2013 NARI Capital CotY, Merit Award Winner, Creative Solutions under $15,000 Objective: This couple was tired of the old brick look of their family room and its embedded fireplace. They wanted to uplift the entire room, with better lighting, updated built ins and new gas log fireplace. Challenges: It was not an easy task to get rid of all masonry and brick wall. Gas lines and powder line were quite distance away and the family room floor was a concrete slab. Design solutions: It was important for the couple to create an optional separation between the family room and the kitchen for times that she is having her book club gang over and husband wanted to watch his sporting events. Part of the wall between kitchen and family room was taken by a closet. We have removed that entire wall and implemented a 6” wide Barn door for a partial solution to their problem. New wiring for light and cable wires were running into the old masonry wall. Gas line gave the old wood burning fireplace and new life. Custom built in cabinetry was placed in place old masonry wall. A new stone hearth and surround wrapped around the new fireplace. New hardwood wide plank flooring gave this family room warmth. New recess lighting has offered a much brighter room. Outcome: He gets to enjoy his favorite football team beat up the rebels while she gets to have her tea party around the kitchen table. And in all other occasions they get to cuddle by the flames of a new fireplace.

Up on a Hillside, stands a strong and handsome home with many facets and gables. Built to withstand the test of time, the exquisite stone and stylish shakes siding surrounds the exterior and protects the beauty within. The distinguished front door entry with side lights and a transom window stands tall and opens up to high coffered ceilings, a floor to ceiling stone fireplace, stunning glass doors & windows, custom built-ins and an open concept floor plan. The expansive kitchen is graced with a striking leathered granite island, butlers pantry, stainless-steel appliances, fine cabinetry and dining area. Just off the kitchen is an inviting sunroom with a stone fire place and a fantastic EZE Breeze Window System. There is a custom drop-zone built by our team of master carpenters that offers a beautiful point of interest as well as functionality. En suite bathrooms add a sense of luxury to guest bedrooms. The master bedroom has a private sunroom perfect for curling up and reading a book. The luxurious Master Bath exudes tranquility with a large garden tub, custom tile shower, barrel vault ceiling and his & hers granite vanities. The extensively landscaped back yard features tiered rock walls, two gorgeous water features and several spacious outdoor living areas perfect for entertaining friends and enjoying the four seasons of North Carolina.

2013 NARI Capital CotY, Merit Award Winner, Creative Solutions under $15,000 Objective: This couple was tired of the old brick look of their family room and its embedded fireplace. They wanted to uplift the entire room, with better lighting, updated built ins and new gas log fireplace. Challenges: It was not an easy task to get rid of all masonry and brick wall. Gas lines and powder line were quite distance away and the family room floor was a concrete slab. Design solutions: It was important for the couple to create an optional separation between the family room and the kitchen for times that she is having her book club gang over and husband wanted to watch his sporting events. Part of the wall between kitchen and family room was taken by a closet. We have removed that entire wall and implemented a 6” wide Barn door for a partial solution to their problem. New wiring for light and cable wires were running into the old masonry wall. Gas line gave the old wood burning fireplace and new life. Custom built in cabinetry was placed in place old masonry wall. A new stone hearth and surround wrapped around the new fireplace. New hardwood wide plank flooring gave this family room warmth. New recess lighting has offered a much brighter room. Outcome: He gets to enjoy his favorite football team beat up the rebels while she gets to have her tea party around the kitchen table. And in all other occasions they get to cuddle by the flames of a new fireplace.

Up on a Hillside, stands a strong and handsome home with many facets and gables. Built to withstand the test of time, the exquisite stone and stylish shakes siding surrounds the exterior and protects the beauty within. The distinguished front door entry with side lights and a transom window stands tall and opens up to high coffered ceilings, a floor to ceiling stone fireplace, stunning glass doors & windows, custom built-ins and an open concept floor plan. The expansive kitchen is graced with a striking leathered granite island, butlers pantry, stainless-steel appliances, fine cabinetry and dining area. Just off the kitchen is an inviting sunroom with a stone fire place and a fantastic EZE Breeze Window System. There is a custom drop-zone built by our team of master carpenters that offers a beautiful point of interest as well as functionality. En suite bathrooms add a sense of luxury to guest bedrooms. The master bedroom has a private sunroom perfect for curling up and reading a book. The luxurious Master Bath exudes tranquility with a large garden tub, custom tile shower, barrel vault ceiling and his & hers granite vanities. The extensively landscaped back yard features tiered rock walls, two gorgeous water features and several spacious outdoor living areas perfect for entertaining friends and enjoying the four seasons of North Carolina.

Our clients in Tower Lakes, IL, needed more storage and functionality from their kitchen. They were primarily focused on finding the right combination of cabinets, shelves, and drawers that fit all their cookware, flatware, and appliances. They wanted a brighter, bigger space with a natural cooking flow and plenty of storage. Soffits and crown molding needed to be removed to make the kitchen feel larger. Redesign elements included: relocating the fridge, adding a baking station and coffee bar, and placing the microwave in the kitchen island. Advance Design Studio’s Claudia Pop offered functional, creative, and unique solutions to the homeowners’ problems. Our clients wanted a unique kitchen that was not completely white, a balance of design and function. Claudia offered functional, creative, and unique solutions to Chad and Karen’s kitchen design challenges. The first thing to go was soffits. Today, most kitchens can benefit from the added height and space; removing soffits is nearly always step one. Steely gray-blue was the color of choice for a freshly unique look bringing a sophisticated-looking space to wrap around the fresh new kitchen. Cherry cabinetry in a true brown stain compliments the stormy accents with sharp contrasting white Cambria quartz top balancing out the space with a dramatic flair. “We wanted something unique and special in this space, something none of the neighbors would have,” said Claudia. The dramatic veined Cambria countertops continue upward into a backsplash behind three complimentary open shelves. These countertops provide visual texture and movement in the kitchen. The kitchen includes two larder cabinets for both the coffee bar and baking station. The kitchen is now functional and unique in design. “When we design a new kitchen space, as designers, we are always looking for ways to balance interesting design elements with practical functionality,” Claudia said. “This kitchen’s new design is not only way more functional but is stunning in a way a piece of art can catch one’s attention.” Decorative mullions with mirrored inserts sit atop dual sentinel pantries flanking the new refrigerator, while a 48″ dual fuel Wolf range replaced the island cooktop and double oven. The new microwave is cleverly hidden within the island, eliminating the cluttered counter and attention-grabbing wall of stainless steel from the previous space. The family room was completely renovated, including a beautifully functional entertainment bar with the same combination of woods and stone as the kitchen and coffee bar. Mesh inserts instead of plain glass add visual texture while revealing pristine glassware. Handcrafted built-ins surround the fireplace. The beautiful and efficient design created by designer Claudia transitioned directly to the installation team seamlessly, much like the basement project experience Chad and Karen enjoyed previously. “We definitely will and have recommended Advance Design Studio to friends who are looking to embark on a project small or large,” Karen said. “Everything that was designed and built exactly how we envisioned it, and we are really enjoying it to its full potential,” Karen said. Our award-winning design team would love to create a beautiful, functional, and spacious place for you and your family. With our “Common Sense Remodeling” approach, the process of renovating your home has never been easier. Contact us today at 847-665-1711 or schedule an appointment.

2013 NARI Capital CotY, Merit Award Winner, Creative Solutions under $15,000 Objective: This couple was tired of the old brick look of their family room and its embedded fireplace. They wanted to uplift the entire room, with better lighting, updated built ins and new gas log fireplace. Challenges: It was not an easy task to get rid of all masonry and brick wall. Gas lines and powder line were quite distance away and the family room floor was a concrete slab. Design solutions: It was important for the couple to create an optional separation between the family room and the kitchen for times that she is having her book club gang over and husband wanted to watch his sporting events. Part of the wall between kitchen and family room was taken by a closet. We have removed that entire wall and implemented a 6” wide Barn door for a partial solution to their problem. New wiring for light and cable wires were running into the old masonry wall. Gas line gave the old wood burning fireplace and new life. Custom built in cabinetry was placed in place old masonry wall. A new stone hearth and surround wrapped around the new fireplace. New hardwood wide plank flooring gave this family room warmth. New recess lighting has offered a much brighter room. Outcome: He gets to enjoy his favorite football team beat up the rebels while she gets to have her tea party around the kitchen table. And in all other occasions they get to cuddle by the flames of a new fireplace.

2013 NARI Capital CotY, Merit Award Winner, Creative Solutions under $15,000 Objective: This couple was tired of the old brick look of their family room and its embedded fireplace. They wanted to uplift the entire room, with better lighting, updated built ins and new gas log fireplace. Challenges: It was not an easy task to get rid of all masonry and brick wall. Gas lines and powder line were quite distance away and the family room floor was a concrete slab. Design solutions: It was important for the couple to create an optional separation between the family room and the kitchen for times that she is having her book club gang over and husband wanted to watch his sporting events. Part of the wall between kitchen and family room was taken by a closet. We have removed that entire wall and implemented a 6” wide Barn door for a partial solution to their problem. New wiring for light and cable wires were running into the old masonry wall. Gas line gave the old wood burning fireplace and new life. Custom built in cabinetry was placed in place old masonry wall. A new stone hearth and surround wrapped around the new fireplace. New hardwood wide plank flooring gave this family room warmth. New recess lighting has offered a much brighter room. Outcome: He gets to enjoy his favorite football team beat up the rebels while she gets to have her tea party around the kitchen table. And in all other occasions they get to cuddle by the flames of a new fireplace.

Up on a Hillside, stands a strong and handsome home with many facets and gables. Built to withstand the test of time, the exquisite stone and stylish shakes siding surrounds the exterior and protects the beauty within. The distinguished front door entry with side lights and a transom window stands tall and opens up to high coffered ceilings, a floor to ceiling stone fireplace, stunning glass doors & windows, custom built-ins and an open concept floor plan. The expansive kitchen is graced with a striking leathered granite island, butlers pantry, stainless-steel appliances, fine cabinetry and dining area. Just off the kitchen is an inviting sunroom with a stone fire place and a fantastic EZE Breeze Window System. There is a custom drop-zone built by our team of master carpenters that offers a beautiful point of interest as well as functionality. En suite bathrooms add a sense of luxury to guest bedrooms. The master bedroom has a private sunroom perfect for curling up and reading a book. The luxurious Master Bath exudes tranquility with a large garden tub, custom tile shower, barrel vault ceiling and his & hers granite vanities. The extensively landscaped back yard features tiered rock walls, two gorgeous water features and several spacious outdoor living areas perfect for entertaining friends and enjoying the four seasons of North Carolina.

Up on a Hillside, stands a strong and handsome home with many facets and gables. Built to withstand the test of time, the exquisite stone and stylish shakes siding surrounds the exterior and protects the beauty within. The distinguished front door entry with side lights and a transom window stands tall and opens up to high coffered ceilings, a floor to ceiling stone fireplace, stunning glass doors & windows, custom built-ins and an open concept floor plan. The expansive kitchen is graced with a striking leathered granite island, butlers pantry, stainless-steel appliances, fine cabinetry and dining area. Just off the kitchen is an inviting sunroom with a stone fire place and a fantastic EZE Breeze Window System. There is a custom drop-zone built by our team of master carpenters that offers a beautiful point of interest as well as functionality. En suite bathrooms add a sense of luxury to guest bedrooms. The master bedroom has a private sunroom perfect for curling up and reading a book. The luxurious Master Bath exudes tranquility with a large garden tub, custom tile shower, barrel vault ceiling and his & hers granite vanities. The extensively landscaped back yard features tiered rock walls, two gorgeous water features and several spacious outdoor living areas perfect for entertaining friends and enjoying the four seasons of North Carolina.

Up on a Hillside, stands a strong and handsome home with many facets and gables. Built to withstand the test of time, the exquisite stone and stylish shakes siding surrounds the exterior and protects the beauty within. The distinguished front door entry with side lights and a transom window stands tall and opens up to high coffered ceilings, a floor to ceiling stone fireplace, stunning glass doors & windows, custom built-ins and an open concept floor plan. The expansive kitchen is graced with a striking leathered granite island, butlers pantry, stainless-steel appliances, fine cabinetry and dining area. Just off the kitchen is an inviting sunroom with a stone fire place and a fantastic EZE Breeze Window System. There is a custom drop-zone built by our team of master carpenters that offers a beautiful point of interest as well as functionality. En suite bathrooms add a sense of luxury to guest bedrooms. The master bedroom has a private sunroom perfect for curling up and reading a book. The luxurious Master Bath exudes tranquility with a large garden tub, custom tile shower, barrel vault ceiling and his & hers granite vanities. The extensively landscaped back yard features tiered rock walls, two gorgeous water features and several spacious outdoor living areas perfect for entertaining friends and enjoying the four seasons of North Carolina.

Up on a Hillside, stands a strong and handsome home with many facets and gables. Built to withstand the test of time, the exquisite stone and stylish shakes siding surrounds the exterior and protects the beauty within. The distinguished front door entry with side lights and a transom window stands tall and opens up to high coffered ceilings, a floor to ceiling stone fireplace, stunning glass doors & windows, custom built-ins and an open concept floor plan. The expansive kitchen is graced with a striking leathered granite island, butlers pantry, stainless-steel appliances, fine cabinetry and dining area. Just off the kitchen is an inviting sunroom with a stone fire place and a fantastic EZE Breeze Window System. There is a custom drop-zone built by our team of master carpenters that offers a beautiful point of interest as well as functionality. En suite bathrooms add a sense of luxury to guest bedrooms. The master bedroom has a private sunroom perfect for curling up and reading a book. The luxurious Master Bath exudes tranquility with a large garden tub, custom tile shower, barrel vault ceiling and his & hers granite vanities. The extensively landscaped back yard features tiered rock walls, two gorgeous water features and several spacious outdoor living areas perfect for entertaining friends and enjoying the four seasons of North Carolina.

Up on a Hillside, stands a strong and handsome home with many facets and gables. Built to withstand the test of time, the exquisite stone and stylish shakes siding surrounds the exterior and protects the beauty within. The distinguished front door entry with side lights and a transom window stands tall and opens up to high coffered ceilings, a floor to ceiling stone fireplace, stunning glass doors & windows, custom built-ins and an open concept floor plan. The expansive kitchen is graced with a striking leathered granite island, butlers pantry, stainless-steel appliances, fine cabinetry and dining area. Just off the kitchen is an inviting sunroom with a stone fire place and a fantastic EZE Breeze Window System. There is a custom drop-zone built by our team of master carpenters that offers a beautiful point of interest as well as functionality. En suite bathrooms add a sense of luxury to guest bedrooms. The master bedroom has a private sunroom perfect for curling up and reading a book. The luxurious Master Bath exudes tranquility with a large garden tub, custom tile shower, barrel vault ceiling and his & hers granite vanities. The extensively landscaped back yard features tiered rock walls, two gorgeous water features and several spacious outdoor living areas perfect for entertaining friends and enjoying the four seasons of North Carolina.

2013 NARI Capital CotY, Merit Award Winner, Creative Solutions under $15,000 Objective: This couple was tired of the old brick look of their family room and its embedded fireplace. They wanted to uplift the entire room, with better lighting, updated built ins and new gas log fireplace. Challenges: It was not an easy task to get rid of all masonry and brick wall. Gas lines and powder line were quite distance away and the family room floor was a concrete slab. Design solutions: It was important for the couple to create an optional separation between the family room and the kitchen for times that she is having her book club gang over and husband wanted to watch his sporting events. Part of the wall between kitchen and family room was taken by a closet. We have removed that entire wall and implemented a 6” wide Barn door for a partial solution to their problem. New wiring for light and cable wires were running into the old masonry wall. Gas line gave the old wood burning fireplace and new life. Custom built in cabinetry was placed in place old masonry wall. A new stone hearth and surround wrapped around the new fireplace. New hardwood wide plank flooring gave this family room warmth. New recess lighting has offered a much brighter room. Outcome: He gets to enjoy his favorite football team beat up the rebels while she gets to have her tea party around the kitchen table. And in all other occasions they get to cuddle by the flames of a new fireplace.

This beautifully renovated home blends timeless warmth with modern functionality, creating a light and inviting atmosphere designed for everyday living and effortless entertaining. From the moment you arrive, the refreshed exterior and thoughtfully landscaped front yard set the tone for the elegant yet approachable interiors within. Inside, the open-concept living space centers around a sleek linear fireplace wall with custom floating shelves and integrated cabinetry, offering both visual balance and functional storage. Soft neutral tones, warm wood finishes, and layered lighting create a calming and cohesive design throughout the home. The kitchen was designed with both beauty and performance in mind, featuring custom cabinetry in a warm natural finish paired with soft taupe perimeter cabinets, quartz countertops with dramatic movement, brushed brass hardware, and statement pendant lighting. A custom wood hood and textured backsplash add depth and character while maintaining the clean, modern aesthetic. The expansive island anchors the space and provides generous seating and prep space for gathering with family and friends. Adjacent living and dining spaces continue the home’s relaxed sophistication with curated built-ins, integrated beverage storage, and seamless indoor-outdoor connection overlooking the lush backyard landscape. This renovation balances modern luxury with comfortable livability, resulting in a home that feels elevated, warm, and effortlessly welcoming.

Forest Estate, located in Duncan, is designed by award-winning Hoyt Design Co. It features 2,986 sq. ft. of living space over 2 levels. Vaulted ceilings and heated concrete floors highlight this luxury custom home. Forest Estate has 4 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, and a recreation space. The home also includes an over-sized three car garage. The kitchen has breakfast bar seating at the island, with a formal dining area nearby. There is also a walk-in pantry, which is located close to the garage for easy grocery loading. Large West-facing windows capture views of Mt. Prevost looking down on this peaceful forested estate property. The windows let in plenty of natural light, as well as add to the architectural appeal of the home’s exterior. The loft area on the upper floor looks down on the living room below. It will utilize glass railings, which adds to the open feel of the home. The homeowners opted to include built-ins instead of closets in the upper floor bedrooms. Look closely for a clever feature of this well-designed home: laundry on both floors! A 300 sq. ft. covered patio at the front of Forest Estate offers additional space for relaxing and entertaining. The patio includes a dedicated outdoor kitchen and connects to an uncovered area that will host the home’s hot tub.

Up on a Hillside, stands a strong and handsome home with many facets and gables. Built to withstand the test of time, the exquisite stone and stylish shakes siding surrounds the exterior and protects the beauty within. The distinguished front door entry with side lights and a transom window stands tall and opens up to high coffered ceilings, a floor to ceiling stone fireplace, stunning glass doors & windows, custom built-ins and an open concept floor plan. The expansive kitchen is graced with a striking leathered granite island, butlers pantry, stainless-steel appliances, fine cabinetry and dining area. Just off the kitchen is an inviting sunroom with a stone fire place and a fantastic EZE Breeze Window System. There is a custom drop-zone built by our team of master carpenters that offers a beautiful point of interest as well as functionality. En suite bathrooms add a sense of luxury to guest bedrooms. The master bedroom has a private sunroom perfect for curling up and reading a book. The luxurious Master Bath exudes tranquility with a large garden tub, custom tile shower, barrel vault ceiling and his & hers granite vanities. The extensively landscaped back yard features tiered rock walls, two gorgeous water features and several spacious outdoor living areas perfect for entertaining friends and enjoying the four seasons of North Carolina.

Up on a Hillside, stands a strong and handsome home with many facets and gables. Built to withstand the test of time, the exquisite stone and stylish shakes siding surrounds the exterior and protects the beauty within. The distinguished front door entry with side lights and a transom window stands tall and opens up to high coffered ceilings, a floor to ceiling stone fireplace, stunning glass doors & windows, custom built-ins and an open concept floor plan. The expansive kitchen is graced with a striking leathered granite island, butlers pantry, stainless-steel appliances, fine cabinetry and dining area. Just off the kitchen is an inviting sunroom with a stone fire place and a fantastic EZE Breeze Window System. There is a custom drop-zone built by our team of master carpenters that offers a beautiful point of interest as well as functionality. En suite bathrooms add a sense of luxury to guest bedrooms. The master bedroom has a private sunroom perfect for curling up and reading a book. The luxurious Master Bath exudes tranquility with a large garden tub, custom tile shower, barrel vault ceiling and his & hers granite vanities. The extensively landscaped back yard features tiered rock walls, two gorgeous water features and several spacious outdoor living areas perfect for entertaining friends and enjoying the four seasons of North Carolina.

Up on a Hillside, stands a strong and handsome home with many facets and gables. Built to withstand the test of time, the exquisite stone and stylish shakes siding surrounds the exterior and protects the beauty within. The distinguished front door entry with side lights and a transom window stands tall and opens up to high coffered ceilings, a floor to ceiling stone fireplace, stunning glass doors & windows, custom built-ins and an open concept floor plan. The expansive kitchen is graced with a striking leathered granite island, butlers pantry, stainless-steel appliances, fine cabinetry and dining area. Just off the kitchen is an inviting sunroom with a stone fire place and a fantastic EZE Breeze Window System. There is a custom drop-zone built by our team of master carpenters that offers a beautiful point of interest as well as functionality. En suite bathrooms add a sense of luxury to guest bedrooms. The master bedroom has a private sunroom perfect for curling up and reading a book. The luxurious Master Bath exudes tranquility with a large garden tub, custom tile shower, barrel vault ceiling and his & hers granite vanities. The extensively landscaped back yard features tiered rock walls, two gorgeous water features and several spacious outdoor living areas perfect for entertaining friends and enjoying the four seasons of North Carolina.

Up on a Hillside, stands a strong and handsome home with many facets and gables. Built to withstand the test of time, the exquisite stone and stylish shakes siding surrounds the exterior and protects the beauty within. The distinguished front door entry with side lights and a transom window stands tall and opens up to high coffered ceilings, a floor to ceiling stone fireplace, stunning glass doors & windows, custom built-ins and an open concept floor plan. The expansive kitchen is graced with a striking leathered granite island, butlers pantry, stainless-steel appliances, fine cabinetry and dining area. Just off the kitchen is an inviting sunroom with a stone fire place and a fantastic EZE Breeze Window System. There is a custom drop-zone built by our team of master carpenters that offers a beautiful point of interest as well as functionality. En suite bathrooms add a sense of luxury to guest bedrooms. The master bedroom has a private sunroom perfect for curling up and reading a book. The luxurious Master Bath exudes tranquility with a large garden tub, custom tile shower, barrel vault ceiling and his & hers granite vanities. The extensively landscaped back yard features tiered rock walls, two gorgeous water features and several spacious outdoor living areas perfect for entertaining friends and enjoying the four seasons of North Carolina.