An extreme makeover turns an unassuming lanai deck into an outdoor oasis. These Bonita Bay homeowners loved the location of their home, but needed it to fit their current lifestyle. Because they love to entertain, they wanted to maximize their outdoor space—one that would accommodate a large family and lots of guests. Working with Progressive Design Build, Mike Spreckelmeier helped the homeowners formulate a list of ideas about what they wanted to achieve in the renovation; then, guided them through the process of planning their remodel. The renovation focused on reconfiguring the layout to extend the outdoor kitchen and living area—to include a new outdoor kitchen, dining area, sitting area and fireplace. Finishing details comprised a beautiful wood ceiling, cast stone accents, and porcelain tile. The lanai was also expanded to include a full size bocce ball court, which was fully encased in a beautiful custom colonnade and screen enclosure. With the extension of the outdoor space came a need to connect the living area to the existing pool and deck. The pool and spa were refinished; and a well thought-out low voltage remote-control relay system was installed for easy control of all of the outdoor and landscape lighting, ceiling fans, and hurricane shutters. This outdoor kitchen project turned out so well, the Bonita Bay homeowners hired Progressive Design Build to remodel the front of their home as well. To create much needed space, Progressive Design Build tore down an existing two-car garage and designed and built a brand new 2.5-car garage with a family suite above. The family suite included three bedrooms, two bathrooms, additional air conditioned storage, a beautiful custom made stair system, and a sitting area. Also part of the project scope, we enlarged a separate one-car garage to a two-car garage (totaling 4.5 garages), and build a 4,000 sq. ft. driveway, complete with landscape design and installation.

An extreme makeover turns an unassuming lanai deck into an outdoor oasis. These Bonita Bay homeowners loved the location of their home, but needed it to fit their current lifestyle. Because they love to entertain, they wanted to maximize their outdoor space—one that would accommodate a large family and lots of guests. Working with Progressive Design Build, Mike Spreckelmeier helped the homeowners formulate a list of ideas about what they wanted to achieve in the renovation; then, guided them through the process of planning their remodel. The renovation focused on reconfiguring the layout to extend the outdoor kitchen and living area—to include a new outdoor kitchen, dining area, sitting area and fireplace. Finishing details comprised a beautiful wood ceiling, cast stone accents, and porcelain tile. The lanai was also expanded to include a full size bocce ball court, which was fully encased in a beautiful custom colonnade and screen enclosure. With the extension of the outdoor space came a need to connect the living area to the existing pool and deck. The pool and spa were refinished; and a well thought-out low voltage remote-control relay system was installed for easy control of all of the outdoor and landscape lighting, ceiling fans, and hurricane shutters. This outdoor kitchen project turned out so well, the Bonita Bay homeowners hired Progressive Design Build to remodel the front of their home as well. To create much needed space, Progressive Design Build tore down an existing two-car garage and designed and built a brand new 2.5-car garage with a family suite above. The family suite included three bedrooms, two bathrooms, additional air conditioned storage, a beautiful custom made stair system, and a sitting area. Also part of the project scope, we enlarged a separate one-car garage to a two-car garage (totaling 4.5 garages), and build a 4,000 sq. ft. driveway, complete with landscape design and installation.

My client hired Interiors by Natasha to redesign her master bedroom, sitting room and master bathroom. She was enthusiastic about having us create a peaceful and glamorous room for her to sleep and lounge in. The scope of the project was as follows: with the exception to the master bed, we purchased new furniture, new bedding, dressers, nightstands, chandeliers, sofa, rugs, mirror and accessories. We also decided to install wallpaper on the walls as a focal point in the room. The challenges we faced with this project was making sure we designed a room that had some luxe, glitz and glam. We had to design the space around the bed that my client purchased prior to starting the design process. The color scheme within the room included gray, blush, and cream. The other challenge we faced was creating a room around the glam style without over doing it. Although my client was fine with glam, she did not want to much of it represented in the room. I believe we were able to redesign her space creating a luxe atmosphere for her to sleep and lounge in. Photography Haigwood Studios

This family had a beautiful piece of property, located in the Township of Mendham, and wanted a large home approximately 4,000 to 4,500 square feet. That number changed many times during the schematic phase process which is part of the design process where AGA works through the different possible layouts within the parameters of the agreed upon project. The original proposal was spelled out as follows: first floor: 10 foot ceilings, two story entry with grand staircase open to second floor, study, dining room, great room – two story space (family room) with gas fireplace open to kitchen with eat-in breakfast area, powder room, laundry room and mud room adjacent to a three car garage and sunken entertainment room. Additional features included a back staircase to the second floor. The second floor requirements were: 9 foot ceilings, three bedrooms and two full baths (one bath to be Jack and Jill), master bedroom suite to include sitting area, two walk-in closets and master bath. The owner ended up getting everything on his wish list and we managed to keep the home under 4,500 square feet

This family had a beautiful piece of property, located in the Township of Mendham, and wanted a large home approximately 4,000 to 4,500 square feet. That number changed many times during the schematic phase process which is part of the design process where AGA works through the different possible layouts within the parameters of the agreed upon project. The original proposal was spelled out as follows: first floor: 10 foot ceilings, two story entry with grand staircase open to second floor, study, dining room, great room – two story space (family room) with gas fireplace open to kitchen with eat-in breakfast area, powder room, laundry room and mud room adjacent to a three car garage and sunken entertainment room. Additional features included a back staircase to the second floor. The second floor requirements were: 9 foot ceilings, three bedrooms and two full baths (one bath to be Jack and Jill), master bedroom suite to include sitting area, two walk-in closets and master bath. The owner ended up getting everything on his wish list and we managed to keep the home under 4,500 square feet

This family had a beautiful piece of property, located in the Township of Mendham, and wanted a large home approximately 4,000 to 4,500 square feet. That number changed many times during the schematic phase process which is part of the design process where AGA works through the different possible layouts within the parameters of the agreed upon project. The original proposal was spelled out as follows: first floor: 10 foot ceilings, two story entry with grand staircase open to second floor, study, dining room, great room – two story space (family room) with gas fireplace open to kitchen with eat-in breakfast area, powder room, laundry room and mud room adjacent to a three car garage and sunken entertainment room. Additional features included a back staircase to the second floor. The second floor requirements were: 9 foot ceilings, three bedrooms and two full baths (one bath to be Jack and Jill), master bedroom suite to include sitting area, two walk-in closets and master bath. The owner ended up getting everything on his wish list and we managed to keep the home under 4,500 square feet

This family had a beautiful piece of property, located in the Township of Mendham, and wanted a large home approximately 4,000 to 4,500 square feet. That number changed many times during the schematic phase process which is part of the design process where AGA works through the different possible layouts within the parameters of the agreed upon project. The original proposal was spelled out as follows: first floor: 10 foot ceilings, two story entry with grand staircase open to second floor, study, dining room, great room – two story space (family room) with gas fireplace open to kitchen with eat-in breakfast area, powder room, laundry room and mud room adjacent to a three car garage and sunken entertainment room. Additional features included a back staircase to the second floor. The second floor requirements were: 9 foot ceilings, three bedrooms and two full baths (one bath to be Jack and Jill), master bedroom suite to include sitting area, two walk-in closets and master bath. The owner ended up getting everything on his wish list and we managed to keep the home under 4,500 square feet

This landscape is based on a painting by pioneering abstract artist Wassily Kandinsky. The Art Garden method of Landscape Design is a process where the outdoor environment's design is based on the the work of a specific artist or work of art, or incorporates multiple art forms into the space, including sculpture, music, dance, performance art and experiential elements. The swirling shape of the front stones give the composition a sense of movement, while the variegated Sedum offer a structural contrast to the red wall, and can tolerate the hot dry microclimate of stone mulch and the concrete wall. Behind the wall is a massing of Hay Scented Fern, a lush bright green contrast to the red wall. The red arching wall offers a high contrast backdrop to the sculptural fire pit, which is a cast iron sugar kettle from South Carolina. It’s rim sits on top of two of the boulders, while fitting into a notch of the third boulder, creating an asymmetrical, funky balance, typical of Kandinsky’s work.

My client hired Interiors by Natasha to redesign her master bedroom, sitting room and master bathroom. She was enthusiastic about having us create a peaceful and glamorous room for her to sleep and lounge in. The scope of the project was as follows: with the exception to the master bed, we purchased new furniture, new bedding, dressers, nightstands, chandeliers, sofa, rugs, mirror and accessories. We also decided to install wallpaper on the walls as a focal point in the room. The challenges we faced with this project was making sure we designed a room that had some luxe, glitz and glam. We had to design the space around the bed that my client purchased prior to starting the design process. The color scheme within the room included gray, blush, and cream. The other challenge we faced was creating a room around the glam style without over doing it. Although my client was fine with glam, she did not want to much of it represented in the room. I believe we were able to redesign her space creating a luxe atmosphere for her to sleep and lounge in. Photography by Haigwood Studios

This landscape is based on a painting by pioneering abstract artist Wassily Kandinsky. The Art Garden method of Landscape Design is a process where the outdoor environment's design is based on the the work of a specific artist or work of art, or incorporates multiple art forms into the space, including sculpture, music, dance, performance art and experiential elements. The swirling shape of the front stones give the composition a sense of movement, while the variegated Sedum offer a structural contrast to the red wall, and can tolerate the hot dry microclimate of stone mulch and the concrete wall. Behind the wall is a massing of Hay Scented Fern, a lush bright green contrast to the red wall. The red arching wall offers a high contrast backdrop to the sculptural fire pit, which is a cast iron sugar kettle from South Carolina. It’s rim sits on top of two of the boulders, while fitting into a notch of the third boulder, creating an asymmetrical, funky balance, typical of Kandinsky’s work.

This family had a beautiful piece of property, located in the Township of Mendham, and wanted a large home approximately 4,000 to 4,500 square feet. That number changed many times during the schematic phase process which is part of the design process where AGA works through the different possible layouts within the parameters of the agreed upon project. The original proposal was spelled out as follows: first floor: 10 foot ceilings, two story entry with grand staircase open to second floor, study, dining room, great room – two story space (family room) with gas fireplace open to kitchen with eat-in breakfast area, powder room, laundry room and mud room adjacent to a three car garage and sunken entertainment room. Additional features included a back staircase to the second floor. The second floor requirements were: 9 foot ceilings, three bedrooms and two full baths (one bath to be Jack and Jill), master bedroom suite to include sitting area, two walk-in closets and master bath. The owner ended up getting everything on his wish list and we managed to keep the home under 4,500 square feet

Karen and Chad of Tower Lakes, IL were tired of their unfinished basement functioning as nothing more than a storage area and depressing gym. They wanted to increase the livable square footage of their home with a cohesive finished basement design, while incorporating space for the kids and adults to hang out. “We wanted to make sure that upon renovating the basement, that we can have a place where we can spend time and watch movies, but also entertain and showcase the wine collection that we have,” Karen said. After a long search comparing many different remodeling companies, Karen and Chad found Advance Design Studio. They were drawn towards the unique “Common Sense Remodeling” process that simplifies the renovation experience into predictable steps focused on customer satisfaction. “There are so many other design/build companies, who may not have transparency, or a focused process in mind and I think that is what separated Advance Design Studio from the rest,” Karen said. Karen loved how designer Claudia Pop was able to take very high-level concepts, “non-negotiable items” and implement them in the initial 3D drawings. Claudia and Project Manager DJ Yurik kept the couple in constant communication through the project. “Claudia was very receptive to the ideas we had, but she was also very good at infusing her own points and thoughts, she was very responsive, and we had an open line of communication,” Karen said. A very important part of the basement renovation for the couple was the home gym and sauna. The “high-end hotel” look and feel of the openly blended work out area is both highly functional and beautiful to look at. The home sauna gives them a place to relax after a long day of work or a tough workout. “The gym was a very important feature for us,” Karen said. “And I think (Advance Design) did a very great job in not only making the gym a functional area, but also an aesthetic point in our basement”. An extremely unique wow-factor in this basement is the walk in glass wine cellar that elegantly displays Karen and Chad’s extensive wine collection. Immediate access to the stunning wet bar accompanies the wine cellar to make this basement a popular spot for friends and family. The custom-built wine bar brings together two natural elements; Calacatta Vicenza Quartz and thick distressed Black Walnut. Sophisticated yet warm Graphite Dura Supreme cabinetry provides contrast to the soft beige walls and the Calacatta Gold backsplash. An undermount sink across from the bar in a matching Calacatta Vicenza Quartz countertop adds functionality and convenience to the bar, while identical distressed walnut floating shelves add an interesting design element and increased storage. Rich true brown Rustic Oak hardwood floors soften and warm the space drawing all the areas together. Across from the bar is a comfortable living area perfect for the family to sit down at a watch a movie. A full bath completes this finished basement with a spacious walk-in shower, Cocoa Brown Dura Supreme vanity with Calacatta Vicenza Quartz countertop, a crisp white sink and a stainless-steel Voss faucet. Advance Design’s Common Sense process gives clients the opportunity to walk through the basement renovation process one step at a time, in a completely predictable and controlled environment. “Everything was designed and built exactly how we envisioned it, and we are really enjoying it to it’s full potential,” Karen said. Constantly striving for customer satisfaction, Advance Design’s success is heavily reliant upon happy clients referring their friends and family. “We definitely will and have recommended Advance Design Studio to friends who are looking to embark on a remodeling project small or large,” Karen exclaimed at the completion of her project.

This family had a beautiful piece of property, located in the Township of Mendham, and wanted a large home approximately 4,000 to 4,500 square feet. That number changed many times during the schematic phase process which is part of the design process where AGA works through the different possible layouts within the parameters of the agreed upon project. The original proposal was spelled out as follows: first floor: 10 foot ceilings, two story entry with grand staircase open to second floor, study, dining room, great room – two story space (family room) with gas fireplace open to kitchen with eat-in breakfast area, powder room, laundry room and mud room adjacent to a three car garage and sunken entertainment room. Additional features included a back staircase to the second floor. The second floor requirements were: 9 foot ceilings, three bedrooms and two full baths (one bath to be Jack and Jill), master bedroom suite to include sitting area, two walk-in closets and master bath. The owner ended up getting everything on his wish list and we managed to keep the home under 4,500 square feet

This family had a beautiful piece of property, located in the Township of Mendham, and wanted a large home approximately 4,000 to 4,500 square feet. That number changed many times during the schematic phase process which is part of the design process where AGA works through the different possible layouts within the parameters of the agreed upon project. The original proposal was spelled out as follows: first floor: 10 foot ceilings, two story entry with grand staircase open to second floor, study, dining room, great room – two story space (family room) with gas fireplace open to kitchen with eat-in breakfast area, powder room, laundry room and mud room adjacent to a three car garage and sunken entertainment room. Additional features included a back staircase to the second floor. The second floor requirements were: 9 foot ceilings, three bedrooms and two full baths (one bath to be Jack and Jill), master bedroom suite to include sitting area, two walk-in closets and master bath. The owner ended up getting everything on his wish list and we managed to keep the home under 4,500 square feet

This landscape is based on a painting by pioneering abstract artist Wassily Kandinsky. The Art Garden method of Landscape Design is a process where the outdoor environment's design is based on the the work of a specific artist or work of art, or incorporates multiple art forms into the space, including sculpture, music, dance, performance art and experiential elements. The swirling shape of the front stones give the composition a sense of movement, while the variegated Sedum offer a structural contrast to the red wall, and can tolerate the hot dry microclimate of stone mulch and the concrete wall. Behind the wall is a massing of Hay Scented Fern, a lush bright green contrast to the red wall. The red arching wall offers a high contrast backdrop to the sculptural fire pit, which is a cast iron sugar kettle from South Carolina. It’s rim sits on top of two of the boulders, while fitting into a notch of the third boulder, creating an asymmetrical, funky balance, typical of Kandinsky’s work.

Located at the Toll Brothers Model Homes the Enclave at Yorba Linda. Toll Brothers envisioned a raised overflow pool with glass walls, allowing guests to see underwater from the outside. Extensive care was taken during the difficult design and build process to ensure that excellence was achieved and Toll Brothers was completely enamored with the results. This pool features a very modern look with straight, clean lines, square columns and LED lights accenting the acrylic pool walls. The bar area touts an acrylic wall and in-pool bar stools, while the tile inside the pool matches the house, bringing continuity to the entire space. An extreme amount of coordination was required for the 2.5 inch thick pieces of acrylic to fit perfectly within the slots on the columns while still maintaining the structural integrity of the pool. We were in continual communication with the structural engineer and acrylic manufacturer, ensuring that each piece fit perfectly. The completed acrylic walls were then craned over the house due to their weight. With a vanishing edge on the front three sections and a negative edge along the back, it was absolutely imperative that the pool was perfectly level and that the water filtration system operated perfectly so that the flow was even over each wall. The water cascading over the front walls collects in a trough that ties into to the rear negative edge basin, where it recirculates back into the pool. The rear negative edge was designed so as not to distract from the breathtaking view of the valley below, while the lounging deck overhangs the pool with a freestanding cover ensuring that the view is completely unobstructed. An elegant piece of artwork frames the back of the pool, completing the look for this intriguing swimming pool.

This single family home sits on a tight, sloped site. Within a modest budget, the goal was to provide direct access to grade at both the front and back of the house. The solution is a multi-split-level home with unconventional relationships between floor levels. Between the entrance level and the lower level of the family room, the kitchen and dining room are located on an interstitial level. Within the stair space “floats” a small bathroom. The generous stair is celebrated with a back-painted red glass wall which treats users to changing refractive ambient light throughout the house. Black brick, grey-tinted glass and mirrors contribute to the reasonably compact massing of the home. A cantilevered upper volume shades south facing windows and the home’s limited material palette meant a more efficient construction process. Cautious landscaping retains water run-off on the sloping site and home offices reduce the client’s use of their vehicle. The house achieves its vision within a modest footprint and with a design restraint that will ensure it becomes a long-lasting asset in the community. Photo by Tom Arban

  Free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   The Klimala’s and their three kids are no strangers to moving, this being their fifth house in the same town over the 20-year period they have lived there. “It must be the 7-year itch, because every seven years, we seem to find ourselves antsy for a new project or a new environment. I think part of it is being a designer, I see my own taste evolve and I want my environment to reflect that. Having easy access to wonderful tradesmen and a knowledge of the process makes it that much easier”. This time, Klimala’s fell in love with a somewhat unlikely candidate. The 1950’s ranch turned cape cod was a bit of a mutt, but it’s location 5 minutes from their design studio and backing up to the high school where their kids can roll out of bed and walk to school, coupled with the charm of its location on a private road and lush landscaping made it an appealing choice for them. “The bones of the house were really charming. It was typical 1,500 square foot ranch that at some point someone added a second floor to. Its sloped roofline and dormered bedrooms gave it some charm.” With the help of architect Maureen McHugh, Klimala’s gutted and reworked the layout to make the house work for them. An open concept kitchen and dining room allows for more frequent casual family dinners and dinner parties that linger. A dingy 3-season room off the back of the original house was insulated, given a vaulted ceiling with skylights and now opens up to the kitchen. This room now houses an 8’ raw edge white oak dining table and functions as an informal dining room. “One of the challenges with these mid-century homes is the 8’ ceilings. I had to have at least one room that had a higher ceiling so that’s how we did it” states Klimala. The kitchen features a 10’ island which houses a 5’0” Galley Sink. The Galley features two faucets, and double tiered rail system to which accessories such as cutting boards and stainless steel bowls can be added for ease of cooking. Across from the large sink is an induction cooktop. “My two teen daughters and I enjoy cooking, and the Galley and induction cooktop make it so easy.” A wall of tall cabinets features a full size refrigerator, freezer, double oven and built in coffeemaker. The area on the opposite end of the kitchen features a pantry with mirrored glass doors and a beverage center below. The rest of the first floor features an entry way, a living room with views to the front yard’s lush landscaping, a family room where the family hangs out to watch TV, a back entry from the garage with a laundry room and mudroom area, one of the home’s four bedrooms and a full bath. There is a double sided fireplace between the family room and living room. The home features pops of color from the living room’s peach grass cloth to purple painted wall in the family room. “I’m definitely a traditionalist at heart but because of the home’s Midcentury roots, I wanted to incorporate some of those elements into the furniture, lighting and accessories which also ended up being really fun. We are not formal people so I wanted a house that my kids would enjoy, have their friends over and feel comfortable.” The second floor houses the master bedroom suite, two of the kids’ bedrooms and a back room nicknamed “the library” because it has turned into a quiet get away area where the girls can study or take a break from the rest of the family. The area was originally unfinished attic, and because the home was short on closet space, this Jack and Jill area off the girls’ bedrooms houses two large walk-in closets and a small sitting area with a makeup vanity. “The girls really wanted to keep the exposed brick of the fireplace that runs up the through the space, so that’s what we did, and I think they feel like they are in their own little loft space in the city when they are up there” says Klimala. Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKD, CBD Photography by: Carlos Vergara For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

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.