Designed for entertaining and family gatherings, the open floor plan connects the different levels of the home to outdoor living spaces. A private patio to the side of the home is connected to both levels by a mid-level entrance on the stairway. This access to the private outdoor living area provides a step outside of the traditional condominium lifestyle into a new desirable, high-end stand-alone condominium.

With the original, unfinished laundry room located in the enclosed porch with plywood subflooring and bare shiplap on the walls, our client was ready for a change. To create a functional size laundry/utility room, Blackline Renovations repurposed part of the enclosed porch and slightly expanded into the original kitchen footprint. With a small space to work with, form and function was paramount. Blackline Renovations’ creative solution involved carefully designing an efficient layout with accessible storage. The laundry room was thus designed with floor-to-ceiling cabinetry and a stacked washer/dryer to provide enough space for a folding station and drying area. The lower cabinet beneath the drying area was even customized to conceal and store a cat litter box. Every square inch was wisely utilized to maximize this small space.

Updating historic John Hudson Thomas-designed Berkeley bungalow to modern code. Remodel designed by Lorin Hill, Architect included adding an interior stair to provide access to new second-story bedroom with ensuite bath. Main floor renovation included new kitchen, bath as well as bringing all services up to code. Project involved extensive use of traditional materials and craftsmanship.

The extended counter will be home to future stools. The slight curve of the counter provide more splash space from the sink and improves conversation among the seated people.

Clean, sophisticated panels serve as acoustical treatments as well as sliding doors that hide access to the recreation/gaming area. Plush, black leather Fortress seating provides 8 seats plus bar seating.

Challenges were many, but with clients ready to make it happen we went to work. The sloping back yard required two retaining walls that provided a perfect home for the poolscape. Color was a must, and waterfalls were desired. Existing woodland at the back of the property were used to create a beautiful natural back drop for this new living area. The deck was modified to create easy access, and the security fencing was designed to be hidden while in the poolscape.

We removed an awkwardly shaped walk in pantry with 2 cabinet pantries. One is for food and the other for small appliances and larger bakeware. This storage is more accessible and creates a fluid design for the appliance wall. The large island in this kitchen serves as a gathering and dining space for family and friends. Ample storage and work surface provide the home owners a highly functioning kitchen. The tall crown molding is beautiful and functional with HVAC tucked inside and pendant lights by Visual Comfort add a touch of modern luxury to this traditionally based kitchen.

Inspiration for a small contemporary vinyl floor and gray floor staircase remodel in San Diego with white walls and a blue front door

Example of a minimalist staircase design in Atlanta

Missoni Arianna New Zealand wool carpet installed for a client in Newport Beach.
Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional carpeted straight metal railing staircase remodel in Orange County with carpeted risers

The pool platform is strategically located a half flight down from the veranda level to create better connectivity to the main floor. This platform was also pulled away from the house to allow natural light to penetrate the basement level which contains adjoining spaces for family life such as the spa and TV room. Flying stairs provide wide access to the pool level and help define a stone veneered exterior corridor beneath the basement periphery. Photography by Sam Gray.

Offering lots of storage room and natural light, the CRAFTSMAN makes a great workshop or gardener’s haven. The higher roof pitch and craftsman style brackets add elegance; the additional single door provides convenience. But it’s the craftsman-style dormer with transom that really raises this model above the ordinary. The Craftsman has a beautiful roof that allows more light into the space. The extra door makes this a great model when you need easy access to the space. This has been a great option for people who needed: workshops, potting sheds, and pool houses as well

A farmhouse laundry sink adds charm and is perfect for soaking clothes - and for washing the homeowner's small dog. A combination of closed and open storage creates visual interest while providing easy access to items used most.

New front entry garden from clean slate to low maintenance drought tolerant planting, Access provided at parkway for parked visitors. Additional side yard access to backyard for guests and gardeners with flagstone steppers and steps. Replanted adjacent neighbors side of front slope to blend easy care landscape and allow easy access to vehicles on driveway with low maintenance drought tolerant complimentary plants.

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.

Tub to walk-in shower conversion completed in a condominium bathroom to improve accessibility and functionality for an elderly homeowner. The project included full demolition of the existing bathtub and installation of a new walk-in shower using the Schluter waterproofing system to ensure long-term protection against moisture. The new shower features a built-in bench seat for comfort, a recessed niche for storage, and modern tile finishes. New plumbing fixtures were installed along with a sliding glass shower door to provide a clean and contemporary appearance. The remodel improved safety, accessibility, and overall comfort while maintaining a modern design.

The backyard in this Dunwoody, GA residence presented several challenges, including failing cinder block walls, unsafe steps, and an aging deck. These issues rendered the space largely unusable and created drainage problems, limiting both safety and functionality for the homeowners. Our team addressed these issues by removing all existing structures and undertaking a comprehensive rebuild. This involved regrading the area for proper drainage, constructing new retaining walls, and installing integrated steps for safe access throughout the yard. Multiple paver patios were also installed to create defined entertaining areas. The outcome is a safe and highly functional outdoor living space in Dunwoody. The new retaining walls provide essential structural support, the drainage system manages stormwater effectively, and the integrated patios and walkways offer inviting areas for recreation and access.

House awning covered natural stone paver staircases and landings.
Example of a slate u-shaped metal railing staircase design in Seattle with slate risers

Created from a jumble of bedrooms and cramped ancillary spaces, this now fifty-foot open concept kitchen, dining, and family room is the epitome of modern living. The raised ceilings in the dining and family rooms clearly define the spaces, while customized sliding glass doors and windows provide natural light and direct access to a large side yard. | Photography by Atlantic Archives