2014 Home Tour Participant Happy empty-nesters, called upon Castle for help in remodeling their main floor for a new master suite. The whole main floor was assessed to utilize the space for minimal clutter and optimal storage. Staying true to the original era of the home, clean lines and modern touches were brought into the space. The new layout incorporates a new luxurious master bath, custom walk-in closet, master bedroom, new windows throughout, and a new front entry. The couple was eager for easy access into all spaces, including their bathroom. Pocket doors and a floor plan that incorporates function and privacy was designed. Bringing the modern flare into the bath was achieved by playing with one of the elements of design, line; 2 stacked floating vanities with custom Dakota surfaces recycled glass countertops, modern Kohler plumbing fixtures, gorgeous tile that runs long with the room, and a custom tile niche wraps two full walls into the shower. Innovative details were selected including a Solatube with integrated light/bath fan, teak flip up/down shower bench, Kohler hydrorail showering column, as well as a schluter linear drain. Photography: Lisa Brunnel

Photo credit: Scott McDonald @ Hedrich Blessing 7RR-Ecohome: The design objective was to build a house for a couple recently married who both had kids from previous marriages. How to bridge two families together? The design looks forward in terms of how people live today. The home is an experiment in transparency and solid form; removing borders and edges from outside to inside the house, and to really depict “flowing and endless space”. The house floor plan is derived by pushing and pulling the house’s form to maximize the backyard and minimize the public front yard while welcoming the sun in key rooms by rotating the house 45-degrees to true north. The angular form of the house is a result of the family’s program, the zoning rules, the lot’s attributes, and the sun’s path. We wanted to construct a house that is smart and efficient in terms of construction and energy, both in terms of the building and the user. We could tell a story of how the house is built in terms of the constructability, structure and enclosure, with a nod to Japanese wood construction in the method in which the siding is installed and the exposed interior beams are placed in the double height space. We engineered the house to be smart which not only looks modern but acts modern; every aspect of user control is simplified to a digital touch button, whether lights, shades, blinds, HVAC, communication, audio, video, or security. We developed a planning module based on a 6-foot square room size and a 6-foot wide connector called an interstitial space for hallways, bathrooms, stairs and mechanical, which keeps the rooms pure and uncluttered. The house is 6,200 SF of livable space, plus garage and basement gallery for a total of 9,200 SF. A large formal foyer celebrates the entry and opens up to the living, dining, kitchen and family rooms all focused on the rear garden. The east side of the second floor is the Master wing and a center bridge connects it to the kid’s wing on the west. Second floor terraces and sunscreens provide views and shade in this suburban setting. The playful mathematical grid of the house in the x, y and z axis also extends into the layout of the trees and hard-scapes, all centered on a suburban one-acre lot. Many green attributes were designed into the home; Ipe wood sunscreens and window shades block out unwanted solar gain in summer, but allow winter sun in. Patio door and operable windows provide ample opportunity for natural ventilation throughout the open floor plan. Minimal windows on east and west sides to reduce heat loss in winter and unwanted gains in summer. Open floor plan and large window expanse reduces lighting demands and maximizes available daylight. Skylights provide natural light to the basement rooms. Durable, low-maintenance exterior materials include stone, ipe wood siding and decking, and concrete roof pavers. Design is based on a 2' planning grid to minimize construction waste. Basement foundation walls and slab are highly insulated. FSC-certified walnut wood flooring was used. Light colored concrete roof pavers to reduce cooling loads by as much as 15%. 2x6 framing allows for more insulation and energy savings. Super efficient windows have low-E argon gas filled units, and thermally insulated aluminum frames. Permeable brick and stone pavers reduce the site’s storm-water runoff. Countertops use recycled composite materials. Energy-Star rated furnaces and smart thermostats are located throughout the house to minimize duct runs and avoid energy loss. Energy-Star rated boiler that heats up both radiant floors and domestic hot water. Low-flow toilets and plumbing fixtures are used to conserve water usage. No VOC finish options and direct venting fireplaces maintain a high interior air quality. Smart home system controls lighting, HVAC, and shades to better manage energy use. Plumbing runs through interior walls reducing possibilities of heat loss and freezing problems. A large food pantry was placed next to kitchen to reduce trips to the grocery store. Home office reduces need for automobile transit and associated CO2 footprint. Plan allows for aging in place, with guest suite than can become the master suite, with no need to move as family members mature.

Example of a mid-sized transitional freestanding desk dark wood floor and brown floor study room design in New York with beige walls and no fireplace

Today I present you a new project - a cozy and stylish kitchen-living room, created for a couple who loves electronic music and parties in their home. The clients' dream was a special table space with a DJ console and powerful acoustics and I made their dreams come true. Now the parties in their home will be unforgettable! ?? The main character of this apartment is the light beige walls and exquisite finishing panels made of MDF with walnut veneer. This material adds warmth and elegance to the interior. The cabinet furniture also uses elements with walnut veneer, creating a harmonious combination of textures and shades. The main accent is the blue color, which gives the interior a marine harmony. The kitchen is completely made of "Fenix" material of "blu shaba" color, and in the living room you can cozy up on the blue sofa, which will accommodate all the guests. ?? A dark wood parquet is chosen for the floor, which gives the interior additional depth and warmth. In creating this interior I tried to reflect not only the unique style of my clients but also their common vision of coziness and comfort. I am sure that every corner of this kitchen-living room will remind them of how important it is to make their home their own and unique.

Today I present you a new project - a cozy and stylish kitchen-living room, created for a couple who loves electronic music and parties in their home. The clients' dream was a special table space with a DJ console and powerful acoustics and I made their dreams come true. Now the parties in their home will be unforgettable! ?? The main character of this apartment is the light beige walls and exquisite finishing panels made of MDF with walnut veneer. This material adds warmth and elegance to the interior. The cabinet furniture also uses elements with walnut veneer, creating a harmonious combination of textures and shades. The main accent is the blue color, which gives the interior a marine harmony. The kitchen is completely made of "Fenix" material of "blu shaba" color, and in the living room you can cozy up on the blue sofa, which will accommodate all the guests. ?? A dark wood parquet is chosen for the floor, which gives the interior additional depth and warmth. In creating this interior I tried to reflect not only the unique style of my clients but also their common vision of coziness and comfort. I am sure that every corner of this kitchen-living room will remind them of how important it is to make their home their own and unique.

2014 Home Tour Participant Happy empty-nesters, called upon Castle for help in remodeling their main floor for a new master suite. The whole main floor was assessed to utilize the space for minimal clutter and optimal storage. Staying true to the original era of the home, clean lines and modern touches were brought into the space. The new layout incorporates a new luxurious master bath, custom walk-in closet, master bedroom, new windows throughout, and a new front entry. The couple was eager for easy access into all spaces, including their bathroom. Pocket doors and a floor plan that incorporates function and privacy was designed. Bringing the modern flare into the bath was achieved by playing with one of the elements of design, line; 2 stacked floating vanities with custom Dakota surfaces recycled glass countertops, modern Kohler plumbing fixtures, gorgeous tile that runs long with the room, and a custom tile niche wraps two full walls into the shower. Innovative details were selected including a Solatube with integrated light/bath fan, teak flip up/down shower bench, Kohler hydrorail showering column, as well as a schluter linear drain. Photography: Lisa Brunnel

2014 Home Tour Participant Happy empty-nesters, called upon Castle for help in remodeling their main floor for a new master suite. The whole main floor was assessed to utilize the space for minimal clutter and optimal storage. Staying true to the original era of the home, clean lines and modern touches were brought into the space. The new layout incorporates a new luxurious master bath, custom walk-in closet, master bedroom, new windows throughout, and a new front entry. The couple was eager for easy access into all spaces, including their bathroom. Pocket doors and a floor plan that incorporates function and privacy was designed. Bringing the modern flare into the bath was achieved by playing with one of the elements of design, line; 2 stacked floating vanities with custom Dakota surfaces recycled glass countertops, modern Kohler plumbing fixtures, gorgeous tile that runs long with the room, and a custom tile niche wraps two full walls into the shower. Innovative details were selected including a Solatube with integrated light/bath fan, teak flip up/down shower bench, Kohler hydrorail showering column, as well as a schluter linear drain. Photography: Lisa Brunnel

2014 Home Tour Participant Happy empty-nesters, called upon Castle for help in remodeling their main floor for a new master suite. The whole main floor was assessed to utilize the space for minimal clutter and optimal storage. Staying true to the original era of the home, clean lines and modern touches were brought into the space. The new layout incorporates a new luxurious master bath, custom walk-in closet, master bedroom, new windows throughout, and a new front entry. The couple was eager for easy access into all spaces, including their bathroom. Pocket doors and a floor plan that incorporates function and privacy was designed. Bringing the modern flare into the bath was achieved by playing with one of the elements of design, line; 2 stacked floating vanities with custom Dakota surfaces recycled glass countertops, modern Kohler plumbing fixtures, gorgeous tile that runs long with the room, and a custom tile niche wraps two full walls into the shower. Innovative details were selected including a Solatube with integrated light/bath fan, teak flip up/down shower bench, Kohler hydrorail showering column, as well as a schluter linear drain. Photography: Lisa Brunnel

Barbara and Chris waited more than 10 years to build their dream home, and by the time they began their project with our team, they had a very clear vision of what they wanted to build. They purchased a large wooded lot in Wildwood, Missouri 10 years ago, and waited to design and build their dream home on a hill while they searched for the right builder to help them bring their vision to life. Both Barbara and Chris have professional jobs that can be high-stress at times. Their vision was to design and build a home that would be a true retreat from the pressures of their work world. “We wanted to design a home where we could spend time together, a place where we could unwind from the stress of our day-to-day lives,” said Barbara. “We don’t have any kids, and every home that we looked at seemed to have 4 or 5 bedrooms – which is really just a waste of space for us. Those homes were designed for family living – but not really for our life.” Their dream home, now nearing completion, is a 3,500 square foot 1 1/2 story home with just 2 bedrooms – perfect for the couple and their small dogs.

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.

Barbara and Chris waited more than 10 years to build their dream home, and by the time they began their project with our team, they had a very clear vision of what they wanted to build. They purchased a large wooded lot in Wildwood, Missouri 10 years ago, and waited to design and build their dream home on a hill while they searched for the right builder to help them bring their vision to life. Both Barbara and Chris have professional jobs that can be high-stress at times. Their vision was to design and build a home that would be a true retreat from the pressures of their work world. “We wanted to design a home where we could spend time together, a place where we could unwind from the stress of our day-to-day lives,” said Barbara. “We don’t have any kids, and every home that we looked at seemed to have 4 or 5 bedrooms – which is really just a waste of space for us. Those homes were designed for family living – but not really for our life.” Their dream home, now nearing completion, is a 3,500 square foot 1 1/2 story home with just 2 bedrooms – perfect for the couple and their small dogs.

The Vail® Luxury Soft Mattress brings indulgent comfort and timeless elegance to this beautifully curated primary suite. Designed for sleepers who prefer a softer, more cushioning feel, the Vail® Luxury Soft offers exceptional pressure relief while maintaining the premium support and craftsmanship expected from a luxury mattress. Surrounded by warm walnut furnishings, romantic floral wall coverings, and soft layered textures, the bedroom creates an inviting retreat that encourages relaxation and connection. The plush comfort profile complements the serene atmosphere, making the space feel welcoming, restorative, and effortlessly sophisticated. Lifestyle imagery highlights the comfort and spaciousness that luxury sleep can provide, transforming the bedroom into a true sanctuary. Created for homeowners who believe sleep is one of life's most important investments, the Vail® Luxury Soft combines premium materials, refined craftsmanship, and luxurious comfort for a sleep experience that feels as beautiful as the room itself.

The kitchen is the true heart of any home, but for this retired couple, it’s also their primary creative workshop—he is an avid cook who loves whipping up big family meals, while she is a master at crafting homemade sourdough bread. Originally, a wall separated the kitchen from the front entrance, creating a choppy layout that boxed in natural light and disconnected the host from guests. By removing that structural barrier, we opened up the main floor to create a grand, airy, and welcoming flow from the front door straight into the kitchen. To achieve a timeless "Quiet Luxury" aesthetic, we paired crisp white cabinetry with organic white oak accents, balancing high-end materials with clean, understated lines. Design & Material Highlights: ✦ Cabinetry: WoodHarbor Custom Cabinetry in Snow White for the perimeter, paired with a custom White Oak central island and matching range hood for organic warmth. ✦ Countertops: Hanstone Montauk polished quartz, seamlessly extending from the primary workspace into the walk-in pantry. ✦ Backsplash: Pearl White petal mosaic tile by Elon Tile & Stone, adding delicate texture and subtle luminescence under the lights. ✦ Lighting: Brim pendants by Hudson Valley Lighting above the island as the statement finishing touch. ✦ Flooring & Detail: Light natural oak flooring and a white beadboard ceiling detail that elevates the scale of the room. Project Team & Credits: Interior & Kitchen Design: Erin at Benson Stone Co. General Contractor: TAS Enterprise

Today I present you a new project - a cozy and stylish kitchen-living room, created for a couple who loves electronic music and parties in their home. The clients' dream was a special table space with a DJ console and powerful acoustics and I made their dreams come true. Now the parties in their home will be unforgettable! ?? The main character of this apartment is the light beige walls and exquisite finishing panels made of MDF with walnut veneer. This material adds warmth and elegance to the interior. The cabinet furniture also uses elements with walnut veneer, creating a harmonious combination of textures and shades. The main accent is the blue color, which gives the interior a marine harmony. The kitchen is completely made of "Fenix" material of "blu shaba" color, and in the living room you can cozy up on the blue sofa, which will accommodate all the guests. ?? A dark wood parquet is chosen for the floor, which gives the interior additional depth and warmth. In creating this interior I tried to reflect not only the unique style of my clients but also their common vision of coziness and comfort. I am sure that every corner of this kitchen-living room will remind them of how important it is to make their home their own and unique.

Today I present you a new project - a cozy and stylish kitchen-living room, created for a couple who loves electronic music and parties in their home. The clients' dream was a special table space with a DJ console and powerful acoustics and I made their dreams come true. Now the parties in their home will be unforgettable! ?? The main character of this apartment is the light beige walls and exquisite finishing panels made of MDF with walnut veneer. This material adds warmth and elegance to the interior. The cabinet furniture also uses elements with walnut veneer, creating a harmonious combination of textures and shades. The main accent is the blue color, which gives the interior a marine harmony. The kitchen is completely made of "Fenix" material of "blu shaba" color, and in the living room you can cozy up on the blue sofa, which will accommodate all the guests. ?? A dark wood parquet is chosen for the floor, which gives the interior additional depth and warmth. In creating this interior I tried to reflect not only the unique style of my clients but also their common vision of coziness and comfort. I am sure that every corner of this kitchen-living room will remind them of how important it is to make their home their own and unique.

Today I present you a new project - a cozy and stylish kitchen-living room, created for a couple who loves electronic music and parties in their home. The clients' dream was a special table space with a DJ console and powerful acoustics and I made their dreams come true. Now the parties in their home will be unforgettable! ?? The main character of this apartment is the light beige walls and exquisite finishing panels made of MDF with walnut veneer. This material adds warmth and elegance to the interior. The cabinet furniture also uses elements with walnut veneer, creating a harmonious combination of textures and shades. The main accent is the blue color, which gives the interior a marine harmony. The kitchen is completely made of "Fenix" material of "blu shaba" color, and in the living room you can cozy up on the blue sofa, which will accommodate all the guests. ?? A dark wood parquet is chosen for the floor, which gives the interior additional depth and warmth. In creating this interior I tried to reflect not only the unique style of my clients but also their common vision of coziness and comfort. I am sure that every corner of this kitchen-living room will remind them of how important it is to make their home their own and unique.

Today I present you a new project - a cozy and stylish kitchen-living room, created for a couple who loves electronic music and parties in their home. The clients' dream was a special table space with a DJ console and powerful acoustics and I made their dreams come true. Now the parties in their home will be unforgettable! ?? The main character of this apartment is the light beige walls and exquisite finishing panels made of MDF with walnut veneer. This material adds warmth and elegance to the interior. The cabinet furniture also uses elements with walnut veneer, creating a harmonious combination of textures and shades. The main accent is the blue color, which gives the interior a marine harmony. The kitchen is completely made of "Fenix" material of "blu shaba" color, and in the living room you can cozy up on the blue sofa, which will accommodate all the guests. ?? A dark wood parquet is chosen for the floor, which gives the interior additional depth and warmth. In creating this interior I tried to reflect not only the unique style of my clients but also their common vision of coziness and comfort. I am sure that every corner of this kitchen-living room will remind them of how important it is to make their home their own and unique.

Today I present you a new project - a cozy and stylish kitchen-living room, created for a couple who loves electronic music and parties in their home. The clients' dream was a special table space with a DJ console and powerful acoustics and I made their dreams come true. Now the parties in their home will be unforgettable! ?? The main character of this apartment is the light beige walls and exquisite finishing panels made of MDF with walnut veneer. This material adds warmth and elegance to the interior. The cabinet furniture also uses elements with walnut veneer, creating a harmonious combination of textures and shades. The main accent is the blue color, which gives the interior a marine harmony. The kitchen is completely made of "Fenix" material of "blu shaba" color, and in the living room you can cozy up on the blue sofa, which will accommodate all the guests. ?? A dark wood parquet is chosen for the floor, which gives the interior additional depth and warmth. In creating this interior I tried to reflect not only the unique style of my clients but also their common vision of coziness and comfort. I am sure that every corner of this kitchen-living room will remind them of how important it is to make their home their own and unique.

Today I present you a new project - a cozy and stylish kitchen-living room, created for a couple who loves electronic music and parties in their home. The clients' dream was a special table space with a DJ console and powerful acoustics and I made their dreams come true. Now the parties in their home will be unforgettable! ?? The main character of this apartment is the light beige walls and exquisite finishing panels made of MDF with walnut veneer. This material adds warmth and elegance to the interior. The cabinet furniture also uses elements with walnut veneer, creating a harmonious combination of textures and shades. The main accent is the blue color, which gives the interior a marine harmony. The kitchen is completely made of "Fenix" material of "blu shaba" color, and in the living room you can cozy up on the blue sofa, which will accommodate all the guests. ?? A dark wood parquet is chosen for the floor, which gives the interior additional depth and warmth. In creating this interior I tried to reflect not only the unique style of my clients, but also their common vision of coziness and comfort. I am sure that every corner of this kitchen-living room will remind them of how important it is to make their home their own and unique.