This client's young son was overrun with a Nerf gun arsenal so large it threatened a takeover of his bedroom! Instead of retreat, fortifications were built to hold his massive armory with style. Slat wall with hooks hold several guns and storage bins for foam ammo. Open shelving showcases prized pieces. And extra large drawers and cabinets keep countless others stored away. Preparations were made for the future as well, with plenty of counter space for homework and study. With its masculine finish in Grey and Midnight Black, this unique system will bolster him through boyhood battles and beyond. He may outgrow Nerf guns, but he'll never outgrow this!

Karen and Chad of Tower Lakes, IL were tired of their unfinished basement functioning as nothing more than a storage area and depressing gym. They wanted to increase the livable square footage of their home with a cohesive finished basement design, while incorporating space for the kids and adults to hang out. “We wanted to make sure that upon renovating the basement, that we can have a place where we can spend time and watch movies, but also entertain and showcase the wine collection that we have,” Karen said. After a long search comparing many different remodeling companies, Karen and Chad found Advance Design Studio. They were drawn towards the unique “Common Sense Remodeling” process that simplifies the renovation experience into predictable steps focused on customer satisfaction. “There are so many other design/build companies, who may not have transparency, or a focused process in mind and I think that is what separated Advance Design Studio from the rest,” Karen said. Karen loved how designer Claudia Pop was able to take very high-level concepts, “non-negotiable items” and implement them in the initial 3D drawings. Claudia and Project Manager DJ Yurik kept the couple in constant communication through the project. “Claudia was very receptive to the ideas we had, but she was also very good at infusing her own points and thoughts, she was very responsive, and we had an open line of communication,” Karen said. A very important part of the basement renovation for the couple was the home gym and sauna. The “high-end hotel” look and feel of the openly blended work out area is both highly functional and beautiful to look at. The home sauna gives them a place to relax after a long day of work or a tough workout. “The gym was a very important feature for us,” Karen said. “And I think (Advance Design) did a very great job in not only making the gym a functional area, but also an aesthetic point in our basement”. An extremely unique wow-factor in this basement is the walk in glass wine cellar that elegantly displays Karen and Chad’s extensive wine collection. Immediate access to the stunning wet bar accompanies the wine cellar to make this basement a popular spot for friends and family. The custom-built wine bar brings together two natural elements; Calacatta Vicenza Quartz and thick distressed Black Walnut. Sophisticated yet warm Graphite Dura Supreme cabinetry provides contrast to the soft beige walls and the Calacatta Gold backsplash. An undermount sink across from the bar in a matching Calacatta Vicenza Quartz countertop adds functionality and convenience to the bar, while identical distressed walnut floating shelves add an interesting design element and increased storage. Rich true brown Rustic Oak hardwood floors soften and warm the space drawing all the areas together. Across from the bar is a comfortable living area perfect for the family to sit down at a watch a movie. A full bath completes this finished basement with a spacious walk-in shower, Cocoa Brown Dura Supreme vanity with Calacatta Vicenza Quartz countertop, a crisp white sink and a stainless-steel Voss faucet. Advance Design’s Common Sense process gives clients the opportunity to walk through the basement renovation process one step at a time, in a completely predictable and controlled environment. “Everything was designed and built exactly how we envisioned it, and we are really enjoying it to it’s full potential,” Karen said. Constantly striving for customer satisfaction, Advance Design’s success is heavily reliant upon happy clients referring their friends and family. “We definitely will and have recommended Advance Design Studio to friends who are looking to embark on a remodeling project small or large,” Karen exclaimed at the completion of her project.

Photo: Sarah Greenman © 2013 Houzz
1960s living room photo in Dallas

This is a Laundry Room Plus! We’re seeing more and more homeowners taking advantage of this space to include extra square feet and features to help improve the way your family lives. They wanted a space where the children could work on crafts – glue, paint, color – and they could be close by Mom on the first floor. She can be preparing dinner and still see the kids working on crafts in the laundry room. Better yet, she can be doing laundry and the kids are right there completely entertained!

Levi Miller http://www.levimillerphotography.com/ New kitchen installed... The island will serve many beachy kitchen functions. From rainy day puzzel and game playing with the kids, to shucking clams and preparing freach caught fish and crabs.

Rustic pavers throughout the space allows kids to drift between the indoor game room and pool safely, as adults prepare lunch in the outdoor barbecue area.

A half wall with support column allows full view from the kitchen to the play area so parents can watch the kids while preparing meals.
Playroom - large traditional gender-neutral light wood floor playroom idea in Boston with beige walls

Architecture, Interior Design, Custom Furniture Design & Art Curation by Chango & Co.
Example of a large classic boy light wood floor and brown floor nursery design in New York with blue walls

Meal preparation & clean-up is a group activity for this family of 5, and full days are spent baking, cooking & canning together. They needed more functional storage and wished for a spacious and beautiful place to congregate and work seamlessly together. The peninsula and non-structural arch that divided the kitchen from the family room were removed in order to create a large open area. Also removed were the dated soffits which instantly created the feeling of higher ceilings and allowed a feature wall of beautiful encaustic tiles to run all the way up behind the custom plaster hood. Turning and positioning the new island along the width of the window wall gave the family twice as much counter space and seating. The space that was once a hallway became the perfect place to position a dining table. The new 8' window washes the space in an abundance of inviting natural daylight, showcasing views to the greenbelt adjacent to their property. The hand distressed hickory cabinet run - custom designed to house a 5' Galley Workstation - has a furniture feel and its own distinctive hardware. Classic patterned encaustic tiles and favorite colors were incorporated to reflect the family's preferences for a modern Spanish colonial feel. Wood grain porcelain tile floors make for easy cleanup for an active family with kids and dogs and a pool. Photo credit: Fred Donham of Photographerlink

This family of 5 was tapped out for storage. With all the kids in sports several times a week and a kitchen that was more about style (in the '80's) then function, the homeowners were done with this outdated way of living. We relocated the fridge, provided a proper pantry, and spaced out the range so maybe... just maybe 2 people could prepare a lovely dinner together.

This family of 5 was tapped out for storage. With all the kids in sports several times a week and a kitchen that was more about style (in the '80's) then function, the homeowners were done with this outdated way of living. We relocated the fridge, provided a proper pantry, and spaced out the range so maybe... just maybe 2 people could prepare a lovely dinner together.

This great room adjacent to the kitchen houses both a sitting area with double sided fireplace and a casual dining area for everyday meals. The sitting area is the perfect place for guests or family to relax while meals are being prepared, or for parents to socialize while their kids are in the family room on the other side of the fireplace. The slip covered linen chairs swivel to make the space more dynamic.

This mid-century modern was a full restoration back to this home's former glory. The vertical grain fir ceilings were reclaimed, refinished, and reinstalled. The floors were a special epoxy blend to imitate terrazzo floors that were so popular during this period. Reclaimed light fixtures, hardware, and appliances put the finishing touches on this remodel. Photo credit - Inspiro 8 Studios

Busy family living with small children requires a watchful eye. The open floor plan from the Great Room into the casual Dining and Kitchen areas compliment the functionality for adults and kids whether relaxing, dining or preparing the next meal. Modern light fixtures in brushed gold tie in with the cabinet and door hardware. The light/dark design theme is seen in the warm tones from the wooden table, flooring, leather bar stools and butcher block island to balance the white cabinetry, quartz countertops and subway tile backsplash.

This kitchen is personality packed; as unique as the homeowner. Civil war era trusses, soapstone counters, distressed painted wood cabinetry, massive island, hand crafted and painted terra cotta back splash tiles, and pine plank flooring all serve to fashion a kitchen for baking cookies with the kids, preparing huge holiday meals, and hanging out with the family! Design assistance, Joie de Vie Interiors Brent Cornman construction

Photo: Sarah Greenman © 2014 Houzz Design: New Leaf Construction
Example of a trendy formal and open concept concrete floor living room design in Dallas with white walls

This family of 5 was tapped out for storage. With all the kids in sports several times a week and a kitchen that was more about style (in the '80's) then function, the homeowners were done with this outdated way of living. We relocated the fridge, provided a proper pantry, and spaced out the range so maybe... just maybe 2 people could prepare a lovely dinner together.

James Elliott Project Manager Bringing years of project management experience to the team, James says he long ago discovered the rewards of seeing happy new homeowners. The important values of preparation, hard work, and respect are inherently embedded into what he does within Creekside Homes. James “lives it up” doing the things he loved as a kid: Fishing, hunting, camping and hiking. And he always loves his sports.

This custom bench seating makes incredible use of otherwise "dead" hallway space. The cushions lift up to provide ample storage for occasional items and the custom pillows provide a great space for kids and guests to relax while dinner is being prepared.