This gracious property in the award-winning Blaine school district - and just off the Southport Corridor - marries an old world European design sensibility with contemporary technologies and unique artisan details. With more than 5,200 square feet, the home has four bedrooms and three bathrooms on the second floor, including a luxurious master suite with a private terrace. The house also boasts a distinct foyer; formal living and dining rooms designed in an open-plan concept; an expansive, eat-in, gourmet kitchen which is open to the first floor great room; lower-level family room; an attached, heated, 2-½ car garage with roof deck; a penthouse den and roof deck; and two additional rooms on the lower level which could be used as bedrooms, home offices or exercise rooms. The home, designed with an extra-wide floorplan, achieved through side yard relief, also has considerable, professionally-landscaped outdoor living spaces. This brick and limestone residence has been designed with family-functional experiences and classically proportioned spaces in mind. Highly-efficient environmental technologies have been integrated into the design and construction and the plan also takes into consideration the incorporation of all types of advanced communications systems. The home went under contract in less than 45 days in 2011. Jim Yochum

This delightful couple purchased this home with renovation in mind. It was situated in an ideal location, but required a serious update bringing modernization while keeping it’s 1940’s period charm. They asked us to design an elegant Master Suite, complete with a bedroom, master closet and elegant bathroom. While we make every attempt to maintain original walls and floors, this renovation required complete gutting of two bedrooms and closets to open the space and allow for all they wanted. In this process we were able to bring uneven floors and walls into level allowing for great end results. The finishing touches on this bathroom included custom white painted vanity and make-up table with White Carrara Marble countertops and a custom tile floor design using Carrara Marble tile. A free-standing tub and bridge faucets/ tub spout upped the game on a modern take on an old-world plumbing fixture. The glass shower completes this sophisticated space, which gives this master bath a modern twist on traditional.

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. Joe Nowak

Our client had purchased a townhome in Manhattan Beach, CA. which really only needed a few updates to become her home. She was looking for a modern master bathroom with a curbless shower complete with pebble stone floor and a channel drain. The shower is silver beige limestone with a mosaic tile niche. One of the unique elements to this design is the window over the floating vanity. The vessel sinks don’t require much backsplash; the mosaic behind them ties in the same pattern in the shower niche. Also in line with the modern style of the room are the floating shelves over the commode. The room has a mix of pendant lights and recessed lighting. The bathroom is completed with an Espresso pocket door with white laminated glass. A coordinating bi fold door was used on her walk-in closet. Both doors now coordinate with the entry to her master bedroom. We also added the niche cabinetry and shelving in the master bedroom for additional storage.

Our clients for this remodel of a 100 year old home in San Francisco’s Liberty Hill neighborhood recently moved to San Francisco. The house they purchased was very stately and had great bones, but lacked a true master suite and had recently been remodeled in a slightly generic modern style. We helped them with projects throughout the house. Our biggest project was creating a true master suite out of two bedrooms and an existing bathroom. We created an open concept bathroom with custom gray lacquer wardrobes and shoe storage units with a dramatic slot skylight overhead. Access to the master bedroom is through this room. The clean lines of the bathroom are complimented by a very long wall hung vanity with a CaesarStone counter which flows into the walk-in shower and becomes the curb. A variety of tiles including locally fabricated tile from Heath Ceramics were carefully selected to create a warm and inviting, yet modern, feeling. Oak floors similar to those in the rest of the house were used throughout the master suite for continuity. By using the same tile on the back wall of the bathroom we were able to create a visual unity from the shower through the vanity and the water closet. Our work also included a new fireplace in the living room. Photography by Christopher Stark.

Our client purchased this lovely house for use as a vacation rental and wanted a hotel feel with a neutral, relaxing beach vibe. We worked with a tight budget to furnish and style this five bedroom home within a six week timeframe so they could get the property working as an income source right off the bat. It rented right away and we are thrilled our client loves the space. Photo cred Shannon Bailey - Lil Bird Photography Rent this home via SeaBreeze Vacation Rentals

Our clients hired us to design their second home in Northern Michigan; a place they could relax, unwind and enjoy all that Northern Michigan has to offer. Their main residence is in St. Louis, Missouri and they first came to Northern Michigan on vacation with friends. They fell in love with the area and ultimately purchased property in the Walloon area. In addition to the lot they build their home on, they also purchased the lot next door to have plenty of room to garden. The finished product includes a large, open area great room and kitchen, master bedroom and laundry on the main level as well as two guest bedrooms; laundry and a large living area in the walk-out lower level. The large upper deck as well as lower patio offer plenty of room to enjoy the outdoors and their lovely view of beautiful Walloon lake.

Scottsdale Ranch Whole Home Remodeling Project Our clients were looking to purchase a home with custom design in a central location, and chose a property in the beautiful Scottsdale Ranch neighborhood. The home was in need of a complete renovation, and was expanded and updated in a transitional design. Scope Of Work: Complete interior renovation including opening up of the kitchen, master bathroom, and family room areas. New flooring, tile, cabinets, countertops, and paint throughout. All wooden handrails and shelving was refinished, and a custom stone fireplace was built. Areas Of Note: Renovated master bathroom with custom tile shower, barn doors on guest bedroom and bathroom, expanded and renovated kitchen with custom quartz countertops, shaker style cabinets, and stainless steel appliances.

Rikki Snyder © 2014 Houzz
Inspiration for an eclectic living room remodel in New York

This exciting ‘whole house’ project began when a couple contacted us while house shopping. They found a 1980s contemporary colonial in Delafield with a great wooded lot on Nagawicka Lake. The kitchen and bathrooms were outdated but it had plenty of space and potential. We toured the home, learned about their design style and dream for the new space. The goal of this project was to create a contemporary space that was interesting and unique. Above all, they wanted a home where they could entertain and make a future. At first, the couple thought they wanted to remodel only the kitchen and master suite. But after seeing Kowalske Kitchen & Bath’s design for transforming the entire house, they wanted to remodel it all. The couple purchased the home and hired us as the design-build-remodel contractor. First Floor Remodel The biggest transformation of this home is the first floor. The original entry was dark and closed off. By removing the dining room walls, we opened up the space for a grand entry into the kitchen and dining room. The open-concept kitchen features a large navy island, blue subway tile backsplash, bamboo wood shelves and fun lighting. On the first floor, we also turned a bathroom/sauna into a full bathroom and powder room. We were excited to give them a ‘wow’ powder room with a yellow penny tile wall, floating bamboo vanity and chic geometric cement tile floor. Second Floor Remodel The second floor remodel included a fireplace landing area, master suite, and turning an open loft area into a bedroom and bathroom. In the master suite, we removed a large whirlpool tub and reconfigured the bathroom/closet space. For a clean and classic look, the couple chose a black and white color pallet. We used subway tile on the walls in the large walk-in shower, a glass door with matte black finish, hexagon tile on the floor, a black vanity and quartz counters. Flooring, trim and doors were updated throughout the home for a cohesive look.

The clients purchased the home and immediately renovated it before moving in. It was a Gut rehab- down to the studs with some minor drywall left. Dresner Design tore the ceilings out to expose beams and replaced the structure. The kitchen is light and bright with sliders that open to a beautiful patio. A central island with waterfall edge anchors the space with three large pendants over the island. The original space was an “L” shaped layout. New 6” oak flooring was used throughout the home. The owners have a very eclectic art collection that was integrated into their new home. Kitchen Designer and Architectural Designer: Scott Dresner of Dresner Design Cabinetry: Dresner Design Black Label Interior Design: Meritxell Ferre, Moderno Design Build Photography: Michael Alan Kaskel Attic was converted to a giant closet and dressing room. There's a beautiful staircase with glass wall leading from the master suite to the master closet.

This delightful couple purchased this home with renovation in mind. It was situated in an ideal location, but required a serious update bringing modernization while keeping it’s 1940’s period charm. They asked us to design an elegant Master Suite, complete with a bedroom, master closet and elegant bathroom. While we make every attempt to maintain original walls and floors, this renovation required complete gutting of two bedrooms and closets to open the space and allow for all they wanted. In this process we were able to bring uneven floors and walls into level allowing for great end results. The finishing touches on this bathroom included custom white painted vanity and make-up table with White Carrara Marble countertops and a custom tile floor design using Carrara Marble tile. A free-standing tub and bridge faucets/ tub spout upped the game on a modern take on an old-world plumbing fixture. The glass shower completes this sophisticated space, which gives this master bath a modern twist on traditional.

This gem of a house was built in the 1950s, when its neighborhood undoubtedly felt remote. The university footprint has expanded in the 70 years since, however, and today this home sits on prime real estate—easy biking and reasonable walking distance to campus. When it went up for sale in 2017, it was largely unaltered. Our clients purchased it to renovate and resell, and while we all knew we'd need to add square footage to make it profitable, we also wanted to respect the neighborhood and the house’s own history. Swedes have a word that means “just the right amount”: lagom. It is a guiding philosophy for us at SYH, and especially applied in this renovation. Part of the soul of this house was about living in just the right amount of space. Super sizing wasn’t a thing in 1950s America. So, the solution emerged: keep the original rectangle, but add an L off the back. With no owner to design with and for, SYH created a layout to appeal to the masses. All public spaces are the back of the home--the new addition that extends into the property’s expansive backyard. A den and four smallish bedrooms are atypically located in the front of the house, in the original 1500 square feet. Lagom is behind that choice: conserve space in the rooms where you spend most of your time with your eyes shut. Put money and square footage toward the spaces in which you mostly have your eyes open. In the studio, we started calling this project the Mullet Ranch—business up front, party in the back. The front has a sleek but quiet effect, mimicking its original low-profile architecture street-side. It’s very Hoosier of us to keep appearances modest, we think. But get around to the back, and surprise! lofted ceilings and walls of windows. Gorgeous.

Custom designed by Don Stevenson Design located in Naples, Florida. The floor plan of this home is available for purchase through www.donstevensondesign.com.

Custom designed by Don Stevenson Design located in Naples, Florida. The floor plan of this home is available for purchase through www.donstevensondesign.com.

Custom designed by Don Stevenson Design located in Naples, Florida. The floor plan of this home is available for purchase through www.donstevensondesign.com.

Summary of Scope: gut renovation/reconfiguration of kitchen, coffee bar, mudroom, powder room, 2 kids baths, guest bath, master bath and dressing room, kids study and playroom, study/office, laundry room, restoration of windows, adding wallpapers and window treatments Background/description: The house was built in 1908, my clients are only the 3rd owners of the house. The prior owner lived there from 1940s until she died at age of 98! The old home had loads of character and charm but was in pretty bad condition and desperately needed updates. The clients purchased the home a few years ago and did some work before they moved in (roof, HVAC, electrical) but decided to live in the house for a 6 months or so before embarking on the next renovation phase. I had worked with the clients previously on the wife's office space and a few projects in a previous home including the nursery design for their first child so they reached out when they were ready to start thinking about the interior renovations. The goal was to respect and enhance the historic architecture of the home but make the spaces more functional for this couple with two small kids. Clients were open to color and some more bold/unexpected design choices. The design style is updated traditional with some eclectic elements. An early design decision was to incorporate a dark colored french range which would be the focal point of the kitchen and to do dark high gloss lacquered cabinets in the adjacent coffee bar, and we ultimately went with dark green.

Our clients hired us to design their second home in Northern Michigan; a place they could relax, unwind and enjoy all that Northern Michigan has to offer. Their main residence is in St. Louis, Missouri and they first came to Northern Michigan on vacation with friends. They fell in love with the area and ultimately purchased property in the Walloon area. In addition to the lot they build their home on, they also purchased the lot next door to have plenty of room to garden. The finished product includes a large, open area great room and kitchen, master bedroom and laundry on the main level as well as two guest bedrooms; laundry and a large living area in the walk-out lower level. The large upper deck as well as lower patio offer plenty of room to enjoy the outdoors and their lovely view of beautiful Walloon lake.

Scottsdale Ranch Whole Home Remodeling Project Our clients were looking to purchase a home with custom design in a central location, and chose a property in the beautiful Scottsdale Ranch neighborhood. The home was in need of a complete renovation, and was expanded and updated in a transitional design. Scope Of Work: Complete interior renovation including opening up of the kitchen, master bathroom, and family room areas. New flooring, tile, cabinets, countertops, and paint throughout. All wooden handrails and shelving was refinished, and a custom stone fireplace was built. Areas Of Note: Renovated master bathroom with custom tile shower, barn doors on guest bedroom and bathroom, expanded and renovated kitchen with custom quartz countertops, shaker style cabinets, and stainless steel appliances.