He wanted a lake house, she wanted a pool. Tucked away on a small cul-de-sac in North Reading is a backyard oasis like no other. “During our initial meeting with the homeowners, it became apparent that they wanted a unique pool, so we suggested a free-form gunite pool surrounded by an indigenous Goshen Stone patio, custom cut to create ultra-tight joints. The stone arrived in huge slabs — most over 5’ x 5’ in size — and varied significantly in thickness. Countless hours were spent cutting, chiseling, and even sandblasting this life-sized jigsaw puzzle. The final look was exactly what we were shooting for.” Russell The pool itself has a dark, pebble finish with a long, custom bench and a simple, spillway stone creating a perfect respite with a calming sound. Surrounding the pool and patio is a lush lawn with large swatches of summertime perennials. The homeowner is an active gardener, so providing him with areas to hone his skills was paramount to our success as a design firm. Large, architectural boulders were carefully arranged throughout the rear yard as both design elements and as functional furniture. A custom-built, wood, wire, and split granite fence meets pool-enclosure requirements and adds that farmhouse-feel to the overall look. Carefully arranged Goshen step stone set flush in the lawn orchestrates movement throughout the garden while connecting the house and pool in a thoughtful, artistic way. No need to travel north to the lake when you’ve got this to enjoy daily — right in your own backyard!

2021 Regional CotY Award Residential Detached Structure Winner! This backyard is a dream come true for the family that loves to host! With multiple entertainment areas, you can relax in the hot tub or mingle in the outdoor entertainment area. Once you step inside you can pour yourself a beer at the bar, take a seat at the dining room table, or get cozy by the fireplace on a chilly evening – this backyard really is perfect for year-round entertainers! The quality of the materials and products used was of great importance to this wonderful family. Having commercial quality cooking appliances including a large grill, double side-burner, refrigerator, and beer dispenser were must haves in the backyard kitchen. Showcasing the beauty and character of wood and the need for natural light was desired from the initial conception. Incorporating fun details including the barn doors, mixed siding, lighting, woodstove, and bar shelf has lead to wonderful conversations about the owner’s desire to combine “some contemporary elements with the flavor of Bend.” We took great care in laying out the space to give three individual areas for groups of 2-4 people to have semi-private conversations and a fourth area with a large table for up to 12 people. There's plenty of space outside the kitchen area to mingle in the gardens, the new deck with lighted stairs, or relax in the hot tub. As you can see, every detail of this project was thought through to create the perfect space for entertainment and relaxation.

2021 Regional CotY Award Residential Detached Structure Winner! This backyard is a dream come true for the family that loves to host! With multiple entertainment areas, you can relax in the hot tub or mingle in the outdoor entertainment area. Once you step inside you can pour yourself a beer at the bar, take a seat at the dining room table, or get cozy by the fireplace on a chilly evening – this backyard really is perfect for year-round entertainers! The quality of the materials and products used was of great importance to this wonderful family. Having commercial quality cooking appliances including a large grill, double side-burner, refrigerator, and beer dispenser were must haves in the backyard kitchen. Showcasing the beauty and character of wood and the need for natural light was desired from the initial conception. Incorporating fun details including the barn doors, mixed siding, lighting, woodstove, and bar shelf has lead to wonderful conversations about the owner’s desire to combine “some contemporary elements with the flavor of Bend.” We took great care in laying out the space to give three individual areas for groups of 2-4 people to have semi-private conversations and a fourth area with a large table for up to 12 people. There's plenty of space outside the kitchen area to mingle in the gardens, the new deck with lighted stairs, or relax in the hot tub. As you can see, every detail of this project was thought through to create the perfect space for entertainment and relaxation.

2021 Regional CotY Award Residential Detached Structure Winner! This backyard is a dream come true for the family that loves to host! With multiple entertainment areas, you can relax in the hot tub or mingle in the outdoor entertainment area. Once you step inside you can pour yourself a beer at the bar, take a seat at the dining room table, or get cozy by the fireplace on a chilly evening – this backyard really is perfect for year-round entertainers! The quality of the materials and products used was of great importance to this wonderful family. Having commercial quality cooking appliances including a large grill, double side-burner, refrigerator, and beer dispenser were must haves in the backyard kitchen. Showcasing the beauty and character of wood and the need for natural light was desired from the initial conception. Incorporating fun details including the barn doors, mixed siding, lighting, woodstove, and bar shelf has lead to wonderful conversations about the owner’s desire to combine “some contemporary elements with the flavor of Bend.” We took great care in laying out the space to give three individual areas for groups of 2-4 people to have semi-private conversations and a fourth area with a large table for up to 12 people. There's plenty of space outside the kitchen area to mingle in the gardens, the new deck with lighted stairs, or relax in the hot tub. As you can see, every detail of this project was thought through to create the perfect space for entertainment and relaxation.

2021 Regional CotY Award Residential Detached Structure Winner! This backyard is a dream come true for the family that loves to host! With multiple entertainment areas, you can relax in the hot tub or mingle in the outdoor entertainment area. Once you step inside you can pour yourself a beer at the bar, take a seat at the dining room table, or get cozy by the fireplace on a chilly evening – this backyard really is perfect for year-round entertainers! The quality of the materials and products used was of great importance to this wonderful family. Having commercial quality cooking appliances including a large grill, double side-burner, refrigerator, and beer dispenser were must haves in the backyard kitchen. Showcasing the beauty and character of wood and the need for natural light was desired from the initial conception. Incorporating fun details including the barn doors, mixed siding, lighting, woodstove, and bar shelf has lead to wonderful conversations about the owner’s desire to combine “some contemporary elements with the flavor of Bend.” We took great care in laying out the space to give three individual areas for groups of 2-4 people to have semi-private conversations and a fourth area with a large table for up to 12 people. There's plenty of space outside the kitchen area to mingle in the gardens, the new deck with lighted stairs, or relax in the hot tub. As you can see, every detail of this project was thought through to create the perfect space for entertainment and relaxation.

2021 Regional CotY Award Residential Detached Structure Winner! This backyard is a dream come true for the family that loves to host! With multiple entertainment areas, you can relax in the hot tub or mingle in the outdoor entertainment area. Once you step inside you can pour yourself a beer at the bar, take a seat at the dining room table, or get cozy by the fireplace on a chilly evening – this backyard really is perfect for year-round entertainers! The quality of the materials and products used was of great importance to this wonderful family. Having commercial quality cooking appliances including a large grill, double side-burner, refrigerator, and beer dispenser were must haves in the backyard kitchen. Showcasing the beauty and character of wood and the need for natural light was desired from the initial conception. Incorporating fun details including the barn doors, mixed siding, lighting, woodstove, and bar shelf has lead to wonderful conversations about the owner’s desire to combine “some contemporary elements with the flavor of Bend.” We took great care in laying out the space to give three individual areas for groups of 2-4 people to have semi-private conversations and a fourth area with a large table for up to 12 people. There's plenty of space outside the kitchen area to mingle in the gardens, the new deck with lighted stairs, or relax in the hot tub. As you can see, every detail of this project was thought through to create the perfect space for entertainment and relaxation.

Liberty wanted to transform her guest bathroom into a stylish yet functional space. The goal was to update the bathroom with modern fixtures and finishes while ensuring it remained practical for everyday use. The existing shower walls were removed down to the studs to start fresh. This initial step ensured a clean slate for the upcoming changes. A new Wyndham Collection's Grayley deep soaking bathtub was installed. In the shower area, the over-sized Staturio Lio polished porcelain wall tiles from The Tile Shop were chosen, arranged in a ⅓ offset repeating pattern for an more modern feel. To complete the shower area, the recessed shower niche was reframed for a longer size providing ample storage and tiled with Carrara Hex Porcelain tile from The Tile Shop adding a stylish flair. Significant upgrades were made to the vanity area, starting with new Sollid Three Series cabinets in a white shaker door for a clean and bright appearance. The LG Hausys Viatera quartz countertops in Calacatta Plata were chosen to complement the cabinetry. Liberty selected a large, rectangular, metal framed mirror along with two Kohler medicine cabinets providing her more storage space without sacrifices on looks. To complete the vanity setup, a new AllModern Eveline vanity light in brushed nickel was selected, tying the look together perfectly. To create a bright and clean environment, the walls, ceilings, baseboards, and doors were all painted in Sherwin-Williams Extra White.

2021 Regional CotY Award Residential Detached Structure Winner! This backyard is a dream come true for the family that loves to host! With multiple entertainment areas, you can relax in the hot tub or mingle in the outdoor entertainment area. Once you step inside you can pour yourself a beer at the bar, take a seat at the dining room table, or get cozy by the fireplace on a chilly evening – this backyard really is perfect for year-round entertainers! The quality of the materials and products used was of great importance to this wonderful family. Having commercial quality cooking appliances including a large grill, double side-burner, refrigerator, and beer dispenser were must haves in the backyard kitchen. Showcasing the beauty and character of wood and the need for natural light was desired from the initial conception. Incorporating fun details including the barn doors, mixed siding, lighting, woodstove, and bar shelf has lead to wonderful conversations about the owner’s desire to combine “some contemporary elements with the flavor of Bend.” We took great care in laying out the space to give three individual areas for groups of 2-4 people to have semi-private conversations and a fourth area with a large table for up to 12 people. There's plenty of space outside the kitchen area to mingle in the gardens, the new deck with lighted stairs, or relax in the hot tub. As you can see, every detail of this project was thought through to create the perfect space for entertainment and relaxation.

This lovely landscape sports a poured in place concrete slab patio with drought tolerant sedum plants between the slabs. This sedum mix is sold in sheets then cut to fit but it’s actually grown for green-roof application. It works perfectly in this hot environment too as it is extremely drought tolerant and can go a month without water. Because the water runoff is absorbed between the slabs the patio drainage works perfectly and there are no need for drains.The swimming pool is of the fiberglass variety. Though the initial investment is greater than that of vinyl pools the ROI is greater over a 10 year period. Fiberglass pools retains more heat as the pool shell is all one piece and they don’t ever require a new liner.. This fiberglass pool has cool built-in benching and steps. And there is even a swim jet built into one side great for those cardio blasting swims. The pool interior colour is grey though it shows a soft blue/grey when water is added due to the reflection of the sky and other surroundings. The pool coping is natural stone with rock face edge. The steel arbour was custom made. Metal (steel) was chosen for it’s slim strength as wood placed here would have been too chunky. The best rooms (indoors or our) have a subtle layering of textural elements. To me this landscape needed a structure here to define the “rooms” It will look even better in a few years when the vines reach the top and the Miscanthus on either side reaches its 7′ height!The 12′ x 16′ pavilion is also made of steel and houses an alfresco dining table and sofa set. The pavilions built in cupola makes the warm breezes comfortably pass through with no need for a fan. It’s also sunken 2′ from the pool/patio height and nestled nicely in the corner. I must also mention the large slim planters with “Red Shades” Canna lily within. They are the perfect boldness/balance!Step through the arbor and a linear pond with “floating” natural stone step is revealed! Two smooth flow scuppers are responsible for the quiet waterfalls either side. A wood deck overhangs the pond adding softness to the setting. A modern retaining wall with natural stone cap runs the full width of the pond and pool adding interest and dimension. In the covered outdoor living area this wall is the perfect seat wall - adding lots of extra party seating! The lesson to be learned here is that good design can be applied to any space. This backyard is only 50′ x 45′ and look what can be achieved! Landscape design and photography by Melanie Rekola

2021 Regional CotY Award Residential Detached Structure Winner! This backyard is a dream come true for the family that loves to host! With multiple entertainment areas, you can relax in the hot tub or mingle in the outdoor entertainment area. Once you step inside you can pour yourself a beer at the bar, take a seat at the dining room table, or get cozy by the fireplace on a chilly evening – this backyard really is perfect for year-round entertainers! The quality of the materials and products used was of great importance to this wonderful family. Having commercial quality cooking appliances including a large grill, double side-burner, refrigerator, and beer dispenser were must haves in the backyard kitchen. Showcasing the beauty and character of wood and the need for natural light was desired from the initial conception. Incorporating fun details including the barn doors, mixed siding, lighting, woodstove, and bar shelf has lead to wonderful conversations about the owner’s desire to combine “some contemporary elements with the flavor of Bend.” We took great care in laying out the space to give three individual areas for groups of 2-4 people to have semi-private conversations and a fourth area with a large table for up to 12 people. There's plenty of space outside the kitchen area to mingle in the gardens, the new deck with lighted stairs, or relax in the hot tub. As you can see, every detail of this project was thought through to create the perfect space for entertainment and relaxation.

2021 Regional CotY Award Residential Detached Structure Winner! This backyard is a dream come true for the family that loves to host! With multiple entertainment areas, you can relax in the hot tub or mingle in the outdoor entertainment area. Once you step inside you can pour yourself a beer at the bar, take a seat at the dining room table, or get cozy by the fireplace on a chilly evening – this backyard really is perfect for year-round entertainers! The quality of the materials and products used was of great importance to this wonderful family. Having commercial quality cooking appliances including a large grill, double side-burner, refrigerator, and beer dispenser were must haves in the backyard kitchen. Showcasing the beauty and character of wood and the need for natural light was desired from the initial conception. Incorporating fun details including the barn doors, mixed siding, lighting, woodstove, and bar shelf has lead to wonderful conversations about the owner’s desire to combine “some contemporary elements with the flavor of Bend.” We took great care in laying out the space to give three individual areas for groups of 2-4 people to have semi-private conversations and a fourth area with a large table for up to 12 people. There's plenty of space outside the kitchen area to mingle in the gardens, the new deck with lighted stairs, or relax in the hot tub. As you can see, every detail of this project was thought through to create the perfect space for entertainment and relaxation.

2021 Regional CotY Award Residential Detached Structure Winner! This backyard is a dream come true for the family that loves to host! With multiple entertainment areas, you can relax in the hot tub or mingle in the outdoor entertainment area. Once you step inside you can pour yourself a beer at the bar, take a seat at the dining room table, or get cozy by the fireplace on a chilly evening – this backyard really is perfect for year-round entertainers! The quality of the materials and products used was of great importance to this wonderful family. Having commercial quality cooking appliances including a large grill, double side-burner, refrigerator, and beer dispenser were must haves in the backyard kitchen. Showcasing the beauty and character of wood and the need for natural light was desired from the initial conception. Incorporating fun details including the barn doors, mixed siding, lighting, woodstove, and bar shelf has lead to wonderful conversations about the owner’s desire to combine “some contemporary elements with the flavor of Bend.” We took great care in laying out the space to give three individual areas for groups of 2-4 people to have semi-private conversations and a fourth area with a large table for up to 12 people. There's plenty of space outside the kitchen area to mingle in the gardens, the new deck with lighted stairs, or relax in the hot tub. As you can see, every detail of this project was thought through to create the perfect space for entertainment and relaxation.

2021 Regional CotY Award Residential Detached Structure Winner! This backyard is a dream come true for the family that loves to host! With multiple entertainment areas, you can relax in the hot tub or mingle in the outdoor entertainment area. Once you step inside you can pour yourself a beer at the bar, take a seat at the dining room table, or get cozy by the fireplace on a chilly evening – this backyard really is perfect for year-round entertainers! The quality of the materials and products used was of great importance to this wonderful family. Having commercial quality cooking appliances including a large grill, double side-burner, refrigerator, and beer dispenser were must haves in the backyard kitchen. Showcasing the beauty and character of wood and the need for natural light was desired from the initial conception. Incorporating fun details including the barn doors, mixed siding, lighting, woodstove, and bar shelf has lead to wonderful conversations about the owner’s desire to combine “some contemporary elements with the flavor of Bend.” We took great care in laying out the space to give three individual areas for groups of 2-4 people to have semi-private conversations and a fourth area with a large table for up to 12 people. There's plenty of space outside the kitchen area to mingle in the gardens, the new deck with lighted stairs, or relax in the hot tub. As you can see, every detail of this project was thought through to create the perfect space for entertainment and relaxation.

2021 Regional CotY Award Residential Detached Structure Winner! This backyard is a dream come true for the family that loves to host! With multiple entertainment areas, you can relax in the hot tub or mingle in the outdoor entertainment area. Once you step inside you can pour yourself a beer at the bar, take a seat at the dining room table, or get cozy by the fireplace on a chilly evening – this backyard really is perfect for year-round entertainers! The quality of the materials and products used was of great importance to this wonderful family. Having commercial quality cooking appliances including a large grill, double side-burner, refrigerator, and beer dispenser were must haves in the backyard kitchen. Showcasing the beauty and character of wood and the need for natural light was desired from the initial conception. Incorporating fun details including the barn doors, mixed siding, lighting, woodstove, and bar shelf has lead to wonderful conversations about the owner’s desire to combine “some contemporary elements with the flavor of Bend.” We took great care in laying out the space to give three individual areas for groups of 2-4 people to have semi-private conversations and a fourth area with a large table for up to 12 people. There's plenty of space outside the kitchen area to mingle in the gardens, the new deck with lighted stairs, or relax in the hot tub. As you can see, every detail of this project was thought through to create the perfect space for entertainment and relaxation.

Barbara and Gary's master bathroom had lost its spark. The colors were muted and monotonous, giving the room a tired feel. Functionality was another significant issue; the space was disjointed and inefficient. During the design phase, they collaborated with our in-house designer and one of the initial steps involved updating the color palette to infuse the design with a contemporary and quietness sense. The outdated cabinets were lacking in storage space, so we upgraded them to Solid Designer Series Corona Oyster Clear Alder cabinets, paired with Bianco Pearl Quartz countertops with a waterfall edge on the left side. The Jeffrey Alexander Boswell cabinet handles, coupled with the Delta Trinsic Widespread Faucets, infuse the space with a sense of elegance and vintage feel, completely transforming the room's overall feel. The old bathtub was no longer working, so they decided to add a large custom shower that included a wet area, pony wall, and dry-off area. They chose the Annie Selke Flora Coconut Milk Porcelain 18x18" tile to create a stunning wall. To craft a showstopper, we adorned the shower floor with Pebble Mosaic Warm Blend, achieving a breathtaking result. The remaining shower fixtures were impeccably selected to bring the dream shower to life. With the expertise and guidance from our team, Barbara & Gary have turned their old bathroom into their dream space, enhancing not only the property's value but also their daily living experience.

2021 Regional CotY Award Residential Detached Structure Winner! This backyard is a dream come true for the family that loves to host! With multiple entertainment areas, you can relax in the hot tub or mingle in the outdoor entertainment area. Once you step inside you can pour yourself a beer at the bar, take a seat at the dining room table, or get cozy by the fireplace on a chilly evening – this backyard really is perfect for year-round entertainers! The quality of the materials and products used was of great importance to this wonderful family. Having commercial quality cooking appliances including a large grill, double side-burner, refrigerator, and beer dispenser were must haves in the backyard kitchen. Showcasing the beauty and character of wood and the need for natural light was desired from the initial conception. Incorporating fun details including the barn doors, mixed siding, lighting, woodstove, and bar shelf has lead to wonderful conversations about the owner’s desire to combine “some contemporary elements with the flavor of Bend.” We took great care in laying out the space to give three individual areas for groups of 2-4 people to have semi-private conversations and a fourth area with a large table for up to 12 people. There's plenty of space outside the kitchen area to mingle in the gardens, the new deck with lighted stairs, or relax in the hot tub. As you can see, every detail of this project was thought through to create the perfect space for entertainment and relaxation.

2021 Regional CotY Award Residential Detached Structure Winner! This backyard is a dream come true for the family that loves to host! With multiple entertainment areas, you can relax in the hot tub or mingle in the outdoor entertainment area. Once you step inside you can pour yourself a beer at the bar, take a seat at the dining room table, or get cozy by the fireplace on a chilly evening – this backyard really is perfect for year-round entertainers! The quality of the materials and products used was of great importance to this wonderful family. Having commercial quality cooking appliances including a large grill, double side-burner, refrigerator, and beer dispenser were must haves in the backyard kitchen. Showcasing the beauty and character of wood and the need for natural light was desired from the initial conception. Incorporating fun details including the barn doors, mixed siding, lighting, woodstove, and bar shelf has lead to wonderful conversations about the owner’s desire to combine “some contemporary elements with the flavor of Bend.” We took great care in laying out the space to give three individual areas for groups of 2-4 people to have semi-private conversations and a fourth area with a large table for up to 12 people. There's plenty of space outside the kitchen area to mingle in the gardens, the new deck with lighted stairs, or relax in the hot tub. As you can see, every detail of this project was thought through to create the perfect space for entertainment and relaxation.

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.

A tea pot, being a vessel, is defined by the space it contains, it is not the tea pot that is important, but the space. Crispin Sartwell Located on a lake outside of Milwaukee, the Vessel House is the culmination of an intense 5 year collaboration with our client and multiple local craftsmen focused on the creation of a modern analogue to the Usonian Home. As with most residential work, this home is a direct reflection of it’s owner, a highly educated art collector with a passion for music, fine furniture, and architecture. His interest in authenticity drove the material selections such as masonry, copper, and white oak, as well as the need for traditional methods of construction. The initial diagram of the house involved a collection of embedded walls that emerge from the site and create spaces between them, which are covered with a series of floating rooves. The windows provide natural light on three sides of the house as a band of clerestories, transforming to a floor to ceiling ribbon of glass on the lakeside. The Vessel House functions as a gallery for the owner’s art, motorcycles, Tiffany lamps, and vintage musical instruments – offering spaces to exhibit, store, and listen. These gallery nodes overlap with the typical house program of kitchen, dining, living, and bedroom, creating dynamic zones of transition and rooms that serve dual purposes allowing guests to relax in a museum setting. Through it’s materiality, connection to nature, and open planning, the Vessel House continues many of the Usonian principles Wright advocated for. Overview Oconomowoc, WI Completion Date August 2015 Services Architecture, Interior Design, Landscape Architecture