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.

Ulrich Designer: Tom Santarsiero Photography by Peter Rymwid This is a master bath with subtle sophistication and understated elegance. The cabinets were custom designed by Tom, with straight, simple lines, and custom built by Draper DBS of walnut, with a deep, rich brown finish. The richness of the dark cabinetry juxtaposed with the elegance of the white carrara marble on the countertop, wall and floors contributes to the room's sophistication. Ample storage is found in the large vanity and an armoire style cabinet, designed to mimic a free-standing furniture piece, that is positioned behind the door. Architectural beams placed across the vaulted ceiling bring a sense of scale to the room and invite natural light in through the skylight.

This mixer stand slides in and out of its cabinet making baking time easy to start and complete. Pocket door comes down to cover any baking tools. Classic white kitchen designed and built by Jewett Farms + Co. Functional for family life with a design that will stand the test of time. White cabinetry, soapstone perimeter counters and marble island top. Hand scraped walnut floors. Walnut drawer interiors and walnut trim on the range hood. Many interior details, check out the rest of the project photos to see them all.

This kitchen design in Newtown, PA provides the ideal balance of elegant features with warm tradition. The tumbled marble backsplash gives an eye-catching backdrop to the maple cabinetry. A wood butcher block is integrated into the island, and is used as a table in the kitchen. The island also includes a built-in microwave and warming drawer, and the kitchen is equipped with a built-in refrigerator, copper sink, and a charging station. The open kitchen and dining area was finished off with a stunning Living Edge dining room table, making this the ideal space for family dining or socializing. Steve Whitsitt

The mudroom has a separate entrance to the back yard and a recessed nook by the door for shoe and coat storage. An old ironing board cabinet from the kitchen was repurposed for keys, wallets and a charging station for cell phones. A full height pantry was added to the mudroom for overflow food storage. The mudroom also has a washer and dryer, a large sink, a second dishwasher and a large countertop perfect for folding laundry or cleaning up after a get together.

This seemingly ordinary closet features a hidden command center with removable electronics tray, charging station with USB ports, organizational drawers and shelves, key storage, white board, and cork board.

This kitchen's drop spot was placed somewhere that is frequently passed by. A must have feature is the charging station for keeping all your electronic devices ready to go. Once you figure out how much storage you need and other features you want, you’ll realize it may just make your life easier.

This charging drawer has integrated outlets that keep the countertops clear of devices and their cords. There's room for the whole family to tuck their phones, tablets and even laptops inside this drawer, keeping them safe from spills and splashes. Photo by Chris Veith

Custom built silverware divider, designed and made to perfectly fit and match the walnut drawer interior. Classic white kitchen designed and built by Jewett Farms + Co. Functional for family life with a design that will stand the test of time. White cabinetry, soapstone perimeter counters and marble island top. Hand scraped walnut floors. Walnut drawer interiors and walnut trim on the range hood. Many interior details, check out the rest of the project photos to see them all.

This kitchen hutch is beautiful and functional with storage space and a hidden charging station for phones, ipads, etc. Blackstock Photography
Inspiration for a large contemporary u-shaped light wood floor eat-in kitchen remodel in New York with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz countertops, beige backsplash, porcelain backsplash, stainless steel appliances, gray walls and an island

Small elegant built-in desk medium tone wood floor home office photo in DC Metro with yellow walls

Mudroom - Built-in Locker System, White Cabinetry, Charging Stations, Coat Hooks, Shoe Storage Bins Photo Credit: Wally Kilburg
Mudroom - mid-sized transitional dark wood floor and brown floor mudroom idea in Chicago with white walls

This Greek Revival row house in Boerum Hill was previously owned by a local architect who renovated it several times, including the addition of a two-story steel and glass extension at the rear. The new owners came to us seeking to restore the house and its original formality, while adapting it to the modern needs of a family of five. The detailing of the 25 x 36 foot structure had been lost and required some sleuthing into the history of Greek Revival style in historic Brooklyn neighborhoods. In addition to completely re-framing the interior, the house also required a new south-facing brick façade due to significant deterioration. The modern extension was replaced with a more traditionally detailed wood and copper- clad bay, still open to natural light and the garden view without sacrificing comfort. The kitchen was relocated from the first floor to the garden level with an adjacent formal dining room. Both rooms were enlarged from their previous iterations to accommodate weekly dinners with extended family. The kitchen includes a home office and breakfast nook that doubles as a homework station. The cellar level was further excavated to accommodate finished storage space and a playroom where activity can be monitored from the kitchen workspaces. The parlor floor is now reserved for entertaining. New pocket doors can be closed to separate the formal front parlor from the more relaxed back portion, where the family plays games or watches TV together. At the end of the hall, a powder room with brass details, and a luxe bar with antique mirrored backsplash and stone tile flooring, leads to the deck and direct garden access. Because of the property width, the house is able to provide ample space for the interior program within a shorter footprint. This allows the garden to remain expansive, with a small lawn for play, an outdoor food preparation area with a cast-in-place concrete bench, and a place for entertaining towards the rear. The newly designed landscaping will continue to develop, further enhancing the yard’s feeling of escape, and filling-in the views from the kitchen and back parlor above. A less visible, but equally as conscious, addition is a rooftop PV solar array that provides nearly 100% of the daily electrical usage, with the exception of the AC system on hot summer days. The well-appointed interiors connect the traditional backdrop of the home to a youthful take on classic design and functionality. The materials are elegant without being precious, accommodating a young, growing family. Unique colors and patterns provide a feeling of luxury while inviting inhabitants and guests to relax and enjoy this classic Brooklyn brownstone. This project won runner-up in the architecture category for the 2017 NYC&G Innovation in Design Awards and was featured in The American House: 100 Contemporary Homes. Photography by Francis Dzikowski / OTTO

The built-in oven and microwave are seamlessly integrated for a modern look, while the central counter nook offers a convenient coffee station, complete with a backsplash that adds subtle texture and visual interest.

Transitional family room photo in Dallas

For this kitchen remodel we used custom maple cabinets in a swiss coffee finish with a coordinating dark maple island with beautiful custom finished end panels and posts. The countertops are Cambria Summerhill quartz and the backsplash is a combination of honed and polished Carrara marble. We designed a terrific custom built-in desk with 2 work stations.

The Kitchen was opened up and reorganized to allow better traffic flow. The lowered maple butcher block table allows for dining in the kitchen, while keeping it separate from the work area. The built in desk serves as a coffee station when entertaining. Old appliances were kept for environmental reasons and to keep cost down. Troy Thies Photography

EV Charging Station installed outside of house
Garage - modern garage idea in Boston

Home electric car charging stations installation.
Inspiration for a modern home design remodel in Boise