Lato - Modin Rigid Collection Installed throughout customer's beautiful, East Coast home. Rooms include the kitchen, hallway, living room, and dining room. The Modin Rigid luxury vinyl plank flooring collection is the new standard in resilient flooring. Modin Rigid offers true embossed-in-register texture, creating a surface that is convincing to the eye and to the touch; a low sheen level to ensure a natural look that wears well over time; four-sided enhanced bevels to more accurately emulate the look of real wood floors; wider and longer waterproof planks; an industry-leading wear layer; and a pre-attached underlayment.

Lachlan - Modin Rigid Collection Installed throughout customer's beautiful home. Influenced by classic Nordic design. Surprisingly flexible with furnishings. Amplify by continuing the clean modern aesthetic, or punctuate with statement pieces. The Modin Rigid luxury vinyl plank flooring collection is the new standard in resilient flooring. Modin Rigid offers true embossed-in-register texture, creating a surface that is convincing to the eye and to the touch; a low sheen level to ensure a natural look that wears well over time; four-sided enhanced bevels to more accurately emulate the look of real wood floors; wider and longer waterproof planks; an industry-leading wear layer; and a pre-attached underlayment.

Rachel Loewen Photography
Example of a transitional bathroom design in Chicago

Your backyard has untapped potential. While lush lawns and colorful flower beds create a beautiful foundation, it's the hardscaping elements that truly define how you use and enjoy your outdoor space. For homeowners looking to elevate their property, understanding the art and function of hardscaping is the first step toward creating a backyard that works as hard as it looks.
What Is Hardscaping, Really?
Hardscaping refers to the non-living, structural components of landscape design. Think stone patios, retaining walls, fire pits, walkways, pergolas, and outdoor kitchens. These elements provide the bones of your outdoor living area, creating flow, function, and visual interest that softscaping alone cannot achieve.
Unlike planting beds that change with the seasons, hardscaping offers permanence. A well-designed stone walkway or paver patio will last decades with minimal maintenance, making it one of the smartest investments a homeowner can make in their property.
Defining Your Outdoor Lifestyle
Before breaking ground, consider how you actually want to live outdoors. Do you envision hosting summer dinner parties? A built-in outdoor kitchen and dining patio might be your priority. Prefer quiet evenings by the fire? A custom fire pit with built-in seating becomes your focal point. Families with children often gravitate toward expansive patios that leave room for play while maintaining sophisticated design.
The best hardscaping designs start with a clear purpose. Every wall, walkway, and surface should serve the way you intend to use the space. When function leads, beauty follows naturally.
Materials That Last
Choosing the right materials matters. Natural stone offers timeless elegance and unique character but comes at a premium. Concrete pavers provide versatility, durability, and cost-effectiveness, with styles that convincingly mimic stone or brick. For modern aesthetics, porcelain pavers deliver sleek lines and exceptional weather resistance.
Regardless of material, proper installation is non-negotiable. A poorly laid patio will shift, sink, and crack within a few seasons. That's why experienced homeowners know that hardscaping services from a qualified professional protect both the investment and the result.
Creating Visual Flow
Successful hardscaping connects your home to its surroundings. The transition from indoor to outdoor should feel intentional, not abrupt. Using complementary materials, repeating design motifs, and establishing clear pathways helps your backyard feel like a natural extension of your living space.
Retaining walls can terrace sloped yards into usable, dramatic spaces. Stepping stones can guide visitors through garden areas. A pergola can define an outdoor room without closing it off. Each element plays a role in the overall composition.
Starting Your Project
If you're considering a backyard transformation, begin with a site assessment and a professional design consultation. Experienced hardscaping professionals can identify drainage issues, recommend materials suited to your climate, and create a phased plan that fits your budget and timeline.
Hardscaping isn't just about aesthetics — it's about creating an outdoor environment that enhances how you live. With thoughtful design and quality craftsmanship, your backyard becomes the best room in the house.

Bud Kane has remodeled nearly every room in his own home over many years. Now reaching his 70’s, he contemplated heading up a major kitchen and laundry room renovation himself, planning on doing the carpentry work with his own hands. “I was not convinced I would ever meet anyone who could do it as well as I could do it myself”, said Bud. Ruth and Bud spent 5 years visiting kitchen firms and interviewing designers. They couldn’t however bring themselves to pull the trigger on the project, until they met Advance Design Studio in 2015. “No one understood what I wanted”, said Ruth. She was continually frustrated by experiences with designers who weren’t hearing what was important to her. “Everyone kept designing my kitchen with what they thought it should look like; I couldn’t find anyone who would listen to me”! When they met designer Scott Christensen from Advance Design Studio, they liked him right away. He listened to Ruth and designed a kitchen that she loved, all the while interjecting years of wisdom and design expertise that Ruth appreciated. “The finished product is better than I expected”, says Ruth. “I respected Scott’s opinions and together we created the perfect place for me to bake with my grandkids and truly enjoy the kitchen and laundry room I’ve been dreaming of for many years!” The kitchen transformation began with removing the home’s soffits, and extending new painted maple cabinetry to the ceiling with the addition of an elegant crown molding. Ruth’s new Vita Mix holds a coveted place on her counter, and adjustments were planned to size the cabinets in conjunction with the under cabinet decorative light molding to fit this appliance just right. “This one small detail was really important to me”, says Ruth smiling. An elegant new island replaced the original island, complete with room for 3 stools where her grandchildren will sit to make home-made pasta every Thanksgiving, and cookies at Christmas time. “Traditions are very important in my family, and making my kitchen work to suit cherished activities with my family was the number one reason this renovation was so desired”, replied Ruth when asked about the island. A picture perfect new tea station replaced a cluttered unused desk area, creating a wonderful place to prepare hot drinks for sipping any season of the year while overlooking the couple’s wonderfully manicured gardens from the lovely 3 season’s room just off the kitchen. The soft sage island bead panel detail was repeated on the backsplash, replicating the feel of a fine old piece of furniture. The biggest problem with the laundry room was 3 doors, one from the garage, one from the closet, and one to the hallway. “Scott designed a pocket door, and oh what a dream it is now to bring groceries in from the garage!” exclaims Bud who grew to disdain this task! Doing laundry is now a breeze in this attractive new space that doubles as a wonderful pantry for the kitchen with room to store food items that didn’t have a home in the poorly designed original space. New Hickory distressed wood flooring was laid both in the kitchen and leading to the hall foyer. Soft gray wood-replicating porcelain was placed in the laundry area, making for an easily cleanable surface for what doubles as a mud room from the garage. Creamy tumbled marble graces an unobtrusive backsplash spilling onto shiny granite counter tops in a rich earthy pattern of fall colors that mimic colors throughout the home. Advance is known details that included custom crafted furniture toe kicks, luxurious crown moldings, and beaded under cabinet moldings. The kitchen is complete with a glass display cabinet showing Ruth’s treasured china tea collection. Early on, it was initially only their intention of purchasing cabinets for the new design. They were so impressed however with Advance Design’s complete program for budgeting, design, installation and management that it became clear to them both that they wanted Advance to handle the entire project from start to finish. “After seeing the quality work they did, coupled with the in-house team completely dedicated to our satisfaction, it became apparent there was no other choice but to hire them to handle everything. And we’re so glad we did, we have not one regret”, says Bud. “The attention to detail by the carpentry crew more than satisfied my perfectionist expectations of the finished carpentry,” exclaimed Bud. “Every one of Advance Design’s people we encountered from design through construction was wonderful. We’ve never met a group of people so dedicated to making sure we were happy with every single detail, and every single part of this experience”, said Ruth and Bud. Designer: Scott Christensen Photographer: Joe Nowak

Our clients wanted to make the most of space so we gutted the home and rebuilt the inside to create a functional and kid-friendly home with timeless style. Our clients’ vision was clear: They wanted a warm and timeless design that was easy to clean and maintain with two-active boys. “It’s not unusual for our friends and family to drop past unannounced any day of the week. And we love it!” They told us during our initial Design Therapy Sesh. We knew immediately what she meant - we have an open-door policy with our families, too! Which was why we consciously created living spaces that were open, inviting and welcoming. Now, the only problem our clients would have would be convincing their guests to leave! Our clients also enjoy coffee and tea so we created a separate coffee nook to help them kick start their day. Photography: Helynn Ospina

Bud Kane has remodeled nearly every room in his own home over many years. Now reaching his 70’s, he contemplated heading up a major kitchen and laundry room renovation himself, planning on doing the carpentry work with his own hands. “I was not convinced I would ever meet anyone who could do it as well as I could do it myself”, said Bud. Ruth and Bud spent 5 years visiting kitchen firms and interviewing designers. They couldn’t however bring themselves to pull the trigger on the project, until they met Advance Design Studio in 2015. “No one understood what I wanted”, said Ruth. She was continually frustrated by experiences with designers who weren’t hearing what was important to her. “Everyone kept designing my kitchen with what they thought it should look like; I couldn’t find anyone who would listen to me”! When they met designer Scott Christensen from Advance Design Studio, they liked him right away. He listened to Ruth and designed a kitchen that she loved, all the while interjecting years of wisdom and design expertise that Ruth appreciated. “The finished product is better than I expected”, says Ruth. “I respected Scott’s opinions and together we created the perfect place for me to bake with my grandkids and truly enjoy the kitchen and laundry room I’ve been dreaming of for many years!” The kitchen transformation began with removing the home’s soffits, and extending new painted maple cabinetry to the ceiling with the addition of an elegant crown molding. Ruth’s new Vita Mix holds a coveted place on her counter, and adjustments were planned to size the cabinets in conjunction with the under cabinet decorative light molding to fit this appliance just right. “This one small detail was really important to me”, says Ruth smiling. An elegant new island replaced the original island, complete with room for 3 stools where her grandchildren will sit to make home-made pasta every Thanksgiving, and cookies at Christmas time. “Traditions are very important in my family, and making my kitchen work to suit cherished activities with my family was the number one reason this renovation was so desired”, replied Ruth when asked about the island. A picture perfect new tea station replaced a cluttered unused desk area, creating a wonderful place to prepare hot drinks for sipping any season of the year while overlooking the couple’s wonderfully manicured gardens from the lovely 3 season’s room just off the kitchen. The soft sage island bead panel detail was repeated on the backsplash, replicating the feel of a fine old piece of furniture. The biggest problem with the laundry room was 3 doors, one from the garage, one from the closet, and one to the hallway. “Scott designed a pocket door, and oh what a dream it is now to bring groceries in from the garage!” exclaims Bud who grew to disdain this task! Doing laundry is now a breeze in this attractive new space that doubles as a wonderful pantry for the kitchen with room to store food items that didn’t have a home in the poorly designed original space. New Hickory distressed wood flooring was laid both in the kitchen and leading to the hall foyer. Soft gray wood-replicating porcelain was placed in the laundry area, making for an easily cleanable surface for what doubles as a mud room from the garage. Creamy tumbled marble graces an unobtrusive backsplash spilling onto shiny granite counter tops in a rich earthy pattern of fall colors that mimic colors throughout the home. Advance is known details that included custom crafted furniture toe kicks, luxurious crown moldings, and beaded under cabinet moldings. The kitchen is complete with a glass display cabinet showing Ruth’s treasured china tea collection. Early on, it was initially only their intention of purchasing cabinets for the new design. They were so impressed however with Advance Design’s complete program for budgeting, design, installation and management that it became clear to them both that they wanted Advance to handle the entire project from start to finish. “After seeing the quality work they did, coupled with the in-house team completely dedicated to our satisfaction, it became apparent there was no other choice but to hire them to handle everything. And we’re so glad we did, we have not one regret”, says Bud. “The attention to detail by the carpentry crew more than satisfied my perfectionist expectations of the finished carpentry,” exclaimed Bud. “Every one of Advance Design’s people we encountered from design through construction was wonderful. We’ve never met a group of people so dedicated to making sure we were happy with every single detail, and every single part of this experience”, said Ruth and Bud. Designer: Scott Christensen Photographer: Joe Nowak

The site was 10 acres bordering a 15 acre lake. The clients were convinced by a business partner to move 10 miles west of town and share the lake he was excavating. They quickly became very excited about the emerging design, preliminary drawings were never finished, working drawings were brief and details were sketchy. Fortunately a favorite contractor with a gifted crew was available and all were OK with working it out as we went along. Several more rooms and outbuildings were added during construction. After the excitement of building and furnishing was over they found themselves unhappy with the isolation and by 1975 had sold the house to Malnik. In 1979 we began renovations and additions to the buildings and site that continued non-stop for 7 years. Again I had the luxury of the same building team, plus a very creative new client who never ran out of ideas for things to do. First stables for 20 horses and a recreation building which included 2 bowling alleys, squash court, weight gym, game room and a boat house. Then a 90' square & 30' high screened space frame that enclosed a swimming pool with 3 guest houses and a free form "cave" structure arranged around the four sides. Next a riding ring and viewing pavilion, and when 25 more acres were acquired the lake was extended into a series of waterways and the entrance was moved to the opposite side of the property, which resulted in a long meandering entrance road passing over three bridges. A new entrance building was fitted between the space frame and the recreation building. The last project was a 3000 sq. ft. master bedroom, bath and gallery addition to the main house completed in 1992. The entire complex was demolished in 2005 by a high end residential developer as Boca Raton had moved seriously westward.

These clients (who were referred by their realtor) are lucky enough to escape the brutal Minnesota winters. They trusted the PID team to remodel their home with Landmark Remodeling while they were away enjoying the sun and escaping the pains of remodeling... dust, noise, so many boxes. The clients wanted to update without a major remodel. They also wanted to keep some of the warm golden oak in their space...something we are not used to! We laded on painting the cabinetry, new counters, new back splash, lighting, and floors. We also refaced the corner fireplace in the living room with a natural stacked stone and mantle. The powder bath got a little facelift too and convinced another victim... we mean the client that wallpaper was a must.

Cozy and Colorful Beach House Remodel! When you think funky little house by the beach – images like what you are about to see may not be what you would have anticipated. This furnishings project aimed to capture a colorful, fun, active space for a family who wanted to feel at home .Thus, creating casual and comfortable but not boring in the least. A little traveled, a lot of texture, and not much clutter! From the start, the space was not much to write home about! The common living areas were boxy with lower ceilings. Quirky ins and outs needed to be optimized. Overall, this project was a prime opportunity for us to really dig in. From treating each room top to bottom and finding the client’s mojo when it came to wallcoverings. Selecting funky lighting and the right mix and match of bold colors and more natural, organic textures. We came in too late to get involved with the kitchen but helped the client with a few little accents and color choices. Thus, acting as a jumping off point for the large dining space featuring a beautiful (and resilient!) wooden trestle table. We created a mix of seating that offers a little funk, and the fun additional cabinet storage to each end which offered a hideaway. We loved that this vista had such opportunity for great lighting and art, also! A Colorful, Cozy Living Room We knew we needed a cozy, lower profile seating area but also some sort of great reading nook by the fireplace. With the large windows and the main entry just off this space, a traffic pattern was delianted that helped guide decisions with the furniture. A funky, nubbier woven fabric on the sectional that hinted towards mid-century modern. The irregular shaped, petrified wood coffee table. The bold statement and colors carried through in the wallcovering and area rug. Jumping to the fireplace area where you can lounge or read with those gorgeous cognac leather recliners. This space needed to feel separate and the same all at once. The balance of scale and colors really helped achieve this! Can’t forget the bedrooms! Of course we can’t get by without mentioning a little bedroom love, either. In the master the overall designs dictated by a bold, saturated woven wood cloth on the headboard wall. We love the mix of color and pattern in here. The bold, sexier mood is 100% a byproduct of the level of rich colors and unusual combinations. Those bold hand-glazed ceramic lamps against those strict geo-pattern bed pillows – so good! Our sweet tween bedroom that should grow with her for a good, long time. All in all, filled with original art and layered in a softer palette. There was a lot of matching in here at first, but once we convinced her to trust us she started to understand why adding in the unexpected hit of bright coral and spring green made everything sing!

This unique and classic Victorian property, once defining of Chicago architecture was preserved through our efforts to convince the developer to preserve it's special beauty. We provided a major restoration of the property including rear and second story additions in order to increase the home's size, as well as digging in an entirely new basement to be utilized as a third story - all while preserving and renovating it's classic and elegant facade.

Cozy and Colorful Beach House Remodel! When you think funky little house by the beach – images like what you are about to see may not be what you would have anticipated. This furnishings project aimed to capture a colorful, fun, active space for a family who wanted to feel at home .Thus, creating casual and comfortable but not boring in the least. A little traveled, a lot of texture, and not much clutter! From the start, the space was not much to write home about! The common living areas were boxy with lower ceilings. Quirky ins and outs needed to be optimized. Overall, this project was a prime opportunity for us to really dig in. From treating each room top to bottom and finding the client’s mojo when it came to wallcoverings. Selecting funky lighting and the right mix and match of bold colors and more natural, organic textures. We came in too late to get involved with the kitchen but helped the client with a few little accents and color choices. Thus, acting as a jumping off point for the large dining space featuring a beautiful (and resilient!) wooden trestle table. We created a mix of seating that offers a little funk, and the fun additional cabinet storage to each end which offered a hideaway. We loved that this vista had such opportunity for great lighting and art, also! A Colorful, Cozy Living Room We knew we needed a cozy, lower profile seating area but also some sort of great reading nook by the fireplace. With the large windows and the main entry just off this space, a traffic pattern was delianted that helped guide decisions with the furniture. A funky, nubbier woven fabric on the sectional that hinted towards mid-century modern. The irregular shaped, petrified wood coffee table. The bold statement and colors carried through in the wallcovering and area rug. Jumping to the fireplace area where you can lounge or read with those gorgeous cognac leather recliners. This space needed to feel separate and the same all at once. The balance of scale and colors really helped achieve this! Can’t forget the bedrooms! Of course we can’t get by without mentioning a little bedroom love, either. In the master the overall designs dictated by a bold, saturated woven wood cloth on the headboard wall. We love the mix of color and pattern in here. The bold, sexier mood is 100% a byproduct of the level of rich colors and unusual combinations. Those bold hand-glazed ceramic lamps against those strict geo-pattern bed pillows – so good! Our sweet tween bedroom that should grow with her for a good, long time. All in all, filled with original art and layered in a softer palette. There was a lot of matching in here at first, but once we convinced her to trust us she started to understand why adding in the unexpected hit of bright coral and spring green made everything sing!

Joe and Denise purchased a large Tudor style home that never truly fit their needs. While interviewing contractors to replace the roof and stucco on their home, it prompted them to consider a complete remodel. With two young daughters and pets in the home, our clients were convinced they needed an open concept to entertain and enjoy family and friends together. The couple also desired a blend of traditional and contemporary styles with sophisticated finishes for the project. JRP embarked on a new floor plan design for both stories of the home. The top floor would include a complete rearrangement of the master suite allowing for separate vanities, spacious master shower, soaking tub, and bigger walk-in closet. On the main floor, walls separating the kitchen and formal dining room would come down. Steel beams and new SQFT was added to open the spaces up to one another. Central to the open-concept layout is a breathtaking great room with an expansive 6-panel bi-folding door creating a seamless view to the gorgeous hills. It became an entirely new space with structural changes, additional living space, and all-new finishes, inside and out to embody our clients’ dream home. PROJECT DETAILS: • Style: Transitional • Flooring: White Oak (Titanium wash) • Photographer: Andrew (Open House VC)

A classic select grade natural oak. Timeless and versatile. The Modin Rigid luxury vinyl plank flooring collection is the new standard in resilient flooring. Modin Rigid offers true embossed-in-register texture, creating a surface that is convincing to the eye and to the touch; a low sheen level to ensure a natural look that wears well over time; four-sided enhanced bevels to more accurately emulate the look of real wood floors; wider and longer waterproof planks; an industry-leading wear layer; and a pre-attached underlayment.

Joe and Denise purchased a large Tudor style home that never truly fit their needs. While interviewing contractors to replace the roof and stucco on their home, it prompted them to consider a complete remodel. With two young daughters and pets in the home, our clients were convinced they needed an open concept to entertain and enjoy family and friends together. The couple also desired a blend of traditional and contemporary styles with sophisticated finishes for the project. JRP embarked on a new floor plan design for both stories of the home. The top floor would include a complete rearrangement of the master suite allowing for separate vanities, spacious master shower, soaking tub, and bigger walk-in closet. On the main floor, walls separating the kitchen and formal dining room would come down. Steel beams and new SQFT was added to open the spaces up to one another. Central to the open-concept layout is a breathtaking great room with an expansive 6-panel bi-folding door creating a seamless view to the gorgeous hills. It became an entirely new space with structural changes, additional living space, and all-new finishes, inside and out to embody our clients’ dream home. PROJECT DETAILS: • Style: Transitional • Flooring: White Oak (Titanium wash) • Photographer: Andrew (Open House VC)

Nestled on the shore of New Hampshire’s Lake Winnipesaukee, is a family’s winter ski retreat. Contrary to the norm, this vacation home sees more use in the winter months than in the summer season. Breathtaking views of Mount Washington against a backdrop of shoreline dominate the scene; this vista was a driving force in the decision-making process. Doors and windows on the lakeside of the house were enlarged and expanded on to enhance the owners’ appreciation of their vantage point. The homeowners embraced, with a bit of convincing, a dark blue trim color for the exterior rather than the ubiquitous forest green common in the White Mountains. What began as a small renovation project morphed into a full renovation; the location warranted the upgrade. The client’s trust in the design team resulted in a home that is unique: contemporary while still offering the warmth and coziness of a winter retreat. The introduction of soft wood tones, a custom copper kitchen hood, and a warm muted color palate for interior trim and doors brings a coziness to the space without evoking a mountain ski lodge. The materials chosen further enhanced the natural elements of the site location: organic features include an antler chandelier, salvaged wood throughout for the mantel, ceilings, stair newels, and interior barn doors, and a live edge built-in bench in the mudroom. Spaces were designed to encourage family interaction and togetherness. The importance of solitude was thoughtfully crafted into the architecture and interiors of the family’s vacation home. SV Design made sure there were spaces where individual family members can pursue their own interests: a dedicated craft space, a family office, and a kids’ loft area. The redesign was forward thinking, to take the family into future phases in life, from the current teenage years through college years, and into the beyond of expanded family possibilities.

(This is a 3D Design - NOT a photo!) Sometimes a designer has in mind a concept that can seem too radical for the homeowner... until they see it in 3D. Here, we were able to demonstrate to the client the dramatic effect that near-ceiling height mirrors would have on the space. The ceiling seems much higher and the space much grander... the client was convinced.

Wall Mural features Orchids that are named for each grandchild in the family. The trompe loeil effect by master fine artist, Brenda Councill shows a convincing illusion of orchids sitting on gold (leaf) brackets.

The family room already had its sectional sofa/recliner, but needed our finishing touches. We added bright pillows, accent tables, and lamps and more. Despite initial protests, we convinced these clients that NOT matching end and coffee tables looks great (when they saw them they totally agreed)! We hung the clients fabulous African masks as a great personal accent.