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.

A Southwestern inspired kitchen with a mix of painted and stained over glazed cabinets is a true custom masterpiece. Rich details are everywhere combined with thoughtful design make this kitchen more than a showcase, but a great chef's kitchen too.

Beautiful blue tile contemporary bathroom.Our client wanted a serene, calming bathroom. "Zen-like" were her words. Designers: Lauren Jacobsen and Kathy Hartz. Photographer: Terrance Williams

Photography by Tracey Ayton
Large trendy l-shaped porcelain tile and brown floor open concept kitchen photo in Vancouver with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, quartz countertops, white backsplash, porcelain backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and white countertops

Dave Fox Design Build Remodelers This kitchen remodel combined an under-utilized formal dining room and a small, poorly laid-out, kitchen into one large cohesive and functional space. The two furniture-inspired custom islands are great for entertaining; one can be used for socializing, while the other can be utilized for cleaning and prep work. A custom thin brick surround encompasses the professional-grade gas range with additional spice and oil storage while other interesting materials including, honed quartz countertops, glazed thin brick backsplash, and oversized statement lighting complete this gourmet kitchen.

Example of a mid-sized mountain style master beige tile and porcelain tile porcelain tile and beige floor alcove shower design in Sacramento with recessed-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, beige walls, an undermount sink, quartz countertops and a hinged shower door

Photo by Eron Rauch
Kitchen - transitional u-shaped kitchen idea in Los Angeles with shaker cabinets, green cabinets, quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances and a peninsula

The Owners of a home that had been consumed by the moving dunes of Lake Michigan wanted a home that would not only stand the test of aesthetic time, but survive the vicissitudes of the environment. With the assistance of the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality as well as the consulting civil engineer and the City of Grand Haven Zoning Department, a soil stabilization site plan was developed based on raising the new home’s main floor elevation by almost three feet, implementing erosion studies, screen walls and planting indigenous, drought tolerant xeriscaping. The screen walls, as well as the low profile of the home and the use of sand trapping marrum beachgrass all help to create a wind shadow buffer around the home and reduce blowing sand erosion and accretion. The Owners wanted to minimize the stylistic baggage which consumes most “cottage” residences, and with the Architect created a home with simple lines focused on the view and the natural environment. Sustainable energy requirements on a budget directed the design decisions regarding the SIPs panel insulation, energy systems, roof shading, other insulation systems, lighting and detailing. Easily constructed and linear, the home harkens back to mid century modern pavilions with present day environmental sensitivities and harmony with the site. James Yochum

A spacious, L-shaped Maple vanity with Dove finish offers double the amount of storage space. The new Viaterra quartz looks classic and is easy to maintain. Custom-made Ghost Wood mirrors and floating shelves fabricated out of distressed wood and galvanized piping create focal points amongst the clean white selections. Gorgeous Eramosa Ice ceramic tile floors add a splash of silver. The new shower feels much larger even though it’s in the existing footprint. A special shaving niche was placed 6” off the ground. The basketweave tile floor adds some geometric interest in the otherwise clean, white space.

Brighton Cabinetry provided the custom-made cabinets for this stunning kitchen. The clean look is carried over into the counter tops with LG Minuet. The custom-made "X" mullions above the cabinets give the kitchen a unique feature. Dan Krotz, Cabinet Discounters, Inc.

Designer: Vanessa Cook Photographer: Tom Roe
Inspiration for a large industrial master gray tile and porcelain tile porcelain tile and gray floor bathroom remodel in Melbourne with flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, a one-piece toilet, white walls, a vessel sink and quartz countertops

Brantley Photography
Large trendy u-shaped light wood floor eat-in kitchen photo in Miami with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz countertops, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

The wallpaper informed all the choices for this bathroom. We found this Asian toile and had it coated to withstand the moisture. Next came this custom bamboo vanity. It feels like a piece of furniture and the beaded mirror above gives the room a vintage feel. This is truly a place to relax and decompress.

A new storage picture window allows morning light to pour into the space but still provides storage
Example of a mid-sized 1950s l-shaped gray floor kitchen design in Atlanta with a farmhouse sink, flat-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, quartz countertops, gray backsplash, stainless steel appliances, a peninsula and white countertops

Four Brothers LLC
Doorless shower - large industrial master gray tile and porcelain tile porcelain tile and gray floor doorless shower idea in DC Metro with a trough sink, dark wood cabinets, solid surface countertops, gray walls, open cabinets, a two-piece toilet and a hinged shower door

MULTIPLE AWARD WINNING KITCHEN. 2019 Westchester Home Design Awards Best Traditional Kitchen. KBDN magazine Award winner. Houzz Kitchen of the Week January 2019. Kitchen design and cabinetry – Studio Dearborn. This historic colonial in Edgemont NY was home in the 1930s and 40s to the world famous Walter Winchell, gossip commentator. The home underwent a 2 year gut renovation with an addition and relocation of the kitchen, along with other extensive renovations. Cabinetry by Studio Dearborn/Schrocks of Walnut Creek in Rockport Gray; Bluestar range; custom hood; Quartzmaster engineered quartz countertops; Rejuvenation Pendants; Waterstone faucet; Equipe subway tile; Foundryman hardware. Photos, Adam Kane Macchia.

Peter Vanderwarker View towards ocean
Example of a mid-sized 1960s open concept and formal light wood floor and brown floor living room design in Boston with white walls, a stone fireplace, no tv and a two-sided fireplace

Alto Plank in Miletto by Shaw Floors. Alto Plank offers twelve attractive wood designs in varying colors. Its Fold-N-Go Locking system is precision-engineered with the most advanced technology possible-making it easy to use, strong, and durable. Floorte' is also flexible, concealing imperfections of the floor beneath-so less floor prep is needed. And best of all it's WATERPROOF!

Example of a large transitional l-shaped light wood floor eat-in kitchen design in Philadelphia with a farmhouse sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, soapstone countertops, white backsplash, ceramic backsplash, paneled appliances, an island and gray countertops