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.

View from Office/Guest Bedroom to the Dining Room and Kitchen. Custom made barrister bookcases for glassware. Bernd and Hilla Becher photographs.
Inspiration for a large contemporary l-shaped medium tone wood floor dining room remodel in New York with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, gray cabinets, marble countertops, white backsplash, stone tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and white walls

When my client had to move from her company office to work at home, she set up in the dining room. Despite her best efforts, this was not the long-term solution she was looking for. My client realized she needed a dedicated space not on the main floor of the home. On one hand, having your office space right next to the kitchen is handy. On the other hand, it made separating work and home life was not that easy. The house was a ranch. In essence, the basement would run entire length of the home. As we came down the steps, we entered a time capsule. The house was built in the 1950’s. The walls were covered with original knotty pine paneling. There was a wood burning fireplace and considering this was a basement, high ceilings. In addition, there was everything her family could not store at their own homes. As we wound though the space, I though “wow this has potential”, Eventually, after walking through the laundry room we came to a small nicely lit room. This would be the office. My client looked at me and asked what I thought. Undoubtedly, I said, this can be a great workspace, but do you really want to walk through this basement and laundry to get here? Without reservation, my client said where do we start? Once the design was in place, we started the renovation. The knotty pine paneling had to go. Specifically, to add some insulation and control the dampness and humidity. The laundry room wall was relocated to create a hallway to the office. At the far end of the room, we designated a workout zone. Weights, mats, exercise bike and television are at the ready for morning or afternoon workouts. The space can be concealed by a folding screen for party time. Doors to an old closet under the stairs were relocated to the workout area for hidden storage. Now we had nice wall for a beautiful console and mirror for storage and serving during parties. In order to add architectural details, we covered the old ugly support columns with simple recessed millwork panels. This detail created a visual division between the bar area and the seating area in front of the fireplace. The old red brick on the fireplace surround was replaced with stack stone. A mantle was made from reclaimed wood. Additional reclaimed wood floating shelves left and right of the fireplace provides decorative display while maintaining a rustic element balancing the copper end table and leather swivel rocker. We found an amazing rug which tied all of the colors together further defining the gathering space. Russet and burnt orange became the accent color unifying each space. With a bit of whimsy, a rather unusual light fixture which looks like roots from a tree growing through the ceiling is a conversation piece. The office space is quite and removed from the main part of the basement. There is a desk large enough for multiple screens, a small bookcase holding office supplies and a comfortable chair for conference calls. Because working from home requires many online meetings, we added a shiplap wall painted in Hale Navy to contrast with the orange fabric on the chair. We finished the décor with a painting from my client’s father. This is the background online visitors will see. The last and best part of the renovation is the beautiful bar. My client is an avid collector of wine. She already had the EuroCave refrigerator, so I incorporated it into the design. The cabinets are painted Temptation Grey from Benjamin Moore. The counter tops are my favorite hard working quartzite Brown Fantasy. The backsplash is a combination of rustic wood and old tin ceiling like porcelain tiles. Together with the textures of the reclaimed wood and hide poofs balanced against the smooth finish of the cabinets, we created a comfortable luxury for relaxing. There is ample storage for bottles, cans, glasses, and anything else you can think of for a great party. In addition to the wine storage, we incorporated a beverage refrigerator, an ice maker, and a sink. Floating shelves with integrated lighting illuminate the back bar. The raised height of the front bar provides the perfect wine tasting and paring spot. I especially love the pendant lights which look like wine glasses. Finally, I selected carpet for the stairs and office. It is perfect for noise reduction. Meanwhile for the overall flooring, I specifically selected a high-performance vinyl plank floor. We often use this product as it is perfect to install on a concrete floor. It is soft to walk on, easy to clean and does not reduce the overall height of the space.

Small transitional white two-story stucco house exterior photo in Charleston with a hip roof and a shingle roof

Pete Molick Photography
Mid-sized trendy mosaic tile cement tile floor and blue floor bathroom photo in Houston with flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, a one-piece toilet, blue walls, an undermount sink, marble countertops and white countertops

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When our client wanted the design of their master bath to honor their Japanese heritage and emulate a Japanese bathing experience, they turned to us. They had very specific needs and ideas they needed help with — including blending Japanese design elements with their traditional Northwest-style home. The shining jewel of the project? An Ofuro soaking tub where the homeowners could relax, contemplate and meditate. To learn more about this project visit our website: https://www.neilkelly.com/blog/project_profile/japanese-inspired-spa/ To learn more about Neil Kelly Design Builder, Byron Kellar: https://www.neilkelly.com/designers/byron_kellar/

Millennia frameless cabinetry Corson door | TSS (Thermo Structured Surface) | Sepia The man cave gets a modern makeover with a rich color palette and touches of metal. TSS is a durable, easy-to-clean alternative to wood cabinets that features a textured, wood-grain surface.

In this open concept kitchen, you'll discover an inviting, spacious island that's perfect for gatherings and gourmet cooking. With meticulous attention to detail, custom woodwork adorns every part of this culinary haven, from the richly decorated cabinets to the shiplap ceiling, offering both warmth and sophistication that you'll appreciate. The glistening countertops highlight the wood's natural beauty, while a suite of top-of-the-line appliances seamlessly combines practicality and luxury, making your cooking experience a breeze. The prominent farmhouse sink adds practicality and charm, and a counter bar sink in the island provides extra convenience, tailored just for you. Bathed in natural light, this kitchen transforms into a welcoming masterpiece, offering a sanctuary for both culinary creativity and shared moments of joy. Count on the quality, just like many others have. Let's make your culinary dreams come true. Take action today and experience the difference.

Photo by Jared Kuzia
Open concept kitchen - large transitional l-shaped brown floor and medium tone wood floor open concept kitchen idea in Boston with an undermount sink, white cabinets, quartz countertops, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Cozy bright greatroom with coffered ceiling detail. Beautiful south facing light comes through Pella Reserve Windows (screens roll out of bottom of window sash). This room is bright and cheery and very inviting. We even hid a remote shade in the beam closest to the windows for privacy at night and shade if too bright.

lego room , everything is awesome , lego wall , custom carpet , kids room, bunk beds
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Photography by Laura Moss
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Large farmhouse white two-story wood house exterior idea in New York with a gambrel roof and a shingle roof

Re-PDX Photography.com
Example of a large arts and crafts medium tone wood floor kitchen design in Portland with an undermount sink, dark wood cabinets, stainless steel appliances and an island

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Laundry room - transitional laundry room idea in Grand Rapids

David Marquardt
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