Karen and Chad of Tower Lakes, IL were tired of their unfinished basement functioning as nothing more than a storage area and depressing gym. They wanted to increase the livable square footage of their home with a cohesive finished basement design, while incorporating space for the kids and adults to hang out. “We wanted to make sure that upon renovating the basement, that we can have a place where we can spend time and watch movies, but also entertain and showcase the wine collection that we have,” Karen said. After a long search comparing many different remodeling companies, Karen and Chad found Advance Design Studio. They were drawn towards the unique “Common Sense Remodeling” process that simplifies the renovation experience into predictable steps focused on customer satisfaction. “There are so many other design/build companies, who may not have transparency, or a focused process in mind and I think that is what separated Advance Design Studio from the rest,” Karen said. Karen loved how designer Claudia Pop was able to take very high-level concepts, “non-negotiable items” and implement them in the initial 3D drawings. Claudia and Project Manager DJ Yurik kept the couple in constant communication through the project. “Claudia was very receptive to the ideas we had, but she was also very good at infusing her own points and thoughts, she was very responsive, and we had an open line of communication,” Karen said. A very important part of the basement renovation for the couple was the home gym and sauna. The “high-end hotel” look and feel of the openly blended work out area is both highly functional and beautiful to look at. The home sauna gives them a place to relax after a long day of work or a tough workout. “The gym was a very important feature for us,” Karen said. “And I think (Advance Design) did a very great job in not only making the gym a functional area, but also an aesthetic point in our basement”. An extremely unique wow-factor in this basement is the walk in glass wine cellar that elegantly displays Karen and Chad’s extensive wine collection. Immediate access to the stunning wet bar accompanies the wine cellar to make this basement a popular spot for friends and family. The custom-built wine bar brings together two natural elements; Calacatta Vicenza Quartz and thick distressed Black Walnut. Sophisticated yet warm Graphite Dura Supreme cabinetry provides contrast to the soft beige walls and the Calacatta Gold backsplash. An undermount sink across from the bar in a matching Calacatta Vicenza Quartz countertop adds functionality and convenience to the bar, while identical distressed walnut floating shelves add an interesting design element and increased storage. Rich true brown Rustic Oak hardwood floors soften and warm the space drawing all the areas together. Across from the bar is a comfortable living area perfect for the family to sit down at a watch a movie. A full bath completes this finished basement with a spacious walk-in shower, Cocoa Brown Dura Supreme vanity with Calacatta Vicenza Quartz countertop, a crisp white sink and a stainless-steel Voss faucet. Advance Design’s Common Sense process gives clients the opportunity to walk through the basement renovation process one step at a time, in a completely predictable and controlled environment. “Everything was designed and built exactly how we envisioned it, and we are really enjoying it to it’s full potential,” Karen said. Constantly striving for customer satisfaction, Advance Design’s success is heavily reliant upon happy clients referring their friends and family. “We definitely will and have recommended Advance Design Studio to friends who are looking to embark on a remodeling project small or large,” Karen exclaimed at the completion of her project.

1. Safety Light is an amazing thing. It illuminates everything around us and allows us to see. Unfortunately, every night the sun removes itself along with its full spectrum of light. Now those things that we would normally see like steps, trees, or pools become difficult to see. Climbing stairs without lighting is a great way to fall. Even worse is if you miss the stairs and run face first into a tree. Worse than that is if you fall into the pool. You can see where this is going. Lighting up a landscape is important for safety. Any family or friends who aren’t familiar with the property could be endangered without a properly lit environment. 2. Security I promise these aren’t scare tactics, but security is a valid concern. Thieves prospecting a property will look in from the street. A well-lit building will have a better chance of scaring off a potential burglar compared to a non-lit darker front-yard. It is much easier to sneak around in the dark than in a well-lit beautiful landscape. 3. Beauty and Value LED Directional Landscape Flood Lights are experiences with several tactics to create a beautiful, safe, and secure landscape. Through up lights, down lights, accents, and path lights there are several great ways to improve a yard. Lights can provide, shadows, highlights, silhouettes, wall-washes, and a moonlight effect. Those are plenty of options for a great designer to make something beautiful. Beyond that, crafted fixtures with specific textures can change the environment substantially. Alcon Lighting provides the widest expanse of great products to set the mood for your landscape. Not only does great lighting make a great experience, it also adds value to the property. A beautiful property with a well-lit architecture and landscape can completely change the outer appearance of a property. This kind of value can provide a great return on your investment. 4. You’ve been doing it for years You’ve probably been managing lighting design and landscape lighting for years. If you celebrate Christmas, you can appreciate the hard work and the resulting beauty of a well-lit or elegantly glowing property. Every year, it becomes a competition to light the most extravagant lights and get the biggest luminous trees. Landscape lighting is like a tasteful and all year Christmas experience. If you’ve already been lighting up your house once a year, why not make it a full-time experience?

  Free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   The Klimala’s and their three kids are no strangers to moving, this being their fifth house in the same town over the 20-year period they have lived there. “It must be the 7-year itch, because every seven years, we seem to find ourselves antsy for a new project or a new environment. I think part of it is being a designer, I see my own taste evolve and I want my environment to reflect that. Having easy access to wonderful tradesmen and a knowledge of the process makes it that much easier”. This time, Klimala’s fell in love with a somewhat unlikely candidate. The 1950’s ranch turned cape cod was a bit of a mutt, but it’s location 5 minutes from their design studio and backing up to the high school where their kids can roll out of bed and walk to school, coupled with the charm of its location on a private road and lush landscaping made it an appealing choice for them. “The bones of the house were really charming. It was typical 1,500 square foot ranch that at some point someone added a second floor to. Its sloped roofline and dormered bedrooms gave it some charm.” With the help of architect Maureen McHugh, Klimala’s gutted and reworked the layout to make the house work for them. An open concept kitchen and dining room allows for more frequent casual family dinners and dinner parties that linger. A dingy 3-season room off the back of the original house was insulated, given a vaulted ceiling with skylights and now opens up to the kitchen. This room now houses an 8’ raw edge white oak dining table and functions as an informal dining room. “One of the challenges with these mid-century homes is the 8’ ceilings. I had to have at least one room that had a higher ceiling so that’s how we did it” states Klimala. The kitchen features a 10’ island which houses a 5’0” Galley Sink. The Galley features two faucets, and double tiered rail system to which accessories such as cutting boards and stainless steel bowls can be added for ease of cooking. Across from the large sink is an induction cooktop. “My two teen daughters and I enjoy cooking, and the Galley and induction cooktop make it so easy.” A wall of tall cabinets features a full size refrigerator, freezer, double oven and built in coffeemaker. The area on the opposite end of the kitchen features a pantry with mirrored glass doors and a beverage center below. The rest of the first floor features an entry way, a living room with views to the front yard’s lush landscaping, a family room where the family hangs out to watch TV, a back entry from the garage with a laundry room and mudroom area, one of the home’s four bedrooms and a full bath. There is a double sided fireplace between the family room and living room. The home features pops of color from the living room’s peach grass cloth to purple painted wall in the family room. “I’m definitely a traditionalist at heart but because of the home’s Midcentury roots, I wanted to incorporate some of those elements into the furniture, lighting and accessories which also ended up being really fun. We are not formal people so I wanted a house that my kids would enjoy, have their friends over and feel comfortable.” The second floor houses the master bedroom suite, two of the kids’ bedrooms and a back room nicknamed “the library” because it has turned into a quiet get away area where the girls can study or take a break from the rest of the family. The area was originally unfinished attic, and because the home was short on closet space, this Jack and Jill area off the girls’ bedrooms houses two large walk-in closets and a small sitting area with a makeup vanity. “The girls really wanted to keep the exposed brick of the fireplace that runs up the through the space, so that’s what we did, and I think they feel like they are in their own little loft space in the city when they are up there” says Klimala. Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKD, CBD Photography by: Carlos Vergara For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

A TOUCHDOWN BY DESIGN Interior design by Jennifer Corredor, J Design Group, Coral Gables, Florida Text by Christine Davis Photography by Daniel Newcomb, Palm Beach Gardens, FL What did Detroit Lions linebacker, Stephen Tulloch, do when he needed a decorator for his new Miami 10,000-square-foot home? He tackled the situation by hiring interior designer Jennifer Corredor. Never defensive, he let her have run of the field. “He’d say, ‘Jen, do your thing,’” she says. And she did it well. The first order of the day was to get a lay of the land and a feel for what he wanted. For his primary residence, Tulloch chose a home in Pinecrest, Florida. — a great family neighborhood known for its schools and ample lot sizes. “His lot is huge,” Corredor says. “He could practice his game there if he wanted.” A laidback feeling permeates the suburban village, where mostly Mediterranean homes intermix with a few modern styles. With views toward the pool and a landscaped yard, Tulloch’s 10,000-square-foot home touches on both, a Mediterranean exterior with chic contemporary interiors. Step inside, where high ceilings and a sculptural stairway with oak treads and linear spindles immediately capture the eye. “Knowing he was more inclined toward an uncluttered look, and taking into consideration his age and lifestyle, I naturally took the path of choosing more modern furnishings,” the designer says. In the dining room, Tulloch specifically asked for a round table and Corredor found “Xilos Simplice” by Maxalto, a table that seats six to eight and has a Lazy Susan. And just past the stairway, two armless chairs from Calligaris and a semi-round sofa shape the living room. In keeping with Tulloch’s desire for a simple no-fuss lifestyle, leather is often used for upholstery. “He preferred wipe-able areas,” she says. “Nearly everything in the living room is clad in leather.” An architecturally striking, oak-coffered ceiling warms the family room, while Saturnia marble flooring grounds the space in cool comfort. “Since it’s just off the kitchen, this relaxed space provides the perfect place for family and friends to congregate — somewhere to hang out,” Corredor says. The deep-seated sofa wrapped in tan leather and Minotti armchairs in white join a pair of linen-clad ottomans for ample seating. With eight bedrooms in the home, there was “plenty of space to repurpose,” Corredor says. “Five are used for sleeping quarters, but the others have been converted into a billiard room, a home office and the memorabilia room.” On the first floor, the billiard room is set for fun and entertainment with doors that open to the pool area. The memorabilia room presented quite a challenge. Undaunted, Corredor delved into a seemingly never-ending collection of mementos to create a tribute to Tulloch’s career. “His team colors are blue and white, so we used those colors in this space,” she says. In a nod to Tulloch’s career on and off the field, his home office displays awards, recognition plaques and photos from his foundation. A Copenhagen desk, Herman Miller chair and leather-topped credenza further an aura of masculinity. All about relaxation, the master bedroom would not be complete without its own sitting area for viewing sports updates or late-night movies. Here, lounge chairs recline to create the perfect spot for Tulloch to put his feet up and watch TV. “He wanted it to be really comfortable,” Corredor says A total redo was required in the master bath, where the now 12-foot-long shower is a far cry from those in a locker room. “This bath is more like a launching pad to get you going in the morning,” Corredor says. “All in all, it’s a fun, warm and beautiful environment,” the designer says. “I wanted to create something unique, that would make my client proud and happy.” In Tulloch’s world, that’s a touchdown. Your friendly Interior design firm in Miami at your service. Contemporary - Modern Interior designs. Top Interior Design Firm in Miami – Coral Gables. Office, Offices, Kitchen, Kitchens, Bedroom, Bedrooms, Bed, Queen bed, King Bed, Single bed, House Interior Designer, House Interior Designers, Home Interior Designer, Home Interior Designers, Residential Interior Designer, Residential Interior Designers, Modern Interior Designers, Miami Beach Designers, Best Miami Interior Designers, Miami Beach Interiors, Luxurious Design in Miami, Top designers, Deco Miami, Luxury interiors, Miami modern, Interior Designer Miami, Contemporary Interior Designers, Coco Plum Interior Designers, Miami Interior Designer, Sunny Isles Interior Designers, Pinecrest Interior Designers, Interior Designers Miami, J Design Group interiors, South Florida designers, Best Miami Designers, Miami interiors, Miami décor, Miami Beach Luxury Interiors, Miami Interior Design, Miami Interior Design Firms, Beach front, Top Interior Designers, top décor, Top Miami Decorators, Miami luxury condos, Top Miami Interior Decorators, Top Miami Interior Designers, Modern Designers in Miami, modern interiors, Modern, Pent house design, white interiors, Miami, South Miami, Miami Beach, South Beach, Williams Island, Sunny Isles, Surfside, Fisher Island, Aventura, Brickell, Brickell Key, Key Biscayne, Coral Gables, CocoPlum, Coconut Grove, Pinecrest, Miami Design District, Golden Beach, Downtown Miami, Miami Interior Designers, Miami Interior Designer, Interior Designers Miami, Modern Interior Designers, Modern Interior Designer, Modern interior decorators, Contemporary Interior Designers, Interior decorators, Interior decorator, Interior designer, Interior designers, Luxury, modern, best, unique, real estate, decor J Design Group – Miami Interior Design Firm – Modern – Contemporary Contact us: (305) 444-4611 http://www.JDesignGroup.com

Replaced turf side and back yards with seasonal butterfly garden. Used native and non-natives. Built pathways from existing round paver patio to allow walking through gardens. Designed with garden gate to add whimsy. Design and photography by Teresa Watkins

Replaced turf side and back yards with seasonal butterfly garden. Used native and non-natives. Built pathways from existing round paver patio to allow walking through gardens. Designed with garden gate to add whimsy. Design and photography by Teresa Watkins

Teresa Watkins
Photo of an eclectic landscaping in Orlando.

Teresa Watkins
This is an example of a large tropical landscaping in Orlando.

Teresa Watkins
Design ideas for a large tropical landscaping in Orlando.

Teresa Watkins
Design ideas for a large tropical landscaping in Orlando.

Replaced turf side and back yards with seasonal butterfly garden. Used native and non-natives. Built pathways from existing round paver patio to allow walking through gardens. Designed with garden gate to add whimsy. Design and photography by Teresa Watkins

Replaced turf side and back yards with seasonal butterfly garden. Used native and non-natives. Built pathways from existing round paver patio to allow walking through gardens. Designed with garden gate to add whimsy. Design and photography by Teresa Watkins

Another view of this open concept [Kitchen, casual dining and family room] that was made for family gatherings and entertaining friends. The size of the open space allows for plenty of seating and conversations. There is not a bad seat in the house from the Cane back counter stools to the slim line upholstered dining chairs. No matter where you sit, you are still apart of the action.

Front yard of Glen Oak Farm. Front porch.
Design ideas for a mid-sized farmhouse partial sun front yard gravel driveway in Orlando for spring.

To meet our Tepin clients is to meet two individuals who fully embrace what life has to offer. Whether in their passion for the arts, extensive travels, or their commitment to family, one thing is clear... this Mr. & Mrs. have mastered The Art of Life. This home is contextual - cohesive with the natural Palm Desert surroundings and the architectural language. Other words to describe the resulting space are: High Quality, Livable (not too perfect), Playful, Unique & Timeless.

A Key West renovation of lakefront property with pool.
Photo of a large landscaping in Orlando.

Teresa Watkins
This is an example of an eclectic landscaping in Orlando.

New landscape for home renovation. Clients wanted colorful low maintenance while having elegance and beauty.
Inspiration for a large farmhouse drought-tolerant and full sun front yard mulch flower bed in Orlando.

Teresa Watkins
This is an example of a large tropical landscaping in Orlando.