Mike and Anne of Barrington Hills desperately needed to update and renovate both their kid’s hall bath and guest bath, and in their 1980’s home each project presented a different set of unique challenges to overcome. When they set out to identify the right remodeling company to partner with, it was important to find a company that could help them to visualize design solutions for the bath renovations. When they came across Advance Design Studio’s website, they were immediately drawn to the solution-oriented remodeling process and the family friendly company. They say they chose Advance Design because of the integrated approach of “Common Sense Remodeling”, making the design, project management and construction all happen in one place. When they met with Project Designer Michelle Lecinski, they knew they chose the right company. “Michelle’s excellent work on the initial designs made it easy to proceed with Advance Design Studio,” Mike said. Like most homeowners anticipating a big renovation project, they had some healthy fears; with two bathrooms being remodeled at the same time they worried about timeframes and staying within budget. With the help of Michelle, and the “Common Sense” guidelines, they were confident that Advance Design would stay true, orchestrating all the moving parts to stay within both the estimated timeline and budget. The guest bath offered the biggest design challenge. A dormer obstruction made the already cramped shower awkward to access. Mike and Anne also wanted the shower size to be expanded, making it more accommodating. Working with Advance’s construction expert DJ Yurik, Michelle relocated the shower concealing the original dormer and creating a larger, more comfortable and aesthetically pleasing guest shower. The unsightly and not at all user-friendly closet was removed and replaced with elegant White Maple Dura Supreme cabinetry with much improved function featuring dual tall linen cabinets, a special makeup area and two sinks, providing a dual vanity which was extremely important for better guest use. The Fossil Brown quartz countertop is in pleasing contrast to the white cabinetry, and coordinates nicely with the mocha porcelain tile gracing the shower for an accent. The decorative glazed turquoise tile backsplash, tile border, and bottle niche adds a taste of marine green to the room, while marble-looking porcelain tile makes guests feel they are staying in a 5-star hotel. Polished nickel Kohler plumbing fixtures were chosen to add a touch of sophistication. This renovated guest bath is comfortable and elegant, and Anne and Mike’s house guests may never want to leave! “The end result was updated and restyled bathrooms that the client will enjoy and increase the value of their home,” Designer Michelle said. The children’s hall bath had its own set of challenges. The current placement of the sink was not conducive to the best use of the existing space, nor did it allow for any visual interest, something Advance’s designers always work to achieve even within the tight confines of a small bath. Advance removed the linen closet and used the gain in wall space to create a dramatic focal point on the vanity wall. They also took additional space that wasn’t being used for new Storm Gray Dura Supreme tall built-in linen cabinets, creating functional storage space that the former bath lacked. A customized glass splash panel was created for the bath, and the high ceilings with skylights were accented with a custom-made track lighting fixture featuring industrial pipe and cage materials. Authentic cement encaustic tile was used wall to wall surrounding the vanity to create a dramatic and interesting back drop for the new elegant and stately furniture-like double sink wall. Hand-made encaustic tile originated in Western Europe beginning in the 1850’s and reminded Mike and Anne of tile they had seen and loved from their travels overseas. Today, encaustic tile has made a re-appearance in today’s modern bath design with its wide array of appealing patterns and artistic use of color. Oil rubbed bronze Kohler fixtures echo the black accents in the beautiful tile pattern and reflect the matte black of the unique lighting detail. Easy to maintain Blanca Arabescato Quartz countertops add practicality and natural beauty and compliments the warm wood porcelain tile floors. This handsome bath has generated praise from friends and family even before it’s complete unveiling as photos of the space leaked out on social media! It’s not only completely functional to use, but especially pretty to look at. “Advance Design Studio did a terrific job for us. We really appreciated how easy it was to work with them on a complex project of the complete remodeling of two bathrooms. They very capably handled all the details from design, to project management, to construction. It is a great group of people to work with and we would welcome the opportunity to work with them again anytime,” Mike said.

A rustic ladder makes a great trellis for a flowering honeysuckle vine. hanging baskets as well as compact miniature roses and perennials help frame in the porch without obstructing the view.

Example of a large classic dark wood floor kitchen design in Sacramento with a farmhouse sink, raised-panel cabinets, white cabinets, marble countertops, gray backsplash, glass tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and two islands

Huge modern stone house exterior idea in New York

This kitchen renovation was part of a larger, extensive interior renovation for an existing penthouse condominium residence, located in Clayton, Missouri. The primary concept for the overall renovation was to bring architectural continuity throughout the entire residence with an edited materials palette that serves as a neutral backdrop for the owners’ extensive art collection. For the kitchen area specifically, dark flooring comprised of large-format Italian porcelain tiles is contrasted with high-gloss white cabinetry at the kitchen’s perimeter and gray-stained reconstituted veneer wrapping the island cabinetry. This neutral palette of white and gray is further enhanced with quartz countertops that include dramatic, gray veining. The custom banquette seating with built-in storage, activates the north wall of the kitchen and serves as an anchor for a new dining table and chairs. A contrasting blue velvet textile softens the built-in banquette, and provides a restrained field of color. The gray wood veneer is echoed at custom wall panels behind the banquette, serving as a textural backdrop for artwork installation. And a light, feathery chandelier hangs above the dining table with intention in mind to not obstruct views of the artwork beyond. ©Alise O'Brien Photography

E. McKinney
Large country underground carpeted basement photo in Minneapolis with brown walls

Off the kitchen, a screened in porch offers a full table setting to enjoy outdoor eating.
Screened-in porch idea in Boston

VELUX Sun Tunnel skylights can be installed around roof rafters and other attic obstructions, making them ideal for interior bathrooms.
Bathroom - transitional bathroom idea

The living and dining area is flooded with light and good cheer. Maya didn't want to obstruct any views of the river so he was very conscious of that in the design. A neutral palette is soothing to the eye while a jolt of warm persimmon on the midcentury chairs and a sculpture from R.E. Steele in East Hampton provide focal points. Sisal carpet from Merida creates a graphic counterpoint to the linen upholstery on the Maya-designed sofa and armchairs. Carefully placed sculpture and artwork, along with splashes of vibrant color, provide focus and a cheerful quality to the overall aesthetic. Photographer: Christian Harder

Trendy screened-in back porch idea in Detroit

Convert the existing deck to a new indoor / outdoor space with retractable EZ Breeze windows for full enclosure, cable railing system for minimal view obstruction and space saving spiral staircase, fireplace for ambiance and cooler nights with LVP floor for worry and bug free entertainment

The view of the back of the house from the dock proudly displays the exterior lighting configuration as well as the bluestone patio, outdoor firepit, landscaping, and gazebo. Photography by Marie-Dominique Verdier

This is an example of a cottage porch design in New York.

Jonathan Reece
Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional brown two-story wood exterior home remodel in Portland Maine with a metal roof

This gorgeous beach condo sits on the banks of the Pacific ocean in Solana Beach, CA. The previous design was dark, heavy and out of scale for the square footage of the space. We removed an outdated bulit in, a column that was not supporting and all the detailed trim work. We replaced it with white kitchen cabinets, continuous vinyl plank flooring and clean lines throughout. The entry was created by pulling the lower portion of the bookcases out past the wall to create a foyer. The shelves are open to both sides so the immediate view of the ocean is not obstructed. New patio sliders now open in the center to continue the view. The shiplap ceiling was updated with a fresh coat of paint and smaller LED can lights. The bookcases are the inspiration color for the entire design. Sea glass green, the color of the ocean, is sprinkled throughout the home. The fireplace is now a sleek contemporary feel with a tile surround. The mantel is made from old barn wood. A very special slab of quartzite was used for the bookcase counter, dining room serving ledge and a shelf in the laundry room. The kitchen is now white and bright with glass tile that reflects the colors of the water. The hood and floating shelves have a weathered finish to reflect drift wood. The laundry room received a face lift starting with new moldings on the door, fresh paint, a rustic cabinet and a stone shelf. The guest bathroom has new white tile with a beachy mosaic design and a fresh coat of paint on the vanity. New hardware, sinks, faucets, mirrors and lights finish off the design. The master bathroom used to be open to the bedroom. We added a wall with a barn door for privacy. The shower has been opened up with a beautiful pebble tile water fall. The pebbles are repeated on the vanity with a natural edge finish. The vanity received a fresh paint job, new hardware, faucets, sinks, mirrors and lights. The guest bedroom has a custom double bunk with reading lamps for the kiddos. This space now reflects the community it is in, and we have brought the beach inside.

Tired of the original, segmented floor plan of their midcentury home, this young family was ready to make a big change. Inspired by their beloved collection of Heath Ceramics tableware and needing an open space for the family to gather to do homework, make bread, and enjoy Friday Pizza Night…a new kitchen was born. Interior Architecture. Removal of one wall that provided a major obstruction, but no structure, resulted in connection between the family room, dining room, and kitchen. The new open plan allowed for a large island with seating and better flow in and out of the kitchen and garage. Interior Design. Vertically stacked, handmade tiles from Heath Ceramics in Ogawa Green wrap the perimeter backsplash with a nod to midcentury design. A row of white oak slab doors conceal a hidden exhaust hood while offering a sleek modern vibe. Shelves float just below to display beloved tableware, cookbooks, and cherished souvenirs.

Amy Bartlam
Kitchen - contemporary kitchen idea in New York

Inspiration for a mid-sized timeless back porch remodel in Toronto

The Vanity table with magnifying mirror is a great place to sit and freshen up before dinner. The drum ottoman below the vanity table is studded with nailhead trim. Gwin Hunt Photography