This stunning kitchen remodel blends timeless elegance with modern functionality, anchored by a large statement island that serves as both a prep space and gathering hub. Topped with sleek white quartz countertops, the island offers generous workspace while adding a bright contrast to the rich, dark cabinetry. Brass accents are carried throughout the space—from cabinet hardware to the faucet—bringing warmth and a refined, upscale feel. Overhead, a glamorous crystal chandelier adds a touch of sophistication and visual interest, elevating the kitchen beyond purely functional into a true showpiece. Luxury appliances complete the design, offering high-performance cooking capabilities while seamlessly integrating into the cabinetry for a clean, cohesive look. The result is a kitchen that feels both elevated and inviting—perfect for everyday living and entertaining alike.

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.

This is stunning Dura Supreme Cabinetry home was carefully designed by designer Aaron Mauk and his team at Mauk Cabinets by Design in Tipp City, Ohio and was featured in the Dayton Homearama Touring Edition. You’ll find Dura Supreme Cabinetry throughout the home including the bathrooms, the kitchen, a laundry room, and an entertainment room/wet bar area. Each room was designed to be beautiful and unique, yet coordinate fabulously with each other. The kitchen is in the heart of this stunning new home and has an open concept that flows with the family room. A one-of-a-kind kitchen island was designed with a built-in banquet seating (breakfast nook seating) and breakfast bar to create a space to dine and entertain while also providing a large work surface and kitchen sink space. Coordinating built-ins and mantle frame the fireplace and create a seamless look with the white kitchen cabinetry. A combination of glass and mirrored mullion doors are used throughout the space to create a spacious, airy feel. The mirrored mullions also worked as a way to accent and conceal the large paneled refrigerator. The vaulted ceilings with darkly stained trusses and unique circular ceiling molding applications set this design apart as a true one-of-a-kind home. Featured Product Details: Kitchen and Living Room: Dura Supreme Cabinetry’s Lauren door style and Mullion Pattern #15. Fireplace Mantle: Dura Supreme Cabinetry is shown in a Personal Paint Match finish, Outerspace SW 6251. Request a FREE Dura Supreme Cabinetry Brochure Packet: http://www.durasupreme.com/request-brochure

This adorable kitchen in Point Loma, CA is now open to the family room, small in spaces but united with a nature-inspired color palette. The kitchen went through an extensive remodel removing walls, raised ceiling, exposing the beam and a new glass door for the back entry and now this small kitchen feel open and spacious. The cabinetry features shaker elements―clean lines, plain trim, and little ornamentation― great for transitional decor. Functional fixtures and modern appliances peacefully coexist with the mosaic marble backsplash. Hidden behind the door panels is a 30” Subzero refrigerator/freezer integrated nicely to keep the kitchen plan, clean and understated. The corner sink is recessed back adding a nice detail but even more importantly a more accessible corner access to the kitchen windows. Accessories and details added to the kitchen cabinets give this chef everything she was looking for with a spice pullout, knife block pullout and rollouts to top off the new cabinets. When space is tight it is a great option for a small family to open up the walls and add a counter where the family can dine. On the walls, neutral gray painted create a soothing atmosphere. Adjacent to the kitchen was a cramped room that functioned as a workout room and laundry room. By changing some wall space, closing in a door and removing a closet the new space has great storage and is more open and functional for a quick workout. In the family room the fireplace was re-tiled with a concrete looking porcelain tile topped off with a rustic beam mantle. Combined with new home furnishings to make the most of a small space this new family room is both functional and a great place for the couple to spend time with each other on a daily basis and to entertain guest and a new space has been created with the feel of a comfortable cozy space for all to enjoy. Contractor: CairnsCraft Remodeling Designer: Bonnie Bogley Catlin Photogtapher: Jon Upson

This is stunning Dura Supreme Cabinetry home was carefully designed by designer Aaron Mauk and his team at Mauk Cabinets by Design in Tipp City, Ohio and was featured in the Dayton Homearama Touring Edition. You’ll find Dura Supreme Cabinetry throughout the home including the bathrooms, the kitchen, a laundry room, and an entertainment room/wet bar area. Each room was designed to be beautiful and unique, yet coordinate fabulously with each other. The kitchen is in the heart of this stunning new home and has an open concept that flows with the family room. A one-of-a-kind kitchen island was designed with a built-in banquet seating (breakfast nook seating) and breakfast bar to create a space to dine and entertain while also providing a large work surface and kitchen sink space. Coordinating built-ins and mantle frame the fireplace and create a seamless look with the white kitchen cabinetry. A combination of glass and mirrored mullion doors are used throughout the space to create a spacious, airy feel. The mirrored mullions also worked as a way to accent and conceal the large paneled refrigerator. The vaulted ceilings with darkly stained trusses and unique circular ceiling molding applications set this design apart as a true one-of-a-kind home. Featured Product Details: Kitchen and Living Room: Dura Supreme Cabinetry’s Lauren door style and Mullion Pattern #15. Fireplace Mantle: Dura Supreme Cabinetry is shown in a Personal Paint Match finish, Outerspace SW 6251. Request a FREE Dura Supreme Cabinetry Brochure Packet: http://www.durasupreme.com/request-brochure

Experience the newest masterpiece by XPC Investment with California Contemporary design by Jessica Koltun Home in Forest Hollow. This gorgeous home on nearly a half acre lot with a pool has been superbly rebuilt with unparalleled style & custom craftsmanship offering a functional layout for entertaining & everyday living. The open floor plan is flooded with natural light and filled with design details including white oak engineered flooring, cement fireplace, custom wall and ceiling millwork, floating shelves, soft close cabinetry, marble countertops and much more. Amenities include a dedicated study, formal dining room, a kitchen with double islands, gas range, built in refrigerator, and built in refrigerator Retire to your Owner's suite featuring private access to your lush backyard, a generous shower & walk-in closet. Soak up the sun, or be the life of the party in your private, oversized backyard with pool perfect for entertaining. This home combines the very best of location and style!

Function Basement Design
Inspiration for a cottage basement remodel in Chicago

Our homeowners wanted to improve their kitchen layout at their lake house and wanted an open, functional flow with increased storage, lighting and trending styles. We removed a non-bearing wall between kitchen and great room and created an area for a large island. These changes brought in their thirst for abundant, natural light and solved the bottleneck that occurred in the old space when the refrigerator was in use. The new layout provides ample storage space and open stations for friends and family to gather while entertaining. Updating the kitchen and living space enhances the function of the home.We converted existing outdated materials to be more attractive and functional: lighting, cabinetry, flooring, and tiled surfaces. We found ways to provide innovative materials for our homeowners’ selections by maintaining the use of the existing knotty pine beams, ceiling and posts and working with the existing ‘cottage feel’ while updating fixtures, finishes and flow through the space. Warm design elements are evident through use of copper accents like the hood, faucets, sink and cabinet pulls.

This is stunning Dura Supreme Cabinetry home was carefully designed by designer Aaron Mauk and his team at Mauk Cabinets by Design in Tipp City, Ohio and was featured in the Dayton Homearama Touring Edition. You’ll find Dura Supreme Cabinetry throughout the home including the bathrooms, the kitchen, a laundry room, and an entertainment room/wet bar area. Each room was designed to be beautiful and unique, yet coordinate fabulously with each other. The kitchen is in the heart of this stunning new home and has an open concept that flows with the family room. A one-of-a-kind kitchen island was designed with a built-in banquet seating (breakfast nook seating) and breakfast bar to create a space to dine and entertain while also providing a large work surface and kitchen sink space. Coordinating built-ins and mantle frame the fireplace and create a seamless look with the white kitchen cabinetry. A combination of glass and mirrored mullion doors are used throughout the space to create a spacious, airy feel. The mirrored mullions also worked as a way to accent and conceal the large paneled refrigerator. The vaulted ceilings with darkly stained trusses and unique circular ceiling molding applications set this design apart as a true one-of-a-kind home. Featured Product Details: Kitchen and Living Room: Dura Supreme Cabinetry’s Lauren door style and Mullion Pattern #15. Fireplace Mantle: Dura Supreme Cabinetry is shown in a Personal Paint Match finish, Outerspace SW 6251. Request a FREE Dura Supreme Cabinetry Brochure Packet: http://www.durasupreme.com/request-brochure

The design team with Janie Petkus of Janie Petkus Interiors, Cyrus Rivetna of Rivetna Architects, and Gail Drury of Drury Design all worked together to design an inviting and luxurious destination for an entire family to gather all year round. Key design features addressed in this remodel included highlighting beautiful views of the Lake, brightening up the space, and modernizing the design to fit the needs of the family that loves to entertain The home is filled with lots of adults and kids regularly and the kitchen needed to function well for multi cooks as well large family gatherings. Therefore multi-work areas and large expanses of countertop space for buffets were a must. These design ideas paired with lots of seating at the island and the oversized table gave enough room for everyone. A multimetal hood with an antique patina was included to add an element of WOW to the space. A large multi-burner stove, two large sinks, two dishwashers, and three waste receptacles were strategically located in multiple locations so multiple family members could use the space simultaneously. An area off to the side in the family room that was designated as a desk area was multi-purposed to function as a buffet area for the large family dinners.

Located in Palo Alto's flood zone, this Eichler home underwent a phased renovation thoughtfully redesigned to accommodate a growing family of five, with an emphasis on school proximity and nearby grandparents. The bedroom wing was completely reconfigured, including a new front addition as a guest suite for grandparents, expanding the house to five bedrooms and three baths. Taller 9-foot ceilings were introduced in some areas, enhancing the overall openness—a lofty goal for an Eichler. The tranquil courtyard, a favorite spot for the family, was redesigned to allow parents to watch the kids while cooking. The backyard became a relaxing lounging area connected to the living room. Once dark living spaces were modernized by removing a low-hanging beam in the kitchen, adding skylights for natural light, and eliminating the fireplace to create a more functional entertainment space. Finally, new landscaping reflecting the client's heritage and some of the home's architectural elements, creates a harmonious indoor-outdoor flow. Klopf Architecture Project Team: John Klopf, AIA and Angela Alexander Interior Architecture: Klopf Architecture Bathroom Materials and Light Fixture Selection: Lucile Glessner Landscape Architect: Thuilot and Associates Photography: ©2024 Mariko Reed Year Completed: 2024 Location: Palo Alto, CA

Dining room - 1950s gray floor dining room idea in San Francisco with white walls

A coffee table easily converts to a laptop computer workspace for traveling professionals or FaceBook check-ins.
Small minimalist open concept living room photo in Minneapolis with gray walls

This young family began working with us after struggling with their previous contractor. They were over budget and not achieving what they really needed with the addition they were proposing. Rather than extend the existing footprint of their house as had been suggested, we proposed completely changing the orientation of their separate kitchen, living room, dining room, and sunroom and opening it all up to an open floor plan. By changing the configuration of doors and windows to better suit the new layout and sight lines, we were able to improve the views of their beautiful backyard and increase the natural light allowed into the spaces. We raised the floor in the sunroom to allow for a level cohesive floor throughout the areas. Their extended kitchen now has a nice sitting area within the kitchen to allow for conversation with friends and family during meal prep and entertaining. The sitting area opens to a full dining room with built in buffet and hutch that functions as a serving station. Conscious thought was given that all “permanent” selections such as cabinetry and countertops were designed to suit the masses, with a splash of this homeowner’s individual style in the double herringbone soft gray tile of the backsplash, the mitred edge of the island countertop, and the mixture of metals in the plumbing and lighting fixtures. Careful consideration was given to the function of each cabinet and organization and storage was maximized. This family is now able to entertain their extended family with seating for 18 and not only enjoy entertaining in a space that feels open and inviting, but also enjoy sitting down as a family for the simple pleasure of supper together.

What a fun place to entertain after being on the beach fishing for Salmon, or crabbing out in the bay. Concrete countertops and fine cherry wood cabinets. The island is in the shape of a mussel and the top is made from a full cut of babinga. We had lot so fun making this for our client.

Orange County, CA - Dynamic Garage Doors include multifunctional door configurations not only for regular garages but garages that have been converted to home offices, playrooms, additional bedrooms, multipurpose rooms as well as man caves throughout the Southern California regions. This custom garage door project consisted of creating a newly renovated garage into a multipurpose room which would double as a home office as well as entertainment space for guests. The original overhead garage door was eliminated to open up the room space and give the interior of this garage a real room feel as opposed to a makeshift room with an obvious garage feel. Since the converted garage was to be used as an entertainment area as well as an office it became obvious to introduce bi-folding doors or former accordion doors that could be pushed out of the way to expand the indoors to the outdoors and thus expanding the entertainment to the exterior of the structure as well during those summer evening gatherings. The large glass panes allow ample natural light to bathe the interior of the room when being used as an office and can keep the room's climate under controlled when the accordion doors are completely closed. These custom bi-folding doors seal out the weather while allowing the outdoors in with a warm vivid shower of natural light. What a pleasure it must be to have a working office with staggering windows that can double as an entertainment center in the evenings and weekends! Dynamic Garage Doors aren't just garage doors, they are functional creations that come in unlimited configurations to suit your needs. Whether you're converting your garage to useful, liveable square footage or simply increasing your home's curb appeal with one of our world-class designed garage doors. We've got just the door solution for your garage! Call us today for project price consultation: (855) 343-DOOR

Our clients wanted to utilize this particular area of their home and really give it a function. It has been many things over the years: bonus room, dining area, etc. The kitchen is the natural gathering spot. They wanted to create a space that was an extension of the kitchen for entertaining and serving family and friends. Architect, Cynthia Karegeannes was hired to draw up plans for a mudroom to corral the couple’s two dogs and stash the pet’s leashes, treats, etc. A large butler pantry was imagined with a full size refrigerator, prep sink, dishwasher and custom cabinetry to have items handy for entertaining. Innovative Construction, helped finalize the details and implemented the plans for the new addition. Interior Designer, Beth Weltlich with The House Dressing worked with homeowners, to select materials and finishes to unify the areas of the existing kitchen and the new spaces. A custom banquette was created with room under the staircase so that all of the space could be utilized. Furniture and accessories are still in the works as the homeowners let the area evolve to see exactly what their needs are. A collaborative effort-for sure! The challenges included creating three separate areas (mudroom, banquette and butler pantry) with storage and versatility in one existing space. Having this additional space that was not always utilized, the homeowners feel the new addition will become an integral part of the families' living area.

Download our free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW For many, extra time at home during COVID left them wanting more from their homes. Whether you realized the shortcomings of your space or simply wanted to combat boredom, a well-designed and functional home was no longer a want, it became a need. Tina found herself wanting more from her Old Irving Park home and reached out to The Kitchen Studio about adding function to her kitchen to make the most of the available real estate. At the end of the day, there is nothing better than returning home to a bright and happy space you love. And this kitchen wasn’t that for Tina. Dark and dated, with a palette from the past and features that didn’t make the most of the available square footage, this remodel required vision and a fresh approach to the space. Lead designer, Stephanie Cole’s main design goal was better flow, while adding greater functionality with organized storage, accessible open shelving, and an overall sense of cohesion with the adjoining family room. The original kitchen featured a large pizza oven, which was rarely used, yet its footprint limited storage space. The nearby pantry had become a catch-all, lacking the organization needed in the home. The initial plan was to keep the pizza oven, but eventually Tina realized she preferred the design possibilities that came from removing this cumbersome feature, with the goal of adding function throughout the upgraded and elevated space. Eliminating the pantry added square footage and length to the kitchen for greater function and more storage. This redesigned space reflects how she lives and uses her home, as well as her love for entertaining. The kitchen features a classic, clean, and timeless palette. White cabinetry, with brass and bronze finishes, contrasts with rich wood flooring, and lets the large, deep blue island in Woodland’s custom color Harbor – a neutral, yet statement color – draw your eye. The kitchen was the main priority. In addition to updating and elevating this space, Tina wanted to maximize what her home had to offer. From moving the location of the patio door and eliminating a window to removing an existing closet in the mudroom and the cluttered pantry, the kitchen footprint grew. Once the floorplan was set, it was time to bring cohesion to her home, creating connection between the kitchen and surrounding spaces. The color palette carries into the mudroom, where we added beautiful new cabinetry, practical bench seating, and accessible hooks, perfect for guests and everyday living. The nearby bar continues the aesthetic, with stunning Carrara marble subway tile, hints of brass and bronze, and a design that further captures the vibe of the kitchen. Every home has its unique design challenges. But with a fresh perspective and a bit of creativity, there is always a way to give the client exactly what they want [and need]. In this particular kitchen, the existing soffits and high slanted ceilings added a layer of complexity to the lighting layout and upper perimeter cabinets. While a space needs to look good, it also needs to function well. This meant making the most of the height of the room and accounting for the varied ceiling features, while also giving Tina everything she wanted and more. Pendants and task lighting paired with an abundance of natural light amplify the bright aesthetic. The cabinetry layout and design compliments the soffits with subtle profile details that bring everything together. The tile selections add visual interest, drawing the eye to the focal area above the range. Glass-doored cabinets further customize the space and give the illusion of even more height within the room. While her family may be grown and out of the house, Tina was focused on adding function without sacrificing a stunning aesthetic and dreamy finishes that make the kitchen the gathering place of any home. It was time to love her kitchen again, and if you’re wondering what she loves most, it’s the niche with glass door cabinetry and open shelving for display paired with the marble mosaic backsplash over the range and complimenting hood. Each of these features is a stunning point of interest within the kitchen – both brag-worthy additions to a perimeter layout that previously felt limited and lacking. Whether your remodel is the result of special needs in your home or simply the excitement of focusing your energy on creating a fun new aesthetic, we are here for it. We love a good challenge because there is always a way to make a space better – adding function and beauty simultaneously.

©Finished Basement Company TV room with adjacent wet bar creates a comfortable and functional entertainment area.
Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional look-out carpeted and brown floor basement remodel in Denver with beige walls