Download our free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   Lakefront property in the northwest suburbs of Chicago is hard to come by, so when we were hired by this young family with exactly that, we were immediately inspired by not just the unusually large footprint of this 1950’s colonial revival but also the lovely views of the manmade lake it was sited on. The large 5-bedroom home was solidly stuck in the 1980’s, but we saw tons of potential. We started out by updating the existing staircase with a fresh coat of paint and adding new herringbone slate to the entry hall. The powder room off the entryway also got a refresh - new flooring, new cabinets and fixtures. We ran the new slate right through into this space for some consistency. A fun wallpaper and shiplap trim add a welcoming feel and set the tone for the home. Next, we tackled the kitchen. Located away from the rest of the first floor, the kitchen felt a little isolated, so we immediately began planning for how to better connect it to the rest of the first floor. We landed on removing the wall between the kitchen and dining room and designed a modified galley style space with separate cooking and clean up zones. The cooking zone consists of the refrigerator, prep sink and cooktop, along with a nice long run of prep space at the island. The cleanup side of the kitchen consists of the main sink and dishwasher. Both areas are situated so that the user can view the lake during prep work and cleanup! One of the home’s main puzzles was how to incorporate the mudroom and area in front of the patio doors at the back of the house. We already had a breakfast table area, so the space by the patio doors was a bit of a no man’s land. We decided to separate the kitchen proper from what became the new mudroom with a large set of barn doors. That way you can quickly hide any mudroom messes but have easy access to the light coming in through the patio doors as well as the outdoor grilling station. We also love the impact the barn doors add to the overall space. The homeowners’ first words to us were “it’s time to ditch the brown,” so we did! We chose a lovely blue pallet that reflects the home’s location on the lake which is also vibrant yet easy on the eye. Countertops are white quartz, and the natural oak floor works well with the other honey accents. The breakfast table was given a refresh with new chairs, chandelier and window treatments that frame the gorgeous views of the lake out the back. We coordinated the slate mudroom flooring with that used in the home’s main entrance for a consistent feel. The storage area consists of open and closed storage to allow for some clutter control as needed. Next on our “to do” list was revamping the dated brown bar area in the neighboring dining room. We eliminated the clutter by adding some closed cabinets and did some easy updates to help the space feel more current. One snag we ran into here was the discovery of a beam above the existing open shelving that had to be modified with a smaller structural beam to allow for our new design to work. This was an unexpected surprise, but in the end we think it was well worth it! We kept the colors here a bit more muted to blend with the homeowner’s existing furnishings. Open shelving and polished nickel hardware add some simple detail to the new entertainment zone which also looks out onto the lake! Next we tackled the upstairs starting with the homeowner’s son’s bath. The bath originally had both a tub shower and a separate shower, so we decided to swap out the shower for a new laundry area. This freed up some space downstairs in what used to be the mudroom/laundry room and is much more convenient for daily laundry needs. We continued the blue palette here with navy cabinetry and the navy tile in the shower. Porcelain floor tile and chrome fixtures keep maintenance to a minimum while matte black mirrors and lighting add some depth the design. A low maintenance runner adds some warmth underfoot and ties the whole space together. We added a pocket door to the bathroom to minimize interference with the door swings. The left door of the laundry closet is on a 180 degree hinge to allow for easy full access to the machines. Next we tackled the master bath which is an en suite arrangement. The original was typical of the 1980’s with the vanity outside of the bathroom, situated near the master closet. And the brown theme continued here with multiple shades of brown. Our first move was to segment off the bath and the closet from the master bedroom. We created a short hall from the bedroom to the bathroom with his and hers walk-in closets on the left and right as well as a separate toilet closet outside of the main bathroom for privacy and flexibility. The original bathroom had a giant soaking tub with steps (dangerous!) as well as a small shower that did not work well for our homeowner who is 6’3”. With other bathtubs in the home, they decided to eliminate the tub and create an oversized shower which takes up the space where the old tub was located. The double vanity is on the opposite wall and a bench is located under the window for morning conversations and a place to set a couple of towels. The pallet in here is light and airy with a mix of blond wood, creamy porcelain and marble tile, and brass accents. A simple roman shade adds some texture and it’s top-down mechanism allows for light and privacy. This large whole house remodel gave our homeowners not only the ability to maximize the potential of their home but also created a lovely new frame from which to view their fabulous lake views. Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKD, CBD Photography by: Michael Kaskel For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

A Fresh Take on Timeless — Sage Green Kitchen Remodel | Raleigh, NC This kitchen transformation proves that a well-designed remodel can completely redefine how a home feels to live in. The homeowners wanted a space that was both functional and elevated — a kitchen that worked hard without sacrificing beauty. The design centers around custom sage green cabinetry with raised panel detailing, extending floor-to-ceiling with a full-height pantry wall that maximizes every inch of storage. Brushed brass hardware ties the palette together, lending warmth against the cooler green tones. The island features a dramatic waterfall edge in Calacatta-style quartz with gold veining — a material that recurs throughout the perimeter counters, creating a cohesive, luxurious feel. A handcrafted zellige-inspired subway tile backsplash adds subtle texture, while a statement brass saucer pendant anchors the dining area and a pair of matte black pendants with brass interiors flank the sink window. Warm hardwood floors ground the space and complement the natural wood accents used in the styling. The remodel also included a custom mudroom nook — designed and built as part of the same seamless scope — with a floating white oak bench, open cubbies, and matte black hooks. Every detail was intentional. Every finish was chosen with longevity in mind.

Example of a mid-sized transitional l-shaped light wood floor eat-in kitchen design in Seattle with an undermount sink, glass-front cabinets, quartz countertops, gray backsplash, ceramic backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and white countertops

The new floor plan design made more effective use of the space, accommodating multiple renovation needs into the kitchen. The new layout created an open galley kitchen with a 13 1/2′ Island with seating at each end, a cool-grey custom banquette with 2 tables.

shared outdoor seating area for bungalow complex. photo credit: Brandon Shigeta
Mid-sized trendy backyard decomposed granite patio photo in Los Angeles with a fire pit and no cover

Entryway - tropical entryway idea in Jacksonville with white walls

This family treehouse can be used year round for a variety of activities. The upper deck, with stunning views, is perfect for summer picnics, while the side deck is more suited for a quiet spot to read or relax. The interior has a couch for napping, a desk for writing and working, a kitchenette and small dining area. The initial inspiration for the room was a cozy spot for hosting lunch and dinner parties... in a unique & rustic setting. Photo by David Patterson Photography www.davidpattersonphotography.com

My client's mother had a love for all things 60's, 70's & 80's. Her home was overflowing with original pieces in every corner, on every wall and in every nook and cranny. It was a crazy mish mosh of pieces and styles. When my clients decided to sell their parent's beloved home the task of making the craziness look welcoming seemed overwhelming but I knew that it was not only do-able but also had the potential to look absolutely amazing. We did a massive, and when I say massive, I mean MASSIVE, decluttering including an estate sale, many donation runs and haulers. Then it was time to use the special pieces I had reserved, along with modern new ones, some repairs and fresh paint here and there to revive this special gem in Willow Glen, CA for a new home owner to love.

Inspiration for a contemporary white tile black floor bathroom remodel in New York with flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, white walls, an undermount sink and white countertops

green vanity bathroom single sink
Mid-sized transitional 3/4 white tile and ceramic tile double-sink bathroom photo in Dallas with recessed-panel cabinets, green cabinets, white walls, marble countertops, white countertops and a built-in vanity

Interior: @studiogild Photography: @mikeyschwartz
Inspiration for a transitional medium tone wood floor, brown floor and wood ceiling entryway remodel in Austin with white walls and a glass front door

  Download our free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   Lakefront property in the northwest suburbs of Chicago is hard to come by, so when we were hired by this young family with exactly that, we were immediately inspired by not just the unusually large footprint of this 1950’s colonial revival but also the lovely views of the manmade lake it was sited on. The large 5-bedroom home was solidly stuck in the 1980’s, but we saw tons of potential. We started out by updating the existing staircase with a fresh coat of paint and adding new herringbone slate to the entry hall. The powder room off the entryway also got a refresh - new flooring, new cabinets and fixtures. We ran the new slate right through into this space for some consistency. A fun wallpaper and shiplap trim add a welcoming feel and set the tone for the home. Next, we tackled the kitchen. Located away from the rest of the first floor, the kitchen felt a little isolated, so we immediately began planning for how to better connect it to the rest of the first floor. We landed on removing the wall between the kitchen and dining room and designed a modified galley style space with separate cooking and clean up zones. The cooking zone consists of the refrigerator, prep sink and cooktop, along with a nice long run of prep space at the island. The cleanup side of the kitchen consists of the main sink and dishwasher. Both areas are situated so that the user can view the lake during prep work and cleanup! One of the home’s main puzzles was how to incorporate the mudroom and area in front of the patio doors at the back of the house. We already had a breakfast table area, so the space by the patio doors was a bit of a no man’s land. We decided to separate the kitchen proper from what became the new mudroom with a large set of barn doors. That way you can quickly hide any mudroom messes but have easy access to the light coming in through the patio doors as well as the outdoor grilling station. We also love the impact the barn doors add to the overall space. The homeowners’ first words to us were “it’s time to ditch the brown,” so we did! We chose a lovely blue pallet that reflects the home’s location on the lake which is also vibrant yet easy on the eye. Countertops are white quartz, and the natural oak floor works well with the other honey accents. The breakfast table was given a refresh with new chairs, chandelier and window treatments that frame the gorgeous views of the lake out the back. We coordinated the slate mudroom flooring with that used in the home’s main entrance for a consistent feel. The storage area consists of open and closed storage to allow for some clutter control as needed. Next on our “to do” list was revamping the dated brown bar area in the neighboring dining room. We eliminated the clutter by adding some closed cabinets and did some easy updates to help the space feel more current. One snag we ran into here was the discovery of a beam above the existing open shelving that had to be modified with a smaller structural beam to allow for our new design to work. This was an unexpected surprise, but in the end we think it was well worth it! We kept the colors here a bit more muted to blend with the homeowner’s existing furnishings. Open shelving and polished nickel hardware add some simple detail to the new entertainment zone which also looks out onto the lake! Next we tackled the upstairs starting with the homeowner’s son’s bath. The bath originally had both a tub shower and a separate shower, so we decided to swap out the shower for a new laundry area. This freed up some space downstairs in what used to be the mudroom/laundry room and is much more convenient for daily laundry needs. We continued the blue palette here with navy cabinetry and the navy tile in the shower. Porcelain floor tile and chrome fixtures keep maintenance to a minimum while matte black mirrors and lighting add some depth the design. A low maintenance runner adds some warmth underfoot and ties the whole space together. We added a pocket door to the bathroom to minimize interference with the door swings. The left door of the laundry closet is on a 180 degree hinge to allow for easy full access to the machines. Next we tackled the master bath which is an en suite arrangement. The original was typical of the 1980’s with the vanity outside of the bathroom, situated near the master closet. And the brown theme continued here with multiple shades of brown. Our first move was to segment off the bath and the closet from the master bedroom. We created a short hall from the bedroom to the bathroom with his and hers walk-in closets on the left and right as well as a separate toilet closet outside of the main bathroom for privacy and flexibility. The original bathroom had a giant soaking tub with steps (dangerous!) as well as a small shower that did not work well for our homeowner who is 6’3”. With other bathtubs in the home, they decided to eliminate the tub and create an oversized shower which takes up the space where the old tub was located. The double vanity is on the opposite wall and a bench is located under the window for morning conversations and a place to set a couple of towels. The pallet in here is light and airy with a mix of blond wood, creamy porcelain and marble tile, and brass accents. A simple roman shade adds some texture and it’s top-down mechanism allows for light and privacy. This large whole house remodel gave our homeowners not only the ability to maximize the potential of their home but also created a lovely new frame from which to view their fabulous lake views. Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKD, CBD Photography by: Michael Kaskel For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

Emily O'Brien
Large transitional wooden u-shaped cable railing staircase photo in Boston with painted risers

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.

Island countertop is white macaubus quartzite. Castaway Cabinets Steve Bracci
Example of a large classic u-shaped medium tone wood floor eat-in kitchen design in Atlanta with a farmhouse sink, white cabinets, white backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island, shaker cabinets, quartzite countertops and subway tile backsplash

The small home office is tucked off of the entry but allows for a quite space to get work done.
Beach style home office photo in Boston

Timeless Palm Springs glamour meets modern in Pulp Design Studios' bathroom design created for the DXV Design Panel 2016. The design is one of four created by an elite group of celebrated designers for DXV's national ad campaign. Faced with the challenge of creating a beautiful space from nothing but an empty stage, Beth and Carolina paired mid-century touches with bursts of colors and organic patterns. The result is glamorous with touches of quirky fun -- the definition of splendid living.

This remodel took an extremely dark & dated kitchen and transformed it into a bright and airy happy place for our client. The existing conditions created a dark, hall-like kitchen that greatly lacked in function and did little to optimize storage. Realizing the potential of this truly massive space, we created a design that utilizes every inch of the kitchen and creates functional cooking and prep space as well as pantry storage and work nooks. Our first order of business was to demo out the blocky corner that separated the kitchen from the living room. This involved removing an existing fireplace, re-structuring a wall, and having an entirely new furnace installed in the basement to eliminate a duct running right through the corner we hoped to eliminate. After opening up the space, we focused on highlighting and brightening the room. New NuCore flooring was installed to give the kitchen a fresh look while offering optimal function and cleanability. Two-toned cabinets in a honey maple and painted silk were used to create a warm and comfortable balance throughout the space. New quartz countertops in MSI's canvas were installed, and butcher block was installed on the two desk areas to offer a warm visual relief and casual work surface. The color palette for the kitchen is reminiscent of a cozy apothecary; we utilized fresh greens with Sherwin Williams paint on the walls and Treviso Gray Sage glazed subway tiles on the backsplash. Over the sink, we designed a playful highlight with counter-to-ceiling mini brick mosaic in a dark crackle green. We introduced additional lighting throughout including new recessed lights, over-sink light, and under-cabinet lights. New appliances were introduced to the space as well, and we complimented the stainless steel of these fixtures to the transitional nickel hardware on the cabinets. This space now feels open and inviting, and is visible from the second you enter the front door! We are so proud of this result and so happy that our clients can enjoy this gorgeous kitchen for years to come.

David Papazian
Example of a transitional open concept medium tone wood floor and brown floor living room design in Portland with green walls