We installed this garden a few years after the major installation. There were small pieces of the evil plant Equisetum in the soil mix, that over time became a pest. We shut off the water and put in a desert garden instead. Problem solved.Caitlin Atkinson

We were lucky enough to have the opportunity to help an older couple in our local community. They approached us with a project that they thought would be impossible. Turn a 6x6 first floor pantry into a fully functioning bathroom. Normally this space limitation would not be a problem but the plumbing presented a difficulty that already scared away 2 other contractors. We were able to overcome this obstacle with the help of our experienced staff who keep up to date on the newest devices and products in the remodeling industry. We had a very enjoyable experience designing and remodeling this room. Even with the small space limitations we believe we came up with a very unique and rustic feel for their 1890's farm house. I must end on all the custom wood work that our employees made for this project. From the custom, two-sided, door to the little, wooden, wall shelf we made all of the wooden pieces you see in this project and most of them were unique creations specifically for this job.

See what our client say about Paul Lopa Designs: We hired Paul Lopa to remodel our master bathroom. During the project, we increased the work to include upgrading all moldings and replaced all interior doors including our front door. We are very pleased with his work. There were no hidden costs, he followed through on every last detail and did so in a timely manner. He guided us toward materials that were of a higher quality to prevent problems down the road. His team was respectful of our home and did their best to protect our belongings from the renovation destruction. We will definitely hire Paul Lopa again for future renovations. Haw, Ron

Bud Kane has remodeled nearly every room in his own home over many years. Now reaching his 70’s, he contemplated heading up a major kitchen and laundry room renovation himself, planning on doing the carpentry work with his own hands. “I was not convinced I would ever meet anyone who could do it as well as I could do it myself”, said Bud. Ruth and Bud spent 5 years visiting kitchen firms and interviewing designers. They couldn’t however bring themselves to pull the trigger on the project, until they met Advance Design Studio in 2015. “No one understood what I wanted”, said Ruth. She was continually frustrated by experiences with designers who weren’t hearing what was important to her. “Everyone kept designing my kitchen with what they thought it should look like; I couldn’t find anyone who would listen to me”! When they met designer Scott Christensen from Advance Design Studio, they liked him right away. He listened to Ruth and designed a kitchen that she loved, all the while interjecting years of wisdom and design expertise that Ruth appreciated. “The finished product is better than I expected”, says Ruth. “I respected Scott’s opinions and together we created the perfect place for me to bake with my grandkids and truly enjoy the kitchen and laundry room I’ve been dreaming of for many years!” The kitchen transformation began with removing the home’s soffits, and extending new painted maple cabinetry to the ceiling with the addition of an elegant crown molding. Ruth’s new Vita Mix holds a coveted place on her counter, and adjustments were planned to size the cabinets in conjunction with the under cabinet decorative light molding to fit this appliance just right. “This one small detail was really important to me”, says Ruth smiling. An elegant new island replaced the original island, complete with room for 3 stools where her grandchildren will sit to make home-made pasta every Thanksgiving, and cookies at Christmas time. “Traditions are very important in my family, and making my kitchen work to suit cherished activities with my family was the number one reason this renovation was so desired”, replied Ruth when asked about the island. A picture perfect new tea station replaced a cluttered unused desk area, creating a wonderful place to prepare hot drinks for sipping any season of the year while overlooking the couple’s wonderfully manicured gardens from the lovely 3 season’s room just off the kitchen. The soft sage island bead panel detail was repeated on the backsplash, replicating the feel of a fine old piece of furniture. The biggest problem with the laundry room was 3 doors, one from the garage, one from the closet, and one to the hallway. “Scott designed a pocket door, and oh what a dream it is now to bring groceries in from the garage!” exclaims Bud who grew to disdain this task! Doing laundry is now a breeze in this attractive new space that doubles as a wonderful pantry for the kitchen with room to store food items that didn’t have a home in the poorly designed original space. New Hickory distressed wood flooring was laid both in the kitchen and leading to the hall foyer. Soft gray wood-replicating porcelain was placed in the laundry area, making for an easily cleanable surface for what doubles as a mud room from the garage. Creamy tumbled marble graces an unobtrusive backsplash spilling onto shiny granite counter tops in a rich earthy pattern of fall colors that mimic colors throughout the home. Advance is known details that included custom crafted furniture toe kicks, luxurious crown moldings, and beaded under cabinet moldings. The kitchen is complete with a glass display cabinet showing Ruth’s treasured china tea collection. Early on, it was initially only their intention of purchasing cabinets for the new design. They were so impressed however with Advance Design’s complete program for budgeting, design, installation and management that it became clear to them both that they wanted Advance to handle the entire project from start to finish. “After seeing the quality work they did, coupled with the in-house team completely dedicated to our satisfaction, it became apparent there was no other choice but to hire them to handle everything. And we’re so glad we did, we have not one regret”, says Bud. “The attention to detail by the carpentry crew more than satisfied my perfectionist expectations of the finished carpentry,” exclaimed Bud. “Every one of Advance Design’s people we encountered from design through construction was wonderful. We’ve never met a group of people so dedicated to making sure we were happy with every single detail, and every single part of this experience”, said Ruth and Bud. Designer: Scott Christensen Photographer: Joe Nowak

Your home’s roof is one of the most important parts of its entire structure. It’s responsible for protecting all of your home and maintaining its well-being. Your roof is the first piece of defense you have from moisture damage, which can easily make its way into the ground near your home and ruin your foundation. Your roof helps shed water away from your walls, which could otherwise become covered in mold, mildew, or rust. And it plays a huge role in your home’s level of energy efficiency. So if there are any problems with your roof, it’s important that you hire a Grand Rapids roof repair specialist you know you can trust to get the job done right. Whether there’s a shingle missing from your roof or you need an entire roof replacement, our Grand Rapids roof repair specialists will make sure that you’re getting the highest quality workmanship there is. Above Roofing & Exteriors has been working in the area since 1996 and professional quality roof repairs are our specialty. We’ve built our reputation on consistently providing our customers with thorough, accurate repairs and quality, professional service.

Your home’s roof is one of the most important parts of its entire structure. It’s responsible for protecting all of your home and maintaining its well-being. Your roof is the first piece of defense you have from moisture damage, which can easily make its way into the ground near your home and ruin your foundation. Your roof helps shed water away from your walls, which could otherwise become covered in mold, mildew, or rust. And it plays a huge role in your home’s level of energy efficiency. So if there are any problems with your roof, it’s important that you hire a Grand Rapids roof repair specialist you know you can trust to get the job done right. Whether there’s a shingle missing from your roof or you need an entire roof replacement, our Grand Rapids roof repair specialists will make sure that you’re getting the highest quality workmanship there is. Above Roofing & Exteriors has been working in the area since 1996 and professional quality roof repairs are our specialty. We’ve built our reputation on consistently providing our customers with thorough, accurate repairs and quality, professional service.

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.

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.

The Tiny Farmhouse Kitchen is by far one of the most complex, rewarding, and unforgettable projects we’ve ever completed. Designed to be fully mobile and 100% solar-powered, this one-of-a-kind kitchen on wheels pushed our creativity, craftsmanship, and problem-solving skills to new heights. Every time we transported it through town, it turned heads—people would literally stop in their tracks just to get a closer look. Building a fully functional commercial kitchen in such a small footprint required precision in every detail. We carefully selected each piece of equipment to minimize electrical draw, including a commercial refrigerator and four recessed induction food warmers—all powered entirely by solar energy. Onboard water storage, filtration, and gray water management were meticulously engineered to maximize both functionality and space. The Tiny Farmhouse Kitchen features: • Custom handcrafted cabinetry • Granite countertops • Vaulted ceilings with dimmable LED lighting • A full POS system with a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot • A gas-shock lift service window with a live-edge oak flip-down counter, finished with crystal-clear epoxy for a stunning, natural look Every inch of this mobile kitchen was designed for both beauty and efficiency, blending farmhouse charm with modern utility. It’s a project we are immensely proud of—and one that perfectly captures the spirit of what we do at Artisan Kitchen & Bath: bringing bold ideas to life with craftsmanship, innovation, and heart.

Mid-sized transitional dark wood floor kitchen/dining room combo photo in Wichita with gray walls and no fireplace

This zealous gardener was tired of her pool taking up so much space in her landscape. She asked me for ideas. The answer was simple. Since her garden brings her so much joy, I proposed adding more garden rooms to experience. We removed the large expansive pool and replaced it with a small reflecting pond that doubles as the pool. This allowed us to create 4 new garden spaces. We replaced all concrete pavers with natural PA flagstone. The traditional square lawn provides elements of simplicity, elegance and classical style while creating a new play space for the grand kids. The pergola creates depth and a great focal point from the loggia. We illuminated all the walkways and garden rooms with Escort Lighting. One of the most fun transformations was converting the spa to a fish pond. The pond provides just enough sound to drain out all neighborhood activities. In the front, we created a new permeable brick paving parking area. The parking area was designed to keep visitors from venturing to the back parking. We chose the permeable brick pavers to collect runoff that is becoming more of a problem in the neighborhood. Our final piece to this property was to come up with a unique solution creating additional privacy while minimizing root damage to the existing plant material. Our client was looking for a permanent solution that required little to no maintenance. Masonry walls were out due to the necessary footers. We looked at fence options. Wood and plastics were out, so we created post out of steel “I” beams and setting concrete lintels in between the lintels. It was perfect. This has to be one of my favorite projects to design and implement of my 25 year experience.

Our clients were a young married couple who enjoyed bringing people together through social gatherings, and moments of quiet pause. The interior layout was redefined to create a spacious and open plan that suited the couple's lifestyle needs. Warm and bright material and color finishes were also curated to create a harmonious flow of spaces for a sense of easy living. Select pieces of furniture were also customised to optimise the use of space and enhance the overarching design direction.

Since the bar front corrugated Tile ceramic products are produced by hand workmanship, it is normal for the products to have color tones. . WOW TILE The back side of the corrugated tiles has a matte ceramic base and serrated, the front side is glazed and glossy polished. . Our product, which is shown in the front of the bar ceramic picture, is made with a mixture of ceramic tiles and its upper structure is made with tile paint SIR. . Wow tile bar front tile Bench front, counter front, bench forehead bar front ceramics are glazed and preserve its appearance for many years. No loss of color and pattern Bar Design tile Handmade Bar front tiles are baked at 1050 degrees (oven). For this reason, it is resistant to weather conditions such as sun, wind, etc. . The bar front ceramics are water and moisture proof thanks to the glossy glazed finish. For this reason, it does not hold water on its surface, prevents the formation of bacteria and mold. . The cafe bar model, which has special design tile colors, is covered with ceramic tiles in front of the bar, and its upper structure is covered with a special tile secret crackle and its surface is cracked. These cracks remain under the secret. . Cafe bar restaurant decoration for cafes . Our under-counter tile products are preferred in your interior and exterior architectural decoration and designs, and in cafe patisserie projects. Specifications : Width : 10 cm Height : 50 cm Thickness : 2,5 cm 1 m2 Weight : 25,00 kg. 1 m2 Piece : 20 Additional info PRODUCT DESCRIPTION : – Production is made with a digital glass printing machine. – UV printing technology and paint are used. – It is baked at 980 degrees. – It adds a visual meaning to the space used. – Does not release moisture, does not form bacteria and mold. – There are absolutely no problems such as pattern loss, flying etc. on the interior and exterior. – Colors remain as vivid as the first day – We can print all your high resolution images. About Use; - Tile products under the counter in front of the bar are sent without a net. You can also buy it individually - We do not recommend using the corrugated tiles in front of the bar directly in the water. - You can easily use the products produced with special glaze crackle in wet places. - In front of the bar, Spa decoration, behind the Turkish bath basin, tile panel or above the basin, as a decor in the bathroom shower cabin, Kitchen countertop and countertop, etc. used in the fields. - Corrugated tile ceramic-based tiles are not laid on the floor as floor tiles, since their surface is corrugated and glossy. - Production is made in the RAL code you want. For such special orders, the minimum production amount is 10 m2. - You can also use our corrugated tile ceramic products in front of the bar, cafe patisserie countertop, mosques, interior-exterior wall and column tile coating and decoration.

See what our client say about Paul Lopa Designs: We hired Paul Lopa to remodel our master bathroom. During the project, we increased the work to include upgrading all moldings and replaced all interior doors including our front door. We are very pleased with his work. There were no hidden costs, he followed through on every last detail and did so in a timely manner. He guided us toward materials that were of a higher quality to prevent problems down the road. His team was respectful of our home and did their best to protect our belongings from the renovation destruction. We will definitely hire Paul Lopa again for future renovations. Haw, Ron

Our range stove was taller than the existing cabinets and counter height. As a solution, we added a rounded piece of the cygnus granite around the stovetop, to meet the height and make the look intentional! photo by Laura Cavendish

This hillside home in Piedmont, CA was remodeled to change the style from a 1940's rancher with eight foot ceilings and dark interiors, into a modern geometric composition with vast white interiors for casual living and generous daylighting for displaying the artist-owner's works. In a city known for rigorous and difficult design review, an addition, two variances, and a full stylistic change were unanimously approved on the first round. All sloped roofs and attics were eliminated and replaced by a series of stacked and overlapping flat roofs. This made the house taller on the inside and shorter on the outside, which helped earn design review cooperation in the community. Windows were concentrated toward the rear yard views or moved up high on the side walls for daylight and privacy, benefitting the owners as well as the neighbors. At the start, the owner husband was so enthusiastic and engaged in transforming his house into something modern that he presented the architect with a scaled foamcore model, rather than the usual magazine clippings and wish list. He participated in the design decisions throughout the process. The owner wife is the artist who did all the artwork in the house. She had been craving a display space with large walls and good natural light. Both of them loved the location and great views. The project was an opportunity to transform the style of an older traditional home into a modern one, while solving numerous problems. By rebuilding the 1800 ft2 top of the 3-story home it was possible to change the style of the whole building, since the lower floors were a neutral base, and also to change the lifestyle of the owners, who wanted to move their master suite upstairs and live primarily on the top floor as empty nesters. Going into the project, the architect knew there were multiple encroachments into the setbacks and potential privacy issues with close by neighbors. He approached this as a complex puzzle made up of architectural and political pieces which all had to fit together elegantly. It took many careful moves, small and large, to arrive at a serene and cohesive result that tied old and new together seamlessly. The design-build contractor worked closely with the owners and handled all of the construction phase documents and design adjustments, adding ideas of their own to make the project really sing. The project was a collaboration in three acts. The owner had a strong design concept from the start. The architect developed it into a realistic project and garnered the design approvals. Then the contractor executed brilliantly.

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.

Formerly the workshop of mid-century artisans, this manufacturing building in NYC's SoHo neighborhood was transformed into an 11,000 sf townhouse. The home features a full level spa, two-story living room, six bedrooms, eleven bathrooms, and rooftop addition with pool. Neighboring buildings were underpinned to lower the cellar to accommodate the spa which features dry stacked stone walls that blend into the swimming pool and hot tub and are featured throughout the entire level. The architect’s vision was to have visual recognition that the space was below ground. Thinking about the striations of the earth beneath its surface, he was inspired by the Therme Baths and Spa in Zurich where all the walls are clad with narrow strips of Vals quartzite. After seeing a rendering, the stone supplier advised that only certain stones could survive constant submersion in pool water and the stone should not have the cleft face he had originally imagined due to bacteria issues. Honed, Super Grey granite with white veining was used – the slabs cut into long 3” wide strips installed at random lengths to accentuate the concept of layering as found in the Earth. The kitchen was designed to feel more like a furnished room to integrate with the family room. The architect addressed this through materials and the design of the over-sized island. The countertop is the only veined stone in the kitchen – a beautiful single slab of Super White marble. The island is clad in mirror-polished stainless steel, transforming it into a beautiful piece of furniture that blends into the space. A two-story living room with 22' ceilings created a problem of comfortable scale. The key was the fireplace – the strongest vertical element in the room. By using horizontal vein-cut slabs of light-colored Driftwood marble, the scale of the space instantly became more intimate.

The problem in this room was too much space between the top of the window and the crown moulding. The solution was to add the faux iron piece above the window to fill the gap. This added a great architectural detail and allowed the drapery to be raised higher to give the illusion of height.