From the owner: We were referred to Pam McPeak of Southern Places by a family friend who utilized her services on a recent project. We met Pam in person initially to share our ideas and photos of our existing space. As usual, first impressions are essential for building trust and credibility. Pam was not only personable and professional but also willing to listen to our ideas, for which we are truly grateful. Our project, which we initially thought would be a simple refresh, was quite a surprise. It included fresh paint, furniture upgrades, new artwork, and, most unexpectedly, the installation of a large wall mural. Never in a hundred years would we have selected a wall panel mural on our own. It was outside of our design comfort zone. Sensing this, Pam walked us through hanging a wallpaper-based mural, asking us to trust her, which we did. She surrounded it with a matching wooden frame, which looked incredible. Another thing we liked about Pam's style was that she was very willing to work with pieces that had special significance to us and that we did not want to give up. She showed a unique talent for blending the old with the new. Finally, there were a couple of times when we only partially agreed with a piece or display that Pam had suggested. She worked with us to get things to make the tweaks necessary to get it just right. Needless to say, we are very pleased with how it turned out. Once a mere room, our space has been transformed into a place of inspiration and comfort, a testament to Pam's expertise and experience.

From the owner: We were referred to Pam McPeak of Southern Places by a family friend who utilized her services on a recent project. We met Pam in person initially to share our ideas and photos of our existing space. As usual, first impressions are essential for building trust and credibility. Pam was not only personable and professional but also willing to listen to our ideas, for which we are truly grateful. Our project, which we initially thought would be a simple refresh, was quite a surprise. It included fresh paint, furniture upgrades, new artwork, and, most unexpectedly, the installation of a large wall mural. Never in a hundred years would we have selected a wall panel mural on our own. It was outside of our design comfort zone. Sensing this, Pam walked us through hanging a wallpaper-based mural, asking us to trust her, which we did. She surrounded it with a matching wooden frame, which looked incredible. Another thing we liked about Pam's style was that she was very willing to work with pieces that had special significance to us and that we did not want to give up. She showed a unique talent for blending the old with the new. Finally, there were a couple of times when we only partially agreed with a piece or display that Pam had suggested. She worked with us to get things to make the tweaks necessary to get it just right. Needless to say, we are very pleased with how it turned out. Once a mere room, our space has been transformed into a place of inspiration and comfort, a testament to Pam's expertise and experience.

In the summer of 2012 we embarked on a remodel of our 1912 Craftsman. We wanted to redo the kitchen and the upper floor which contained the master bedroom, bathroom, guest room and office. We interviewed approximately 5 other architects prior to finding Mark. We knew right away he was the right person for the job. He was patient, thorough and we could tell he truly loved our home and wanted to work with us to make it even better. His vast experience showed through during the interview process which validated his portfolio. Mark truly became a trusted advisor who would guide us through this remodel process from beginning to end. His planning was precise and he came by many times to re-measure to get every detail accounted for. He was patient and helpful as we made decisions and then changed our minds! He was with us every week of the 10 weeks of the remodel. He attended each weekly meeting with the General Contractor and was at the house numerous other times guiding and really looking out for our best interests. I came to trust him enough to ask his opinion on almost everything from layout to colors and decorating tips! He consistently threw out ideas....many of which we took. Additionally Mark was a tremendous help in referring us to contractors, designers, and retailers to help us along the way. I am ecstatic over the results of the remodel. The kitchen and bath are truly beautiful and full of modern conveniences while maintaining the integrity of the 1912 structure. We were right about our decision to hire Mark and we wholehearted recommend him as an outstanding architect, and more!!

Rachel Loewen Photography © 2017 Houzz
Danish bedroom photo in Chicago

Doug Thompson
Example of a beach style home design design in Chicago

Karen and Chad of Tower Lakes, IL were tired of their unfinished basement functioning as nothing more than a storage area and depressing gym. They wanted to increase the livable square footage of their home with a cohesive finished basement design, while incorporating space for the kids and adults to hang out. “We wanted to make sure that upon renovating the basement, that we can have a place where we can spend time and watch movies, but also entertain and showcase the wine collection that we have,” Karen said. After a long search comparing many different remodeling companies, Karen and Chad found Advance Design Studio. They were drawn towards the unique “Common Sense Remodeling” process that simplifies the renovation experience into predictable steps focused on customer satisfaction. “There are so many other design/build companies, who may not have transparency, or a focused process in mind and I think that is what separated Advance Design Studio from the rest,” Karen said. Karen loved how designer Claudia Pop was able to take very high-level concepts, “non-negotiable items” and implement them in the initial 3D drawings. Claudia and Project Manager DJ Yurik kept the couple in constant communication through the project. “Claudia was very receptive to the ideas we had, but she was also very good at infusing her own points and thoughts, she was very responsive, and we had an open line of communication,” Karen said. A very important part of the basement renovation for the couple was the home gym and sauna. The “high-end hotel” look and feel of the openly blended work out area is both highly functional and beautiful to look at. The home sauna gives them a place to relax after a long day of work or a tough workout. “The gym was a very important feature for us,” Karen said. “And I think (Advance Design) did a very great job in not only making the gym a functional area, but also an aesthetic point in our basement”. An extremely unique wow-factor in this basement is the walk in glass wine cellar that elegantly displays Karen and Chad’s extensive wine collection. Immediate access to the stunning wet bar accompanies the wine cellar to make this basement a popular spot for friends and family. The custom-built wine bar brings together two natural elements; Calacatta Vicenza Quartz and thick distressed Black Walnut. Sophisticated yet warm Graphite Dura Supreme cabinetry provides contrast to the soft beige walls and the Calacatta Gold backsplash. An undermount sink across from the bar in a matching Calacatta Vicenza Quartz countertop adds functionality and convenience to the bar, while identical distressed walnut floating shelves add an interesting design element and increased storage. Rich true brown Rustic Oak hardwood floors soften and warm the space drawing all the areas together. Across from the bar is a comfortable living area perfect for the family to sit down at a watch a movie. A full bath completes this finished basement with a spacious walk-in shower, Cocoa Brown Dura Supreme vanity with Calacatta Vicenza Quartz countertop, a crisp white sink and a stainless-steel Voss faucet. Advance Design’s Common Sense process gives clients the opportunity to walk through the basement renovation process one step at a time, in a completely predictable and controlled environment. “Everything was designed and built exactly how we envisioned it, and we are really enjoying it to it’s full potential,” Karen said. Constantly striving for customer satisfaction, Advance Design’s success is heavily reliant upon happy clients referring their friends and family. “We definitely will and have recommended Advance Design Studio to friends who are looking to embark on a remodeling project small or large,” Karen exclaimed at the completion of her project.

Nick Glimenakis Photography
Example of a large transitional black and white tile and stone tile sauna design in New York

Our client had been living in her beautiful lakeside retreat for about 3 years. All around were stunning views of the lake and mountains, but the view from inside was minimal. It felt dark and closed off from the gorgeous waterfront mere feet away. She desired a bigger kitchen, natural light, and a contemporary look. Referred to JRP by a subcontractor our client walked into the showroom one day, took one look at the modern kitchen in our design center, and was inspired! After talking about the frustrations of dark spaces and limitations when entertaining groups of friends, the homeowner and the JRP design team emerged with a new vision. Two walls between the living room and kitchen would be eliminated and structural revisions were needed for a common wall shared a wall with a neighbor. With the wall removals and the addition of multiple slider doors, the main level now has an open layout. Everything in the home went from dark to luminous as sunlight could now bounce off white walls to illuminate both spaces. Our aim was to create a beautiful modern kitchen which fused the necessities of a functional space with the elegant form of the contemporary aesthetic. The kitchen playfully mixes frameless white upper with horizontal grain oak lower cabinets and a fun diagonal white tile backsplash. Gorgeous grey Cambria quartz with white veining meets them both in the middle. The large island with integrated barstool area makes it functional and a great entertaining space. The master bedroom received a mini facelift as well. White never fails to give your bedroom a timeless look. The beautiful, bright marble shower shows what's possible when mixing tile shape, size, and color. The marble mosaic tiles in the shower pan are especially bold paired with black matte plumbing fixtures and gives the shower a striking visual. Layers, light, consistent intention, and fun! - paired with beautiful, unique designs and a personal touch created this beautiful home that does not go unnoticed.   PROJECT DETAILS: • Style: Contemporary • Colors: Neutrals • Countertops: Cambria Quartz, Luxury Series, Queen Anne • Kitchen Cabinets: Slab, Overlay Frameless Uppers: Blanco Base: Horizontal Grain Oak • Hardware/Plumbing Fixture Finish: Kitchen – Stainless Steel • Lighting Fixtures: • Flooring: Hardwood: Siberian Oak with Fossil Stone finish • Tile/Backsplash: Kitchen Backsplash: White/Clear Glass Master Bath Floor: Ann Sacks Benton Mosaics Marble Master Bath Surround: Ann Sacks White Thassos Marble Photographer: Andrew – Open House VC

Stephani Buchman
Inspiration for a large modern guest dark wood floor and brown floor bedroom remodel in Toronto with white walls

We designed a laundry room with personality that won't look outdated in ten years. Navy blue cabinets and the blue ceramic tile backsplash helps set the tone.

Inspiration for a rustic enclosed dining room remodel in Orange County with beige walls

A radical remodel of a modest beach bungalow originally built in 1913 and relocated in 1920 to its current location, blocks from the ocean. The exterior of the Bay Street Residence remains true to form, preserving its inherent street presence. The interior has been fully renovated to create a streamline connection between each interior space and the rear yard. A 2-story rear addition provides a master suite and deck above while simultaneously creating a unique space below that serves as a terraced indoor dining and living area open to the outdoors. Photographer: Taiyo Watanabe

One of Gio Ponti's signature designs is the Randaccio mirror from 1925. Designed for his own home on Via Randaccio in Milano, his very first architectural project, the Randaccio mirror decorated the walls in his bedroom on the 3rd floor together with other furniture designed especially for the apartment. The Randaccio mirror unites elegance with simplicity and is characterized by its atypical crown-like detailing on the top, a detail used by Ponti in several of his works of design and art. The mirror has references to its original time period but is able to add personality to every contemporary setting and enrich the decoration, whether it is a bedroom, bathroom, hallway or a dressing room. SIZES: Small - Ø16.5", Medium - Ø23.5", Large - Ø27.5" MATERIAL: Mirorr and brass frame LEAD TIME: Approx 2 Weeks

Photo credit: Bates Masi + Architects
Inspiration for a modern galley light wood floor open concept kitchen remodel in New York with an integrated sink, flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, paneled appliances and an island

This residence was a complete gut renovation of a 4-story row house in Park Slope, and included a new rear extension and penthouse addition. The owners wished to create a warm, family home using a modern language that would act as a clean canvas to feature rich textiles and items from their world travels. As with most Brooklyn row houses, the existing house suffered from a lack of natural light and connection to exterior spaces, an issue that Principal Brendan Coburn is acutely aware of from his experience re-imagining historic structures in the New York area. The resulting architecture is designed around moments featuring natural light and views to the exterior, of both the private garden and the sky, throughout the house, and a stripped-down language of detailing and finishes allows for the concept of the modern-natural to shine. Upon entering the home, the kitchen and dining space draw you in with views beyond through the large glazed opening at the rear of the house. An extension was built to allow for a large sunken living room that provides a family gathering space connected to the kitchen and dining room, but remains distinctly separate, with a strong visual connection to the rear garden. The open sculptural stair tower was designed to function like that of a traditional row house stair, but with a smaller footprint. By extending it up past the original roof level into the new penthouse, the stair becomes an atmospheric shaft for the spaces surrounding the core. All types of weather – sunshine, rain, lightning, can be sensed throughout the home through this unifying vertical environment. The stair space also strives to foster family communication, making open living spaces visible between floors. At the upper-most level, a free-form bench sits suspended over the stair, just by the new roof deck, which provides at-ease entertaining. Oak was used throughout the home as a unifying material element. As one travels upwards within the house, the oak finishes are bleached to further degrees as a nod to how light enters the home. The owners worked with CWB to add their own personality to the project. The meter of a white oak and blackened steel stair screen was designed by the family to read “I love you” in Morse Code, and tile was selected throughout to reference places that hold special significance to the family. To support the owners’ comfort, the architectural design engages passive house technologies to reduce energy use, while increasing air quality within the home – a strategy which aims to respect the environment while providing a refuge from the harsh elements of urban living. This project was published by Wendy Goodman as her Space of the Week, part of New York Magazine’s Design Hunting on The Cut. Photography by Kevin Kunstadt

photography by CDP Commercial
Example of a tuscan pool design in Phoenix

Photography by Tony Soluri
Small arts and crafts 3/4 multicolored tile slate floor bathroom photo in Chicago with an integrated sink, open cabinets, black cabinets, a two-piece toilet and beige walls

This tiny home is located on a treelined street in the Kitsilano neighborhood of Vancouver. We helped our client create a living and dining space with a beach vibe in this small front room that comfortably accommodates their growing family of four. The starting point for the decor was the client's treasured antique chaise (positioned under the large window) and the scheme grew from there. We employed a few important space saving techniques in this room... One is building seating into a corner that doubles as storage, the other is tucking a footstool, which can double as an extra seat, under the custom wood coffee table. The TV is carefully concealed in the custom millwork above the fireplace. Finally, we personalized this space by designing a family gallery wall that combines family photos and shadow boxes of treasured keepsakes. Interior Decorating by Lori Steeves of Simply Home Decorating. Photos by Tracey Ayton Photography

Our client had been living in her beautiful lakeside retreat for about 3 years. All around were stunning views of the lake and mountains, but the view from inside was minimal. It felt dark and closed off from the gorgeous waterfront mere feet away. She desired a bigger kitchen, natural light, and a contemporary look. Referred to JRP by a subcontractor our client walked into the showroom one day, took one look at the modern kitchen in our design center, and was inspired! After talking about the frustrations of dark spaces and limitations when entertaining groups of friends, the homeowner and the JRP design team emerged with a new vision. Two walls between the living room and kitchen would be eliminated and structural revisions were needed for a common wall shared a wall with a neighbor. With the wall removals and the addition of multiple slider doors, the main level now has an open layout. Everything in the home went from dark to luminous as sunlight could now bounce off white walls to illuminate both spaces. Our aim was to create a beautiful modern kitchen which fused the necessities of a functional space with the elegant form of the contemporary aesthetic. The kitchen playfully mixes frameless white upper with horizontal grain oak lower cabinets and a fun diagonal white tile backsplash. Gorgeous grey Cambria quartz with white veining meets them both in the middle. The large island with integrated barstool area makes it functional and a great entertaining space. The master bedroom received a mini facelift as well. White never fails to give your bedroom a timeless look. The beautiful, bright marble shower shows what's possible when mixing tile shape, size, and color. The marble mosaic tiles in the shower pan are especially bold paired with black matte plumbing fixtures and gives the shower a striking visual. Layers, light, consistent intention, and fun! - paired with beautiful, unique designs and a personal touch created this beautiful home that does not go unnoticed.   PROJECT DETAILS: • Style: Contemporary • Colors: Neutrals • Countertops: Cambria Quartz, Luxury Series, Queen Anne • Kitchen Cabinets: Slab, Overlay Frameless Uppers: Blanco Base: Horizontal Grain Oak • Hardware/Plumbing Fixture Finish: Kitchen – Stainless Steel • Lighting Fixtures: • Flooring: Hardwood: Siberian Oak with Fossil Stone finish • Tile/Backsplash: Kitchen Backsplash: White/Clear Glass Master Bath Floor: Ann Sacks Benton Mosaics Marble Master Bath Surround: Ann Sacks White Thassos Marble Photographer: Andrew – Open House VC