Tom Taylor www.WowEffects.com
Inspiration for a mediterranean home office remodel in DC Metro

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.

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.

From builder standard to designer upgrade. A recent project of ours in Harrison NY had us taking an adequate builder designed kitchen to something much more special. The original layout led to traffic jams while entertaining and valuable storage was lost due to the fact that the cabinets did not go to the ceiling. The new design moves the refrigerator out of the traffic pattern that often lead to gridlock in previous years as well as providing ample storage for trays and baking sheets in the slim pantry. Grillwork doors allow for airflow from the air-conditioning vents, while still allowing for cabinets to the ceiling. A professional grade range replaces the old smaller model, with a heavy-duty hood to assure complete ventilation no matter what the cook creates. The microwave moves farther down the work triangle to assure that the heating of a cup of coffee or bag of popcorn need never interfere with the chef again. Equally of value is the island mini-frig not just to chill the occasional bottle of wine, but to keep the kids sodas out the main refrigerator. And then there is the desk/ command central area. The formerly blank wall where no piece of furniture seemed to fit, because of the radiator, has become an efficient home office. With room for two people to work, grown-ups can search Food Network for recipes while the kids do their homework – problem area solved!

The four horizontal transom windows added great dimension and openness to the newly enclosed space. Likewise, the eight vertical glass door panels now give the family the same vista view of their backyard but without interference from nature. You know, flying leaves, bugs, and whatever else Mother Nature decides to throw at us.

Living room - large contemporary formal and open concept limestone floor living room idea in Los Angeles with beige walls, a two-sided fireplace and a tile fireplace

[ Houzz Furniture - Bestier.net ] This modern farmhouse l-shaped desk with storage cabinet with side hooks has a spacious desktop that creates a comfortable and ample working space for you. You can also use it as an long straight desk to work and relax for 2 person without interference. Work on the side, play on the other side. This computer desk with large legroom perfectly meets everyone needs. Large Storage Space & Convenience Side Hooks This computer desk has a storage cabinet and 2 open cubby shelves on the side. It provides additional storage for home décor and books. You can hang your wired headset and handbag on the hook on the other side. Keep everything in order! Specifications Material: Particleboard+Steel L Shaped Desk: 60'' (L) x 42'' (W) x 30'' (H) Weight: 73 lbs Max load capacity: 150 lbs

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.

Example of an arts and crafts pool design in Denver

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.

Bedroom - craftsman bedroom idea in DC Metro

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

Custom wine room designed, fabricated and installed with clients rustic tones in mind. Knotty alder, full glass entry with a viewing window from the adjacent room immediately details a stone, cave-like entry into the wine room. Individual bottles, display, bulk storage and presentation shelves adorn this inviting space. Displays are all accented with LED lights on a dimmable transformer. Unique ceiling and wall sconce light fixtures provide just enough light to easily identify all labels. A wine cellar cooling system is hidden in a dead corner of the racking so as not to interfere with the décor or capacity. The used wine barrel offer the perfect surface to set a glass down and enjoy the space.

THE SETUP This remodeling project transformed a catchall room into a cinema-style theater designed for family entertainment and relaxation. The original space, which housed a small TV, older furniture, and various children’s toys, was reimagined to create a sophisticated, adult-friendly home theater with ample seating and modern amenities. Design Objectives: Create a Dark Theater Space: Ensure the room mimics a traditional movie theater environment. Provide Comfortable Theater Seating: Include enough seating for the family and guests. Integrate a Dry Bar Area: Include a space for snacks and drinks. Optimize Space Utilization: Maintain an open area for additional activities. Design Challenges: Natural light: The room was too bright for a theater setting. Seating: Accommodating six theater seats without obstructing views. Lighting: Ensuring the lighting does not interfere with the viewing experience. AV: Finding a clutter-free solution for AV equipment. Dry Bar: Incorporating a dry bar area without overcrowding the space. Viewing: Ensuring the TV placement allows for comfortable, optimized viewing. THE RENEWED SPACE Design Solutions: Natural Light Control: Installed blackout remote shades on the back window and painted the walls dark charcoal to reduce natural light infiltration. Seating Arrangement: Built a second level for the back row of seating to ensure unobstructed views for all movie watchers. Lighting Design: Installed sconces on either side of the window that shine from the sides (to avoid interfering with the viewing experience). AV Equipment Storage: Utilized existing recess areas with custom shelves matching the cabinetry and concealed cables using a PVC pipe system. Dry Bar Integration: Created a dry bar area on the back wall with a refrigerator, candy storage, and a small counter space for a popcorn machine and ice maker, with locked drawers to prevent unsupervised access. Optimal Viewing Distance: Evaluated multiple floor plans and placed the TV on the most suitable wall to ensure optimal viewing and comfortable reclined seating. Final Thoughts: The completed home theater has been a resounding success, providing a versatile space for the entire family. The thoughtful design and meticulous attention to detail have created a functional and enjoyable home theater that meets diverse needs, from watching movies and playing video games to relaxing and reading. The areas to the sides of the theater seats can accommodate spillover seating or activity zones. The area housing the AV equipment also includes extra shelves for storing snuggle-grade movie viewing blankets. This theater space has become a favorite hangout spot, offering comfort and entertainment for everyone. Another view of before, we changed the entire TV viewing set up so we could fit two rows of recliners in the space with no viewing issues.

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!

This Brizo Kitchen Faucet Features: Finish: Chrome Length: 13.53 Height: 16.75 Width: 6.5 SmartTouch Technology with TempID – tap on/off functionality with temperature indicating LED light MagneDock Technology – magnetic docking system Diamond Seal Technology Two-function wand: spray and stream 1-hole installation Spout swivels 360˚ Accommodates up to 3" deck thickness Comes with standard fittings Optional A/C adapter EP73954 Single handle, 2-function pull-down kitchen faucets for mounting on single, two, and three hole sinks (with optional accessory order). SmartTouch on/off functionality On-off indicator light also signals when batteries run low 16 3/4" (426 mm) high, 10 1/4 (260 mm) long, spout swings 360˚ Lever handle. Control mechanism shall be full-motion valve cartridge Touch-Clean sprayhead Quick connect hoses Pull-down wand operates in an aerated or spray mode via ergonomic button MagneDock magnetic docking Thin deck mounting aid to help secure product if used on thin sinks Spacer for mounting nut to reduce number of turns required for installation Mounting wrench to assist in tightening mounting nut securely Hose travels inside mounting shank so it will not interfere with deck edges Maximum 1.80 gpm @ 60 psi, 6.8 L/min @ 414 kPa

And finding a balance with the style and efficiency they wanted was crucial. “We wanted to be able to use the space (prep, cook, clean) without interference from family members in this walk-through galley kitchen. At the same time, we wanted to keep the aesthetic light, airy, clean, and minimal, almost making the kitchen cabinets disappear,” Alexandra says. She concludes: “Overall, we thought that by choosing IKEA cabinets we would end up with a highly functional kitchen that would fit our design requirements, our budget, and our time frame.”

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

Master bedroom sitting area has 4 arched windows that overlook beautiful trees and soon to be pool. The arched windows have custom draperies that fit inside the molding as to not interfere with the wood work and trim. Chandelier is above the master bed.