This early 90's contemporary home was in need of some major updates and when my clients purchased it they were ready to make it their own. The home features large open rooms, great natural light and stunning views of Lake Washington. These clients love bold vibrant colors and clean modern lines so the goal was to incorporate those in the design without it overwhelming the space. Balance was key. The end goal was for the home to feel open and airy yet warm and inviting. This was achieved by bringing in punches of color to an otherwise white or neutral palate. Texture and visual interest were achieved throughout the house through the use of wallpaper, fabrics, and a few one of a kind artworks.

After six years of living in their Huntley IL home, Chris and Meghan were tired of their dark, dingy, outdated kitchen and it was finally time for a long-anticipated change.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.”

Inspiration for a small modern 3/4 white tile concrete floor walk-in shower remodel in Phoenix with a trough sink, open cabinets, light wood cabinets, concrete countertops and white walls

Open Homes Photography
Trendy dining room photo in San Francisco

**Featured in Home & Design Magazine! The inspiration for this unique project draws on the clients’ love of Paris and the city’s vibrant romanticism and mix of architectural styles. Our challenge was to elevate builder-grade finishes in a newly-constructed townhome to create an urban retreat with aged patina for this young couple. Soft industrial elements were layered over Old-World inspired details on nearly every surface for maximum impact. We added rustic wood ceilings and industrial beams to create drama, texture, and value throughout. A Parisian-inspired glass/iron wall divider relieves the open concept floor plan, creating a more intimate seating space. Oversized pendants of steel, blown glass, horsehair and faux horn provide soft illumination while drawing the eye upward to architectural ceiling details. Custom midnight blue built-ins create a library that frames the entry and study. The deep and dramatic color palette of paint and wallpaper that adorns the walls is a vibrant mix of cobalt, citron, teal and smoky lavender. Light pours into the rooms from the large windows, reflects off the oversized acid-wash mirror, and forms dramatic shadows on the walls, setting the mood for this home.

A home on top of a hill with amazing lake views provide the perfect setting for a beautiful "mountain mine" inspired pool with multiple ways to interact with - this active family will never be bored! There is an antique ore cart and rail system that seems to appear from an old mine and gives the homeowner a unique iced-beverage cart. There are boulder steps that lead up to another "mine" entrance that is actually the entrance to the underground slide. This view shows the slide exit into the pool. In the background you can see the swim-through grotto and natural boulder waterfall with a 14' diving ledge. Hand cut native stone with boulders integrated into the stone retaining wall provides additional patio space with a fire pit above the pool. Landscape/Pool design and construction by Kelly Caviness and Caviness Landscape Design, Inc. Photography by KO Rinearson

Two-story rear porches provide owners with exceptional views of their pond and land. Captured rain water through copper rain chains adds in landscape irrigation.

Photos provided by client
Large transitional open concept dark wood floor family room photo in Cleveland with beige walls, a stone fireplace, a tv stand and a corner fireplace

Klopf Architecture completely remodeled this once dark Eichler house in Palo Alto creating a more open, bright and functional family home. The reconfigured great room with new full height windows and sliding glass doors blends the indoors with the newly landscaped patio and seating areas outside. The former galley kitchen was relocated and was opened up to have clear sight lines through the great room and out to the patios and yard, including a large island and a beautiful walnut bar countertop with seating. An integrated small front addition was added allowing for a more spacious master bath and hall bath layouts. With the removal of the old brick fireplace, larger sliding glass doors and multiple skylights now flood the home with natural light. The goals were to work within the Eichler style while creating a more open, indoor-outdoor flow and functional spaces, as well as a more efficient building envelope including a well insulated roof, providing solutions that many Eichler homeowners appreciate. The original entryway lacked unique details; the clients desired a more gracious front approach. The historic Eichler color palette was used to create a modern updated front facade. Durable grey porcelain floor tiles unify the entire home, creating a continuous flow. They, along with white walls, provide a backdrop for the unique elements and materials to stand on their own, such as the brightly colored mosaic tiles, the walnut bar and furniture, and stained ceiling boards. A secondary living space was extended out to the patio with the addition of a bench and additional seating. This Single family Eichler 4 bedroom 2 bath remodel is located in the heart of the Silicon Valley. Klopf Architecture Project Team: John Klopf, Klara Kevane, and Ethan Taylor Contractor: Coast to Coast Construction Landscape Contractor: Discelli Structural Engineer: Brian Dotson Consulting Engineer Photography ©2018 Mariko Reed Location: Palo Alto, CA Year completed: 2017

Overlooking Semiamhoo Bay, Galadriel is a refined, modern home with the warmth and strength inherently found in West Coast architecture. Textures of natural stone, Douglas fir, glass and steel unify the interior with its geographical setting - surrounded by evergreens and unrestricted views of the ocean. The entrance to the home is accessed by a crossing above a reflecting pool, in which sits a stunning and solitary bonsai which is illuminated from above through an oculus in the roof’s overhang. Expansive outdoor spaces featuring fire features and seating areas are connected by a curved metal staircase set over a blackened steel reflecting pool, adding a graphic element to the rear of the home. Clerestory glazing in an elevated roof area offers an opening into the tree canopy towards the front of the property and allows light to permeate the interior of the home, while full height windows throughout maximize the impressive views. Living spaces throughout provide ample room for entertaining and comfort. Creativity is shown in the many colourful and whimsical accents. The master bedroom features two ensuite baths - a unique request that makes good sense for the owners. Spaces for work, writing and art were given priority reflecting the values and livelihood of our clients. Projecting from a stone clad wall, cantilevered white oak stair treads lead to an extraordinary wine display that incorporates a sculptural component taken as a memento from our client’s work as a producer in the film industry, adding a strong personal dimension. This home reflects a successful collaboration between Peter Hildebrand and Stefan Walsh of Iredale Group Architecture and KBC Developments. Photography by Ema Peter | www.emapeter.com

A very unique outdoor experience. The outdoor home theater system utilizes a surround sound system complete with underground sub woofers and under water speakers for an awesome movie or music experience. When the video isn't in use both the drop down motorized screen and the rear projector is hidden away leaving just the speakers to provide audiophile quality music above or below the water. The automation system also controls a water fountain directly above the motorized screen.

Echoing the same modern classic feel, we chose a wood frame bed in a grayish wood tone and paired that with medium brown nightstands and a dresser with antique brass details. A dark wood framed bench with beige upholstery sits at the end of the bed. Table lamps made of stone and with brass details, provided just the right touch of sophistication to the space. Matching that is a unique brass chandelier. A dark framed mirror with brass accents is placed above the dresser to provide visual appeal and to give lightness to the space. Finally, an area rug with classical elements gives added warmth to the space.

Jason Miller, Pixelate, LTD
Family room - mid-sized traditional look-out carpeted and multicolored floor family room idea in Cleveland with brown walls and no fireplace

Black and White Hexagon tile - Modern, innovative, and timeless all that the same time. These homeowners used our Large Hexagon tile in a gradation from black to grey to white for their shower wall. These hexagon tiles pair great with white subway Tile! Large Hexagon – 11 Deco White, 130 White, 39 London Fog, 956 Smoke N Mirrors, 366 Satin Black

The Clients contacted Cecil Baker + Partners to reconfigure and remodel the top floor of a prominent Philadelphia high-rise into an urban pied-a-terre. The forty-five story apartment building, overlooking Washington Square Park and its surrounding neighborhoods, provided a modern shell for this truly contemporary renovation. Originally configured as three penthouse units, the 8,700 sf interior, as well as 2,500 square feet of terrace space, was to become a single residence with sweeping views of the city in all directions. The Client’s mission was to create a city home for collecting and displaying contemporary glass crafts. Their stated desire was to cast an urban home that was, in itself, a gallery. While they enjoy a very vital family life, this home was targeted to their urban activities - entertainment being a central element. The living areas are designed to be open and to flow into each other, with pockets of secondary functions. At large social events, guests feel free to access all areas of the penthouse, including the master bedroom suite. A main gallery was created in order to house unique, travelling art shows. Stemming from their desire to entertain, the penthouse was built around the need for elaborate food preparation. Cooking would be visible from several entertainment areas with a “show” kitchen, provided for their renowned chef. Secondary preparation and cleaning facilities were tucked away. The architects crafted a distinctive residence that is framed around the gallery experience, while also incorporating softer residential moments. Cecil Baker + Partners embraced every element of the new penthouse design beyond those normally associated with an architect’s sphere, from all material selections, furniture selections, furniture design, and art placement. Barry Halkin and Todd Mason Photography

? Transform your work-from-home experience with our custom home offices, meticulously designed to cater to your unique needs and style preferences! Swipe left to explore a variety of personalized workspaces that combine functionality with elegance, ensuring you stay productive and inspired throughout your day. ?️✨ Each space is crafted with attention to detail, providing ample storage, ergonomic furniture, and a harmonious color palette to create the perfect ambiance for your work hours. Whether you have a compact area or a spacious room, our designs are adaptable to any size, ensuring you make the most out of your available space. ?? Ready to elevate your home office? DM us to start the transformation journey and create a workspace that truly feels like yours! ?? #HomeOffice #CustomDesign #WorkFromHome #Productivity #OfficeSpace #PersonalizedWorkspace #HomeOfficeIdeas #ErgonomicDesign #HomeOfficeInspiration

This walk-in shower combines comfort, safety, and style. The marble-look tile brings in warmth and elegance, while the built-in bench and grab bars make the space easier to use for anyone. Dual shower heads, including a handheld, offer flexibility whether you're rinsing off quickly or enjoying a long soak. The herringbone tile floor adds just the right amount of detail, and the glass walls help the space feel open and inviting.

Front door Entry open to courtyard atrium with Dining Room and Family Room beyond. Photo by Clark Dugger
Inspiration for a large 1960s light wood floor and beige floor foyer remodel in Orange County with white walls and a black front door

Relocating from their home in Brisbane, Australia with ocean views to the Pacific, our clients envisioned a refresh for their new lakefront cottage on Pine Lake in West Bloomfield, Michigan. Completed in July 2024, we created new spaces, reimagined old ones, and even swapped places for a primary bedroom and its en suite bath. Our goal was to create a serene and soothing spa- like experience for the bathroom, all while maintaining gorgeous lake views. But this reconfiguration presented some challenges. The primary bedroom was oversized, while its adjacent bath was tiny and crowded. We completely flipped the locations of the bedroom and bathroom, even rerouting plumbing over the bar in the lower level to accommodate the freestanding tub. To maximize space, we designed large, walk-in dressing pantries that are as functional as they are beautiful, and lead to the large dual custom vanity. The vanity itself is freestanding to provide access for hand towel bath hardware on its sides. The his-and-hers unit contains built-in dividers, laundry hampers and trash pullouts to maximize its function. An enclosed water closet allows for privacy in the open concept bathroom, and is placed beyond the cabinetry. The star of this space is the large enclosed wet room. As the focal point of the bathroom, its oversized tiled walls and deep built-in bench allow for a steam or soaking in the tub while enjoying stunning lake views. The wet room is spacious and serene, and perfect for an end to a Michigan winter day.