Custom wine room designed, fabricated and installed with clients rustic tones in mind. Knotty alder, full glass entry with a viewing window from the adjacent room immediately details a stone, cave-like entry into the wine room. Individual bottles, display, bulk storage and presentation shelves adorn this inviting space. Displays are all accented with LED lights on a dimmable transformer. Unique ceiling and wall sconce light fixtures provide just enough light to easily identify all labels. A wine cellar cooling system is hidden in a dead corner of the racking so as not to interfere with the décor or capacity. The used wine barrel offer the perfect surface to set a glass down and enjoy the space.

Western Red Cedar is used often in exterior timber framing–because it is highly rot resistant. It is also shrinks less as it dries than many other species, and is lightweight, but fairly low in strength. Because rough sawn timber absorbs and holds more stain than surfaced timber, we sometimes suggest to our clients than they consider rough sawn texture outside © Carolina Timberworks

We added a photo studio addition to this home-based business! We were able to line up all of the elevations such as the soffit / rain gutter level, the floor level relative to the existing floor, the new roof peak level (so that It did not interfere with the existing sky light),and the stair / landing level. Now they have a separate entrance and space for all their work so it stays separate from living areas.

The original intent of this project was to replace the island, hood, countertops, and a few appliances. A primary bath remodel was the main priority. But once the couple realized certain features would enhance the functionality of the kitchen – not to mention completely change the aesthetic – they put the master bath on hold and decided to remodel the entire kitchen first. Design objectives: -Omit separate table, plan for a larger island that would seat 7 people -Simple, clean lines – no rounded corners or weird angles -Nothing trendy – use modern classic details -Uncluttered countertops -Better pantry storage for food & small appliances -Integrated major appliances -Coffee bar -Avoid “1 color on perimeter with second color on island” -Integrate a harmonious variety of finishes -Integrate black & handmade metals Design challenges: -Island shape to fit within confines of existing half wall between kitchen & family room & bay window/door to backyard -Narrow kitchen with major walkway -Planning for 7 seats at the island -Keep guest social area away from the cook’s zone -Place appliances according to use -Point-of-use storage for an avid cook within a relatively small space -Integrate colors without looking too busy THE NEW KITCHEN -While the island is mostly rectangular, the seating area utilizes the bay extension without interfering with the exterior door -All seating is placed on the outside perimeter of the island, giving the cook dedicated prep space -The L-shaped seating area & adjacent coffee bar encourage guests to gather on the outside edge of the kitchen where they can still interact with the cook -Island prep space includes 5 feet of versatile drawer storage, double waste basket and an open paper towel dispenser -One pantry designated for food; the other for small appliances & bulk storage; creates visual armoire look -Microwave drawer in island faces refrigerator for easy access & less interference with cook’s zone -Appliance garages avoid clutter on the countertops -Off-white upper cabinets make the kitchen look larger while the black bases offer contrast without closing in the space Once the client committed to remodeling her entire kitchen, she had a good idea of the direction she wanted the space to take. Even so, there were many details that remained open to explore & contemplate. The end result is modern, clean and ultimately transitional – a creative vision anchored in functionality and artistry! A powder room remodel was added to the project that beautifully compliments the kitchen aesthetic. The entire staircase, all trim & doors were painted in the same tones as the kitchen, transforming the entire first floor into a cohesive & welcoming space. It was a great collaborative partnership!

The clients' primary focus was on addressing the limited interior space for both family and social gatherings. The goal was to achieve this objective, while improving the view to the backyard, retaining a dedicated dining room, and leaving the existing keeping room as a more private gathering area. The obvious solution was an expansion of the family room by blowing out the back of the house. However, extending the family room in this direction would quickly interfere with the natural light and view from the keeping room – two elements of this space that made it so appealing. – Residential Addition $100,000 TO $250,000 CotY Award

The original intent of this project was to replace the island, hood, countertops, and a few appliances. A primary bath remodel was the main priority. But once the couple realized certain features would enhance the functionality of the kitchen – not to mention completely change the aesthetic – they put the master bath on hold and decided to remodel the entire kitchen first. Design objectives: -Omit separate table, plan for a larger island that would seat 7 people -Simple, clean lines – no rounded corners or weird angles -Nothing trendy – use modern classic details -Uncluttered countertops -Better pantry storage for food & small appliances -Integrated major appliances -Coffee bar -Avoid “1 color on perimeter with second color on island” -Integrate a harmonious variety of finishes -Integrate black & handmade metals Design challenges: -Island shape to fit within confines of existing half wall between kitchen & family room & bay window/door to backyard -Narrow kitchen with major walkway -Planning for 7 seats at the island -Keep guest social area away from the cook’s zone -Place appliances according to use -Point-of-use storage for an avid cook within a relatively small space -Integrate colors without looking too busy THE NEW KITCHEN -While the island is mostly rectangular, the seating area utilizes the bay extension without interfering with the exterior door -All seating is placed on the outside perimeter of the island, giving the cook dedicated prep space -The L-shaped seating area & adjacent coffee bar encourage guests to gather on the outside edge of the kitchen where they can still interact with the cook -Island prep space includes 5 feet of versatile drawer storage, double waste basket and an open paper towel dispenser -One pantry designated for food; the other for small appliances & bulk storage; creates visual armoire look -Microwave drawer in island faces refrigerator for easy access & less interference with cook’s zone -Appliance garages avoid clutter on the countertops -Off-white upper cabinets make the kitchen look larger while the black bases offer contrast without closing in the space Once the client committed to remodeling her entire kitchen, she had a good idea of the direction she wanted the space to take. Even so, there were many details that remained open to explore & contemplate. The end result is modern, clean and ultimately transitional – a creative vision anchored in functionality and artistry! A powder room remodel was added to the project that beautifully compliments the kitchen aesthetic. The entire staircase, all trim & doors were painted in the same tones as the kitchen, transforming the entire first floor into a cohesive & welcoming space. It was a great collaborative partnership!

Tom Laurita contacted Mills Group seeking to update the look of his existing house. One significant feature that the original house lacked was a welcoming entry-way. We addressed this problem by adding a new door with sidelights and a front porch. The core structure of the house required a flat roof on the porch that would not interfere with the existing windows over the entry. We then added a new roof and siding that would update the exterior and create a new feel for the home. Stone was added to the garage and the one story portion of the house. Finally, we designed the addition of a large covered back deck to round out the special enhancements. The completed design leveraged the desirable features of the original house and incorporated new elements that brought a balance and elegance to the overall design.

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 is the kid and parent friendly candy-liquor dry bar. It is the home to a mini fridge, ice machine, and popcorn machine. The inspiration behind the custom drawers was the feeling you get walking inot a real theater and seeing all the candy in the glass. Yes, all the drawers actually do lock so the kids can't get into the candy for a midnight snack.

A groundbreaking residential construction project in Connecticut, executed by HSL Builders, challenges the stereotypical notion of modern architecture as a mere "box." The innovative design, spearheaded by architect George Dumitru, revolves around a dynamic pinwheel concept. The central atrium serves as the project's focal point, with four cantilevered second-story bedrooms creating a visually centrifugal effect. Transparency is a key element, evident in the glazed atrium and open floor plan, fostering a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. Embracing Connecticut's natural landscape, the design minimizes interference to maximize picturesque vistas. This collaborative effort, led by HSL Builders, showcases inventive design elements that go beyond the traditional, redefining the essence of modern residential construction.

A study in geological composition and spatial restraint. CNC-carved to a precise half-round (D-shape) geometry (24"x16"x8"), this wall-mount basin transforms the deep burgundy and violet veining of premium Calacatta Viola marble into fluid architectural form. The curved exterior features a fully fluted texture, creating a rhythm of shadow and relief that enhances the honed, matte surface without reflective interference. Engineered for flush wall integration and strictly designed for wall-mount faucet configurations, it anchors warm, transitional spaces with striking tactile presence. For current availability, structural specifications, and direct ordering of this half-round fluted model, visit our LUCE SPACES official website

To better purpose the awkward space in between the kitchen and the entry, we chose to get rid of a door and put a pocket door that did not interfere with the passage space.

I did a complete new planting design for this project which is a single family home in the suburbs of Towson. The garden is 1/3 acre in size. Most of the existing plants, including many non-native ground covers, like English Ivy, shrubs, and trees, were removed in order to bring in the sunlight for pollinators and remove interference with the power lines. I designed and installed a mostly native plant garden that is designed to be beautiful to view with many flowers blooming all season long and varied textures and movement with ornamental grasses and provides habitat and food for pollinators, like butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds, and for songbirds. Nearly 100 trees, nearly 100 shrubs, and 1,000 perennials and grasses were installed. I continue to oversee the maintenance of this garden. Landscape design and photo by Roland Oehme

The Master Bedroom has a huge window toward the view. The media is set at an angle to one side, so as not to interfere with the view at all. The ceilings are 12' tall. Duffy Healey, photographer.

I did a complete new planting design for this project which is a single family home in the suburbs of Towson. The garden is 1/3 acre in size. Most of the existing plants, including many non-native ground covers, like English Ivy, shrubs, and trees, were removed in order to bring in the sunlight for pollinators and remove interference with the power lines. I designed and installed a mostly native plant garden that is designed to be beautiful to view with many flowers blooming all season long and varied textures and movement with ornamental grasses and provides habitat and food for pollinators, like butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds, and for songbirds. Nearly 100 trees, nearly 100 shrubs, and 1,000 perennials and grasses were installed. I continue to oversee the maintenance of this garden. Landscape design and photo by Roland Oehme

The internal water dispenser delivers chilled and filtered drinking water with a simple touch. The dispenser is conveniently tucked inside to not interfere with your clean exterior design of the door.

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.

Our clients loved the look of natural wood but felt their honey oak cabinets were starting to feel a bit dated. They weren’t ready for a full remodel, but they knew it was time for an upgrade—and cabinet refacing was the perfect solution! The layout still worked well, but the wall cabinets above the refrigerator needed to be raised to fit a new, taller appliance. The cabinet doors above the fridge couldn’t open fully due to interference from the refrigerator hinge brackets—definitely not ideal. We refaced the cabinets with a Palamino wood tone in a transitional full-overlay style, bringing warmth and a clean, updated look while keeping the wood aesthetic they loved. We also elevated the functionality and style with new solid wood drawers, a rollout drawer next to the oven, elegant brushed pewter hardware with a mix of knobs and pulls and crown molding added where none existed before for a finished, polished look. The homeowners were thrilled and told us, “Everything looks perfect.”

Custom wine room designed, fabricated and installed with clients rustic tones in mind. Knotty alder, full glass entry with a viewing window from the adjacent room immediately details a stone, cave-like entry into the wine room. Individual bottles, display, bulk storage and presentation shelves adorn this inviting space. Displays are all accented with LED lights on a dimmable transformer. Unique ceiling and wall sconce light fixtures provide just enough light to easily identify all labels. A wine cellar cooling system is hidden in a dead corner of the racking so as not to interfere with the décor or capacity. The used wine barrel offer the perfect surface to set a glass down and enjoy the space.

Acrylic - For the most open-air options Acrylic Horizontal Sliding doors/windows will give your sunroom complete, floor-to-ceiling access to the outdoors. The multi-panel doors are the horizontal equivalent of vertical sliding windows. Providing an unfettered view with nothing to interfere with natural breezes the Acrylic Horizontal systems are a great choice for many homeowners. Crystal clear Acrylic panels are as durable as single-pane glass. And because they’re mounted in lightweight, sturdy aluminum frames they’re a breeze to operate. And if the breezes are too much and the rain comes in sideways, simply slide your doors closed for a weather-tight seal that doesn’t compromise your view.