We started with a step off the porch and onto a sloping backyard that was unusable and we transformed it into a larger, useable outdoor living space by adding a circular seat wall with built in LED low voltage lighting, a natural gas burning fire pit, 790 sq feet of Tremron pavers, custom build walls that were sunken to add a cozy atmosphere. We build a veranda style step down allowing access all across to the patio from the existing porch. we installed Low Voltage LED lighting to the steps to allow visibility at night. We graded the entire back yard to allow the kids a great spot to play football and soccer, while maintaining a proper drainage system for storm water runoff. We also fixed all of the disrupted sod areas with 8000 sq ft of Bermuda sod and built natural areas full of plant material for privacy and aesthetics.

Once home to antiquarian Horace Walpole, ‘Heckfield Place’ has been judiciously re-crafted into an ‘effortlessly stylish' countryside hotel with beautiful bedrooms, as well as two restaurants, a private cinema, Little Bothy spa, wine cellar, gardens and Home Farm, centred on sustainability and biodynamic farming principles. Spratley & Partners completed the dramatic transformation of the 430-acre site in Hampshire into the UK’s most eagerly anticipated, luxury hotel in 2018, after a significant programme of restoration works which began in 2009 for private investment company, Morningside Group. Later, modern additions to the site, which was being used as a conference centre and wedding venue, were largely unsympathetic and not in-keeping with the original form and layout; the house was extended in the 1980s with a block of bedrooms and conference facilities which were small, basic and required substantial upgrading. The rooms in the listed building had also been subdivided, creating cramped spaces and disrupting the historical plan of the house. After years of careful restoration and collaboration, this elegant, Grade II listed Georgian house and estate has been brought back to life and sensitively woven into its secluded landscape surroundings.

Clean lines and a refined material palette transformed the Moss Hill House master bath into an open, light-filled space appropriate to its 1960 modern character. Underlying the design is a thoughtful intent to maximize opportunities within the long narrow footprint. Minimizing project cost and disruption, fixture locations were generally maintained. All interior walls and existing soaking tub were removed, making room for a large walk-in shower. Large planes of glass provide definition and maintain desired openness, allowing daylight from clerestory windows to fill the space. Light-toned finishes and large format tiles throughout offer an uncluttered vision. Polished marble “circles” provide textural contrast and small-scale detail, while an oak veneered vanity adds additional warmth. In-floor radiant heat, reclaimed veneer, dimming controls, and ample daylighting are important sustainable features. This renovation converted a well-worn room into one with a modern functionality and a visual timelessness that will take it into the future. Photographed by: place, inc

This Jersey City, NJ space was the first permanent ‘home’ for the yoga studio, so it was essential for us to listen well and design a space to serve their needs for years to come. Through our design process, we helped to guide the owners through the fit-out of their new studio location that required minimal demolition and disruption to the existing space. Together, we converted a space originally used as a preschool into a welcoming, spacious yoga studio for local yogis. We created one main yoga studio by combining four small classrooms into a single larger space with new walls, while all the other program spaces (including designated areas for holistic treatments, massage, and bodywork) were accommodated into pre-existing rooms. Our team completed all demo, sheetrock, electrical, and painting aspects of the project. (The studio owners did some of the work themselves, and a different company installed the flooring and carpets.) The results speak for themselves: a peaceful, restorative space to facilitate health and healing for the studio’s community. Looking to renovate your place of business? Contact the Houseplay team; we’ll help make it happen! Photo Credit: Anne Ruthmann Photography

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MA Peterson www.mapeterson.com This vintage 1930s Edina Country Club area home was already privy to an elegant setting and a sunny location. For a traditional family room remodel that honored the home's style, we took a classic approach with the architecture, interior design and custom cabinets. Natural light streams into the room through large, arched windows, and filters freely into the rest of the house thanks to the clear and open interior design. Custom wood cabinets add storage and style without disrupting the warm natural tones of light and wood.

This kitchen beautifully captures the spirit of modern farmhouse design, blending warmth, simplicity, and refined craftsmanship into a space designed for both everyday living and elevated entertaining. Natural wood cabinetry defines the aesthetic, introducing organic texture and a sense of timeless comfort. The clean lines and flat-panel design provide a contemporary edge, creating the perfect balance between rustic charm and modern sophistication. At the center, a generously sized island anchors the space — designed as a multifunctional hub for cooking, gathering, and connection. The contrast between the warm wood surfaces and deep-toned lower cabinetry adds depth and visual interest while maintaining the calm, cohesive palette. Statement pendant lighting floats effortlessly above, bringing a subtle industrial touch that complements the farmhouse style. The sleek fixtures and matte finishes enhance the kitchen’s modern character without disrupting its inviting atmosphere. Large black-framed windows flood the space with natural light, strengthening the indoor-outdoor connection and highlighting the harmony of materials. Every detail, from hardware selection to layout flow, was thoughtfully curated to create a kitchen that feels welcoming, functional, and effortlessly elegant.

The Blu Homes Breezehouse. On the far end, the Nano Walls open to the outdoor deck. Photo by Michael Kelley
Inspiration for a huge contemporary open concept dark wood floor living room remodel in Los Angeles with white walls, a standard fireplace, a tile fireplace and a wall-mounted tv

Cookbooks. A place for my clients much loved books was high on the list of reccommendations for thier family‘s new kitchen design. Not being able to part from any, my client needed a dedicated space for them to display amongst the design. The existing formal closed loving at the front of the home, entered into a separate compact kitchen and dining were to be transformed into an open, free flowing interior not disrupted by walls but somewhere the whole family were able to gather. A soft palette layered with fresh whites, large slabs of clouded concrete benches, planked Jarrah timber floors finished with solid timber Blackbutt accents allow for seamless integration into the home‘s interior. Cabinetry compliments the expansive length of the kitchen, whilst the simplicity of design provides impact to the home.

Cookbooks. A place for my clients much loved books was high on the list of reccommendations for thier family‘s new kitchen design. Not being able to part from any, my client needed a dedicated space for them to display amongst the design. The existing formal closed loving at the front of the home, entered into a separate compact kitchen and dining were to be transformed into an open, free flowing interior not disrupted by walls but somewhere the whole family were able to gather. A soft palette layered with fresh whites, large slabs of clouded concrete benches, planked Jarrah timber floors finished with solid timber Blackbutt accents allow for seamless integration into the home‘s interior. Cabinetry compliments the expansive length of the kitchen, whilst the simplicity of design provides impact to the home.

Design: Tara Fust
Tuscan kitchen photo in Atlanta

This Jersey City, NJ space was the first permanent ‘home’ for the yoga studio, so it was essential for us to listen well and design a space to serve their needs for years to come. Through our design process, we helped to guide the owners through the fit-out of their new studio location that required minimal demolition and disruption to the existing space. Together, we converted a space originally used as a preschool into a welcoming, spacious yoga studio for local yogis. We created one main yoga studio by combining four small classrooms into a single larger space with new walls, while all the other program spaces (including designated areas for holistic treatments, massage, and bodywork) were accommodated into pre-existing rooms. Our team completed all demo, sheetrock, electrical, and painting aspects of the project. (The studio owners did some of the work themselves, and a different company installed the flooring and carpets.) The results speak for themselves: a peaceful, restorative space to facilitate health and healing for the studio’s community. Looking to renovate your place of business? Contact the Houseplay team; we’ll help make it happen! Photo Credit: Anne Ruthmann Photography

We started with a step off the porch and onto a sloping backyard that was unusable and we transformed it into a larger, useable outdoor living space by adding a circular seat wall with built in LED low voltage lighting, a natural gas burning fire pit, 790 sq feet of Tremron pavers, custom build walls that were sunken to add a cozy atmosphere. We build a veranda style step down allowing access all across to the patio from the existing porch. we installed Low Voltage LED lighting to the steps to allow visibility at night. We graded the entire back yard to allow the kids a great spot to play football and soccer, while maintaining a proper drainage system for storm water runoff. We also fixed all of the disrupted sod areas with 8000 sq ft of Bermuda sod and built natural areas full of plant material for privacy and aesthetics.

Cookbooks. A place for my clients much loved books was high on the list of reccommendations for thier family‘s new kitchen design. Not being able to part from any, my client needed a dedicated space for them to display amongst the design. The existing formal closed loving at the front of the home, entered into a separate compact kitchen and dining were to be transformed into an open, free flowing interior not disrupted by walls but somewhere the whole family were able to gather. A soft palette layered with fresh whites, large slabs of clouded concrete benches, planked Jarrah timber floors finished with solid timber Blackbutt accents allow for seamless integration into the home‘s interior. Cabinetry compliments the expansive length of the kitchen, whilst the simplicity of design provides impact to the home.

This project uses a neutral color palette to enhance the sea view, allowing the natural beauty outside to participate in the apartment's design. The soft whites, beiges, and creams throughout create a calming, cohesive backdrop that amplifies the light and airy ambiance of each space. To add vibrancy and personality, carefully selected artwork and decor pieces introduce pops of color, serving as focal points without disrupting the serene atmosphere. Thoughtfully incorporated biophilic design elements—such as fresh greenery and organic shapes—bring a natural feel indoors, fostering a connection with nature. The outcome is a sophisticated space that feels both luxurious and inviting.

This bathroom showcases a clean and calming design centered around a sleek walk in shower with a frameless glass enclosure. Large format marble look wall tile creates a seamless and elevated backdrop, bringing a spa inspired feel while maintaining durability for everyday use. Black shower fixtures add crisp contrast against the soft white and gray veining, while a built in niche provides functional storage without disrupting the clean lines. The result is a refined and modern bathroom that feels bright, timeless, and thoughtfully detailed.

This bright and streamlined bedroom showcases the elegance of clean lines and uncluttered design. Rich, dark-stained hardwood floors anchor the space, while crisp white walls and trim enhance its airy feel. A ceiling skylight fills the room with natural daylight, creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere that shifts beautifully throughout the day. The double-door closet adds both functionality and style, offering ample storage without disrupting the room’s modern, minimalist aesthetic. Perfect as a serene retreat, guest room, or versatile home office.

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. Joe Nowak