The major kitchen renovation of this old country farmhouse was a task of love, one that had been planned for many years by these Barrington seasoned homeowners. After interviewing no less than five companies, the homeowners chose the design team at Advance Design Studio to make the transformation they had long planned for. “They had an understanding of the right design for the space almost from the instant they walked in the room”, says Sharon Scott of the design team of Nicole Ryan at Todd Jurs at Advance Design Studio. “They were the only designers who laid out ideas in the first meeting at the house that we really loved”, she says. “It was obvious that they understood the house, and understood us - and from then on the decision to hire them literally made itself”. The original kitchen had a dividing “wall” of cabinetry…that made the rather large space seem very small, and cut off the kitchen from the eating area that has a beautiful garden view completely hidden from the main kitchen. Circulation was poor, leaving family members on top of one another when entertaining family and friends. The new kitchen design nearly doubles the kitchen size within the original space; opening it up completely and enjoying an expansive island containing a new Kohler Whitehaven Smart Divide farm sink, a dishwasher, and pull out double trash receptacle. The great new gathering space accommodates four pull out stools beckoning grandchildren and friends alike. Removing the range from the island and relocating it to create a dramatic “feature” wall, completely out of the way of guests; it is now crowned with a beautiful completely customized wood hood designed to ventilate much more efficiently than the original island range containing a limited downdraft system. The much more efficient use of the space after removing a pantry closet made way for a fully functional “tall wall” housing a double oven and refrigerator, out of the way of guests. Removing the restrictive cabinetry wall now allowed for an expansive floor to ceiling pantry cabinet with full extension pull out shelving, and an elegant display area complete with a beautiful furniture detailed buffet. Fitting perfectly into the farmhouse charm of the old estate, Medallion Silver Lancaster cabinetry was chosen in a soft white Maple Divinity paint finish lining the perimeter. The stunning island hints to this old home’s past with Medallion Gold’s Maple Devonshire style graced with a Carriage Black Heirloom painted finish. The rubbed off black paint finish reveals the soft wood tones beneath, mimicking furniture you’d see in your grandmother’s home that has lovingly been polished for years to reveal a soft, subtly rubbed-off sheen. Counter tops reverse contrast with perimeter tops of black “Raven” granite possessing a subtle honed finish, and a shift to Quartz Difinity Viareggio - resembling white Carrera marble on the island. A simple herringbone detail completes the decorative range wall, and subtle porcelain subway tiles grace the backsplash throughout. The design is finished off with crisp Thermador and Bosch stainless steel appliances, and bright brushed cup pull and handle combination hardware. A pull down Kohler Bellaria faucet makes cleanup a breeze, and soft under-cabinet LED lighting throughout makes every work surface shine softly, and highlights the cabinetry display area with grace. One special detail was created to make the dramatic ceiling transition to a vaulted area above the breakfast nook extra special. A tongue and groove solid wood ceiling was hung above, and a subtle greenish-grey distressed paint finish was hand developed on site by the talented crew, complementing the new kitchen with a completely unique surface that appears as if it’s been there for many, many years. It’s just one standout feature in the amazing new space that is sure to be in every conversation as newcomers enjoy the newest best hangout in this old home renewed! After 30 years of renovating homes, this now content homeowner sips a cup of tea enjoying her new garden view, and reminisces projects of past – and lastly reports their experience with Advance Design Studio culminating with their amazing new kitchen to be the most enjoyable and satisfying home experience yet. Designer: Nicole Ryan Photographer: Joe Nowak

Overlooking the pool, this mixed-use space is the ideal spot to spend a cozy evening. The window seat is a lovely spot to sip a hot beverage and read a book. There is also a drop-down movie screen that transforms the space into a home theater.

Cozy window seat nook off the dining room to read and sip tea.
Sunroom - traditional sunroom idea in Calgary

Our clients wanted to maximize the potential of this dramatically-placed home site while incorporating modern, energy-saving materials. Don Stuart Architecture designed the perfect custom home that took full advantage of the parameters of this Spring Creek lot, while connecting beautifully with the dramatic north, west, and southern views. The home was built using customized Energreen Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs), and is one of the most energy efficient homes in the valley. The home also features a Heat Recovery Ventilation system, and has very high insulative properties and sound qualities. Khyber Lane is modern and extremely energy-efficient, but it is also a comfortable and beautiful place to live. Rich warm-toned wood beams and mouldings accent the open living spaces, while the natural slate flooring complements the beauty of the hardwood throughout. The luxury of the ensuite bathroom is the perfect setting for a relaxing soak after a day on the slopes. Our clients are extremely pleased with their beautiful mountain custom home.

Minimalist kitchen photo in Providence

Photo by Mary Haskin.
Example of an arts and crafts exterior home design in Seattle

European-inspired hidden charm! From the cobble stone to the fire feature, this backyard is breathtaking! This backyard features a long lap pool & raised spa complete with deck jets, water & fire features, BaduJet, and automatic pool cover. The interior of the pool is Satin Matrix in the color Northshore Tahoe that creates this elegant blue color. Just around the corner of the pool you will discover the most charming outdoor kitchen to enjoy some sips and snacks. At night, the entire backyard is so romantic with pathway and landscape lights!

Arts and crafts staircase photo in Oklahoma City

The home was built as a case study in Sustainable and Energy Efficient building design. Passive Solar design strategies and new construction technologies are employed that marry with the Site and Program goals. • Solar orientation of the spaces; • broad eaves for shade; • natural cross ventilation to take advantage of the delta Breeze; • Natural Daylighting; • Structural Insulated Panel System (SIPS) construction; • FSC-certified lumber and cedar siding; • High Efficiency insulations, windows and lighting; • pre-finished fiber cement Rain-screen siding; • thermal mass polished concrete floors with radiant heating;, • Photovoltaic solar power ready butterfly roof. ©serrao design/architecture, unless otherwise noted

What a fantastic outdoor conversation set, nestled under an illuminated umbrella. Can't you already picture yourself sipping on a cold beverage, soaking up the fresh air?

Custom picture moulding in the shape of the Taj Mahal's arches sets the tone of this Chai Tea Sipping Sitting Room with a brass cocktail table, bone inlay sitting chairs and a gorgeous ornate chandelier from Visual Comfort. The yellow Golran rug also adds contract with the Varanasi Wallpaper peeking through the side.

Our Music Lounge is located on the second floor of a stunning 100+ year-old Tudor-style residence in Hartford, CT—part of the 2025 Junior League of Hartford Designer Show House. When designing the space, we set out to celebrate Connecticut-based female artists. The room began with two key elements: a leafy, organic grasscloth wallpaper by Goshen artist Sarah Von Dreele, and an original painting titled Torch Singer by West Hartford’s Sandy Welch. Sandy’s portrait became the driving inspiration behind the color palette and the mood of the room. The woman in the painting feels completely at ease—confident, expressive, and immersed in the music. We envisioned a well-traveled couple living here, wanting this space to evoke a cozy Parisian café tucked within their historic home—a moody, romantic retreat layered with stories. Most evenings, we imagine them here, unwinding to vintage records on the gramophone, sipping bourbon hot toddies by candlelight, and dreaming up their next overseas adventure. The room is intimate, eclectic, and richly layered—evoking nostalgia, warmth, and quiet indulgence. If cigarettes were still in fashion, this would be the room to lean back, light up, and lose track of time.

Trendy home design photo in Phoenix

Photos by Matt Delphenich
Home design - large modern home design idea in Boston

- Built Green and Energy Star Certified - 100% LED lighting incl. Industrial LED Edison Bulbs - Triple glazed windows - Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF) foundation - Structural Insulated Panel (SIP) roof - Exterior insulation as continual thermal break - High efficient mechanical equipment - Advanced framing techniques - All non-toxic, no VOC finishes & coatings - Live Edge Kitchen Island & Stair Tread by Vancouver - Urban Timber - Stainless Steel Kitchen Countertops - Re-purposed material from old house and construction used throughout - Built to withstand the abuse of active growing children PHOTOGRAPHY: Andrew Latreille Photography

This magnificent one-of-a-kind home has much to offer a busy family. A bright and airy contemporary design, complimented by warm wood, embraces both formal and casual living and dining spaces. Two levels are accessible by separate staircases. Three master suites on the second floor connect by an open walkway overlooking the great room below to the main master suite with two walk-in closets, an office center and spa retreat bathroom. The master bedroom balcony allows a wonderful retreat to relax, sip a cup of coffee, and read the daily newspaper.

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

Mid-sized trendy u-shaped ceramic tile kitchen pantry photo in Charlotte with an undermount sink, raised-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, granite countertops, brown backsplash, ceramic backsplash, black appliances and an island

Mid-sized minimalist beige one-story exterior home photo in San Francisco with a green roof