When we first met, this client was extremely frustrated. A current contractor had left her with a yard in disarray, a project incomplete and the loss of an entire season of swimming pool use. Additionally, years of accumulated DIY projects left other potential landscape contractors overwhelmed and unwilling to take this project on. Picking up the pieces, we put together a design that would meet the client’s goals and our team set to work. We completed the retaining wall, laid a modular paver pool deck, updated the cedar deck, added privacy screening, solved drainage issues, installed LED lighting, overhauled plantings to maximize color and brought the lawn back to life. The re-defined space is a dream-come-true for our client. A yard which two years ago was a jungle of debris, is now the “go-to” gathering place for family & friends to relax and have fun.

When we first met, this client was extremely frustrated. A current contractor had left her with a yard in disarray, a project incomplete and the loss of an entire season of swimming pool use. Additionally, years of accumulated DIY projects left other potential landscape contractors overwhelmed and unwilling to take this project on. Picking up the pieces, we put together a design that would meet the client’s goals and our team set to work. We completed the retaining wall, laid a modular paver pool deck, updated the cedar deck, added privacy screening, solved drainage issues, installed LED lighting, overhauled plantings to maximize color and brought the lawn back to life. The re-defined space is a dream-come-true for our client. A yard which two years ago was a jungle of debris, is now the “go-to” gathering place for family & friends to relax and have fun.

When we first met, this client was extremely frustrated. A current contractor had left her with a yard in disarray, a project incomplete and the loss of an entire season of swimming pool use. Additionally, years of accumulated DIY projects left other potential landscape contractors overwhelmed and unwilling to take this project on. Picking up the pieces, we put together a design that would meet the client’s goals and our team set to work. We completed the retaining wall, laid a modular paver pool deck, updated the cedar deck, added privacy screening, solved drainage issues, installed LED lighting, overhauled plantings to maximize color and brought the lawn back to life. The re-defined space is a dream-come-true for our client. A yard which two years ago was a jungle of debris, is now the “go-to” gathering place for family & friends to relax and have fun.

When we first met, this client was extremely frustrated. A current contractor had left her with a yard in disarray, a project incomplete and the loss of an entire season of swimming pool use. Additionally, years of accumulated DIY projects left other potential landscape contractors overwhelmed and unwilling to take this project on. Picking up the pieces, we put together a design that would meet the client’s goals and our team set to work. We completed the retaining wall, laid a modular paver pool deck, updated the cedar deck, added privacy screening, solved drainage issues, installed LED lighting, overhauled plantings to maximize color and brought the lawn back to life. The re-defined space is a dream-come-true for our client. A yard which two years ago was a jungle of debris, is now the “go-to” gathering place for family & friends to relax and have fun.

When we first met, this client was extremely frustrated. A current contractor had left her with a yard in disarray, a project incomplete and the loss of an entire season of swimming pool use. Additionally, years of accumulated DIY projects left other potential landscape contractors overwhelmed and unwilling to take this project on. Picking up the pieces, we put together a design that would meet the client’s goals and our team set to work. We completed the retaining wall, laid a modular paver pool deck, updated the cedar deck, added privacy screening, solved drainage issues, installed LED lighting, overhauled plantings to maximize color and brought the lawn back to life. The re-defined space is a dream-come-true for our client. A yard which two years ago was a jungle of debris, is now the “go-to” gathering place for family & friends to relax and have fun.

When we first met, this client was extremely frustrated. A current contractor had left her with a yard in disarray, a project incomplete and the loss of an entire season of swimming pool use. Additionally, years of accumulated DIY projects left other potential landscape contractors overwhelmed and unwilling to take this project on. Picking up the pieces, we put together a design that would meet the client’s goals and our team set to work. We completed the retaining wall, laid a modular paver pool deck, updated the cedar deck, added privacy screening, solved drainage issues, installed LED lighting, overhauled plantings to maximize color and brought the lawn back to life. The re-defined space is a dream-come-true for our client. A yard which two years ago was a jungle of debris, is now the “go-to” gathering place for family & friends to relax and have fun.

Photo: Justin Buell Architecture: Rela Gleason
Inspiration for a large transitional master gray tile and stone slab medium tone wood floor freestanding bathtub remodel in San Francisco with open cabinets, dark wood cabinets, a one-piece toilet, white walls, marble countertops and an undermount sink

After six years of living in their Huntley IL home, Chris and Meghan were tired of their dark, dingy, outdated kitchen and it was finally time for a long-anticipated change. “The kitchen is the place where we live, it’s where we do everything,” Meghan said. “It was important that it be a space where we wanted to be.” Meghan loves cooking and enjoys including their girls in healthy meal prepping, this led them to want a brighter, more enjoyable kitchen with increased functionality and improved storage. For Chris especially, the laundry room was an entirely dysfunctional eyesore. “We had a washer and a dryer, but it was all kind-of cobbled together!” Chris said. “There were always laundry piles everywhere, we weren’t really sure what we wanted to do in there, but it was time for us to make a change.” The mess of the space was stressful every time they walked in the door from the garage each day. Kids’ backpacks and shoes piled up haphazardly in the makeshift boot-bench closet left the family feeling disorganized and stressed. They needed space for folding clothes and locker cubbies to help keep the family organized. Having known Christine and Todd in the Huntley community for years, Chris and Meghan were familiar with their work. “We already trusted them personally and having seen their projects for years we knew they did top notch work. After we reviewed the initial round of designs, we knew that hiring them was definitely the right choice,” Meghan and Chris said. Although Chris had done a lot of work in their home himself, the kitchen and laundry room renovation was such a large undertaking that he didn’t want to steal time away from his family to spend what would surely be many long weekends doing the job himself. “That would not have been a wise choice for us,” Chris laughed. “Our designer, Michelle was very, very, easy to work with; anything we wanted to see or weren’t sure about, she went above and beyond to make this easy for us. She was easy to get hold of and always quick to respond,” the couple said. Michelle pulled ideas that mirrored the couple’s taste and style and was adept at directing the couple to limited choices that didn’t overwhelm them and kept the process moving. “I have a hard time making decisions. Michelle made the decision-making process so easy. I loved how she listened to what I liked and then presented three great options for me to choose from,” Meghan said. The main objectives for the kitchen were better storage solutions, they wanted the space to reflect their lifestyle and taste, and they wanted it to last for years with low maintenance. One of the first steps in creating a more functional kitchen was relocating the refrigerator, creating an improved workflow for the busy family. “We didn’t know that we could even move the refrigerator to a new location where it is now, that was something that we never would have thought of,” Chris said. “The new refrigerator location makes the kitchen feel so much bigger. We didn’t add any space, but our whole kitchen with the new design just seems like it’s so much larger than before!” Meghan said. The perimeter mist colored cabinets helped warm and brighten the entire room, while the graphite colored cabinets on the island added contrast. Using this fresh, clean color palette satisfied the couple’s desire for a bright space that was the exact opposite of what they had before. Organization accessories were also added to the cabinets such as a spice drawer tray and roll outs to create hidden convenience. “I absolutely love the hidden spices – it makes cooking so much more enjoyable!” Chris said. “And all the pull outs, and the double trash bin, who would think you could get so excited about organization!” the couple said in unison. One thing they hated in their original kitchen was how dark the space felt. Added lighting on the ceiling with the new light fixtures combined with the lighter cabinetry colors throughout solved this problem. “Our new kitchen has this warm, almost cozy feeling that our old kitchen never had, it’s just a space that I love spending my time in now,” Meghan said. The light airy feeling was accentuated with the use of floating white shelves on either side of the decorative range hood. “We have so much cabinetry space, the new design is amazing we actually have more storage space than we will ever need,” Meghan said. The island was extended to create more work surface and added space for stool seating. “The new island changes how we live. Now the kids can be in the kitchen with us, doing homework, eating breakfast, and the three of us have special dinners there when Chris is working late,” Meghan said. The Carrara Marmi Quartz countertops were chosen because they are, not only beautiful, but are made from hard-working material that doesn’t require maintenance. The white subway tile backsplash that wraps to the ceiling behind the focal point cooktop range/hood compliments the crisp white countertops perfectly, while brushed brass hardware and light fixtures keep the design fresh and new. The couple had a few fears at the beginning of the project, as most homeowners do. Their biggest fear was being out of their kitchen and laundry room for an extended time. The crew made it very easy for the family to work in a limited space keeping the washer and dryer hooked up the majority of the time, and also getting appliances working with minimal downtime. “They above and beyond accommodated us to get us through the process,” Meghan said. “They did a great job making sure we were as comfortable as possible throughout the process,” Chris added. “Our project manager DJ did a great job. He was very good at updating us on schedule changes, getting guys in as quickly as possible. Everyone that stepped in the house was nice and did great work,” said Chris. They thought Advance’s carpenter was phenomenal and were impressed when he took a conceptual idea from a photograph and worked with designer Michelle to create a one of a kind range/hood that has become the topic of conversation with friends and family who visit the new kitchen. “He was in our house literally every day for several weeks. He was easy to work with and good at what he did,” Meghan and Chris said. The focal point of the kitchen; a hand-crafted, custom-built ventilation hood was clad with handpicked reclaimed barnwood. Advance Design’s carpenter built the framework and the cladding to create a one-of-a-kind design element that the couple loves. “I think it was especially fun for him to create something unique from scratch, showcasing his talent in this area,” Meghan said. “I love that my kitchen is not like everyone else’s. I got to pick out the wood on my hood and watch it being built and was able to choose what pieces of wood went where on it. It’s totally unique.” Red Oak flooring was toothed-in throughout the kitchen and the rest of the first floor anywhere changes were made. Then the whole floor was refinished to tone down the orange undertones in the existing floor stain, ultimately changing the color complexion of the entire first floor. The result is a completely new feeling to the entire home. Renovating the laundry room was extremely important to Meghan and Chris, but they had trouble visualizing what the possibilities were for the seemingly small space. Michelle produced beautiful 3D illustrations that helped them envision the space in a whole new way. “I must have told Michelle 100 times that I am a visual person, seeing the designs in 3D made it so easy to make decisions and see what we could really do with our space,” Meghan said. A dividing wall and doorway were removed between the existing laundry room and hallway formerly containing a coat closet, providing space to design specialized graphite colored cabinetry matching the kitchen island to house custom storage cubbies for each family member. Adding the tall utility cabinetry in the new laundry area helped solve the storage issue, tucking away cleaning supplies, household items, and even the cat got its own cubby. “I love how everything is now hidden in its own space. I can’t tell you how much I hated coming home and seeing everything sitting around on counters,” Chris said. Electrical outlets were planned for the inside of utility cabinets, so devices could charge in hidden locations. Stacking the washer and dryer allowed for wider countertop space to provide a folding area and a special space for clothes to hang. “The way I do laundry has been completely transformed! I can actually fold clothes and hang them now right out of the washer and dryer,” Meghan said. “The end result in the kitchen and the laundry/mud room was an updated light and bright space, with a smarter work flow that better meets the needs of this family,” Michelle said. “I would totally recommend Advance Design,” Meghan said. “Sometimes I sit and just look at my kitchen and laundry room and think ‘Wow, I can’t believe I get to live here!’ It’s an understatement to say we love our new space.”

Double shelves that independently pull out of the cabinet allow easy access to the back of the cabinet. Available in a variety of finishes and three sizes.

Perfect Images Photography
Inspiration for a modern entryway remodel in Las Vegas

The home owner’s of this 90’s home came to us looking for an updated kitchen design and furniture for the family room, living room, dining room and study. What they got was an overall tweaking of the entire first floor. Small changes to the architecture and trim details made a large impact on the overall feel of the individual spaces in an open floorplan space. We then layered on all new lighting, wall and window treatments, furniture, accessories and art to create a warm and beautiful home for a young, growing family.Photo by Tom Grimes

Bathroom - coastal 3/4 white tile and subway tile mosaic tile floor and white floor bathroom idea with shaker cabinets, blue cabinets, a two-piece toilet, white walls, an undermount sink, quartzite countertops and white countertops

This East Troy home on Booth Lake had a few drainage issues that needed to be resolved, but one thing was clear, the homeowners knew with the proper design features, their property had amazing potential to be a fixture on the lake. Starting with a redesign of the backyard, including retaining walls and other drainage features, the home was then ready for a radical facelift. We redesigned the entry of the home with a timber frame portico/entryway. The entire portico was built with the old-world artistry of a mortise and tenon framing method. We also designed and installed a new deck and patio facing the lake, installed an integrated driveway and sidewalk system throughout the property and added a splash of evening effects with some beautiful architectural lighting around the house. A Timber Tech deck with Radiance cable rail system was added off the side of the house to increase lake viewing opportunities and a beautiful stamped concrete patio was installed at the lower level of the house for additional lounging. Lastly, the original detached garage was razed and rebuilt with a new design that not only suits our client’s needs, but is designed to complement the home’s new look. The garage was built with trusses to create the tongue and groove wood cathedral ceiling and the storage area to the front of the garage. The secondary doors on the lakeside of the garage were installed to allow our client to drive his golf cart along the crushed granite pathways and to provide a stunning view of Booth Lake from the multi-purpose garage. Photos by Beth Welsh, Interior Changes

This completed character Kitchen designed & crafted especially for our Client's Victorian Farmhouse was completely renovated top to bottom to ensure old electrical & ventilation issues were addressed. The Walls & Ceilings were levelled and new materials added for insulation value & health. The fascinating original patina of the wainscoting & floors was left as is. An interior Wall was supported, engineered & removed to allow the natural light from an exterior Window to enter the main Kitchen & to create an expansive run of Cabinets from the Cooking zone to the Cleaning zone. Custom Cabinetry throughout & utilization of the vertical storage potential were fully utilized. Warm Metal tones, crisp White & stunning Blue create a lovely palette for this reinvented heart of our Clients Home. We hope they enjoy this space with their Family & Friends for years to come!

This dark, dreary kitchen was large, but not being used well. The family of 7 had outgrown the limited storage and experienced traffic bottlenecks when in the kitchen together. A bright, cheerful and more functional kitchen was desired, as well as a new pantry space. We gutted the kitchen and closed off the landing through the door to the garage to create a new pantry. A frosted glass pocket door eliminates door swing issues. In the pantry, a small access door opens to the garage so groceries can be loaded easily. Grey wood-look tile was laid everywhere. We replaced the small window and added a 6’x4’ window, instantly adding tons of natural light. A modern motorized sheer roller shade helps control early morning glare. Three free-floating shelves are to the right of the window for favorite décor and collectables. White, ceiling-height cabinets surround the room. The full-overlay doors keep the look seamless. Double dishwashers, double ovens and a double refrigerator are essentials for this busy, large family. An induction cooktop was chosen for energy efficiency, child safety, and reliability in cooking. An appliance garage and a mixer lift house the much-used small appliances. An ice maker and beverage center were added to the side wall cabinet bank. The microwave and TV are hidden but have easy access. The inspiration for the room was an exclusive glass mosaic tile. The large island is a glossy classic blue. White quartz countertops feature small flecks of silver. Plus, the stainless metal accent was even added to the toe kick! Upper cabinet, under-cabinet and pendant ambient lighting, all on dimmers, was added and every light (even ceiling lights) is LED for energy efficiency. White-on-white modern counter stools are easy to clean. Plus, throughout the room, strategically placed USB outlets give tidy charging options.

This new, ground-up home was recently built atop the Richmond Hills. Despite the beautiful site with its panoramic 270-degree view, the lot had been left undeveloped over the years due to its modest size and challenging approval issues. Saikley Architects handled the negotiations for County approvals, and worked closely with the owner-builder to create a 2,300 sq. ft., three bedroom, two-and-a-half bath family home that maximizes the site’s potential. The first-time owner-builder is a landscape builder by trade, and Saikley Architects coordinated closely with for him on this spec home. Saikley Architects provided building design details which the owner then carried through in many unique interior design and furniture design details throughout the house. Photo by Chi Chin Photography. https://saikleyarchitects.com/portfolio/hilltop-contemporary/

This completed character Kitchen designed & crafted especially for our Client's Victorian Farmhouse was completely renovated top to bottom to ensure old electrical & ventilation issues were addressed. The Walls & Ceilings were levelled and new materials added for insulation value & health. The fascinating original patina of the wainscoting & floors was left as is. An interior Wall was supported, engineered & removed to allow the natural light from an exterior Window to enter the main Kitchen & to create an expansive run of Cabinets from the Cooking zone to the Cleaning zone. Custom Cabinetry throughout & utilization of the vertical storage potential were fully utilized. Warm Metal tones, crisp White & stunning Blue create a lovely palette for this reinvented heart of our Clients Home. We hope they enjoy this space with their Family & Friends for years to come!

This completed character Kitchen designed & crafted especially for our Client's Victorian Farmhouse was completely renovated top to bottom to ensure old electrical & ventilation issues were addressed. The Walls & Ceilings were levelled and new materials added for insulation value & health. The fascinating original patina of the wainscoting & floors was left as is. An interior Wall was supported, engineered & removed to allow the natural light from an exterior Window to enter the main Kitchen & to create an expansive run of Cabinets from the Cooking zone to the Cleaning zone. Custom Cabinetry throughout & utilization of the vertical storage potential were fully utilized. Warm Metal tones, crisp White & stunning Blue create a lovely palette for this reinvented heart of our Clients Home. We hope they enjoy this space with their Family & Friends for years to come!