the built in buffet and wet bar making for an amazingly functional space that lacks nothing in style and visual interest. Cherry wood cabinetry by Dura Supreme is featured in the space with a “Cocoa Brown” finish and includes beautiful mirrored glass doors embellished with unique elliptical mullion details. A built-in microwave, dishwasher and mini fridge add practicality to the ample entertainment mecca. An under mounted sink finishes the space joined with a intricate mosaic tile backsplash and “Ventisca Polished” quartz countertops. The basement is absolutely perfect for hosting friends and family with expertly designed key areas such as a game space for the kids, a movie area for the family, an ample workout room with luxurious full bath, and even built in wine storage. The family absolutely loves the new basement living space, and has already enjoyed numerous family movie nights and sleep-overs with friends. While custom cabinets made by Dura Supreme were used to create unique spaces that lived up to Mike and Michelle’s expectations., heated flooring under the 16”x16” “Mongolian Spring” tile was installed giving all tiled areas of the basement a much cozier feel, eliminating that cold hard surface most of us hate in our basements! The new basement must-have requirement list included a new bath space, which was incorporated adjacent to the work out room. The sleek shower door and cabinets in the new bathroom make guests and family feel like they are in an elegant hotel. The new guest bath features 4”x36” “Silver Screen” honed marble tile in a brick pattern on the shower walls and 2”x2” “Chenille” limestone tile in a hexagon mosaic pattern on the shower floor. “I came in with very specific requirements for our three project areas,” Michelle says. “There was not one time that I felt like I was asking for something that was not going to turn out how I anticipated.” Tying in multiple rooms during a renovation if you have can do it makes a lot of sense and saves money in the long run. A fully functional laundry room as well was a must on this family’s wish list. Michelle wanted to add space to the existing cramped and awkward laundry room, and Mike wanted to make sure they could still park a car in the garage. Reconfiguring interior walls required borrowing unused space cleverly from the garage in order to enlarge the laundry room space. Drawers under the stairs added beautiful hidden storage created almost magically out of dead space. White painted Dura Supreme cabinets bring additional light into the small space; while the 16”x16” cleft slate tile flooring provides excellent contrast and the naturally earthy feel Michelle wanted. Quartz countertops with a 3”x12” “Debut Dew” subway tile backsplash add elegance to the now upliftingly bright laundry room. The extra space makes doing laundry much more pleasurable and the added storage is a great for all those little things like winter hats and gloves, umbrellas and the like. “The Advance Design project team was phenomenal to work with,” Michelle says. “They came in, shared the plans with us and walked us through the expectations. We always knew what was coming next.” Converting an existing closet space, the wet bar upstairs was challenging because they wanted a functional area that didn’t look or feel like cabinets just sticking out of a closet. So the Advance team transformed this ordinary closet space into a stunning wet bar that architecturally appears as if it’s always been there. Traditional, elegant hand carved custom molding matching the adjacent fireplace ties the new entertainment bar area in nicely with the existing family room and kitchen area. Featuring a built in wine refrigerator, Dura Supreme cabinetry in deep cherry wood elegantly displays wine bottles and etched glass mullion doors that fill with soft light in the evening hours. Cambria “Windermere” quartz countertops with a sophisticated hammered copper sink and a glimmering backsplash round out the stunning wet bar. Hosting parties and family functions has become much more enjoyable now that they have a dedicated beverage serving area large enough to include hors devours. All three projects were designed and constructed together at the same time, making for a cohesive project that was administered smoothly and easily both for the design team and for the family. Disruption to the home was minimal as each phase was completed in each project conclusively, and design and meeting time for the homeowner was efficient and organized making for an enjoyable process. “Advance Design was great to work with,” Michelle says. “I would highly recommend them to anyone considering a home improvement project. They took the time at the beginning to understand our needs, our budget, and our vision for our home. The field team was great, attentive, on time, cleaned up each day and made the overall experience very positive. We couldn't be happier with the finished product.” With the help of our talented, award winning design team you can create the basement, laundry room, or any other home renovation that you have been dreaming of. With our “Common Sense Remodeling” approach, the process of renovating you home has never been easier. Contact us today at 847-836-2600 or schedule an appointment to talk with us about that kitchen remodeling project. Joe Nowak

VPC’s featured Custom Home Project of the Month for March is the spectacular Mountain Modern Lodge. With six bedrooms, six full baths, and two half baths, this custom built 11,200 square foot timber frame residence exemplifies breathtaking mountain luxury. The home borrows inspiration from its surroundings with smooth, thoughtful exteriors that harmonize with nature and create the ultimate getaway. A deck constructed with Brazilian hardwood runs the entire length of the house. Other exterior design elements include both copper and Douglas Fir beams, stone, standing seam metal roofing, and custom wire hand railing. Upon entry, visitors are introduced to an impressively sized great room ornamented with tall, shiplap ceilings and a patina copper cantilever fireplace. The open floor plan includes Kolbe windows that welcome the sweeping vistas of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The great room also includes access to the vast kitchen and dining area that features cabinets adorned with valances as well as double-swinging pantry doors. The kitchen countertops exhibit beautifully crafted granite with double waterfall edges and continuous grains. VPC’s Modern Mountain Lodge is the very essence of sophistication and relaxation. Each step of this contemporary design was created in collaboration with the homeowners. VPC Builders could not be more pleased with the results of this custom-built residence.

VPC’s featured Custom Home Project of the Month for March is the spectacular Mountain Modern Lodge. With six bedrooms, six full baths, and two half baths, this custom built 11,200 square foot timber frame residence exemplifies breathtaking mountain luxury. The home borrows inspiration from its surroundings with smooth, thoughtful exteriors that harmonize with nature and create the ultimate getaway. A deck constructed with Brazilian hardwood runs the entire length of the house. Other exterior design elements include both copper and Douglas Fir beams, stone, standing seam metal roofing, and custom wire hand railing. Upon entry, visitors are introduced to an impressively sized great room ornamented with tall, shiplap ceilings and a patina copper cantilever fireplace. The open floor plan includes Kolbe windows that welcome the sweeping vistas of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The great room also includes access to the vast kitchen and dining area that features cabinets adorned with valances as well as double-swinging pantry doors. The kitchen countertops exhibit beautifully crafted granite with double waterfall edges and continuous grains. VPC’s Modern Mountain Lodge is the very essence of sophistication and relaxation. Each step of this contemporary design was created in collaboration with the homeowners. VPC Builders could not be more pleased with the results of this custom-built residence.

The condominium is on the 15th floor of Siesta Key’s Terrace Building, originally designed in 1969 by Frank Folsom Smith. Two corner units were combined into a single condo. All interior partitions were removed. The ceiling finish was stripped to expose the concrete formwork. The bathrooms, storage, and kitchen are laid out in a wood-clad central core. The windows were replaced by a series of 7-panel bi-fold glass doors that open out from the structural corners. A custom steel desk was designed to span between existing columns. The master bedroom faces the city while the living space faces the Gulf and the beach. Ten-foot-wide steel and wood folding partitions allow the owner to transform the space and to isolate the office from either the living or the master. The partitions fold back into the wood core to reconnect the private suite with the rest of the unit to form one continuous space. The master bath borrows light from an adjoining space through a window with a switchable electric film. Speakers, vents and air return are all accommodated through discrete cuts and perforations in the wood veneer.

Photo credit Jane Beiles Located on a beautiful property with a legacy of architectural and landscape innovation, this guest house was originally designed by the offices of Eliot Noyes and Alan Goldberg. Due to its age and expanded use as an in-law dwelling for extended stays, the 1200 sf structure required a renovation and small addition. While one objective was to make the structure function independently of the main house with its own access road, garage, and entrance, another objective was to knit the guest house into the architectural fabric of the property. New window openings deliberately frame landscape and architectural elements on the site, while exterior finishes borrow from that of the main house (cedar, zinc, field stone) bringing unity to the family compound. Inside, the use of lighter materials gives the simple, efficient spaces airiness. A challenge was to find an interior design vocabulary which is both simple and clean, but not cold or uninteresting. A combination of rough slate, white washed oak, and high gloss lacquer cabinets provide interest and texture, but with their minimal detailing create a sense of calm. Located on a beautiful property with a legacy of architectural and landscape innovation, this guest house was originally designed by the offices of Eliot Noyes and Alan Goldberg. Due to its age and expanded use as an in-law dwelling for extended stays, the 1200 sf structure required a renovation and small addition. While one objective was to make the structure function independently of the main house with its own access road, garage, and entrance, another objective was to knit the guest house into the architectural fabric of the property. New window openings deliberately frame landscape and architectural elements on the site, while exterior finishes borrow from that of the main house (cedar, zinc, field stone) bringing unity to the family compound. Inside, the use of lighter materials gives the simple, efficient spaces airiness. A challenge was to find an interior design vocabulary which is both simple and clean, but not cold or uninteresting. A combination of rough slate, white washed oak, and high gloss lacquer cabinets provide interest and texture, but with their minimal detailing create a sense of calm.

A sofa with the persona of a contemporary artist. Borrowing exquisite details from the glamorous archetypes of the 1950’s and 60’s, the Artisan Sofa is a sensuous curving silhouette with arms that sweep in a continuous line with the back. A slender profile with refined tailoring offers seating comfort. Bench with tufted back and sides punctuated with a trio of contrasting low-lumbar cushions. Sculptural metal legs in a matte gold artisan metal follow the sofa’s graceful contour. Dimensions: 88.25W x 33D x 31.5H Seat Height: 19.5 Arm Height: 26.5 Features: Seat Width: 79.25 Seat Depth: 24.25 Curved Metal Base, Curved Track Arm with Button Tufting on Inback and Inarm, Bench Seat, Three Boxed Back Pillows Construction: Blendown Supreme Cushion, No Sag Seat, Feather Down Pillows

This client wanted to refresh her bedroom without making any major purchases, which she'd done 5 year earlier to initially furnish the space. We kept the wall color (Sherwin Williams Accessible Beige), the upholstered bed, nightstands, bedside lamps, and area rug. We curated her own art, borrowing from different rooms in the house, created a reading corner vignette, and purchased all new bedding linens. Soft, dusky pink and blush pink accents added just a hint of color in an otherwise neutral room.

When it comes to basement remodels, there is no shortage of modern basement ideas to borrow from. This West Lafayette family was ready to reclaim their empty, unfinished basement and gain valuable living space for their family. Rather than letting this precious square footage go to waste, they opted to transform their basement into a welcoming area for friends and family to enjoy. With plenty of options to choose from, this family can now set up a game room, a play area for their kids, or even a theater room. Regardless of how they end up using this space, they are most certainly going to increase the value of their home. Balancing aesthetics and functionality, this basement remodel was painted a soft gray with white trim. The floors were laid with neutral Mohawk Key Trend mineral deposit carpet, and the typical “wasted” space under the stairwell was turned into a useful closet for much-needed storage. Riverside Construction also added a full bathroom to this basement, which not only likely increased the home’s value, but also made it a truly livable space.

This craftsman kitchen borrows natural elements from architect and design icon, Frank Lloyd Wright. A slate backsplash, soapstone counters, and wood cabinetry is a perfect throwback to midcentury design. What ties this kitchen to present day design are elements such as stainless steel appliances and smart and hidden storage. This kitchen takes advantage of every nook and cranny to provide extra storage for pantry items and cookware.

A young family moving from NYC to their first home in Westchester County found this delightful colonial in Larchmont, New York. The dated kitchen was gutted and we redesigned the structural beams to borrow four feet from the adjacent family room creating an open floor plan. This new design accommodated a new, classic white kitchen open to the family room. When the kitchen was complete, we refinished and re-stained the floors a beautiful Jacobean color. As well, we repainted several rooms in the house, including the master bedroom and nursery. Another modernizing upgrade involved the conversion of their fireplace from wood burning to gas. Kitchen design and custom cabinetry by Studio Dearborn. White Macauba countertops by Rye Marble and Stone. Appliances by Thermador; Cabinetry color: Benjamin Moore White Heron. Hardware by Hickory Hardware Studio collection. Backsplash tile by Adex Liso in Surf Gray. Photography Adam Kane Macchia.

The utility room was in between the LR and the kitchen, so we moved it in order to connect the two spaces. We put the utility room where the laundry room used to be and created a new laundry room off a new hallway that leads to the master bedroom. The space for this was created by borrowing space from the XL dining area. We carved out space for the formal living room to accommodate a larger kitchen. The rest of the space became modest-sized offices with French doors to allow light from the house's front into the kitchen. The living room now transitioned into the kitchen with a new bar and sitting area. We also transformed the full bath and hallway, which became a half-bath and mudroom for this single couple. The master bathroom was redesigned to receive a private toilet room and tiled shower. The stairs were reoriented to highlight an open railing and small foyer with a pretty armchair. The client’s existing stylish furnishings were incorporated into the colorful, bold design. Each space had personality and unique charm. The aqua kitchen’s focal point is the Kohler cast-iron vintage-inspired sink. The enlarged windows in the living room and sink allow the homeowners to enjoy the natural surroundings. Builder Partner – Parsetich Custom Homes Photographer - Sarah Shields --- Project completed by Wendy Langston's Everything Home interior design firm, which serves Carmel, Zionsville, Fishers, Westfield, Noblesville, and Indianapolis. For more about Everything Home, click here: https://everythinghomedesigns.com/ To learn more about this project, click here: https://everythinghomedesigns.com/portfolio/this-is-my-happy-place/

For a young family of four in Oakland’s Redwood Heights neighborhood we remodeled and enlarged one bathroom and created a second bathroom at the rear of the existing garage. This family of four was outgrowing their home but loved their neighborhood. They needed a larger bathroom and also needed a second bath on a different level to accommodate the fact that the mother gets ready for work hours before the others usually get out of bed. For the hard-working Mom, we created a new bathroom in the garage level, with luxurious finishes and fixtures to reward her for being the primary bread-winner in the family. Based on a circle/bubble theme we created a feature wall of circular tiles from Porcelanosa on the back wall of the shower and a used a round Electric Mirror at the vanity. Other luxury features of the downstairs bath include a Fanini MilanoSlim shower system, floating lacquer vanity and custom built in cabinets. For the upstairs bathroom, we enlarged the room by borrowing space from the adjacent closets. Features include a rectangular Electric Mirror, custom vanity and cabinets, wall-hung Duravit toilet and glass finger tiles.

Bathroom - contemporary bathroom idea in Las Vegas

VPC’s featured Custom Home Project of the Month for March is the spectacular Mountain Modern Lodge. With six bedrooms, six full baths, and two half baths, this custom built 11,200 square foot timber frame residence exemplifies breathtaking mountain luxury. The home borrows inspiration from its surroundings with smooth, thoughtful exteriors that harmonize with nature and create the ultimate getaway. A deck constructed with Brazilian hardwood runs the entire length of the house. Other exterior design elements include both copper and Douglas Fir beams, stone, standing seam metal roofing, and custom wire hand railing. Upon entry, visitors are introduced to an impressively sized great room ornamented with tall, shiplap ceilings and a patina copper cantilever fireplace. The open floor plan includes Kolbe windows that welcome the sweeping vistas of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The great room also includes access to the vast kitchen and dining area that features cabinets adorned with valances as well as double-swinging pantry doors. The kitchen countertops exhibit beautifully crafted granite with double waterfall edges and continuous grains. VPC’s Modern Mountain Lodge is the very essence of sophistication and relaxation. Each step of this contemporary design was created in collaboration with the homeowners. VPC Builders could not be more pleased with the results of this custom-built residence.

VPC’s featured Custom Home Project of the Month for March is the spectacular Mountain Modern Lodge. With six bedrooms, six full baths, and two half baths, this custom built 11,200 square foot timber frame residence exemplifies breathtaking mountain luxury. The home borrows inspiration from its surroundings with smooth, thoughtful exteriors that harmonize with nature and create the ultimate getaway. A deck constructed with Brazilian hardwood runs the entire length of the house. Other exterior design elements include both copper and Douglas Fir beams, stone, standing seam metal roofing, and custom wire hand railing. Upon entry, visitors are introduced to an impressively sized great room ornamented with tall, shiplap ceilings and a patina copper cantilever fireplace. The open floor plan includes Kolbe windows that welcome the sweeping vistas of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The great room also includes access to the vast kitchen and dining area that features cabinets adorned with valances as well as double-swinging pantry doors. The kitchen countertops exhibit beautifully crafted granite with double waterfall edges and continuous grains. VPC’s Modern Mountain Lodge is the very essence of sophistication and relaxation. Each step of this contemporary design was created in collaboration with the homeowners. VPC Builders could not be more pleased with the results of this custom-built residence.

With the goal of creating larger, brighter, and more open spaces within the footprint of an existing house, BiglarKinyan reimagined the flow and proportions of existing rooms with in this house. In this kitchen space, return walls of an original U shaped kitchen were eliminated to create a long and efficient linear kitchen with island. Rear windows facing a ravine were enlarged to invite more light and views indoors. Space was borrowed from an adjacent dining and living room, which was combined and reproportioned to create a kitchen pantry and bar, larger dining room and a piano lounge.

The utility room was in between the LR and the kitchen, so we moved it in order to connect the two spaces. We put the utility room where the laundry room used to be and created a new laundry room off a new hallway that leads to the master bedroom. The space for this was created by borrowing space from the XL dining area. We carved out space for the formal living room to accommodate a larger kitchen. The rest of the space became modest-sized offices with French doors to allow light from the house's front into the kitchen. The living room now transitioned into the kitchen with a new bar and sitting area. We also transformed the full bath and hallway, which became a half-bath and mudroom for this single couple. The master bathroom was redesigned to receive a private toilet room and tiled shower. The stairs were reoriented to highlight an open railing and small foyer with a pretty armchair. The client’s existing stylish furnishings were incorporated into the colorful, bold design. Each space had personality and unique charm. The aqua kitchen’s focal point is the Kohler cast-iron vintage-inspired sink. The enlarged windows in the living room and sink allow the homeowners to enjoy the natural surroundings. Builder Partner – Parsetich Custom Homes Photographer - Sarah Shields --- Project completed by Wendy Langston's Everything Home interior design firm, which serves Carmel, Zionsville, Fishers, Westfield, Noblesville, and Indianapolis. For more about Everything Home, click here: https://everythinghomedesigns.com/ To learn more about this project, click here: https://everythinghomedesigns.com/portfolio/this-is-my-happy-place/

This craftsman kitchen borrows natural elements from architect and design icon, Frank Lloyd Wright. A slate backsplash, soapstone counters, and wood cabinetry is a perfect throwback to midcentury design. What ties this kitchen to present day design are elements such as stainless steel appliances and smart and hidden storage. This kitchen takes advantage of every nook and cranny to provide extra storage for pantry items and cookware.

GOLD, Crystal Bay Remodel, Located in Wayzata, Minn., Photography by Spacecrafting, Architect/Designer: Alexander Design Group, Remodeler: Stonewood, LLC, Interior Designer: Studio M, Land Planner: Yardscapes, Inc, Interior Merchandiser: Studio M