This inner-city garden was designed to meet the needs of a young family who like to entertain but still required solutions for storage and off street parking. Key to the design was connecting the two different areas of the lower courtyard with the upper carstand area. A solution was obtained through constructing an intermediate landing with built in seating and a new gas BBQ. An open style steel balustrade allows for safety between the two areas and visually takes full advantage of the depth of the property. All-weather protection provided by retractable awnings to both upper and lower areas ensures year round enjoyment. Sliding doors in the garage help the generous storage recede into the design. Spotted gum hardwood timber decking extends the internal areas outside and the wrap around steps further connect the spaces by providing an inviting entry to the BBQ area. A large floating timber bench seat is both practical and breaks up the large retaining wall to the upper carport. A grey and white colour palette provides a sophisticated look whilst highlighting punctuations of playful colour and contemporary styling to link the children’s play areas with the home.

This basement renovation needed to serve multiple purposes such as watching TV, playing video games, food and beverage center, eating area and card playing area. This had to kid and pet friendly but also sophisticated for adult entertainment.

This 1910 West Highlands home was so compartmentalized that you couldn't help to notice you were constantly entering a new room every 8-10 feet. There was also a 500 SF addition put on the back of the home to accommodate a living room, 3/4 bath, laundry room and back foyer - 350 SF of that was for the living room. Needless to say, the house needed to be gutted and replanned. Kitchen+Dining+Laundry-Like most of these early 1900's homes, the kitchen was not the heartbeat of the home like they are today. This kitchen was tucked away in the back and smaller than any other social rooms in the house. We knocked out the walls of the dining room to expand and created an open floor plan suitable for any type of gathering. As a nod to the history of the home, we used butcherblock for all the countertops and shelving which was accented by tones of brass, dusty blues and light-warm greys. This room had no storage before so creating ample storage and a variety of storage types was a critical ask for the client. One of my favorite details is the blue crown that draws from one end of the space to the other, accenting a ceiling that was otherwise forgotten. Primary Bath-This did not exist prior to the remodel and the client wanted a more neutral space with strong visual details. We split the walls in half with a datum line that transitions from penny gap molding to the tile in the shower. To provide some more visual drama, we did a chevron tile arrangement on the floor, gridded the shower enclosure for some deep contrast an array of brass and quartz to elevate the finishes. Powder Bath-This is always a fun place to let your vision get out of the box a bit. All the elements were familiar to the space but modernized and more playful. The floor has a wood look tile in a herringbone arrangement, a navy vanity, gold fixtures that are all servants to the star of the room - the blue and white deco wall tile behind the vanity. Full Bath-This was a quirky little bathroom that you'd always keep the door closed when guests are over. Now we have brought the blue tones into the space and accented it with bronze fixtures and a playful southwestern floor tile. Living Room & Office-This room was too big for its own good and now serves multiple purposes. We condensed the space to provide a living area for the whole family plus other guests and left enough room to explain the space with floor cushions. The office was a bonus to the project as it provided privacy to a room that otherwise had none before.

A new workshop and build space for a fellow creative! Seeking a space to enable this set designer to work from home, this homeowner contacted us with an idea for a new workshop. On the must list were tall ceilings, lit naturally from the north, and space for all of those pet projects which never found a home. Looking to make a statement, the building’s exterior projects a modern farmhouse and rustic vibe in a charcoal black. On the interior, walls are finished with sturdy yet beautiful plywood sheets. Now there’s plenty of room for this fun and energetic guy to get to work (or play, depending on how you look at it)!

This once unused bonus room was transformed into a wonderful new bedroom for a boy with lots of room to grow, play and have sleepovers. We took advantage of the attic space either side of the room by recessing the TV / storage area and also on the opposite side with the double desk unit. The room was separated by the sets of drawers that have custom headboards at the back of them, this helping with the great length of this room. Custom bookcase shelving was made for the window wall to also create not only depth but display as well. The clients as well as their son are enjoying the room!

This once unused bonus room was transformed into a wonderful new bedroom for a boy with lots of room to grow, play and have sleepovers. We took advantage of the attic space either side of the room by recessing the TV / storage area and also on the opposite side with the double desk unit. The room was separated by the sets of drawers that have custom headboards at the back of them, this helping with the great length of this room. Custom bookcase shelving was made for the window wall to also create not only depth but display as well. The clients as well as their son are enjoying the room!

Design ideas for a landscaping in Vancouver.

For a family who believes fitness is not only an essential part of life but also a fun opportunity for the whole family to connect, build and achieve greatness together there is nothing better than a custom designed obstacle course right in your back yard. THEME The theme of this half mile trail through the woods is evident in the fun, creative and all-inclusive obstacles hidden in the natural flow of the land around this amazing family home. The course was created with adults and children, advanced and beginner athletes, competitive and entertaining events all accounted for. Each of the 13 obstacles was designed to be challenging no matter the size, skill or ability of the athlete lucky enough to run the course. FOCUS The focus for this family was to create an outdoor adventure that could be an athletic, social and personal outlet for their entire family while maintaining the natural beauty of the landscape and without altering the sweeping views from the home. The large scale of the challenging obstacles is camouflaged within the landscape using the rolling hills and mature trees as a natural curtain in every season. The beauty of the course does not diminish the functional and demanding nature of the obstacles which are designed to focus on multiple strength, agility, and cardio fitness abilities and intensities. STORAGE The start of the trail includes a raised training area offering a dedicated space clear from the ground to place bags, mats and other equipment used during the run. A small all-terrain storage cart was provided for use with 6 yoga mats, 3 medicine balls of various weights, rings, sprinting cones, and a large digital timer to record laps. GROWTH The course was designed to provide an athletic and fun challenge for children, teens and adults no matter their experience or athletic prowess. This course offers competitive athletes a challenge and budding athletes an opportunity to experience and ignite their passion for physical activity. Initially the concept for the course was focused on the youngest of the family however as the design grew so did the obstacles and now it is a true family experience that will meet their adapting needs for years. Each obstacle is paired with an instructional sign directing the runners in proper use of the obstacle, adaptations for skill levels and tips on form. These signs are all customized for this course and are printed on metal to ensure they last for many years. SAFETY Safety is crucial for all physical activity and an obstacle course of this scale presents unique safety concerns. Children should always be supervised when participating in an adventure on the course however additional care was paid to details on the course to ensure everyone has a great time. All of the course obstacles have been created with pressure treated lumber that will withstand the seasonal poundings. All footer pilings that support obstacles have been placed into the ground between 3 to 4 feet (.9 to 1.2 meters) and each piling has 2 to 3 bags of concrete (totaling over 90 bags used throughout the course) ensuring stability of the structure and safety of the participants. Additionally, all obstacle lumber has been given rounded corners and sanded down offering less splintering and more time for everyone to enjoy the course. This athletic and charismatic family strives to incorporate a healthy active lifestyle into their daily life and this obstacle course offers their family an opportunity to strengthen themselves and host some memorable and active events at their amazing home.

Home office - transitional home office idea in San Diego

Elizabeth Strianese Interiors and Meredith Heuer photography. We opted for a classic inspired bathroom with literally "splashes" of fun for these little girls. The triple laundry sink serves the 3 children nicely with it's deep basin and built in soap holders. Simplicity was key when selecting a class marble hex floor tile and white subway tile for the bulk of the room - but then we had a little fun with the colorful glass mosaic tile in the tub niche. Handblown locally made light fixtures from Dan Spitzer over the sink keep my signature of "local and handmade" alive.

This once unused bonus room was transformed into a wonderful new bedroom for a boy with lots of room to grow, play and have sleepovers. We took advantage of the attic space either side of the room by recessing the TV / storage area and also on the opposite side with the double desk unit. The room was separated by the sets of drawers that have custom headboards at the back of them, this helping with the great length of this room. Custom bookcase shelving was made for the window wall to also create not only depth but display as well. The clients as well as their son are enjoying the room!

THEME This room is dedicated to supporting and encouraging the young artist in art and music. From the hand-painted instruments decorating the music corner to the dedicated foldaway art table, every space is tailored to the creative spirit, offering a place to be inspired, a nook to relax or a corner to practice. This environment radiates energy from the ground up, showering the room in natural, vibrant color. FOCUS A majestic, floor-to-ceiling tree anchors the space, boldly transporting the beauty of nature into the house--along with the fun of swinging from a tree branch, pitching a tent or reading under the beautiful canopy. The tree shares pride of place with a unique, retroinspired room divider housing a colorful padded nook perfect for reading, watching television or just relaxing. STORAGE Multiple storage options are integrated to accommodate the family’s eclectic interests and varied needs. From hidden cabinets in the floor to movable shelves and storage bins, there is room for everything. The two wardrobes provide generous storage capacity without taking up valuable floor space, and readily open up to sweep toys out of sight. The myWall® panels accommodate various shelving options and bins that can all be repositioned as needed. Additional storage and display options are strategically provided around the room to store sheet music or display art projects on any of three magnetic panels. GROWTH While the young artist experiments with media or music, he can also adapt this space to complement his experiences. The myWall® panels promote easy transformation and expansion, offer unlimited options, and keep shelving at an optimum height as he grows. All the furniture rolls on casters so the room can sustain the action during a play date or be completely re-imagined if the family wants a makeover. SAFETY The elements in this large open space are all designed to enfold a young boy in a playful, creative and safe place. The modular components on the myWall® panels are all locked securely in place no matter what they store. The custom drop-down table includes two safety latches to prevent unintentional opening. The floor drop doors are all equipped with slow glide closing hinges so no fingers will be trapped.

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.

Photo courtesy of Chipper Hatter
Inspiration for a mid-sized modern master white tile and subway tile marble floor doorless shower remodel in San Francisco with recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, a two-piece toilet, white walls, an undermount sink and marble countertops

Originally built in 1990 the Heady Lakehouse began as a 2,800SF family retreat and now encompasses over 5,635SF. It is located on a steep yet welcoming lot overlooking a cove on Lake Hartwell that pulls you in through retaining walls wrapped with White Brick into a courtyard laid with concrete pavers in an Ashlar Pattern. This whole home renovation allowed us the opportunity to completely enhance the exterior of the home with all new LP Smartside painted with Amherst Gray with trim to match the Quaker new bone white windows for a subtle contrast. You enter the home under a vaulted tongue and groove white washed ceiling facing an entry door surrounded by White brick. Once inside you’re encompassed by an abundance of natural light flooding in from across the living area from the 9’ triple door with transom windows above. As you make your way into the living area the ceiling opens up to a coffered ceiling which plays off of the 42” fireplace that is situated perpendicular to the dining area. The open layout provides a view into the kitchen as well as the sunroom with floor to ceiling windows boasting panoramic views of the lake. Looking back you see the elegant touches to the kitchen with Quartzite tops, all brass hardware to match the lighting throughout, and a large 4’x8’ Santorini Blue painted island with turned legs to provide a note of color. The owner’s suite is situated separate to one side of the home allowing a quiet retreat for the homeowners. Details such as the nickel gap accented bed wall, brass wall mounted bed-side lamps, and a large triple window complete the bedroom. Access to the study through the master bedroom further enhances the idea of a private space for the owners to work. It’s bathroom features clean white vanities with Quartz counter tops, brass hardware and fixtures, an obscure glass enclosed shower with natural light, and a separate toilet room. The left side of the home received the largest addition which included a new over-sized 3 bay garage with a dog washing shower, a new side entry with stair to the upper and a new laundry room. Over these areas, the stair will lead you to two new guest suites featuring a Jack & Jill Bathroom and their own Lounging and Play Area. The focal point for entertainment is the lower level which features a bar and seating area. Opposite the bar you walk out on the concrete pavers to a covered outdoor kitchen feature a 48” grill, Large Big Green Egg smoker, 30” Diameter Evo Flat-top Grill, and a sink all surrounded by granite countertops that sit atop a white brick base with stainless steel access doors. The kitchen overlooks a 60” gas fire pit that sits adjacent to a custom gunite eight sided hot tub with travertine coping that looks out to the lake. This elegant and timeless approach to this 5,000SF three level addition and renovation allowed the owner to add multiple sleeping and entertainment areas while rejuvenating a beautiful lake front lot with subtle contrasting colors.

Photography by Anthony Crisafulli
Small eclectic backyard brick patio photo in New York

This energetic and inviting space offers entertainment, relaxation, quiet comfort or spirited revelry for the whole family. The fan wall proudly and safely displays treasures from favorite teams adding life and energy to the space while bringing the whole room together.

This estate is surrounded by the hustle and bustle of a big city but you would never know it when enjoying this backyard oasis. The aquatic environment was designed and carefully constructed to architecturally blend with the existing natural beauty, mature trees and rolling topography. The dramatic pool sits between multiple trees, nestled into the rolling terrain, and embraces the organic limb structures of Live Oaks. These limbs were carefully considered while designing this environment and fluidly divide spaces and accentuate views. The pools include an upper diving pool with grotto, large waterfalls, resort size water lounge, infinity edge spa, steps up to an underground slide and a 32 linear foot disappearing water fall. This waterfall pulls guest to the equally stunning lower pool that is connected by a natural staircase that elegantly wraps around the pool and stream. The lower pool is a shallow play pool where the slide exits, has ample seating, includes another massive water lounge and is designed for volleyball and just having a great time. This awesome aquatic family entertaining environment also includes a fire pit, outdoor kitchen, bar, pizza oven, multiple televisions, kamado style gill, many elevations, dry creek beds, artisan crafted hand railing, custom slide, elegant lighting, surround sound audio design, and much more!! Photography: Daniel Driensky

Inspiration for a modern concrete patio remodel in Toronto with no cover