Enlarging and reconfiguring this endearing 100 year old Palo Alto cottage gives the home a new life in the twenty-first century. When it comes to architecture and interior design, character and charm go a long way, but natural light, spaciousness, and fluidity are just as essential to creating a home. Over the course of design process, the FGA team explored inventive ways to maximize this 1920s Palo Alto home’s potential while maintaining its historic perspective. The new design connects, modernizes, and functionalizes the floor plan and cleans up outdated 1960s renovations. To achieve this, a new second wing was added to the original structure using the same French Tudor and half-timber style. The U-shaped courtyard configuration now creates a quaint centralized patio area easily accessible by French doors on both wings. The new wing houses a ground floor family room directly off the kitchen and an enlarged private master suite above. To take advantage of existing interior space, the second floor was reimagined by clearing out a warren of small, dark servant rooms. An unused elevator shaft was also removed affording larger, brighter, and more cohesive spaces on the ground floor and a cleaner, simplified exterior roof line that enhances the home's appearance from the street.

Enlarging and reconfiguring this endearing 100 year old Palo Alto cottage gives the home a new life in the twenty-first century. When it comes to architecture and interior design, character and charm go a long way, but natural light, spaciousness, and fluidity are just as essential to creating a home. Over the course of design process, the FGA team explored inventive ways to maximize this 1920s Palo Alto home’s potential while maintaining its historic perspective. The new design connects, modernizes, and functionalizes the floor plan and cleans up outdated 1960s renovations. To achieve this, a new second wing was added to the original structure using the same French Tudor and half-timber style. The U-shaped courtyard configuration now creates a quaint centralized patio area easily accessible by French doors on both wings. The new wing houses a ground floor family room directly off the kitchen and an enlarged private master suite above. To take advantage of existing interior space, the second floor was reimagined by clearing out a warren of small, dark servant rooms. An unused elevator shaft was also removed affording larger, brighter, and more cohesive spaces on the ground floor and a cleaner, simplified exterior roof line that enhances the home's appearance from the street.

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.

Enlarging and reconfiguring this endearing 100 year old Palo Alto cottage gives the home a new life in the twenty-first century. When it comes to architecture and interior design, character and charm go a long way, but natural light, spaciousness, and fluidity are just as essential to creating a home. Over the course of design process, the FGA team explored inventive ways to maximize this 1920s Palo Alto home’s potential while maintaining its historic perspective. The new design connects, modernizes, and functionalizes the floor plan and cleans up outdated 1960s renovations. To achieve this, a new second wing was added to the original structure using the same French Tudor and half-timber style. The U-shaped courtyard configuration now creates a quaint centralized patio area easily accessible by French doors on both wings. The new wing houses a ground floor family room directly off the kitchen and an enlarged private master suite above. To take advantage of existing interior space, the second floor was reimagined by clearing out a warren of small, dark servant rooms. An unused elevator shaft was also removed affording larger, brighter, and more cohesive spaces on the ground floor and a cleaner, simplified exterior roof line that enhances the home's appearance from the street.

Enlarging and reconfiguring this endearing 100 year old Palo Alto cottage gives the home a new life in the twenty-first century. When it comes to architecture and interior design, character and charm go a long way, but natural light, spaciousness, and fluidity are just as essential to creating a home. Over the course of design process, the FGA team explored inventive ways to maximize this 1920s Palo Alto home’s potential while maintaining its historic perspective. The new design connects, modernizes, and functionalizes the floor plan and cleans up outdated 1960s renovations. To achieve this, a new second wing was added to the original structure using the same French Tudor and half-timber style. The U-shaped courtyard configuration now creates a quaint centralized patio area easily accessible by French doors on both wings. The new wing houses a ground floor family room directly off the kitchen and an enlarged private master suite above. To take advantage of existing interior space, the second floor was reimagined by clearing out a warren of small, dark servant rooms. An unused elevator shaft was also removed affording larger, brighter, and more cohesive spaces on the ground floor and a cleaner, simplified exterior roof line that enhances the home's appearance from the street.

Enlarging and reconfiguring this endearing 100 year old Palo Alto cottage gives the home a new life in the twenty-first century. When it comes to architecture and interior design, character and charm go a long way, but natural light, spaciousness, and fluidity are just as essential to creating a home. Over the course of design process, the FGA team explored inventive ways to maximize this 1920s Palo Alto home’s potential while maintaining its historic perspective. The new design connects, modernizes, and functionalizes the floor plan and cleans up outdated 1960s renovations. To achieve this, a new second wing was added to the original structure using the same French Tudor and half-timber style. The U-shaped courtyard configuration now creates a quaint centralized patio area easily accessible by French doors on both wings. The new wing houses a ground floor family room directly off the kitchen and an enlarged private master suite above. To take advantage of existing interior space, the second floor was reimagined by clearing out a warren of small, dark servant rooms. An unused elevator shaft was also removed affording larger, brighter, and more cohesive spaces on the ground floor and a cleaner, simplified exterior roof line that enhances the home's appearance from the street.

Enlarging and reconfiguring this endearing 100 year old Palo Alto cottage gives the home a new life in the twenty-first century. When it comes to architecture and interior design, character and charm go a long way, but natural light, spaciousness, and fluidity are just as essential to creating a home. Over the course of design process, the FGA team explored inventive ways to maximize this 1920s Palo Alto home’s potential while maintaining its historic perspective. The new design connects, modernizes, and functionalizes the floor plan and cleans up outdated 1960s renovations. To achieve this, a new second wing was added to the original structure using the same French Tudor and half-timber style. The U-shaped courtyard configuration now creates a quaint centralized patio area easily accessible by French doors on both wings. The new wing houses a ground floor family room directly off the kitchen and an enlarged private master suite above. To take advantage of existing interior space, the second floor was reimagined by clearing out a warren of small, dark servant rooms. An unused elevator shaft was also removed affording larger, brighter, and more cohesive spaces on the ground floor and a cleaner, simplified exterior roof line that enhances the home's appearance from the street.

Enlarging and reconfiguring this endearing 100 year old Palo Alto cottage gives the home a new life in the twenty-first century. When it comes to architecture and interior design, character and charm go a long way, but natural light, spaciousness, and fluidity are just as essential to creating a home. Over the course of design process, the FGA team explored inventive ways to maximize this 1920s Palo Alto home’s potential while maintaining its historic perspective. The new design connects, modernizes, and functionalizes the floor plan and cleans up outdated 1960s renovations. To achieve this, a new second wing was added to the original structure using the same French Tudor and half-timber style. The U-shaped courtyard configuration now creates a quaint centralized patio area easily accessible by French doors on both wings. The new wing houses a ground floor family room directly off the kitchen and an enlarged private master suite above. To take advantage of existing interior space, the second floor was reimagined by clearing out a warren of small, dark servant rooms. An unused elevator shaft was also removed affording larger, brighter, and more cohesive spaces on the ground floor and a cleaner, simplified exterior roof line that enhances the home's appearance from the street.

Enlarging and reconfiguring this endearing 100 year old Palo Alto cottage gives the home a new life in the twenty-first century. When it comes to architecture and interior design, character and charm go a long way, but natural light, spaciousness, and fluidity are just as essential to creating a home. Over the course of design process, the FGA team explored inventive ways to maximize this 1920s Palo Alto home’s potential while maintaining its historic perspective. The new design connects, modernizes, and functionalizes the floor plan and cleans up outdated 1960s renovations. To achieve this, a new second wing was added to the original structure using the same French Tudor and half-timber style. The U-shaped courtyard configuration now creates a quaint centralized patio area easily accessible by French doors on both wings. The new wing houses a ground floor family room directly off the kitchen and an enlarged private master suite above. To take advantage of existing interior space, the second floor was reimagined by clearing out a warren of small, dark servant rooms. An unused elevator shaft was also removed affording larger, brighter, and more cohesive spaces on the ground floor and a cleaner, simplified exterior roof line that enhances the home's appearance from the street.

Enlarging and reconfiguring this endearing 100 year old Palo Alto cottage gives the home a new life in the twenty-first century. When it comes to architecture and interior design, character and charm go a long way, but natural light, spaciousness, and fluidity are just as essential to creating a home. Over the course of design process, the FGA team explored inventive ways to maximize this 1920s Palo Alto home’s potential while maintaining its historic perspective. The new design connects, modernizes, and functionalizes the floor plan and cleans up outdated 1960s renovations. To achieve this, a new second wing was added to the original structure using the same French Tudor and half-timber style. The U-shaped courtyard configuration now creates a quaint centralized patio area easily accessible by French doors on both wings. The new wing houses a ground floor family room directly off the kitchen and an enlarged private master suite above. To take advantage of existing interior space, the second floor was reimagined by clearing out a warren of small, dark servant rooms. An unused elevator shaft was also removed affording larger, brighter, and more cohesive spaces on the ground floor and a cleaner, simplified exterior roof line that enhances the home's appearance from the street.

Enlarging and reconfiguring this endearing 100 year old Palo Alto cottage gives the home a new life in the twenty-first century. When it comes to architecture and interior design, character and charm go a long way, but natural light, spaciousness, and fluidity are just as essential to creating a home. Over the course of design process, the FGA team explored inventive ways to maximize this 1920s Palo Alto home’s potential while maintaining its historic perspective. The new design connects, modernizes, and functionalizes the floor plan and cleans up outdated 1960s renovations. To achieve this, a new second wing was added to the original structure using the same French Tudor and half-timber style. The U-shaped courtyard configuration now creates a quaint centralized patio area easily accessible by French doors on both wings. The new wing houses a ground floor family room directly off the kitchen and an enlarged private master suite above. To take advantage of existing interior space, the second floor was reimagined by clearing out a warren of small, dark servant rooms. An unused elevator shaft was also removed affording larger, brighter, and more cohesive spaces on the ground floor and a cleaner, simplified exterior roof line that enhances the home's appearance from the street.

The site descends from the street and is privileged with dynamic natural views toward a creek below and beyond. To incorporate the existing landscape into the daily life of the residents, the house steps down to the natural topography. A continuous and jogging retaining wall from outside to inside embeds the structure below natural grade at the front with flush transitions at its rear facade. All indoor spaces open up to a central courtyard which terraces down to the tree canopy, creating a readily visible and occupiable transitional space between man-made and nature. The courtyard scheme is simplified by two wings representing common and private zones - connected by a glass dining “bridge." This transparent volume also visually connects the front yard to the courtyard, clearing for the prospect view, while maintaining a subdued street presence. The staircase acts as a vertical “knuckle,” mediating shifting wing angles while contrasting the predominant horizontality of the house. Crips materiality and detailing, deep roof overhangs, and the one-and-half story wall at the rear further enhance the connection between outdoors and indoors, providing nuanced natural lighting throughout and a meaningful framed procession through the property. Photography Spaces and Faces Photography

Enlarging and reconfiguring this endearing 100 year old Palo Alto cottage gives the home a new life in the twenty-first century. When it comes to architecture and interior design, character and charm go a long way, but natural light, spaciousness, and fluidity are just as essential to creating a home. Over the course of design process, the FGA team explored inventive ways to maximize this 1920s Palo Alto home’s potential while maintaining its historic perspective. The new design connects, modernizes, and functionalizes the floor plan and cleans up outdated 1960s renovations. To achieve this, a new second wing was added to the original structure using the same French Tudor and half-timber style. The U-shaped courtyard configuration now creates a quaint centralized patio area easily accessible by French doors on both wings. The new wing houses a ground floor family room directly off the kitchen and an enlarged private master suite above. To take advantage of existing interior space, the second floor was reimagined by clearing out a warren of small, dark servant rooms. An unused elevator shaft was also removed affording larger, brighter, and more cohesive spaces on the ground floor and a cleaner, simplified exterior roof line that enhances the home's appearance from the street.

Michele Lee Willson Photography
Inspiration for a scandinavian kitchen remodel in San Francisco

Inspiration for a rustic brown one-story wood gable roof remodel in Seattle

The site descends from the street and is privileged with dynamic natural views toward a creek below and beyond. To incorporate the existing landscape into the daily life of the residents, the house steps down to the natural topography. A continuous and jogging retaining wall from outside to inside embeds the structure below natural grade at the front with flush transitions at its rear facade. All indoor spaces open up to a central courtyard which terraces down to the tree canopy, creating a readily visible and occupiable transitional space between man-made and nature. The courtyard scheme is simplified by two wings representing common and private zones - connected by a glass dining “bridge." This transparent volume also visually connects the front yard to the courtyard, clearing for the prospect view, while maintaining a subdued street presence. The staircase acts as a vertical “knuckle,” mediating shifting wing angles while contrasting the predominant horizontality of the house. Crips materiality and detailing, deep roof overhangs, and the one-and-half story wall at the rear further enhance the connection between outdoors and indoors, providing nuanced natural lighting throughout and a meaningful framed procession through the property. Photography Charles Davis Smith

The site descends from the street and is privileged with dynamic natural views toward a creek below and beyond. To incorporate the existing landscape into the daily life of the residents, the house steps down to the natural topography. A continuous and jogging retaining wall from outside to inside embeds the structure below natural grade at the front with flush transitions at its rear facade. All indoor spaces open up to a central courtyard which terraces down to the tree canopy, creating a readily visible and occupiable transitional space between man-made and nature. The courtyard scheme is simplified by two wings representing common and private zones - connected by a glass dining “bridge." This transparent volume also visually connects the front yard to the courtyard, clearing for the prospect view, while maintaining a subdued street presence. The staircase acts as a vertical “knuckle,” mediating shifting wing angles while contrasting the predominant horizontality of the house. Crips materiality and detailing, deep roof overhangs, and the one-and-half story wall at the rear further enhance the connection between outdoors and indoors, providing nuanced natural lighting throughout and a meaningful framed procession through the property. Photography Spaces and Faces Photography

The site descends from the street and is privileged with dynamic natural views toward a creek below and beyond. To incorporate the existing landscape into the daily life of the residents, the house steps down to the natural topography. A continuous and jogging retaining wall from outside to inside embeds the structure below natural grade at the front with flush transitions at its rear facade. All indoor spaces open up to a central courtyard which terraces down to the tree canopy, creating a readily visible and occupiable transitional space between man-made and nature. The courtyard scheme is simplified by two wings representing common and private zones - connected by a glass dining “bridge." This transparent volume also visually connects the front yard to the courtyard, clearing for the prospect view, while maintaining a subdued street presence. The staircase acts as a vertical “knuckle,” mediating shifting wing angles while contrasting the predominant horizontality of the house. Crips materiality and detailing, deep roof overhangs, and the one-and-half story wall at the rear further enhance the connection between outdoors and indoors, providing nuanced natural lighting throughout and a meaningful framed procession through the property. Photography Charles Davis Smith

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.