Having two young boys presents its own challenges, and when you have two of their best friends constantly visiting, you end up with four super active action heroes. This family wanted to dedicate a space for the boys to hangout. We took an ordinary basement and converted it into a playground heaven. A basketball hoop, climbing ropes, swinging chairs, rock climbing wall, and climbing bars, provide ample opportunity for the boys to let their energy out, and the built-in window seat is the perfect spot to catch a break. Tall built-in wardrobes and drawers beneath the window seat to provide plenty of storage for all the toys. You can guess where all the neighborhood kids come to hangout now ☺

What a privilege to work in this beautiful old Watermill! This was a really special project to be involved in and a challenge we loved embarking on. A painted in-frame shaker kitchen complete with solid oak drawer boxes was the ideal style to work with here. We used a pale ‘winter blue’ tone to lift the overall colour scheme, whilst keeping it classic. In order to reflect more light around the space, we used glass splashbacks behind the Aga and sink. Colour matching the glass panels to the walls means they really blend into the design as well as helping to reflect light. The worktops are a multi-tone granite worktop called ‘Aosta’. This particular granite features almost turquoise and plummy colours that work with both the blue furniture, and the flooring. The island is a real multi-purpose space. It provides a food prep area, integrated hob & oven, plus seating area. Designed in this way, it is the real hub of the kitchen. Previously, the kitchen had felt like two separate areas, but the run of storage units incorporating the old fridge-freezer really ties the spaces together seamlessly. Ample storage and elegant storage solutions were key to this design. Several units were tailor made on site. We designed a run of units to conceal the alarm system, consumer unit and even a hostess trolley neatly out of sight. One of our absolutely favourite areas in this kitchen is our bespoke window seat for the bay window. This little perch looks out over the water and doubles up as extra storage. A great little nook to relax into. The final touch in this kitchen is the lighting under the cabinets and bespoke mantle. At night, this creates a particularly lovely ambience against the backdrop of the running water outside.

What a privilege to work in this beautiful old Watermill! This was a really special project to be involved in and a challenge we loved embarking on. A painted in-frame shaker kitchen complete with solid oak drawer boxes was the ideal style to work with here. We used a pale ‘winter blue’ tone to lift the overall colour scheme, whilst keeping it classic. In order to reflect more light around the space, we used glass splashbacks behind the Aga and sink. Colour matching the glass panels to the walls means they really blend into the design as well as helping to reflect light. The worktops are a multi-tone granite worktop called ‘Aosta’. This particular granite features almost turquoise and plummy colours that work with both the blue furniture, and the flooring. The island is a real multi-purpose space. It provides a food prep area, integrated hob & oven, plus seating area. Designed in this way, it is the real hub of the kitchen. Previously, the kitchen had felt like two separate areas, but the run of storage units incorporating the old fridge-freezer really ties the spaces together seamlessly. Ample storage and elegant storage solutions were key to this design. Several units were tailor made on site. We designed a run of units to conceal the alarm system, consumer unit and even a hostess trolley neatly out of sight. One of our absolutely favourite areas in this kitchen is our bespoke window seat for the bay window. This little perch looks out over the water and doubles up as extra storage. A great little nook to relax into. The final touch in this kitchen is the lighting under the cabinets and bespoke mantle. At night, this creates a particularly lovely ambience against the backdrop of the running water outside.

Mike and Michelle of Lake Barrington knew they needed extra space. Their home was becoming too crowded for their family with blossoming teenagers, so a basement renovation offered the perfect solution for more space for the kids and more room to entertain for the adults. “Our project consisted of expanding our laundry room, putting in a first floor wet bar so we had adult space upstairs, while also renovating our basement for a family-friendly and teen-functional area as well,” Michelle says. They found Advance Design Studio through a neighbor who gave a glowing recommendation, giving Michelle and Mike the confidence they needed to move forward with a major home renovation. They felt like they knew Advance Design before they even worked together. When they met with the owner Todd Jurs and designer Nicole Ryan, Mike and Michelle knew they were getting a trustworthy, dependable team that could create the project they had been dreaming about for 7 years. Having virtually no natural light to work with, one of the biggest design challenges was creating a basement that did not feel dark and depressing. The Advance team got to work creating architectural archways and custom detailed dry-stack stone columns artfully designed into the space, adding a dramatic element that made the space feel less like a basement or more like a relaxing family room. Color 3D renderings were created to portray what the space would look like so Mike and Michelle could visualize the space in advance. Detailed trim and crown moldings grace the built in buffet and wet bar making for an amazingly functional space that lacks nothing in style and visual interest. Cherry wood cabinetry by Dura Supreme is featured in the space with a “Cocoa Brown” finish and includes beautiful mirrored glass doors embellished with unique elliptical mullion details. A built-in microwave, dishwasher and mini fridge add practicality to the ample entertainment mecca. An under mounted sink finishes the space joined with a intricate mosaic tile backsplash and “Ventisca Polished” quartz countertops. The basement is absolutely perfect for hosting friends and family with expertly designed key areas such as a game space for the kids, a movie area for the family, an ample workout room with luxurious full bath, and even built in wine storage. The family absolutely loves the new basement living space, and has already enjoyed numerous family movie nights and sleep-overs with friends. While custom cabinets made by Dura Supreme were used to create unique spaces that lived up to Mike and Michelle’s expectations., heated flooring under the 16”x16” “Mongolian Spring” tile was installed giving all tiled areas of the basement a much cozier feel, eliminating that cold hard surface most of us hate in our basements! The new basement must-have requirement list included a new bath space, which was incorporated adjacent to the work out room. The sleek shower door and cabinets in the new bathroom make guests and family feel like they are in an elegant hotel. The new guest bath features 4”x36” “Silver Screen” honed marble tile in a brick pattern on the shower walls and 2”x2” “Chenille” limestone tile in a hexagon mosaic pattern on the shower floor. “I came in with very specific requirements for our three project areas,” Michelle says. “There was not one time that I felt like I was asking for something that was not going to turn out how I anticipated.” Tying in multiple rooms during a renovation if you have can do it makes a lot of sense and saves money in the long run. A fully functional laundry room as well was a must on this family’s wish list. Michelle wanted to add space to the existing cramped and awkward laundry room, and Mike wanted to make sure they could still park a car in the garage. Reconfiguring interior walls required borrowing unused space cleverly from the garage in order to enlarge the laundry room space. Drawers under the stairs added beautiful hidden storage created almost magically out of dead space. White painted Dura Supreme cabinets bring additional light into the small space; while the 16”x16” cleft slate tile flooring provides excellent contrast and the naturally earthy feel Michelle wanted. Quartz countertops with a 3”x12” “Debut Dew” subway tile backsplash add elegance to the now upliftingly bright laundry room. The extra space makes doing laundry much more pleasurable and the added storage is a great for all those little things like winter hats and gloves, umbrellas and the like. “The Advance Design project team was phenomenal to work with,” Michelle says. “They came in, shared the plans with us and walked us through the expectations. We always knew what was coming next.” Converting an existing closet space, the wet bar upstairs was challenging because they wanted a functional area that didn’t look or feel like cabinets just sticking out of a closet. So the Advance team transformed this ordinary closet space into a stunning wet bar that architecturally appears as if it’s always been there. Traditional, elegant hand carved custom molding matching the adjacent fireplace ties the new entertainment bar area in nicely with the existing family room and kitchen area. Featuring a built in wine refrigerator, Dura Supreme cabinetry in deep cherry wood elegantly displays wine bottles and etched glass mullion doors that fill with soft light in the evening hours. Cambria “Windermere” quartz countertops with a sophisticated hammered copper sink and a glimmering backsplash round out the stunning wet bar. Hosting parties and family functions has become much more enjoyable now that they have a dedicated beverage serving area large enough to include hors devours. All three projects were designed and constructed together at the same time, making for a cohesive project that was administered smoothly and easily both for the design team and for the family. Disruption to the home was minimal as each phase was completed in each project conclusively, and design and meeting time for the homeowner was efficient and organized making for an enjoyable process. “Advance Design was great to work with,” Michelle says. “I would highly recommend them to anyone considering a home improvement project. They took the time at the beginning to understand our needs, our budget, and our vision for our home. The field team was great, attentive, on time, cleaned up each day and made the overall experience very positive. We couldn't be happier with the finished product.” With the help of our talented, award winning design team you can create the basement, laundry room, or any other home renovation that you have been dreaming of. With our “Common Sense Remodeling” approach, the process of renovating you home has never been easier. Contact us today at 847-836-2600 or schedule an appointment to talk with us about that kitchen remodeling project. Photography: Joe Nowak

Designed by Sue Tinker of Closet Works Walk in closet has a luxurious center island with a Silestone countertop, bench with colorful cushioned seat, and custom locking jewelry drawers

What a privilege to work in this beautiful old Watermill! This was a really special project to be involved in and a challenge we loved embarking on. A painted in-frame shaker kitchen complete with solid oak drawer boxes was the ideal style to work with here. We used a pale ‘winter blue’ tone to lift the overall colour scheme, whilst keeping it classic. In order to reflect more light around the space, we used glass splashbacks behind the Aga and sink. Colour matching the glass panels to the walls means they really blend into the design as well as helping to reflect light. The worktops are a multi-tone granite worktop called ‘Aosta’. This particular granite features almost turquoise and plummy colours that work with both the blue furniture, and the flooring. The island is a real multi-purpose space. It provides a food prep area, integrated hob & oven, plus seating area. Designed in this way, it is the real hub of the kitchen. Previously, the kitchen had felt like two separate areas, but the run of storage units incorporating the old fridge-freezer really ties the spaces together seamlessly. Ample storage and elegant storage solutions were key to this design. Several units were tailor made on site. We designed a run of units to conceal the alarm system, consumer unit and even a hostess trolley neatly out of sight. One of our absolutely favourite areas in this kitchen is our bespoke window seat for the bay window. This little perch looks out over the water and doubles up as extra storage. A great little nook to relax into. The final touch in this kitchen is the lighting under the cabinets and bespoke mantle. At night, this creates a particularly lovely ambience against the backdrop of the running water outside.

Large trendy gray one-story mixed siding flat roof photo in San Francisco

Designed by Sue Tinker of Closet Works Detail view of expansive storage this walk in closet provides.
Walk-in closet - large contemporary women's medium tone wood floor and brown floor walk-in closet idea in Chicago with flat-panel cabinets and white cabinets

Photo: Nasozi Kakembo © 2015 Houzz
Example of a large eclectic open concept concrete floor living room library design in New York with white walls

Murphy bed is pulled down in guest room so guests have a place to sleep
Example of a mid-sized trendy guest laminate floor and brown floor bedroom design in Raleigh with beige walls

The Armadillo FlexRoom can be used as a hybrid Sukkah and is the latest Sukkah invention to hit the market. It stays up year-round and is as easy to install as a traditional Sukkah with comparative costs. No construction permits or hassle necessary. Our team installs the entire FlexRoom and you get to choose when to have the walls up or down.

Inspiration for a mediterranean home design remodel in Orange County

Photo by Bret Gum Wallpaper by Farrow & Ball Vintage washstand converted to vanity with drop-in sink Vintage medicine cabinets Sconces by Rejuvenation White small hex tile flooring White wainscoting with green chair rail

A wood-clad pool house lit at night, with the glowing pool in front. Residential design by Strand Design, Minneapolis.
1960s pool photo in Minneapolis

Induction cooking transforms your cookware into the heat source for a cooler, efficient, and energy saving method of cooking. The Power Management induction system speeds boil times for those favorite dishes as well as providing a quick simmer for sauces. Viking Induction cooktops are compatible with all Viking cookware as well as most other high-end brands of stainless steel and enamel cookware. Features: Induction Glass Ceramic Surface: Spend more time creating and less time cleaning with our easy-to-clean glass ceramic top and removable knobs. Wear-resistant glass ceramic surface is extremely durable for easy cleanup. Power Management System: Speeds boil time for your favorite dishes as well as providing a quick simmer for sauces. MagneQuick™ Induction Elements: Cook quickly and efficiently with induction heat generated by the exceptionally responsive MagneQuick(TM) power generators. MagneQuick(TM) induction elements utilize magnetic energy for superior power, responsiveness and efficiency.

Inspiration for a contemporary medium tone wood floor and brown floor dining room remodel in Dallas with white walls

Bed pulled down for guests to sleep
Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary guest laminate floor and brown floor bedroom remodel in Raleigh with beige walls

Photo: Nasozi Kakembo © 2015 Houzz
Living room library - eclectic concrete floor living room library idea in New York with white walls

Designed by Sue Tinker of Closet Works Custom cabinet for sweaters and folded items,
Inspiration for a large contemporary women's medium tone wood floor and brown floor walk-in closet remodel in Chicago with flat-panel cabinets and white cabinets