Large transitional blue two-story mixed siding gable roof photo

Our client facing mobility issues wanted to stay in the home he had purchased with his wife in 1963, and raised his family in. He needed a bathroom on the first floor, because he had decided he was not moving. We needed to create an accessible full bath on his first floor using existing space. We used a portion of his sitting room/office for the bathroom and his family moved his couch and tv to the other half, and then turned his living room into his new bedroom. We converted half of his sitting room to a wet room. The space was directly above plumbing in the basement and also had a window. The shower space does not have an enclosure, only a 17-inch glass panel to protect the medicine cabinet and sink. We added a wall sink to keep floor space open and a large doubled mirror medicine cabinet to provide ample storage. The finishing touch was a pocket door for access; the client chose a door that mirrors the front door which added a bit of interest to the area. We also removed the existing carpeting from the first floor after well-preserved pine flooring was discovered underneath the carpet. When the construction was complete the family redecorated the entire first floor to create a bedroom and sitting area.

Photography by Gillian Jackson
Transitional eat-in kitchen photo in Toronto with a farmhouse sink, recessed-panel cabinets, distressed cabinets, quartz countertops, white backsplash, ceramic backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Example of a large transitional blue two-story mixed siding gable roof design

Inspiration for a craftsman exterior home remodel in Cedar Rapids

Example of a small classic beige two-story mixed siding gable roof design

Being a second floor remodel we maintained the position of the toilet to save plumbing cost to use on the finishes to portray our theme. To accent the rustic natural feel desired we introduced two vertical distressed wood posts flanking a sink vanity. No purpose other than for fun and accepting accessory hook for hand towel storage. To maintain a light sense of design we kept the vanity sink open underneath in a furniture styled cabinet with legs. We continued the white subway tile around the room introducing a tile pattern change above a chair rail simulating painted wood wainscoting below. The addition of rustic shelves in a distressed metal, étagère supports the theme and adds practical guest storage for anyone lucky enough to enjoy our “Beachy Bath”. -- Preview First

This was a total home remodel. The first floor of this home was completely gutted. The new owner wanted a first floor that was open and airy for entertaining with a few custom features. The living and dining room have a half wall with a built in stainless framed fireplace visible from both the dining area and the living room. The sitting room off the living area has a fieldstone fireplace as well as a custom bar, and the gallery style kitchen is visible from just about every corner of the first floor. Daniel Gagnon Photography

Example of a transitional gray tile, white tile and subway tile white floor powder room design in Salt Lake City with multicolored walls, a console sink and white countertops

The one and a half story Great Room in the Breckenride features built-in bookcases, a window wall, and easy access to the rest of the first floor with an open floor plan.

Inspiration for a contemporary bathroom remodel in Detroit

The redesign of the foyer included the addition of a board and batten detail on the walls, new wood flooring, along with new railing that gave the home the character and warmth it so greatly needed. We also included a unique bench with a lovely base detail and a lovely antique mirrored pendant light. The stairwell was also designed to include an accent light integrated into the base trim which not only serves the function of illumination, but also adds warmth. The homeowner also had a fun idea of adding all the family members names on the risers going up to the second floor.

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

Modern farmhouse renovation with first-floor master, open floor plan and the ease and carefree maintenance of NEW! First floor features office or living room, dining room off the lovely front foyer. Open kitchen and family room with HUGE island, stone counter tops, stainless appliances. Lovely Master suite with over sized windows. Stunning large master bathroom. Upstairs find a second family /play room and 4 bedrooms and 2 full baths. PLUS a finished 3rd floor with a 6th bedroom or office and half bath. 2 Car Garage.

Steam Shower
Walk-in shower - large country master gray tile ceramic tile walk-in shower idea with an integrated sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, granite countertops, a two-piece toilet and white walls

The first floor includes a dramatic entry and stair hall with two-and-a-half story soaring ceiling, an elegant kitchen and open family room and dining area. The second floor bedroom hall overlooks the entry hall and is also accessed by a back stair from the Kitchen/Family Room

Example of a large transitional blue two-story mixed siding gable roof design

Modern farmhouse renovation with first-floor master, open floor plan and the ease and carefree maintenance of NEW! First floor features office or living room, dining room off the lovely front foyer. Open kitchen and family room with HUGE island, stone counter tops, stainless appliances. Lovely Master suite with over sized windows. Stunning large master bathroom. Upstairs find a second family /play room and 4 bedrooms and 2 full baths. PLUS a finished 3rd floor with a 6th bedroom or office and half bath. 2 Car Garage.

Trendy white tile gray floor and porcelain tile walk-in shower photo in San Francisco with white walls, a wall-mount sink and a wall-mount toilet