Search results for "Clever choices" in Home Design Ideas

M-S Pro Architects announce the completion of an indoor swimming pool in a state-of-the-art, single storey family home set in a picturesque location on the outskirts of Bratislava - one of Europe’s youngest capital cities. Kebony, a beautiful wood recommended by leading architects, was chosen to craft the ceiling of the swimming pool, which is designed to emulate rippling waves as well as for the terrace deck and structural beams.
Sustainability and a desire to recreate the close proximity often seen between wood and water in the natural environment were primary focuses in the design of this project. This led a requirement for a low maintenance wood, compatible humidity and with advanced durability, for the swimming pool ceiling. In addition, a high level of precision when cutting the wood was required in order to achieve the desired appearance of waves.
Supplied by Leading Market, Kebony was carefully selected for the pool ceiling, which consists of 490 lamellae of timber, due to its versatility, durability and environmental credentials. Kebony was also installed throughout the exterior of this property, both for the spacious outdoor terrace and the exterior and interior beams. One of the reasons to choose Kebony was the unified look of wood in all these different applications.
Developed in Norway, the patented Kebony technology uses an environmentally friendly process, which permanently enhances the properties of sustainable softwood with a bio-based liquid derived from agricultural crop waste. By polymerising the wood’s cell wall with furfuryl alcohol, the wood gains greatly improved durability and dimensional stability, giving it characteristics similar to those of tropical hardwood. In creating a wood with comparable properties to tropical hardwood that can be grown in a FSC certified, sustainably managed forest, the demand for tropical woods is reduced, allowing timber to once again be an important part of sustainable construction.
Tomáš Hubinský, Lead Architect at M-S Pro, commented: “From conception through to completion, the creation of this ceiling has been a real feat. Despite the challenges faced by such an intricate design, Kebony was the perfect material to convey our desired effect of waves rippling along the ceiling. We will continue to incorporate Kebony into our interior and exterior designs, with wood fast becoming the first choice material for all architects.”
Mette Valen, Sales Manager Norway at Kebony, explained: “The distinctive nature of this design cleverly portrays the capability of Kebony, demonstrating both the aesthetic and performance qualities of the product. We would be honoured to work with M-S Pro in the future and look forward to seeing how they utilise Kebony in their future projects.”

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.
Find the right local pro for your project

This extraordinary home was so much fun to design. We have previously worked on three of our client’s homes and by now, we spoke the same design language resulting in conversations, ideas, and decisions that came easy.
The colorful outdoors surrounding this Intracoastal residence inspired our choices throughout the design. Bold deep blues live harmoniously beside aquas, pinks, and soft metallics expressed in large artworks, dramatic art glass, and luxuriously upholstered chairs.
The monochromatic master bedroom, however, is a study in textures. Soft taupe-hued furnishings appear to float on a luxurious cloud of creamy white achieved with a wall-to-wall fur rug while a bold oversized chandelier made of a single ring of clear blown glass illuminates and sparkles against two large and dramatic beveled mirrors. Translucent lucite lamps and the room’s generous nightstand’s chrome legs round out this elegant bedroom’s glamorous finishes.
Implementing innovative use of secondary spaces including the home’s hallways, walkthrough, and closets, we cleverly installed a floor-to-ceiling illuminated wine cellar that is as much a design element as it is a lifestyle feature for our client’s extensive wine collection. An extra-wide, low, narrow blue flame glass wall fire feature is unexpected and holds its own underneath bold oversized artwork.
The home’s two expansive outdoor living spaces are designed for entertaining with generously furnished spaces for cooking and dining or just lounging poolside with your favorite people while enjoying the beautiful vistas that make this luxury home a dreamy one.

M-S Pro Architects announce the completion of an indoor swimming pool in a state-of-the-art, single storey family home set in a picturesque location on the outskirts of Bratislava - one of Europe’s youngest capital cities. Kebony, a beautiful wood recommended by leading architects, was chosen to craft the ceiling of the swimming pool, which is designed to emulate rippling waves as well as for the terrace deck and structural beams.
Sustainability and a desire to recreate the close proximity often seen between wood and water in the natural environment were primary focuses in the design of this project. This led a requirement for a low maintenance wood, compatible humidity and with advanced durability, for the swimming pool ceiling. In addition, a high level of precision when cutting the wood was required in order to achieve the desired appearance of waves.
Supplied by Leading Market, Kebony was carefully selected for the pool ceiling, which consists of 490 lamellae of timber, due to its versatility, durability and environmental credentials. Kebony was also installed throughout the exterior of this property, both for the spacious outdoor terrace and the exterior and interior beams. One of the reasons to choose Kebony was the unified look of wood in all these different applications.
Developed in Norway, the patented Kebony technology uses an environmentally friendly process, which permanently enhances the properties of sustainable softwood with a bio-based liquid derived from agricultural crop waste. By polymerising the wood’s cell wall with furfuryl alcohol, the wood gains greatly improved durability and dimensional stability, giving it characteristics similar to those of tropical hardwood. In creating a wood with comparable properties to tropical hardwood that can be grown in a FSC certified, sustainably managed forest, the demand for tropical woods is reduced, allowing timber to once again be an important part of sustainable construction.
Tomáš Hubinský, Lead Architect at M-S Pro, commented: “From conception through to completion, the creation of this ceiling has been a real feat. Despite the challenges faced by such an intricate design, Kebony was the perfect material to convey our desired effect of waves rippling along the ceiling. We will continue to incorporate Kebony into our interior and exterior designs, with wood fast becoming the first choice material for all architects.”
Mette Valen, Sales Manager Norway at Kebony, explained: “The distinctive nature of this design cleverly portrays the capability of Kebony, demonstrating both the aesthetic and performance qualities of the product. We would be honoured to work with M-S Pro in the future and look forward to seeing how they utilise Kebony in their future projects.”

This award-winning kitchen renovation was a special project for repeat clients for whom we had previously built an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU). Now focusing on their personal home, the goal was clear: create a larger, more functional kitchen perfect for cooking, entertaining, and hosting gatherings.
To achieve this, we absorbed the back porch and opened the kitchen to flow seamlessly into the front living room, allowing the space to comfortably accommodate large groups. Thoughtful design choices maintained both style and function, like the installation of a gas stovetop on the kitchen island paired with a high-powered hood mounted higher above the cooking surface, ensuring clear sightlines without sacrificing performance.
By opting to install custom cabinetry, these homeowners were able to maximize every inch of their space and enable unique storage solutions, such as dedicated cutting board storage, towel cubbies, a shallow pantry carved into the wall for spices, and even a clever cabinet gap under the wet bar for the homeowners' cat food area. Large French doors connect the kitchen to an outdoor living space, creating a natural extension for summertime entertaining.
To tie the renovation together, an original built-in received a fresh coat of paint, while a new fireplace surround was crafted, and the stone hearth update added warmth and charm to the living area. The result is a beautifully reimagined kitchen and living space that balances functionality, character, and the joy of hosting family and friends.

M-S Pro Architects announce the completion of an indoor swimming pool in a state-of-the-art, single storey family home set in a picturesque location on the outskirts of Bratislava - one of Europe’s youngest capital cities. Kebony, a beautiful wood recommended by leading architects, was chosen to craft the ceiling of the swimming pool, which is designed to emulate rippling waves as well as for the terrace deck and structural beams.
Sustainability and a desire to recreate the close proximity often seen between wood and water in the natural environment were primary focuses in the design of this project. This led a requirement for a low maintenance wood, compatible humidity and with advanced durability, for the swimming pool ceiling. In addition, a high level of precision when cutting the wood was required in order to achieve the desired appearance of waves.
Supplied by Leading Market, Kebony was carefully selected for the pool ceiling, which consists of 490 lamellae of timber, due to its versatility, durability and environmental credentials. Kebony was also installed throughout the exterior of this property, both for the spacious outdoor terrace and the exterior and interior beams. One of the reasons to choose Kebony was the unified look of wood in all these different applications.
Developed in Norway, the patented Kebony technology uses an environmentally friendly process, which permanently enhances the properties of sustainable softwood with a bio-based liquid derived from agricultural crop waste. By polymerising the wood’s cell wall with furfuryl alcohol, the wood gains greatly improved durability and dimensional stability, giving it characteristics similar to those of tropical hardwood. In creating a wood with comparable properties to tropical hardwood that can be grown in a FSC certified, sustainably managed forest, the demand for tropical woods is reduced, allowing timber to once again be an important part of sustainable construction.
Tomáš Hubinský, Lead Architect at M-S Pro, commented: “From conception through to completion, the creation of this ceiling has been a real feat. Despite the challenges faced by such an intricate design, Kebony was the perfect material to convey our desired effect of waves rippling along the ceiling. We will continue to incorporate Kebony into our interior and exterior designs, with wood fast becoming the first choice material for all architects.”
Mette Valen, Sales Manager Norway at Kebony, explained: “The distinctive nature of this design cleverly portrays the capability of Kebony, demonstrating both the aesthetic and performance qualities of the product. We would be honoured to work with M-S Pro in the future and look forward to seeing how they utilise Kebony in their future projects.”

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The challenge and primary goals in the design of this garden was to create a space for our clients to relax and entertain in, as well as to create a privacy screen from neighbors on both sides of the property that is both functional and attractive. In first examining the site, a few striking features came to the forefront, the first of which included a very large and magnificent birch tree ascending stories above the entire condominium complex and an old cinderblock garage cleverly deconstructed by the clients’ retired architect neighbor. Material choices were directly taken from the adjacent property and introduced into an original extension of what already existed. Similar cinder blocks were used to create an interesting planter that not only served to extend the deconstructed feel of the design but also to function as a way to create a seating wall and pot display. The use of these materials ended in a successful unity between the adjacent properties and acted as an ode to the overall history of the site and the retired architects’ creative work.
Photos by Tom Stirling "Stirling Creative"

This award-winning kitchen renovation was a special project for repeat clients for whom we had previously built an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU). Now focusing on their personal home, the goal was clear: create a larger, more functional kitchen perfect for cooking, entertaining, and hosting gatherings.
To achieve this, we absorbed the back porch and opened the kitchen to flow seamlessly into the front living room, allowing the space to comfortably accommodate large groups. Thoughtful design choices maintained both style and function, like the installation of a gas stovetop on the kitchen island paired with a high-powered hood mounted higher above the cooking surface, ensuring clear sightlines without sacrificing performance.
By opting to install custom cabinetry, these homeowners were able to maximize every inch of their space and enable unique storage solutions, such as dedicated cutting board storage, towel cubbies, a shallow pantry carved into the wall for spices, and even a clever cabinet gap under the wet bar for the homeowners' cat food area. Large French doors connect the kitchen to an outdoor living space, creating a natural extension for summertime entertaining.
To tie the renovation together, an original built-in received a fresh coat of paint, while a new fireplace surround was crafted, and the stone hearth update added warmth and charm to the living area. The result is a beautifully reimagined kitchen and living space that balances functionality, character, and the joy of hosting family and friends.

This extraordinary home was so much fun to design. We have previously worked on three of our client’s homes and by now, we spoke the same design language resulting in conversations, ideas, and decisions that came easy.
The colorful outdoors surrounding this Intracoastal residence inspired our choices throughout the design. Bold deep blues live harmoniously beside aquas, pinks, and soft metallics expressed in large artworks, dramatic art glass, and luxuriously upholstered chairs.
The monochromatic master bedroom, however, is a study in textures. Soft taupe-hued furnishings appear to float on a luxurious cloud of creamy white achieved with a wall-to-wall fur rug while a bold oversized chandelier made of a single ring of clear blown glass illuminates and sparkles against two large and dramatic beveled mirrors. Translucent lucite lamps and the room’s generous nightstand’s chrome legs round out this elegant bedroom’s glamorous finishes.
Implementing innovative use of secondary spaces including the home’s hallways, walkthrough, and closets, we cleverly installed a floor-to-ceiling illuminated wine cellar that is as much a design element as it is a lifestyle feature for our client’s extensive wine collection. An extra-wide, low, narrow blue flame glass wall fire feature is unexpected and holds its own underneath bold oversized artwork.
The home’s two expansive outdoor living spaces are designed for entertaining with generously furnished spaces for cooking and dining or just lounging poolside with your favorite people while enjoying the beautiful vistas that make this luxury home a dreamy one.

Who said that beige is boring? We think that beige is a new grey! This bathroom is the epitome of understated luxury thanks to its beautiful tiles and high quality fittings. Beige porcelain tiles with delicate veins form a perfect backdrop for elegant Victoria+Albert vessel basin and freestanding bath. Freestanding bath is an ultimate statement piece that brings the bathroom to life and creates an eye-catching focal point. Quarrycast material is soft to touch and has excellent insulating properties providing a comfortable bathing experience.
Feature tiles with different texture surface contrast beautifully with an over the counter basin, and German engineered GROHE wall mounted tap completes the look with its sleek shape. The frameless LED backlit mirror not only injects a dose of style into the bathroom but also provides subtle illumination when needed. The Koehler wall hung toilet is cleverly concealed behind the vanity, and its smooth clean lines fit perfectly with the bathroom design. GROHE Rainshower overhead shower is a perfect choice for the high impact bathroom and provides an unbeatable showering experience with its generous 310mm shower head and DreamSpray technology.

This Baton Rouge home, in The Settlement at Willow Grove, has a style inspired by a California Coastal vocabulary. It is a 2-story with 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths and a powder room. The square footage for the conditioned spaces is 4,340 sq ft and the total under roof is 5,343 sq ft. It is designed with the main living spaces having views and access to a comfortable side porch, patio and pool. The exterior style is cleverly woven into the interior design with architectural detailing and choices in finishes, fixtures and furnishings.
As you enter the home through a steel and glass door unit, the coffered ceiling foyer opens to a stair and then leads you down a hallway with white oak beams that becomes the main circulation spine to most of the first-floor spaces in the house. One of those unique spaces is the wet bar that is integrated into a space below the stairs in such a way that the steps are expressed in the ceiling design.
The kitchen, dining and living room form a great room with each space defined by white oak beams supported by corbelled pilasters. White oak accents are implemented throughout this area in cabinetry and in floating shelves on one entire wall in the living room. The kitchen features a large island and provides serving access to the side porch through counter height sliding window units. Access is also provided to a spacious butler pantry behind the kitchen.
Along the main hallway, one can access the garage, a drop off area and the laundry room. Further down around the corner you’ll find the master suite with a beautifully appointed bathroom featuring a footed tub as the focal point with views through a large window to a small, landscaped area. The his and her closet is designed for each’s needs with an island.
Upstairs you’ll find a large landing that can also serve as an exercise area and then find 2 more bedrooms, which share a bathroom. One of the bedrooms serves as a study but can also become a bedroom when needed with a murphy bed. This study/bedroom cantilevers off the corner of the house, providing spectacular views through a spray of windows to a community park down the street. A large playroom accessed of the landing is provided for family fun.

LUMI Shopping Mall Installation. Featuring two fixed and two swing doors with lock.
Here’s the breakdown:
- One swing door can be locked in place, allowing the other to close and lock against it.
- The setup includes a functional handle with a lockset on one door, while the other has a matching dummy handle for symmetry.
To make one of the swing doors "fixed," we installed top and bottom slide locks. These locks, cleverly integrated into the door frame, secure the door in place with pins that fit into drilled holes—one in the floor and one in the door jamb. When engaged, this door becomes stationary.
A key design decision is selecting which swing door will be the “fixed” one during the planning stage, as this choice is permanent. The other door will then serve as the locking swing door.
Additionally, the customer requested a stylish black panel insert at the bottom of the doors for a sleek, modern touch.

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.

Who said that beige is boring? We think that beige is a new grey! This bathroom is the epitome of understated luxury thanks to its beautiful tiles and high quality fittings. Beige porcelain tiles with delicate veins form a perfect backdrop for elegant Victoria+Albert vessel basin and freestanding bath. Freestanding bath is an ultimate statement piece that brings the bathroom to life and creates an eye-catching focal point. Quarrycast material is soft to touch and has excellent insulating properties providing a comfortable bathing experience.
Feature tiles with different texture surface contrast beautifully with an over the counter basin, and German engineered GROHE wall mounted tap completes the look with its sleek shape. The frameless LED backlit mirror not only injects a dose of style into the bathroom but also provides subtle illumination when needed. The Koehler wall hung toilet is cleverly concealed behind the vanity, and its smooth clean lines fit perfectly with the bathroom design. GROHE Rainshower overhead shower is a perfect choice for the high impact bathroom and provides an unbeatable showering experience with its generous 310mm shower head and DreamSpray technology.

This Baton Rouge home, in The Settlement at Willow Grove, has a style inspired by a California Coastal vocabulary. It is a 2-story with 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths and a powder room. The square footage for the conditioned spaces is 4,340 sq ft and the total under roof is 5,343 sq ft. It is designed with the main living spaces having views and access to a comfortable side porch, patio and pool. The exterior style is cleverly woven into the interior design with architectural detailing and choices in finishes, fixtures and furnishings.
As you enter the home through a steel and glass door unit, the coffered ceiling foyer opens to a stair and then leads you down a hallway with white oak beams that becomes the main circulation spine to most of the first-floor spaces in the house. One of those unique spaces is the wet bar that is integrated into a space below the stairs in such a way that the steps are expressed in the ceiling design.
The kitchen, dining and living room form a great room with each space defined by white oak beams supported by corbelled pilasters. White oak accents are implemented throughout this area in cabinetry and in floating shelves on one entire wall in the living room. The kitchen features a large island and provides serving access to the side porch through counter height sliding window units. Access is also provided to a spacious butler pantry behind the kitchen.
Along the main hallway, one can access the garage, a drop off area and the laundry room. Further down around the corner you’ll find the master suite with a beautifully appointed bathroom featuring a footed tub as the focal point with views through a large window to a small, landscaped area. The his and her closet is designed for each’s needs with an island.
Upstairs you’ll find a large landing that can also serve as an exercise area and then find 2 more bedrooms, which share a bathroom. One of the bedrooms serves as a study but can also become a bedroom when needed with a murphy bed. This study/bedroom cantilevers off the corner of the house, providing spectacular views through a spray of windows to a community park down the street. A large playroom accessed of the landing is provided for family fun.

This Baton Rouge home, in The Settlement at Willow Grove, has a style inspired by a California Coastal vocabulary. It is a 2-story with 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths and a powder room. The square footage for the conditioned spaces is 4,340 sq ft and the total under roof is 5,343 sq ft. It is designed with the main living spaces having views and access to a comfortable side porch, patio and pool. The exterior style is cleverly woven into the interior design with architectural detailing and choices in finishes, fixtures and furnishings.
As you enter the home through a steel and glass door unit, the coffered ceiling foyer opens to a stair and then leads you down a hallway with white oak beams that becomes the main circulation spine to most of the first-floor spaces in the house. One of those unique spaces is the wet bar that is integrated into a space below the stairs in such a way that the steps are expressed in the ceiling design.
The kitchen, dining and living room form a great room with each space defined by white oak beams supported by corbelled pilasters. White oak accents are implemented throughout this area in cabinetry and in floating shelves on one entire wall in the living room. The kitchen features a large island and provides serving access to the side porch through counter height sliding window units. Access is also provided to a spacious butler pantry behind the kitchen.
Along the main hallway, one can access the garage, a drop off area and the laundry room. Further down around the corner you’ll find the master suite with a beautifully appointed bathroom featuring a footed tub as the focal point with views through a large window to a small, landscaped area. The his and her closet is designed for each’s needs with an island.
Upstairs you’ll find a large landing that can also serve as an exercise area and then find 2 more bedrooms, which share a bathroom. One of the bedrooms serves as a study but can also become a bedroom when needed with a murphy bed. This study/bedroom cantilevers off the corner of the house, providing spectacular views through a spray of windows to a community park down the street. A large playroom accessed of the landing is provided for family fun.

This Baton Rouge home, in The Settlement at Willow Grove, has a style inspired by a California Coastal vocabulary. It is a 2-story with 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths and a powder room. The square footage for the conditioned spaces is 4,340 sq ft and the total under roof is 5,343 sq ft. It is designed with the main living spaces having views and access to a comfortable side porch, patio and pool. The exterior style is cleverly woven into the interior design with architectural detailing and choices in finishes, fixtures and furnishings.
As you enter the home through a steel and glass door unit, the coffered ceiling foyer opens to a stair and then leads you down a hallway with white oak beams that becomes the main circulation spine to most of the first-floor spaces in the house. One of those unique spaces is the wet bar that is integrated into a space below the stairs in such a way that the steps are expressed in the ceiling design.
The kitchen, dining and living room form a great room with each space defined by white oak beams supported by corbelled pilasters. White oak accents are implemented throughout this area in cabinetry and in floating shelves on one entire wall in the living room. The kitchen features a large island and provides serving access to the side porch through counter height sliding window units. Access is also provided to a spacious butler pantry behind the kitchen.
Along the main hallway, one can access the garage, a drop off area and the laundry room. Further down around the corner you’ll find the master suite with a beautifully appointed bathroom featuring a footed tub as the focal point with views through a large window to a small, landscaped area. The his and her closet is designed for each’s needs with an island.
Upstairs you’ll find a large landing that can also serve as an exercise area and then find 2 more bedrooms, which share a bathroom. One of the bedrooms serves as a study but can also become a bedroom when needed with a murphy bed. This study/bedroom cantilevers off the corner of the house, providing spectacular views through a spray of windows to a community park down the street. A large playroom accessed of the landing is provided for family fun.
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