Bud Kane has remodeled nearly every room in his own home over many years. Now reaching his 70’s, he contemplated heading up a major kitchen and laundry room renovation himself, planning on doing the carpentry work with his own hands. “I was not convinced I would ever meet anyone who could do it as well as I could do it myself”, said Bud. Ruth and Bud spent 5 years visiting kitchen firms and interviewing designers. They couldn’t however bring themselves to pull the trigger on the project, until they met Advance Design Studio in 2015. “No one understood what I wanted”, said Ruth. She was continually frustrated by experiences with designers who weren’t hearing what was important to her. “Everyone kept designing my kitchen with what they thought it should look like; I couldn’t find anyone who would listen to me”! When they met designer Scott Christensen from Advance Design Studio, they liked him right away. He listened to Ruth and designed a kitchen that she loved, all the while interjecting years of wisdom and design expertise that Ruth appreciated. “The finished product is better than I expected”, says Ruth. “I respected Scott’s opinions and together we created the perfect place for me to bake with my grandkids and truly enjoy the kitchen and laundry room I’ve been dreaming of for many years!” The kitchen transformation began with removing the home’s soffits, and extending new painted maple cabinetry to the ceiling with the addition of an elegant crown molding. Ruth’s new Vita Mix holds a coveted place on her counter, and adjustments were planned to size the cabinets in conjunction with the under cabinet decorative light molding to fit this appliance just right. “This one small detail was really important to me”, says Ruth smiling. An elegant new island replaced the original island, complete with room for 3 stools where her grandchildren will sit to make home-made pasta every Thanksgiving, and cookies at Christmas time. “Traditions are very important in my family, and making my kitchen work to suit cherished activities with my family was the number one reason this renovation was so desired”, replied Ruth when asked about the island. A picture perfect new tea station replaced a cluttered unused desk area, creating a wonderful place to prepare hot drinks for sipping any season of the year while overlooking the couple’s wonderfully manicured gardens from the lovely 3 season’s room just off the kitchen. The soft sage island bead panel detail was repeated on the backsplash, replicating the feel of a fine old piece of furniture. The biggest problem with the laundry room was 3 doors, one from the garage, one from the closet, and one to the hallway. “Scott designed a pocket door, and oh what a dream it is now to bring groceries in from the garage!” exclaims Bud who grew to disdain this task! Doing laundry is now a breeze in this attractive new space that doubles as a wonderful pantry for the kitchen with room to store food items that didn’t have a home in the poorly designed original space. New Hickory distressed wood flooring was laid both in the kitchen and leading to the hall foyer. Soft gray wood-replicating porcelain was placed in the laundry area, making for an easily cleanable surface for what doubles as a mud room from the garage. Creamy tumbled marble graces an unobtrusive backsplash spilling onto shiny granite counter tops in a rich earthy pattern of fall colors that mimic colors throughout the home. Advance is known details that included custom crafted furniture toe kicks, luxurious crown moldings, and beaded under cabinet moldings. The kitchen is complete with a glass display cabinet showing Ruth’s treasured china tea collection. Early on, it was initially only their intention of purchasing cabinets for the new design. They were so impressed however with Advance Design’s complete program for budgeting, design, installation and management that it became clear to them both that they wanted Advance to handle the entire project from start to finish. “After seeing the quality work they did, coupled with the in-house team completely dedicated to our satisfaction, it became apparent there was no other choice but to hire them to handle everything. And we’re so glad we did, we have not one regret”, says Bud. “The attention to detail by the carpentry crew more than satisfied my perfectionist expectations of the finished carpentry,” exclaimed Bud. “Every one of Advance Design’s people we encountered from design through construction was wonderful. We’ve never met a group of people so dedicated to making sure we were happy with every single detail, and every single part of this experience”, said Ruth and Bud. Designer: Scott Christensen Photographer: Joe Nowak

Six gallery frames that play together nicely. Shown here in Silk White, this grouping is ideal for a child's room. Of course, you'll want to hang them out of reach of curious little hands, but it's nice to know that our heavy duty button hanger is nice & secure. Change the photos whenever you like – in seconds – and store them all in back! This group of six frames holds up to 80 of your favorite photos (or art prints!), so have fun switching things up as they grow! You can set up this gallery - start to finish - faster than you can watch an episode of Dora the Explorer. All you'll need's a hammer (we even supply the tape).

C.L. Fry Photography
Example of a small transitional gray tile and porcelain tile porcelain tile corner shower design in Austin with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, a one-piece toilet and gray walls

The 66" Halden Cast Iron Bathtub is one of the most unique tubs in our freestanding bathtub collection. Cradled in a handsome stained wooden frame, the Halden offers all the benefits of a classic cast iron tub including superior heat retention and the luxuriant feel of the smooth porcelain surface. The classic oval design, which permits reclining at either end, combined with the tub’s rounded comfort edges and generous water capacity invite long, relaxing soaks. Unlike a traditional cast-iron tub, the Halden is updated with modern features like an overflow in polished chrome trim so you can run the hot water as long as you like without fear of spillage or flooding. The included L Drain assembly works best when the tub is installed facing or against a wall. A bonus of the Halden’s hybrid design is the wood frame’s elevation, lending it an above-ground sensation similar to a pedestal tub. The frame’s Asian-inspired design would complement a rustic-themed bathroom or a spa-like space. Features: * Traditional design bathtub with wooden frame * Enamel white cast iron stays warm for longer * Wooden feet frame is elegant and a centerpiece * Dimensions: 66" W x 30-1/8" D x 24-7/16" H * Drain and overflow assembly included * Faucet and other pictured accessories not included

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

3500 sf new Shingle Style country home. photos Kevin Sprague
Eat-in kitchen - mid-sized victorian l-shaped light wood floor eat-in kitchen idea in New York with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, granite countertops, gray backsplash, ceramic backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

When this suburban family decided to renovate their kitchen, they knew that they wanted a little more space. Advance Design worked together with the homeowner to design a kitchen that would work for a large family who loved to gather regularly and always ended up in the kitchen! So the project began with extending out an exterior wall to accommodate a larger island and more moving-around space between the island and the perimeter cabinetry. Style was important to the cook, who began collecting accessories and photos of the look she loved for months prior to the project design. She was drawn to the brightness of whites and grays, and the design accentuated this color palette brilliantly with the incorporation of a warm shade of brown woods that originated from a dining room table that was a family favorite. Classic gray and white cabinetry from Dura Supreme hits the mark creating a perfect balance between bright and subdued. Hints of gray appear in the bead board detail peeking just behind glass doors, and in the application of the handsome floating wood shelves between cabinets. White subway tile is made extra interesting with the application of dark gray grout lines causing it to be a subtle but noticeable detail worthy of attention. Suede quartz Silestone graces the countertops with a soft matte hint of color that contrasts nicely with the presence of white painted cabinetry finished smartly with the brightness of a milky white farm sink. Old melds nicely with new, as antique bronze accents are sprinkled throughout hardware and fixtures, and work together unassumingly with the sleekness of stainless steel appliances. The grace and timelessness of this sparkling new kitchen maintains the charm and character of a space that has seen generations past. And now this family will enjoy this new space for many more generations to come in the future with the help of the team at Advance Design Studio. Dura Supreme Cabinetry Photographer: Joe Nowak

The entry of this passive house features a large frosted glass single door with wood framing. The home sits in a redwood forest in the mountains, and the front door opens to a serene view of the forest and entry sculpture.

The timber frame construction of the central mass of the house allows for an expansive open gathering space where the homeowners can entertain friends and family. The Douglas Fir timbers were surfaced and sanded to give a rough sawn appearance, and then finished with a low VOC stain. Photo Credit: Tom Crane

Entry - Arrow Timber Framing 9726 NE 302nd St, Battle Ground, WA 98604 (360) 687-1868 Web Site: https://www.arrowtimber.com

Photography by William Quarles
Kitchen - traditional kitchen idea in Charleston with an undermount sink, raised-panel cabinets, white cabinets and stainless steel appliances

Jacqueline Binkley Photography
Example of a mid-sized classic medium tone wood floor open concept kitchen design in DC Metro with flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, beige backsplash, stainless steel appliances, a peninsula and beige countertops

This project was a complete renovation of a single-family residence perched on a mountain in Lake Tahoe, NV. The house features large expanses of glass that will provide a direct connection to the exterior for picture-perfect lake, mountain and forest views. Created for an art collector, the interior has all the features of a gallery: an open plan, white walls, clean lines, and carefully located sight lines that frame each individual piece. Exterior materials include steel and glass windows, stained cedar lap siding and a standing seam metal roof. Photography: Leslee Mitchell

Charming, smaller bathroom with contemporary spunk. Custom, hand-made aqua blue floor tile and hand-made, textured white shower tile. Satin black shower fixtures and shower door hardware; Milgard, black framed, single pane, glass exterior door opening to the back deck for easy access from the pool. Rustic and beachy, decorative towel rack, two panel shaker interior door with white knob and black back plate. Photo by Molly Rose Photography

Aaron Leitz Photography
Alcove shower - contemporary white tile alcove shower idea in Seattle with a vessel sink, flat-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets and white walls

Douglas Fir © Carolina Timberworks
Mid-sized mountain style slate floor entryway photo in Charlotte with green walls and a light wood front door

When Tom and Michelle Stien decided to remodel their kitchen, they chose Advance Design Studio to make it happen. They were looking for an innovative design that would open up an awkward wall, and we're hoping to remove some half walls that closed off their family room. "Of all the people we had come and give us quotes for our project, ADS/Scott, was the only one who came in with an idea right off the bat for what we could do. His knowledge of design and code was evident from the start," said the Stiens. The new design increased the seating area with a large peninsula, and the cooking area was expanded to accommodate Tom's cooking skills. A warming drawer was incorporated beneath a nearly hidden microwave drawer, along with a clever pull out for increased pantry storage. A built in message board area was custom designed for kids art and family communication. Roll out trays grace every base cabinet for easy pull out storage and a single floating shelf ties the contemporary kitchen design together. Starlight quartz countertops create ease of clean up, and the look is finished off with sharp gray and white mosaic backsplash tiles. The Stiens really liked a clean modern look, so the new crisp transitional kitchen design incorporated bright white shaker cabinetry from Medallion with gray and metal accents along with a modern feel. "Scott's presentation of what we could expect with ADS was clear and concise. He gave us a great deal of confidence in how the project would be handled". Homeowners are frequently concerned about project budgets that get quickly get out of control. "Scott's quote was well thought out, organized and offered options based on our budget," said Michelle. "I was worried about the project budget changing as we went through the process, but they did a good job managing the situation and minimized change orders as much as possible." When asked about their overall experience with their kitchen renovation he Stien's said; "Scott, Justin, Matt and Jason were great! They were all very friendly, personable, responsible and trustworthy. Advance Design definitely met and exceeded our expectations. Remodeling is a very challenging process to endure, but ADS minimized discomfort and inconvenience as much as possible and kept on schedule. The end result was well worth the investment in time and money." Designer: Scott Christensen Photographer: Joe Nowak

The Harmonious Blending of Inside to Out with Wood Framed Patio Doors By NanaWall Systems, September 3, 2025 Wood framed patio doors Some homes are designed to impress from the outside. This one was reimagined to breathe from the inside out with wood framed patio doors. For a family of music lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, the goal was about connection. Connection to each other, to the seasons, to nature, to sound, and to their lush backyard space for daily life and family gatherings. Designed by Jason Hanrahan of Mode Architects, the home features a thoughtfully placed NanaWall kitchen pass-through window and, later, wide bifold doors in the family sunroom. The design evolved in two phases to fit the family’s indoor-outdoor lifestyle perfectly. The result is a renovation defined by openness, light, and laid-back living. A Home Shaped by Light, Music, Wood Framed Patio Doors, and a Pass-Through Window Kitchen Renovation Opens Space to Light and Entertaining with a Pass-Through Window During phase one of the renovation, the existing kitchen was reimagined to replace a restrictive floor plan and outdated appliances. Central to its new design is a three-panel NanaWall SL60 folding window system—sized at counter height to serve as a flexible pass-through window for alfresco dining and entertaining. Custom divided lites were added to complement the home’s existing window styles. The window frames were finished in a warm, off-white on both interior and exterior, tying the kitchen seamlessly to the rest of the home and its façade. The result is a transitional space that connects the kitchen directly to the outdoor dining area, a seamless connection across spaces. “The countertop-height NanaWall system made the kitchen fit better into the family’s lifestyle,” says Hanrahan. “It supports hosting and day-to-day use without turning the kitchen into a full opening.” Designed for Living: Home Reimagined Around How the Family Connects After phase one introduced a NanaWall pass-through window in the kitchen, making serving, conversation, and time outside effortless, the homeowners returned to MODE to reimagine their older sunroom. The goal: a living room and music lounge that could open completely to the backyard. The solution was incorporating a full-height, five-panel NW Clad 740 wood framed patio doors. The Generation 4 folding glass wall offered the slimmest aluminum clad frames available, and therefore, was the ideal solution to achieve seamless connectivity. Outside, the frames were finished in a warm off-white to match the façade. Inside, solid wood frames seamlessly integrate with the mushroom wood paneling and millwork. The nearly 15-foot-wide system was customized with divided lites placed high up to add rhythm while preserving unobstructed views and keeping transitions seamless. “We wanted to maximize the opening size,” says Jason. “Not just to maximize light, but literally the opening as well. The family sunroom space became more useful.” A Living Sunroom That Folds Open to the Garden MODE centered the second half of the home renovation on the family sunroom, featuring wood framed patio doors to create a seamless transition from the interior to the garden. It’s the difference between “a room with a view” and a room that becomes the view. With the nearly 8-foot-tall system open, music spills outside; with it closed, daylight, acoustics, and comfort remain finely tuned. “You are sitting in the house with the family. The opening frames the view of the pond and the trees,” describes Architect Jason Hanrahan. “They liked how it connected them with their family when they were outside… it made it more cohesive.” Choosing Materials that Reflect Nature and Serenity According to the architect, the design aims to bring the outdoors in with an organic material approach. Inside, the room is wrapped in mushroom wood reclaimed boards, whose textured grain warms the acoustics and steadies the eye. Large-format tiles keep lines calm and maintenance easy. Outside, a long concrete tread and natural stone hold the grade without hard edges. Nothing shouts; everything contributes to a single idea: bring the outdoors in and the indoors out. Energy Efficiency Meets Everyday Living The systems’ energy-efficient and performance engineering make the sunroom a four-season retreat. The architect chose NanaWall wood framed patio doors to maximize the existing exterior opening, provide intuitive and easy daily operation, and create a threshold that feels like part of the floor rather than a barrier. T hese are hallmarks of NanaWall wood framed patio doors: engineered for durability and frequent use, precision-gliding panels, and performance-tested. To ensure year-round comfort, the NanaWall wood framed patio doors and pass-through window were specified with double glazed panels for optimal performance regardless of weather. Paired with the thermally broken Low Profile Saddle Sill, the bifold door not only offers energy efficiency but also a seamless, barefoot-friendly threshold to the outdoors. Final Thoughts From weeknight dinners to weekend music sessions, this is now a home that meets the family at the place they actually live, gather, and connect in. The kitchen pass-through window keeps everyday hosting effortless. The music room turns into a garden room in seconds, inviting breezes and conversation across one continuous plane. Here, NanaWall wood framed patio doors added versatile usable square footage and extended the soul of the home outdoors. By focusing on how the family truly lives, this home now opens in all the right ways: to light, to laughter, to nature, and to each other. Visit the NanaWall inspiration gallery to explore more homes like this, designed for connection, built for modern living!

When Tom and Michelle Stien decided to remodel their kitchen, they chose Advance Design Studio to make it happen. They were looking for an innovative design that would open up an awkward wall, and we're hoping to remove some half walls that closed off their family room. "Of all the people we had come and give us quotes for our project, ADS/Scott, was the only one who came in with an idea right off the bat for what we could do. His knowledge of design and code was evident from the start," said the Stiens. The new design increased the seating area with a large peninsula, and the cooking area was expanded to accommodate Tom's cooking skills. A warming drawer was incorporated beneath a nearly hidden microwave drawer, along with a clever pull out for increased pantry storage. A built in message board area was custom designed for kids art and family communication. Roll out trays grace every base cabinet for easy pull out storage and a single floating shelf ties the contemporary kitchen design together. Starlight quartz countertops create ease of clean up, and the look is finished off with sharp gray and white mosaic backsplash tiles. The Stiens really liked a clean modern look, so the new crisp transitional kitchen design incorporated bright white shaker cabinetry from Medallion with gray and metal accents along with a modern feel. "Scott's presentation of what we could expect with ADS was clear and concise. He gave us a great deal of confidence in how the project would be handled". Homeowners are frequently concerned about project budgets that get quickly get out of control. "Scott's quote was well thought out, organized and offered options based on our budget," said Michelle. "I was worried about the project budget changing as we went through the process, but they did a good job managing the situation and minimized change orders as much as possible." When asked about their overall experience with their kitchen renovation he Stien's said; "Scott, Justin, Matt and Jason were great! They were all very friendly, personable, responsible and trustworthy. Advance Design definitely met and exceeded our expectations. Remodeling is a very challenging process to endure, but ADS minimized discomfort and inconvenience as much as possible and kept on schedule. The end result was well worth the investment in time and money." Designer: Scott Christensen Photographer: Joe Nowak