Inspiration for a small 1950s master ceramic tile porcelain tile and black floor alcove shower remodel in St Louis with flat-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, a one-piece toilet, white walls, an undermount sink, quartz countertops, a hinged shower door and white countertops

Sultry, waxed Alberene Soapstone slabs from our local Alberene Soapstone quarry in Schuyler, VA make an impact in this design. Photo: Karen Krum
Kitchen - mid-sized scandinavian galley painted wood floor and white floor kitchen idea in Boise with a farmhouse sink, flat-panel cabinets, gray cabinets, soapstone countertops, black appliances and a peninsula

A farmhouse style was achieved in this new construction home by keeping the details clean and simple. Shaker style cabinets and square stair parts moldings set the backdrop for incorporating our clients’ love of Asian antiques. We had fun re-purposing the different pieces she already had: two were made into bathroom vanities; and the turquoise console became the star of the house, welcoming visitors as they walk through the front door.

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.

Photos by Kris Palen
Large transitional light wood floor and brown floor open concept kitchen photo in Dallas with a farmhouse sink, recessed-panel cabinets, blue cabinets, quartzite countertops, white backsplash, ceramic backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and white countertops

Inspiration for a large transitional l-shaped medium tone wood floor and brown floor kitchen remodel in New York with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartz countertops, gray backsplash, ceramic backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and white countertops

Alcove shower - small 1950s master ceramic tile porcelain tile and black floor alcove shower idea in St Louis with flat-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, a one-piece toilet, white walls, an undermount sink, quartz countertops, a hinged shower door and white countertops

This remodel was for a family moving to The Woodlands/Spring Area. They wanted to find a home in the area that they could remodel to their more modern style. Having 2 kids and 2 dogs all selections made were very kid-friendly. You don't have to sacrifice good design for family-friendly.

A pantry open to the kitchen using the same materials provide plenty of extra storage and is a nice continuation of the kitchden.
Eat-in kitchen - large contemporary l-shaped light wood floor eat-in kitchen idea in Chicago with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, marble countertops, metallic backsplash, terra-cotta backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Reagen Taylor Photography
Family room - family room idea in Milwaukee

Photo Credit: Aimée Mazzenga
Enclosed dining room - large traditional dark wood floor and brown floor enclosed dining room idea in Chicago with blue walls and no fireplace

Transitional medium tone wood floor and brown floor dining room photo in Charleston with gray walls

Elegant l-shaped medium tone wood floor and brown floor eat-in kitchen photo in St Louis with a single-bowl sink, raised-panel cabinets, black cabinets, soapstone countertops, white backsplash, ceramic backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and black countertops

Michael Hunter Photography
Example of a transitional medium tone wood floor bedroom design in Austin with beige walls

Dustin Peck Photography
Example of a large classic dark wood floor kitchen design in Charlotte with a farmhouse sink, marble countertops, stone tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, white cabinets, glass-front cabinets, white backsplash and two islands

Eat-in kitchen - mid-sized traditional l-shaped slate floor and multicolored floor eat-in kitchen idea in St Louis with a single-bowl sink, quartz countertops, white backsplash, stone slab backsplash, paneled appliances, an island and white countertops

Example of a large transitional galley dark wood floor and black floor open concept kitchen design in New York with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, blue cabinets, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and gray countertops

Inspiration for a contemporary master gray tile gray floor and wallpaper bathroom remodel in Denver with gray walls and a hinged shower door

Michael Hunter Photography
Example of a mid-sized transitional open concept living room design in Austin with beige walls and a standard fireplace