Graham Yelton for B-Metro
Inspiration for an eclectic enclosed living room remodel in Birmingham with beige walls

Example of a transitional home bar design in Atlanta

Design ideas for a traditional landscaping in Other for spring.

Eric Rorer
Example of a 1960s kitchen design in San Francisco

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A serene riverside retreat in Aspen, this home blends natural materials, custom details, and modern lines to create a timeless, sensory-rich sanctuary rooted in calm, connection, and flow. A minimalist home gym with a sleek treadmill, a workout bench, and essential fitness equipment. Calming artwork and soft lighting create a serene, focused atmosphere.

Pull out knife block makes use of a small space while keep essential cooking tools close at hand. ~ Brian DalBalcon Photography
Kitchen - mid-sized transitional kitchen idea in Seattle

Mike and Michelle of Lake Barrington knew they needed extra space. Their home was becoming too crowded for their family with blossoming teenagers, so a basement renovation offered the perfect solution for more space for the kids and more room to entertain for the adults. “Our project consisted of expanding our laundry room, putting in a first floor wet bar so we had adult space upstairs, while also renovating our basement for a family-friendly and teen-functional area as well,” Michelle says. They found Advance Design Studio through a neighbor who gave a glowing recommendation, giving Michelle and Mike the confidence they needed to move forward with a major home renovation. They felt like they knew Advance Design before they even worked together. When they met with the owner Todd Jurs and designer Nicole Ryan, Mike and Michelle knew they were getting a trustworthy, dependable team that could create the project they had been dreaming about for 7 years. Having virtually no natural light to work with, one of the biggest design challenges was creating a basement that did not feel dark and depressing. The Advance team got to work creating architectural archways and custom detailed dry-stack stone columns artfully designed into the space, adding a dramatic element that made the space feel less like a basement or more like a relaxing family room. Color 3D renderings were created to portray what the space would look like so Mike and Michelle could visualize the space in advance. Detailed trim and crown moldings grace the built in buffet and wet bar making for an amazingly functional space that lacks nothing in style and visual interest. Cherry wood cabinetry by Dura Supreme is featured in the space with a “Cocoa Brown” finish and includes beautiful mirrored glass doors embellished with unique elliptical mullion details. A built-in microwave, dishwasher and mini fridge add practicality to the ample entertainment mecca. An under mounted sink finishes the space joined with a intricate mosaic tile backsplash and “Ventisca Polished” quartz countertops. The basement is absolutely perfect for hosting friends and family with expertly designed key areas such as a game space for the kids, a movie area for the family, an ample workout room with luxurious full bath, and even built in wine storage. The family absolutely loves the new basement living space, and has already enjoyed numerous family movie nights and sleep-overs with friends. While custom cabinets made by Dura Supreme were used to create unique spaces that lived up to Mike and Michelle’s expectations., heated flooring under the 16”x16” “Mongolian Spring” tile was installed giving all tiled areas of the basement a much cozier feel, eliminating that cold hard surface most of us hate in our basements! The new basement must-have requirement list included a new bath space, which was incorporated adjacent to the work out room. The sleek shower door and cabinets in the new bathroom make guests and family feel like they are in an elegant hotel. The new guest bath features 4”x36” “Silver Screen” honed marble tile in a brick pattern on the shower walls and 2”x2” “Chenille” limestone tile in a hexagon mosaic pattern on the shower floor. “I came in with very specific requirements for our three project areas,” Michelle says. “There was not one time that I felt like I was asking for something that was not going to turn out how I anticipated.” Tying in multiple rooms during a renovation if you have can do it makes a lot of sense and saves money in the long run. A fully functional laundry room as well was a must on this family’s wish list. Michelle wanted to add space to the existing cramped and awkward laundry room, and Mike wanted to make sure they could still park a car in the garage. Reconfiguring interior walls required borrowing unused space cleverly from the garage in order to enlarge the laundry room space. Drawers under the stairs added beautiful hidden storage created almost magically out of dead space. White painted Dura Supreme cabinets bring additional light into the small space; while the 16”x16” cleft slate tile flooring provides excellent contrast and the naturally earthy feel Michelle wanted. Quartz countertops with a 3”x12” “Debut Dew” subway tile backsplash add elegance to the now upliftingly bright laundry room. The extra space makes doing laundry much more pleasurable and the added storage is a great for all those little things like winter hats and gloves, umbrellas and the like. “The Advance Design project team was phenomenal to work with,” Michelle says. “They came in, shared the plans with us and walked us through the expectations. We always knew what was coming next.” Converting an existing closet space, the wet bar upstairs was challenging because they wanted a functional area that didn’t look or feel like cabinets just sticking out of a closet. So the Advance team transformed this ordinary closet space into a stunning wet bar that architecturally appears as if it’s always been there. Traditional, elegant hand carved custom molding matching the adjacent fireplace ties the new entertainment bar area in nicely with the existing family room and kitchen area. Featuring a built in wine refrigerator, Dura Supreme cabinetry in deep cherry wood elegantly displays wine bottles and etched glass mullion doors that fill with soft light in the evening hours. Cambria “Windermere” quartz countertops with a sophisticated hammered copper sink and a glimmering backsplash round out the stunning wet bar. Hosting parties and family functions has become much more enjoyable now that they have a dedicated beverage serving area large enough to include hors devours. All three projects were designed and constructed together at the same time, making for a cohesive project that was administered smoothly and easily both for the design team and for the family. Disruption to the home was minimal as each phase was completed in each project conclusively, and design and meeting time for the homeowner was efficient and organized making for an enjoyable process. “Advance Design was great to work with,” Michelle says. “I would highly recommend them to anyone considering a home improvement project. They took the time at the beginning to understand our needs, our budget, and our vision for our home. The field team was great, attentive, on time, cleaned up each day and made the overall experience very positive. We couldn't be happier with the finished product.” With the help of our talented, award winning design team you can create the basement, laundry room, or any other home renovation that you have been dreaming of. With our “Common Sense Remodeling” approach, the process of renovating you home has never been easier. Contact us today at 847-836-2600 or schedule an appointment to talk with us about that kitchen remodeling project. Joe Nowak

A spa like master bath retreat with double sinks, gray cabinetry, aqua linen wallpaper and a huge shower oasis. Design by Krista Watterworth Alterman. Photos by Troy Campbell. Krista Watterworth Design Studio, Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.

Fun, cheerful little girl's room featuring custom house twin bed frame, bright rug, fun twinkly lights, golden lamp, comfy gray reading chair and custom blue drapes. Photo by Exceptional Frames.

design christina loucks photo heidi geldhauser
Living room - mid-century modern living room idea in New York

After six years of living in their Huntley IL home, Chris and Meghan were tired of their dark, dingy, outdated kitchen and it was finally time for a long-anticipated change. “The kitchen is the place where we live, it’s where we do everything,” Meghan said. “It was important that it be a space where we wanted to be.” Meghan loves cooking and enjoys including their girls in healthy meal prepping, this led them to want a brighter, more enjoyable kitchen with increased functionality and improved storage. For Chris especially, the laundry room was an entirely dysfunctional eyesore. “We had a washer and a dryer, but it was all kind-of cobbled together!” Chris said. “There were always laundry piles everywhere, we weren’t really sure what we wanted to do in there, but it was time for us to make a change.” The mess of the space was stressful every time they walked in the door from the garage each day. Kids’ backpacks and shoes piled up haphazardly in the makeshift boot-bench closet left the family feeling disorganized and stressed. They needed space for folding clothes and locker cubbies to help keep the family organized. Having known Christine and Todd in the Huntley community for years, Chris and Meghan were familiar with their work. “We already trusted them personally and having seen their projects for years we knew they did top notch work. After we reviewed the initial round of designs, we knew that hiring them was definitely the right choice,” Meghan and Chris said. Although Chris had done a lot of work in their home himself, the kitchen and laundry room renovation was such a large undertaking that he didn’t want to steal time away from his family to spend what would surely be many long weekends doing the job himself. “That would not have been a wise choice for us,” Chris laughed. “Our designer, Michelle was very, very, easy to work with; anything we wanted to see or weren’t sure about, she went above and beyond to make this easy for us. She was easy to get hold of and always quick to respond,” the couple said. Michelle pulled ideas that mirrored the couple’s taste and style and was adept at directing the couple to limited choices that didn’t overwhelm them and kept the process moving. “I have a hard time making decisions. Michelle made the decision-making process so easy. I loved how she listened to what I liked and then presented three great options for me to choose from,” Meghan said. The main objectives for the kitchen were better storage solutions, they wanted the space to reflect their lifestyle and taste, and they wanted it to last for years with low maintenance. One of the first steps in creating a more functional kitchen was relocating the refrigerator, creating an improved workflow for the busy family. “We didn’t know that we could even move the refrigerator to a new location where it is now, that was something that we never would have thought of,” Chris said. “The new refrigerator location makes the kitchen feel so much bigger. We didn’t add any space, but our whole kitchen with the new design just seems like it’s so much larger than before!” Meghan said. The perimeter mist colored cabinets helped warm and brighten the entire room, while the graphite colored cabinets on the island added contrast. Using this fresh, clean color palette satisfied the couple’s desire for a bright space that was the exact opposite of what they had before. Organization accessories were also added to the cabinets such as a spice drawer tray and roll outs to create hidden convenience. “I absolutely love the hidden spices – it makes cooking so much more enjoyable!” Chris said. “And all the pull outs, and the double trash bin, who would think you could get so excited about organization!” the couple said in unison. One thing they hated in their original kitchen was how dark the space felt. Added lighting on the ceiling with the new light fixtures combined with the lighter cabinetry colors throughout solved this problem. “Our new kitchen has this warm, almost cozy feeling that our old kitchen never had, it’s just a space that I love spending my time in now,” Meghan said. The light airy feeling was accentuated with the use of floating white shelves on either side of the decorative range hood. “We have so much cabinetry space, the new design is amazing we actually have more storage space than we will ever need,” Meghan said. The island was extended to create more work surface and added space for stool seating. “The new island changes how we live. Now the kids can be in the kitchen with us, doing homework, eating breakfast, and the three of us have special dinners there when Chris is working late,” Meghan said. The Carrara Marmi Quartz countertops were chosen because they are, not only beautiful, but are made from hard-working material that doesn’t require maintenance. The white subway tile backsplash that wraps to the ceiling behind the focal point cooktop range/hood compliments the crisp white countertops perfectly, while brushed brass hardware and light fixtures keep the design fresh and new. The couple had a few fears at the beginning of the project, as most homeowners do. Their biggest fear was being out of their kitchen and laundry room for an extended time. The crew made it very easy for the family to work in a limited space keeping the washer and dryer hooked up the majority of the time, and also getting appliances working with minimal downtime. “They above and beyond accommodated us to get us through the process,” Meghan said. “They did a great job making sure we were as comfortable as possible throughout the process,” Chris added. “Our project manager DJ did a great job. He was very good at updating us on schedule changes, getting guys in as quickly as possible. Everyone that stepped in the house was nice and did great work,” said Chris. They thought Advance’s carpenter was phenomenal and were impressed when he took a conceptual idea from a photograph and worked with designer Michelle to create a one of a kind range/hood that has become the topic of conversation with friends and family who visit the new kitchen. “He was in our house literally every day for several weeks. He was easy to work with and good at what he did,” Meghan and Chris said. The focal point of the kitchen; a hand-crafted, custom-built ventilation hood was clad with handpicked reclaimed barnwood. Advance Design’s carpenter built the framework and the cladding to create a one-of-a-kind design element that the couple loves. “I think it was especially fun for him to create something unique from scratch, showcasing his talent in this area,” Meghan said. “I love that my kitchen is not like everyone else’s. I got to pick out the wood on my hood and watch it being built and was able to choose what pieces of wood went where on it. It’s totally unique.” Red Oak flooring was toothed-in throughout the kitchen and the rest of the first floor anywhere changes were made. Then the whole floor was refinished to tone down the orange undertones in the existing floor stain, ultimately changing the color complexion of the entire first floor. The result is a completely new feeling to the entire home. Renovating the laundry room was extremely important to Meghan and Chris, but they had trouble visualizing what the possibilities were for the seemingly small space. Michelle produced beautiful 3D illustrations that helped them envision the space in a whole new way. “I must have told Michelle 100 times that I am a visual person, seeing the designs in 3D made it so easy to make decisions and see what we could really do with our space,” Meghan said. A dividing wall and doorway were removed between the existing laundry room and hallway formerly containing a coat closet, providing space to design specialized graphite colored cabinetry matching the kitchen island to house custom storage cubbies for each family member. Adding the tall utility cabinetry in the new laundry area helped solve the storage issue, tucking away cleaning supplies, household items, and even the cat got its own cubby. “I love how everything is now hidden in its own space. I can’t tell you how much I hated coming home and seeing everything sitting around on counters,” Chris said. Electrical outlets were planned for the inside of utility cabinets, so devices could charge in hidden locations. Stacking the washer and dryer allowed for wider countertop space to provide a folding area and a special space for clothes to hang. “The way I do laundry has been completely transformed! I can actually fold clothes and hang them now right out of the washer and dryer,” Meghan said. “The end result in the kitchen and the laundry/mud room was an updated light and bright space, with a smarter work flow that better meets the needs of this family,” Michelle said. “I would totally recommend Advance Design,” Meghan said. “Sometimes I sit and just look at my kitchen and laundry room and think ‘Wow, I can’t believe I get to live here!’ It’s an understatement to say we love our new space.”

Grey Crawford
Inspiration for a mid-sized timeless backyard concrete paver patio remodel in Orange County with no cover

Built by Highland Custom Homes
Entryway - mid-sized transitional medium tone wood floor and beige floor entryway idea in Salt Lake City with beige walls and a blue front door

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Staging a home for sale or for a major transition is a strange in-between state. You are still living in the space, but you are also preparing it to impress strangers, support showings, and remain functional until the final move-out day. That tension between “home” and “product” is where storage quietly becomes one of your smartest tools. Used well, storage lets you reduce clutter, protect important items, and create the kind of rooms that photograph beautifully and feel calm when buyers walk through the door. A staged move is rarely just about shifting boxes from one address to another. It is about managing timing, presentation, and stress at the same time. When storage is built into the plan from day one, the entire process feels less rushed and more strategic. Rooms open up gradually, essentials stay accessible, and you never feel like you are drowning in half-packed chaos. Understanding how to use storage as a staging partner, not just a place to dump excess stuff, is what turns a messy transition into a controlled, professional-looking move. Why Storage Is the Backbone of Every Staged Move Visual space is emotional space. When every surface is covered, and every corner is full, buyers feel crowded before they have even evaluated the layout. Storage gives you a way to pull back without making drastic decisions about what to keep or donate. Seasonal décor, bulky furniture, duplicate items, archives, and personal collections can be moved out early, so the home reads cleaner and more open while still feeling lived-in. That balance between warmth and simplicity is exactly what good staging tries to achieve. In more complex situations, such as live-work properties or home offices, storage becomes even more important. You may need to keep a business running while also presenting a polished environment to viewers. Partnering with local movers in Boston makes it easier to shift equipment, files, and nonessential pieces into storage in phases, so work can continue while the visible areas of the property stay controlled and presentable. How Staging and Storage Work Together to Control Visual Impact Staging works best when every object in a room has a clear purpose. A sofa frames a conversation. A table suggests gathering. A lamp softens the mood. Everything else that is not essential to that story competes for attention. Storage supports staging by giving you a clean staging bench off-site, where nonessential items can wait without being constantly shuffled between rooms or piled into overstuffed closets. The art lies in deciding what stays and what goes. Family photos, extensive collections, excess seating, and rarely used appliances often move into storage first. What remains should be enough to show scale, comfort, and function without revealing the full weight of daily life. Commercial properties go through a similar filtering process. Extra desks, surplus equipment, outdated signage, and inactive files often move out early so the active workspace feels lean, efficient, and future-ready before a relocation supported by commercial movers takes place. Strategic Timing of Storage before the Actual Move The worst time to think about storage is when boxes are already stacked in the hallway. In a staged move, storage decisions ideally begin as soon as you know the property will be listed or the space will be transitioned. That might be a month or more before the main moving date. Starting early gives you time to sort, label, and prioritize instead of throwing things together in a panic. An early storage phase also helps you test how the home feels with less in it. You may discover that removing a few large pieces transforms a cramped room into an open, inviting space. For commercial spaces, early storage lets operations continue with fewer interruptions. Departments can send nonessential items out in waves. When the main relocation comes, much of the excess is already safely stored, and what remains is easier for a commercial movers Boston team to handle with speed and care. The Emotional Psychology behind Letting Storage Hold Your Belongings Letting belongings leave the house ahead of you can feel unsettling. There is always a quiet fear that once something is out of sight, it will be forgotten, damaged, or harder to reclaim. That is why some people resist using storage even when they know it would make the staging process easier. Acknowledging that emotion instead of dismissing it helps you plan more honestly and avoids last-minute regret. The reality is that good storage is not a black hole; it is a temporary pause. When items are packed thoughtfully, labeled clearly, and placed in an environment you trust, they become easier to manage than when they are tucked into random cupboards or stacked in spare rooms. For many people, living with fewer visible possessions during staging actually reduces tension. The home feels lighter and easier to maintain. Businesses notice the same effect when storage removes outdated equipment and clutter from the floor. The workspace looks more focused, and staff can concentrate on current tasks instead of navigating around accumulated history. Protecting Assets While They Live in Storage Sending belongings into storage is only a good idea if they come back in the same or better condition. That is where quality control matters. Furniture, textiles, electronics, files, and artwork each have different vulnerabilities. Moisture, temperature swings, dust, and rough handling can all damage them in ways that only become obvious later. Choosing the right type of storage and packing accordingly is central to the genius of using storage as part of a staged move rather than as a desperate overflow container. Climate-controlled units, padded wrapping, elevated pallets, careful stacking, and clearly marked boxes all reduce risk. The goal is to handle items fewer times, not more. When storage is integrated into the move plan, belongings can travel directly from the home to storage and later from storage to the new address with minimal extra movement. Many owners coordinate those transfers through a well trusted movers in Boston, so the same team that moves items out early also manages their final delivery, preserving continuity and accountability. How Storage Reduces Risk during Multi-Phase Moves Few staged moves happen in a single clean step. There are often gaps between listing and selling, between selling and closing, between closing and final move-out. If renovations, inspections, or office reconfigurations are involved, the timeline becomes even more layered. Storage absorbs those gaps, so you are not forced to live among towers of boxes or stack equipment in hallways waiting for the next phase. By treating storage as a flexible middle ground, you can move things out gradually while still having access when needed. For example, archived files can go first, followed by seasonal décor, then surplus furniture. As each stage ends, fewer items remain to be shifted on the final date. This phased approach reduces the risk of rushed, late-night packing sessions, careless stacking, and damaged items. It also makes it easier for commercial moving crews to work efficiently because they are handling a manageable volume of goods at each phase rather than everything at once. Using Storage to Maintain Clean Show-Ready Conditions One of the hardest parts of staging is keeping the property consistently show-ready. Every viewing becomes its own small event. Floors need to be cleared, surfaces wiped, and personal items tucked away. When too many belongings remain in the home, each showing takes a heavy amount of effort. Storage cuts that workload dramatically by taking nonessentials completely off the stage. With fewer items to move and hide, maintaining a neutral, inviting look becomes much more realistic. You are not scrambling to stuff things into closets or push items under the bed. Instead, the home sits closer to show condition all the time, and the final touches before a viewing are minimal. In commercial environments, using storage helps maintain a professional appearance for clients and staff, even while the space is being prepared for a larger transition. Active tools and furniture stay in play, while inactive pieces quietly support the future from storage. Storage as a Strategic Tool in Business Relocation Planning For businesses, storage is more than a convenience; it is part of risk management. Office relocations and staged commercial moves have to juggle lease deadlines, equipment deliveries, IT cutovers, and staffing realities. Trying to shift everything in one move often results in downtime, lost files, and strained teams. Storage turns the move into a series of controlled steps instead of a single disruptive jump. Unused furniture, archived documents, and non-critical inventory can be moved into storage weeks ahead of the main relocation. As the new space becomes ready, items can move out of storage and directly into position. This reduces double-handling and keeps the old and new locations from filling with half-unpacked material. A business that coordinates these flows with professional commercial movers in Boston usually experiences smoother transitions, because storage is treated as a working part of the operational plan rather than a leftover problem. The Hidden Cost Benefits of Proper Storage Planning On paper, storage looks like an extra expense. In reality, poorly managed moves cost far more. When everything is rushed into boxes at the last minute, items are damaged, misplaced, or transported multiple times. Extra labor hours, emergency packing supplies, replacement furniture, and extended timelines quickly outweigh the cost of well-used storage. Staging without storage also tends to keep homes and offices crowded longer, which can hurt impressions and, in the case of a sale, influence offers. When storage is integrated from the beginning, you minimize waste. You handle items fewer times, you know where things are, and you avoid paying people to shift the same objects repeatedly. Staged homes that look better often sell faster or draw stronger interest, which helps recover investment on the back end. Businesses benefit from less downtime, safer handling of equipment, and predictable work schedules. Those gains are why many clients prefer partnering with a commercial moving company in Boston that understands storage as a cost-control tool, not just a place to park overflow. Conclusion The true genius of using storage during a staged home move is that it quietly rewrites the rules of transition. Instead of treating space as something that must absorb every box and belonging until the last possible moment, you treat storage as a flexible extension of the home or office. This shift in thinking opens rooms, clears sightlines, and makes every phase of the move more intentional. Staging becomes easier, maintenance becomes lighter, and the stress of living in a half-moved environment drops noticeably. When storage is chosen carefully, used early, and coordinated with the overall moving plan, it protects both physical assets and emotional energy. Buyers and visitors see a calm, collected space. You experience a less chaotic path from “here” to “there.” Whether you are selling a home, repositioning a business, or managing a complex phased relocation, storage can turn a disruptive event into a managed, almost elegant process. For people who want that level of control and care during a staged move, Stairhopper movers have built a strong reputation by treating storage, timing, and transport as parts of one connected strategy. Their team is known for listening closely, planning around real-life constraints, and moving both residential and commercial clients through transitions with calm, steady execution. They approach every project as a partnership, aligning storage use, staging needs, and final delivery so that what matters most arrives safely, on schedule, and with as little disruption as possible. Frequently Asked Questions Q1. When should I arrange storage for a staged home move? Ideally, four to six weeks before listing or transition, so clearing, packing, and staging can happen gradually without rushed decisions or last-minute stress. Q2. Is climate-controlled storage necessary for staged moves? It is highly recommended for wood furniture, electronics, artwork, and documents, since temperature and humidity swings can quietly damage materials over time. Q3. How does storage help keep a home show-ready? By moving nonessential items off-site, daily tidying becomes simpler, and each room can stay closer to a staged condition between viewings or inspections. Q4. Can storage reduce the length of the final moving day? Yes. When many items are moved into storage in advance, the final moving day focuses on essentials, which shortens timelines and reduces physical and mental strain. Q5. Is storage useful for short-term business relocations? Even in short relocations, storage helps prevent overcrowded offices and allows departments to move in phases without interrupting everyday operations. Q6. How do I decide what should go into storage first? Start with rarely used items, seasonal décor, surplus furniture, and archived materials, then work toward pieces that are visually distracting or make rooms feel cramped. Q7. Will using storage make it harder to find things later? Not if packing and labeling are done carefully. Clear categories, room-based labels, and simple inventories make stored items easier to locate than when scattered at home. Q8. Does storage still make sense if my move happens in one day? Yes, because staging and preparation begin well before that day. Storage keeps the home functional and attractive during the weeks leading up to the final move.

Example of a classic kitchen design in Toronto with raised-panel cabinets and dark wood cabinets