Holly Hill, a retirement home, whose owner's hobbies are gardening and restoration of classic cars, is nestled into the site contours to maximize views of the lake and minimize impact on the site. Holly Hill is comprised of three wings joined by bridges: A wing facing a master garden to the east, another wing with workshop and a central activity, living, dining wing. Similar to a radiator the design increases the amount of exterior wall maximizing opportunities for natural ventilation during temperate months. Other passive solar design features will include extensive eaves, sheltering porches and high-albedo roofs, as strategies for considerably reducing solar heat gain. Daylighting with clerestories and solar tubes reduce daytime lighting requirements. Ground source geothermal heat pumps and superior to code insulation ensure minimal space conditioning costs. Corten steel siding and concrete foundation walls satisfy client requirements for low maintenance and durability. All light fixtures are LEDs. Open and screened porches are strategically located to allow pleasant outdoor use at any time of day, particular season or, if necessary, insect challenge. Dramatic cantilevers allow the porches to project into the site’s beautiful mixed hardwood tree canopy without damaging root systems. Guest arrive by vehicle with glimpses of the house and grounds through penetrations in the concrete wall enclosing the garden. One parked they are led through a garden composed of pavers, a fountain, benches, sculpture and plants. Views of the lake can be seen through and below the bridges. Primary client goals were a sustainable low-maintenance house, primarily single floor living, orientation to views, natural light to interiors, maximization of individual privacy, creation of a formal outdoor space for gardening, incorporation of a full workshop for cars, generous indoor and outdoor social space for guests and parties.

Jackie and Sean loved the Algonquin neighborhood they lived in with the peaceful neighborhood and the close proximity to work and school. What they didn’t love was how outdated their home had become. With a cramped kitchen and an unused dining room, they decided a remodel was the perfect solution to their problem. They would be able to continue to live in the area they loved, while at the same time they could have the dream home they envisioned. After a thorough search, Jackie came across Advance Design Studio. She was impressed by all of the positive reviews she saw on the internet and saw herself identifying with all of the project stories she saw on the website. Once they met with designer Scott Christensen and owner Todd Jurs, they knew Advance Design was the right company to make their dreams a reality. The project consisted of four main areas: the kitchen/dining/powder room, the laundry room, the master bathroom, and the kid’s bathroom. They wanted to expand the kitchen into the seldom used dining room and add a large island for hosting parties and family gatherings. They also wanted new hardwood flooring throughout the first level. The laundry room needed to be more functional, and all three bathrooms were in dire need of updating. The closed off kitchen was opened up to create a sweeping space between the new eating area and the much larger kitchen. A handsome dry bar complete with a beverage refrigerator and lighted glass door cabinetry makes an elegant transition across from a peninsula area filled with storage. An additional decorative cabinet lighting up elegant dishware through the mullioned glass sits directly across from the drybar. An expansive island was critical to the kitchen plans. Jackie, Sean and Scott worked closely together to create just the right details for their design. They wanted the island to be functional in addition to being the centerpiece of the room. Added storage for the kid’s school supplies was hidden behind cabinet doors so the children could do their schoolwork right at the island, and a microwave drawer glides open with the touch of a finger hidden inconspicuously within the island space. The easy to care for Cambria Britannica Quartz island top with its sweeping grey and white marble look perched atop hand-carved Craftsman corbels was absolutely what they were hoping for, blending both beauty and function perfectly. Adding a nice contrast to the brightness of the quartz and the white cabinetry, Kodiak - Leather granite countertops were used to balance the light and dark tones of the space. Dura Supreme Classic White painted cabinets grace the perimeter, while Maple Poppy Seed stained cabinets with a beautiful soft grey woodgrain were used in the beverage center and island. The two tones compliment the large space balancing it out nicely creating interest and elegance with the simple Craftsman style full overlay doors. A deep warm Barnwood White Oak flooring was added throughout the lower level. The new floor brings additional contrast to the bright kitchen and provides unity with the now open floorplan as it rolls in to the foyer and family room. Final details like the show-stopping lunar like duo light fixtures complete the space and intermix expertly with crisscross details of the glass door mullions, the island bar seating and even accessories in the space. The small cluttered laundry room needed more space and more storage. With a busy family it seemed to overflow daily and did not have anywhere to hide the families “in and out stuff.” Scott designed the new space with a stackable washer and dryer and much more efficiently organized cabinetry. Doing laundry is now (almost!) a pleasure and keeping everyone’s “stuff” hidden, but readily accessible is now a snap. The master bath was not a place where the couple enjoyed spending time getting ready for their day. The tub almost never was used, so removing it made it possible to build an extra-large shower, replacing the small cramped cube of the previous shower they hated. Clean, horizontal lines softly draw your eye around the space with porcelain tile called Driftwood Sea spray. Full overlay cabinetry in a soft white vanity with double sinks makes getting ready for the day much more convenient for the busy couple. Long floor planks made of porcelain tile mimic real hardwood floors in a soft grey to compliment the shower, but with the ease and care of a tile surface. Cambrian Black Granite counters with a matte finish and under mount porcelain sinks with handsome brushed chrome hardware complete the handsome space. A real bonus in any master bath; a custom built in storage nook was tucked in the corner of the space for linens and heavenly storage. The kid’s bath was in sad shape because it was original to the house. To keep the budget in control, the tub which was in great condition was retained, but focus was on the new large brick style porcelain charcoal tile on the floor, crisp white new Craftsman style cabinetry with pretty furniture details on the corner base, a striking granite top with white under mount porcelain sinks and fresh hardware and faucets. Some beautiful soft grey wood mirrors to match mom and dads were custom sized and placed under new lighting, and 4 hooks were smartly arranged down the wall for kids’ towels. This couple was determined not to move, and made their house their dream home. Not only does their home function greatly now, but Jackie says, “When the neighbors come to visit, they’re asking if they can “steal” the design”! The added functionality, elegance, and open floor plan were exactly what this family needed in order to stay. Advance Design Studio, Joe Nowak

Mark Bayer Photography
Kitchen - mid-sized contemporary l-shaped medium tone wood floor kitchen idea in Burlington with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, quartz countertops, beige backsplash, ceramic backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

The shower bathroom floor is a mosaic tile in infinity cosmic that perfectly contrasts with the shower base tile in Metallica Lite Ice. The chrome finishes and glass shelving provide the sleek & exquisite ambiance the client was searching for. The custom raised white finish cabinetry to the far left of the picture give the updated space the stylish organization that was lacking previously. The shower lever had been placed on the opposite side of the pressure balancing shower faucet to create a twist on customary look and feel of most bathroom showers. Copyright 2014 House 2 Home Design & Build

The end of the new island counter is in the same location as the removed wall.
Open concept kitchen - large transitional u-shaped medium tone wood floor open concept kitchen idea in Portland with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartz countertops, white backsplash, glass sheet backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

After an extensive search, the engineers at Jøtul were unable to find many gas inserts that had a clean-faced design. Their solution was the GI 550 gas insert. This model features hidden controls and a “Fire on the Floor” design that offers one of the largest fire viewing areas available. Choose from cast iron or steel front as well as a number of different panel kits that make the Jøtul GI 550 one of the most versatile gas inserts on the market today.

Get the best quality Scan To BIM Services from one of the top CAD services providers in Canada. Silicon Engineering Consultants Canada’s proven CAD expertise and the top searched CAD services provider offer premium BIM services at unbeatable rates across Canada. Our BIM modlers reduce design and on site execution disparities, optimize project logistics, and develop clash free 3D BIM models using the latest BIM software, reducing the time and effort required to coordinate the project and increasing coordination accuracy. We are committed to the success of our clients and to providing high quality services at reasonable prices. Why Choose Our Scan to BIM Services? Low Cost and High Quality Accuracy and Precision Streamlined Workflow Comprehensive BIM Models BIM Interoperability Reduced Project Risks Our services are not limited to St Johns's but we also serve services across Canada with cities like Hamilton, Calgary, Manitoba, Vancouver, Québec City, etc. For more details click on the link below: https://www.siliconec.ca/building-information-modelling/scan-to-bim-services.html

Wall to Wall Niche is a great way to bring your gorgeous accent tile front and center! A Engineered Quartz sill White subway tile and brushed Nickel finish tie it all together. Small pops of color from the custom mirrors and floating shelves enchant the space further while the dark painted inset cabinets ground it all.

House hunting for the perfect home is never easy. Our recent clients decided to make the search a bit easier by enlisting the help of Sharer Design Group to help locate the best “canvas” for their new home. After narrowing down their list, our designers visited several prospective homes to determine each property’s potential for our clients’ design vision. Once the home was selected, the Sharer Design Group team began the task of turning the canvas into art. The entire home was transformed from top to bottom into a modern, updated space that met the vision and needs of our clients. The kitchen was updated using custom Sharer Cabinetry with perimeter cabinets painted a custom grey-beige color. The enlarged center island, in a contrasting dark paint color, was designed to allow for additional seating. Gray Quartz countertops, a glass subway tile backsplash and a stainless steel hood and appliances finish the cool, transitional feel of the room. The powder room features a unique custom Sharer Cabinetry floating vanity in a dark paint with a granite countertop and vessel sink. Sharer Cabinetry was also used in the laundry room to help maximize storage options, along with the addition of a large broom closet. New wood flooring and carpet was installed throughout the entire home to finish off the dramatic transformation. While finding the perfect home isn’t easy, our clients were able to create the dream home they envisioned, with a little help from Sharer Design Group.

Example of a large beach style l-shaped porcelain tile and brown floor open concept kitchen design in Other with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz countertops, white backsplash, porcelain backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

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.

This Kitchen features beautiful Showplace Cabinetry throughout. The cabinetry features mainly Covington style doors with a few Summit style accents. Each is hand crafted from solid Rustic Alder and finished in a coffee stain. This kitchen also features pure quartz countertops by Cambria in their Bradshaw design. Showplace Cabinetry: Door Style: Covington with Summit accents | Species: Rustic Alder | Finish: Coffee Cambria surfaces: Finish: Bradshaw Photos: http://theuntamedmouse.com

Example of a large transitional l-shaped dark wood floor and brown floor kitchen design in Houston with recessed-panel cabinets, an island, an undermount sink, gray cabinets, quartz countertops, gray backsplash, ceramic backsplash and stainless steel appliances

The shower bathroom floor is a mosaic tile in infinity cosmic that perfectly contrasts with the shower base tile in Metallica Lite Ice. The chrome finishes and glass shelving provide the sleek & exquisite ambiance the client was searching for. The custom raised white finish cabinetry to the far left of the picture give the updated space the stylish organization that was lacking previously. The shower lever had been placed on the opposite side of the pressure balancing shower faucet to create a twist on customary look and feel of most bathroom showers. Copyright 2014 House 2 Home Design & Build

The shower bathroom floor is a mosaic tile in infinity cosmic that perfectly contrasts with the shower base tile in Metallica Lite Ice. The chrome finishes and glass shelving provide the sleek & exquisite ambiance the client was searching for. The custom raised white finish cabinetry to the far left of the picture give the updated space the stylish organization that was lacking previously. The shower lever had been placed on the opposite side of the pressure balancing shower faucet to create a twist on customary look and feel of most bathroom showers. Copyright 2014 House 2 Home Design & Build

The shower bathroom floor is a mosaic tile in infinity cosmic that perfectly contrasts with the shower base tile in Metallica Lite Ice. The chrome finishes and glass shelving provide the sleek & exquisite ambiance the client was searching for. The custom raised white finish cabinetry to the far left of the picture give the updated space the stylish organization that was lacking previously. The shower lever had been placed on the opposite side of the pressure balancing shower faucet to create a twist on customary look and feel of most bathroom showers. Copyright 2014 House 2 Home Design & Build

The custom vanity and recessed medicine cabinets use symmetry to infuse a sense of tradition into the layout. Balance, spacing and repetition were carefully considered at the sconce placement, medicine cabinets and sink layout.

Island blues! We love the navy blue island and family room cabinetry in the newly remodeled kitchen and family room. The wall separating the kitchen and family room was removed creating space for a large oversized island with seating for six The shaker cabinets around the perimeter of the kitchen are painted taupe. Brass cabinet hardware and lighting are mixed expertly with stainless steel appliances. White engineered quartz countertops look beautiful and most importantly, they are extremely durable. The pièce de résistance is the hand-painted navy and white clay backsplash tile. Design credit: Melanie Belew with Belew Design Studio.

Kitchen - transitional single-wall kitchen idea in Other with raised-panel cabinets, green cabinets and quartz countertops