Karen and Chad of Tower Lakes, IL were tired of their unfinished basement functioning as nothing more than a storage area and depressing gym. They wanted to increase the livable square footage of their home with a cohesive finished basement design, while incorporating space for the kids and adults to hang out. “We wanted to make sure that upon renovating the basement, that we can have a place where we can spend time and watch movies, but also entertain and showcase the wine collection that we have,” Karen said. After a long search comparing many different remodeling companies, Karen and Chad found Advance Design Studio. They were drawn towards the unique “Common Sense Remodeling” process that simplifies the renovation experience into predictable steps focused on customer satisfaction. “There are so many other design/build companies, who may not have transparency, or a focused process in mind and I think that is what separated Advance Design Studio from the rest,” Karen said. Karen loved how designer Claudia Pop was able to take very high-level concepts, “non-negotiable items” and implement them in the initial 3D drawings. Claudia and Project Manager DJ Yurik kept the couple in constant communication through the project. “Claudia was very receptive to the ideas we had, but she was also very good at infusing her own points and thoughts, she was very responsive, and we had an open line of communication,” Karen said. A very important part of the basement renovation for the couple was the home gym and sauna. The “high-end hotel” look and feel of the openly blended work out area is both highly functional and beautiful to look at. The home sauna gives them a place to relax after a long day of work or a tough workout. “The gym was a very important feature for us,” Karen said. “And I think (Advance Design) did a very great job in not only making the gym a functional area, but also an aesthetic point in our basement”. An extremely unique wow-factor in this basement is the walk in glass wine cellar that elegantly displays Karen and Chad’s extensive wine collection. Immediate access to the stunning wet bar accompanies the wine cellar to make this basement a popular spot for friends and family. The custom-built wine bar brings together two natural elements; Calacatta Vicenza Quartz and thick distressed Black Walnut. Sophisticated yet warm Graphite Dura Supreme cabinetry provides contrast to the soft beige walls and the Calacatta Gold backsplash. An undermount sink across from the bar in a matching Calacatta Vicenza Quartz countertop adds functionality and convenience to the bar, while identical distressed walnut floating shelves add an interesting design element and increased storage. Rich true brown Rustic Oak hardwood floors soften and warm the space drawing all the areas together. Across from the bar is a comfortable living area perfect for the family to sit down at a watch a movie. A full bath completes this finished basement with a spacious walk-in shower, Cocoa Brown Dura Supreme vanity with Calacatta Vicenza Quartz countertop, a crisp white sink and a stainless-steel Voss faucet. Advance Design’s Common Sense process gives clients the opportunity to walk through the basement renovation process one step at a time, in a completely predictable and controlled environment. “Everything was designed and built exactly how we envisioned it, and we are really enjoying it to it’s full potential,” Karen said. Constantly striving for customer satisfaction, Advance Design’s success is heavily reliant upon happy clients referring their friends and family. “We definitely will and have recommended Advance Design Studio to friends who are looking to embark on a remodeling project small or large,” Karen exclaimed at the completion of her project.

Natural stone refers to earth resources that are fabricated into tiles, pavers, mosaics and decorative products. They are many different kinds of natural stones. The most commonly used in construction are travertine, marble, granite, limestone, slate, and onyx.

This cottage tudor home in the heart of Pasadena showcases original details and traditional elegance for a busy family of four. Photography by Erika Bierman www.erikabiermanphotography.com

John Shum
Inspiration for a small mid-century modern l-shaped porcelain tile and white floor open concept kitchen remodel in San Francisco with a farmhouse sink, flat-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, multicolored backsplash, ceramic backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and soapstone countertops

Mid-sized trendy l-shaped dark wood floor and brown floor open concept kitchen photo with an island, shaker cabinets, gray cabinets, multicolored backsplash, stainless steel appliances, a farmhouse sink, quartzite countertops, glass tile backsplash and white countertops

Winter jasmine. Creative commons license. Photo credit Daniel/dadoobe

Natural stone refers to earth resources that are fabricated into tiles, pavers, mosaics and decorative products. They are many different kinds of natural stones. The most commonly used in construction are travertine, marble, granite, limestone, slate, and onyx.

Originating from XVII century France, and often referred to as mosaic flooring, parquet flooring is highly recognized thanks to its decorative effect. It was the most popular option among the richest Frenchman. At one time, having a genuine parquet hardwood floor was a sign of opulent wealth because of the craftsmanship involved in creating unique and artistic geometric patterns on the floor. Parquet flooring differs from ordinary hardwood flooring as the pieces of wood used are much smaller and are arranged in decorative geometric patterns such as chevron and herringbone. You will see angular shapes such as squares, triangles, and lozenges featuring strongly in traditional parquet flooring. Common species used in parquet floors include oak, maple, walnut, cherry, and sometimes other exotic hardwoods like mahogany.

Plymouth natural thin stone veneer looks stunning on this colonial style home. Plymouth is a natural blend of tight grained New England granite. The stone consists of soft beiges and greys with a natural and smooth texture. The black speckles within the stone give it a unique marbling that is sometimes referred to as salt and pepper. Plymouth is a castle rock style and characterized by the large rectangular pieces of stone. This style is also called square-rectangular or square-rec for short. The individual pieces can range from 4″-12″ in height. The castle rock style is most commonly found on large scale exterior projects.

This shed, designed to conceal a large generator, is constructed of weathered antique siding. The slats on the right elevation provide ventilation for the equipment. Robert Benson Photography

Plymouth custom real thin stone veneer creates a stately and stunning garage. Plymouth is a natural blend of tight grained New England granite. The stone consists of soft beiges and greys with a natural and smooth texture. The black speckles within the stone give it a unique marbling that is sometimes referred to as salt and pepper. Plymouth is a castle rock style and characterized by the large rectangular pieces of stone. This style is also called square-rectangular or square-rec for short. The individual pieces can range from 4″-12″ in height. The castle rock style is most commonly found on large scale exterior projects.

Karen and Chad of Tower Lakes, IL were tired of their unfinished basement functioning as nothing more than a storage area and depressing gym. They wanted to increase the livable square footage of their home with a cohesive finished basement design, while incorporating space for the kids and adults to hang out. “We wanted to make sure that upon renovating the basement, that we can have a place where we can spend time and watch movies, but also entertain and showcase the wine collection that we have,” Karen said. After a long search comparing many different remodeling companies, Karen and Chad found Advance Design Studio. They were drawn towards the unique “Common Sense Remodeling” process that simplifies the renovation experience into predictable steps focused on customer satisfaction. “There are so many other design/build companies, who may not have transparency, or a focused process in mind and I think that is what separated Advance Design Studio from the rest,” Karen said. Karen loved how designer Claudia Pop was able to take very high-level concepts, “non-negotiable items” and implement them in the initial 3D drawings. Claudia and Project Manager DJ Yurik kept the couple in constant communication through the project. “Claudia was very receptive to the ideas we had, but she was also very good at infusing her own points and thoughts, she was very responsive, and we had an open line of communication,” Karen said. A very important part of the basement renovation for the couple was the home gym and sauna. The “high-end hotel” look and feel of the openly blended work out area is both highly functional and beautiful to look at. The home sauna gives them a place to relax after a long day of work or a tough workout. “The gym was a very important feature for us,” Karen said. “And I think (Advance Design) did a very great job in not only making the gym a functional area, but also an aesthetic point in our basement”. An extremely unique wow-factor in this basement is the walk in glass wine cellar that elegantly displays Karen and Chad’s extensive wine collection. Immediate access to the stunning wet bar accompanies the wine cellar to make this basement a popular spot for friends and family. The custom-built wine bar brings together two natural elements; Calacatta Vicenza Quartz and thick distressed Black Walnut. Sophisticated yet warm Graphite Dura Supreme cabinetry provides contrast to the soft beige walls and the Calacatta Gold backsplash. An undermount sink across from the bar in a matching Calacatta Vicenza Quartz countertop adds functionality and convenience to the bar, while identical distressed walnut floating shelves add an interesting design element and increased storage. Rich true brown Rustic Oak hardwood floors soften and warm the space drawing all the areas together. Across from the bar is a comfortable living area perfect for the family to sit down at a watch a movie. A full bath completes this finished basement with a spacious walk-in shower, Cocoa Brown Dura Supreme vanity with Calacatta Vicenza Quartz countertop, a crisp white sink and a stainless-steel Voss faucet. Advance Design’s Common Sense process gives clients the opportunity to walk through the basement renovation process one step at a time, in a completely predictable and controlled environment. “Everything was designed and built exactly how we envisioned it, and we are really enjoying it to it’s full potential,” Karen said. Constantly striving for customer satisfaction, Advance Design’s success is heavily reliant upon happy clients referring their friends and family. “We definitely will and have recommended Advance Design Studio to friends who are looking to embark on a remodeling project small or large,” Karen exclaimed at the completion of her project.

Air hangar home with white epoxy coated glossy floors, Big Ass Fan and side ladder for the common guy!
Inspiration for an industrial home design remodel in Austin

Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional galley medium tone wood floor and brown floor open concept kitchen remodel in San Diego with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartzite countertops, white backsplash, stainless steel appliances and a peninsula

The huge barn door isolating the master bedroom from the common living space, the concrete ceiling and the brick wall support the look of this industrial loft _ the suspended incandescent lightbulb add a delicate touch to this decor _ the natural stone counter on top of white lacked cabinets give a more eclectic style to the room L'immense porte de grange isolant la chambre des maître de l'espace commun, le plafond et les poutres de béton ainsi que le mur de briques appuient le look de ce loft industriel _ les ampoules incandescentes suspendues ajoutent une touche délicate à ce décor _ le comptoir de pierre naturel déposé sur des armoires blanches laquées donne un style plus éclectique à la pièce Photo: Le propriétaire Designer: Paule Bourbonnais de *reference design

Referred to inside H&H as “the basement of dreams,” this project transformed a raw, dark, unfinished basement into a bright living space flooded with daylight. Working with architect Sean Barnett of Polymath Studio, Hammer & Hand added several 4’ windows to the perimeter of the basement, a new entrance, and wired the unit for future ADU conversion. This basement is filled with custom touches reflecting the young family’s project goals. H&H milled custom trim to match the existing home’s trim, making the basement feel original to the historic house. The H&H shop crafted a barn door with an inlaid chalkboard for their toddler to draw on, while the rest of the H&H team designed a custom closet with movable hanging racks to store and dry their camping gear. Photography by Jeff Amram.

Amy Bartlam
Inspiration for a transitional living room remodel in Los Angeles

Don’t mean a thing if it ain’t got that swing. These are anything but your ordinary classic doors! Featuring state-of-the-art components that blow the competition away, Bartels swing doors are modern classics with a contemporary twist that can effortlessly transform a space.