A unique 2-level pool-house-pavilion and storage-shed project we built onto a hillside at a client's pool in Loudoun County Va. We built our pavilion part to join seamlessly with the "newly poured" concrete pad surrounding the new pool. Provides a space for entertaining pool-side & getting out of the sun, AND an elegant place for the client to store his farm equipment & tractor & misc equipment on the lower level storage shed side. Built unique cross-buck stable doors for the shed side, and matched the cedar shake gable with an cedar covered awning over the stable doors.

For more design ideas, join me on Facebook and follow me here on Houzz! Barbara White Photography
Large 1960s powder room photo in Orange County with a vessel sink, flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets and white walls

The owners acquired an adjacent property and called on our firm and a team of consultants to join the properties into one seamless private park like setting complete with a Pool Pavilion and Pool. A study of light and space, The Pavilion offers different experiences at different times of the day. The optimum display of light and transparency occurs at dusk. At that hour, one can catch the reflections in the pool and the glowing of this small jewel within in the landscape. Amenities include an air conditioned lounging area with TV and kitchen/bar, a laundry and changing room, a private bathroom with shower, an additional outdoor shower and a full basement for storage of pool toys and equipment. The contemporary approach combines rich woods, stainless steel, and concrete with marble, glass tile and natural stones. Cedar shingles, a nod to the main house, recede into the landscape while the soaring glass windows and doors flood the space with light and views back into the landscape. The building also features a bead board ceiling and exposed structure. This blend of materials yields a sophisticated modern design that is calm and cheerful while providing conditioned entertaining space for the Owner’s family and friends. The client gushes “I feel like I am transported-- on vacation-- every time I open the doors and enter the space.” Robert Glasgow Photography

Sometimes our clients like to be very much involved in the creation of their home, and this is one such example. The owner wanted to source the primary materials, so we discussed the needs from our point of view as the architects, and he went into action. He would find hewn barns and send us photos and floor plans to review until we found the perfect combination. One large hewn barn was moved to the client’s land near Yellowstone Park, then renovated to become the main living portion of the house. A second smaller barn was reworked to be the master bedroom, and then joined by a stone connector. To accommodate a billiards room and complete the home, one last living space was included in the project.

Traditional White kitchen with a commercial grade stove and a hidden fridge. Long and spacious with an abundance of marble counter top. Friends and family can easily join in the fun of meal making. The kitchen is the focal point of this home.

The owners requested a Private Resort that catered to their love for entertaining friends and family, a place where 2 people would feel just as comfortable as 42. Located on the western edge of a Wisconsin lake, the site provides a range of natural ecosystems from forest to prairie to water, allowing the building to have a more complex relationship with the lake - not merely creating large unencumbered views in that direction. The gently sloping site to the lake is atypical in many ways to most lakeside lots - as its main trajectory is not directly to the lake views - allowing for focus to be pushed in other directions such as a courtyard and into a nearby forest. The biggest challenge was accommodating the large scale gathering spaces, while not overwhelming the natural setting with a single massive structure. Our solution was found in breaking down the scale of the project into digestible pieces and organizing them in a Camp-like collection of elements: - Main Lodge: Providing the proper entry to the Camp and a Mess Hall - Bunk House: A communal sleeping area and social space. - Party Barn: An entertainment facility that opens directly on to a swimming pool & outdoor room. - Guest Cottages: A series of smaller guest quarters. - Private Quarters: The owners private space that directly links to the Main Lodge. These elements are joined by a series green roof connectors, that merge with the landscape and allow the out buildings to retain their own identity. This Camp feel was further magnified through the materiality - specifically the use of Doug Fir, creating a modern Northwoods setting that is warm and inviting. The use of local limestone and poured concrete walls ground the buildings to the sloping site and serve as a cradle for the wood volumes that rest gently on them. The connections between these materials provided an opportunity to add a delicate reading to the spaces and re-enforce the camp aesthetic. The oscillation between large communal spaces and private, intimate zones is explored on the interior and in the outdoor rooms. From the large courtyard to the private balcony - accommodating a variety of opportunities to engage the landscape was at the heart of the concept. Overview Chenequa, WI Size Total Finished Area: 9,543 sf Completion Date May 2013 Services Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Interior Design

Small classic front porch idea in Louisville with a roof extension

This incredible Cottage Home lake house sits atop a Lake Michigan shoreline bluff, taking in all the sounds and views of the magnificent lake. This custom built, LEED Certified home boasts of over 5,100 sq. ft. of living space – 6 bedrooms including a dorm room and a bunk room, 5 baths, 3 inside living spaces, porches and patios, and a kitchen with beverage pantry that takes the cake. The 4-seasons porch is where all guests desire to stay – welcomed by the peaceful wooded surroundings and blue hues of the great lake.

I love the lines on this console from the new Marge Carson Bolero Collection. This console would look fabulous in a contemporary or transitional setting, either in an entry way or living room. Available in custom finishes.

Inspiration for a small contemporary u-shaped cement tile floor and gray floor kitchen remodel in Adelaide with a double-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, laminate countertops, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, a peninsula and gray countertops

PA Landscape Group INC Project Entry: Mountainside Living 2014 PLNA Awards for Landscape Excellence Winner Category: Hardscaping-Residential $120,000&over Award Level: Silver Photo Description: This residence sits on a mountain side, sloping wooded property. Water was an issue flowing down the mountain, so many rocked swales divert the flow. The area which we are presenting is the rear of the house that will be used to entertain family and friends, a place to unwind in the evenings and weekends. We designed the outdoor areas to meet the needs and desires of the owners. When one walks through the breezeway not only to see an expansive valley view, but a relaxing fireplace and living area below where relaxing begins. Walk down the stairway of natural cut stone, you wonder through a landscaped garden onto the living area patio. Looking to your left is the pool with ample hardscape pool deck; large enough for a party or just the intimacy of two. Separating, yet joining the two areas is the grilling island, bar and outdoor wood burning oven. On the other side of the living area we go down a few steps to the raised planters and conservatory/greenhouse where plant are enjoyed from seedling to flower, or one can read a good book. Each area has it’s own personality for conversation or contemplation. The area is surrounded with plantings to provide color or to silhouette on the gray winter sky.

New Racing Red cabinet color, joining the Gladiator line in 2015! Learn more at www.garagedesignworks.com.
Minimalist shed photo in Orlando

Large covered space for entertaining and large family events was built in this expansive backyard. An outdoor kitchen was included to accommodate a gas grill, a Big Green Egg, sink, microwave, plus plenty of counter and storage space. The project has over 1,700 square feet of concrete with most of it finished in a travertine tile. The large hip roof outdoor living space has a vaulted ceiling with a smoky bourbon colored tongue & groove ceiling trimmed out with cedar finishes to the ceiling, beams & columns. The outdoor kitchen, arched walls, and fire features were finished in two complementary veneer stones. Electrical work included coach lights on columns, recessed can lights on dimmers, four ceiling fans, LED step lights on the hearth and seat walls, and many outlets and cable television hookup. There are two fire features - a gas log fireplace and a fire pit to add to the ambiance. TK IMAGES

Originally built about 1850 in the historic Mohawk Valley of New York State, the Reese Brothers Barn is an unusual example of the transformation that took place in American agriculture during the Industrial Revolution of the mid-nineteenth century. Before this period of time, American farmers grew varied and diverse crops. But with the advent of the Industrial Revolution and its accompanying mass marketing, farmers began to specialize in the crops they raised. The architecture of their barns also became specialized, which led to larger barns like this one, with innovative farming to allow for larger clear spans. The timbers were hewn by hand with the broad axe and adze from massive virgin hemlock trees. They were then joined together using the ancient method of mortise and tenon joinery. Its unique and innovative truss system allowed for forty-foot-long spans under which the Reese brothers could store enormous amounts of loose hay. In 2000 the barn was carefully dismantled and restored at the 10XXX Ranch to its original condition by Joe and Connie Mitchell. It represents one of the finest examples of 19th century American architecture, now preserved for future generations to appreciate and enjoy. Featured on The Wall Street Journal

Mike and Michelle of Lake Barrington knew they needed extra space. Their home was becoming too crowded for their family with blossoming teenagers, so a basement renovation offered the perfect solution for more space for the kids and more room to entertain for the adults. “Our project consisted of expanding our laundry room, putting in a first floor wet bar so we had adult space upstairs, while also renovating our basement for a family-friendly and teen-functional area as well,” Michelle says. They found Advance Design Studio through a neighbor who gave a glowing recommendation, giving Michelle and Mike the confidence they needed to move forward with a major home renovation. They felt like they knew Advance Design before they even worked together. When they met with the owner Todd Jurs and designer Nicole Ryan, Mike and Michelle knew they were getting a trustworthy, dependable team that could create the project they had been dreaming about for 7 years. Having virtually no natural light to work with, one of the biggest design challenges was creating a basement that did not feel dark and depressing. The Advance team got to work creating architectural archways and custom detailed dry-stack stone columns artfully designed into the space, adding a dramatic element that made the space feel less like a basement or more like a relaxing family room. Color 3D renderings were created to portray what the space would look like so Mike and Michelle could visualize the space in advance. Detailed trim and crown moldings grace the built in buffet and wet bar making for an amazingly functional space that lacks nothing in style and visual interest. Cherry wood cabinetry by Dura Supreme is featured in the space with a “Cocoa Brown” finish and includes beautiful mirrored glass doors embellished with unique elliptical mullion details. A built-in microwave, dishwasher and mini fridge add practicality to the ample entertainment mecca. An under mounted sink finishes the space joined with a intricate mosaic tile backsplash and “Ventisca Polished” quartz countertops. The basement is absolutely perfect for hosting friends and family with expertly designed key areas such as a game space for the kids, a movie area for the family, an ample workout room with luxurious full bath, and even built in wine storage. The family absolutely loves the new basement living space, and has already enjoyed numerous family movie nights and sleep-overs with friends. While custom cabinets made by Dura Supreme were used to create unique spaces that lived up to Mike and Michelle’s expectations., heated flooring under the 16”x16” “Mongolian Spring” tile was installed giving all tiled areas of the basement a much cozier feel, eliminating that cold hard surface most of us hate in our basements! The new basement must-have requirement list included a new bath space, which was incorporated adjacent to the work out room. The sleek shower door and cabinets in the new bathroom make guests and family feel like they are in an elegant hotel. The new guest bath features 4”x36” “Silver Screen” honed marble tile in a brick pattern on the shower walls and 2”x2” “Chenille” limestone tile in a hexagon mosaic pattern on the shower floor. “I came in with very specific requirements for our three project areas,” Michelle says. “There was not one time that I felt like I was asking for something that was not going to turn out how I anticipated.” Tying in multiple rooms during a renovation if you have can do it makes a lot of sense and saves money in the long run. A fully functional laundry room as well was a must on this family’s wish list. Michelle wanted to add space to the existing cramped and awkward laundry room, and Mike wanted to make sure they could still park a car in the garage. Reconfiguring interior walls required borrowing unused space cleverly from the garage in order to enlarge the laundry room space. Drawers under the stairs added beautiful hidden storage created almost magically out of dead space. White painted Dura Supreme cabinets bring additional light into the small space; while the 16”x16” cleft slate tile flooring provides excellent contrast and the naturally earthy feel Michelle wanted. Quartz countertops with a 3”x12” “Debut Dew” subway tile backsplash add elegance to the now upliftingly bright laundry room. The extra space makes doing laundry much more pleasurable and the added storage is a great for all those little things like winter hats and gloves, umbrellas and the like. “The Advance Design project team was phenomenal to work with,” Michelle says. “They came in, shared the plans with us and walked us through the expectations. We always knew what was coming next.” Converting an existing closet space, the wet bar upstairs was challenging because they wanted a functional area that didn’t look or feel like cabinets just sticking out of a closet. So the Advance team transformed this ordinary closet space into a stunning wet bar that architecturally appears as if it’s always been there. Traditional, elegant hand carved custom molding matching the adjacent fireplace ties the new entertainment bar area in nicely with the existing family room and kitchen area. Featuring a built in wine refrigerator, Dura Supreme cabinetry in deep cherry wood elegantly displays wine bottles and etched glass mullion doors that fill with soft light in the evening hours. Cambria “Windermere” quartz countertops with a sophisticated hammered copper sink and a glimmering backsplash round out the stunning wet bar. Hosting parties and family functions has become much more enjoyable now that they have a dedicated beverage serving area large enough to include hors devours. All three projects were designed and constructed together at the same time, making for a cohesive project that was administered smoothly and easily both for the design team and for the family. Disruption to the home was minimal as each phase was completed in each project conclusively, and design and meeting time for the homeowner was efficient and organized making for an enjoyable process. “Advance Design was great to work with,” Michelle says. “I would highly recommend them to anyone considering a home improvement project. They took the time at the beginning to understand our needs, our budget, and our vision for our home. The field team was great, attentive, on time, cleaned up each day and made the overall experience very positive. We couldn't be happier with the finished product.” With the help of our talented, award winning design team you can create the basement, laundry room, or any other home renovation that you have been dreaming of. With our “Common Sense Remodeling” approach, the process of renovating you home has never been easier. Contact us today at 847-836-2600 or schedule an appointment to talk with us about that kitchen remodeling project. Joe Nowak

Photo: rockerBOO, via Flickr, licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic Sambucus canadensis / eldberberry
Photo of a landscaping in Other.

cathelijne van der lande
Example of an eclectic bedroom design

Gus* Modern | Bolton Multi-Sectional The Bolton Multi-Sectional is the most versatile piece of furniture you’ll ever own. With arms that can be easily removed and reattached, and a chaise that can be positioned on either the left or right side, this sectional has 19 possible configurations – enough to suit any room layout you can imagine. It can even be used as two separate components – chaise and apartment-size sofa. The seat and back are integrated into the frame for a streamlined, modern look, and the upholstery has French seams to subtly soften the edges. The base is bench-made, brushed stainless steel. Includes concealed hardware to securely join the sofa and chaise components when the design is configured as a sectional. Dimensions: W101"xD65"xH28" - SEAT H15" Available in 2 fabrics