We purchased this lot with an existing duplex and plans for a large addition, which transformed the property into a large 3,600 square foot “main house” with a huge roof-top deck and a 800 square foot attached guest house. We focused primarily on the interior and exterior design, given the constraints of existing architectural plans. In the main house, we used rich natural materials and color palettes throughout, while creating a uniqueness to each space. Walnut is used generously, from the solid wood floors and custom live-edge bar, to the master vanity and feature wall. The stairs are also entirely clad in walnut to create the illusion of solid wood blocks that are dramatically separated with metal railings spanning the entire height of the 3-story stairway tower. On the exterior, teak decking creates seamless transitions from interior to exterior living spaces and contrast perfectly with the natural limestone that clads the tower and the barbeque area. We purposely created a more playful vibe in the guest house, a sun-drenched happy space with vaulted ceilings and skylights, and a more casual yet contrasting color palette of blue-grey, black and white.

After purchasing her first home in the burgeoning area of southeast DC, a savvy homeowner sought our expertise to further enhance her investment. Recognizing the potential for increased property value through landscape development, she commissioned us to craft a multifaceted outdoor space. Our design incorporated a sleek patio, an elegant outdoor kitchen equipped for gourmet alfresco dining, and a cozy outdoor lounge area, perfect for both relaxation and entertainment. By transforming her outdoor space, we didn't just provide her with a beautiful retreat; we strategically invested in elevating her home's value in the rapidly developing neighborhood.

After purchasing her first home in the burgeoning area of southeast DC, a savvy homeowner sought our expertise to further enhance her investment. Recognizing the potential for increased property value through landscape development, she commissioned us to craft a multifaceted outdoor space. Our design incorporated a sleek patio, an elegant outdoor kitchen equipped for gourmet alfresco dining, and a cozy outdoor lounge area, perfect for both relaxation and entertainment. By transforming her outdoor space, we didn't just provide her with a beautiful retreat; we strategically invested in elevating her home's value in the rapidly developing neighborhood.

In early 2023, we completed a stunning full home renovation in East Toronto. Our clients had purchased this delightful 1930s home several years earlier and were keen to update its look while creating a more functional basement. We undertook a comprehensive transformation, underpinning the basement to increase its height from 6 feet to 8 feet and redesigning the layout to include a 3-piece guest bathroom. The entire home underwent significant changes, including re-leveling the main floor joists to correct a sinking kitchen floor. Upstairs, we expanded the bathroom to accommodate a double vanity and a luxurious tub. We also modernized the home by converting the heating system from an outdated hydronic setup to central heating, upgrading the electrical panel to a 200-amp service, and completely rewiring the property. The renovation was completed with a mix of classic and contemporary finishes, such as hand-scraped flooring and herringbone tiles in the bathrooms, adding a touch of elegance to the home.

In early 2023, we completed a stunning full home renovation in East Toronto. Our clients had purchased this delightful 1930s home several years earlier and were keen to update its look while creating a more functional basement. We undertook a comprehensive transformation, underpinning the basement to increase its height from 6 feet to 8 feet and redesigning the layout to include a 3-piece guest bathroom. The entire home underwent significant changes, including re-leveling the main floor joists to correct a sinking kitchen floor. Upstairs, we expanded the bathroom to accommodate a double vanity and a luxurious tub. We also modernized the home by converting the heating system from an outdated hydronic setup to central heating, upgrading the electrical panel to a 200-amp service, and completely rewiring the property. The renovation was completed with a mix of classic and contemporary finishes, such as hand-scraped flooring and herringbone tiles in the bathrooms, adding a touch of elegance to the home.

This 1930's Barrington Hills farmhouse was in need of some TLC when it was purchased by this southern family of five who planned to make it their new home. The renovation taken on by Advance Design Studio's designer Scott Christensen and master carpenter Justin Davis included a custom porch, custom built in cabinetry in the living room and children's bedrooms, 2 children's on-suite baths, a guest powder room, a fabulous new master bath with custom closet and makeup area, a new upstairs laundry room, a workout basement, a mud room, new flooring and custom wainscot stairs with planked walls and ceilings throughout the home. The home's original mechanicals were in dire need of updating, so HVAC, plumbing and electrical were all replaced with newer materials and equipment. A dramatic change to the exterior took place with the addition of a quaint standing seam metal roofed farmhouse porch perfect for sipping lemonade on a lazy hot summer day. In addition to the changes to the home, a guest house on the property underwent a major transformation as well. Newly outfitted with updated gas and electric, a new stacking washer/dryer space was created along with an updated bath complete with a glass enclosed shower, something the bath did not previously have. A beautiful kitchenette with ample cabinetry space, refrigeration and a sink was transformed as well to provide all the comforts of home for guests visiting at the classic cottage retreat. The biggest design challenge was to keep in line with the charm the old home possessed, all the while giving the family all the convenience and efficiency of modern functioning amenities. One of the most interesting uses of material was the porcelain "wood-looking" tile used in all the baths and most of the home's common areas. All the efficiency of porcelain tile, with the nostalgic look and feel of worn and weathered hardwood floors. The home’s casual entry has an 8" rustic antique barn wood look porcelain tile in a rich brown to create a warm and welcoming first impression. Painted distressed cabinetry in muted shades of gray/green was used in the powder room to bring out the rustic feel of the space which was accentuated with wood planked walls and ceilings. Fresh white painted shaker cabinetry was used throughout the rest of the rooms, accentuated by bright chrome fixtures and muted pastel tones to create a calm and relaxing feeling throughout the home. Custom cabinetry was designed and built by Advance Design specifically for a large 70” TV in the living room, for each of the children’s bedroom’s built in storage, custom closets, and book shelves, and for a mudroom fit with custom niches for each family member by name. The ample master bath was fitted with double vanity areas in white. A generous shower with a bench features classic white subway tiles and light blue/green glass accents, as well as a large free standing soaking tub nestled under a window with double sconces to dim while relaxing in a luxurious bath. A custom classic white bookcase for plush towels greets you as you enter the sanctuary bath.

--AFTER-- Blogger, teacher and renovator Kelly-Anne Rush is no stranger to DIY remodels. So when she found out that her cousin had recently purchased a property that was in need of some work, she found a way to help. One of the first things that the home needed redone was the bathroom floor, so Kelly-Anne worked with Allure to find the best solution for her relative’s flooring needs! Before selecting which direction to go for her cousin’s flooring, Kelly-Anne thought about her previous experience with Allure. “​When I renovated my bathroom last year, I wanted a product for the floors that looked like wood but was water resistant and durable. After doing a lot of research, I chose Allure,” she said. “In addition to the durability, the other great part about this type of flooring is that it’s so easy to install!” The property that Kelly-Anne was working on was originally built in the 1900’s, and was in need of some modernization. Kelly-Anne and her cousin had also decided on a coastal theme for the bathroom that incorporated oceanic colors. After browsing Allure’s online catalogue, they found the perfect floor for their bathroom: ​Allure Durban Oak Luxury Plank Flooring​. Kelly-Anne selected the flooring because it matched the color palette of her coastal theme, while also adding a more modern feel to the bathroom. Once they had chosen their floor, the final step was installation. “My cousin’s girlfriend installed the vinyl planking in their bathroom all by herself in a day without any previous renovation experience,” Kelly-Anne said of the installation process. “When I first walked into the space after they were finished renovating, I was so impressed! They did such a great job and certainly had such a feeling of accomplishment from tackling this renovation all by themselves!”

After purchasing her first home in the burgeoning area of southeast DC, a savvy homeowner sought our expertise to further enhance her investment. Recognizing the potential for increased property value through landscape development, she commissioned us to craft a multifaceted outdoor space. Our design incorporated a sleek patio, an elegant outdoor kitchen equipped for gourmet alfresco dining, and a cozy outdoor lounge area, perfect for both relaxation and entertainment. By transforming her outdoor space, we didn't just provide her with a beautiful retreat; we strategically invested in elevating her home's value in the rapidly developing neighborhood.

After purchasing her first home in the burgeoning area of southeast DC, a savvy homeowner sought our expertise to further enhance her investment. Recognizing the potential for increased property value through landscape development, she commissioned us to craft a multifaceted outdoor space. Our design incorporated a sleek patio, an elegant outdoor kitchen equipped for gourmet alfresco dining, and a cozy outdoor lounge area, perfect for both relaxation and entertainment. By transforming her outdoor space, we didn't just provide her with a beautiful retreat; we strategically invested in elevating her home's value in the rapidly developing neighborhood.

We purchased this lot with an existing duplex and plans for a large addition, which transformed the property into a large 3,600 square foot “main house” with a huge roof-top deck and a 800 square foot attached guest house. We focused primarily on the interior and exterior design, given the constraints of existing architectural plans. In the main house, we used rich natural materials and color palettes throughout, while creating a uniqueness to each space. Walnut is used generously, from the solid wood floors and custom live-edge bar, to the master vanity and feature wall. The stairs are also entirely clad in walnut to create the illusion of solid wood blocks that are dramatically separated with metal railings spanning the entire height of the 3-story stairway tower. On the exterior, teak decking creates seamless transitions from interior to exterior living spaces and contrast perfectly with the natural limestone that clads the tower and the barbeque area. We purposely created a more playful vibe in the guest house, a sun-drenched happy space with vaulted ceilings and skylights, and a more casual yet contrasting color palette of blue-grey, black and white.

--AFTER-- Blogger, teacher and renovator Kelly-Anne Rush is no stranger to DIY remodels. So when she found out that her cousin had recently purchased a property that was in need of some work, she found a way to help. One of the first things that the home needed redone was the bathroom floor, so Kelly-Anne worked with Allure to find the best solution for her relative’s flooring needs! Before selecting which direction to go for her cousin’s flooring, Kelly-Anne thought about her previous experience with Allure. “​When I renovated my bathroom last year, I wanted a product for the floors that looked like wood but was water resistant and durable. After doing a lot of research, I chose Allure,” she said. “In addition to the durability, the other great part about this type of flooring is that it’s so easy to install!” The property that Kelly-Anne was working on was originally built in the 1900’s, and was in need of some modernization. Kelly-Anne and her cousin had also decided on a coastal theme for the bathroom that incorporated oceanic colors. After browsing Allure’s online catalogue, they found the perfect floor for their bathroom: ​Allure Durban Oak Luxury Plank Flooring​. Kelly-Anne selected the flooring because it matched the color palette of her coastal theme, while also adding a more modern feel to the bathroom. Once they had chosen their floor, the final step was installation. “My cousin’s girlfriend installed the vinyl planking in their bathroom all by herself in a day without any previous renovation experience,” Kelly-Anne said of the installation process. “When I first walked into the space after they were finished renovating, I was so impressed! They did such a great job and certainly had such a feeling of accomplishment from tackling this renovation all by themselves!”

In early 2023, we completed a stunning full home renovation in East Toronto. Our clients had purchased this delightful 1930s home several years earlier and were keen to update its look while creating a more functional basement. We undertook a comprehensive transformation, underpinning the basement to increase its height from 6 feet to 8 feet and redesigning the layout to include a 3-piece guest bathroom. The entire home underwent significant changes, including re-leveling the main floor joists to correct a sinking kitchen floor. Upstairs, we expanded the bathroom to accommodate a double vanity and a luxurious tub. We also modernized the home by converting the heating system from an outdated hydronic setup to central heating, upgrading the electrical panel to a 200-amp service, and completely rewiring the property. The renovation was completed with a mix of classic and contemporary finishes, such as hand-scraped flooring and herringbone tiles in the bathrooms, adding a touch of elegance to the home.

In early 2023, we completed a stunning full home renovation in East Toronto. Our clients had purchased this delightful 1930s home several years earlier and were keen to update its look while creating a more functional basement. We undertook a comprehensive transformation, underpinning the basement to increase its height from 6 feet to 8 feet and redesigning the layout to include a 3-piece guest bathroom. The entire home underwent significant changes, including re-leveling the main floor joists to correct a sinking kitchen floor. Upstairs, we expanded the bathroom to accommodate a double vanity and a luxurious tub. We also modernized the home by converting the heating system from an outdated hydronic setup to central heating, upgrading the electrical panel to a 200-amp service, and completely rewiring the property. The renovation was completed with a mix of classic and contemporary finishes, such as hand-scraped flooring and herringbone tiles in the bathrooms, adding a touch of elegance to the home.

In early 2023, we completed a stunning full home renovation in East Toronto. Our clients had purchased this delightful 1930s home several years earlier and were keen to update its look while creating a more functional basement. We undertook a comprehensive transformation, underpinning the basement to increase its height from 6 feet to 8 feet and redesigning the layout to include a 3-piece guest bathroom. The entire home underwent significant changes, including re-leveling the main floor joists to correct a sinking kitchen floor. Upstairs, we expanded the bathroom to accommodate a double vanity and a luxurious tub. We also modernized the home by converting the heating system from an outdated hydronic setup to central heating, upgrading the electrical panel to a 200-amp service, and completely rewiring the property. The renovation was completed with a mix of classic and contemporary finishes, such as hand-scraped flooring and herringbone tiles in the bathrooms, adding a touch of elegance to the home.

Another fun Crestview project! This young couple wanted a back yard that reflected their bohemian-eclectic style and could add additional privacy from the ever climbing construction around them. A place for “hanging out and drinking coffee or beer in the backyard.” But what was most exciting, was the air stream they had just purchased and were in the process of restoring. With the end goal of using it as a guest home for family and friends, we were challenged with creating a space that was cohesive and connected this new living space with the rest of the yard. In the front we had another quark to fix. The sidewalk from their front door to the street suddenly stopped 5 feet from the curb, making a less than inviting entry for guests. So, creating a new usable entryway with additional curb appeal was a top priority. We managed the entertainment space by using modern poured concrete pad’s as a focal. A poured concrete wall serves as a bench as well as creates a visual anchor for the patio area. To soften the hard materials, small plantings of succulents and ground cover were planted in the spaces between the pads. For a backdrop, a custom Cedar Plank wall and trellis combined to soften the vertical space and add plenty of privacy. The trellis is anchored by a Coral Vine to add interest. Cafe style lighting was strung across the area create a sense of intimacy. We also completed the fence transition, and eliminated the grass areas that were not being utilized to reduce the amount of water waste in the landscape, and replaced these areas with beneficial plantings for the wildlife. Overall, this landscape was completed with a cohesive Austin-friendly design in mind for these busy young professionals! Caleb Kerr - http://www.calebkerr.com

Built in the 1950s, this rambler housed a dark, cramped galley kitchen only 6’ x 20’. A later addition added more space, but wasn’t optimally designed. So, when they purchased the property, the new owners did so with the intent of gutting and remodeling the first floor. The goal of the renovation was to create a functional, dedicated kitchen and dining room space while keeping many of the home’s historic touches. The first step was to remove the bearing wall between kitchen and living room and install a structural beam to create a seamless connection between the two spaces. A large center island was designed to be the focal point of the space, complete with a new farm sink and room to serve four or more people. A professional range with a stylish wooden hood was installed and custom cabinets wrap around the entire kitchen to provide plenty of storage. Meanwhile, a custom-built hutch was installed in the dining room area, as was a butler’s pantry, to add more flair to the project. A timeless tile backsplash was installed to spruce up the soft color granite top which was carefully selected to harmonize with cabinet and floor color schemes. The lighting was revamped and redesigned for entire space, including a couple of hanging pendants over the island. Wide plank distressed hardwood flooring was installed all over the kitchen and dining room to maintain the integrity of historic look. With all new appliances, linen-stained maple cabinetry and distressed wood Island, old world hickory floor and more, this project moved from its dysfunctional status to fun and funky.

Latch hardware in upper cabinets.
Inspiration for a mid-sized craftsman u-shaped medium tone wood floor eat-in kitchen remodel in San Francisco with a single-bowl sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartz countertops, green backsplash, ceramic backsplash, stainless steel appliances and a peninsula

This stunning combination of native coneflower and beebalm attract polinators of all sorts - butterflies, hummingbirds, moths and bees... Echinacea purpurea 'Magnus' - Purple coneflower USDA Zones 3-9 Monarda 'Raspberry Wine' - Bee balm - USDA Zones 3-8 Austin Ganim Landscape Design, LLC

This gem of a house was built in the 1950s, when its neighborhood undoubtedly felt remote. The university footprint has expanded in the 70 years since, however, and today this home sits on prime real estate—easy biking and reasonable walking distance to campus. When it went up for sale in 2017, it was largely unaltered. Our clients purchased it to renovate and resell, and while we all knew we'd need to add square footage to make it profitable, we also wanted to respect the neighborhood and the house’s own history. Swedes have a word that means “just the right amount”: lagom. It is a guiding philosophy for us at SYH, and especially applied in this renovation. Part of the soul of this house was about living in just the right amount of space. Super sizing wasn’t a thing in 1950s America. So, the solution emerged: keep the original rectangle, but add an L off the back. With no owner to design with and for, SYH created a layout to appeal to the masses. All public spaces are the back of the home--the new addition that extends into the property’s expansive backyard. A den and four smallish bedrooms are atypically located in the front of the house, in the original 1500 square feet. Lagom is behind that choice: conserve space in the rooms where you spend most of your time with your eyes shut. Put money and square footage toward the spaces in which you mostly have your eyes open. In the studio, we started calling this project the Mullet Ranch—business up front, party in the back. The front has a sleek but quiet effect, mimicking its original low-profile architecture street-side. It’s very Hoosier of us to keep appearances modest, we think. But get around to the back, and surprise! lofted ceilings and walls of windows. Gorgeous.