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.

Initial Concept Design: Entasis Group; Landscape Architecture Design: MARPA; Landscape Construction: Environmental Designs, Inc.
Design ideas for a large contemporary backyard water fountain landscape in Denver.

Large traditional brown one-story brick gable roof idea in Dallas with a shingle roof

John Granen
Inspiration for a contemporary front yard stone garden path in Seattle.

Design Initiatives
Home design - modern home design idea in Omaha

This West Asheville small house is on an ⅛ acre infill lot just 1 block from the Haywood Road commercial district. With only 840 square feet, space optimization is key. Each room houses multiple functions, and storage space is integrated into every possible location. The owners strongly emphasized using available outdoor space to its fullest. A large screened porch takes advantage of the our climate, and is an adjunct dining room and living space for three seasons of the year. A simple form and tonal grey palette unify and lend a modern aesthetic to the exterior of the small house, while light colors and high ceilings give the interior an airy feel. Photography by Todd Crawford

Contractor: Joseph McKinstry Construction; Interior Design: Jan Holbrook; Photo: Benjamin Benschneider
Inspiration for a contemporary home design remodel in Seattle

Initial Construction Pics highlighting stamped concrete, raised spa, and stone work.
Inspiration for a large timeless backyard stamped concrete and custom-shaped pool remodel in Houston

Bedroom - small transitional bedroom idea in Montreal

Example of a classic medium tone wood floor living room design in Philadelphia with beige walls, a standard fireplace and a stone fireplace

Initial Concept Design: Entasis Group; Landscape Architecture Design: MARPA; Landscape Construction: Environmental Designs, Inc.
Inspiration for a large contemporary exterior home remodel in Denver

Avalow - Initial placement and first gravel layer
Inspiration for a country home design remodel in San Francisco

Designer John James O'Brien's re-visioning of the initial design was accepted by the client to achieve a dramatic view-through foyer and a reading alcove overlooking the swimming pool and a view of the Mediterranean Sea. His design replaced the initial plan for a closed wall with two small windows on the far side of the upper foyer and a half wall blocking the view and a balcony of limited purpose. The result is spectacular, inside and out.

We turned an attic into a writer's garret. Honey-toned wood floors combine with warm gray wainscoting to make for an appealing space. Lighting by Portland's own Cedar & Moss. A live-edge wall-to-wall walnut wood desk provides ample room for writing, and mapping out research and story materials. Custom file folder and shelves tuck underneath. A large built-in bookcase turns one half of the attic in to a library and reading room. Photos by Laurie Black.

Jake Boyd Photography
Bedroom - contemporary guest carpeted bedroom idea with beige walls

Feature in: Luxe Magazine Miami & South Florida Luxury Magazine If visitors to Robyn and Allan Webb’s one-bedroom Miami apartment expect the typical all-white Miami aesthetic, they’ll be pleasantly surprised upon stepping inside. There, bold theatrical colors, like a black textured wallcovering and bright teal sofa, mix with funky patterns, such as a black-and-white striped chair, to create a space that exudes charm. In fact, it’s the wife’s style that initially inspired the design for the home on the 20th floor of a Brickell Key high-rise. “As soon as I saw her with a green leather jacket draped across her shoulders, I knew we would be doing something chic that was nothing like the typical all- white modern Miami aesthetic,” says designer Maite Granda of Robyn’s ensemble the first time they met. The Webbs, who often vacation in Paris, also had a clear vision for their new Miami digs: They wanted it to exude their own modern interpretation of French decor. “We wanted a home that was luxurious and beautiful,” says Robyn, noting they were downsizing from a four-story residence in Alexandria, Virginia. “But it also had to be functional.” To read more visit: https: https://maitegranda.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/LX_MIA18_HOM_MaiteGranda_10.pdf Rolando Diaz

A woodland-themed room features modern animal print bedding and art, and contrasting pillows. An oversized initial letter personalizes the room and a room-wide shelf under the window becomes a perfect resting place book, toys and décor.

Trendy balcony photo in DC Metro

Over 1500 tulips graced the grounds of the 2014 Symphony Designer's Showhouse on opening day as part of By The Blade's initiative designated the "Symphony of Color." (Photo by Lindsey McDonald)