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

http://mollywinnphotography.com
Mid-sized country medium tone wood floor kitchen photo in Austin with a farmhouse sink, concrete countertops, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, white cabinets and open cabinets

Bob Greenspan
Inspiration for a craftsman medium tone wood floor kitchen remodel in Kansas City with recessed-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, blue backsplash and stainless steel appliances

In the dining room we installed 3-D wall tiles that mimic the shapes found on the tracery ceiling in the adjacent family room. We used a lighter shade of blue from the music room so as not to overpower the deep tone in the music room beyond. A crystal light fixture adds that sparkle the clients love. Photo: Eric Roth

Jean Allsopp ( http://jeanallsopp.com/ )
Tuscan courtyard patio photo in Miami with a bbq area

Kitchen - large transitional l-shaped light wood floor kitchen idea in New York with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and granite countertops

This project is an Electronic House Magazine award winner: http://electronichouse.com/article/small_house_goes_big_with_home_automation We were brought into this project just as the major remodel was underway, allowing us to bring together a feature-rich audio/video and automation system with elegant integration into the spaces. This system provides simple control and automation of the lights, climate, audio/video, security, video surveillance, and door locks. The homeowner can use their iPads or iPhones to control everything in their home, or when away.

http://mollywinnphotography.com
Example of a mid-sized cottage chic open concept medium tone wood floor living room design in Austin with white walls and no tv

Large cottage black two-story wood exterior home idea in San Francisco

Unique textures, printed rugs, dark wood floors, and neutral-hued furnishings make this traditional home a cozy, stylish abode. Project completed by Wendy Langston's Everything Home interior design firm, which serves Carmel, Zionsville, Fishers, Westfield, Noblesville, and Indianapolis. For more about Everything Home, click here: https://everythinghomedesigns.com/

Andrea Rugg Photography
Inspiration for a small timeless light wood floor mudroom remodel in Minneapolis

I was hired by the parents of a soon-to-be teenage girl turning 13 years-old. They wanted to remodel her bedroom from a young girls room to a teenage room. This project was a joy and a dream to work on! I got the opportunity to channel my inner child. I wanted to design a space that she would love to sleep in, entertain, hangout, do homework, and lounge in. The first step was to interview her so that she would feel like she was a part of the process and the decision making. I asked her what was her favorite color, what was her favorite print, her favorite hobbies, if there was anything in her room she wanted to keep, and her style. The second step was to go shopping with her and once that process started she was thrilled. One of the challenges for me was making sure I was able to give her everything she wanted. The other challenge was incorporating her favorite pattern-- zebra print. I decided to bring it into the room in small accent pieces where it was previously the dominant pattern throughout her room. The color palette went from light pink to her favorite color teal with pops of fuchsia. I wanted to make the ceiling a part of the design so I painted it a deep teal and added a beautiful teal glass and crystal chandelier to highlight it. Her room became a private oasis away from her parents where she could escape to. In the end we gave her everything she wanted. Photography by Haigwood Studios

Cati Teague Photography
Inspiration for a mid-sized eclectic built-in desk medium tone wood floor and brown floor study room remodel in Atlanta with blue walls

Mid-sized transitional master dark wood floor and brown floor bedroom photo in DC Metro with gray walls and no fireplace

Building Design, Plans (in collaboration with Orfield Drafting), and Interior Finishes by: Fluidesign Studio I Builder & Creative Collaborator : Anchor Builders I Photographer: sethbennphoto.com

Photo by Shanna Hickman
Transitional master porcelain tile porcelain tile and double-sink freestanding bathtub photo in Austin with light wood cabinets, a one-piece toilet, white walls, an undermount sink, quartz countertops, a hinged shower door, white countertops, a niche and flat-panel cabinets

Example of a beach style gray two-story gable roof design in New York

"I cannot say enough good things about the Innovative Construction team and work product. They remodeled our water-damaged, 1930s basement, and exceeded all of our expectations - before and after photos simply cannot do this project justice. The original basement included an awkward staircase in an awkward location, one bedroom, one bathroom, a kitchen and small living space. We had a difficult time imagining that it could be much more than that. Innovative Construction's design team was creative, and thought completely out of the box. They relocated the stairwell in a way we did not think was possible, opening up the basement to reconfigure the bedroom, bathroom, kitchenette, living space, but also adding an office and finished storage room. The end result is as functional as it is beautiful. As with all construction, particularly a renovation of an old house, there will be inconveniences, it will be messy, and plenty of surprises behind the old walls. The Innovative Construction team maintained a clean and safe work site for 100% of the project, with minimal disruption to our daily lives, even when there was a large hole cut into our main living room floor to accommodate new stairs down to the basement. The team showed creativity and an eye for design when working around some of the unexpected "character" revealed when opening the walls. The team effectively uses technology to keep everyone on the same page about changes, requests, schedules, contracts, invoices, etc. Everyone is friendly, competent, helpful, and responsive. I felt heard throughout the process, and my requests were responded to quickly and thoroughly. I recommend Innovative Construction without reservation."

Trendmark Inc. AFTER - Gold STAR Award Best Whole House. From blah to beautiful, this kitchen’s transformation not only updated the look but rearranged the way the room functioned. After living in the house for almost 15 years the homeowners knew it was time to invest in the most important room in thier house. The large boxed in florescent light, chopped up counter spaces, and white melamine cabinets just had to go! The large pantry closet took up lots of space in the kitchen, but the did not offer organized storage. It was nearly impossible to find what you were looking for as items were buried in the back of the closet. By removing this closet and replacing it with a pantry cabinet with full extension roll outs,not only was the floor space increased but so was the usable storage area. The refrigerator was also relocated to the opposite wall to increase countertop space as well as improve function. Trendmark Inc Contractor Note: The creamy glazed alderwood cabinets have raised panel doors and drawer fronts, and feature extras like an arched raised panel range hood that brings style and elegance to the room. The creams and ivories of the room are complemented by the tan and ivory Juperana Santa Cecilia granite countertops and by the bronze hardware and pendant lighting. The large island provides storage, a prep and clean-up area with an undermounted sink, and an area for family eating or for entertaining service. A focal point in the room is the decorative travertine tile picture frame over the professional grade range. Stainless steel appliances and warm wood flooring complete the look and spread into the eating area and the family room beyond. This room has certainly banished the blahs and become elegant as well as more useful. Homeowner Score - 100 Perfect score from homeowner. “The TrendMark team was outstanding. Their creativity and ability to visualize the project made it turn out better than expected. The team always was very professional, on-time, courteous,easy to work with, and did incredible work! I’d recommend TrendMark to anyone. TrendMark is unique in that the crew are employee of TrendMark and you know who to expect for the duration of the project. I was comfortable having them in our home at anytime. Not having a string of subs come through made it a very positive experience. Their attention to detail was amazing. Before I could point out any issue the team was already working on them. Overall, remodeling a kitchen, down to the sheetrock and more and 3.5 baths could be a very painful experience, but this was not the case. It was a very enjoyable and rewarding experience. We love our new home! AWARD: Best Kitchen $25,001 - $40,000 Special Feature Award: Kitchen/Closet Redesign * Nice attention to detail. Reworked interior wall to gain space. Exceptional update good lighting. * Cabinet layout/design – elevations and projections – are small but nice finishing details. Thought/Implementation of kitchen pantry/closet redesign truly changed the kitchen. * Like the kitchen cabinets lines – especially the layout nicely done tile.