This organic modern design is built in an area known for having notable issues with ground movement. After speaking with the developer and reviewing the soil report with our Structural Engineer, we made our recommendations to the client. Since the budget for a full-blown pier and beam structure with void boxes under the pool was well beyond the comfort level of our client, they elected to have us utilize a float shell construction method. For this, we over-excavated the hole and placed a 12" layer of gravel beneath the shell of the pool. Drain lines lead from the deepest point under the pool down into a culvert, placed off to the side of the pool. A sump pump removes any excess water from the culvert as it accumulates. For the shell of the pool, we utilized a double matt of steel and increased the wall thickness to a minimum of 12". This gave added strength to withstand the volatile soil. The elements of fire, water, wood and stone were very important in creating the organic modern feel of this design. The layered effect along the back wall creates a visual stimulation across the length of the yard, without overwhelming the senses. Rather than creating walls only of hard materials, we used Ipe wood to create horizontal screen walls of a more organic nature. At either end, the raised wall and the fire feature are finished in a large-scale porcelain tile, with the look of stained concrete. Custom stainless steel scuppers, made by a local fabricator, create a soothing sound of falling water. The low wall at the center of the project is faced in natural ledgestone, and carries a color palette that set the tone for the entire project. Behind this wall and in front of one of the Ipe screens are three Desert Steel Giant Agave sculptures. The unique fire feature isn't quite a fire place, nor is it a fire pit. It is a linear fire burner, surrounded by a 4" thick cantilevered Leuder limestone hearth, with a backdrop wall of blue glazed clay tile. Although the pool was initially planned as a plaster pool, as the project began to take shape, the client elected to go all the way and finish it in a beautiful blue glass mosaic. Custom fabricated stainless steel cannon jets send a delicate arch of water over this deep blue, and draw attention to the three square wok planters on the far side of the yard. For the decking on this project, we elected to work with Mother Nature rather than against her. Two and a half inch thick concrete pavers, set on a bed of compacted, decomposed granite allow for movement around the pool that is easily fixed. If an area of deck moves around, we can simply lift the affected areas, re-level with DG bed, and re-set the pavers.

Ray Kimbrough
Living room - contemporary living room idea in Los Angeles

The renovation of this town home included expansion of this sitting room to encompass an existing patio space. The overhang of the roof over this patio made for a dark space initially. In the renovation, sliding glass doors and a stone patio were added to open up the views, increase natural light, and expand the floor space in this area of the home, adjacent to the Living Room and fireplace.

Mark Boisclair
Elegant formal and open concept carpeted living room photo in Phoenix with white walls, a standard fireplace and a wall-mounted tv

Bamboo Blinds add textural interest to any room. Bring a touch of the outdoors inside with these shades that can be dressed up or down; add edge binding for a more finished look. Tighter weaves provide increased privacy, light control and energy efficiency. Bamboo Blinds/ Woven Wood Shades from 3 Day Blinds are -Perfect for rooms furnished with rich wood tones - Offer unobstructed views -Enhance room décor with exotic and natural textures Bamboo Blinds have many names including Woven Wood Shades, Bamboo Shades and Matchstick Shades. Regardless of the name they enhance your room décor with exotic and natural textures that conveys casual elegance to your home. Bamboo Blinds will look striking with their warm wood tones and make your home comfortable for a long time. Take advantage of our free in-home design consultation and let us show you what Woven Wood Shades can do to warm your home décor

Example of a mountain style l-shaped medium tone wood floor kitchen design with an undermount sink, raised-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, window backsplash, black appliances, an island and black countertops

Brick Paver Retention Patio. Incorporating a seating wall and planter beds into the retaining wall increases the deck area of this small backyard and increases the usable space by almost 3x!

D&M Images
Example of an urban master gray tile and ceramic tile laminate floor and brown floor freestanding bathtub design with flat-panel cabinets, distressed cabinets, white walls, an undermount sink, quartzite countertops, a hinged shower door and white countertops

Example of a 1960s built-in desk porcelain tile and gray floor home office design in Houston with white walls

Example of a large urban u-shaped medium tone wood floor enclosed kitchen design in Chicago with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, gray cabinets, quartz countertops, gray backsplash, glass tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

We added a retention wall to increase the accessibility in a yard that was otherwise inaccessible.
Inspiration for a backyard concrete paver retaining wall landscape in Charlotte.

Beach style bathroom photo in San Diego

After many years of careful consideration and planning, these clients came to us with the goal of restoring this home’s original Victorian charm while also increasing its livability and efficiency. From preserving the original built-in cabinetry and fir flooring, to adding a new dormer for the contemporary master bathroom, careful measures were taken to strike this balance between historic preservation and modern upgrading. Behind the home’s new exterior claddings, meticulously designed to preserve its Victorian aesthetic, the shell was air sealed and fitted with a vented rainscreen to increase energy efficiency and durability. With careful attention paid to the relationship between natural light and finished surfaces, the once dark kitchen was re-imagined into a cheerful space that welcomes morning conversation shared over pots of coffee. Every inch of this historical home was thoughtfully considered, prompting countless shared discussions between the home owners and ourselves. The stunning result is a testament to their clear vision and the collaborative nature of this project. Photography by Radley Muller Photography Design by Deborah Todd Building Design Services

Felix Sanchez (www.felixsanchez.com)
Huge elegant master white tile double-sink claw-foot bathtub photo in Houston with recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, blue walls, an undermount sink, marble countertops, a hinged shower door and a built-in vanity

Our outdoor veranda rooms are perfect for relaxing or entertaining and positioned perfectly for easy access to the great room - kitchen, family room and dining nook. Photo by FlashitFirst.com

JS Photo FX - Jan Stittleburg
Photo of a transitional landscaping in Atlanta.

Example of a large beach style master freestanding bathtub design in Miami with shaker cabinets, white cabinets, white walls and an undermount sink

Photo Credit: Inckx
Inspiration for a large southwestern open concept family room remodel in Phoenix with a standard fireplace, a wall-mounted tv, beige walls and a plaster fireplace

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.