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

Sliding Barn Doors and Sliding Barn Door Shutters Sunburst announces sliding barn doors and barn door shutters. Our barn doors have numerous options and can be used on doors and windows. Using barn doors as a window treatment is revolutionary--a perfect way to achieve that unique design you've been searching for.

Lee Manning Photography
Eat-in kitchen - mid-sized country u-shaped medium tone wood floor eat-in kitchen idea in Los Angeles with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, gray cabinets, soapstone countertops, green backsplash, ceramic backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Clopay Canyon Ridge Collection Ultra-Grain Series faux wood carriage house garage doors on a rustic lodge home. Constructed of insulated steel with composite overlays. Numerous designs with or without windows offered in three stain colors.

Nantucket Architectural Photography
Large beach style u-shaped light wood floor open concept kitchen photo in Boston with a farmhouse sink, glass-front cabinets, white cabinets, marble countertops, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Complete renovation of a 19th century brownstone in Brooklyn's Fort Greene neighborhood. Modern interiors that preserve many original details. Kate Glicksberg Photography

This unique home, and it's use of historic cabins that were dismantled, and then reassembled on-site, was custom designed by MossCreek. As the mountain residence for an accomplished artist, the home features abundant natural light, antique timbers and logs, and numerous spaces designed to highlight the artist's work and to serve as studios for creativity. Photos by John MacLean.

Located in the Avenues of the heart of Salt Lake City, this craftsman style home leaves us astounded. Upon demolition of the existing home, this custom home was built to showcase what exactly Lane Myers Construction could deliver on when we are given numerous constraints. With a floor plan designed to open up what would have been considered a confined space, attention to tiny details and the custom finishes were just the cusp of what we took the time to create

Inspiration for a mid-sized modern formal and enclosed dark wood floor and black floor living room remodel in DC Metro with gray walls and no fireplace

Example of a huge transitional l-shaped eat-in kitchen design in Dublin with beaded inset cabinets, stainless steel appliances and an island

Cool neutral colors, inventive lighting, apron-front sinks and vintage-style faucets combine to make this farmhouse kitchen fresh, functional and timeless.

Sliding Barn Doors and Sliding Barn Door Shutters Sunburst announces sliding barn doors and barn door shutters. Our barn doors have numerous options and can be used on doors and windows. Using barn doors as a window treatment is revolutionary--a perfect way to achieve that unique design you've been searching for.

Clopay Coachman Collection white insulated steel carriage house garage doors, Design 11 with SQ24 windows. Appear to swing out but are overhead sectional doors that roll up and down. Numerous designs and colors with or without windows are offered.

Spacious lookout lower level with neutral palette. Arches define spaces and add character. Arched proscenium alcove for large screen TV in theatre room. Wet bar with granite countertop, finished in dark wood. Photos by: Spacecrafting

We designed and constructed this swinging daybed as a destination point in this incredibly lush garden. This garden is one of the most famous in the Southeast, having been featured on numerous tours and publications.

Style, versatility and comfort for a model that can be easily placed in any setting. The main characteristics of this modular sofa are the freedom of set-up and the numerous types of elements which, when combined, provide the possibility of creating sophisticated and eclectic configurations. Unequaled comfort is paired with the purity and elegance, thanks to down padding and the generously sized seats. Side table in plexiglass included on all armrests. The leather versions may have different stitching from those in fabric.

Large women's carpeted and beige floor dressing room photo in Orlando with raised-panel cabinets and white cabinets

Photo: Vicki Bodine
Large farmhouse u-shaped medium tone wood floor eat-in kitchen photo in New York with a farmhouse sink, beaded inset cabinets, white cabinets, marble countertops, white backsplash, stone slab backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

This kitchen renovation features numerous storage options to maximize the small space. These features include a pull out pantry, a blind corner unit, and a spice & oil pull out. Photo by Paul Schraub Photography