In the hills of San Anselmo in Marin County, this 5,000 square foot existing multi-story home was enlarged to 6,000 square feet with a new dance studio addition with new master bedroom suite and sitting room for evening entertainment and morning coffee. Sited on a steep hillside one acre lot, the back yard was unusable. New concrete retaining walls and planters were designed to create outdoor play and lounging areas with stairs that cascade down the hill forming a wrap-around walkway. The goal was to make the new addition integrate the disparate design elements of the house and calm it down visually. The scope was not to change everything, just the rear façade and some of the side facades. The new addition is a long rectangular space inserted into the rear of the building with new up-swooping roof that ties everything together. Clad in red cedar, the exterior reflects the relaxed nature of the one acre wooded hillside site. Fleetwood windows and wood patterned tile complete the exterior color material palate. The sitting room overlooks a new patio area off of the children’s playroom and features a butt glazed corner window providing views filtered through a grove of bay laurel trees. Inside is a television viewing area with wetbar off to the side that can be closed off with a concealed pocket door to the master bedroom. The bedroom was situated to take advantage of these views of the rear yard and the bed faces a stone tile wall with recessed skylight above. The master bath, a driving force for the project, is large enough to allow both of them to occupy and use at the same time. The new dance studio and gym was inspired for their two daughters and has become a facility for the whole family. All glass, mirrors and space with cushioned wood sports flooring, views to the new level outdoor area and tree covered side yard make for a dramatic turnaround for a home with little play or usable outdoor space previously. Photo Credit: Paul Dyer Photography.

A cramped and compartmentalized master bath was turned into a lavish spa bath retreat in this Northwest Suburban home. Removing a tight walk in closet and opening up the master bath to the adjacent no longer needed children’s bedroom allowed for the new master closet to flow effortlessly out of the now expansive master bath. A corner angled shower allows ample space for showering with a convenient bench seat that extends directly into the whirlpool tub deck. Herringbone tumbled marble tile underfoot creates a beautiful pattern that is repeated in the heated bathroom floor. The toilet becomes unobtrusive as it hides behind a half wall behind the door to the master bedroom, and a slight niche takes its place to hold a decorative accent. The sink wall becomes a work of art with a furniture-looking vanity graced with a functional decorative inset center cabinet and two striking marble vessel bowls with wall mounted faucets and decorative light fixtures. A delicate water fall edge on the marble counter top completes the artistic detailing. A new doorway between rooms opens up the master bath to a new His and Hers walk-in closet, complete with an island, a makeup table, a full length mirror and even a window seat.

A cramped and compartmentalized master bath was turned into a lavish spa bath retreat in this Northwest Suburban home. Removing a tight walk in closet and opening up the master bath to the adjacent no longer needed children’s bedroom allowed for the new master closet to flow effortlessly out of the now expansive master bath. A corner angled shower allows ample space for showering with a convenient bench seat that extends directly into the whirlpool tub deck. Herringbone tumbled marble tile underfoot creates a beautiful pattern that is repeated in the heated bathroom floor. The toilet becomes unobtrusive as it hides behind a half wall behind the door to the master bedroom, and a slight niche takes its place to hold a decorative accent. The sink wall becomes a work of art with a furniture-looking vanity graced with a functional decorative inset center cabinet and two striking marble vessel bowls with wall mounted faucets and decorative light fixtures. A delicate water fall edge on the marble counter top completes the artistic detailing. A new doorway between rooms opens up the master bath to a new His and Hers walk-in closet, complete with an island, a makeup table, a full length mirror and even a window seat.

This new mudroom features a porcelain Metropolis Blanco Honed 12"x24" heated tile floor for the long Wisconsin winters as well as custom lockers to store the children's jackets. A new laundry chute now be easily accessed from the master suite and the children's area. This chute is accessible from the cabinet on the right side of the image. The white cabinetry hinge and hardware is all on the inside to provide a clean look. Electroluc IQ-Touch Washer and Dryer are placed side by side and sit under a quartz countertop. Overall this room is very durable for all seasons and can be cleaned up in no time.

A cramped and compartmentalized master bath was turned into a lavish spa bath retreat in this Northwest Suburban home. Removing a tight walk in closet and opening up the master bath to the adjacent no longer needed children’s bedroom allowed for the new master closet to flow effortlessly out of the now expansive master bath. A corner angled shower allows ample space for showering with a convenient bench seat that extends directly into the whirlpool tub deck. Herringbone tumbled marble tile underfoot creates a beautiful pattern that is repeated in the heated bathroom floor. The toilet becomes unobtrusive as it hides behind a half wall behind the door to the master bedroom, and a slight niche takes its place to hold a decorative accent. The sink wall becomes a work of art with a furniture-looking vanity graced with a functional decorative inset center cabinet and two striking marble vessel bowls with wall mounted faucets and decorative light fixtures. A delicate water fall edge on the marble counter top completes the artistic detailing. A new doorway between rooms opens up the master bath to a new His and Hers walk-in closet, complete with an island, a makeup table, a full length mirror and even a window seat.

This 1930's Barrington Hills farmhouse was in need of some TLC when it was purchased by this southern family of five who planned to make it their new home. The renovation taken on by Advance Design Studio's designer Scott Christensen and master carpenter Justin Davis included a custom porch, custom built in cabinetry in the living room and children's bedrooms, 2 children's on-suite baths, a guest powder room, a fabulous new master bath with custom closet and makeup area, a new upstairs laundry room, a workout basement, a mud room, new flooring and custom wainscot stairs with planked walls and ceilings throughout the home. The home's original mechanicals were in dire need of updating, so HVAC, plumbing and electrical were all replaced with newer materials and equipment. A dramatic change to the exterior took place with the addition of a quaint standing seam metal roofed farmhouse porch perfect for sipping lemonade on a lazy hot summer day. In addition to the changes to the home, a guest house on the property underwent a major transformation as well. Newly outfitted with updated gas and electric, a new stacking washer/dryer space was created along with an updated bath complete with a glass enclosed shower, something the bath did not previously have. A beautiful kitchenette with ample cabinetry space, refrigeration and a sink was transformed as well to provide all the comforts of home for guests visiting at the classic cottage retreat. The biggest design challenge was to keep in line with the charm the old home possessed, all the while giving the family all the convenience and efficiency of modern functioning amenities. One of the most interesting uses of material was the porcelain "wood-looking" tile used in all the baths and most of the home's common areas. All the efficiency of porcelain tile, with the nostalgic look and feel of worn and weathered hardwood floors. The home’s casual entry has an 8" rustic antique barn wood look porcelain tile in a rich brown to create a warm and welcoming first impression. Painted distressed cabinetry in muted shades of gray/green was used in the powder room to bring out the rustic feel of the space which was accentuated with wood planked walls and ceilings. Fresh white painted shaker cabinetry was used throughout the rest of the rooms, accentuated by bright chrome fixtures and muted pastel tones to create a calm and relaxing feeling throughout the home. Custom cabinetry was designed and built by Advance Design specifically for a large 70” TV in the living room, for each of the children’s bedroom’s built in storage, custom closets, and book shelves, and for a mudroom fit with custom niches for each family member by name. The ample master bath was fitted with double vanity areas in white. A generous shower with a bench features classic white subway tiles and light blue/green glass accents, as well as a large free standing soaking tub nestled under a window with double sconces to dim while relaxing in a luxurious bath. A custom classic white bookcase for plush towels greets you as you enter the sanctuary bath.

This family has many beautiful and unique Items we integrated in the home design. The pieces from their international travels included furnishings, original artwork, a hand carved wall hanging and wooden elephant, silk, oriental and animal rugs. We created new spaces for their lifestyle with pieces for seating area and a work area. We added some new light fixtures and reupholstered the dining room chairs. Our custom workroom constructed our design for bedding and draperies for the Master Bedroom which was painted a lighter wall color. We reworked the children's rooms with collections they love. The family room got a refresh with new chairs, lights, and a fun print on the pillows. The home is enjoyed by all. Photography: Michael Hunter

This 1930's Barrington Hills farmhouse was in need of some TLC when it was purchased by this southern family of five who planned to make it their new home. The renovation taken on by Advance Design Studio's designer Scott Christensen and master carpenter Justin Davis included a custom porch, custom built in cabinetry in the living room and children's bedrooms, 2 children's on-suite baths, a guest powder room, a fabulous new master bath with custom closet and makeup area, a new upstairs laundry room, a workout basement, a mud room, new flooring and custom wainscot stairs with planked walls and ceilings throughout the home. The home's original mechanicals were in dire need of updating, so HVAC, plumbing and electrical were all replaced with newer materials and equipment. A dramatic change to the exterior took place with the addition of a quaint standing seam metal roofed farmhouse porch perfect for sipping lemonade on a lazy hot summer day. In addition to the changes to the home, a guest house on the property underwent a major transformation as well. Newly outfitted with updated gas and electric, a new stacking washer/dryer space was created along with an updated bath complete with a glass enclosed shower, something the bath did not previously have. A beautiful kitchenette with ample cabinetry space, refrigeration and a sink was transformed as well to provide all the comforts of home for guests visiting at the classic cottage retreat. The biggest design challenge was to keep in line with the charm the old home possessed, all the while giving the family all the convenience and efficiency of modern functioning amenities. One of the most interesting uses of material was the porcelain "wood-looking" tile used in all the baths and most of the home's common areas. All the efficiency of porcelain tile, with the nostalgic look and feel of worn and weathered hardwood floors. The home’s casual entry has an 8" rustic antique barn wood look porcelain tile in a rich brown to create a warm and welcoming first impression. Painted distressed cabinetry in muted shades of gray/green was used in the powder room to bring out the rustic feel of the space which was accentuated with wood planked walls and ceilings. Fresh white painted shaker cabinetry was used throughout the rest of the rooms, accentuated by bright chrome fixtures and muted pastel tones to create a calm and relaxing feeling throughout the home. Custom cabinetry was designed and built by Advance Design specifically for a large 70” TV in the living room, for each of the children’s bedroom’s built in storage, custom closets, and book shelves, and for a mudroom fit with custom niches for each family member by name. The ample master bath was fitted with double vanity areas in white. A generous shower with a bench features classic white subway tiles and light blue/green glass accents, as well as a large free standing soaking tub nestled under a window with double sconces to dim while relaxing in a luxurious bath. A custom classic white bookcase for plush towels greets you as you enter the sanctuary bath.

A cramped and compartmentalized master bath was turned into a lavish spa bath retreat in this Northwest Suburban home. Removing a tight walk in closet and opening up the master bath to the adjacent no longer needed children’s bedroom allowed for the new master closet to flow effortlessly out of the now expansive master bath. A corner angled shower allows ample space for showering with a convenient bench seat that extends directly into the whirlpool tub deck. Herringbone tumbled marble tile underfoot creates a beautiful pattern that is repeated in the heated bathroom floor. The toilet becomes unobtrusive as it hides behind a half wall behind the door to the master bedroom, and a slight niche takes its place to hold a decorative accent. The sink wall becomes a work of art with a furniture-looking vanity graced with a functional decorative inset center cabinet and two striking marble vessel bowls with wall mounted faucets and decorative light fixtures. A delicate water fall edge on the marble counter top completes the artistic detailing. A new doorway between rooms opens up the master bath to a new His and Hers walk-in closet, complete with an island, a makeup table, a full length mirror and even a window seat.

Bright and cozy master bedroom in a Toronto condo using a blue and grey colour scheme, modern lighting, walnut furniture and lots and texture. Also included a custom designed master walk-in closet.

Susan Fisher Photography
Inspiration for a contemporary kids' room remodel in London

Black accents add just the right amount of contrast in this neutral master bedroom. Small on space but big on personality, this Scandinavian style room feels cozy and chic thanks to layers of texture and pattern. Custom elements like the bedside tables and upholstered headboard maximize functionality and available space without compromising style.

Susan Fisher Photography
Patio - contemporary patio idea in London with a bbq area

Susan Fisher Photography
Home office - contemporary home office idea in London

The option to downsize was not an option for the empty nesters who have lived in this home for over twenty-five years. Situated in TMR, the sprawling home has been the venue for many social events, dinner parties and family celebrations. With grown children living abroad, and grand children on the way, it was important that the new kitchen be highly functional and conducive to hosting informal, yet large family gatherings. The kitchen had been relocated to the garage in the late eighties during a large renovation and was looking tired. Eight foot concrete ceilings meant the new materials and design had to create the illusion of height and light. White lacquered doors and integrated fridge panels extend to the ceiling and cast a bright reflection into the room. The teak dining table and chairs were the only elements to preserve from the old kitchen, and influenced the direction of materials to be incorporated into the new design. The island and selected lower cabinetry are made of butternut and oiled in a matte finish that relates to the teak dining set. Oversized tiles on the heated floors resemble soft concrete. The mandate for the second floor included the overhaul of the master ensuite, to create his and hers closets, and a library. Walls were relocated and the floor plan reconfigured to create a luxurious ensuite of dramatic proportions. A walk-in shower, partitioned toilet area, and 18’ vanity are among many details that add visual interest and comfort. Minimal white oak panels wrap around from the bedroom into the ensuite, and integrate two full-height pocket doors in the same material.

Susan Fisher Photography
Example of a trendy kids' room design in London

The option to downsize was not an option for the empty nesters who have lived in this home for over twenty-five years. Situated in TMR, the sprawling home has been the venue for many social events, dinner parties and family celebrations. With grown children living abroad, and grand children on the way, it was important that the new kitchen be highly functional and conducive to hosting informal, yet large family gatherings. The kitchen had been relocated to the garage in the late eighties during a large renovation and was looking tired. Eight foot concrete ceilings meant the new materials and design had to create the illusion of height and light. White lacquered doors and integrated fridge panels extend to the ceiling and cast a bright reflection into the room. The teak dining table and chairs were the only elements to preserve from the old kitchen, and influenced the direction of materials to be incorporated into the new design. The island and selected lower cabinetry are made of butternut and oiled in a matte finish that relates to the teak dining set. Oversized tiles on the heated floors resemble soft concrete. The mandate for the second floor included the overhaul of the master ensuite, to create his and hers closets, and a library. Walls were relocated and the floor plan reconfigured to create a luxurious ensuite of dramatic proportions. A walk-in shower, partitioned toilet area, and 18’ vanity are among many details that add visual interest and comfort. Minimal white oak panels wrap around from the bedroom into the ensuite, and integrate two full-height pocket doors in the same material.

Designer: Astro Design Centre, Ottawa Canada Photos: JVL Photography The theme for this design was clean lines, symmetry and harmony. They played up the natural beauty surrounding the house, by enhancing the natural light and introducing new textures that would give the space a modern look. Being centred in a wooden lot, we chose to carry natural materials like walnut, marble and slate into the room. However, to add drama and contrast, the elements are juxtaposed with industrial lighting, square high-polished fixtures and a factory-style barn door.

Master Ensuite is tucked away with double sinks and enough counter space for two. Free-standing soaker-tub is situated away from the water closet to create a more spa-like atmosphere.