Chris and Sofia of Arlington Heights knew when they purchased their home that they would finish the basement. They needed a space for the kids to hang out, for family and friends to stay, and to have a better space for hosting holidays and parties. The dark unfinished space went mostly unused for three years, but once their kids reached the ideal age for use of a well-built basement, they moved ahead with their plan. “The old basement was dark and cold, and the kids came down and played, but they didn’t like it. The new space is like a whole other house, so we have this space for family game nights and for watching games or Super Bowl parties,” Chris said. The couple found Advance Design Studio through a friend who had their entire home renovated by the remodeling company. After the initial meeting and visiting the showroom, Chris and Sofia were positive that Advance Design was the company that could best turn their unfinished basement into a family friendly space for everyone to enjoy. “We really liked the showroom, we liked being able to choose all of those finishes and meet with them in one place,” Chris said. A Custom Space for a Family with Multiple Needs The project began with a fireplace focal point complete with an amazing entertainment wall, a fantastic full kitchen complete with every amenity, and a brand new full bath. The new basement truly has a space for everyone. If the kids want to watch a movie and hang out on the couch they can, if family wants to play games and have a pizza party on the large island they can, and if guests want to stay over night on the pull-out sofa they can enjoy the entire private “suite” complete with a full bath. It is the true definition of a multifunctional basement. The stunning, full kitchen is the highlight of this now bright and airy basement. You walk down the stairs and are immediately impressed with the detailed metal tile work on the ceiling, bringing to mind the classic feel of a comfortable old pub. Cherry Merlot cabinets provide a rich contrast against the soft neutral walls and the contrasting copper tin ceiling tile and backsplash. Rich Santa Cecelia granite countertops pair nicely with timeless stonework on the outer walls. The island is large enough to provide a more than adequate entertaining space, and provides plenty of both seating and storage. The well-appointed kitchen houses a regular size refrigerator, a full size oven for pizza parties and cookie baking anytime, a microwave oven as well as complete sink and trash set up. One could easily do without a home kitchen forever in this generously designed secondary space! The fireplace and buffet wall seating area is the ideal place to watch movies or sporting events. The coordinating stonework on the fireplace flows throughout the basement, and a burnt orange accent wall brings color and warmth to otherwise ordinary basement space. The Elite Merlot media buffet compliments the kitchen as well as provides storage and a unique functional display option, giving this part of the basement a sophisticated, yet functional feel. The full bath is complete with a unique furniture style cherry DuraSupreme vanity and matching custom designed mirror. The weathered look to the cabinets and mirror give the bathroom some earthy texture as does the stone floor in the walk-in shower. Soft blue makes the space a spa-like mini retreat, and the handsome wall to wall tile and granite speak luxury at every corner. Advance Design added clever custom storage spaces to take advantage of otherwise wasted corners. They built a custom mudroom for the kids to house their sports equipment and a handy built in bench area with basket pull outs for a custom home gym. “They were able to custom fit this second mudroom with the lockers and the bench, they were able to custom build that, so the kids could store all of their equipment down here for the sports that they are in,” Chris said. They Got The Amazing Space They Had Envisioned for Years! The basement Chris and Sofia had envisioned had come to life in a few short months of planning, design and construction, just a perfect fit in the summer months. Advance Design Studio was able to design and build a custom, multifunctional space that the whole family can enjoy. “I would recommend Advance Design because of the showroom, because of the cleanliness on the jobsite and the professionalism, combined with Christine’s design side as well as Todd’s builder’s side - it’s nice to have it all together,” reminisced Chris after the project was complete.

An important model. The Astor is a corner sofa of large dimensions which preserves lightness and elegance. Original, sophisticated and at the same time discrete, Astor is definitely a sofa “out of the ordinary”. The solution of the cushion that softly accompanies the line of the armrest, up to merge with the sofa seat, is an interesting detail that distinguishes its design.

Chevron shapes are one of the most popular patterns in interior home design. The decorative zig-zag pattern creates the illusion of depth and dimension so the room appear lively and playful but also maintains its sophisticated and timeless appearance. Our chevron floor takes an ordinary room and makes it expansive and extraordinary. Floor: 3-1/2” x 27” Chevron plank with 7” border | Vintage French Oak Manoir | Victorian Collection | hand scraped | 4-side nano edge | color Scholl | Matte UV Hardwax Oil

**2018 HBA CARE Awards Finalist** Jenn Cohen Photography. This once-enclosed, ordinary kitchen was transformed into a spacious retreat after the removal of a wall and the addition of fresh, new cabinetry, new appliances, extra lighting, and an expansive island perfect for family-time and entertaining. Cabinets: Crystal Cabinets, Gentry door style, Designer White and Natural Walnut. Design by: Paul Lintault, BKC Kitchen and Bath, in partnership with Level Ground Enterprise.

This ordinary backyard was transformed to a contemporary outdoor living space to be enjoyed by many. A covered outdoor kitchen was added to the lower area with plenty of space for outdoor eating. Exposed beams were added to enhance the outdoor living experience. A large round fire pit was added nearby to accommodate seating for plenty of family and friends. An upper deck with all glass railings was also incorporated into the design to take advantage of the great views.

At every Weinstein showroom, there’s more going on than meets the eye. Our expert design consultants will guide you to create your personal and exceptional Kitchen or Bathroom. Plan and learn, See things up close and in person, Experience brands you won’t find in ordinary stores. See more at: http://weinsteinluxury.com

Sunset Construction and Design specializes in creating residential patio retreats, outdoor kitchens with fireplaces and luxurious outdoor living rooms. Our design-build service can turn an ordinary back yard into a natural extension of your home giving you a whole new dimension for entertaining or simply unwinding at the end of the day. If you’re interested in converting a boring back yard or starting from scratch in a new home, give us a call today! A great patio and outdoor living area can easily be yours. Greg, Sunset Construction & Design in Fresno, CA.

This particular project had a large variety of details and was far from ordinary. The main feature was a striking geometric pool with a raised spa surrounded by a multi-level patio. The patio was built with Cambridge Ledgestone 3 pavers, a product that evokes thoughts of old time European plazas. www.longislandhottub.com

Step into a world of contemporary elegance with our "Modern Farmhouse Pool Oasis" project, a true testament to the artistry and innovation of Georgia Classic Pool. This transformational endeavor has taken a once ordinary backyard and turned it into an extraordinary outdoor haven, seamlessly marrying the sleek lines of modern design with the rustic charm of a farmhouse setting.

Designs by Mark, Inc. We will Design & Build your dreams! We are a full service Design/Build firm specializes in interior design, additions, renovations, kitchens & bathrooms, home theaters, basements and more. Designs by Mark, Inc. unites award-winning design services with quality craftsmanship to create a living space that will exceed your expectations. To learn more about our custom remodeling and interior design services please contact us for a free consultation, 215-357-1468. Feel free to visit us online at: www.designsbymarkinc.com. Designs by Mark - Making the ordinary... Extraordinary!

Shreveport's Premier Custom Cabinetry & General Contracting Firm Specializing in Kitchen and Bath Remodels Location: 2214 Kings Hwy Shreveport, LA 71103

Custom Curved Wooden Slides by Top Tread Stairways ~ Transform Your Home Into Something Extraordinary Custom Curved Wooden Slides When was the Last Time Someone Walked Into Your Home and Their Jaw Literally Dropped? When was the last time someone walked into your home and their jaw literally dropped? Picture this: Your guests arrive for dinner. They step into your foyer, and suddenly—silence. Wide eyes. A moment of pure disbelief. Then, inevitably, the question: “Is that really what I think it is?” Welcome to the world of custom curved wooden slides, where Top Tread Stairways turns childhood dreams into sophisticated architectural statements. The Secret is Out For years, Clyde Martin and his team at Top Tread Stairways in Sierra Vista, Arizona, have been quietly building something extraordinary. While most stair companies focus on traditional projects, TopTread Stairways has been perfecting the art of custom hardwood slides—creating installations so remarkable that we joke about renaming the business “Chutes and Ladders.” The truth? These aren’t just slides. They’re conversation pieces. Works of functional art. The kind of architectural element that sets your home apart from every other one on the planet. And we build so many of them that we’ve shipped custom slides all over North America and beyond. Four Ways to Make Your Home Unforgettable Every slide project we undertake is unique, but they generally fall into four categories: 1. Curved Stair-Slide Combinations – The ultimate space-efficient solution, where stairs and slide spiral together in a stunning combination of form and function. 2. Curved Slides Separate from Stairways – For those who want the drama of a standalone curved slide that makes its own architectural statement. 3. Straight Stair-Slide Combinations – Perfect for modern, linear spaces where clean lines meet playful innovation. 4. Straight Slides Separate from Stairways – Sometimes simplicity creates the most powerful impact. But here’s where it gets interesting: Some slides feature flat seat areas with vertical sides. Others embrace a barrel shape for enhanced comfort. We’ve built slides wide enough for several people to descend shoulder-to-shoulder, laughing all the way down. And we’ve crafted intimate slides designed for solo adventures, regardless of age or size. Our clients? They absolutely love them. Stories That Will Make You Rethink What’s Possible Take the 11,000-square-foot home in Beverly Hills, overlooking the famous Sunset Strip. In one child’s bedroom, we installed a 12-foot curved slide crafted from white oak. Understated location, extraordinary feature. Or consider the 35-foot-high round tower room in an 8,500-square-foot custom home bordering the Sacramento River in Northern California. This project has become our most famous installation—a stunning 33-foot curved stair-slide combination built entirely from solid black walnut, featuring 445 layers of cross-laminated hardwood and a spiral newel post that took eight months to construct in our shop. The homeowners had searched for eight years to find someone “crazy enough” to build their dream. When we completed it, one of Clyde’s trusted business partners—someone who’d seen him tackle countless unique projects—admitted he thought Clyde had lost his mind taking this one on. He genuinely didn’t believe we could pull it off. We did. And the homeowners? Still thrilled years later. Where Imagination Meets Reality But these slides aren’t just for private estates. We’ve installed a 24-foot hickory slide in an elementary school library just east of Dallas, where kids absolutely love it. And here’s something that will make you smile: We built the longest wood slide ever for a children’s hospital in Springfield, Illinois. Have you ever heard a child beg to go to the doctor? We’re pretty sure it happens in Springfield. That walnut slide stretches 45 feet long and 3 feet wide—spacious enough for three children to sit side-by-side or for an adult and child to slide together comfortably. We built it in one piece, filling an entire semi-trailer for transport. It lives in the hospital lobby, and no appointment is needed to experience it yourself. In Raleigh, North Carolina, we installed a 36-foot white oak slide in a custom home. The client loved it so much they ordered a second one—literally 15 minutes after we finished the installation. When Clyde returned to the office, there was already a check in the mailbox for slide number two. This 14,000-square-foot home now features 72 linear feet of curved white oak slide: one connecting the second floor to the main level, another linking the main floor to the finished basement. What a ride, indeed. Then there’s the curved stair-slide combination in Visalia, California—32 feet of knotty alder complemented by a hanging netted loft and climbing wall. Creative? Absolutely. Fun? Beyond measure. The People Behind the Dreams What inspires us most isn’t the technical challenge of building these slides—though engineering a 33-foot curved slide from 445 layers of cross-laminated hardwood certainly keeps us engaged. It’s working with clients who refuse to think inside the box. These are creative individuals willing to explore ideas that set their homes and businesses apart. They dream of installations that make people stop and stare. They understand that architecture can—and should—inspire joy. Listening to them describe their visions, explaining their dreams of a slide design unlike anything else on earth? That’s a privilege. And bringing those dreams to life? That’s what we live for. My team and I have as much fun designing and building these slides as our clients have riding them. We’d love nothing better than to hear from you! Custom Curved Wooden Slides What Sets Top Tread Stairways Apart Since 2006, Clyde Martin has built Top Tread Stairways on a simple premise: there’s a better way to build stairs. With roots in eastern Pennsylvania and years of experience installing hundreds of pre-built stairways, Clyde brought that expertise west and founded a company dedicated to exceptional craftsmanship. We stock thousands of stair parts in more than ten wood species—hickory, jatoba, maple, cherry, mahogany, alder, red oak, white oak, poplar, Douglas fir, and walnut. Quality levels are high. Lead times are short. We understand the urgency of your project schedule and deliver accordingly. But here’s what really matters: When it comes to custom wooden slides, Top Tread Stairways is one of—if not the—premier builders of indoor wooden slides in the United States. This isn’t a side project for us. It’s a specialty we’ve refined through years of experience, countless installations, and an unwavering commitment to turning impossible dreams into breathtaking reality. Your Home, Reimagined Whether you’re envisioning a straight wooden stand-alone slide for your office or a jaw-dropping curved wooden slide/stairway combination that will become your home’s signature feature, we’d love to hear from you. We’re not here to build ordinary. We’re here to build extraordinary. Ready to set your home apart? ~ Custom Curved Wooden Slides ~ ART YOU RIDE!

This basement remodel was anything but ordinary. The goal for this project was to create a secondary living space for the entire family. With a walk-out basement bringing in plenty of natural light serving as the perfect setup for a secondary living space. Each member of the family has their own space. A gym, full kitchen & bath, laundry room, kids play areas & private home office.

Designs by Mark, Inc. We will Design & Build your dreams! We are a full service Design/Build firm specializes in interior design, additions, renovations, kitchens & bathrooms, home theaters, basements and more. Designs by Mark, Inc. unites award-winning design services with quality craftsmanship to create a living space that will exceed your expectations. To learn more about our custom remodeling and interior design services please contact us for a free consultation, 215-357-1468. Feel free to visit us online at: www.designsbymarkinc.com. Designs by Mark - Making the ordinary... Extraordinary!

Remodeling your master bathroom in Calabasas offers the perfect opportunity to optimize both functionality and style. Custom features, such as built-in cabinetry and spacious shower designs, can transform an ordinary bathroom into a highly organized, luxurious retreat. I recently worked with a homeowner in Calabasas who struggled with limited storage and a dated design. By integrating custom storage cabinets and a sleek walk-in shower, we were able to create a space that not only looked great but solved their storage woes. The built-in cabinetry, combined with the shower’s marble finishes, added much-needed storage for linens, toiletries, and more, all while maintaining a clean, open layout. The result was a bathroom that was both practical for daily use and aesthetically aligned with the homeowner’s vision.

Adding a water feature brings a whole new sensory experience to your garden. A well-placed fountain can transform an ordinary garden into a relaxing outdoor retreat with the restorative sound and hypnotizing movement of trickling water. A fountain can also serve as a focal point in your outdoor space.

Trendy laundry room photo in Seattle

Envelop yourself in luxury! Our freestanding copper bathtubs transform ordinary bathrooms into spa-like sanctuaries. The richness of the copper coupled with its natural heat-conducting elements allow you to luxuriate in the tub longer, elevating bath time bliss and bathroom style to unprecedented levels.

At Holland & Sons Construction, we believe a custom fireplace wall is more than just a place for a fire—it's a statement piece that adds warmth, character, and value to your home. Whether finished with stone veneer, custom millwork, shiplap, porcelain slabs, built-in cabinetry, or modern linear designs, our fireplace features are crafted to become the focal point of your living space while creating a comfortable gathering place for family and guests. With premium materials, expert craftsmanship, integrated media options, and fully customized designs, a Holland & Sons fireplace wall transforms an ordinary room into a timeless, functional showpiece.