This newly constructed home offers an expansive floor plan with spectacular views of the countryside through the many windows seen throughout the home. The foyer commands particular attention with its floating staircase and exquisite polished porcelain flooring. Continuing into the living area, wide-planked, antiqued maple flooring grounds the room, while custom Norwalk and Fairfield furniture sits atop Karastan rugs. The kitchen is a chef’s dream come true with ample room to cook and entertain among the custom cabinets. Chisel-edge porcelain tile was installed in a random pattern, perfectly complimenting the Ash Gold granite countertops and tumbled travertine backsplash. The master suite allows for a relaxing retreat with calming colors seen in the bedding, custom silk drapery, and cozy, hand-knotted Kalaty rug. Stepping into the master bath, the porcelain tile, soaker tub, and custom tiled shower create a peaceful oasis. Kim Johnson, Interior Designer, enjoyed helping her clients select products from a variety of vendors to create a beautiful new home for this family. As always, we truly appreciate our clients and hope they enjoy many happy years in their new home. Designer: Kim Johnson Contractor: John Kavanaugh Granite Countertops: Stoneworks Cabinets: Mowdy Cabinetry Photographer: Al Pursley, The Digital Studio

This project is more than meets the eye! In a gorgeous neighborhood in Del Mar, San Diego, California, This unique small custom wine cellar truly acts as a showstopper. Originally within this house, the door which now faces outward used to be around the corner in a small hallway, virtually eliminating any visibility into this contemporary walk in custom wine cellar. Upon seeing the location of this space within the house, Gene Walder and the knowledgeable team at Vintage Cellars knew that to really take advantage of the room provided, (which is actually below the stairs), they needed to get rid of the original door and add a brand new one facing the main living space. Just a small feat in a series of unique custom features within this cellar! Here at Vintage Cellars, before any design takes shape, it is vital to understand what the clients wants and needs are based on their growing collection of wine. With a good idea of bottle sizes, shapes (some pinot noir bottles, for example have a wider bottom than a typical cabernet sauvignon bottle) and unique features desired, the team of wine cellar designers and wine cellar builders at Vintage Cellars are able to create a very special and desirable wine cellar for each client. The owners of this beautiful home collaborated heavily with the Vintage Cellars team in the design process of this rustic custom wine cellar - something that we aim to do with every project. The homeowners wanted to showcase some of their favorite Magnum sized bottles in a high reveal horizontal display row, directly on top of another area highlighting the best 750 ml's in their collection. This small custom wine room fills most of the left wall with single deep, individual bottle storage. Directly below this wine racking is room for wine case / wine bin storage. Centered within this wall is a nice space for opening and decanting wines with a gorgeous dark stone countertop and room for hanging wine glasses above. The opposite wall is filled floor to ceiling with label revealing horizontal display rows. Again, this type of feature is very desirable in recent years. Homeowners want to be able to showcase the best bottles they own within their custom wine cellars in the most stunning and beautiful ways possible. Additionally, this feature is commonly replicated with metal bars for a more contemporary and modern look and feel. Within Beach Cities such as Del Mar, La Jolla, Cardiff, Coronado, Rancho Santa Fe, Encinitas, Solana Beach, Newport Beach and Orange County alike, small walk wine cellars are all the rage. Custom Wine Closet s and Under the Stairs Custom Wine Room s are quickly becoming a commonplace feature within modern luxury homes. Funny enough, because San Diego has become such a hub and mecca for craft beer breweries, luxury homes within communities such as La Jolla, Del Mar, Encinitas, Coronado, Cardiff, Rancho Santa Fe, Solana Beach, Carlsbad, La Costa and Torrey Pines have taken notice and began including space for unique beer storage within their custom wine cellars as well. This right side wall horizontal display racking does just that. If you look closely, those intricately labeled bottles are craft brews kept at a chill and refreshing 55 Degrees- just waiting to be opened and enjoyed immediately. Just when you thought the custom wine cellar tour was over, another unique feature catches your eye. You see the back stone wall? Press ever so gently in the top left corner two thirds of the way up and - Voila! - a secret door appears and slowly reveals more room under the stairway for case storage and the like. The homeowner also decided to add interesting lighting to this cellar. The Custom wine room can turn any color of the rainbow - allowing you to focus on all lights or just one a time, creating that perfect mood lighting for the holidays, springtime, or summer. This entire custom wine cellar and all wine racking were done in raw black walnut. Vintage Cellars has built gorgeous custom wine cellars and wine storage rooms across the United States and World for over 25 years. We are your go-to business for anything wine cellar and wine storage related! Whether you're interested in a wine closet, wine racking, custom wine racks, a custom wine cellar door, or a cooling system for your existing space, Vintage Cellars has you covered! We carry all kinds of wine cellar cooling and refrigeration systems, incuding: Breezaire, CellarCool, WhisperKool, Wine Guardian, CellarPro and Commercial systems. We also carry many types of Wine Refrigerators, Wine Cabinets, and wine racking types, including La Cache, Marvel, N'Finity, Transtherm, Vinotheque, Vintage Series, Credenza, Walk in wine rooms, Climadiff, Riedel, Fontenay, and VintageView. Vintage Cellars also does work in many styles, including Contemporary and Modern, Rustic, Farmhouse, Traditional, Craftsman, Industrial, Mediterranean, Mid-Century, Industrial and Eclectic. Some locations we cover often include: San Diego, Rancho Santa Fe, Corona Del Mar, Del Mar, La Jolla, Newport Beach, Newport Coast, Huntington Beach, Del Mar, Solana Beach, Carlsbad, Orange County, Beverly Hills, Malibu, Pacific Palisades, Santa Monica, Bel Air, Los Angeles, Encinitas, Cardiff, Coronado, Manhattan Beach, Palos Verdes, San Marino, Ladera Heights, Santa Monica, Brentwood, Westwood, Hancock Park, Laguna Beach, Crystal Cove, Laguna Niguel, Torrey Pines, Thousand Oaks, Coto De Caza, Coronado Island, San Francisco, Danville, Walnut Creek, Marin, Tiburon, Hillsborough, Berkeley, Oakland, Napa, Sonoma, Agoura Hills, Hollywood Hills, Laurel Canyon, Sausalito, Mill Valley, San Rafael, Piedmont, Paso Robles, Carmel, Pebble Beach Contact Vintage Cellars today with any of your Wine Cellar needs! (800) 876-8789 Vintage Cellars 904 Rancheros Drive San Marcos, California 92069 (800) 876-8789

This project was such an incredible design opportunity, and instilled inspiration and excitement at every turn! Our amazing clients came to us with the challenge of converting their beloved family home into a welcoming haven for all members of the family. At the time that we met our clients, they were struggling with the difficult personal decision of the fate of the home. Their father/father-in-law had passed away and their mother/mother-in-law had recently been admitted into a nursing facility and was fighting Alzheimer’s. Resistant to loss of the home now that both parents were out of it, our clients purchased the home to keep in in the family. Despite their permanent home currently being in New Jersey, these clients dedicated themselves to keeping and revitalizing the house. We were moved by the story and became immediately passionate about bringing this dream to life. The home was built by the parents of our clients and was only ever owned by them, making this a truly special space to the family. Our goal was to revitalize the home and to bring new energy into every room without losing the special characteristics that were original to the home when it was built. In this way, we were able to develop a house that maintains its own unique personality while offering a space of welcoming neutrality for all members of the family to enjoy over time. The renovation touched every part of the home: the exterior, foyer, kitchen, living room, sun room, garage, six bedrooms, three bathrooms, the laundry room, and everything in between. The focus was to develop a style that carried consistently from space to space, but allowed for unique expression in the small details in every room. Starting at the entry, we renovated the front door and entry point to offer more presence and to bring more of the mid-century vibe to the home’s exterior. We integrated a new modern front door, cedar shingle accents, new exterior paint, and gorgeous contemporary house numbers that really allow the home to stand out. Just inside the entry, we renovated the foyer to create a playful entry point worthy of attention. Cement look tile adorns the foyer floor, and we’ve added new lighting and upgraded the entry coat storage. Upon entering the home, one will immediately be captivated by the stunning kitchen just off the entry. We transformed this space in just about every way. While the footprint of the home ultimately remained almost identical, the aesthetics were completely turned on their head. We re-worked the kitchen to maximize storage and to create an informal dining area that is great for casual hosting or morning coffee. We removed the entry to the garage that was once in the informal dining, and created a peninsula in its place that offers a unique division between the kitchen/informal dining and the formal dining and living areas. The simple light warm light gray cabinetry offers a bit of traditional elegance, along with the marble backsplash and quartz countertops. We extended the original wood flooring into the kitchen and stained all floors to match for a warmth that truly resonates through all spaces. We upgraded appliances, added lighting everywhere, and finished the space with some gorgeous mid century furniture pieces. In the formal dining and living room, we really focused on maintaining the original marble fireplace as a focal point. We cleaned the marble, repaired the mortar, and refinished the original fireplace screen to give a new sleek look in black. We then integrated a new gas insert for modern heating and painted the upper portion in a rich navy blue; an accent that is carried through the home consistently as a nod to our client’s love of the color. The former entry into the old covered porch is now an elegant glass door leading to a stunning finished sunroom. This room was completely upgraded as well. We wrapped the entire space in cozy white shiplap to keep a casual feel with brightness. We tiled the floor with large format concrete look tile, and painted the old brick fireplace a bright white. We installed a new gas burning unit, and integrated transitional style lighting to bring warmth and elegance into the space. The new black-frame windows are adorned with decorative shades that feature hand-sketched bird prints, and we’ve created a dedicated garden-ware “nook” for our client who loves to work in the yard. The far end of this space is completed with two oversized chaise loungers and overhead lights…the most perfect little reading nook! Just off the dining room, we created an entirely new space to the home: a mudroom. The clients lacked this space and desperately needed a landing spot upon entering the home from the garage. We uniquely planned existing space in the garage to utilize for this purpose, and were able to create a small but functional entry point without losing the ability to park cars in the garage. This new space features cement-look tile, gorgeous deep brown cabinetry, and plenty of storage for all the small items one might need to store while moving in and out of the home. The remainder of the upstairs level includes massive renovations to the guest hall bathroom and guest bedroom, upstairs master bed/bath suite, and a third bedroom that we converted into a home office for the client. Some of the largest transformations were made in the basement, where unfinished space and lack of light were converted into gloriously lit, cozy, finished spaces. Our first task was to convert the massive basement living room into the new master bedroom for our clients. We removed existing built-ins, created an entirely new walk-in closet, painted the old brick fireplace, installed a new gas unit, added carpet, introduced new lighting, replaced windows, and upgraded every part of the aesthetic appearance. One of the most incredible features of this space is the custom double sliding barn door made by a Denver artisan. This space is truly a retreat for our clients! We also completely transformed the laundry room, back storage room, basement master bathroom, and two bedrooms. This home’s massive scope and ever-evolving challenges were thrilling and exciting to work with, and the result is absolutely amazing. At the end of the day, this home offers a look and feel that the clients love. Above all, though, the clients feel the spirit of their family home and have a welcoming environment for all members of the family to enjoy for years to come.

Store up to 349 bottles of red, white, and sparkling wine with ease in Allavino's all-new FlexCount Series 3Z-VSWR7772-SST Multi-Zone Wine Cellar Refrigerator! Made up of one single zone 177 bottle unit and one dual zone 172 bottle unit, it features innovative metal shelves that have been specially designed to be strong enough to provide reliable stability and prevent sagging, yet thin enough to allow more space between shelves than you will find in similarly sized wine coolers. This extra space allows you to store larger bottles without sacrificing bottle capacity. Each shelf glides out smoothly on ball-bearing tracks, and has a stylish stainless steel front and wood slats that cradle your bottles. The 3Z-VSWR7772-SST 's three zones can be individually controlled using digital displays with easy-to-use push buttons, and "red", "white", and "sparkling" indicator lights allow you to monitor temperatures at a glance. Thanks to it's front-venting design and finished top and sides, this refrigerator can be used as a built-in or freestanding unit. 349 Bottle Capacity:The 3Z-VSWR7772-SST features 22 shelves that can hold up to 11 bottles each, 4 shelves that can hold up to 20 bottles each, and 1 shelf that can hold up to 27 bottles for a maximum bottle capacity of 349 bottles.Multi-Zone Temperature Control:Store red, white, and sparkling wine simultaneously with this three zone unit, which features a digital display with easy-to-use push button controls that allow you to easily adjust each zone's temperature.Blue LED Interior Lighting:Cool blue LED lighting beautifully elegantly illuminates your bottles while remaining cooler than standard bulbs, and can be turned on or off with the push of a button.Innovative New Shelf Design:Allavino's revolutionary new metal shelves are strong enough to prevent sagging, yet thin enough to maximize your available storage space. These shelves glide out smoothly on ball-bearing tracks, and feature wood slats that cradle your bottles and prevent harmful vibration from affecting your wine.Security Locks:Built-in security locks protect your collection, and two extra keys are included so that you can always have a backup on hand.Built-In Versatility:This unit is front-venting, and can be built into your cabinetry for a seamless look without requiring extra space on the sides for air circulation. It can also be used as a freestanding unit with finished sides and top. Height: 71.5" Width: 47.0" Depth: 27.0" Unit Weight: 608.4 lbs. (2 units - 304.2 lbs. each) Shipping Weight: 661.4 lbs. (2 units - 330.7 lbs. each) Built-In Capable: Yes Security Lock: Yes Multiple / Dual Zone: Yes Beverage Center: No Cabinet Color / Material: Black Metal Ada Compliant: No Commercial Use: Yes Outdoor Use: No Energy Star Rated: No Wine Bottle Count: Up to 349 Bottles Adjustable Thermostat: Yes Digital: Yes Type: Compressor Defrost System: Auto Front Ventilation: Yes Type: Glide-Out Number Of Shelves: 27 Material: Metal with Wood Slats Removable: Yes Adjustable: No Glide-Out (Roller Assemblies): Yes Bottles Per Shelf: 22 Shelves Hold 11 Bottles/4 Shelves Hold 20 Bottles/1 Shelf Holds 27 Bottles Color: Black Compartments (Distinct Zones): 3 Lighting: Yes Type: Glass Number Of Doors: 2 Color / Material: Stainless Steel Door Handle: Towel Bar Field Reversible: No Tinted / Uv Protective: Yes Self-Closing: No Electrical Requirements: 115V/60Hz Dimensions Height 71.5" Width 47.0" Depth 27.0" Weight Unit Weight 608.4 lbs. (2 units - 304.2 lbs. each) Shipping Weight 661.4 lbs. (2 units - 330.7 lbs. each) Key Features Built-in Capable Yes Security Lock Yes Multiple / Dual Zone Yes Beverage Center No Cabinet Color / Material Black Metal ADA Compliant No Commercial Use Yes Outdoor Use No Energy Star Rated No Capacity Wine Bottle Count Up to 349 Bottles Controls Adjustable Thermostat Yes Digital Yes Cooling System Type Compressor Defrost System Auto Front Ventilation Yes Shelving Type Glide-Out Number of Shelves 27 Material Metal with Wood Slats Removable Yes Adjustable No Glide-Out (Roller Assemblies) Yes Bottles per Shelf 22 Shelves Hold 11 Bottles/4 Shelves Hold 20 Bottles/1 Shelf Holds 27 Bottles Interior Color Black Compartments (Distinct Zones) 3 Lighting Yes Door Type Glass Number of Doors 2 Color / Material Stainless Steel Door Handle Towel Bar Field Reversible No Tinted / UV Protective Yes Self-Closing No Electrical Electrical Requirements 115V/60Hz

Beautiful wine collections need an equally beautiful display. Our customers located in the Streeterville area had an enormous collection, and we provided them with the added illusion of an enormous wine cellar! One of our favorite elements of this modern wine cellar is the mirrored ceiling. This is a creative trick to provide an infinite appearance that will elude to the idea of having hundreds of shelves! Each corner of this modern wine cellar is complemented by our different racking techniques. Our display shelves allow each bottle to have its own moment of appreciation, to create an artful look that is sure to impress. When our client approached us with an idea of housing their extensive wine collection in their modern high rise residence, we were thrilled! After viewing their incredibly modern home, we realized that we could not provide them with a traditional wine cellar. We were presented with an exciting task of reimagining our traditional displays, to a clean and sleek modern design. As designers, maintaining the flow of a home is very important to us and our mission is to enhance the home’s existing features. From the wine cellar door to the ceiling, we were able to bring our A-game and create a complementary extension to our customer’s home. Our custom wine cellar door is equipped with a matching threshold, that holds all of the cold air in place. When you take a step inside, you are greeted from floor to ceiling with exquisite design. From our customer’s collectible storage boxes to 4 upward facing display shelves, you are immediately aware that this is a work of art. Each display shelf is adorned with its own light strip that further draws attention to the collectible wine bottles. As you glance up further, you see our storage shelves in full force. Playing off of the vast collection, we decided to install a mirrored ceiling. This design element allowed us to have some fun, and to further accentuate the large collection. This modern wine cellar is complete with a clear glass insulated Modern door that creates a temperature-controlled environment, conducive for preserving wine for decades. As designers, we were presented with a wonderful opportunity to showcase several of our strong suits. We were able to provide our client with a modern wine cellar, as well as an engineered, temperature-controlled environment. From traditional to modern, we are able to provide your project with the upmost quality wine expertise and guidance. Unsure of where to start, but you just know that you want to? Give us a call or stop into our showroom and we can help provide you with all the necessary details that you will need to get inspired!

Beautiful wine collections need an equally beautiful display. Our customers located in the Streeterville area had an enormous collection, and we provided them with the added illusion of an enormous wine cellar! One of our favorite elements of this modern wine cellar is the mirrored ceiling. This is a creative trick to provide an infinite appearance that will elude to the idea of having hundreds of shelves! Each corner of this modern wine cellar is complemented by our different racking techniques. Our display shelves allow each bottle to have its own moment of appreciation, to create an artful look that is sure to impress. When our client approached us with an idea of housing their extensive wine collection in their modern high rise residence, we were thrilled! After viewing their incredibly modern home, we realized that we could not provide them with a traditional wine cellar. We were presented with an exciting task of reimagining our traditional displays, to a clean and sleek modern design. As designers, maintaining the flow of a home is very important to us and our mission is to enhance the home’s existing features. From the wine cellar door to the ceiling, we were able to bring our A-game and create a complementary extension to our customer’s home. Our custom wine cellar door is equipped with a matching threshold, that holds all of the cold air in place. When you take a step inside, you are greeted from floor to ceiling with exquisite design. From our customer’s collectible storage boxes to 4 upward facing display shelves, you are immediately aware that this is a work of art. Each display shelf is adorned with its own light strip that further draws attention to the collectible wine bottles. As you glance up further, you see our storage shelves in full force. Playing off of the vast collection, we decided to install a mirrored ceiling. This design element allowed us to have some fun, and to further accentuate the large collection. This modern wine cellar is complete with a clear glass insulated Modern door that creates a temperature-controlled environment, conducive for preserving wine for decades. As designers, we were presented with a wonderful opportunity to showcase several of our strong suits. We were able to provide our client with a modern wine cellar, as well as an engineered, temperature-controlled environment. From traditional to modern, we are able to provide your project with the upmost quality wine expertise and guidance. Unsure of where to start, but you just know that you want to? Give us a call or stop into our showroom and we can help provide you with all the necessary details that you will need to get inspired!

This newly constructed home offers an expansive floor plan with spectacular views of the countryside through the many windows seen throughout the home. The foyer commands particular attention with its floating staircase and exquisite polished porcelain flooring. Continuing into the living area, wide-planked, antiqued maple flooring grounds the room, while custom Norwalk and Fairfield furniture sits atop Karastan rugs. The kitchen is a chef’s dream come true with ample room to cook and entertain among the custom cabinets. Chisel-edge porcelain tile was installed in a random pattern, perfectly complimenting the Ash Gold granite countertops and tumbled travertine backsplash. The master suite allows for a relaxing retreat with calming colors seen in the bedding, custom silk drapery, and cozy, hand-knotted Kalaty rug. Stepping into the master bath, the porcelain tile, soaker tub, and custom tiled shower create a peaceful oasis. Kim Johnson, Interior Designer, enjoyed helping her clients select products from a variety of vendors to create a beautiful new home for this family. As always, we truly appreciate our clients and hope they enjoy many happy years in their new home. Designer: Kim Johnson Contractor: John Kavanaugh Granite Countertops: Stoneworks Cabinets: Mowdy Cabinetry Photographer: Al Pursley, The Digital Studio

Photo credit: Scott McDonald @ Hedrich Blessing 7RR-Ecohome: The design objective was to build a house for a couple recently married who both had kids from previous marriages. How to bridge two families together? The design looks forward in terms of how people live today. The home is an experiment in transparency and solid form; removing borders and edges from outside to inside the house, and to really depict “flowing and endless space”. The house floor plan is derived by pushing and pulling the house’s form to maximize the backyard and minimize the public front yard while welcoming the sun in key rooms by rotating the house 45-degrees to true north. The angular form of the house is a result of the family’s program, the zoning rules, the lot’s attributes, and the sun’s path. We wanted to construct a house that is smart and efficient in terms of construction and energy, both in terms of the building and the user. We could tell a story of how the house is built in terms of the constructability, structure and enclosure, with a nod to Japanese wood construction in the method in which the siding is installed and the exposed interior beams are placed in the double height space. We engineered the house to be smart which not only looks modern but acts modern; every aspect of user control is simplified to a digital touch button, whether lights, shades, blinds, HVAC, communication, audio, video, or security. We developed a planning module based on a 6-foot square room size and a 6-foot wide connector called an interstitial space for hallways, bathrooms, stairs and mechanical, which keeps the rooms pure and uncluttered. The house is 6,200 SF of livable space, plus garage and basement gallery for a total of 9,200 SF. A large formal foyer celebrates the entry and opens up to the living, dining, kitchen and family rooms all focused on the rear garden. The east side of the second floor is the Master wing and a center bridge connects it to the kid’s wing on the west. Second floor terraces and sunscreens provide views and shade in this suburban setting. The playful mathematical grid of the house in the x, y and z axis also extends into the layout of the trees and hard-scapes, all centered on a suburban one-acre lot. Many green attributes were designed into the home; Ipe wood sunscreens and window shades block out unwanted solar gain in summer, but allow winter sun in. Patio door and operable windows provide ample opportunity for natural ventilation throughout the open floor plan. Minimal windows on east and west sides to reduce heat loss in winter and unwanted gains in summer. Open floor plan and large window expanse reduces lighting demands and maximizes available daylight. Skylights provide natural light to the basement rooms. Durable, low-maintenance exterior materials include stone, ipe wood siding and decking, and concrete roof pavers. Design is based on a 2' planning grid to minimize construction waste. Basement foundation walls and slab are highly insulated. FSC-certified walnut wood flooring was used. Light colored concrete roof pavers to reduce cooling loads by as much as 15%. 2x6 framing allows for more insulation and energy savings. Super efficient windows have low-E argon gas filled units, and thermally insulated aluminum frames. Permeable brick and stone pavers reduce the site’s storm-water runoff. Countertops use recycled composite materials. Energy-Star rated furnaces and smart thermostats are located throughout the house to minimize duct runs and avoid energy loss. Energy-Star rated boiler that heats up both radiant floors and domestic hot water. Low-flow toilets and plumbing fixtures are used to conserve water usage. No VOC finish options and direct venting fireplaces maintain a high interior air quality. Smart home system controls lighting, HVAC, and shades to better manage energy use. Plumbing runs through interior walls reducing possibilities of heat loss and freezing problems. A large food pantry was placed next to kitchen to reduce trips to the grocery store. Home office reduces need for automobile transit and associated CO2 footprint. Plan allows for aging in place, with guest suite than can become the master suite, with no need to move as family members mature.

The site for this waterfront residence is located on the Great Neck Peninsula, facing west to views of NYC and the borough bridges. When purchased, there existed a 50-year-old house and pool structurally condemned which required immediate removal. Once the site was cleared, a year was devoted to stabilizing the seawall and hill to accommodate the newly proposed home. The lot size, shape and relationship to an easement access road, overlaid with strict zoning regulations was a key factor in the organization of the client’s program elements. The arc contour of the easement road and required setback informed the front facade shape, which was designed as a privacy screen, as adjacent homes are in close proximity. Due to strict height requirements the house from the street appears to be one story and then steps down the hill allowing for three fully occupiable floors. The local jurisdiction also granted special approval accepting the design of the garage, within the front set back, as its roof is level with the roadbed and fully landscaped. A path accesses a hidden door to the bedroom level of the house. The garage is accessed through a semicircular driveway that leads to a depressed entry courtyard, offering privacy to the main entrance. The configuration of the home is a U-shape surrounding a rear courtyard. This shape, along with suspended pods assures water views to all occupants while not compromising privacy from the adjacent homes. The house is constructed on a steel frame, clad with fiber cement, resin panels and an aluminum curtain wall system. All roofs are accessible as either decks or landscaped garden areas. The lower level accesses decks, an outdoor kitchen, and pool area which are perched on the edge of the upper retaining wall.

This classic 1970's rambler was purchased by our clients as their 'forever' retirement home and as a gathering place for their large, extended family. Situated on a large, verdant lot, the house was burdened with extremely dated finishes and poorly conceived spaces. These flaws were more than offset by the overwhelming advantages of a single level plan and spectacular sunset views. Weighing their options, our clients executed their purchase fully intending to hire us to immediately remodel this structure for them. Our first task was to open up this plan and give the house a fresh, contemporary look that emphasizes views toward Lake Washington and the Olympic Mountains in the distance. Our initial response was to recreate our favorite Great Room plan. This started with the elimination of a large, masonry fireplace awkwardly located in the middle of the plan and to then tear out all the walls. We then flipped the Kitchen and Dining Room and inserted a walk-in pantry between the Garage and new Kitchen location. While our clients' initial intention was to execute a simple Kitchen remodel, the project scope grew during the design phase. We convinced them that the original ill-conceived entry needed a make-over as well as both bathrooms on the main level. Now, instead of an entry sequence that looks like an afterthought, there is a formal court on axis with an entry art wall that arrests views before moving into the heart of the plan. The master suite was updated by sliding the wall between the bedroom and Great Room into the family area and then placing closets along this wall - in essence, using these closets as an acoustical buffer between the Master Suite and the Great Room. Moving these closets then freed up space for a 5-piece master bath, a more efficient hall bath and a stacking washer/dryer in a closet at the top of the stairs.

When United Marble Fabricators was hired by builders Adams & Beasley Associates to furnish, fabricate, and install all of the stone and tile in this unique two-story penthouse within the Four Seasons in Boston’s Back Bay, the immediate focus of nearly all parties involved was more on the stunning views of Boston Common than of the stone and tile surfaces that would eventually adorn the kitchen and bathrooms. That entire focus, however, would quickly shift to the meticulously designed first floor wet bar nestled into the corner of the two-story living room. Lewis Interiors and Adams & Beasley Associates designed a wet bar that would attract attention, specifying ¾ inch Honey Onyx for the bar countertop and full-height backsplash. LED panels would be installed behind the backsplash to illuminate the entire surface without creating any “hot spots” traditionally associated with backlighting of natural stone. As the design process evolved, it was decided that the originally specified glass shelves with wood nosing would be replaced with PPG Starphire ultra-clear glass that was to be rabbeted into the ¾ inch onyx backsplash so that the floating shelves would appear to be glowing as they floated, uninterrupted by moldings of any other materials. The team first crafted and installed the backsplash, which was fabricated from shop drawings, delivered to the 15th floor by elevator, and installed prior to any base cabinetry. The countertops were fabricated with a 2 inch mitered edge with an eased edge profile, and a 4 inch backsplash was installed to meet the illuminated full-height backsplash. The spirit of collaboration was alive and well on this project as the skilled fabricators and installers of both stone and millwork worked interdependently with the singular goal of a striking wet bar that would captivate any and all guests of this stunning penthouse unit and rival the sweeping views of Boston Common

A TOUCHDOWN BY DESIGN Interior design by Jennifer Corredor, J Design Group, Coral Gables, Florida Text by Christine Davis Photography by Daniel Newcomb, Palm Beach Gardens, FL What did Detroit Lions linebacker, Stephen Tulloch, do when he needed a decorator for his new Miami 10,000-square-foot home? He tackled the situation by hiring interior designer Jennifer Corredor. Never defensive, he let her have run of the field. “He’d say, ‘Jen, do your thing,’” she says. And she did it well. The first order of the day was to get a lay of the land and a feel for what he wanted. For his primary residence, Tulloch chose a home in Pinecrest, Florida. — a great family neighborhood known for its schools and ample lot sizes. “His lot is huge,” Corredor says. “He could practice his game there if he wanted.” A laidback feeling permeates the suburban village, where mostly Mediterranean homes intermix with a few modern styles. With views toward the pool and a landscaped yard, Tulloch’s 10,000-square-foot home touches on both, a Mediterranean exterior with chic contemporary interiors. Step inside, where high ceilings and a sculptural stairway with oak treads and linear spindles immediately capture the eye. “Knowing he was more inclined toward an uncluttered look, and taking into consideration his age and lifestyle, I naturally took the path of choosing more modern furnishings,” the designer says. In the dining room, Tulloch specifically asked for a round table and Corredor found “Xilos Simplice” by Maxalto, a table that seats six to eight and has a Lazy Susan. And just past the stairway, two armless chairs from Calligaris and a semi-round sofa shape the living room. In keeping with Tulloch’s desire for a simple no-fuss lifestyle, leather is often used for upholstery. “He preferred wipe-able areas,” she says. “Nearly everything in the living room is clad in leather.” An architecturally striking, oak-coffered ceiling warms the family room, while Saturnia marble flooring grounds the space in cool comfort. “Since it’s just off the kitchen, this relaxed space provides the perfect place for family and friends to congregate — somewhere to hang out,” Corredor says. The deep-seated sofa wrapped in tan leather and Minotti armchairs in white join a pair of linen-clad ottomans for ample seating. With eight bedrooms in the home, there was “plenty of space to repurpose,” Corredor says. “Five are used for sleeping quarters, but the others have been converted into a billiard room, a home office and the memorabilia room.” On the first floor, the billiard room is set for fun and entertainment with doors that open to the pool area. The memorabilia room presented quite a challenge. Undaunted, Corredor delved into a seemingly never-ending collection of mementos to create a tribute to Tulloch’s career. “His team colors are blue and white, so we used those colors in this space,” she says. In a nod to Tulloch’s career on and off the field, his home office displays awards, recognition plaques and photos from his foundation. A Copenhagen desk, Herman Miller chair and leather-topped credenza further an aura of masculinity. All about relaxation, the master bedroom would not be complete without its own sitting area for viewing sports updates or late-night movies. Here, lounge chairs recline to create the perfect spot for Tulloch to put his feet up and watch TV. “He wanted it to be really comfortable,” Corredor says A total redo was required in the master bath, where the now 12-foot-long shower is a far cry from those in a locker room. “This bath is more like a launching pad to get you going in the morning,” Corredor says. “All in all, it’s a fun, warm and beautiful environment,” the designer says. “I wanted to create something unique, that would make my client proud and happy.” In Tulloch’s world, that’s a touchdown. Your friendly Interior design firm in Miami at your service. Contemporary - Modern Interior designs. Top Interior Design Firm in Miami – Coral Gables. Office, Offices, Kitchen, Kitchens, Bedroom, Bedrooms, Bed, Queen bed, King Bed, Single bed, House Interior Designer, House Interior Designers, Home Interior Designer, Home Interior Designers, Residential Interior Designer, Residential Interior Designers, Modern Interior Designers, Miami Beach Designers, Best Miami Interior Designers, Miami Beach Interiors, Luxurious Design in Miami, Top designers, Deco Miami, Luxury interiors, Miami modern, Interior Designer Miami, Contemporary Interior Designers, Coco Plum Interior Designers, Miami Interior Designer, Sunny Isles Interior Designers, Pinecrest Interior Designers, Interior Designers Miami, J Design Group interiors, South Florida designers, Best Miami Designers, Miami interiors, Miami décor, Miami Beach Luxury Interiors, Miami Interior Design, Miami Interior Design Firms, Beach front, Top Interior Designers, top décor, Top Miami Decorators, Miami luxury condos, Top Miami Interior Decorators, Top Miami Interior Designers, Modern Designers in Miami, modern interiors, Modern, Pent house design, white interiors, Miami, South Miami, Miami Beach, South Beach, Williams Island, Sunny Isles, Surfside, Fisher Island, Aventura, Brickell, Brickell Key, Key Biscayne, Coral Gables, CocoPlum, Coconut Grove, Pinecrest, Miami Design District, Golden Beach, Downtown Miami, Miami Interior Designers, Miami Interior Designer, Interior Designers Miami, Modern Interior Designers, Modern Interior Designer, Modern interior decorators, Contemporary Interior Designers, Interior decorators, Interior decorator, Interior designer, Interior designers, Luxury, modern, best, unique, real estate, decor J Design Group – Miami Interior Design Firm – Modern – Contemporary Contact us: (305) 444-4611 http://www.JDesignGroup.com

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 gray and transitional kitchen remodel bridges the gap between contemporary style and traditional style. The dark gray cabinetry, light gray walls, and white subway tile backsplash make for a beautiful, neutral canvas for the bold teal blue and yellow décor accented throughout the design. Designer Gwen Adair of Cabinet Supreme by Adair did a fabulous job at using grays to create a neutral backdrop to bring out the bright, vibrant colors that the homeowners love so much. This Milwaukee, WI kitchen is the perfect example of Dura Supreme's recent launch of gray paint finishes, it has been interesting to see these new cabinetry colors suddenly flowing across our manufacturing floor, destined for homes around the country. We've already seen an enthusiastic acceptance of these new colors as homeowners started immediately selecting our various shades of gray paints, like this example of “Storm Gray”, for their new homes and remodeling projects! Dura Supreme’s “Storm Gray” is the darkest of our new gray painted finishes (although our current “Graphite” paint finish is a charcoal gray that is almost black). For those that like the popular contrast between light and dark finishes, Storm Gray pairs beautifully with lighter painted and stained finishes. Request a FREE Dura Supreme Brochure Packet: http://www.durasupreme.com/request-brochure

Becky Hulsey, Envision Virtual Tours The Lodge at Gold Mine Falls A Once in a Lifetime Opportunity Awaits…. Have you dreamed of owning your own spectacular waterfall, a serene trout pond, or a one of a kind mountain lodge filled with high end touches, all near Lake Burton? If the answer is yes…..then “The Lodge at Gold Mine Falls” is for you! Located just off HW 76 .3 miles to Anchorage Marina, this unique 2.8 acre property borders the National Forest, boasts a fully remodeled 3 bedroom, 3 bath, 2000+ square foot rock lodge that is adjacent to its own private, spectacular 60 foot waterfall all surrounded by native landscape such as rhododendron and mountain laurel. Tumbling under the 40 foot suspension bridge, the pristine, crystal clear water continues to ramble on its way to large pond ready to be stocked with trout. Picture yourself fly fishing for a trout dinner right at your front door, or delight your friends or family while entertaining on your new porch or extensive, multi-level deck that connects your new home to your own waterfall. The kids or grandkids will be entertained for hours wading in the pool at the base of the waterfall, exploring the crooks and crannies among the stream’s boulders while looking for salamanders, or panning for “fool’s gold” in the stream. Just imagine….The Lodge at Gold Mine Falls has all this and more! As you walk up the front steps to The Lodge at Gold Mine Falls, you will notice the craftsmanship of this uniquely one of a kind home made from local stone and granite from a period gone by. If you look closely at some of the stones, you will find raw garnets, some the size of a nail head. Upon opening the front door constructed of solid oak and a tasteful piece of leaded glass, you will be amazed at the spaciousness of the lodge room. Once upon a time, the 20 x 30 foot room with 10 foot ceilings was the entire home. The focal piece of the room is the new floor to ceiling field stone fireplace, hand honed solid maple mantel, rounded hearth, accentuated by a hand-cut keystone, and flanked by raw cedar columns. The new gas logs can be remotely controlled with programmable heat. A built-in floor to ceiling cherry wood wall unit, with granite serving surface, highlights a side wall and is topped off with a large piece of stained glass from an English pub. The mood lighting behind the stained glass and the antique library ladder really highlights this unique bookcase. Distinctive lighting fixtures and fans provide dining area lighting and circulation from the cool breezes off of Lake Burton. On the bottom, the solid oak 1.5 inch flooring is a remnant of the past on the top, the height of the ceilings is enhanced by double crown moldings throughout and a touch of the outdoors is brought indoors by the three new skylights. Surrounded by rustic cedar window boxes, additional ambient light streams through the four windows facing south, and the new French doors. As you open the French doors to the new porch, you are immediately struck by the sights and sound produced by the rushing water as it cascades over the spectacular multilevel waterfall. You will also notice that the mountain has literally been carved away as you view the layers and striations in the granite that surround the back of the porch. The peaked cathedral ceiling sports a glass apex and the bead board on the ceiling accentuated by the raw cedar plank framing and the five cedar trees used as cornerstones all bring the outdoors within your reach. The addition of “E-Z Breeze” vinyl windows along with the cast iron gas stove will allow you and your family to enjoy the beauty and continually changing scenery at The Lodge at Gold Mine Fall during all four seasons. Opening the Adirondack style door on the other side of the lodge room allows you to step into the Lodge’s addition built at a later date. The four foot wide hallway boasts stained glass light fixtures and an architectural feature from the new stairwell that divides the living and the bedroom spaces. Knowing that the east wall in the kitchen and study were once on the home’s exterior allowed us to investigate and reveal the true character of these walls by removing the two layers of drywall and 4 inches of plaster exposing a striking addition to both rooms…… beautiful granite rock walls. The hallway flows into the granite breakfast bar which fully complements the newly exposed granite wall. From the Viking SS refrigerator to gas Jenn Air ceramic cooktop and microwave the appliances are a chef’s delight. Lighting is a critical component in a gourmet kitchen and the light from the double window is enhanced by two spotlights over the cooking area, LED task lighting under the cabinets, mood lighting over the top cabinets, and four “Murano” hand blown glass pendant lights over the sink and bar area. Scoring points in the design category, the full wood “Thomasville” two tone glazed cabinets that are country white and palomino scream style and sophistication, and are accentuated by the cool copper glass backsplash and refined stainless steel hardware. The porcelain, two bowl farmhouse sink is large enough for your biggest pots while the stainless steel sink guards will protect it from scratches. The SS faucet is professional quality and the Insinkerator will help the chef in the house save time with instant 190 degree water. An eight foot long exposed cedar tree trunk hangs over the cooking area allowing the chef to hang his/her favorite utensils and pots or pans in full lodge style. And who wouldn’t crave a large walk in pantry with commercial grade slides that will up to 120 pounds. With all these features, the cook/cooks in the family will love spending time in this room. Across from the kitchen is a study/office area which can be closed off from the hallway by a double barn door. Except for the remarkable exposed granite rock wall mentioned earlier, the entire room has been paneled with raw cedar boards treated with Australian Tree Oil for true lodge feel. The triple crank out window provides a superb view of the pond and blazing Japanese maple trees in the fall. Outside, the hallway leads to the utility room which has been fully upgraded with all the modern amenities. The oak cabinetry with granite tops also has an extra deep sink with commercial kitchen sprayer. The sink area is surrounded by white subway tile while slate and green glass mini tile accents bring the outdoor colors inside. The doggy door, new exterior door and crank out window provide access to the back yard and additional light. From the new “Rinnai” point of use, gas hot water heater to the new “LG” full size, stackable washer and dryer, this utility room delivers. The master bedroom has four windows which provide outstanding light and air circulation. To take the chill off of nippy evenings, this bedroom also has its own romantic fireplace with travertine marble surround, remote controlled gas logs, and a beautiful antique oak and mirror mantle. To top it off, the en-suite bath contains high end fixtures, a spacious vanity, and floor to ceiling rain shower with independent valves allowing you to turn on the shower and not get wet. Multiple safety handrails and a fold down shower seat give bathers assurance and provide an additional measure of safety. The earthy color tiles, glass tile accents and hand blown light fixtures continue the lodge theme in this end of the house. Located across the hall, the guest bedroom is light and airy with its white window boxes and double crown molding, and also has an attached bathroom. This bathroom also has an entrance door leading to the hallway and doubles as the guest bathroom for the house. Its antique oak vanity and mirror, stained glass lights and wrought iron accents remind me of a past era while the vessel sink, modern fixtures, and floor to ceiling travertine and glass tile rain shower all bring the bathroom up to modern standards. Located at the end of the hallway, and next to the guest bathroom, is the handcrafted stairwell leading to the sleeping loft. The distinctive maple stair treads with their grain and raw edge being displayed, were milled locally in Clayton and then installed from underneath so that no screw or nail heads are visible. The staircase was completed with wrought iron spindles, raw cedar handrail and floor to ceiling end post. Upon your entry into the sleeping loft, you will notice the amount of light that enters through the two skylights and large window facing the pond. The sound of water rushing over the pond’s spillway is a delightful addition to this large sleeping loft. Finished with engineered hardwood flooring and two built in double beds with tree trunks for legs, the room can accommodate four additional twin beds. The sleeping loft is also equipped with a kitchenette and a distinctive cedar and rock walled bathroom. The bath features an antique dresser vanity with marble vessel sink, distinctive fixtures and a floor to ceiling polished travertine marble shower with rain head. This bathroom also has an exterior door leading to a secondary upstairs staircase in the back yard. Just envision the great sleepovers the kids or grandkids will have here or how your out of town friends or family will just love this special area designed with their comfort and needs in mind. Originally constructed in 1925 by “off Broadway” star Rose Grant, this property is rich in history. In the early years, this home was one of the first in Rabun County to generate its own electric from the waterfall. Several small cabins were also built on the property and rented out to guests who came for the waterfall, swim in the pond and connect with nature. Other notable residents were Mrs. and Doctor Fowler who was a local pediatrician. According to an aged newspaper article, Mrs. Fowler was very interested in the indigenous flora and fauna and grew a variety of native plants on the property including some that were rare or endangered. Many metal name tags still remain along the various paths on the property thus reminding you of times gone by and the true beauty of property. Lastly, this solidly built home has just been structurally solidified, become more energy efficient, and reconfigured to further usable space all while retaining the Lodge’s original charm. After removing the flooring in the kitchen, hall and both bathrooms, the home’s structure and roof were fortified with numerous concrete footers to support both bathrooms, kitchen, and stairwell walls that extend from floor to roof. To make this home more comfortable, energy efficient, and bring it up to modern standards, the electrical system was upgraded to 220 service with the wiring, outlets, electrical panels and fixtures replaced throughout the entire home. A whole house surge protector was also installed to protect against damage that may occur with lightning strikes. Speaking of electric…..the pond’s newly poured formed concrete wall contains a pipe enabling you to install your own hydro-electric system. And whether you might decide to tie into the grid or store you energy in a battery system, you could generate your own electric 24/7. The homes plumbing was also replaced with new pipes, energy/water efficient fixtures in each bathroom (including three Toto toilets), and a new cistern was installed behind the garage with a laboratory grade water filtration system. The task of water heating was completed by a gas Rinnai point of use hot water heater in the utility room and all windows were replaced with Anderson thermal pane and 6 Velux skylights were mounted to bring the outdoors inside. The home’s HVAC system was top of the line several years ago and both sets of new gas logs are controlled with remotes. Formerly a summer home, all exterior walls were studded out with insulation added, and whole house fans were installed in the attic and upstairs bathroom. Although many of these upgrades may not be visible, they allow the home to be more energy efficient and more comfortable……allowing The Lodge at Gold Mine Falls to become your four season retreat.

We were approached with a request to design the furnishings for an existing ‘finished’ apartment. The intention was to move in relatively fast, and the property already had an existing marble floor, kitchen and bathrooms which had to be kept. The property also boasted a fantastic 270 degree view, seen from most of the apartment. The clients had a very important role in the completion of the project. They were very involved during the design process and through various decoration choices. The final design was kept as a rigid guideline when faced with picking out all the different elements. Once clear of all previous furniture, the space felt cold and bare; so we immediately felt the need for warmth, and raw, natural elements and textures to complement the cold marble floor while visually tying in the design of the whole apartment together. Since the existing kitchen had a touch of dark walnut stain, we felt this material was one we should add to the palette of materials to contest the stark materials. A raw cement finish was another material we felt would add an interesting contrast and could be used in a variety of ways, from cabinets to walls and ceilings, to tie up the design of various areas of the apartment. To warm up the living/dining area, keeping the existing marble floor but visually creating zones within the large living/dining area without hindering the flow, a dark timber custom-made soffit, continuous with a floor-to-ceiling drinks cabinet zones the dining area, giving it a degree of much-needed warmth. The various windows with a stupendous 270 degree view needed to be visually tied together. This was done by introducing a continuous sheer [drape] which also doubled up as a sound-absorbing material along 2 of the 4 walls of the space. A very large sofa was required to fill up the space correctly, also required for the size of the young family. Services were integrated within the units and soffits, while a customized design in the corner between the kitchen and the living room took into consideration the viewpoints from the main areas to create a pantry without hindering the flow or views. A strategically placed floor-to-ceiling mirror doubles up the space and extends the view to the inner parts of the apartment. The daughter’s bedroom was a small challenge in itself, and a fun task, where we wanted to achieve the perception of a cozy niche with its own enclosed reading nook [for reading fairy tales], behind see-through curtains and a custom-ordered wall print sporting the girl’s favorite colors. The sons’ bedroom had double the requirements in terms of space needed: more wardrobe, more homework desk space, a tv/play station area… “We combined a raised platform area between the boys’ beds to become an area with cushions where the kids can lay down and play, and face a hidden screen behind the homework desk’s sliding back panel for their play station”. The color of the homework desk was chosen in relation to the boys’ ages. A more masculine material palette was chosen for this room, in contrast to the light pastel palette of the girl’s bedroom. Again, this colour can easily be changed over time for a more mature look. PROJECT DATA: St. Paul’s Bay, Malta DESIGN TEAM: Perit Rebecca Zammit, Perit Daniel Scerri, Elyse Tonna OTHER CREDITS: Photography: Tonio Lombardi Styling : TKS

When a young, hip couple from Hong Kong purchased a waterfront condominium in New Jersey, they reached out to Decor Aid for assistance in transforming their new space into a home away from home. The couple wanted the space to be modern, homey, and traditional, while also being wholly representative of their laid-back sensibility. When the couple moved in, the walls of the apartment were painted dark green, with a grey trim. The effect was dark and somber, which was exactly what they did not want their apartment to feel like. So the first thing we did was repaint the walls, which immediately gave the space a lighter, airier feel, and set the tone for the neutral palette that would be incorporated throughout the space. Besides a few pieces that the couple had brought with them from Hong Kong, there was no existing furniture to work with. The couple stressed that they wanted the option to entertain, but that they didn’t want the apartment to be designed like a party house. The dining room table perfectly captures the couple’s refined yet rustic aesthetic, but also has the ability to expand, and accommodate a few extra guests for a small dinner party. The couple wanted their space to feel distinguished, but also wanted the apartment to feel young and hip. To offset the comfortable and neutral tones, brass elements were added throughout the apartment, which added a cohesive feel, without sacrificing the desired look. The final result is a comfortable, modern, and grown-up space that this vibrant young couple can now call home.

TOC design - Tania Scardellato When my clients came to see me and announced their wonderful news that they were pregnant, but did not want to know the sex of the baby, I immediately decided to have the room in greys and yellows, we could always add accessories once the baby was born. This gorgeous, serene nursery for this very much Loved new baby would need to have all the necessary amenities and easily be converted into a regular bedroom. My Client had an image of elephants as the father grew up with bedtime stories of Babar. The challenged was the size of the room only 94 sq. feet. And it would have to be transformed into a regular bedroom once the child was older. I was able to find high quality , beautiful classic furniture that also serves as double duty. Once the child would be old enough the crib can transform into a queen bed, and the removable part of the changing table becomes a 6 drawer dresser. The paintable wall paper color can be changed as well as all accessories. I believe in good quality furniture that can be passed down or converted. Yes it is more expensive but in the long run, classic pieces such as these can last a life time. Created by the concept of elephant accessories and soft pastel colors. Soft texture wallpaper and loads of storage used in an elegant way, This nursery will stand the test of time from 1 month to 18 years . One month before the birth of the child my clients found out they were getting a baby boy. He was born October 03, measuring 45cm and weighing 6.5 pounds. Congratulations guys and welcome to our world little Matteo

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.