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.

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.

Two oversized pendant lights add drama to the gourmet kitchen. Overall, the space is lighter and brighter with more natural light and provides a tremendous upgrade in overall counter space. Photo by: Vern Uyetake

Entertaining and bringing people together is what this family is all about. Birthdays involve amazing cakes like you see on those TV shows, and groups of 30 people or more. Their ideal kitchen needed to accommodate that level of baking and hosting, but also support the daily rhythms of life. Our collaborative design was guided by Vastu Shastra, an ancient architectural tradition that predates feng shui. Based on Vedic traditions that harmonize human behavior with natural forces in the world, Vastu Shanstra basically suggests how to inhabit a place in the best way possible. The objectives were: -Relocate the entire kitchen so the home’s heat source (oven) is in the southeast -Incorporate symmetry into the overall design -Create a large space for entertaining – open and airy with lots of light -Simultaneously separate but join cooking and gathering spaces, allowing the cook to have a cook-specific zone that is still a part of any gathering -Individual storage for small appliances – making them easier to use -Simplicity – the space should be easy to use and maintain Design challenges we solved for: -Incorporate three load bearing points of the house -Provide structural support that was not obvious -Reconfigure kitchen utilities to another part of the home -Maximize storage space Design solutions and mindful innovations became an exciting motivation that drove the project: -Double-horseshoe design features two symmetrical islands that seat 18 people comfortably -Downdraft ventilation behind rangetop allows unobstructed views -Overhead beams for structural support -Equip nearby dining room with locking bar and wine cabinet -Roll-out appliance shelves on back of cooking island are powered for easy use -Symmetrical fridge and freezer columns separated by oven -Cabinets along back of the cooking area for everyday items -Tall pantry cabinet has four drawers for paperwork -Spacious walk-in storage pantry has a counter with power outlets -Coffee station has a trash can directly below for easy clean up -Two sinks and dishwashers for easy cleanup “A lot of relationships are built over food,” the homeowner told us. “This [kitchen] keeps our family close because we all love food. My kids sit in the kitchen all evening long every day – and I’m right there cooking. That’s life –to be together.” We also collaborated with the homeowners to remodel their primary bathroom, primary bedroom closet and an additional bathroom.

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.

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.

THE SETUP This client lives in a great high-rise condo in downtown Chicago. Alicia has already remodeled a few areas of her home, including her kitchen and home office. The bathroom is one of the last big places the client wanted to update. The existing bathroom had a large, outdated whirlpool tub in the corner. It was a darker space that had a lack of natural light. There are no windows (due to the bathroom’s location within the high-rise building). So, the idea was to brighten up the space and give the client an updated, elegant primary bathroom that is more her style and tailor-made for her routines. Design Objectives: - Make the space brighter. - Create different daily routine stations to maximize functionality while keeping things clutter-free – a makeup station, a blow-dry station, and a sink-needs station. - Achieve the client’s specific style and function needs while also keeping the look and design open to future possibilities: different users of the space/resale clients. Design Challenges: - Toilet cannot be moved. (In a high-rise, you can’t really move plumbing around too much when reimagining a space) - Existing bathroom had a soffit that hid a lot of electrical wiring, so completely removing the soffit wasn’t an option. - The blow-dry station needs to accommodate the client’s preference for standing up. - Finding a place for the make-up station, which the client wants oriented for sitting. - Create storage within the shower that can eliminate the clutter of personal care products that are actually needed every day. Do this, while keeping the client’s favorite things about the existing shower: the shower bench, a tub filler faucet (for rinsing shaving cream when shaving legs) and a low niche for placing her foot when shaving her legs. THE RENEWED SPACE Design Solutions: - Extended a bit of wall near the toilet to give the commode its own area within the space, but without closing it off into a claustrophobic WC. - Worked within the reality of the existing soffit situation, reshaping it to align with the new shower. Can lights were also added. Installed a beautiful ceiling light fixture that works within the new soffit shape, commanding attention and adding light, as if the sofit shape was chosen for it. - Created a nice, furniture-looking 42”-high cabinet with pullout drawers to be the blow-dry station, complete with a mirror and a nice top. The pullout drawers are all powered, concealing a Dyson dryer and curling iron (and all the accoutrements) while keeping them plugged in, which is ideal for easy usage and put away. A stylish mirror on the wall above the cabinet, and proper lighting, make this the perfect blow-dry station. The top has a grommet that can accommodate a power cord should the client ever want to have a powered device on top of the cabinet. - Put the sit-down makeup station where the tub used to be, putting the mirror back into a new recessed wall just a bit, allowing the area to have more room. - Created a niche in the shower’s inner wall so that you can’t see it unless you are literally inside the shower. At the client’s request, it also has a hook so she can hang her loofa. Hiding the utility niche in this way allowed us to use the full main wall of the shower as a canvas for a beautiful accent stripe of raised decorative tile. The new shower has her old favorites, too: the tub filler, foot niche and bench. Alicia’s client loves her new primary bathroom, especially the blow dry area. It is very accommodating for her, as a tall lady, while being very easy to use. The drawers store everything. Being powered, they make using already-plugged in appliances very easy to use and put away. Her previous makeup station was a freestanding vanity with a single drawer, so beauty products were all over the surface top. With her new makeup station, everything is nicely tucked away and organized in drawers. The new lighting is fantastic and the colors are light and soft. The clients loves the overall look and feel of her new bathroom and raves about how well the functionality-minded design makes her morning routine – and her life – easier and enjoyable!

This design is an exemplar of not sacrificing function over design. At 1,300 square feet a suite, these two bedroom, two bath suites do not lack comfort . Our KRN designer's inspiration came from a design challenge of fitting the clients desire for building a duplex on a narrow lot. The unique design features the two bedrooms towards the front of the house, allowing the living spaces to utilize the view and the space of the backyard. An important concept for the client was being able to use the basement as an entertainment space. This is achieved by utilizing an access from the main floor, as well as a front walk out basement. This design allows easier access for guests. Not only does this aid in the uniqueness of the floor plan, but the retaining walls help create a modern exterior. Along with the concrete stairs and retaining wall, the intersecting shed roofs create a balanced look; as well as emphasizes a modern feel. The horizontal windows break up the long vertical lines, while keeping with the modern appeal. The rear elevation is comprised of a two tiered deck with glass railing that creates the illusion of a smaller building, while aiding in individual living spaces. This allows the main and second floor their private outdoor space for outdoor gathers, barbequing and relaxing.

The old Bauman kitchen was terribly partitioned off. The laundry room and closet left a narrow hallway between the kitchen and the dining room. The Bauman’s really wanted an open space. They connected with ALL Renovation & Design at a home show. And we immediately got to work modifying the existing space. This proved to be a challenge because there was almost nowhere for the ductwork that fed the upstairs to go. But with some creative planning, we rerouted the ducts to go inside the cabinet next to the wine rack. This allowed us to knock out the walls that separated the kitchen and the dining room giving a beautiful open space. The homeowner had several requests that were designed to make their daily life easier. One was adding a second sink to the island. Another request was extending the kitchen past the window to allow for more cabinets and counter space. In between, we added a comfortable window seat.All the lighting was designed around how the space was going to be used. An example is how where the table was going to be positioned in the dining room next to the pantry and custom wine rack dictated where the ceiling fan and recessed lighting would be installed.The result is a beautiful, functional space that is completely open… just what the Bauman’s wanted. Maple cabinets painted Simply White, Via Lactea Granite countertops, Arley Anatolia Classic 3”x6” tile backsplash in the Matte Carrara with the Mapei Pewter grout, Coretech Georgetown Oak Luxury Vinyl Tile flooring, and LED i-Lighting undercabinet lighting.

THE SETUP This client lives in a great high-rise condo in downtown Chicago. Alicia has already remodeled a few areas of her home, including her kitchen and home office. The bathroom is one of the last big places the client wanted to update. The existing bathroom had a large, outdated whirlpool tub in the corner. It was a darker space that had a lack of natural light. There are no windows (due to the bathroom’s location within the high-rise building). So, the idea was to brighten up the space and give the client an updated, elegant primary bathroom that is more her style and tailor-made for her routines. Design Objectives: - Make the space brighter. - Create different daily routine stations to maximize functionality while keeping things clutter-free – a makeup station, a blow-dry station, and a sink-needs station. - Achieve the client’s specific style and function needs while also keeping the look and design open to future possibilities: different users of the space/resale clients. Design Challenges: - Toilet cannot be moved. (In a high-rise, you can’t really move plumbing around too much when reimagining a space) - Existing bathroom had a soffit that hid a lot of electrical wiring, so completely removing the soffit wasn’t an option. - The blow-dry station needs to accommodate the client’s preference for standing up. - Finding a place for the make-up station, which the client wants oriented for sitting. - Create storage within the shower that can eliminate the clutter of personal care products that are actually needed every day. Do this, while keeping the client’s favorite things about the existing shower: the shower bench, a tub filler faucet (for rinsing shaving cream when shaving legs) and a low niche for placing her foot when shaving her legs. THE RENEWED SPACE Design Solutions: - Extended a bit of wall near the toilet to give the commode its own area within the space, but without closing it off into a claustrophobic WC. - Worked within the reality of the existing soffit situation, reshaping it to align with the new shower. Can lights were also added. Installed a beautiful ceiling light fixture that works within the new soffit shape, commanding attention and adding light, as if the sofit shape was chosen for it. - Created a nice, furniture-looking 42”-high cabinet with pullout drawers to be the blow-dry station, complete with a mirror and a nice top. The pullout drawers are all powered, concealing a Dyson dryer and curling iron (and all the accoutrements) while keeping them plugged in, which is ideal for easy usage and put away. A stylish mirror on the wall above the cabinet, and proper lighting, make this the perfect blow-dry station. The top has a grommet that can accommodate a power cord should the client ever want to have a powered device on top of the cabinet. - Put the sit-down makeup station where the tub used to be, putting the mirror back into a new recessed wall just a bit, allowing the area to have more room. - Created a niche in the shower’s inner wall so that you can’t see it unless you are literally inside the shower. At the client’s request, it also has a hook so she can hang her loofa. Hiding the utility niche in this way allowed us to use the full main wall of the shower as a canvas for a beautiful accent stripe of raised decorative tile. The new shower has her old favorites, too: the tub filler, foot niche and bench. Alicia’s client loves her new primary bathroom, especially the blow dry area. It is very accommodating for her, as a tall lady, while being very easy to use. The drawers store everything. Being powered, they make using already-plugged in appliances very easy to use and put away. Her previous makeup station was a freestanding vanity with a single drawer, so beauty products were all over the surface top. With her new makeup station, everything is nicely tucked away and organized in drawers. The new lighting is fantastic and the colors are light and soft. The clients loves the overall look and feel of her new bathroom and raves about how well the functionality-minded design makes her morning routine – and her life – easier and enjoyable!

Dave Wilhide of Reico Kitchen and Bath in Woodbridge, VA collaborated with Professional Home Improvements to create a transitional kitchen remodel featuring Merillat Classic cabinetry. The kitchen cabinets are the Rowan 5-piece door style in a Mist finish. The countertop is Absolute Black granite. Also included in the remodel is a Maravilla Aleutian Isles Aluminum Linear Marble Mosaic backsplash. The client expressed their satisfaction with Dave's coordination of the project. “Determining color scheme took time as supply chain issues and using multiple vendors for appliances was a challenge. Working with Dave was the bright spot as he was the conduit who made everything easier. The suggestions made by Dave to find the right cabinets balancing costs and objectives especially on the pantry cabinet and wine rack helped keep everything in a budget.” “My favorite part of the new kitchen is the larger look gained by removing the soffit and raising the cabinets to the ceiling. My favorite cabinet is the three drawer base cabinet made for pots and pans. No more bending over to dig around and find cooking pots. Everything is now easy to get to,” said the client. Photos courtesy of BTW Images.

This project consisted of The Grand Staircase in Allen Field House at the University of Kansas and 2 staircases in the adjoining DeBruce center. We went way out of our comfort zone on this project! We created and installed concrete stair treads that were colored and polished with exposed aggregate. The Grand Staircase consisted of nearly 500 square feet of precast concrete. The landing pieces ranged in size from 2 feet by 9 feet to 5.5 feet by 9 feet. After the precast pieces were finished, they were transported from Lenexa to Lawrence, then carefully placed via forklift. The 1 foot by 9 foot stair treads were placed by hand, all 20 of them. In the DeBruce Center, which houses Dr. Naismith’s Original Rules Of Basketball, we completed 2 stairwells that covered 3 stories each. These pieces were much smaller than the Field House stairs, measuring only 2″ thick by 5 foot wide. While these were easier to handle, we created 120 pieces for this half of the project, totaling nearly 500 square feet. While this took us out of our comfort zone, it was an incredible project and we were fortunate to place our artwork there. We were able to overcome the challenges, such as transport and installation of pieces that were much larger than we are accustomed to. We are honored to have our work be in such a historical building for many years to come!

Transforming a classic Riverdale semi-detached home requires more than just good design—it demands precision, strategy, and a respect for how these older Toronto homes were originally built. This renovation on Withrow Ave came with all the challenges you’d expect from working in the city: restricted access for equipment, tight parking conditions, and trades working inches away from neighbouring homes. The homeowners didn’t want a cosmetic update—they wanted a home that felt brighter, more open, and easier to live in day-to-day. Achieving that meant removing structural walls, installing engineered beams, and pulling as much natural light through the space as possible. At the same time, they envisioned a new basement walkout that would change how they used the lower level, making it a real part of their everyday routine instead of a dark, overlooked space. The transformation is dramatic. The ground floor now feels like an entirely different home, with clean sightlines and a sense of openness that didn’t exist before. Light moves through the space naturally, and the new layout finally matches how a modern Toronto family wants to live. The basement walkout has become a functional everyday entry point—perfect for dropping off gear, coming and going effortlessly, and accessing ample storage space. This project is proof that even the most traditional Toronto semi can be completely reimagined when design and construction work hand in hand with purpose.

An Ensuite Transformation in Richmond Hill This project showcases how we helped a wonderful retired couple in Richmond Hill transform their dated and dysfunctional master ensuite into a tranquil spa-like retreat. These lovely empty nesters, in their mid to late 70s, envisioned a space where they could truly relax and enjoy their time at home, especially when their family and grandkids came to visit. We were so honored to help them bring that vision to life. Understanding Their Needs: From our initial conversations, it was clear how much this couple valued comfort and tranquility. The existing ensuite, unfortunately, fell short of providing either. For the wife, the leaky deck-mount tub was a major disappointment, as she deeply cherished her long, hot baths. The husband, meanwhile, was eager to replace the outdated and cumbersome toilet/bidet combo with a modern, single-piece smart toilet – a desire for both convenience and a touch of modern luxury. The shower stall was cramped, dark, and plagued by mold, while the large double vanity, despite its size, lacked functional storage. It simply wasn't the relaxing oasis they deserved. Addressing Their Concerns: We understood that undertaking a renovation can be stressful, especially when you're not going to be on-site for much of the process. This couple was understandably concerned about potential delays, workmanship quality, and the possibility of unforeseen issues arising while they were away. We made it our priority to address each of these concerns with transparency, open communication, and a commitment to delivering on our promises. Our Personalized Solutions: We worked closely with the couple to develop solutions that perfectly matched their needs and desires: ● A Sanctuary for Soaking: The leaky deck-mount tub was replaced with a beautiful, freestanding oval tub – easier to access and offering a more contemporary aesthetic. The wife's vision of a small decorative table nearby for her bath essentials added a personal touch, creating a true spa-like experience. ● Modern Comfort and Convenience: The separate toilet and bidet were replaced with a sleek, high-tech smart toilet, fulfilling the husband's wish and adding a touch of modern luxury to their daily routine. ● A Bright and Inviting Shower: The cramped and moldy shower stall was completely transformed. We demolished the existing bulkhead and built a custom walk-in shower with frameless glass, a built-in bench, and a niche for toiletries. The result was a dramatically brighter and more spacious shower experience. ● Storage and Style: A semi-custom double vanity with ample cabinets and drawers was installed, finally providing each of them with dedicated storage and eliminating countertop clutter. This seemingly small change made a huge difference in their daily lives. ● A Calming Atmosphere: We carefully selected a calming spa-like color palette, incorporating muted, neutral tones and high-quality finishes to create a truly relaxing and inviting atmosphere. Navigating the Challenges Together: Renovations rarely go perfectly smoothly, and this project was no exception. We encountered delays with plumbing fixture deliveries, which threatened our timeline. However, by leveraging our established relationships with reliable suppliers, we were able to find alternative solutions and minimize the impact on the project schedule. We also faced a minor setback when the initially chosen grey vanity went out of stock. Working closely with the couple, we explored other options and ultimately selected a stunning sandstone-stained maple finish, which, as it turned out, complemented the other design elements beautifully. These moments reinforced the importance of open communication and collaboration throughout the process. The Joy of Transformation: The final result was truly remarkable. The transformed ensuite is a testament to the power of thoughtful design and meticulous execution. The space now features large-format, light-colored concrete-look porcelain tiles, creating a bright and airy feel. The sandstone-stained maple vanity, topped with a quartz countertop, serves as a beautiful focal point against the muted green walls. Matte black plumbing fixtures, hardware, and accessories add a touch of modern sophistication. The custom frameless shower glass enclosure enhances the spaciousness of the shower, while the smart toilet provides the ultimate in comfort and convenience. A Space to Cherish: The renovation has made a profound difference in this couple's daily lives. The wife can now indulge in her beloved long, hot baths in a truly tranquil setting. The husband enjoys the modern convenience of his new smart toilet. The spacious and bright walk-in shower is both beautiful and functional. And the new vanity provides ample storage, keeping the countertop clutter-free and contributing to the overall sense of peace and calm. This ensuite is no longer just a bathroom; it's a personal spa, a sanctuary within their home, where they can relax, rejuvenate, and enjoy their time together. Memorable Moments and Hiccups: ● Budget Adjustment: After finalizing the initial design, we worked closely with the clients to reselect the freestanding tub to ensure it aligned perfectly with their budget. ● Vanity Setback: The unexpected out-of-stock situation with the original vanity color required a quick and effective re-selection process, which ultimately led to an even better design outcome. This highlighted the importance of flexibility and collaboration during a renovation.

This project went from bare ground to a lush green paradise. The slope of the yard presented some drainage challenges which were overcome with river rock. The homeowners love the river rock because it cuts down on mowing some of their fairly large yard. Flag Stone was used for stepping stones to make walking over the river rock easier and much safer.

Dave Wilhide of Reico Kitchen and Bath in Woodbridge, VA collaborated with Professional Home Improvements to create a transitional kitchen remodel featuring Merillat Classic cabinetry. The kitchen cabinets are the Rowan 5-piece door style in a Mist finish. The countertop is Absolute Black granite. Also included in the remodel is a Maravilla Aleutian Isles Aluminum Linear Marble Mosaic backsplash. The client expressed their satisfaction with Dave's coordination of the project. “Determining color scheme took time as supply chain issues and using multiple vendors for appliances was a challenge. Working with Dave was the bright spot as he was the conduit who made everything easier. The suggestions made by Dave to find the right cabinets balancing costs and objectives especially on the pantry cabinet and wine rack helped keep everything in a budget.” “My favorite part of the new kitchen is the larger look gained by removing the soffit and raising the cabinets to the ceiling. My favorite cabinet is the three drawer base cabinet made for pots and pans. No more bending over to dig around and find cooking pots. Everything is now easy to get to,” said the client. Photos courtesy of BTW Images.

This new primary suite closet is part of a larger remodeling project that also involved a new primary bathroom, an additional bathroom and a large kitchen. The master suite remodel included converting a long and narrow master bath, a large closet and two awkward baths into a true primary bath oasis. The closet was moved to a new location. The goal was to create a modern his and hers closet that offered thoughtful organization while maximizing the storage potential of the space. Other needs included space for hampers, a place to iron and a designated space for Indian saris without natural light. Design challenges: -Arranging everything: hanging bars, drawers, shoe storage and safes Design solutions and nice touches: -Bench in front of the window with shoe storage in drawers -Two floor-to-ceiling mirrors -Two tall closet cabinets for storing saris -She is shorter so hanging clothes on her side are easier to reach -Plenty of drawer storage -Two hampers behind doors -Island in the middle for more storage, with a countertop handy for daily dressing assistance, folding, packing, etc. -Outlet inside island for collapsible ironing board -Fully accessorized with valet rods, belt pull-outs -Rotating tie hangers

An Ensuite Transformation in Richmond Hill This project showcases how we helped a wonderful retired couple in Richmond Hill transform their dated and dysfunctional master ensuite into a tranquil spa-like retreat. These lovely empty nesters, in their mid to late 70s, envisioned a space where they could truly relax and enjoy their time at home, especially when their family and grandkids came to visit. We were so honored to help them bring that vision to life. Understanding Their Needs: From our initial conversations, it was clear how much this couple valued comfort and tranquility. The existing ensuite, unfortunately, fell short of providing either. For the wife, the leaky deck-mount tub was a major disappointment, as she deeply cherished her long, hot baths. The husband, meanwhile, was eager to replace the outdated and cumbersome toilet/bidet combo with a modern, single-piece smart toilet – a desire for both convenience and a touch of modern luxury. The shower stall was cramped, dark, and plagued by mold, while the large double vanity, despite its size, lacked functional storage. It simply wasn't the relaxing oasis they deserved. Addressing Their Concerns: We understood that undertaking a renovation can be stressful, especially when you're not going to be on-site for much of the process. This couple was understandably concerned about potential delays, workmanship quality, and the possibility of unforeseen issues arising while they were away. We made it our priority to address each of these concerns with transparency, open communication, and a commitment to delivering on our promises. Our Personalized Solutions: We worked closely with the couple to develop solutions that perfectly matched their needs and desires: ● A Sanctuary for Soaking: The leaky deck-mount tub was replaced with a beautiful, freestanding oval tub – easier to access and offering a more contemporary aesthetic. The wife's vision of a small decorative table nearby for her bath essentials added a personal touch, creating a true spa-like experience. ● Modern Comfort and Convenience: The separate toilet and bidet were replaced with a sleek, high-tech smart toilet, fulfilling the husband's wish and adding a touch of modern luxury to their daily routine. ● A Bright and Inviting Shower: The cramped and moldy shower stall was completely transformed. We demolished the existing bulkhead and built a custom walk-in shower with frameless glass, a built-in bench, and a niche for toiletries. The result was a dramatically brighter and more spacious shower experience. ● Storage and Style: A semi-custom double vanity with ample cabinets and drawers was installed, finally providing each of them with dedicated storage and eliminating countertop clutter. This seemingly small change made a huge difference in their daily lives. ● A Calming Atmosphere: We carefully selected a calming spa-like color palette, incorporating muted, neutral tones and high-quality finishes to create a truly relaxing and inviting atmosphere. Navigating the Challenges Together: Renovations rarely go perfectly smoothly, and this project was no exception. We encountered delays with plumbing fixture deliveries, which threatened our timeline. However, by leveraging our established relationships with reliable suppliers, we were able to find alternative solutions and minimize the impact on the project schedule. We also faced a minor setback when the initially chosen grey vanity went out of stock. Working closely with the couple, we explored other options and ultimately selected a stunning sandstone-stained maple finish, which, as it turned out, complemented the other design elements beautifully. These moments reinforced the importance of open communication and collaboration throughout the process. The Joy of Transformation: The final result was truly remarkable. The transformed ensuite is a testament to the power of thoughtful design and meticulous execution. The space now features large-format, light-colored concrete-look porcelain tiles, creating a bright and airy feel. The sandstone-stained maple vanity, topped with a quartz countertop, serves as a beautiful focal point against the muted green walls. Matte black plumbing fixtures, hardware, and accessories add a touch of modern sophistication. The custom frameless shower glass enclosure enhances the spaciousness of the shower, while the smart toilet provides the ultimate in comfort and convenience. A Space to Cherish: The renovation has made a profound difference in this couple's daily lives. The wife can now indulge in her beloved long, hot baths in a truly tranquil setting. The husband enjoys the modern convenience of his new smart toilet. The spacious and bright walk-in shower is both beautiful and functional. And the new vanity provides ample storage, keeping the countertop clutter-free and contributing to the overall sense of peace and calm. This ensuite is no longer just a bathroom; it's a personal spa, a sanctuary within their home, where they can relax, rejuvenate, and enjoy their time together. Memorable Moments and Hiccups: ● Budget Adjustment: After finalizing the initial design, we worked closely with the clients to reselect the freestanding tub to ensure it aligned perfectly with their budget. ● Vanity Setback: The unexpected out-of-stock situation with the original vanity color required a quick and effective re-selection process, which ultimately led to an even better design outcome. This highlighted the importance of flexibility and collaboration during a renovation.

Located at the top of Flagstaff Rd., this new 4,700sf. mountain modern home embodies all there is to enjoy about Colorado. The owners love animals – and their bustling foothills ranch includes horses, dogs, cats and a couple of two footed little ones. Staying connected to nature was paramount to the owners. The home sits on a magnificent, private 35 acre property adjacent to Open Space, and covered in Doug Fir, beautiful rock outcroppings and open pastures. The house gracefully steps down the challenging terrain, stitching it into the hillside. This passive solar home is oriented to the epic views to the south. The soaring Great room, dining room and kitchen open out onto a giant covered porch for the ultimate in indoor/outdoor living. The open floor plan allows sunlight and views from every direction. The gourmet kitchen can accommodate the whole family and is filled with custom details. Making life a little easier and more organized for the owners, they enter from the garage through a hard-working mud room/laundry with dog wash. The family dogs are a central part of their lives and the owner asked that we design bespoke kennels built-into the live-edge, Doug Fir slab casework in the dining room, so that the dogs could be with the family during meals, without giant plastic crates dominating the room. The home is filled with custom details like built-in art niches in the Great Room, a unique front entry porch, and cozy window seats in the kid’s bedrooms. Below a unique Aspen leaf chandelier, follow the stone walled stairwell down to the walk-out basement. The lower level includes a guest room, exercise room, a rec room/media room with wet-bar, and opens to a hot tub and a mountain lion-safe outdoor dog run. The house is divided into three parts: the detached garage, the main social spaces + guest & kids bedrooms, and the Primary bedroom suite. From the Great Room, the owners cross a dramatic glass bridge to reach the primary suite, giving a sense of privacy to this special retreat. The primary bedroom has a window seat, magical views, vaulted ceilings, its own private covered patio, and a barn door to the bathroom. The primary bathroom has a striking slot window between the floating vanities, again connecting the owners to nature at every turn. The sculptural soaking tub sits on an elevated plinth in a recessed nook – ideal for watching the deer, elk, moose, coyotes, raptors, turkeys, foxes, bears and mountain lions walk by. The property also boasts a detached horse barn and hay barn, and an outdoor riding ring. The near-Net-Zero (HERS 10) home’s green features include a ground source heat pump, 10KwH of solar photovoltaics, an ERV, foam insulation, and Energy Star windows. The native landscaping conserves water and minimized disruption to the idyllic site.