A groundbreaking residential construction project in Connecticut, executed by HSL Builders, challenges the stereotypical notion of modern architecture as a mere "box." The innovative design, spearheaded by architect George Dumitru, revolves around a dynamic pinwheel concept. The central atrium serves as the project's focal point, with four cantilevered second-story bedrooms creating a visually centrifugal effect. Transparency is a key element, evident in the glazed atrium and open floor plan, fostering a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. Embracing Connecticut's natural landscape, the design minimizes interference to maximize picturesque vistas. This collaborative effort, led by HSL Builders, showcases inventive design elements that go beyond the traditional, redefining the essence of modern residential construction.

Eric Kneller from Reico Kitchen & Bath in Frederick, MD, partnered with Ravenwood to design a transitional kitchen using Merillat Autograph cabinetry. The kitchen features the Bayard door style in an Evercore painted Warm White finish for the wall cabinets and Maple in Stained Molasses for the base cabinets. The client shared, “We avoided a kitchen remodel for years due to stories of stressful experiences. Our project with Reico was nothing like that! From start to finish, everything was handled professionally. Eric played a key role in the process, offering helpful suggestions for the layout and design that gave us great options for customization.” Eric added, “The homeowners wanted more storage space, especially since there was no pantry in the home. We worked together to design a solution that wouldn’t interfere with the dining area. The transitional style of the cabinets works well with the warm white and dark stained finishes. I’m pleased with the final result.” Photos courtesy of BTW Images.

This bright laundry room packs plenty of storage into a narrow room. The single wall of cabinets offers ample space to store laundry and cleaning items. The countertop and large sink are perfect for sorting and rinsing clothes, and a bar was installed for hanging clothes to dry. A pocket door is ideal for this laundry room, as it tucks away neatly and does not interfere with the flow of traffic in the space.

A once uninspired, blank lawn has now transformed into a backyard oasis. This retreat now provides an extension of living space for the family and their friends to enjoy for years to come. The inviting gunite pool is the focal point of this space, centrally located with plenty of sun exposure to enjoy during the summer months. For those times when relaxation is desired, a sculptural water feature provides the sound of running water without being visually overbearing. Opposite the sun deck, is an inviting, cozy space complete with a sofa and fire pit that can be used year round. The outdoor living room space under a new deck is fully-covered and well-lit so even an occasional rain shower or too much sun won’t interfere with entertaining guests. All of these separate spaces work in harmony to provide a cohesive feel. The new pool and surrounding landscape overlooks the second fairway at Andover Country Club.

Cellar designed, built, and installed by Mark King Cellar capacity is 1,800+ bottles on racking, not counting the cases on the floor. Cypress wood racking with PA Cherry stain. Lower soffit height required offset height racking Fluted columns conceal water and drain lines. Concealed LED strip lights illuminate angled bottle display row. Bottle pillow rails can be used to display bottles at an angle, with labels visible. Pillow rails do not interfere with standard bottle storage.

Home Remodeling Project Overview This extensive home remodeling project transformed a dated and inefficient layout into a functional, open, and aesthetically cohesive living space. The original layout had several challenges: • A kitchen with limited storage, no cabinets on the window side, a sink facing the wall, and a range crammed into the corner. The pantry closet was too deep and impractical. • A living room that couldn’t accommodate furniture without interfering with traffic flow. • A front foyer with wasted space. • A claustrophobic hallway toilet room without a sink, located near the laundry room. The Remodeling Concept The scope of this project extended well beyond the kitchen. We proposed several layout options to address issues in all adjacent spaces, ultimately implementing a plan that: • Removed two walls and moved doorways. • Replaced the kitchen window. • Converted the hallway toilet room into a storage space. • Installed pocket doors to separate the laundry hallway from the living room. Kitchen Transformation • Open Concept: By removing the wall between the kitchen and dining room, the two spaces became a seamless open area. • New Layout: Cabinets were relocated to the window side for more storage and natural light. A central island with storage and seating was added, and a coffee bar was installed in the dining room. • Updated Pantry: The deep pantry closet was converted into a pullout pantry with a cabinet front for better accessibility. • Design Details: Off-white kitchen cabinets pair beautifully with a light green island. Warm white quartz counters and an artisan tile backsplash complete the look. Dining Room • Expanded Space: Most of the wall separating the dining room and foyer was removed, creating a more spacious area while still accommodating all furniture thanks to careful measurements. Living Room Improvements • Optimized Layout: Moving doorways and installing pocket doors allowed for better furniture placement, including a sofa that doesn’t interfere with traffic flow. • Fireplace Upgrade: The brick fireplace was updated with a three-dimensional staggered stone veneer in a color matching the kitchen cabinets, creating a cohesive look. A TV was installed above the fireplace at a comfortable viewing angle. Additional Updates • New Flooring: All remodeled rooms now feature updated flooring. • Ceilings: Popcorn ceilings were replaced with smooth, flat finishes, complemented by recessed lighting. • Walls: Fresh paint throughout the space, with an accent wall in the living room matching the light green of the kitchen island. • Lighting: Stylish sconces were added for a touch of elegance. The Result The homeowners are thrilled with the transformation, marveling at how their once cramped and inefficient home now feels spacious, functional, and beautifully cohesive. They can’t believe their house could ever look like this!

Coming up with new ideas is always challenging, but the challenge seems even more difficult to overcome when the starting point is quite limiting. In the case of this residential project, the starting point was an existing foundation, that needed to be used for the future building. Therefore, the footprint of the house needed to remain the same, however, the functions needed adjustments since the requirements and priorities of the owners changed in the previous years. Another aspect that involved limitations but in a totally different sense was the setting - a beautiful place near a lake, surrounded by wild vegetation - and our challenge was to integrate the house while emphasizing the view. We managed to do so by using large glass areas towards the lake, by laying the house properly on the sloped ground and by the use of materials. Because we didn't want to interfere with the all-natural vibe of the surroundings, we preferred using all-natural materials: wood as a structural material as well as an interior and exterior wall finishing, natural stone on both façades and pavements, ceramic roofing. The result now peacefully lays near the lake, a discrete presence, while hosting the life of a family and all the peace of mind one can get.

A once uninspired, blank lawn has now transformed into a backyard oasis. This retreat now provides an extension of living space for the family and their friends to enjoy for years to come. The inviting gunite pool is the focal point of this space, centrally located with plenty of sun exposure to enjoy during the summer months. For those times when relaxation is desired, a sculptural water feature provides the sound of running water without being visually overbearing. Opposite the sun deck, is an inviting, cozy space complete with a sofa and fire pit that can be used year round. The outdoor living room space under a new deck is fully-covered and well-lit so even an occasional rain shower or too much sun won’t interfere with entertaining guests. All of these separate spaces work in harmony to provide a cohesive feel. The new pool and surrounding landscape overlooks the second fairway at Andover Country Club.

This home, set at the end of a long, private driveway, is far more than meets the eye. Built in three sections and connected by two breezeways, the home’s setting takes full advantage of the clean ocean air. Set back from the water on an open plot, its lush lawn is bordered by fieldstone walls that lead to an ocean cove. The hideaway calms the mind and spirit, not only by its privacy from the noise of daily life, but through well-chosen elements, clean lines, and a bright, cheerful feel throughout. The interior is show-stopping, covered almost entirely in clear, vertical-grain fir—most of which was source from the same place. From the flooring to the walls, columns, staircases and ceiling beams, this special, tight-grain wood brightens every room in the home. At just over 3,000 feet of living area, storage and smart use of space was a huge consideration in the creation of this home. For example, the mudroom and living room were both built with expansive window seating with storage beneath. Built-in drawers and cabinets can also be found throughout, yet never interfere with the distinctly uncluttered feel of the rooms. The homeowners wanted the home to fit in as naturally as possible with the Cape Cod landscape, and also desired a feeling of virtual seamlessness between the indoors and out, resulting in an abundance of windows and doors throughout. This home has high performance windows, which are rated to withstand hurricane-force winds and impact rated against wind-borne debris. The 24-foot skylight, which was installed by crane, consists of six independently mechanized shades operating in unison. The open kitchen blends in with the home’s great room, and includes a Sub Zero refrigerator and a Wolf stove. Eco-friendly features in the home include low-flow faucets, dual-flush toilets in the bathrooms, and an energy recovery ventilation system, which conditions and improves indoor air quality. Other natural materials incorporated for the home included a variety of stone, including bluestone and boulders. Hand-made ceramic tiles were used for the bathroom showers, and the kitchen counters are covered in granite – eye-catching and long-lasting.

The challenge was to create a modern, minimalist structure that did not interfere with the natural setting but rather seemed nestled in and part of the landscape while blurring the lines between interior and exterior spaces. Special Features and Details: • wood floor, ceiling and exterior deck all run in the same direction drawing the eye toward the water view below • valence encompassing the living space aligns with the face of the loft floor and conceals window shades and uplighting. • pocket doors are flush with the ceiling adding to the feeling of one room flowing into the other when the doors are open • ample storage tucks into the walls unobtrusively • baseboards are set in, flush with the walls separated by a channel detail. • deck appears to float, creating a sense of weightlessness. This detail repeats at the bedside tables and bathroom vanity • obscured glass window in shower provides light and privacy

I did a complete new planting design for this project which is a single family home in the suburbs of Towson. The garden is 1/3 acre in size. Most of the existing plants, including many non-native ground covers, like English Ivy, shrubs, and trees, were removed in order to bring in the sunlight for pollinators and remove interference with the power lines. I designed and installed a mostly native plant garden that is designed to be beautiful to view with many flowers blooming all season long and varied textures and movement with ornamental grasses and provides habitat and food for pollinators, like butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds, and for songbirds. Nearly 100 trees, nearly 100 shrubs, and 1,000 perennials and grasses were installed. I continue to oversee the maintenance of this garden. Landscape design and photo by Roland Oehme

Willie & Leslie of Barrington Hills loved the location of their home. Its breathtaking views overlooked a wooded backyard and a captivating lake. They didn’t want to move, but they needed more space. But the house was missing that big family room where everyone could gather, relax and converse, and the house was completely cut off visually from the beautiful outdoor view right outside! They knew what they wanted meant building an addition to their home. They began searching the internet and came across Advance Design Studio, and after browsing through project after project and reading one outstanding client review after another, they were sold on Advance Design. Additionally, they loved Advance Design’s “Common Sense Remodeling” process and felt confident that it would allow the Design/Build company to easily coordinate the multiple projects they wanted to complete all at one time. Willie and Leslie immediately set up a meeting with Owner Todd Jurs and Project Designer Claudia Pop. When the meeting ended, they were sure that Advance Design were the right people and the right approach for their project. "Establishing a direction and a budget is always key in project of this size," Todd said. "This house was screaming for a family room and it didn't have one. Ultimately, it's about working together towards the same goal of a beautiful functional addition." The project consisted of a significant family room addition with an extraordinary vaulted ceiling and floor to ceiling fireplace, a guest suite renovation with a luxury bath, a garage addition, and an adjoining outdoor patio renovation complete with a fantastic built in grilling station. The main goal was to add comfort and space to the existing home that would last their lifetime, and finally allow them to capture the amazing view of the backyard and lake that they never could really enjoy previously. Willie, Leslie and Claudia paid special attention to designing the space to make sure that the footprint of the room did not interfere with the views. Floor to ceiling Pella windows were incorporated into a spectacular window wall to provide plenty of natural light. Vaulted ceilings gave the room a bigger feel and the stunning floor to ceiling masonry fireplace was designed giving the room a rustic, comfortable feel of a Colorado Lodge. Barnwood doors and exposed wooden beams accentuate the crackling fireplace and family gathering space. An oversized statement chandelier bathes the space in soft light once the sun sets and compliments the exposed wood and fireplace perfectly. “It simple elegant and beautiful,” Designer Claudia Pop said. “It is a great family room that captures the views perfectly. They love the fireplace, the barndoors and the openness of the space we designed for the whole family now to enjoy.” And when warm weather beckons, the outdoor patio is a terrific place to spend an evening. The family now enjoys fall nights in front of their outdoor fireplace overlooking the quiet lake. Dekton Trillium Quartz counters tops adorn an amazing grilling bar. Nearly indestructible, they are the only manufactured stone product designed exclusively to withstand high heat in summer and extreme cold temperatures in winter. The guest bath renovation makes Willie and Leslie’s friends and family feel like they are staying at a 5-star hotel. Carlisle colored Maple cabinets from Medallion make a roomy dual vanity more than adequate with plenty of space to get ready for the day after a peaceful night’s sleep. Cambria Quartz countertops are durable and elegant, while contrasting the neutral cabinets flawlessly. Heated flooring from Warmly Yours is the cherry on top for this cozy guest bath. All the projects turned out better than they even imagined. Willie and Leslie now have a spacious family room with even better views of the lake and woods, a much larger garage, a fantastic relaxing outdoor patio, and a guest bath that makes it almost impossible to get the guest to leave after their stay. Are you thinking about a remodeling project? Talk to the experts at Advance Design about the renovation of your dreams. Now is the perfect time to renovate. Check out other amazing projects here. With “Common Sense Remodeling”, the process of renovating your home has never been easier. Contact us today at 847-836-2600 or schedule an appointment to talk with us about your kitchen remodeling project, or any other home renovation you are planning. Our talented team can help you design and build the new space you’ve been dreaming about.

Improved system performance: Tangled wires can lead to interference and signal degradation, affecting the overall performance of your audio and video systems. Organized wiring ensures optimal signal quality and system performance. Easier maintenance and troubleshooting: Well-organized wiring simplifies system maintenance and makes it easier to identify and fix issues when they arise. Enhanced safety: Proper wire management reduces the risk of accidents due to tripping, fire hazards, or damaged equipment. Extended equipment lifespan: Organized wiring allows for better airflow and cooling, reducing the strain on your equipment and extending its lifespan.

Located in the picturesque Portsmouth, this private residence truly embraces its location, capturing views from every angle plus allowing air to enter and keeping the interiors cool during summer months. Numerous doors and windows make the home appear as though its inhabitants are a natural part of their surroundings—as is the home. The design team needed to source screens for the doors and windows that would let in the fresh air without blocking the stunning beachfront views. The selected mesh type – Phifer’s 18/14 insect mesh in charcoal color – offers great visibility to the outside, lets in the breeze, and keeps the insects from entering the home. The resulting cross ventilation is used to reduce the need for air conditioning in summer by letting cool air into the home during the breezier morning and evening hours. During cool days or in the spring or fall, air conditioning dependence is now virtually eliminated by using screens throughout the day. Integration with design: The designers selected Legacy door screens and Serene window screens as the best solution for the home`s custom designed Kolbe windows and doors. Professionally installed to match the varying sizes of each opening, the screens retract completely out of sight into their color-matched housings, preserving the look and design of the windows and the doorway. The homeowners chose an exterior mount application so the screens would not interfere with interior shades. "We chose Phantom screens for our new coastal home due to the fine quality of construction of Phantom’s screens and hardware. In addition, it provided us options to mount the screens on the outside so that we could have our window treatments mounted inside the frame to show off the millwork, plus keep the views. We love them!" – Debra T., Homeowner

The tub was eliminated in favor of a large walk-in shower featuring double shower heads, multiple shower sprays, a steam unit, two wall-mounted teak seats, a curbless glass enclosure and a minimal infinity drain. Additional floor space in the design allowed us to create a separate water closet. A pocket door replaces a standard door so as not to interfere with either the open shelving next to the vanity or the water closet entrance. We kept the location of the skylight and added a new window for additional light and views to the yard. We responded to the client’s wish for a modern industrial aesthetic by featuring a large metal-clad double vanity and shelving units, wood porcelain wall tile, and a white glass vanity top. Special features include an electric towel warmer, medicine cabinets with integrated lighting, and a heated floor. Industrial style pendants flank the mirrors, completing the symmetry. Photo: Peter Krupenye

I did a complete new planting design for this project which is a single family home in the suburbs of Towson. The garden is 1/3 acre in size. Most of the existing plants, including many non-native ground covers, like English Ivy, shrubs, and trees, were removed in order to bring in the sunlight for pollinators and remove interference with the power lines. I designed and installed a mostly native plant garden that is designed to be beautiful to view with many flowers blooming all season long and varied textures and movement with ornamental grasses and provides habitat and food for pollinators, like butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds, and for songbirds. Nearly 100 trees, nearly 100 shrubs, and 1,000 perennials and grasses were installed. I continue to oversee the maintenance of this garden. Landscape design and photo by Roland Oehme

The internal water dispenser delivers chilled and filtered drinking water with a simple touch. The dispenser is conveniently tucked inside to not interfere with your clean exterior design of the door.

Located in the picturesque Portsmouth, this private residence truly embraces its location, capturing views from every angle plus allowing air to enter and keeping the interiors cool during summer months. Numerous doors and windows make the home appear as though its inhabitants are a natural part of their surroundings—as is the home. The design team needed to source screens for the doors and windows that would let in the fresh air without blocking the stunning beachfront views. The selected mesh type – Phifer’s 18/14 insect mesh in charcoal color – offers great visibility to the outside, lets in the breeze, and keeps the insects from entering the home. The resulting cross ventilation is used to reduce the need for air conditioning in summer by letting cool air into the home during the breezier morning and evening hours. During cool days or in the spring or fall, air conditioning dependence is now virtually eliminated by using screens throughout the day. Integration with design: The designers selected Legacy door screens and Serene window screens as the best solution for the home`s custom designed Kolbe windows and doors. Professionally installed to match the varying sizes of each opening, the screens retract completely out of sight into their color-matched housings, preserving the look and design of the windows and the doorway. The homeowners chose an exterior mount application so the screens would not interfere with interior shades. "We chose Phantom screens for our new coastal home due to the fine quality of construction of Phantom’s screens and hardware. In addition, it provided us options to mount the screens on the outside so that we could have our window treatments mounted inside the frame to show off the millwork, plus keep the views. We love them!" – Debra T., Homeowner

Heidi Thorn and the homeowner worked closely together to ensure that the window valances would not interfere with the existing casework and trim in this custom kitchen. The fabric treatments bring softness and privacy to this large transitional kitchen.