The objectives were: Make better use of the dining room – create a space ideal for informal gatherings Create a display space that is Marvel Spectacular-worthy Create a wow-worthy focal point that is visible as guests walk in the front door Incorporate a sink into the bar Plenty of storage Incorporate the client’s custom “barrel” secret mini bar into the design Design challenges we solved for: Make the two areas feel as one Provide enough support for the bar’s thick wood-top so that it would not need legs that would interfere with the seating area Find a way to incorporate as much bar seating as possible Make the room’s finishes flow with the rest of the house THE RENEWED SPACE Design solutions: Add open cabinets on the back bar wall with lights and display sections – this ties the bar area to the open display cabinets Back bar wall base cabinets provide lots of storage U-shaped island allows for more seating Custom shelving adjustable to accommodate a wide range of collectibles Finishes that tie into the secret barrel bar integrate nicely with the rest of the house Transforming the former dining room area into a bar with lots of display shelving gives the clients a new, functional gathering place that reflects their personal style. It feels more fun and modern, and it feels more like “them.” After all, this is their own special area in their own home and it’s a perfect place for hanging out with friends.

Meredith Heuer
Enclosed dining room - mid-sized eclectic enclosed dining room idea in New York with multicolored walls

The canal view to this gorgeous home is unbeatable! The open pool cage allows zero interference between you and the view due to lack of aluminum at the front! The beautiful patio furniture and summer kitchen will make this the favorite spot of the house!

Willie & Leslie of Barrington Hills loved the location of their home. Its breathtaking views overlooked a wooded backyard and a captivating lake. They didn’t want to move, but they needed more space. But the house was missing that big family room where everyone could gather, relax and converse, and the house was completely cut off visually from the beautiful outdoor view right outside! They knew what they wanted meant building an addition to their home. They began searching the internet and came across Advance Design Studio, and after browsing through project after project and reading one outstanding client review after another, they were sold on Advance Design. Additionally, they loved Advance Design’s “Common Sense Remodeling” process and felt confident that it would allow the Design/Build company to easily coordinate the multiple projects they wanted to complete all at one time. Willie and Leslie immediately set up a meeting with Owner Todd Jurs and Project Designer Claudia Pop. When the meeting ended, they were sure that Advance Design were the right people and the right approach for their project. "Establishing a direction and a budget is always key in project of this size," Todd said. "This house was screaming for a family room and it didn't have one. Ultimately, it's about working together towards the same goal of a beautiful functional addition." The project consisted of a significant family room addition with an extraordinary vaulted ceiling and floor to ceiling fireplace, a guest suite renovation with a luxury bath, a garage addition, and an adjoining outdoor patio renovation complete with a fantastic built in grilling station. The main goal was to add comfort and space to the existing home that would last their lifetime, and finally allow them to capture the amazing view of the backyard and lake that they never could really enjoy previously. Willie, Leslie and Claudia paid special attention to designing the space to make sure that the footprint of the room did not interfere with the views. Floor to ceiling Pella windows were incorporated into a spectacular window wall to provide plenty of natural light. Vaulted ceilings gave the room a bigger feel and the stunning floor to ceiling masonry fireplace was designed giving the room a rustic, comfortable feel of a Colorado Lodge. Barnwood doors and exposed wooden beams accentuate the crackling fireplace and family gathering space. An oversized statement chandelier bathes the space in soft light once the sun sets and compliments the exposed wood and fireplace perfectly. “It simple elegant and beautiful,” Designer Claudia Pop said. “It is a great family room that captures the views perfectly. They love the fireplace, the barndoors and the openness of the space we designed for the whole family now to enjoy.” And when warm weather beckons, the outdoor patio is a terrific place to spend an evening. The family now enjoys fall nights in front of their outdoor fireplace overlooking the quiet lake. Dekton Trillium Quartz counters tops adorn an amazing grilling bar. Nearly indestructible, they are the only manufactured stone product designed exclusively to withstand high heat in summer and extreme cold temperatures in winter. The guest bath renovation makes Willie and Leslie’s friends and family feel like they are staying at a 5-star hotel. Carlisle colored Maple cabinets from Medallion make a roomy dual vanity more than adequate with plenty of space to get ready for the day after a peaceful night’s sleep. Cambria Quartz countertops are durable and elegant, while contrasting the neutral cabinets flawlessly. Heated flooring from Warmly Yours is the cherry on top for this cozy guest bath. All the projects turned out better than they even imagined. Willie and Leslie now have a spacious family room with even better views of the lake and woods, a much larger garage, a fantastic relaxing outdoor patio, and a guest bath that makes it almost impossible to get the guest to leave after their stay. Are you thinking about a remodeling project? Talk to the experts at Advance Design about the renovation of your dreams. Now is the perfect time to renovate. Check out other amazing projects here. With “Common Sense Remodeling”, the process of renovating your home has never been easier. Contact us today at 847-836-2600 or schedule an appointment to talk with us about your kitchen remodeling project, or any other home renovation you are planning. Our talented team can help you design and build the new space you’ve been dreaming about.

2012 NARI CAPITAL COTY, FINALIST AWARD WINNER, RESIDENTIAL EXTERIOR UNDER $100,000 The outdoor life means the world to this couple and their three children in Springfield, Virginia. Sports and having friends over are a big part of their lives so having a nice outdoor living space off their home is very important. Unfortunately, the home they purchased had not only a small, crumbling deck, but the backyard landscaping left much to be desired. The main objectives of their outdoor living renovation were to be able to have a large enough patio, deck and screen porch so they could all be outside enjoying their own activities at the same time. Working with Michael Nash Design, Build & Homes, the homeowners decided to add a large deck on the right side of the back of the house and a 20’ x 20’ octagonal screen porch on the left side. In order not to interfere with windows and the placement of utilities on the lower level, the Michael Nash team created a brick walkway which leads to double sided stairways. Maintenance-free decking and accessories are used throughout. A high cathedral ceiling with beaded panels, recessed lights and a ceiling fan make the screened-in porch a family favorite. On the lower level, several trees were removed and the yard was graded level for a new flagstone patio with short stone seating walls. A bed for plants and flower with stone rocks was placed around the utility meters to create a more desirable appearance. The sound of kids playing soccer in backyard while dad is grilling and mom is relaxing on the deck is a dream come true for this family.

THE SETUP This remodeling project transformed a catchall room into a cinema-style theater designed for family entertainment and relaxation. The original space, which housed a small TV, older furniture, and various children’s toys, was reimagined to create a sophisticated, adult-friendly home theater with ample seating and modern amenities. Design Objectives: Create a Dark Theater Space: Ensure the room mimics a traditional movie theater environment. Provide Comfortable Theater Seating: Include enough seating for the family and guests. Integrate a Dry Bar Area: Include a space for snacks and drinks. Optimize Space Utilization: Maintain an open area for additional activities. Design Challenges: Natural light: The room was too bright for a theater setting. Seating: Accommodating six theater seats without obstructing views. Lighting: Ensuring the lighting does not interfere with the viewing experience. AV: Finding a clutter-free solution for AV equipment. Dry Bar: Incorporating a dry bar area without overcrowding the space. Viewing: Ensuring the TV placement allows for comfortable, optimized viewing. THE RENEWED SPACE Design Solutions: Natural Light Control: Installed blackout remote shades on the back window and painted the walls dark charcoal to reduce natural light infiltration. Seating Arrangement: Built a second level for the back row of seating to ensure unobstructed views for all movie watchers. Lighting Design: Installed sconces on either side of the window that shine from the sides (to avoid interfering with the viewing experience). AV Equipment Storage: Utilized existing recess areas with custom shelves matching the cabinetry and concealed cables using a PVC pipe system. Dry Bar Integration: Created a dry bar area on the back wall with a refrigerator, candy storage, and a small counter space for a popcorn machine and ice maker, with locked drawers to prevent unsupervised access. Optimal Viewing Distance: Evaluated multiple floor plans and placed the TV on the most suitable wall to ensure optimal viewing and comfortable reclined seating. Final Thoughts: The completed home theater has been a resounding success, providing a versatile space for the entire family. The thoughtful design and meticulous attention to detail have created a functional and enjoyable home theater that meets diverse needs, from watching movies and playing video games to relaxing and reading. The areas to the sides of the theater seats can accommodate spillover seating or activity zones. The area housing the AV equipment also includes extra shelves for storing snuggle-grade movie viewing blankets. This theater space has become a favorite hangout spot, offering comfort and entertainment for everyone. This view shows the dual level theater seating, bean bags, open AV shelving on the right to tuck the cables which our installers ran behind the TV with PVC piping.

Brian McCloud
Example of a mid-sized transitional l-shaped light wood floor kitchen pantry design in San Francisco with a drop-in sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, stainless steel appliances and an island

Inspiration for a bedroom remodel in Grand Rapids

This kitchen included an odd-sized double-oven with shattered glass and appliance interference, wasted soffit space, inadequate lighting, and more. The client also faced issues with the laundry closet, storage, and countertops. We addressed these concerns by adjusting the layout. Featured changes include an integrated micro-convection double-oven, a counter-depth refrigerator, the removal of soffits, an expanded cabinetry footprint, a built-in laundry, relocating the electrical panel, and adding solid-surface countertops. Design elements include cabinet-mounted remote switches, a built-in wine refrigerator, two-tone cabinetry, all LED lighting, a pull-down swivel faucet, fully functional storage, and virtually seamless countertops. These changes addressed all of the clients’ pain points and improved the kitchen’s functionality, efficiency, and aesthetic.

In January 2025, Rampart Garage Doors completed a sleek patio-to-living-space conversion in Carmel Valley by installing three contemporary Full View doors from AlumaDoor. These doors enclosed a previously open, covered patio—transforming it into a fully usable, light-filled space while preserving outdoor views and modern aesthetic appeal. Each door featured bronze anodized aluminum frames paired with clear glass panels, offering a clean, contemporary look that complements a range of architectural styles. To maintain a cohesive visual finish, we powder-coated the tracks and key hardware elements to match the frame color. The two opposing doors were engineered with staggered track heights using different radius lift tracks—allowing both to open simultaneously without interference. The primary access door was motorized with a LiftMaster 98022 Jackshaft opener, delivering smooth, side-mounted operation perfect for high-traffic or multifunctional spaces. This installation not only expanded the homeowner’s functional living area but also added year-round flexibility and architectural polish to their Carmel Valley home.

Request Free Quote This innovative swimming pool measures 16'0" x 35'0" and has a 10.75'0" swim lane. Due to the offset for the swim lane, the pool features two separate automatic pool safety covers to completely cover the pool. Diving Board, deep water benches, Ledgestone pool coping and LED colored lighting complete the aesthetic. Photos by Larry Huene

The granite steps make walking down the slope easy and safe. The foot traffic does not interfere with the table area.
Inspiration for a mid-sized timeless backyard stone patio fountain remodel in Boston with no cover

A once uninspired, blank lawn has now transformed into a backyard oasis. This retreat now provides an extension of living space for the family and their friends to enjoy for years to come. The inviting gunite pool is the focal point of this space, centrally located with plenty of sun exposure to enjoy during the summer months. For those times when relaxation is desired, a sculptural water feature provides the sound of running water without being visually overbearing. Opposite the sun deck, is an inviting, cozy space complete with a sofa and fire pit that can be used year round. The outdoor living room space under a new deck is fully-covered and well-lit so even an occasional rain shower or too much sun won’t interfere with entertaining guests. All of these separate spaces work in harmony to provide a cohesive feel. The new pool and surrounding landscape overlooks the second fairway at Andover Country Club.

The warmer season, upcoming Super Bowl Sunday, and a raging pandemic. These were the problems plaguing the World of Beer Bar in Tampa Bay, FL, when they got in touch with us for an outdoor bar pergola solution. Outdoor Project They wanted to entertain massive crowds of people and watch parties, but the guests could be limited to an outdoor seating space due to the area’s pandemic restrictions. The solution for the restaurant patio cover was the louvered roof system. The World of Beer Bar decided on a modern pergola with an automated louvered roof to create an outside terrace where their customers can enjoy Super Bowl while maintaining the government’s SOPs due to the pandemic. They loved our R-Blade pergola as it offered a covered outdoor space where they could receive and entertain their guests. They wanted the industrial patio cover installed on their outdoor terrace to offer rain protection to their customers. But they also wanted a part of the terrace to be uncovered so that their customers can enjoy the beautiful day outdoors. R-Blade pergola design with the louvered system was the perfect solution for this beer bar’s outdoor space. Product Choice Outdoor Terrace - World Of Beer Bar and Kitchen - covered with a louvered roof Product 4 Pergolas Model R-BLADE louvered roof Type Attached to the wall Size 52’ x 22’ projection – 15’ high Options Screens Color Grey Bronze / White louvers Benefits Stunning 2-story patio The challenges of this outdoor bar pergola project Working on this outdoor bar pergola while keeping the pandemic restriction. 4 louvered roofs opening altogether as well as independently outdoor bar pergola louvered roof with better sealing and less chance of leaks 4 louvered roof that open and close independently - outdoor bar pergola This industrial patio cover for the outdoor terrace consists of 4 louvered roofs mounted to the bar’s wall. Additionally, the client wanted these roofs to open and close independently so that their customers can enjoy a nice beer and enjoy the Super Bowl watch parties outside when the weather’s good. Automated screens for wind and rain protection The R-Blade bioclimatic louvered roof installed at the outdoor terrace comes with outdoor screens, a rain sensor that prompts the pergola to close automatically when it detects rain. Moreover, the outdoor bar pergola has a wind sensor for automatic opening whenever it detects a strong wind force. While offering the perfect ambiance to this convivial sports bar, it shelters the customers from winds during watch parties and gatherings. Moreover, our modern louvered roof system is complemented by Azenco’s well-engineered invisible gutter system to drain the rainwater immediately, ensuring that the space under the pergola remains dry. Grey bronze structure to match the bar’s overall look We installed grey bronze structures that go very well with the sports bar’s overall look and ambiance. They also asked for white louvers to perfectly contrast with the grey bronze structures giving the outdoor bar pergola a more sophisticated yet friendly vibe. The pergolas were designed to perfectly blend with the bar’s exterior, offering the perfect place for beer and sports enthusiasts to connect over their favorite teams in the Super Bowl. Outdoor bar pergola features and Azenco’s solutions As a result, we created an amazing restaurant patio design for the World of Beer Bar to entertain their guests outside even during the pandemic restrictions. The louvered system was designed to blend with the sports bar’s look, so the structures were attached to the outdoor wall and crafted in grey bronze while the louvers were white. Before the renovation, it was just an uncovered terrace on the second story of the patio. But now it’s the perfect outdoor sitting area for customers who come to enjoy the outdoors and watch Super Bowl. The elegant-looking louvers protect the customers from rain or the sun, while the uncovered part gives guests the perfect outdoor experience. Not to mention that Azenco successfully installed the louvered roof before the Super Bowl 2021 started as the client needed to arrange an outdoor terrace to receive the guests. Turnaround time Manufacturing: Custom manufactured adjustable white louvered roof with grey bronze structure. Delivery in 4 weeks. Mounting On Site: 4 days deal with specific timing and scheduling to ensure that the mounting doesn’t interfere with opening hours.

This kitchen included an odd-sized double-oven with shattered glass and appliance interference, wasted soffit space, inadequate lighting, and more. The client also faced issues with the laundry closet, storage, and countertops. We addressed these concerns by adjusting the layout. Featured changes include an integrated micro-convection double-oven, a counter-depth refrigerator, the removal of soffits, an expanded cabinetry footprint, a built-in laundry, relocating the electrical panel, and adding solid-surface countertops. Design elements include cabinet-mounted remote switches, a built-in wine refrigerator, two-tone cabinetry, all LED lighting, a pull-down swivel faucet, fully functional storage, and virtually seamless countertops. These changes addressed all of the clients’ pain points and improved the kitchen’s functionality, efficiency, and aesthetic.

Coming up with new ideas is always challenging, but the challenge seems even more difficult to overcome when the starting point is quite limiting. In the case of this residential project, the starting point was an existing foundation, that needed to be used for the future building. Therefore, the footprint of the house needed to remain the same, however, the functions needed adjustments since the requirements and priorities of the owners changed in the previous years. Another aspect that involved limitations but in a totally different sense was the setting - a beautiful place near a lake, surrounded by wild vegetation - and our challenge was to integrate the house while emphasizing the view. We managed to do so by using large glass areas towards the lake, by laying the house properly on the sloped ground and by the use of materials. Because we didn't want to interfere with the all-natural vibe of the surroundings, we preferred using all-natural materials: wood as a structural material as well as an interior and exterior wall finishing, natural stone on both façades and pavements, ceramic roofing. The result now peacefully lays near the lake, a discrete presence, while hosting the life of a family and all the peace of mind one can get.

The kitchen backsplash was done in NEMO’s 4×16 Metro White Gloss Subway Tile with a dark grout to match the kitchen trim and to not interfere with the other textures in the kitchen. Metro Wall Tile is NEMO’s classic ceramic tile and is available in a multitude of contemporary sizes and colors. Photos by: Megan Lawrence

Designer’s Notes: For the back yard, add a firescape zone between the hills and the residence with a succulent garden that will not interfere with the stunning view. ©Daniel Bosler Photography

THE SETUP This remodeling project transformed a catchall room into a cinema-style theater designed for family entertainment and relaxation. The original space, which housed a small TV, older furniture, and various children’s toys, was reimagined to create a sophisticated, adult-friendly home theater with ample seating and modern amenities. Design Objectives: Create a Dark Theater Space: Ensure the room mimics a traditional movie theater environment. Provide Comfortable Theater Seating: Include enough seating for the family and guests. Integrate a Dry Bar Area: Include a space for snacks and drinks. Optimize Space Utilization: Maintain an open area for additional activities. Design Challenges: Natural light: The room was too bright for a theater setting. Seating: Accommodating six theater seats without obstructing views. Lighting: Ensuring the lighting does not interfere with the viewing experience. AV: Finding a clutter-free solution for AV equipment. Dry Bar: Incorporating a dry bar area without overcrowding the space. Viewing: Ensuring the TV placement allows for comfortable, optimized viewing. THE RENEWED SPACE Design Solutions: Natural Light Control: Installed blackout remote shades on the back window and painted the walls dark charcoal to reduce natural light infiltration. Seating Arrangement: Built a second level for the back row of seating to ensure unobstructed views for all movie watchers. Lighting Design: Installed sconces on either side of the window that shine from the sides (to avoid interfering with the viewing experience). AV Equipment Storage: Utilized existing recess areas with custom shelves matching the cabinetry and concealed cables using a PVC pipe system. Dry Bar Integration: Created a dry bar area on the back wall with a refrigerator, candy storage, and a small counter space for a popcorn machine and ice maker, with locked drawers to prevent unsupervised access. Optimal Viewing Distance: Evaluated multiple floor plans and placed the TV on the most suitable wall to ensure optimal viewing and comfortable reclined seating. Final Thoughts: The completed home theater has been a resounding success, providing a versatile space for the entire family. The thoughtful design and meticulous attention to detail have created a functional and enjoyable home theater that meets diverse needs, from watching movies and playing video games to relaxing and reading. The areas to the sides of the theater seats can accommodate spillover seating or activity zones. The area housing the AV equipment also includes extra shelves for storing snuggle-grade movie viewing blankets. This theater space has become a favorite hangout spot, offering comfort and entertainment for everyone. This view shows the dual level theater seating, bean bags, open AV shelving on the right to tuck the cables which our installers ran behind the TV with PVC piping.