Search results for "Separated couples" in Home Design Ideas

Our clients were an energetic and outgoing couple that loved life, laughter and their family including two well-loved Dachshund dogs.
Their home on a lushly treed cul de sac in Manor Park boasts plenty of character, with pockets of rooms devoted to their artistic and musical passions.
As a trained chef, the husband proudly and naturally commanded the lions share of the kitchen, leaving little room for his wife’s love of baking and crafting. Fine food, good wine and a myriad of guitars are at the root of their impromptu and casual
gatherings.
The original design request was to update the kitchen in functionality and
appearance. With one look at the adjacent space which was not visible to the kitchen but commanded a stunning view with south facing windows - and this project morphed into combining two separate spaces into one.
We opened up the kitchen to incorporate the sunroom and create one large open
concept sun-filled happy space with direct access to the rear yard and seating areas. The kitchen was designed to act as one space with clearly delineated zones, where each person could cook autonomously while being together. Additionally, we maintained a soft seating lounge area and a desk for crafting in natural light.
At the heart of the kitchen is a 6’ x 8’ solid black cherry island which serves as the
social hub for gatherings. We used different materials and textures in each zone to clearly represent the two uniquely individual and dynamic personalities of this
couple. A black and white glass mosaic tile backsplash speaks to the glass fused
hobby that is created in the same space while creating a dramatic statement of a
playful artistic expression.
The custom designed wine niches introduce abstract rectilinear forms. The use of
rich materials, two-toned cabinets, custom floating black cherry shelving and a
classic colour palette of black and white act as a backdrop or canvas, which intentionally allows room for each personal expression to shine.
We doubled the storage capacity within the kitchen which is still discreet and still allows for an abundance of glass front interior lit cabinets to showcase their treasured collections.

ThinkGreen LLC http://www.thinkgreenllc.com
2014 PLNA Awards for Landscape Excellence Winner
Category: Residential $30,000-$60,000
Award Level: Gold
Project Description:
Located in the residential area near the Philadelphia Art Museum, this project was
Philadelphia’s first Platinum LEED rated row home. The available outdoor space in any major
metropolitan area is typically limited. The client was dedicated to increasing the amount of
available outdoor space for entertaining and planting. The sustainable efforts that went into the
interior renovations were continued in the exterior spaces with a series of green roof gardens.
The lower level terrace features two separate spaces it was the largest. Directly out the glass
rear doors of the house is a paved area using local materials that have high albedo. A couple of
stairs down leads to a seating area surrounded by River Birch, ferns, and vines such as Virginia
Creeper and Trumpet Honeysuckle which create a screen from the neighbor’ s yard. The
second level garden is an extensive roof garden with approximately fifteen inches of soils. The
space was planted with a variety of native meadow plants such as Purple Coneflower and
Beardstongue, and Switchgrass. Fruit trees were planted in several corten steel containers. After
a couple of years the client decided he wanted more use of the space so the meadow was
thinned out and a path to the end was installed as well as creeping sedums in between the
steppers. A spiral stair case leads to the upper level garden. When you reach the top of the
stairs in the summer months a vegetable garden full of tomatoes, eggplant, and peppers thrives
in planting boxes. Beyond the garden is another seating area. At the front end of the building a
line of Eastern Red Cedars is planted to create a privacy wall from the neighbors across the
street.
The plant palette is predominately native species that can withstand the tough conditions of the
limited soil depth and the heat of the sun. Plants such as Bee Balm, Prickly Pear, and Wild
Petunia have done exceptionally well on the green roof. When needed they can be irrigated
using the house’s grey water system. In addition the benefits the roof gardens provide for the
heating and cooling systems make this house and it’s landscape intimately linked together.
Photo Credit:
Thinkgreen LLC

Our clients were an energetic and outgoing couple that loved life, laughter and their family including two well-loved Dachshund dogs.
Their home on a lushly treed cul de sac in Manor Park boasts plenty of character, with pockets of rooms devoted to their artistic and musical passions.
As a trained chef, the husband proudly and naturally commanded the lions share of the kitchen, leaving little room for his wife’s love of baking and crafting. Fine food, good wine and a myriad of guitars are at the root of their impromptu and casual
gatherings.
The original design request was to update the kitchen in functionality and
appearance. With one look at the adjacent space which was not visible to the kitchen but commanded a stunning view with south facing windows - and this project morphed into combining two separate spaces into one.
We opened up the kitchen to incorporate the sunroom and create one large open
concept sun-filled happy space with direct access to the rear yard and seating areas. The kitchen was designed to act as one space with clearly delineated zones, where each person could cook autonomously while being together. Additionally, we maintained a soft seating lounge area and a desk for crafting in natural light.
At the heart of the kitchen is a 6’ x 8’ solid black cherry island which serves as the
social hub for gatherings. We used different materials and textures in each zone to clearly represent the two uniquely individual and dynamic personalities of this
couple. A black and white glass mosaic tile backsplash speaks to the glass fused
hobby that is created in the same space while creating a dramatic statement of a
playful artistic expression.
The custom designed wine niches introduce abstract rectilinear forms. The use of
rich materials, two-toned cabinets, custom floating black cherry shelving and a
classic colour palette of black and white act as a backdrop or canvas, which intentionally allows room for each personal expression to shine.
We doubled the storage capacity within the kitchen which is still discreet and still allows for an abundance of glass front interior lit cabinets to showcase their treasured collections.
Find the right local pro for your project

Our clients were an energetic and outgoing couple that loved life, laughter and their family including two well-loved Dachshund dogs.
Their home on a lushly treed cul de sac in Manor Park boasts plenty of character, with pockets of rooms devoted to their artistic and musical passions.
As a trained chef, the husband proudly and naturally commanded the lions share of the kitchen, leaving little room for his wife’s love of baking and crafting. Fine food, good wine and a myriad of guitars are at the root of their impromptu and casual
gatherings.
The original design request was to update the kitchen in functionality and
appearance. With one look at the adjacent space which was not visible to the kitchen but commanded a stunning view with south facing windows - and this project morphed into combining two separate spaces into one.
We opened up the kitchen to incorporate the sunroom and create one large open
concept sun-filled happy space with direct access to the rear yard and seating areas. The kitchen was designed to act as one space with clearly delineated zones, where each person could cook autonomously while being together. Additionally, we maintained a soft seating lounge area and a desk for crafting in natural light.
At the heart of the kitchen is a 6’ x 8’ solid black cherry island which serves as the
social hub for gatherings. We used different materials and textures in each zone to clearly represent the two uniquely individual and dynamic personalities of this
couple. A black and white glass mosaic tile backsplash speaks to the glass fused
hobby that is created in the same space while creating a dramatic statement of a
playful artistic expression.
The custom designed wine niches introduce abstract rectilinear forms. The use of
rich materials, two-toned cabinets, custom floating black cherry shelving and a
classic colour palette of black and white act as a backdrop or canvas, which intentionally allows room for each personal expression to shine.
We doubled the storage capacity within the kitchen which is still discreet and still allows for an abundance of glass front interior lit cabinets to showcase their treasured collections.

This Virginia couple recently moved into a five-acre lot in Haymarket, VA with the expectation of adding an in-law suite to the right side of their home.
The addition provides complete independence, with its own garage, secondary garage/storage space with built-in ramp, workshop, a master suite and closet, an aging-in-place bathroom, kitchen, and a main living area, along with a front porch overlooking the front of the home.
This couple wanted to maintain the exterior integrity with a seamless connection between the interior and exterior of the home. Matching the front gables, stone and siding fronts, replicating the fascia, windows and doors, garage doors and other details.
The front porch leads to the front door of the main living and kitchen area towards the rear portion. A side door leads into the mudroom and existing home.
The rear side includes a master bedroom suite which leads towards twelve feet of French doors on the back deck of the existing home, connecting the new deck to the existing porch. A large closet space with built-ins is placed just off the bedroom and connects to the master bathroom suite. This bathroom is equipped with large walk-in shower, frameless glass door, a soaking tub, beautiful tile setting, and double vanity space giving the luxury one needs.
The lead staircase connects the upstairs level to the basement level, which includes one multipurpose room, second garage, storage and a workshop. Lots of windows and doors allow plenty of daylight to enter this addition. Outside of the French doors, one can walk onto the basketball court and soccer.
Every element of the existing home was replicated for this addition such as, matching cabinetry, trim work, 10 foot ceiling, wide size wood plank, granite countertops and much more.
The front garage provides direct access from driveway and the interior ramp serves as a walkway.
This family is delighted to have their loved one living just few steps away from them.

We used translucent glass, mirrors and windows to invite a deeper look into the space. To balance this complex layering of architectural elements, we opted for repeated geometric forms and an understated material palette.
White walls form a quiet backdrop for the rich teak cabinetry and bold modern art. An 8-foot-long custom concrete countertop with integrated dual sinks anchors the space with its earth tone and sculptural feel. Handmade tiles add to the room’s warmth with their natural color variations and pleasant tactile quality. The floor is herringbone field limestone, and the shower surround is clad with Pratt & Larson parquet ceramic. Custom sliding glass doors with tracks that disappear into the ceiling and a handle carved directly into sandblasted glass allow the material to speak for itself.
Pocket doors separate the master bedroom, master bath, and the dressing area, so that the couple can get ready in the morning with ease. The powder room door opens into the hallway near the stairs.
The homeowners now have a whole new experience of the top floor. Walking from the sitting room to the master bathroom, one transitions from an expansive bay view to an otherworldly nest hidden in the trees. And so it is that a daily activity is elevated to a one-of-a-kind experience.

A couple wanted a weekend retreat without spending a majority of their getaway in an automobile. Therefore, a lot was purchased along the Rocky River with the vision of creating a nearby escape less than five miles away from their home. This 1,300 sf 24’ x 24’ dwelling is divided into a four square quadrant with the goal to create a variety of interior and exterior experiences while maintaining a rather small footprint.
Typically, when going on a weekend retreat one has the drive time to decompress. However, without this, the goal was to create a procession from the car to the house to signify such change of context. This concept was achieved through the use of a wood slatted screen wall which must be passed through. After winding around a collection of poured concrete steps and walls one comes to a wood plank bridge and crosses over a Japanese garden leaving all the stresses of the daily world behind.
The house is structured around a nine column steel frame grid, which reinforces the impression one gets of the four quadrants. The two rear quadrants intentionally house enclosed program space but once passed through, the floor plan completely opens to long views down to the mouth of the river into Lake Erie.
On the second floor the four square grid is stacked with one quadrant removed for the two story living area on the first floor to capture heightened views down the river. In a move to create complete separation there is a one quadrant roof top office with surrounding roof top garden space. The rooftop office is accessed through a unique approach by exiting onto a steel grated staircase which wraps up the exterior facade of the house. This experience provides an additional retreat within their weekend getaway, and serves as the apex of the house where one can completely enjoy the views of Lake Erie disappearing over the horizon.
Visually the house extends into the riverside site, but the four quadrant axis also physically extends creating a series of experiences out on the property. The Northeast kitchen quadrant extends out to become an exterior kitchen & dining space. The two-story Northwest living room quadrant extends out to a series of wrap around steps and lounge seating. A fire pit sits in this quadrant as well farther out in the lawn. A fruit and vegetable garden sits out in the Southwest quadrant in near proximity to the shed, and the entry sequence is contained within the Southeast quadrant extension. Internally and externally the whole house is organized in a simple and concise way and achieves the ultimate goal of creating many different experiences within a rationally sized footprint.

Sponsored
Plain City, OH
The Creative Kitchen Company
Columbus Area Kitchen Remodeling and Refacing Professional

Irene Kalina-Jones
Inspiration for a mid-sized timeless backyard deck remodel in New York with a pergola
Inspiration for a mid-sized timeless backyard deck remodel in New York with a pergola

This project hits very close to home for us. Not your typical office space, we re-purposed a 19th century carriage barn into our office and workshop. With no heat, minimum electricity and few windows (most of which were broken), a priority for CEO and Designer Jason Hoffman was to create a space that honors its historic architecture, era and purpose but still offers elements of understated sophistication.
The building is nearly 140 years old, built before many of the trees towering around it had begun growing. It was originally built as a simple, Victorian carriage barn, used to store the family’s horse and buggy. Later, it housed 2,000 chickens when the Owners worked the property as their farm. Then, for many years, it was storage space. Today, it couples as a workshop for our carpentry team, building custom projects and storing equipment, as well as an office loft space ready to welcome clients, visitors and trade partners. We added a small addition onto the existing barn to offer a separate entry way for the office. New stairs and an entrance to the workshop provides for a small, yet inviting foyer space.
From the beginning, even is it’s dark state, Jason loved the ambiance of the old hay loft with its unfinished, darker toned timbers. He knew he wanted to find a way to refinish the space with a focus on those timbers, evident in the statement they make when walking up the stairs. On the exterior, the building received new siding, a new roof and even a new foundation which is a story for another post. Inside, we added skylights, larger windows and a French door, with a small balcony. Along with heat, electricity, WiFi and office furniture, we’re ready for visitors!

2011 CAPITAL COTY AWARD HONORABLE MENTION AWARD WINNER
Built circa 1980, a young couple with three children originally purchased this home for their growing family. After four years of karate, soccer, piano and other activities, however, the home was becoming too small to meet their needs.
Problems started upon entering the front foyer. A 25-foot long dark hallway separated the family room and the kitchen, ending in a tiny powder room stuck in the middle of the layout. The kitchen was especially isolated, a cramped L-shaped design with a box bay breakfast bump out that was literally falling apart.
The new design started with the core of the problem—the maze and separation created by the long hallways.
First, the 25’ load bearing wall separating the foyer from family room was totally taken out and replaced with a long supporting beam. A French door replaced a small door and window leading to a screen porch . This action allowed lots of light to get into family and foyer. Then, the powder room was removed and the partition wall between the kitchen and family room was taken down. This created a large open concept design and greatly increased the size of the kitchen.
The box bay was demolished and replaced with new walls and a large window. The plumbing for main sink and dishwasher got relocated into this box bay allowing a total transformation of the space. Now there are cabinets and counters on all sides.
The doorway to the dining room was reconfigured to allow a butler area on its left. While the right side was occupied with new 36” gas range top with a decorative wood hood above it. The refrigerator, microwave/oven and pantries—the space’s tall elements—occupy one wall..
A large Island with a prep sink and beverage center for the kids occupies the center of the layout. Capable of seating up to four, family and friends can now keep the cook company. A large built-in desk area lets the kids do their homework so the parents can supervise while they prepare meals.
Light cabinetry with a touch of caramel glazing and exotic granite countertops by our designers contributed to this kitchen’s elegant design. The contrasting distressed island’s darker finish matches the dinette set and other furnishings.
New hardwood floors were installed throughout the first floor for a seamless look, while recess, pendant and task lighting make the space even brighter. Importantly, there’s plenty of space for parents and kids to hang out together. The kitchen is truly the heart of their home.

Our clients were an energetic and outgoing couple that loved life, laughter and their family including two well-loved Dachshund dogs.
Their home on a lushly treed cul de sac in Manor Park boasts plenty of character, with pockets of rooms devoted to their artistic and musical passions.
As a trained chef, the husband proudly and naturally commanded the lions share of the kitchen, leaving little room for his wife’s love of baking and crafting. Fine food, good wine and a myriad of guitars are at the root of their impromptu and casual
gatherings.
The original design request was to update the kitchen in functionality and
appearance. With one look at the adjacent space which was not visible to the kitchen but commanded a stunning view with south facing windows - and this project morphed into combining two separate spaces into one.
We opened up the kitchen to incorporate the sunroom and create one large open
concept sun-filled happy space with direct access to the rear yard and seating areas. The kitchen was designed to act as one space with clearly delineated zones, where each person could cook autonomously while being together. Additionally, we maintained a soft seating lounge area and a desk for crafting in natural light.
At the heart of the kitchen is a 6’ x 8’ solid black cherry island which serves as the
social hub for gatherings. We used different materials and textures in each zone to clearly represent the two uniquely individual and dynamic personalities of this
couple. A black and white glass mosaic tile backsplash speaks to the glass fused
hobby that is created in the same space while creating a dramatic statement of a
playful artistic expression.
The custom designed wine niches introduce abstract rectilinear forms. The use of
rich materials, two-toned cabinets, custom floating black cherry shelving and a
classic colour palette of black and white act as a backdrop or canvas, which intentionally allows room for each personal expression to shine.
We doubled the storage capacity within the kitchen which is still discreet and still allows for an abundance of glass front interior lit cabinets to showcase their treasured collections.

For a couple of young web developers buying their first home in Redwood Shores, we were hired to do a complete interior remodel of a cookie cutter house originally built in 1996. The original finishes looked more like the 80s than the 90s, consisting of raised-panel oak cabinets, 12 x 12 yellow-beige floor tiles, tile counters and brown-beige wall to wall carpeting. The kitchen and bathrooms were utterly basic and the doors, fireplace and TV niche were also very dated. We selected all new finishes in tones of gray and silver per our clients’ tastes and created new layouts for the kitchen and bathrooms. We also designed a custom accent wall for their TV (very important for gamers) and track-mounted sliding 3-Form resin doors to separate their living room from their office. To animate the two story living space we customized a Mizu pendant light by Terzani and in the kitchen we selected an accent wall of seamless Caesarstone, Fuscia lights designed by Achille Castiglioni (one of our favorite modernist pendants) and designed a two-level island and a drop-down ceiling accent “cloud: to coordinate with the color of the accent wall. The master bath features a minimalist bathtub and floating vanity, an internally lit Electric Mirror and Porcelanosa tile.

To replace an Old World style kitchen, we created a new space with farmhouse elements coupled with our interpretation of modern European detailing. With our focus on improving function first, we removed the old peninsula that closed off the kitchen, creating a location for conversation and eating on the new cantilevered countertop which provides interesting, yet purposeful design. A custom designed European cube shelf system was created, incorporating integrated lighting inside Rift Sawn oak shelves to match our base cabinetry. After building the shelf system, we placed it in front of the handmade art tile backsplash, bringing a very modern element to contrast with our custom inset cabinetry. Our design team selected the Rift sawn oak for the base cabinets to bring warmth into the space and to contrast with the white upper cabinetry. We then layered matt black on select drawer fronts and specific cabinet interiors for a truly custom modern edge. Custom pull outs and interior organizers fulfill our desire for a kitchen that functions first and foremost, while our custom cabinetry and complete design satisfies our homeowners’ desire for wow. Farmhouse style will never be the same.

Sponsored
Sunbury, OH
J.Holderby - Renovations
Franklin County's Leading General Contractors - 2X Best of Houzz!

For a couple of young web developers buying their first home in Redwood Shores, we were hired to do a complete interior remodel of a cookie cutter house originally built in 1996. The original finishes looked more like the 80s than the 90s, consisting of raised-panel oak cabinets, 12 x 12 yellow-beige floor tiles, tile counters and brown-beige wall to wall carpeting. The kitchen and bathrooms were utterly basic and the doors, fireplace and TV niche were also very dated. We selected all new finishes in tones of gray and silver per our clients’ tastes and created new layouts for the kitchen and bathrooms. We also designed a custom accent wall for their TV (very important for gamers) and track-mounted sliding 3-Form resin doors to separate their living room from their office. To animate the two story living space we customized a Mizu pendant light by Terzani and in the kitchen we selected an accent wall of seamless Caesarstone, Fuscia lights designed by Achille Castiglioni (one of our favorite modernist pendants) and designed a two-level island and a drop-down ceiling accent “cloud: to coordinate with the color of the accent wall. The master bath features a minimalist bathtub and floating vanity, an internally lit Electric Mirror and Porcelanosa tile.

For a couple of young web developers buying their first home in Redwood Shores, we were hired to do a complete interior remodel of a cookie cutter house originally built in 1996. The original finishes looked more like the 80s than the 90s, consisting of raised-panel oak cabinets, 12 x 12 yellow-beige floor tiles, tile counters and brown-beige wall to wall carpeting. The kitchen and bathrooms were utterly basic and the doors, fireplace and TV niche were also very dated. We selected all new finishes in tones of gray and silver per our clients’ tastes and created new layouts for the kitchen and bathrooms. We also designed a custom accent wall for their TV (very important for gamers) and track-mounted sliding 3-Form resin doors to separate their living room from their office. To animate the two story living space we customized a Mizu pendant light by Terzani and in the kitchen we selected an accent wall of seamless Caesarstone, Fuscia lights designed by Achille Castiglioni (one of our favorite modernist pendants) and designed a two-level island and a drop-down ceiling accent “cloud: to coordinate with the color of the accent wall. The master bath features a minimalist bathtub and floating vanity, an internally lit Electric Mirror and Porcelanosa tile.

For a couple of young web developers buying their first home in Redwood Shores, we were hired to do a complete interior remodel of a cookie cutter house originally built in 1996. The original finishes looked more like the 80s than the 90s, consisting of raised-panel oak cabinets, 12 x 12 yellow-beige floor tiles, tile counters and brown-beige wall to wall carpeting. The kitchen and bathrooms were utterly basic and the doors, fireplace and TV niche were also very dated. We selected all new finishes in tones of gray and silver per our clients’ tastes and created new layouts for the kitchen and bathrooms. We also designed a custom accent wall for their TV (very important for gamers) and track-mounted sliding 3-Form resin doors to separate their living room from their office. To animate the two story living space we customized a Mizu pendant light by Terzani and in the kitchen we selected an accent wall of seamless Caesarstone, Fuscia lights designed by Achille Castiglioni (one of our favorite modernist pendants) and designed a two-level island and a drop-down ceiling accent “cloud: to coordinate with the color of the accent wall. The master bath features a minimalist bathtub and floating vanity, an internally lit Electric Mirror and Porcelanosa tile.

This young couple was ready to make some changes to their master bedroom. They already laid a great foundation for me: beautiful wall color, carpet and trim. We just needed to update their furnishings and make this space feel more like them. They requested a bedroom that was more classic than trendy and a space that feels relaxing and spa-like. I started with the big pieces. I know they liked the light, upholstered bed look, which is awesome because I get so many clients who shy away from this option for fear of it getting dirty. Next up were the case pieces: dresser, night stands, high boy. I know a lot of designers who favor designing a bedroom with non-matching sets, but in this case, I thought opting for matching nightstands and dressers was the most classic choice and will stand the test of time best. They also a requested an area for the wive to do her make up and hair separate from the bathroom with ample light. I found a vanity, replaced the matching stool with an accent chair in a grey ikat print and used a pair of existing lamps. Extra seating is provided at the end of the bed on a tufted grey bench. The inverted pleat drapes are custom made with black out lining. Accessories and wall art were added to infuse personality and warm up the space.

Sponsored
Sunbury, OH
J.Holderby - Renovations
Franklin County's Leading General Contractors - 2X Best of Houzz!

Joe and Denise purchased a large Tudor style home that never truly fit their needs. While interviewing contractors to replace the roof and stucco on their home, it prompted them to consider a complete remodel. With two young daughters and pets in the home, our clients were convinced they needed an open concept to entertain and enjoy family and friends together. The couple also desired a blend of traditional and contemporary styles with sophisticated finishes for the project.
JRP embarked on a new floor plan design for both stories of the home. The top floor would include a complete rearrangement of the master suite allowing for separate vanities, spacious master shower, soaking tub, and bigger walk-in closet. On the main floor, walls separating the kitchen and formal dining room would come down. Steel beams and new SQFT was added to open the spaces up to one another. Central to the open-concept layout is a breathtaking great room with an expansive 6-panel bi-folding door creating a seamless view to the gorgeous hills. It became an entirely new space with structural changes, additional living space, and all-new finishes, inside and out to embody our clients’ dream home.
PROJECT DETAILS:
• Style: Transitional
• Colors: Gray & White
• Countertops: Quartzite
• Cabinets: DeWils Frameless Shaker, White & Slate Gray
*fully integrated dishwasher & fridge blend seamlessly with cabinetry as if they aren’t even there
• Hardware/Plumbing Fixture Finish: Chrome
• Lighting Fixtures: unique and bold lighting fixtures throughout every room in the house (pendant lighting, chandeliers, sconces, etc)
• Flooring: White Oak (Titanium wash)
• Tile/Backsplash: Calacatta Borghini Marble - Circle Mosaic Tiles
• Photographer: Andrew (Open House VC)

NARI CAPITAL COTY, HONORABLE MENTION AWARD WINNER, RESIDENTIAL KITCHEN $50,000 TO $100,000
The owners of this Mount Vernon home purchased it with plans to remodel the kitchen. The original space was tired, dark and disorganized. A peninsula separated the kitchen from the breakfast area and the adjacent sunroom was only accessed via a single door. The back pantry was poorly designed and there was no logic to the kitchen’s work space.
The first step in this stunning transformation involved replacing the original peninsula with a large central island. Built using espresso stained furniture-quality cabinets with icon legs, open bottoms and exotic dark granite countertops, all kitchen traffic now flows around the island.
The outside wall of the kitchen, featuring a 48” Thermador range, stainless steel range hood and glass tile backsplash, is the focal point of the new space. A stainless steel farm-style sink sits beneath one of two large windows that provide lots of natural light into the room. To the right, sits a 48” Sub Zero refrigerator/freezer.
The wall adjacent to the family room was never used properly. Now it is home to two tall pantries, double ovens and a microwave. Creative pass through arches let the homeowner attend to guests while preparing food in the kitchen. The butler area adjacent to the dining room is filled with glass front cabinetry and additional cabinetry for extra storage.
The kitchen is now part of an open concept design flowing from kitchen to dining room to sun room. By replacing a bearing wall with a structural header, traffic can flow from one room to the next making it brighter and more conducive to entertaining.
More spacious than ever, this new kitchen is the hub of the home for this couple who love to cook and entertain.

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.
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