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Raza and Baneen purchased their home in Schaumburg IL. knowing it needed work, but they saw the incredible potential it had with its expanse of beautiful kitchen windows and spacious floor plan.
The kitchen technically functioned fine, but was desperately outdated with its honey oak cabinets and plain countertops. This family loved to cook and host parties so it was an easy decision that the kitchen remodel was the first project they needed to tackle to make their home come to life.
Baneen had very specific ideas for her new dream kitchen and had been thinking about it for over 10 years! When they met Advance Design’s Project Designer Claudia Pop, Baneen felt an instant connection.
“From the first meeting, I knew that Claudia would guide us without putting down our ideas,” Baneen said.
The couple had two fears common among remodeling home owners: Would the project be done on time? And, would the project stay on budget? Advance Design was able to alleviate their fears early on, as Claudia shared the “Common Sense Remodeling” process. Raza and Baneen absolutely loved the custom project analysis that helped them understand how a budget could be accurately predicted and then safeguarded during the design process.
“Advance Design was spot on with both the budget and the project timeframe,” Baneen said. “Overall there were no surprises, and the budget was exactly what we were quoted. The experience was phenomenal, everybody was professional, everybody was courteous, everyone was nice, everyone was friendly. It wasn't stressful for us, they still left the house in a presentable state. It wasn't like we would come home and we were bring the kids in and it was going to be hazardous."
After the relationship was cemented, Raza, Baneen and Claudia began to finalize the kitchen design. The main objective was to create a functional space for preparing meals and to create an inviting space for their family and friends to enjoy, while incorporating interesting design elements such as the iconic blue island and reclaimed Chicago brick walls. Sufficient storage space was really important to Baneen, and high quality appliances were a priority. As the overall layout was being completed, together they reviewed each cabinet to determine exactly what would be stored there.
Because cooking was a high priority for this family, Claudia incorporated spice racks close to the range and included two mixer lift shelves for their larger countertop appliances.
The focal point of the kitchen is the striking blue island constructed from custom colored Dura Supreme cabinets. Designed with decorative shelving and a highly functional prep sink. The couple loves the “galley” prep sink, it adds even more functionality and significantly shortens preparation and cleaning time. This island also includes a 24" Bosch Dishwasher with matching panel to blend in.
"Aesthetically, and in terms of functionality, the island everything I imagined," Baneen said. "I love how beautiful it looks and how functional it is. It just brings everybody together."
The Praa Sands Quartz countertop with an ogee edge profile provides excellent contrast by blending it's subtle tones with the outer cabinetry. It ties the island together with the rest of the space. Overlooking the beautiful backyard through spacious windows, the crisp white farmhouse sink is something that Baneen envisioned in her kitchen for years.
Two tones of Dura Supreme Cabinetry were used throughout the rest of the kitchen. Chestnut Cherry cabinets grace the range and decorative range hood and as panels over the Wolf refrigerator and freezer. Antique White cabinets surround the perimeter, creating a warm balance that beckons guests into the softly rounded space.
Drawing the eye immediately to the custom wood hood hiding a powerful 1,500 CFM ventilation system and spectacular 60” Duel Fuel Wolf range, a creatively patterned Tessen in Café & Brine backsplash detail stands out from the white subway tile backsplash spanning the outer walls. The vibrant space reflects the lively personality of the family who now loves spending time both cooking and enjoying this kitchen as a family.
“The end result is a beautiful and extremely functional kitchen that is able to handle a growing family, lots of parties and lots of cooking,” Claudia said.
“Advance Design was wonderfully professional and a pleasure to work with. They catered to what my needs and ideas were, while skillfully guiding us to make the right choices where we seemed lost,” Baneen said.

This visionary homeowner found an idyllic property surrounded by gorgeous pastoral views, fertile soil perfect for a Truffle farm, and an easy distance to downtown Corvallis, Oregon. What was not ideal, however, was the existing house. Built in the 1980’s, this ranch had some undesirably unique features that were not at all the style that our client was imagining for her dream farmhouse.
She came to us with the challenge of transforming this dated ranch into a classic southern style farmhouse complete with covered porches and wood burning fireplaces. She had dreams of hosting large parties as well as intimate family gatherings, requiring a modern open concept layout alongside more secluded areas, all while preserving the traditional aesthetic that she desired.
Having lived in a wide variety of homes around the country, there were some features this homeowner knew she wanted to incorporate into this major rebuild. We thoughtfully considered how to include those elements in the design while addressing several structural challenges, remaining within budget, and creating a final product that would be both stunning and practical.
Historic trim work, white oak flooring, and warm white walls provide the ideal backdrop for showcasing her treasured heirloom rugs and artwork. Incorporating numerous windows on every exterior wall possible, we were able to maximize natural light, and access panoramic views of the countryside, while allowing the fresh air to breeze through. Multiple sets of French doors lead onto the expansive front veranda that wraps around the main living room. This deep, full-length porch is an inviting, shady spot to enjoy the outdoors. The combination of these design features provided the framework to capture the vision she had for her home.
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The one-story contemporary overlooking a lake and bird sanctuary was a retirement dream - open spaces, expansive views and plenty of room to host grandchildren. While the location was ideal, the home needed help - especially the kitchen as it was dark and confining. Walls were removed and doorways expanded to ensure the kitchen would be the center of activity. The dining table was placed in front of the window and a skylight added bringing in sunlight. We offered our clients practical solutions for storage and space planning. Specific items needed to be accessible and handy to suit their lifestyle. Based on their valued input, we added tall pull-out pantry units and cabinets with “hidden” drawers. Storage was strategically positioned for easy drop off and pick up as our clients came and went. Dark-stained cherry cabinets and light quartz countertops provided the sharp contemporary contrast favored by our homeowners. After much collaboration, discussion, and careful planning, they are enjoying their remodeled home and kitchen where we know they will create lasting memories in their lakeside retirement retreat.

These South Shore of Boston homeowners desired a larger kitchen as their existing had limited space to host family events and entertain guests – they turned to Renovisions to help transform their small, outdated kitchen with separate walk-in pantry into a beautiful, open and spacious inspirational room.
Choosing the right cabinetry for the room and how to meet the needs of the client was critical to the overall success of this design. A traditional style was the framework of the home and the flat paneled doors on the white painted cabinetry support this aspect. Going vertical as possible with cabinets is a trend here to stay; keeping with that idea, we recommended the graceful tall pantry cabinet that flanks one side of the kitchen. This not only lends to an eye-appealing furniture-look, but adds significant storage space, allowing the cabinets to store items they may not use on a regular basis. In this case, the clients are amazed with the amount of storage they’ve gained and one that provides easy access to all interior items. Every inch of space was key to create this optimally functional kitchen. Must-haves such as tray dividers above the refrigerator are handy and the double pull-out trash/recycling bins on the right side of the sink were a simple and clean way to gain floor space and conceal unsightly trash.
The focal point of this kitchen is the expansive, soft-grey colored contrasting island with larger, deeper drawers for pots, pans and platters. The client was excited to switch to an induction chef-series range that featured a divided oven that can accommodate two different temperatures.
Fit and finish is important in any renovation and this certainly holds true in this kitchen project to personalize their space. The custom recessed panel columns with wainscot details add an architectural element that ties into the kitchen cabinet design and Carrera-look quartz countertops which provide a stunning classical look that ties nicely with the overall traditional style. These homeowners are excited to show off their open and spacious Renovision!
“We really enjoyed our new kitchen and it’s amazing improvement over the holidays. We got rave reviews from all of our guests!”
Steve & Mary S. (Duxbury)

Sometimes, all it takes is a fresh perspective. This was the case for FGA’s Atherton clients, empty-nesters, who were eager to reimagine their home of many years as they embarked on their next chapter: hosting grandchildren. To start, FGA kept a few outer walls to preserve the home's more expansive footprint, while opening up and reimagining the layout. The new home with a grand entry hall is oriented to highlight the long garden view. Stylistically, the goal was to lend the new home an older aesthetic that suited the surrounding neighborhood - a home that “felt like the oldest house on the block,” in the words of the client. The structure also recalls the iconic style of Bernard Maybeck who designed the husband’s childhood home. FGA studied Maybeck’s methods for intricately layering rafters, outriggers, and brackets to create a sense of familiarity and ruggedness, but modified elements to feel modern and refined. The heavy timber was specially sourced, carefully measured, cut and numbered offsite, and then meticulously reassembled on the premises. The earthy exteriors with bright cedar shingles, deep dark green trim, and textured red brick are balanced with a crisp interior palette.
White cerused oak, mustard yellow library-dining millwork, a black marble bar, and copper hardware details are playfully contemporary. Recalling the exterior masonry, a handsome brick fireplace anchors the generous living room and neighboring office. From the living, dining, and kitchen, tall steel and glass French doors open onto a deep porch for easy entertaining and breezy backyard views.

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Alice and Dave are on their 2nd home with TKS Design Group, having completed the remodel of a kitchen, primary bath and laundry/mudroom in their previous home. This new home is a bit different in that it is new construction. The house has beautiful space and light but they needed help making it feel like a home.
In the living room, Alice and Dave plan to host family at their home often and wanted a space that had plenty of comfy seating for conversation, but also an area to play games. So, our vision started with a search for luxurious but durable fabric along with multiple types of seating to bring the entire space together. Our light-filled living room is now warm and inviting to accommodate Alice and Dave’s weekend visitors.
The multiple types of seating chosen include a large sofa, two chairs, along with two occasional ottomans in both solids and patterns and all in easy to care for performance fabrics. Underneath, we layered a soft wool rug with cool tones that complimented both the warm tones of the wood floor and the cool tones of the fabric seating. A beautiful occasional table and a large cocktail table round out the space.
We took advantage of this room’s height by placing oversized artwork on the largest wall to create a place for your eyes to rest and to take advantage of the room’s scale. The TV was relocated to its current location over the fireplace, and a new light fixture scaled appropriately to the room’s ceiling height gives the space a more comfortable, approachable feel. Lastly, carefully chosen accessories including books, plants, and bowls complete this family’s new living space.
Photography by @MargaretRajic
Do you have a new home that has great bones but just doesn’t feel comfortable and you can’t quite figure out why? Contact us here to see how we can help!

Sponsored
Sunbury, OH
J.Holderby - Renovations
Franklin County's Leading General Contractors - 2X Best of Houzz!

this primary suite hosts a nice canopy bed and low nightstands for easy access to the lamps. Wood tones and black accents make this a cozy space
Mid-sized transitional bedroom photo in Phoenix
Mid-sized transitional bedroom photo in Phoenix

This Londonderry, NH Patio Retreat is the perfect patio space to gather together family and friends. The homeowner's love to entertain and enjoy good company. This space creates 2 spaces; one for dining and one for relaxing around a contemporary seating and fire pit area. A built-in counter bar separates the spaces and includes a designated area for cooking. The hosts can cook and enjoy their guests from the center of the outdoor living space.

Sampson, our client's adorable pug, would agree that this stylish rooftop garden is the place to be after Rooftopia had the opportunity to give the deck a much needed makeover! Our teams removed an old worn out wooden deck and replaced the flooring with new porcelain tiles on a floating pedestal system for a durable and gorgeous deck surface that not only looks fabulous, it improves drainage, protects the roof membrane from UV exposure, evenly disperses the weight of the garden elements and is modular and very low maintenance.
This private rooftop also features a custom made metal pergola and wooden screen to offer shade and artfully frames the view of the incredible city skyline. The pergola also creates a pleasing surround for the primary rooftop seating and lounge area.
The outdoor kitchen is made of durable marine grade aluminum cabinets and a custom concrete countertop with a built in bar ledge. The bar ledge features an original metal screen pattern and seating positioned to highlight the stunning view and keep the conversation flowing. The centrally located dining area makes it easy to entertain a crowd, host out of town guests before a concert or simply prepare a refreshing drink after work.
Working with the scale of the rooftop we added large planter boxes & greenery situated to soften the hard lines of the building, add a layer of privacy and frame the views of the skyline. A few containers are placed near the entrance and in the seating area to offer pops of colorful seasonal flowers. An irrigation system is a key part of the garden that operates automatically to water plants on a daily timer so our clients can spend their time relaxing and the plants stay healthy. Rooftopia also integrated LED lighting and patio string lights to accent and illuminate these beautiful garden elements.

Our mission was to completely update and transform their huge house into a cozy, welcoming and warm home of their own.
“When we moved in, it was such a novelty to live in a proper house. But it still felt like the in-law’s home,” our clients told us. “Our dream was to make it feel like our home.”
Our transformation skills were put to the test when we created the host-worthy kitchen space (complete with a barista bar!) that would double as the heart of their home and a place to make memories with their friends and family.
We upgraded and updated their dark and uninviting family room with fresh furnishings, flooring and lighting and turned those beautiful exposed beams into a feature point of the space.
The end result was a flow of modern, welcoming and authentic spaces that finally felt like home. And, yep … the invite was officially sent out!
Our clients had an eclectic style rich in history, culture and a lifetime of adventures. We wanted to highlight these stories in their home and give their memorabilia places to be seen and appreciated.
The at-home office was crafted to blend subtle elegance with a calming, casual atmosphere that would make it easy for our clients to enjoy spending time in the space (without it feeling like they were working!)
We carefully selected a pop of color as the feature wall in the primary suite and installed a gorgeous shiplap ledge wall for our clients to display their meaningful art and memorabilia.
Then, we carried the theme all the way into the ensuite to create a retreat that felt complete.

These clients are empty nesters with grown children and several grandchildren living nearby. They love hosting family gatherings for special occasions and wanted a large space with durable materials and neutral, yet interesting finishes. The large island and perimeter countertop allow space for buffet-style get-togethers, while also feeling perfectly scaled to have breakfast for two from the counter stools. They wanted everything to be of lasting quality, but not feel too precious, so their grandchildren can still have fun running on the porcelain floors and baking on the quartz counters.
The clients desired a cohesive space with the best materials, exhibiting a streamlined appeal that still felt welcoming and catered to all their storage needs. The surfaces are low maintenance for easy clean-up and sanitation. The clients wanted custom, solid-wood cabinetry with natural finishes, for an organic element and visual warmth.
The design intent for this space was to create an open, serene Kitchen utilizing a functional layout, quality materials, and organic elements. The area is grounded by dark terrazzo-looking porcelain and uplifted by contrasting light fixtures. We wanted this room to be inviting through a variety of textures and layered lighting, as it is situated at the heart of the home. With custom cabinetry, the highest caliber appliances and thoughtful hardware, this Kitchen is sure to stand the test of time.
Additionally, clients wanted to hide certain items in the kitchen, such as electronics, appliances, cookbooks, trash, and recycling. Storage for sheet trays, knifes, spices, cutlery and cooking utensils were required. Open display shelves for collectables from travels and an area for a coffee & smoothie bar were also desired.
The island incorporates a hidden charging station for electronics, open shelving for cookbooks, while housing an instant hot and chilled water dispenser at the sink. The cabinetry also has a hidden trash and recycling center, specialty spice and cooking utensil pull-outs, drawers with custom inserts for knifes, cutting boards, cutlery, and tableware. An appliance garage allows room for the stand mixer and toaster to be out of sight, but within reach. A lighted coffee and smoothie bar were planned for the clients’ love of coffee and healthy nutrition. The island and floating shelves are made of oak panels with inlaid brass, adding a subtle touch of sparkle and warmth that highlights gold flecks in the island countertop.

These clients are empty nesters with grown children and several grandchildren living nearby. They love hosting family gatherings for special occasions and wanted a large space with durable materials and neutral, yet interesting finishes. The large island and perimeter countertop allow space for buffet-style get-togethers, while also feeling perfectly scaled to have breakfast for two from the counter stools. They wanted everything to be of lasting quality, but not feel too precious, so their grandchildren can still have fun running on the porcelain floors and baking on the quartz counters.
The clients desired a cohesive space with the best materials, exhibiting a streamlined appeal that still felt welcoming and catered to all their storage needs. The surfaces are low maintenance for easy clean-up and sanitation. The clients wanted custom, solid-wood cabinetry with natural finishes, for an organic element and visual warmth.
The design intent for this space was to create an open, serene Kitchen utilizing a functional layout, quality materials, and organic elements. The area is grounded by dark terrazzo-looking porcelain and uplifted by contrasting light fixtures. We wanted this room to be inviting through a variety of textures and layered lighting, as it is situated at the heart of the home. With custom cabinetry, the highest caliber appliances and thoughtful hardware, this Kitchen is sure to stand the test of time.
Additionally, clients wanted to hide certain items in the kitchen, such as electronics, appliances, cookbooks, trash, and recycling. Storage for sheet trays, knifes, spices, cutlery and cooking utensils were required. Open display shelves for collectables from travels and an area for a coffee & smoothie bar were also desired.
The island incorporates a hidden charging station for electronics, open shelving for cookbooks, while housing an instant hot and chilled water dispenser at the sink. The cabinetry also has a hidden trash and recycling center, specialty spice and cooking utensil pull-outs, drawers with custom inserts for knifes, cutting boards, cutlery, and tableware. An appliance garage allows room for the stand mixer and toaster to be out of sight, but within reach. A lighted coffee and smoothie bar were planned for the clients’ love of coffee and healthy nutrition. The island and floating shelves are made of oak panels with inlaid brass, adding a subtle touch of sparkle and warmth that highlights gold flecks in the island countertop.

Sponsored
Columbus, OH
Wannemacher Interiors
Customized Award-Winning Interior Design Solutions in Franklin Cnty OH

Explore this breathtaking deck addition to a Nashville home, designed to extend the living space into the great outdoors with style and functionality. Constructed from durable, pressure-treated wood, this deck is built to last and withstand the elements, providing a perfect setting for relaxation and entertainment. Highlighting the seamless integration with the home, a 2-panel sliding glass door offers easy access while enhancing the indoor-outdoor flow, making it ideal for gatherings.
The deck's design is optimized for comfort and aesthetic appeal, featuring ample space for outdoor furniture, making it a prime spot for enjoying warm Nashville evenings. This addition not only increases the home's value but also its charm, creating an inviting outdoor area that's perfect for hosting friends and family.
With its thoughtful construction and stylish design, this deck addition showcases the best in contemporary outdoor living solutions, appealing to those searching Houzz for eco-friendly, custom deck building and luxury outdoor spaces.
Photo by fenwickhome.com

A spacious finished basement designed for both entertainment and relaxation. This lower-level rumpus room features a dedicated billiards area, a comfortable sectional seating zone with a wall-mounted TV, and a built-in wet bar for easy hosting. Recessed lighting and soft neutral finishes create a bright, open atmosphere, while plush carpeting adds warmth and comfort. A well-planned layout makes this basement ideal for family gatherings, game nights, and casual entertaining.

Experience Timeless Elegance in Your Kitchen: Blue and White Cabinets with Carrara Marble Tile Backsplash
Step into the enchanting after picture of a kitchen transformation that combines classic elements with modern sophistication. This captivating kitchen showcases a harmonious blend of blue and white cabinets, accentuated by a stunning Carrara marble tile backsplash.
The combination of blue and white cabinets creates a refreshing and serene ambiance, infusing the space with a sense of tranquility. The cool blue tones bring a touch of personality and uniqueness, while the white cabinets provide a clean and timeless backdrop.
As your gaze travels to the Carrara marble tile backsplash, you'll be mesmerized by the intricate patterns and natural beauty it brings to the kitchen. The distinctive gray veining against the pristine white marble creates a captivating visual contrast, instantly becoming the focal point of the space. The Carrara marble adds a touch of luxury and refinement, elevating the overall aesthetic of the kitchen.
Beyond its aesthetic appeal, Carrara marble is renowned for its durability and practicality. The smooth surface is easy to clean, making it an ideal choice for a backsplash that encounters spills and splatters. Its timeless elegance ensures that your kitchen will remain stylish for years to come.
Whether you're hosting family gatherings or preparing meals for loved ones, this kitchen transformation provides the perfect backdrop for culinary delights and cherished memories. The combination of blue and white cabinets with the Carrara marble tile backsplash is a testament to our commitment to delivering exceptional craftsmanship and creating spaces that inspire.
At Monarch Bay Renovations, we understand the importance of creating a kitchen that reflects your unique taste and lifestyle. Let us bring your vision to life with our expertise and attention to detail. Contact us today to embark on a journey towards a truly extraordinary kitchen renovation.

The one-story contemporary overlooking a lake and bird sanctuary was a retirement dream - open spaces, expansive views and plenty of room to host grandchildren. While the location was ideal, the home needed help - especially the kitchen as it was dark and confining. Walls were removed and doorways expanded to ensure the kitchen would be the center of activity. The dining table was placed in front of the window and a skylight added bringing in sunlight. We offered our clients practical solutions for storage and space planning. Specific items needed to be accessible and handy to suit their lifestyle. Based on their valued input, we added tall pull-out pantry units and cabinets with “hidden” drawers. Storage was strategically positioned for easy drop off and pick up as our clients came and went. Dark-stained cherry cabinets and light quartz countertops provided the sharp contemporary contrast favored by our homeowners. After much collaboration, discussion, and careful planning, they are enjoying their remodeled home and kitchen where we know they will create lasting memories in their lakeside retirement retreat.

Sponsored
Sunbury, OH
J.Holderby - Renovations
Franklin County's Leading General Contractors - 2X Best of Houzz!

Experience the perfect blend of spaciousness and style in this open-concept design, where the kitchen, living, and dining areas flow effortlessly together for easy entertaining and everyday living. At the center, a stunning fireplace feature wall acts as both a cozy gathering point and an elegant divider, creating distinct spaces while maintaining the open, airy feel clients love. Unified finishes and streams of natural light amplify the sense of connection, making this home ideal for modern living, hosting, and relaxing

This chic handleless kitchen in Primrose Hill was designed to create an open and airy feel, perfectly suited for a home where entertaining is a central part of daily life.
Our handleless range in Sand Laser sets the tone with its sleek, modern lines. The cabinetry was carefully planned to maximise storage while maintaining a light and spacious atmosphere. The design cleverly uses vertical storage, ensuring every inch is functional without compromising on style.
Striking 20mm AG Calacatta Luxo Quartz worktops, supplied by Algarve, add sophistication while providing a practical, durable surface for everyday living and lively gatherings.
Siemens appliances were chosen for their cutting-edge performance and sleek integration, complemented by a Blanco sink and Quooker tap for effortless convenience. Together, they make entertaining seamless, whether preparing food, pouring drinks, or hosting friends.
Wine was an important consideration for the clients, both doctors who enjoy entertaining frequently. The kitchen was tailored to accommodate this with dedicated storage and easy access. The result is a space that feels both refined and fun, perfect for socialising.
If you’re ready to transform your kitchen into a stylish space for cooking and entertaining, get in touch. We’d love to bring your ideas to life.

We designed a bright, airy interior for a private residence in Larnaca that reflects the tranquil essence of coastal living. Panoramic windows and light, natural materials create a calming space with breathtaking sea views.
The open plan seamlessly connects the living and dining areas, making it easy to host parties. Clean lines and warm colours give the interior a contemporary feel, while soft-touch furniture and textures add warmth and comfort.
The minimalist and elegant kitchen is equipped with modern appliances and a large island, ideal for family meals. Natural light accentuates the fresh, cosy atmosphere. The master and children's bedrooms continue the warm atmosphere with soft sand colours and textures.
Thoughtful furniture placement optimises the flow and functionality of the home for comfortable living. We maximised the space, focusing on creating a quiet retreat to enjoy the breathtaking sea views.
Size / 153 sq.m.
Year / 2023
Location / Larnaca, Cyprus
36
