This bathroom was created in an odd attic style space that was converted into a teenager's bedroom-bathroom suite. The bath's color choices were based on a palette that reflected the teen's fun and exuberant personality. Designing the bath required taking the small, oddly shaped space and plumbing challenges into consideration in route to making a space efficient, well designed room.

Step into this stunning kitchen, where classic elegance meets modern functionality. The white shaker cabinets create a striking contrast against the rich, dark granite countertops, offering a timeless and sophisticated look that is sure to impress. The clean lines of the shaker design provide a versatile backdrop that can adapt to any decor style, making it an ideal choice for those who appreciate both beauty and practicality. Adding to the kitchen's refined appearance is the satin nickel hardware, which introduces a touch of contemporary flair while maintaining a polished and cohesive aesthetic. The subtle sheen of the satin finish complements the overall design, enhancing the visual appeal without overpowering it. This thoughtful detail not only contributes to the kitchen's chic ambiance but also ensures that every element works harmoniously together. Beyond its stunning visuals, this kitchen is designed with functionality in mind. The spacious countertops offer plenty of room for meal prep and entertaining, while the ample cabinet space ensures all your culinary essentials are neatly stored and easily accessible. Whether you're a seasoned chef or simply love to cook, this kitchen provides an inviting and efficient space that makes every culinary adventure a pleasure. Embrace the blend of style and substance, and enjoy the heart of your home like never before.

Leanna Rathkelly Photography
Inspiration for a contemporary master medium tone wood floor bedroom remodel in Vancouver with white walls

Scott and Janet of Elgin have had four design to build renovations with Advance Design over the last decade. We got the chance to sit down and talk with Janet about her experience working with Advance Design on so many different areas of her home. Starting with her kitchen in 2009, Janet proclaimed, “The reason we kept coming back is because our first [renovation] went so extremely well, exceeding all of my expectations.” Since their kitchen renovation with Advance Design ten years ago, Scott and Janet have also worked with Advance to remodel their master bedroom, their power room, a wet bar, and most recently their master bath. Having renovated practically every major room in the house with the team, we asked Janet what made her experience with Advance Design so special. “We went with Advance Design because we trusted them so much more, their experience, and everything that they brought. We were confident they were giving us what we wanted for the money we were spending.” For their most recent renovation, Scott and Janet clearly knew what to expect going into their master bath renovation. They were familiar with Advance’s step by step design process that epitomizes the “Common Sense Remodeling” philosophy applied in every project Advance creates. After once again experiencing the careful budgeting analysis, the pointed design meetings, and the clear documentation that leads up the a thoroughly managed installation, Janet’s simple summary of their experience is this; “The word I would use to describe the process is – collaboration!” Working closely with Advance Design kitchen designer Michelle Lecinski, together they were able to develop a new master bath design that not only worked with their investment goal, but also made sense for their lifestyle. “Oh Michelle, my designer! I connected with her immediately. She spent time getting to know us, our lifestyle, even the setting of our house.” The threesome had a great experience designing and producing yet another successful project together. When it came to their new project plans, Scott and Janet were interested in creating a relaxing “spa-like” experience in their master bath. One of the many ideas Michelle introduced during the design process was installing a Kohler Alteo series showerhead for a rain-like shower experience. This designer showerhead, mixed with the warm ambiance of the lighting and pebble accent running throughout the shower make for what Janet calls a “luxury spa essence”. From the oversized glass sliding door to the recessed niche for accessories, each special detail was considered and implemented intentionally so as to create the maximumly optimized use of the compact space. Not only was this transformation one of beauty and luxury, but special attention was given to every way possible to provide additional storage to maximize the functionality of the bath area as a whole. Once design was complete and the bath construction project began in their home, making sure everything happened efficiently and on schedule became new priority number one. “Having a project manager made an enormous difference,” Janet said, “It was so worth it to hire professionals that knew exactly what they were doing. Even after all of these years, I wouldn’t change a thing.” “It was a pleasure working together with Janet and Scott to create this beautiful space that will enhance their lives for many years,” says Michelle. “It is so much fun to get to do this job every day, I love that I can have this sort of impact on their lives by doing something for them [Janet & Scott] that comes so naturally to me!” After reviewing the long-term relationship with clients like Scott and Janet, owner Todd Jurs had this to say, “Clients returning and asking us to transform that next area of their home really warms my heart. It reaffirms that every decision to please clients no matter what is always the right choice, and that our honesty and integrity along with the immense collective talent of this team is recognized and appreciated by those who continue to return to us year after year.” He continued to say, “I always say how blessed we truly are to be able to do what we do, and experiences like this one put a smile on my face every time.”

This contemporary home on a prestigious Chicago area golf course is a registered LEED home (certification pending). Forward-thinking environmental design decisions, such as: Protecting heritage trees and re-planting trees throughout site, drought tolerant plantings, 100% rainwater retention, and next generation insulation and HVAC technologies are just a few of the design choices made to help this property preserve the environment and increase the home's efficiency.

The client approached us with a clear vision in mind for their kitchen in Fraserburgh: an open-plan, modern design that would accommodate their large family. Essential to this vision was the integration of an island, complete with a secondary eating area. This space was not only to be visually appealing but also functionally efficient, as it would need to cater to family gatherings and daily activities. The desire for ample seating and a spacious table, along with additional specific storage solutions, set the stage for our design choices. Drawing inspiration from the client's requirements, we opted for the Nolte Feel range, complemented by Silver MatrixArt handleless trims. The primary colour for the furniture was chosen as white, with a contrasting accent in Feel Lava to add a touch of modern sophistication. To further enhance the open feel, we made structural modifications: the existing kitchen window was lowered to usher in more natural light and provide an improved viewing angle. Additionally, the entrance to the sun lounge was broadened to foster a more expansive atmosphere. A kitchen's functionality is determined largely by its worktops and appliances. For this space, we used a sturdy 40mm thick Nolte Silver Ash worktop, providing both durability and style. In terms of appliances, we decided upon NEFF's range, which included a single oven, combination microwave, induction hob, and ceiling extraction, ensuring the client's culinary needs were well catered for. Recognising the family's unique requirements, we introduced several bespoke features. The Blanco Metra sink in Tartufo and the Quooker Fusion Square Stainless Steel instant boiling water tap combined functionality with modern aesthetics. With the client's large family in mind, we constructed a matching Nolte table and a built-in seating bench replete with storage drawers, maximising both seating and storage. Additionally, a custom-built unit for log storage was designed, mirroring the style of the kitchen, to serve their log-burning stove. The flooring, using Quickstep Arte, tied everything together, adding a touch of elegance to the room. Experience your dream kitchen with us. Reach out today to start your bespoke kitchen journey.

Rustic Lake Cottage Transformation This charming lake cottage was completely reimagined, building up from the existing structure to create a fully functional yet spacious vacation home. The interior was entirely gutted, the ceiling removed, and a loft was added, enhancing both height and openness. Though compact, the home feels airy and inviting, with a carefully planned layout that includes three small bedrooms, a kitchen, a living room, a dining room, a walk-in pantry, a mudroom, and a full bath featuring a barrier-free shower and a standalone tub. The rustic design is brought to life with stained natural wood plank floors and ceilings, while the walls are clad in painted wood planks for a warm yet bright aesthetic. The cathedral ceiling in the living room, bathroom, and loft bedroom adds a sense of grandeur, complemented by exposed beams that enhance the rustic charm. The open staircase with steel bar railings and open risers maintains sightlines, ensuring the space remains visually connected. A step-down dining room features built-in storage and a TV, making efficient use of space. The gray-painted kitchen cabinets, paired with granite countertops, blend seamlessly into the great room, while a walk-in pantry provides additional storage. Compact appliances and leather furniture further optimize the home’s footprint. Custom barn doors throughout the home serve as both functional and decorative elements, concealing the coat closet, washer/dryer closet, and bedrooms. Expansive new windows flood the space with natural light, offering picturesque lake views. Finishing touches include recessed lighting, painted gray wood siding, and thoughtful design choices that make this cozy retreat feel effortlessly spacious. This renovation balances form and function, delivering a rustic yet refined getaway that embraces its lakeside setting.

Completed in collaboration with Katie Emmons Design, this Fall 2024 renovation in Myers Park focused on transforming two of the home's most frequently used spaces: the primary bathroom and laundry room. The primary bathroom was reimagined as a relaxing retreat, featuring elegant finishes, improved functionality, and a layout designed to enhance everyday comfort. Thoughtful design choices created a bright, inviting atmosphere while maximizing storage and usability. The laundry room received a complete makeover with custom storage solutions, upgraded finishes, and a more efficient layout. By combining practicality with beautiful design, the space now supports daily routines while complementing the overall aesthetic of the home. This renovation demonstrates how thoughtful planning and quality craftsmanship can elevate both form and function. The result is a pair of beautifully updated spaces that bring comfort, organization, and timeless style to everyday living.

Leanna Rathkelly Photography
Bathroom - contemporary bathroom idea in Vancouver

Jewel-toned turquoise is a bold color choice for a master bedroom. The color at once grounds the space and adds a calming tone to an otherwise light color palette. With ReAlta, we are introducing for the first time in Charlotte a fully solar community. Each beautifully detailed home will incorporate low profile solar panels that will collect the sun’s rays to significantly offset the home’s energy usage. Combined with our industry-leading Home Efficiency Ratings (HERS), these solar systems will save a ReAlta homeowner thousands over the life of the home. Credit: Brendan Kahm

Kitchen - rustic kitchen idea in Salt Lake City

Shoot and Showcase
Mid-sized transitional l-shaped light wood floor eat-in kitchen photo in DC Metro with a single-bowl sink, shaker cabinets, gray cabinets, granite countertops and an island

Our clients in Tower Lakes, IL, needed more storage and functionality from their kitchen. They were primarily focused on finding the right combination of cabinets, shelves, and drawers that fit all their cookware, flatware, and appliances. They wanted a brighter, bigger space with a natural cooking flow and plenty of storage. Soffits and crown molding needed to be removed to make the kitchen feel larger. Redesign elements included: relocating the fridge, adding a baking station and coffee bar, and placing the microwave in the kitchen island. Advance Design Studio’s Claudia Pop offered functional, creative, and unique solutions to the homeowners’ problems. Our clients wanted a unique kitchen that was not completely white, a balance of design and function. Claudia offered functional, creative, and unique solutions to Chad and Karen’s kitchen design challenges. The first thing to go was soffits. Today, most kitchens can benefit from the added height and space; removing soffits is nearly always step one. Steely gray-blue was the color of choice for a freshly unique look bringing a sophisticated-looking space to wrap around the fresh new kitchen. Cherry cabinetry in a true brown stain compliments the stormy accents with sharp contrasting white Cambria quartz top balancing out the space with a dramatic flair. “We wanted something unique and special in this space, something none of the neighbors would have,” said Claudia. The dramatic veined Cambria countertops continue upward into a backsplash behind three complimentary open shelves. These countertops provide visual texture and movement in the kitchen. The kitchen includes two larder cabinets for both the coffee bar and baking station. The kitchen is now functional and unique in design. “When we design a new kitchen space, as designers, we are always looking for ways to balance interesting design elements with practical functionality,” Claudia said. “This kitchen’s new design is not only way more functional but is stunning in a way a piece of art can catch one’s attention.” Decorative mullions with mirrored inserts sit atop dual sentinel pantries flanking the new refrigerator, while a 48″ dual fuel Wolf range replaced the island cooktop and double oven. The new microwave is cleverly hidden within the island, eliminating the cluttered counter and attention-grabbing wall of stainless steel from the previous space. The family room was completely renovated, including a beautifully functional entertainment bar with the same combination of woods and stone as the kitchen and coffee bar. Mesh inserts instead of plain glass add visual texture while revealing pristine glassware. Handcrafted built-ins surround the fireplace. The beautiful and efficient design created by designer Claudia transitioned directly to the installation team seamlessly, much like the basement project experience Chad and Karen enjoyed previously. “We definitely will and have recommended Advance Design Studio to friends who are looking to embark on a project small or large,” Karen said. “Everything that was designed and built exactly how we envisioned it, and we are really enjoying it to its full potential,” Karen said. Our award-winning design team would love to create a beautiful, functional, and spacious place for you and your family. With our “Common Sense Remodeling” approach, the process of renovating your home has never been easier. Contact us today at 847-665-1711 or schedule an appointment.

Arlington Designer Homes Construction, LLC, June Stanich Photography
Living room - contemporary living room idea in DC Metro

In vinyl pools you can change a staircase, add a bench or swim-out, change the coping and of course change your old liner. Liner color choices are almost limitless and it is amazing what a new liner does to an old faded pool as seen in this photo. There are even pebbled colored liners in a tan tone that make them look more like a gunite pool. Here they also upgraded the pool by adding a slide, waterfalls and natural gas campfires. www.deckandpatio.com

Entryway - modern entryway idea in Vancouver

Alta Honeycomb Shades are elegant, energy efficient and timeless. Honeycomb Shades can be motorized, top up bottom down, bottom up only. A popular choice for many homeowners for window coverings.

When you need a siding contractor delivering exceptional customer service and decades of experience transforming the exterior of homes in the greater Charlotte area and beyond, Belk Builders is truly the best choice. We are committed to serve your needs through every step of your project, which means you are always kept informed during each step of your home’s transformation, knowing what to expect and when to expect it. The end result being an exterior that is more efficient, and more beautiful, increasing the value of your home in a number of ways. When you choose Belk Builders for siding replacement or siding upgrade project you get the peace of mind in knowing your job will be completed right the first time. Fully licensed and insured, we employ our own carefully selected, expertly trained team specialized in each specific field of remodeling. Our attention to detail is reminiscent of a by-gone area when true craftsmanship was considered a form of art. Photos courtesy Belk Builders.

Lee Austin and his team at Design Studio West was the right choice for the design and construction of a remodeled kitchen in our 100 year old home in La Jolla. The design recommendations and suggestions for materials and appliances were sensitive to the traditional style of our home. The construction crew at Design Studio West was always courteous, highly organized and efficient. At the end of the project, I asked myself, "Why did we take so long in deciding on a new kitchen?" During the past 4 years, the preparation and serving of many great meals to family and friends has been a joy. Martin Stein