Download our free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW Alice and Dave are on their 2nd home with TKS Design Group, having completed the remodel of a kitchen, primary bath and laundry/mudroom in their previous home. This new home is a bit different in that it is new construction. The house has beautiful space and light but they needed help making it feel like a home. In the living room, Alice and Dave plan to host family at their home often and wanted a space that had plenty of comfy seating for conversation, but also an area to play games. So, our vision started with a search for luxurious but durable fabric along with multiple types of seating to bring the entire space together. Our light-filled living room is now warm and inviting to accommodate Alice and Dave’s weekend visitors. The multiple types of seating chosen include a large sofa, two chairs, along with two occasional ottomans in both solids and patterns and all in easy to care for performance fabrics. Underneath, we layered a soft wool rug with cool tones that complimented both the warm tones of the wood floor and the cool tones of the fabric seating. A beautiful occasional table and a large cocktail table round out the space. We took advantage of this room’s height by placing oversized artwork on the largest wall to create a place for your eyes to rest and to take advantage of the room’s scale. The TV was relocated to its current location over the fireplace, and a new light fixture scaled appropriately to the room’s ceiling height gives the space a more comfortable, approachable feel. Lastly, carefully chosen accessories including books, plants, and bowls complete this family’s new living space. Photography by @MargaretRajic Do you have a new home that has great bones but just doesn’t feel comfortable and you can’t quite figure out why? Contact us here to see how we can help!

Custom Concrete Pool with multiple seating areas and outdoor fireplace. The pool has a built in auto-cover that matches beautifully to the surrounding stone deck.

How about that for an outdoor hangout area?? Custom designed by Chuck Oliver and meticulously custom built by award winning builder, Rusty Golden (Le Jardin Development), this impeccable Villa Style has it all. Doors has been faux finished to look antique, walls glazed to reflect light, multiple arched clad doors welcome Mother Nature and are open to front and rear courtyards creating a fantastic party atmosphere. Beautiful chandeliers, heart pine wood floors and multiple exotic stone and marble finishes come together to create an Italian ambience you will not forget! Recent addition of a ONE OF A KIND private master (her) dressing and closet spaces will make you want to play dress up every day! Oversized master suite and separate office are tucked away and private, yet share the beauty of the well appointed rear patio and courtyards, lush with flowers and outdoor entertaining areas. Downstairs the home also features an additional full guest suite overlooking the front courtyards and fountain areas. The home shares two upstairs areas, 3 bedrooms, 2 baths and a den area on one side and the other is a huge game room that currently serves as a young boys "man cave". This area has recently been completed and features custom closets and ship lap walls. Custom decorative iron door open to an incredible wine room with Italian countryside paintings al fresco. A tasting area allows for guests to join in the "choosing and trying"! The outdoor kitchen was recently built and features top of the line stainless appliances, beautiful wood and steel details and all stainless drawers and storage areas. The garage is a "car mans" dream; clean, sleek and outfitted for a guys hang out area. An exterior half bath is adjacent to the garage and outdoor entertaining area, making it "pool ready"! Whole house generator is ready to run your hurricane parties, keeping friends and family happy while assuring your wine room never looses its cool! BELLISSIMO!

How about that for an outdoor hangout area?? Custom designed by Chuck Oliver and meticulously custom built by award winning builder, Rusty Golden (Le Jardin Development), this impeccable Villa Style has it all. Doors has been faux finished to look antique, walls glazed to reflect light, multiple arched clad doors welcome Mother Nature and are open to front and rear courtyards creating a fantastic party atmosphere. Beautiful chandeliers, heart pine wood floors and multiple exotic stone and marble finishes come together to create an Italian ambience you will not forget! Recent addition of a ONE OF A KIND private master (her) dressing and closet spaces will make you want to play dress up every day! Oversized master suite and separate office are tucked away and private, yet share the beauty of the well appointed rear patio and courtyards, lush with flowers and outdoor entertaining areas. Downstairs the home also features an additional full guest suite overlooking the front courtyards and fountain areas. The home shares two upstairs areas, 3 bedrooms, 2 baths and a den area on one side and the other is a huge game room that currently serves as a young boys "man cave". This area has recently been completed and features custom closets and ship lap walls. Custom decorative iron door open to an incredible wine room with Italian countryside paintings al fresco. A tasting area allows for guests to join in the "choosing and trying"! The outdoor kitchen was recently built and features top of the line stainless appliances, beautiful wood and steel details and all stainless drawers and storage areas. The garage is a "car mans" dream; clean, sleek and outfitted for a guys hang out area. An exterior half bath is adjacent to the garage and outdoor entertaining area, making it "pool ready"! Whole house generator is ready to run your hurricane parties, keeping friends and family happy while assuring your wine room never looses its cool! BELLISSIMO!

How about that for an outdoor hangout area?? Custom designed by Chuck Oliver and meticulously custom built by award winning builder, Rusty Golden (Le Jardin Development), this impeccable Villa Style has it all. Doors has been faux finished to look antique, walls glazed to reflect light, multiple arched clad doors welcome Mother Nature and are open to front and rear courtyards creating a fantastic party atmosphere. Beautiful chandeliers, heart pine wood floors and multiple exotic stone and marble finishes come together to create an Italian ambience you will not forget! Recent addition of a ONE OF A KIND private master (her) dressing and closet spaces will make you want to play dress up every day! Oversized master suite and separate office are tucked away and private, yet share the beauty of the well appointed rear patio and courtyards, lush with flowers and outdoor entertaining areas. Downstairs the home also features an additional full guest suite overlooking the front courtyards and fountain areas. The home shares two upstairs areas, 3 bedrooms, 2 baths and a den area on one side and the other is a huge game room that currently serves as a young boys "man cave". This area has recently been completed and features custom closets and ship lap walls. Custom decorative iron door open to an incredible wine room with Italian countryside paintings al fresco. A tasting area allows for guests to join in the "choosing and trying"! The outdoor kitchen was recently built and features top of the line stainless appliances, beautiful wood and steel details and all stainless drawers and storage areas. The garage is a "car mans" dream; clean, sleek and outfitted for a guys hang out area. An exterior half bath is adjacent to the garage and outdoor entertaining area, making it "pool ready"! Whole house generator is ready to run your hurricane parties, keeping friends and family happy while assuring your wine room never looses its cool! BELLISSIMO!

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!

A charming Airbnb rental in the Toronto area. We wanted the design to be glamorous and welcoming - a place where guests feel thay are most relaxed! Working within this client’s budget, we were able to design a beautiful and cohesive new look for the bedroom and living area. In the bedroom, we added new bedding with a play on pattern, stripes, and accents of gold. The art piece is a wonderful statement piece that was the inspiration to highlight some of the rich blues and subtle gold onto the bedding. The living room decor is warm & inviting with a play on contrast, texture, and pattern. Less is more here, with warm cream tones in the cushions and area rug which lightens up the space and creates harmony. The living room now meets the needs of these clients, with a sectional to seat multiple people and an arching floor lamp that adds great lighting. Project completed by Toronto interior design firm Camden Lane Interiors, which serves Toronto. For more about Camden Lane Interiors, click here: https://www.camdenlaneinteriors.com/ To learn more about this project, click here: https://www.camdenlaneinteriors.com/portfolio-item/torontocondo/

A young growing family was looking for more space to house their needs and decided to add square footage to their home. They loved their neighborhood and location and wanted to add to their single story home with sensitivity to their neighborhood context and yet maintain the traditional style their home had. After multiple design iterations we landed on a design the clients loved. It required an additional planning review process since the house exceeded the maximum allowable square footage. The end result is a beautiful home that accommodates their needs and fits perfectly on their street.

How about that for an outdoor hangout area?? Custom designed by Chuck Oliver and meticulously custom built by award winning builder, Rusty Golden (Le Jardin Development), this impeccable Villa Style has it all. Doors has been faux finished to look antique, walls glazed to reflect light, multiple arched clad doors welcome Mother Nature and are open to front and rear courtyards creating a fantastic party atmosphere. Beautiful chandeliers, heart pine wood floors and multiple exotic stone and marble finishes come together to create an Italian ambience you will not forget! Recent addition of a ONE OF A KIND private master (her) dressing and closet spaces will make you want to play dress up every day! Oversized master suite and separate office are tucked away and private, yet share the beauty of the well appointed rear patio and courtyards, lush with flowers and outdoor entertaining areas. Downstairs the home also features an additional full guest suite overlooking the front courtyards and fountain areas. The home shares two upstairs areas, 3 bedrooms, 2 baths and a den area on one side and the other is a huge game room that currently serves as a young boys "man cave". This area has recently been completed and features custom closets and ship lap walls. Custom decorative iron door open to an incredible wine room with Italian countryside paintings al fresco. A tasting area allows for guests to join in the "choosing and trying"! The outdoor kitchen was recently built and features top of the line stainless appliances, beautiful wood and steel details and all stainless drawers and storage areas. The garage is a "car mans" dream; clean, sleek and outfitted for a guys hang out area. An exterior half bath is adjacent to the garage and outdoor entertaining area, making it "pool ready"! Whole house generator is ready to run your hurricane parties, keeping friends and family happy while assuring your wine room never looses its cool! BELLISSIMO!

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.

This 1,000ft² recording and production studio, built in 2021 for producer couple Latifah Alattas and Lucas Morton, was designed as a fully custom creative environment that supports writing, mixing, and collaboration at the highest level. Both Latifah and Lucas are multi-instrumentalists, engineers, and mixers, and the studio reflects the full range of their workflows—visually inspiring, technically precise, and intuitive in every room. The facility was built from the ground up with a strong emphasis on architectural acoustics and plug-and-play connectivity. The layout includes two Control Rooms, multiple isolation booths, and shared common spaces, all tied together with seamless audio integration. No matter where you are in the studio, routing, monitoring, and communication remain effortless and consistent. Behind the aesthetic, the acoustic design is exceptionally robust. Six independent floating-floor systems support the suites, ensuring each room operates with minimal sound transmission. Tailored sound-reducing wall assemblies, full-lite doors, engineered window systems, and intentional treatment plans deliver clarity, isolation, and precision for tracking and mixing. Each space is mechanically decoupled, allowing multiple rooms to run simultaneously without compromise. For monitoring, both Latifah and Lucas chose Genelec “The Ones” series monitors with GLM calibration to ensure accurate translation and consistency across the entire facility. Natural light and a warm, welcoming aesthetic anchor the visual identity of the studio, reflecting the creative energy and personality of its owners. The result is a highly functional, beautifully crafted space where ideas can move freely and production can happen without limitations.

A charming Airbnb rental in the Toronto area. We wanted the design to be glamorous and welcoming - a place where guests feel they are most relaxed! Working within this client’s budget, we were able to design a beautiful and cohesive new look for the bedroom and living area. In the bedroom, we added new bedding with a play on pattern, stripes, and accents of gold. The art piece is a wonderful statement piece that was the inspiration to highlight some of the rich blues and subtle gold onto the bedding. The living room decor is warm & inviting with a play on contrast, texture, and pattern. Less is more here, with warm cream tones in the cushions and area rug which lightens up the space and creates harmony. The living room now meets the needs of these clients, with a sectional to seat multiple people and an arching floor lamp that adds great lighting. Project completed by Toronto interior design firm Camden Lane Interiors, which serves Toronto. For more about Camden Lane Interiors, click here: https://www.camdenlaneinteriors.com/ To learn more about this project, click here: https://www.camdenlaneinteriors.com/portfolio-item/torontocondo/

Sunset Heights Renovation This Victorian style home was beautifully designed from the interior to the exterior. Our clients were looking to update the outdoor space, not only was it not functional, but it did not complement their Victorian home. Although we had a yearlong waiting list for design, our clients were patient and hired us for 3D design. Many times, our clients already have all the components in place, such as a pool, outdoor kitchen, fireplace, pergola etc., but they just don’t feel right. The most important feature of our client’s new space was not only the components, but to be able to have a space that would allow them to create a lifetime of memories. From a visual perspective their existing space seemed limited and confined. Our design team was able to see past this and expanded its space to its full potential which allowed us to create multiple destinations for relaxation, enjoyment and most importantly entertainment. As we began the design process, we were able to take a closer look at the existing space and noticed many safety concerns and how the existing materials did not accentuate the home either. At the completion of their 3D design, we were able to present new ideas and materials that would enhance the value of the home as well as help them visualize the new space created with multiple destinations. Ivory travertine coping & decking was a must as was the Talavera blue highlighted tiles for the newly renovated pool. A new working spa and functional outdoor kitchen with bar were two spaces we are sure they would enjoy while spending time outdoors. We enlarged the existing covered patio to expand the seating area to include chaise lounges, a loveseat and chairs under the pergola shade accent. Newest favorite additions are the gas firepit and cabin play fort which can be highly utilized year-round. Our clients say, “The adults love hanging out in the fort too!” Nestled in the Historic District, our client’s home is now filled with plenty of space and great energy for family gatherings, parties, watching sports, graduations and so much more. Who knows, maybe a future wedding or two! Memories of a lifetime will be made here for years to come! Architecture and lifestyle are always our focus when designing feel good and functional spaces for our clients!

Sunset Heights Renovation This Victorian style home was beautifully designed from the interior to the exterior. Our clients were looking to update the outdoor space, not only was it not functional, but it did not complement their Victorian home. Although we had a yearlong waiting list for design, our clients were patient and hired us for 3D design. Many times, our clients already have all the components in place, such as a pool, outdoor kitchen, fireplace, pergola etc., but they just don’t feel right. The most important feature of our client’s new space was not only the components, but to be able to have a space that would allow them to create a lifetime of memories. From a visual perspective their existing space seemed limited and confined. Our design team was able to see past this and expanded its space to its full potential which allowed us to create multiple destinations for relaxation, enjoyment and most importantly entertainment. As we began the design process, we were able to take a closer look at the existing space and noticed many safety concerns and how the existing materials did not accentuate the home either. At the completion of their 3D design, we were able to present new ideas and materials that would enhance the value of the home as well as help them visualize the new space created with multiple destinations. Ivory travertine coping & decking was a must as was the Talavera blue highlighted tiles for the newly renovated pool. A new working spa and functional outdoor kitchen with bar were two spaces we are sure they would enjoy while spending time outdoors. We enlarged the existing covered patio to expand the seating area to include chaise lounges, a loveseat and chairs under the pergola shade accent. Newest favorite additions are the gas firepit and cabin play fort which can be highly utilized year-round. Our clients say, “The adults love hanging out in the fort too!” Nestled in the Historic District, our client’s home is now filled with plenty of space and great energy for family gatherings, parties, watching sports, graduations and so much more. Who knows, maybe a future wedding or two! Memories of a lifetime will be made here for years to come! Architecture and lifestyle are always our focus when designing feel good and functional spaces for our clients!

We re routed the heating vent to face inside this new area and the plan included a room partition to provide an entry, doubling as a coat closet. The natural light abounds, to read and play by, and the warmth of the cherry wood banquettes integrate into the room. North Seattle House - Compact Space Built-Ins. Belltown Design. Photography by Paula McHugh

How about that for an outdoor hangout area?? Custom designed by Chuck Oliver and meticulously custom built by award winning builder, Rusty Golden (Le Jardin Development), this impeccable Villa Style has it all. Doors has been faux finished to look antique, walls glazed to reflect light, multiple arched clad doors welcome Mother Nature and are open to front and rear courtyards creating a fantastic party atmosphere. Beautiful chandeliers, heart pine wood floors and multiple exotic stone and marble finishes come together to create an Italian ambience you will not forget! Recent addition of a ONE OF A KIND private master (her) dressing and closet spaces will make you want to play dress up every day! Oversized master suite and separate office are tucked away and private, yet share the beauty of the well appointed rear patio and courtyards, lush with flowers and outdoor entertaining areas. Downstairs the home also features an additional full guest suite overlooking the front courtyards and fountain areas. The home shares two upstairs areas, 3 bedrooms, 2 baths and a den area on one side and the other is a huge game room that currently serves as a young boys "man cave". This area has recently been completed and features custom closets and ship lap walls. Custom decorative iron door open to an incredible wine room with Italian countryside paintings al fresco. A tasting area allows for guests to join in the "choosing and trying"! The outdoor kitchen was recently built and features top of the line stainless appliances, beautiful wood and steel details and all stainless drawers and storage areas. The garage is a "car mans" dream; clean, sleek and outfitted for a guys hang out area. An exterior half bath is adjacent to the garage and outdoor entertaining area, making it "pool ready"! Whole house generator is ready to run your hurricane parties, keeping friends and family happy while assuring your wine room never looses its cool! BELLISSIMO!

Download our free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW Alice and Dave are on their 2nd home with TKS Design Group, having completed the remodel of a kitchen, primary bath and laundry/mudroom in their previous home. This new home is a bit different in that it is new construction. The house has beautiful space and light but they needed help making it feel like a home. In the living room, Alice and Dave plan to host family at their home often and wanted a space that had plenty of comfy seating for conversation, but also an area to play games. So, our vision started with a search for luxurious but durable fabric along with multiple types of seating to bring the entire space together. Our light-filled living room is now warm and inviting to accommodate Alice and Dave’s weekend visitors. The multiple types of seating chosen include a large sofa, two chairs, along with two occasional ottomans in both solids and patterns and all in easy to care for performance fabrics. Underneath, we layered a soft wool rug with cool tones that complimented both the warm tones of the wood floor and the cool tones of the fabric seating. A beautiful occasional table and a large cocktail table round out the space. We took advantage of this room’s height by placing oversized artwork on the largest wall to create a place for your eyes to rest and to take advantage of the room’s scale. The TV was relocated to its current location over the fireplace, and a new light fixture scaled appropriately to the room’s ceiling height gives the space a more comfortable, approachable feel. Lastly, carefully chosen accessories including books, plants, and bowls complete this family’s new living space. Photography by @MargaretRajic Do you have a new home that has great bones but just doesn’t feel comfortable and you can’t quite figure out why? Contact us here to see how we can help!

Custom Concrete Pool with multiple seating areas and outdoor fireplace. The pool has a built in auto-cover that matches beautifully to the surrounding stone deck.

An outdoor kitchen on the main bluestone terrace overlooking the yard and pool. The clients of this project desired a cohesive landscape where neighborhood children could gather and play and adults could also congregate for large parties. A pool and paved drive court provide multiple areas for play while a raised terrace allows for supervision as well as separation. Although the circulation was driven by the needs of the children, it does not impose on the adult spaces. The landscape provides enjoyment for the whole family in a safe and beautiful environment.