Search results for "Clever choices" in Home Design Ideas

This kitchen project is the perfect example of Traditional style with a modern touch. The homeowners desired a kitchen that catered to their cooking passions and served as a central hub for family activities.
The choice of beaded shaker cupboards in Navy and Light Grey Slate provides a striking contrast that elevates the aesthetics of the space. The integration of Dekton Kairos worktops not only adds a touch of elegance but also ensures durability for everyday use.
The large central island, with an inbuilt hob, is the heart of this kitchen. It’s not just a cooking area; it’s a gathering spot for family and friends, perfect for socialising while preparing meals.
One of the standout features is the large double larder with a pull-out workspace, ingeniously designed to house essentials like a toaster and coffee machine. This clever use of space keeps the countertops clutter-free and enhances the kitchen's overall functionality.
The built-in wooden wine rack, with a capacity to store 16 bottles, adds an element of luxury to the space, making it ideal for wine enthusiasts and perfect for entertaining.
This kitchen transformation in Forest Hill is a testament to how thoughtful design can blend beauty and utility. The Navy and Light Grey Slate colour scheme, paired with functional features like the central island and bespoke storage solutions, creates an inviting and efficient space.
If you’re inspired by the Navy and Light Grey Slate Kitchen in Forest Hill and want to explore how we can transform your kitchen into a perfect blend of style and functionality, get in touch.

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.

Welcome to a striking modern kitchen, a delightful interplay between the rich, natural beauty of slab walnut doors and the contemporary allure of cashmere gloss slab doors. This thoughtfully designed space embodies both warmth and luxury, creating an ambience that is stylish yet welcoming.
Immediately upon entering, one is drawn to the stunning walnut slab doors. Their beautifully organic grain patterns and deep, warm hues introduce a touch of nature into the space, providing an inherent homeliness. The broad, flat surfaces of the slabs accentuate the walnut's unique texture and coloration, creating an appealing contrast to the sleek, modern lines of the kitchen's overall design.
Paired with the walnut's earthy tones, the cashmere gloss slab doors present a contemporary elegance. Their soft, neutral shade exudes a sense of serene luxury, akin to the fine texture of cashmere. The high-gloss finish reflects light beautifully, infusing the room with a bright, spacious feel. The slab design keeps the aesthetic clean and modern, subtly mirroring the simple geometry seen throughout the kitchen.
The interplay between the textured walnut and smooth cashmere gloss creates a captivating visual dialogue. The natural warmth and richness of the walnut balance the chic, contemporary vibe of the cashmere gloss, achieving a harmonious blend of styles. The result is a kitchen that feels both cozy and sophisticated, traditional yet cutting-edge.
In this stylish space, integrated state-of-the-art appliances blend seamlessly into the design, their modern lines enhancing the room's minimalist aesthetic. Clever storage solutions within the slab doors ensure the kitchen remains uncluttered, reinforcing its sleek, streamlined look.
This kitchen, with its fusion of slab walnut and cashmere gloss doors, offers an engaging mix of warmth and modernity. Every element of its design, from the choice of materials to the color palette, creates a welcoming atmosphere that doesn't compromise on style or functionality. It's a room that invites you to relax, cook, dine, and celebrate the beauty of contemporary kitchen design.
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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.

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.

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.

This wonderful bespoke country kitchen was designed and built for our clients’ new oak-framed extension at their Grade II listed home in the historic village of Billingshurst in West Sussex. Acorn Bespoke Carpentry and Joinery undertook the entire kitchen project which includes a hidden walk-in pantry, bar unit and solid hardwood windows.
The owners wanted to achieve a high-quality interior that stayed true to the traditional character and heritage of their property. Their keen eye for design is evident in their chosen sophisticated colour palette and finishes.
An AGA® was to be a focal point and key feature of the kitchen layout, and we designed the cabinetry to align perfectly with the extra depth and height of the cooker, leaving no unsightly gaps.
There are no upper wall cabinets in this kitchen which creates an open airy feel and allows more natural light. Instead, a run of generous base cabinets with customised deep drawers and pull-outs, as well as a kitchen island, open shelving and large pantry provide a wealth of superb storage solutions. One empty wall has been dedicated for full-height floor to ceiling cabinets for integrated appliances and a pantry.
Traditional style with a modern twist
The custom-made cabinets have been traditionally constructed in an authentic shaker-style and feature solid oak dovetailed drawers. The doors and frames are in solid maple, which has a smooth grain and is an extremely hard and durable timber, and perfect for taking a painted finish.
The cabinets are all spraypainted in Fired Earth Moon Grape, a deliciously distinctive purple-black colour. We then hand painted exterior surfaces for a textured effect which can also be easily touched up in the future. The shaker style in this striking dark colour adds grandeur to the space, without feeling too overbearing or showy.
All the kitchen cabinets are internally finished with premium quality Egger MFC. The hardwearing Unistone worktops are Nero Assoluto with a Velluto finish - a durable, jet black, velvet-like black texture, which gives depth without gloss.
Hidden walk-in pantry
Floor-to-ceiling doors neatly conceal an impressive hidden walk-in pantry, which we cleverly integrated into the overall kitchen design. As soon as you open the doors, the interior shelves are automatically illuminated by a motion-activated sensor. Every inch of space has been utilised with a range of open shelving laden with artisan ingredients, deep handcrafted drawers and basket storage, perfect for storing anything from vegetables to fresh bread.
Beautiful bespoke bar unit
Innovative pocket doors fold elegantly away to reveal a stunning well-equipped bar with a vibrant pink glass back panel and painted interior. This bright pink is a signature colour from the 1970s - Leather by Little Greene. The colour is a strategic choice by our clients to create a statement and infuse their home with an uplifting, spirited atmosphere. Undershelf lighting and a spotlight are activated as soon as the doors are opened enhancing the wow factor.
Bespoke freestanding island featuring upcycled wood
A focal point of the room, the kitchen island provides extra storage and worktop space. We handcrafted the island in solid hardwood with the top was once our clients’ old French dining table which we repurposed. Reusing old wood creates beautiful and unique pieces of furniture and has significant environmental benefits too. The mantle above the range cooker is salvaged timber too, made from an old oak beam.

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This kitchen project is the perfect example of Traditional style with a modern touch. The homeowners desired a kitchen that catered to their cooking passions and served as a central hub for family activities.
The choice of beaded shaker cupboards in Navy and Light Grey Slate provides a striking contrast that elevates the aesthetics of the space. The integration of Dekton Kairos worktops not only adds a touch of elegance but also ensures durability for everyday use.
The large central island, with an inbuilt hob, is the heart of this kitchen. It’s not just a cooking area; it’s a gathering spot for family and friends, perfect for socialising while preparing meals.
One of the standout features is the large double larder with a pull-out workspace, ingeniously designed to house essentials like a toaster and coffee machine. This clever use of space keeps the countertops clutter-free and enhances the kitchen's overall functionality.
The built-in wooden wine rack, with a capacity to store 16 bottles, adds an element of luxury to the space, making it ideal for wine enthusiasts and perfect for entertaining.
This kitchen transformation in Forest Hill is a testament to how thoughtful design can blend beauty and utility. The Navy and Light Grey Slate colour scheme, paired with functional features like the central island and bespoke storage solutions, creates an inviting and efficient space.
If you’re inspired by the Navy and Light Grey Slate Kitchen in Forest Hill and want to explore how we can transform your kitchen into a perfect blend of style and functionality, get in touch.

Welcome to a striking modern kitchen, a delightful interplay between the rich, natural beauty of slab walnut doors and the contemporary allure of cashmere gloss slab doors. This thoughtfully designed space embodies both warmth and luxury, creating an ambience that is stylish yet welcoming.
Immediately upon entering, one is drawn to the stunning walnut slab doors. Their beautifully organic grain patterns and deep, warm hues introduce a touch of nature into the space, providing an inherent homeliness. The broad, flat surfaces of the slabs accentuate the walnut's unique texture and coloration, creating an appealing contrast to the sleek, modern lines of the kitchen's overall design.
Paired with the walnut's earthy tones, the cashmere gloss slab doors present a contemporary elegance. Their soft, neutral shade exudes a sense of serene luxury, akin to the fine texture of cashmere. The high-gloss finish reflects light beautifully, infusing the room with a bright, spacious feel. The slab design keeps the aesthetic clean and modern, subtly mirroring the simple geometry seen throughout the kitchen.
The interplay between the textured walnut and smooth cashmere gloss creates a captivating visual dialogue. The natural warmth and richness of the walnut balance the chic, contemporary vibe of the cashmere gloss, achieving a harmonious blend of styles. The result is a kitchen that feels both cozy and sophisticated, traditional yet cutting-edge.
In this stylish space, integrated state-of-the-art appliances blend seamlessly into the design, their modern lines enhancing the room's minimalist aesthetic. Clever storage solutions within the slab doors ensure the kitchen remains uncluttered, reinforcing its sleek, streamlined look.
This kitchen, with its fusion of slab walnut and cashmere gloss doors, offers an engaging mix of warmth and modernity. Every element of its design, from the choice of materials to the color palette, creates a welcoming atmosphere that doesn't compromise on style or functionality. It's a room that invites you to relax, cook, dine, and celebrate the beauty of contemporary kitchen design.

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 wonderful bespoke country kitchen was designed and built for our clients’ new oak-framed extension at their Grade II listed home in the historic village of Billingshurst in West Sussex. Acorn Bespoke Carpentry and Joinery undertook the entire kitchen project which includes a hidden walk-in pantry, bar unit and solid hardwood windows.
The owners wanted to achieve a high-quality interior that stayed true to the traditional character and heritage of their property. Their keen eye for design is evident in their chosen sophisticated colour palette and finishes.
An AGA® was to be a focal point and key feature of the kitchen layout, and we designed the cabinetry to align perfectly with the extra depth and height of the cooker, leaving no unsightly gaps.
There are no upper wall cabinets in this kitchen which creates an open airy feel and allows more natural light. Instead, a run of generous base cabinets with customised deep drawers and pull-outs, as well as a kitchen island, open shelving and large pantry provide a wealth of superb storage solutions. One empty wall has been dedicated for full-height floor to ceiling cabinets for integrated appliances and a pantry.
Traditional style with a modern twist
The custom-made cabinets have been traditionally constructed in an authentic shaker-style and feature solid oak dovetailed drawers. The doors and frames are in solid maple, which has a smooth grain and is an extremely hard and durable timber, and perfect for taking a painted finish.
The cabinets are all spraypainted in Fired Earth Moon Grape, a deliciously distinctive purple-black colour. We then hand painted exterior surfaces for a textured effect which can also be easily touched up in the future. The shaker style in this striking dark colour adds grandeur to the space, without feeling too overbearing or showy.
All the kitchen cabinets are internally finished with premium quality Egger MFC. The hardwearing Unistone worktops are Nero Assoluto with a Velluto finish - a durable, jet black, velvet-like black texture, which gives depth without gloss.
Hidden walk-in pantry
Floor-to-ceiling doors neatly conceal an impressive hidden walk-in pantry, which we cleverly integrated into the overall kitchen design. As soon as you open the doors, the interior shelves are automatically illuminated by a motion-activated sensor. Every inch of space has been utilised with a range of open shelving laden with artisan ingredients, deep handcrafted drawers and basket storage, perfect for storing anything from vegetables to fresh bread.
Beautiful bespoke bar unit
Innovative pocket doors fold elegantly away to reveal a stunning well-equipped bar with a vibrant pink glass back panel and painted interior. This bright pink is a signature colour from the 1970s - Leather by Little Greene. The colour is a strategic choice by our clients to create a statement and infuse their home with an uplifting, spirited atmosphere. Undershelf lighting and a spotlight are activated as soon as the doors are opened enhancing the wow factor.
Bespoke freestanding island featuring upcycled wood
A focal point of the room, the kitchen island provides extra storage and worktop space. We handcrafted the island in solid hardwood with the top was once our clients’ old French dining table which we repurposed. Reusing old wood creates beautiful and unique pieces of furniture and has significant environmental benefits too. The mantle above the range cooker is salvaged timber too, made from an old oak beam.

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.

Step into the realm of earthy elegance with one of our most recent kitchen renovations. The full gut remodel, helmed by Project Manager, George Griffin, and Designer, Sarah McDonald, seamlessly melded modern style with a warm and inviting ambiance. These clients desired an open space conducive to entertaining and were given a new area that exudes sophistication while embracing organic elements. Walls came down to connect the rooms to each other, fostering a sense of togetherness. Recognizing the clients’ need for additional storage and countertop space, cleverly placed cabinets and drawers are abundant and helpful to keep the areas clutter-free and organized. A standout feature of this remodel is the asymmetrical island, perfect for the gathering of friends and family. The handmade pendant lights above it add that touch of artisanal elegance to the space. The color choices contribute to the overall sense of sophistication and harmony. Overall, the Bennett team was able to create a space that effortlessly combines functionality, style and the joy of entertaining.

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 kitchen project is the perfect example of Traditional style with a modern touch. The homeowners desired a kitchen that catered to their cooking passions and served as a central hub for family activities.
The choice of beaded shaker cupboards in Navy and Light Grey Slate provides a striking contrast that elevates the aesthetics of the space. The integration of Dekton Kairos worktops not only adds a touch of elegance but also ensures durability for everyday use.
The large central island, with an inbuilt hob, is the heart of this kitchen. It’s not just a cooking area; it’s a gathering spot for family and friends, perfect for socialising while preparing meals.
One of the standout features is the large double larder with a pull-out workspace, ingeniously designed to house essentials like a toaster and coffee machine. This clever use of space keeps the countertops clutter-free and enhances the kitchen's overall functionality.
The built-in wooden wine rack, with a capacity to store 16 bottles, adds an element of luxury to the space, making it ideal for wine enthusiasts and perfect for entertaining.
This kitchen transformation in Forest Hill is a testament to how thoughtful design can blend beauty and utility. The Navy and Light Grey Slate colour scheme, paired with functional features like the central island and bespoke storage solutions, creates an inviting and efficient space.
If you’re inspired by the Navy and Light Grey Slate Kitchen in Forest Hill and want to explore how we can transform your kitchen into a perfect blend of style and functionality, get in touch.

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.

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.

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.

Welcome to a striking modern kitchen, a delightful interplay between the rich, natural beauty of slab walnut doors and the contemporary allure of cashmere gloss slab doors. This thoughtfully designed space embodies both warmth and luxury, creating an ambience that is stylish yet welcoming.
Immediately upon entering, one is drawn to the stunning walnut slab doors. Their beautifully organic grain patterns and deep, warm hues introduce a touch of nature into the space, providing an inherent homeliness. The broad, flat surfaces of the slabs accentuate the walnut's unique texture and coloration, creating an appealing contrast to the sleek, modern lines of the kitchen's overall design.
Paired with the walnut's earthy tones, the cashmere gloss slab doors present a contemporary elegance. Their soft, neutral shade exudes a sense of serene luxury, akin to the fine texture of cashmere. The high-gloss finish reflects light beautifully, infusing the room with a bright, spacious feel. The slab design keeps the aesthetic clean and modern, subtly mirroring the simple geometry seen throughout the kitchen.
The interplay between the textured walnut and smooth cashmere gloss creates a captivating visual dialogue. The natural warmth and richness of the walnut balance the chic, contemporary vibe of the cashmere gloss, achieving a harmonious blend of styles. The result is a kitchen that feels both cozy and sophisticated, traditional yet cutting-edge.
In this stylish space, integrated state-of-the-art appliances blend seamlessly into the design, their modern lines enhancing the room's minimalist aesthetic. Clever storage solutions within the slab doors ensure the kitchen remains uncluttered, reinforcing its sleek, streamlined look.
This kitchen, with its fusion of slab walnut and cashmere gloss doors, offers an engaging mix of warmth and modernity. Every element of its design, from the choice of materials to the color palette, creates a welcoming atmosphere that doesn't compromise on style or functionality. It's a room that invites you to relax, cook, dine, and celebrate the beauty of contemporary kitchen design.

Welcome to a striking modern kitchen, a delightful interplay between the rich, natural beauty of slab walnut doors and the contemporary allure of cashmere gloss slab doors. This thoughtfully designed space embodies both warmth and luxury, creating an ambience that is stylish yet welcoming.
Immediately upon entering, one is drawn to the stunning walnut slab doors. Their beautifully organic grain patterns and deep, warm hues introduce a touch of nature into the space, providing an inherent homeliness. The broad, flat surfaces of the slabs accentuate the walnut's unique texture and coloration, creating an appealing contrast to the sleek, modern lines of the kitchen's overall design.
Paired with the walnut's earthy tones, the cashmere gloss slab doors present a contemporary elegance. Their soft, neutral shade exudes a sense of serene luxury, akin to the fine texture of cashmere. The high-gloss finish reflects light beautifully, infusing the room with a bright, spacious feel. The slab design keeps the aesthetic clean and modern, subtly mirroring the simple geometry seen throughout the kitchen.
The interplay between the textured walnut and smooth cashmere gloss creates a captivating visual dialogue. The natural warmth and richness of the walnut balance the chic, contemporary vibe of the cashmere gloss, achieving a harmonious blend of styles. The result is a kitchen that feels both cozy and sophisticated, traditional yet cutting-edge.
In this stylish space, integrated state-of-the-art appliances blend seamlessly into the design, their modern lines enhancing the room's minimalist aesthetic. Clever storage solutions within the slab doors ensure the kitchen remains uncluttered, reinforcing its sleek, streamlined look.
This kitchen, with its fusion of slab walnut and cashmere gloss doors, offers an engaging mix of warmth and modernity. Every element of its design, from the choice of materials to the color palette, creates a welcoming atmosphere that doesn't compromise on style or functionality. It's a room that invites you to relax, cook, dine, and celebrate the beauty of contemporary kitchen design.
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