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.

Removing a Tuscan-themed pergola and porch swing made way for a tufted leather banquette. This casual seating provides the perfect spot to enjoy your morning coffee or gather with guests.

Lucy Call
Large trendy open concept medium tone wood floor and beige floor living room photo in Salt Lake City with a bar, beige walls, a standard fireplace and a stone fireplace

Nat Rea Photography
Bedroom - coastal bedroom idea in Providence

Kitchen and Family Room Renovation and Design by Sita Montgomery Interiors
Example of a mid-sized transitional open concept dark wood floor family room design in Salt Lake City with a wall-mounted tv, gray walls, a standard fireplace and a tile fireplace

Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional master beige tile and ceramic tile ceramic tile and white floor alcove shower remodel in DC Metro with shaker cabinets, light wood cabinets, a one-piece toilet, beige walls, an undermount sink and quartz countertops

Rikki Snyder © 2014 Houzz
Eclectic living room photo in New York

Photo credit: Nat Rea Photography
Trendy living room photo in Boston

phillip harris
Kids' room - rustic kids' room idea in San Francisco with no fireplace

http://mollywinphotography.com
Example of a small cottage master medium tone wood floor bedroom design in Austin with gray walls and no fireplace

Photo by Ryann Ford
Patio - contemporary patio idea in Austin

Photographer: Kevin Colquhoun
Example of a mid-sized classic porcelain tile powder room design in New York with a console sink, marble countertops, white walls and a two-piece toilet

Enclosed dining room - mid-sized farmhouse light wood floor and brown floor enclosed dining room idea in Denver with white walls

Lake Front Country Estate Kitchen, designed by Tom Markalunas, built by Resort Custom Homes. Photography by Rachael Boling
Huge elegant l-shaped kitchen/dining room combo photo with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, granite countertops, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, gray walls and an island

photo: Lisa Petrole
Inspiration for a large modern open concept porcelain tile living room remodel in San Francisco with a bar, white walls, a ribbon fireplace, a concrete fireplace and a wall-mounted tv

When Cummings Architects first met with the owners of this understated country farmhouse, the building’s layout and design was an incoherent jumble. The original bones of the building were almost unrecognizable. All of the original windows, doors, flooring, and trims – even the country kitchen – had been removed. Mathew and his team began a thorough design discovery process to find the design solution that would enable them to breathe life back into the old farmhouse in a way that acknowledged the building’s venerable history while also providing for a modern living by a growing family. The redesign included the addition of a new eat-in kitchen, bedrooms, bathrooms, wrap around porch, and stone fireplaces. To begin the transforming restoration, the team designed a generous, twenty-four square foot kitchen addition with custom, farmers-style cabinetry and timber framing. The team walked the homeowners through each detail the cabinetry layout, materials, and finishes. Salvaged materials were used and authentic craftsmanship lent a sense of place and history to the fabric of the space. The new master suite included a cathedral ceiling showcasing beautifully worn salvaged timbers. The team continued with the farm theme, using sliding barn doors to separate the custom-designed master bath and closet. The new second-floor hallway features a bold, red floor while new transoms in each bedroom let in plenty of light. A summer stair, detailed and crafted with authentic details, was added for additional access and charm. Finally, a welcoming farmer’s porch wraps around the side entry, connecting to the rear yard via a gracefully engineered grade. This large outdoor space provides seating for large groups of people to visit and dine next to the beautiful outdoor landscape and the new exterior stone fireplace. Though it had temporarily lost its identity, with the help of the team at Cummings Architects, this lovely farmhouse has regained not only its former charm but also a new life through beautifully integrated modern features designed for today’s family. Photo by Eric Roth

A view from the house to the perimeter of the back yard. Westhauser Photography
Mid-sized minimalist backyard concrete patio photo in Milwaukee with a fire pit

Contemporary Coastal Bathroom Design: Three Salt Design Co. Build: UC Custom Homes Photo: Chad Mellon
Example of a mid-sized beach style master white tile and marble tile marble floor and gray floor freestanding bathtub design in Los Angeles with shaker cabinets, blue cabinets, a two-piece toilet, white walls, an undermount sink, quartz countertops, a hinged shower door and white countertops

The new front door and sidelight give ample light and privacy. The clean style suits the architecture. A built-in storage closet keeps clutter to a minimum. Integrated mirrors in the doors solve an issue of wall space. Photos: Dave Remple