The homeowner expressed a desire to open up a mostly enclosed kitchen with narrow entry that did not fully take advantage of the beautiful exterior views of the property. The owner, as someone who loves to cook, also desired to improve the functionality and take design inspiration from countryside kitchens in England. We opened the kitchen to the beautiful gardens and pool on the surrounding wooded lot. In addition to ample prep and storage space, the full Miele cooking package including a combi-steam oven and an extra-large farm sink all work together to make cooking and entertaining as efficient as it is fun. By borrowing some floor space from an adjoining over-sized powder room, we were able to create a spacious entrance featuring a bench, coat storage and a hutch with many drawers for hats and gloves as well as open shelving for display. We maximized extra space in the design by adding a custom built-in wet bar with walnut accents and open shelving that is perfect for entertaining guests. Along with the large bank of new doors and windows, we achieved a simple yet detailed kitchen and island with a subdued palette accented with splashes of vivid color and gleaming English brass fixtures taking full advantages of beautiful views and natural light.

The homeowner expressed a desire to open up a mostly enclosed kitchen with narrow entry that did not fully take advantage of the beautiful exterior views of the property. The owner, as someone who loves to cook, also desired to improve the functionality and take design inspiration from countryside kitchens in England. We opened the kitchen to the beautiful gardens and pool on the surrounding wooded lot. In addition to ample prep and storage space, the full Miele cooking package including a combi-steam oven and an extra-large farm sink all work together to make cooking and entertaining as efficient as it is fun. By borrowing some floor space from an adjoining over-sized powder room, we were able to create a spacious entrance featuring a bench, coat storage and a hutch with many drawers for hats and gloves as well as open shelving for display. We maximized extra space in the design by adding a custom built-in wet bar with walnut accents and open shelving that is perfect for entertaining guests. Along with the large bank of new doors and windows, we achieved a simple yet detailed kitchen and island with a subdued palette accented with splashes of vivid color and gleaming English brass fixtures taking full advantages of beautiful views and natural light.

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Photo credit Jane Beiles Located on a beautiful property with a legacy of architectural and landscape innovation, this guest house was originally designed by the offices of Eliot Noyes and Alan Goldberg. Due to its age and expanded use as an in-law dwelling for extended stays, the 1200 sf structure required a renovation and small addition. While one objective was to make the structure function independently of the main house with its own access road, garage, and entrance, another objective was to knit the guest house into the architectural fabric of the property. New window openings deliberately frame landscape and architectural elements on the site, while exterior finishes borrow from that of the main house (cedar, zinc, field stone) bringing unity to the family compound. Inside, the use of lighter materials gives the simple, efficient spaces airiness. A challenge was to find an interior design vocabulary which is both simple and clean, but not cold or uninteresting. A combination of rough slate, white washed oak, and high gloss lacquer cabinets provide interest and texture, but with their minimal detailing create a sense of calm.

Photo credit Jane Beiles Located on a beautiful property with a legacy of architectural and landscape innovation, this guest house was originally designed by the offices of Eliot Noyes and Alan Goldberg. Due to its age and expanded use as an in-law dwelling for extended stays, the 1200 sf structure required a renovation and small addition. While one objective was to make the structure function independently of the main house with its own access road, garage, and entrance, another objective was to knit the guest house into the architectural fabric of the property. New window openings deliberately frame landscape and architectural elements on the site, while exterior finishes borrow from that of the main house (cedar, zinc, field stone) bringing unity to the family compound. Inside, the use of lighter materials gives the simple, efficient spaces airiness. A challenge was to find an interior design vocabulary which is both simple and clean, but not cold or uninteresting. A combination of rough slate, white washed oak, and high gloss lacquer cabinets provide interest and texture, but with their minimal detailing create a sense of calm.

Photo credit Jane Beiles Located on a beautiful property with a legacy of architectural and landscape innovation, this guest house was originally designed by the offices of Eliot Noyes and Alan Goldberg. Due to its age and expanded use as an in-law dwelling for extended stays, the 1200 sf structure required a renovation and small addition. While one objective was to make the structure function independently of the main house with its own access road, garage, and entrance, another objective was to knit the guest house into the architectural fabric of the property. New window openings deliberately frame landscape and architectural elements on the site, while exterior finishes borrow from that of the main house (cedar, zinc, field stone) bringing unity to the family compound. Inside, the use of lighter materials gives the simple, efficient spaces airiness. A challenge was to find an interior design vocabulary which is both simple and clean, but not cold or uninteresting. A combination of rough slate, white washed oak, and high gloss lacquer cabinets provide interest and texture, but with their minimal detailing create a sense of calm.

We used: Custom cherry cabinetry in Arts & Crafts Shaker style by Kabinart in Boulder and Espresso stains. Liberty Hardware Venetian bronze 1-1/2" cabinet knobs. KitchenAid Architect II Series 22 CF counter-depth French door refrigerator. KitchenAid Architect Series II 27" convection single wall oven. KitchenAid 36" 6-burner dual fuel freestanding commercial-style range. KitchenAid Architect II Series 24" dishwasher. Sharp Insight Pro Series 24" built-in microwave drawer (Model #KB6524PS). Crystorama Solaris 12" wide pendant lights in English bronze. Granite countertops in Brown Fantasy. 3"x6" polished marble backsplash. Paint colors: Walls: Glidden Silver Cloud 30YY 63/024 Ceilings/Trims/Doors: Glidden Swan White GLC23 Robert B. Narod Photography

Photo credit Jane Beiles Located on a beautiful property with a legacy of architectural and landscape innovation, this guest house was originally designed by the offices of Eliot Noyes and Alan Goldberg. Due to its age and expanded use as an in-law dwelling for extended stays, the 1200 sf structure required a renovation and small addition. While one objective was to make the structure function independently of the main house with its own access road, garage, and entrance, another objective was to knit the guest house into the architectural fabric of the property. New window openings deliberately frame landscape and architectural elements on the site, while exterior finishes borrow from that of the main house (cedar, zinc, field stone) bringing unity to the family compound. Inside, the use of lighter materials gives the simple, efficient spaces airiness. A challenge was to find an interior design vocabulary which is both simple and clean, but not cold or uninteresting. A combination of rough slate, white washed oak, and high gloss lacquer cabinets provide interest and texture, but with their minimal detailing create a sense of calm.

Photo credit Jane Beiles Located on a beautiful property with a legacy of architectural and landscape innovation, this guest house was originally designed by the offices of Eliot Noyes and Alan Goldberg. Due to its age and expanded use as an in-law dwelling for extended stays, the 1200 sf structure required a renovation and small addition. While one objective was to make the structure function independently of the main house with its own access road, garage, and entrance, another objective was to knit the guest house into the architectural fabric of the property. New window openings deliberately frame landscape and architectural elements on the site, while exterior finishes borrow from that of the main house (cedar, zinc, field stone) bringing unity to the family compound. Inside, the use of lighter materials gives the simple, efficient spaces airiness. A challenge was to find an interior design vocabulary which is both simple and clean, but not cold or uninteresting. A combination of rough slate, white washed oak, and high gloss lacquer cabinets provide interest and texture, but with their minimal detailing create a sense of calm.

Photo credit Jane Beiles Located on a beautiful property with a legacy of architectural and landscape innovation, this guest house was originally designed by the offices of Eliot Noyes and Alan Goldberg. Due to its age and expanded use as an in-law dwelling for extended stays, the 1200 sf structure required a renovation and small addition. While one objective was to make the structure function independently of the main house with its own access road, garage, and entrance, another objective was to knit the guest house into the architectural fabric of the property. New window openings deliberately frame landscape and architectural elements on the site, while exterior finishes borrow from that of the main house (cedar, zinc, field stone) bringing unity to the family compound. Inside, the use of lighter materials gives the simple, efficient spaces airiness. A challenge was to find an interior design vocabulary which is both simple and clean, but not cold or uninteresting. A combination of rough slate, white washed oak, and high gloss lacquer cabinets provide interest and texture, but with their minimal detailing create a sense of calm.

Photo credit Jane Beiles Located on a beautiful property with a legacy of architectural and landscape innovation, this guest house was originally designed by the offices of Eliot Noyes and Alan Goldberg. Due to its age and expanded use as an in-law dwelling for extended stays, the 1200 sf structure required a renovation and small addition. While one objective was to make the structure function independently of the main house with its own access road, garage, and entrance, another objective was to knit the guest house into the architectural fabric of the property. New window openings deliberately frame landscape and architectural elements on the site, while exterior finishes borrow from that of the main house (cedar, zinc, field stone) bringing unity to the family compound. Inside, the use of lighter materials gives the simple, efficient spaces airiness. A challenge was to find an interior design vocabulary which is both simple and clean, but not cold or uninteresting. A combination of rough slate, white washed oak, and high gloss lacquer cabinets provide interest and texture, but with their minimal detailing create a sense of calm.

Photo credit Jane Beiles Located on a beautiful property with a legacy of architectural and landscape innovation, this guest house was originally designed by the offices of Eliot Noyes and Alan Goldberg. Due to its age and expanded use as an in-law dwelling for extended stays, the 1200 sf structure required a renovation and small addition. While one objective was to make the structure function independently of the main house with its own access road, garage, and entrance, another objective was to knit the guest house into the architectural fabric of the property. New window openings deliberately frame landscape and architectural elements on the site, while exterior finishes borrow from that of the main house (cedar, zinc, field stone) bringing unity to the family compound. Inside, the use of lighter materials gives the simple, efficient spaces airiness. A challenge was to find an interior design vocabulary which is both simple and clean, but not cold or uninteresting. A combination of rough slate, white washed oak, and high gloss lacquer cabinets provide interest and texture, but with their minimal detailing create a sense of calm.

Rob Karosis
Example of a classic hallway design in New York

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

This spacious home in the foothills of Northwest Corvallis is an absolute beauty! Remodeling the kitchen and laundry room greatly expanded the possibilities for storage and organization and created an entirely fresh appeal. The ceilings throughout the home had been paneled with warm, gorgeous wood. To build on that detail, we incorporated hints of wood in the new design at the range hood, sink cabinetry, desktop, and open shelving. There was also existing tile flooring that the homeowner wanted to keep, so light, neutral cabinetry was the perfect complement to the wood and tile, brightening the entire space. The two-tiered wrap around peninsula offers an abundance of room for guests to sit and eat or visit with those in the kitchen. It also serves to delineate the kitchen from the living area. Although the kitchen’s footprint wasn’t altered, we did move the stove to the back wall. This change optimized functionality and set a dramatic focal point. The professional-style, six-burner gas range is sure to be a high-performer when cooking any meal. On special occasions when numerous dishes are on the menu, the convection microwave will come in handy, operating as a second oven or a microwave. The under-counter dish drawers provide efficient storage and eliminate the need for pulling serving pieces down from an overhead cabinet. A custom pegboard organizer holds each dish securely in place to prevent shifting when the drawer is opened and closed. Conveniently located near the dishwasher, it makes unloading a breeze! Open shelving provides additional room to keep items close at hand and adds to the cottage feel. These homeowners have chosen to shelve small appliances in their newly remodeled laundry room that’s directly off the kitchen. In this way, it serves as a second “pantry.” Adjacent to the kitchen, there is now a beautiful workspace. Its glass upper cabinets are a fantastic place to display pottery, dishware, and cookbooks. We borrowed a few inches on the end of a bordering kitchen cabinet to construct a message center and mail sorting console. What a clever way to create a spot for pending paperwork while keeping it tucked behind the cabinet doors.

This spacious home in the foothills of Northwest Corvallis is an absolute beauty! Remodeling the kitchen and laundry room greatly expanded the possibilities for storage and organization and created an entirely fresh appeal. The ceilings throughout the home had been paneled with warm, gorgeous wood. To build on that detail, we incorporated hints of wood in the new design at the range hood, sink cabinetry, desktop, and open shelving. There was also existing tile flooring that the homeowner wanted to keep, so light, neutral cabinetry was the perfect complement to the wood and tile, brightening the entire space. The two-tiered wrap around peninsula offers an abundance of room for guests to sit and eat or visit with those in the kitchen. It also serves to delineate the kitchen from the living area. Although the kitchen’s footprint wasn’t altered, we did move the stove to the back wall. This change optimized functionality and set a dramatic focal point. The professional-style, six-burner gas range is sure to be a high-performer when cooking any meal. On special occasions when numerous dishes are on the menu, the convection microwave will come in handy, operating as a second oven or a microwave. The under-counter dish drawers provide efficient storage and eliminate the need for pulling serving pieces down from an overhead cabinet. A custom pegboard organizer holds each dish securely in place to prevent shifting when the drawer is opened and closed. Conveniently located near the dishwasher, it makes unloading a breeze! Open shelving provides additional room to keep items close at hand and adds to the cottage feel. These homeowners have chosen to shelve small appliances in their newly remodeled laundry room that’s directly off the kitchen. In this way, it serves as a second “pantry.” Adjacent to the kitchen, there is now a beautiful workspace. Its glass upper cabinets are a fantastic place to display pottery, dishware, and cookbooks. We borrowed a few inches on the end of a bordering kitchen cabinet to construct a message center and mail sorting console. What a clever way to create a spot for pending paperwork while keeping it tucked behind the cabinet doors.

This spacious home in the foothills of Northwest Corvallis is an absolute beauty! Remodeling the kitchen and laundry room greatly expanded the possibilities for storage and organization and created an entirely fresh appeal. The ceilings throughout the home had been paneled with warm, gorgeous wood. To build on that detail, we incorporated hints of wood in the new design at the range hood, sink cabinetry, desktop, and open shelving. There was also existing tile flooring that the homeowner wanted to keep, so light, neutral cabinetry was the perfect complement to the wood and tile, brightening the entire space. The two-tiered wrap around peninsula offers an abundance of room for guests to sit and eat or visit with those in the kitchen. It also serves to delineate the kitchen from the living area. Although the kitchen’s footprint wasn’t altered, we did move the stove to the back wall. This change optimized functionality and set a dramatic focal point. The professional-style, six-burner gas range is sure to be a high-performer when cooking any meal. On special occasions when numerous dishes are on the menu, the convection microwave will come in handy, operating as a second oven or a microwave. The under-counter dish drawers provide efficient storage and eliminate the need for pulling serving pieces down from an overhead cabinet. A custom pegboard organizer holds each dish securely in place to prevent shifting when the drawer is opened and closed. Conveniently located near the dishwasher, it makes unloading a breeze! Open shelving provides additional room to keep items close at hand and adds to the cottage feel. These homeowners have chosen to shelve small appliances in their newly remodeled laundry room that’s directly off the kitchen. In this way, it serves as a second “pantry.” Adjacent to the kitchen, there is now a beautiful workspace. Its glass upper cabinets are a fantastic place to display pottery, dishware, and cookbooks. We borrowed a few inches on the end of a bordering kitchen cabinet to construct a message center and mail sorting console. What a clever way to create a spot for pending paperwork while keeping it tucked behind the cabinet doors.

This spacious home in the foothills of Northwest Corvallis is an absolute beauty! Remodeling the kitchen and laundry room greatly expanded the possibilities for storage and organization and created an entirely fresh appeal. The ceilings throughout the home had been paneled with warm, gorgeous wood. To build on that detail, we incorporated hints of wood in the new design at the range hood, sink cabinetry, desktop, and open shelving. There was also existing tile flooring that the homeowner wanted to keep, so light, neutral cabinetry was the perfect complement to the wood and tile, brightening the entire space. The two-tiered wrap around peninsula offers an abundance of room for guests to sit and eat or visit with those in the kitchen. It also serves to delineate the kitchen from the living area. Although the kitchen’s footprint wasn’t altered, we did move the stove to the back wall. This change optimized functionality and set a dramatic focal point. The professional-style, six-burner gas range is sure to be a high-performer when cooking any meal. On special occasions when numerous dishes are on the menu, the convection microwave will come in handy, operating as a second oven or a microwave. The under-counter dish drawers provide efficient storage and eliminate the need for pulling serving pieces down from an overhead cabinet. A custom pegboard organizer holds each dish securely in place to prevent shifting when the drawer is opened and closed. Conveniently located near the dishwasher, it makes unloading a breeze! Open shelving provides additional room to keep items close at hand and adds to the cottage feel. These homeowners have chosen to shelve small appliances in their newly remodeled laundry room that’s directly off the kitchen. In this way, it serves as a second “pantry.” Adjacent to the kitchen, there is now a beautiful workspace. Its glass upper cabinets are a fantastic place to display pottery, dishware, and cookbooks. We borrowed a few inches on the end of a bordering kitchen cabinet to construct a message center and mail sorting console. What a clever way to create a spot for pending paperwork while keeping it tucked behind the cabinet doors.

This spacious home in the foothills of Northwest Corvallis is an absolute beauty! Remodeling the kitchen and laundry room greatly expanded the possibilities for storage and organization and created an entirely fresh appeal. The ceilings throughout the home had been paneled with warm, gorgeous wood. To build on that detail, we incorporated hints of wood in the new design at the range hood, sink cabinetry, desktop, and open shelving. There was also existing tile flooring that the homeowner wanted to keep, so light, neutral cabinetry was the perfect complement to the wood and tile, brightening the entire space. The two-tiered wrap around peninsula offers an abundance of room for guests to sit and eat or visit with those in the kitchen. It also serves to delineate the kitchen from the living area. Although the kitchen’s footprint wasn’t altered, we did move the stove to the back wall. This change optimized functionality and set a dramatic focal point. The professional-style, six-burner gas range is sure to be a high-performer when cooking any meal. On special occasions when numerous dishes are on the menu, the convection microwave will come in handy, operating as a second oven or a microwave. The under-counter dish drawers provide efficient storage and eliminate the need for pulling serving pieces down from an overhead cabinet. A custom pegboard organizer holds each dish securely in place to prevent shifting when the drawer is opened and closed. Conveniently located near the dishwasher, it makes unloading a breeze! Open shelving provides additional room to keep items close at hand and adds to the cottage feel. These homeowners have chosen to shelve small appliances in their newly remodeled laundry room that’s directly off the kitchen. In this way, it serves as a second “pantry.” Adjacent to the kitchen, there is now a beautiful workspace. Its glass upper cabinets are a fantastic place to display pottery, dishware, and cookbooks. We borrowed a few inches on the end of a bordering kitchen cabinet to construct a message center and mail sorting console. What a clever way to create a spot for pending paperwork while keeping it tucked behind the cabinet doors.