Luxurious modern take on a traditional white Italian villa. An entry with a silver domed ceiling, painted moldings in patterns on the walls and mosaic marble flooring create a luxe foyer. Into the formal living room, cool polished Crema Marfil marble tiles contrast with honed carved limestone fireplaces throughout the home, including the outdoor loggia. Ceilings are coffered with white painted crown moldings and beams, or planked, and the dining room has a mirrored ceiling. Bathrooms are white marble tiles and counters, with dark rich wood stains or white painted. The hallway leading into the master bedroom is designed with barrel vaulted ceilings and arched paneled wood stained doors. The master bath and vestibule floor is covered with a carpet of patterned mosaic marbles, and the interior doors to the large walk in master closets are made with leaded glass to let in the light. The master bedroom has dark walnut planked flooring, and a white painted fireplace surround with a white marble hearth. The kitchen features white marbles and white ceramic tile backsplash, white painted cabinetry and a dark stained island with carved molding legs. Next to the kitchen, the bar in the family room has terra cotta colored marble on the backsplash and counter over dark walnut cabinets. Wrought iron staircase leading to the more modern media/family room upstairs. Project Location: North Ranch, Westlake, California. Remodel designed by Maraya Interior Design. From their beautiful resort town of Ojai, they serve clients in Montecito, Hope Ranch, Malibu, Westlake and Calabasas, across the tri-county areas of Santa Barbara, Ventura and Los Angeles, south to Hidden Hills- north through Solvang and more. ArcDesign Architects

A staircase is so much more than circulation. It provides a space to create dramatic interior architecture, a place for design to carve into, where a staircase can either embrace or stand as its own design piece. In this custom stair and railing design, completed in January 2020, we wanted a grand statement for the two-story foyer. With walls wrapped in a modern wainscoting, the staircase is a sleek combination of black metal balusters and honey stained millwork. Open stair treads of white oak were custom stained to match the engineered wide plank floors. Each riser painted white, to offset and highlight the ascent to a U-shaped loft and hallway above. The black interior doors and white painted walls enhance the subtle color of the wood, and the oversized black metal chandelier lends a classic and modern feel. The staircase is created with several “zones”: from the second story, a panoramic view is offered from the second story loft and surrounding hallway. The full height of the home is revealed and the detail of our black metal pendant can be admired in close view. At the main level, our staircase lands facing the dining room entrance, and is flanked by wall sconces set within the wainscoting. It is a formal landing spot with views to the front entrance as well as the backyard patio and pool. And in the lower level, the open stair system creates continuity and elegance as the staircase ends at the custom home bar and wine storage. The view back up from the bottom reveals a comprehensive open system to delight its family, both young and old!

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. Photography: Joe Nowak

Large dining table in a black and white traditional home. Baccarat lighting over extra long table, black traditional credenzas. White, gold and almost black are used in this very large, traditional remodel of an original Landry Group Home, filled with contemporary furniture, modern art and decor. White painted moldings on walls and ceilings, combined with black stained wide plank wood flooring. Very grand spaces, including living room, family room, dining room and music room feature hand knotted rugs in modern light grey, gold and black free form styles. All large rooms, including the master suite, feature white painted fireplace surrounds in carved moldings. Music room is stunning in black venetian plaster and carved white details on the ceiling with burgandy velvet upholstered chairs and a burgandy accented Baccarat Crystal chandelier. All lighting throughout the home, including the stairwell and extra large dining room hold Baccarat lighting fixtures. Master suite is composed of his and her baths, a sitting room divided from the master bedroom by beautiful carved white doors. Guest house shows arched white french doors, ornate gold mirror, and carved crown moldings. All the spaces are comfortable and cozy with warm, soft textures throughout. Project Location: Lake Sherwood, Westlake, California. Project designed by Maraya Interior Design. From their beautiful resort town of Ojai, they serve clients in Montecito, Hope Ranch, Malibu and Calabasas, across the tri-county area of Santa Barbara, Ventura and Los Angeles, south to Hidden Hills.

Imagine installing an intricately crafted architectural feature like this in your custom home or remodel project. Learn more about our custom stone capabilities.

When it comes to interior design, every element plays a role in defining the ambiance and character of a space. One such striking feature that has gained immense popularity among design moguls and homeowners alike is the carved barn door. Combining rustic charm with intricate craftsmanship, carved barn doors add an elegant yet functional touch to home libraries and studios.

A fire feature and water feature combined make up the focal piece for the Lion's Gate hardscape. The backsplash for this feature is travertine. Hand carved in the center is a custom lion face made from Pennsylvania blue stone, containing a spout to release water. The border is hand carved out of Pennsylvania blue stone. and capped with Weston Cream. The design gives the appearance that water is shooting into dancing flames.

When it comes to interior design, every element plays a role in defining the ambiance and character of a space. One such striking feature that has gained immense popularity among design moguls and homeowners alike is the carved barn door. Combining rustic charm with intricate craftsmanship, carved barn doors add an elegant yet functional touch to home libraries and studios.

When it comes to interior design, every element plays a role in defining the ambiance and character of a space. One such striking feature that has gained immense popularity among design moguls and homeowners alike is the carved barn door. Combining rustic charm with intricate craftsmanship, carved barn doors add an elegant yet functional touch to home libraries and studios.

When it comes to interior design, every element plays a role in defining the ambiance and character of a space. One such striking feature that has gained immense popularity among design moguls and homeowners alike is the carved barn door. Combining rustic charm with intricate craftsmanship, carved barn doors add an elegant yet functional touch to home libraries and studios.

When it comes to interior design, every element plays a role in defining the ambiance and character of a space. One such striking feature that has gained immense popularity among design moguls and homeowners alike is the carved barn door. Combining rustic charm with intricate craftsmanship, carved barn doors add an elegant yet functional touch to home libraries and studios.

When it comes to interior design, every element plays a role in defining the ambiance and character of a space. One such striking feature that has gained immense popularity among design moguls and homeowners alike is the carved barn door. Combining rustic charm with intricate craftsmanship, carved barn doors add an elegant yet functional touch to home libraries and studios.

When it comes to interior design, every element plays a role in defining the ambiance and character of a space. One such striking feature that has gained immense popularity among design moguls and homeowners alike is the carved barn door. Combining rustic charm with intricate craftsmanship, carved barn doors add an elegant yet functional touch to home libraries and studios.

When it comes to interior design, every element plays a role in defining the ambiance and character of a space. One such striking feature that has gained immense popularity among design moguls and homeowners alike is the carved barn door. Combining rustic charm with intricate craftsmanship, carved barn doors add an elegant yet functional touch to home libraries and studios.

When it comes to interior design, every element plays a role in defining the ambiance and character of a space. One such striking feature that has gained immense popularity among design moguls and homeowners alike is the carved barn door. Combining rustic charm with intricate craftsmanship, carved barn doors add an elegant yet functional touch to home libraries and studios.

When it comes to interior design, every element plays a role in defining the ambiance and character of a space. One such striking feature that has gained immense popularity among design moguls and homeowners alike is the carved barn door. Combining rustic charm with intricate craftsmanship, carved barn doors add an elegant yet functional touch to home libraries and studios.

A fire feature and water feature combined make up the focal piece for the Lion's Gate hardscape. The backsplash for this feature is travertine. Hand carved in the center is a custom lion face made from Pennsylvania blue stone, containing a spout to release water. The border is hand carved out of Pennsylvania blue stone. and capped with Weston Cream. The design gives the appearance that water is shooting into dancing flames.

When it comes to interior design, every element plays a role in defining the ambiance and character of a space. One such striking feature that has gained immense popularity among design moguls and homeowners alike is the carved barn door. Combining rustic charm with intricate craftsmanship, carved barn doors add an elegant yet functional touch to home libraries and studios.

When it comes to interior design, every element plays a role in defining the ambiance and character of a space. One such striking feature that has gained immense popularity among design moguls and homeowners alike is the carved barn door. Combining rustic charm with intricate craftsmanship, carved barn doors add an elegant yet functional touch to home libraries and studios.