This 1930's Barrington Hills farmhouse was in need of some TLC when it was purchased by this southern family of five who planned to make it their new home. The renovation taken on by Advance Design Studio's designer Scott Christensen and master carpenter Justin Davis included a custom porch, custom built in cabinetry in the living room and children's bedrooms, 2 children's on-suite baths, a guest powder room, a fabulous new master bath with custom closet and makeup area, a new upstairs laundry room, a workout basement, a mud room, new flooring and custom wainscot stairs with planked walls and ceilings throughout the home. The home's original mechanicals were in dire need of updating, so HVAC, plumbing and electrical were all replaced with newer materials and equipment. A dramatic change to the exterior took place with the addition of a quaint standing seam metal roofed farmhouse porch perfect for sipping lemonade on a lazy hot summer day. In addition to the changes to the home, a guest house on the property underwent a major transformation as well. Newly outfitted with updated gas and electric, a new stacking washer/dryer space was created along with an updated bath complete with a glass enclosed shower, something the bath did not previously have. A beautiful kitchenette with ample cabinetry space, refrigeration and a sink was transformed as well to provide all the comforts of home for guests visiting at the classic cottage retreat. The biggest design challenge was to keep in line with the charm the old home possessed, all the while giving the family all the convenience and efficiency of modern functioning amenities. One of the most interesting uses of material was the porcelain "wood-looking" tile used in all the baths and most of the home's common areas. All the efficiency of porcelain tile, with the nostalgic look and feel of worn and weathered hardwood floors. The home’s casual entry has an 8" rustic antique barn wood look porcelain tile in a rich brown to create a warm and welcoming first impression. Painted distressed cabinetry in muted shades of gray/green was used in the powder room to bring out the rustic feel of the space which was accentuated with wood planked walls and ceilings. Fresh white painted shaker cabinetry was used throughout the rest of the rooms, accentuated by bright chrome fixtures and muted pastel tones to create a calm and relaxing feeling throughout the home. Custom cabinetry was designed and built by Advance Design specifically for a large 70” TV in the living room, for each of the children’s bedroom’s built in storage, custom closets, and book shelves, and for a mudroom fit with custom niches for each family member by name. The ample master bath was fitted with double vanity areas in white. A generous shower with a bench features classic white subway tiles and light blue/green glass accents, as well as a large free standing soaking tub nestled under a window with double sconces to dim while relaxing in a luxurious bath. A custom classic white bookcase for plush towels greets you as you enter the sanctuary bath.

Our client purchased what had been a custom home built in 1973 on a high bank waterfront lot. They did their due diligence with respect to the septic system, well and the existing underground fuel tank but little did they know, they had purchased a house that would fit into the Three Little Pigs Story book. The original idea was to do a thorough cosmetic remodel to bring the home up to date using all high durability/low maintenance materials and provide the homeowners with a flexible floor plan that would allow them to live in the home for as long as they chose to, not how long the home would allow them to stay safely. However, there was one structure element that had to change, the staircase. The staircase blocked the beautiful water/mountain few from the kitchen and part of the dining room. It also bisected the second-floor master suite creating a maze of small dysfunctional rooms with a very narrow (and unsafe) top stair landing. In the process of redesigning the stairs and reviewing replacement options for the 1972 custom milled one inch thick cupped and cracked cedar siding, it was discovered that the house had no seismic support and that the dining/family room/hot tub room and been a poorly constructed addition and required significant structural reinforcement. It should be noted that it is not uncommon for this home to be subjected to 60-100 mile an hour winds and that the geographic area is in a known earthquake zone. Once the structural engineering was complete, the redesign of the home became an open pallet. The homeowners top requests included: no additional square footage, accessibility, high durability/low maintenance materials, high performance mechanicals and appliances, water and energy efficient fixtures and equipment and improved lighting incorporated into: two master suites (one upstairs and one downstairs), a healthy kitchen (appliances that preserve fresh food nutrients and materials that minimize bacterial growth), accessible bathing and toileting, functionally designed closets and storage, a multi-purpose laundry room, an exercise room, a functionally designed home office, a catio (second floor balcony on the front of the home), with an exterior that was not just code compliant but beautiful and easy to maintain. All of this was achieved and more. The finished project speaks for itself.

Project Overview: The owner of this project is a financial analyst turned realtor turned landlord, and the goal was to increase rental income on one of his properties as effectively as possible. The design was developed to minimize construction costs, minimize City of Portland building compliance costs and restrictions, and to avoid a county tax assessment increase based on site improvements. The owner started with a large backyard at one of his properties, had a custom tiny home built as “personal property”, then added two ancillary sheds each under a 200SF compliance threshold to increase the habitable floor plan. Compliant navigation of laws and code ended up with an out-of-the-box design that only needed mechanical permitting and inspections by the city, but no building permits that would trigger a county value re-assessment. The owner’s final construction costs were $50k less than a standard ADU, rental income almost doubled for the property, and there was no resultant tax increase. Product: Gendai 1×6 select grade shiplap Prefinish: Unoiled Application: Residential – Exterior SF: 900SF Designer: Builder: Date: March 2019 Location: Portland, OR

ENRarchitects designed and rebuilt this 975sf, single story Residence, adjacent to Stanford University, as project architect and contractor in collaboration with Topos Architects, Inc. The owner, who hopes to ultimately retire in this home, had built the original home with his father. Services by ENRarchitects included complete architectural, structural, energy compliance, mechanical, electrical and landscape designs, cost analysis, sub contractor management, material & equipment selection & acquisition and, construction monitoring. Green/sustainable features: existing site & structure; dense residential neighborhood; close proximity to public transit; reuse existing slab & framing; salvaged framing members; fly ash concrete; engineered wood; recycled content insulation & gypsum board; tankless water heating; hydronic floor heating; low-flow plumbing fixtures; energy efficient lighting fixtures & appliances; abundant clerestory natural lighting & ventilation; bamboo flooring & cabinets; recycled content countertops, window sills, tile & carpet; programmable controls; and porus paving surfaces. https://www.enrdesign.com/ENR-residential-FacultyHouse.html http://www.toposarchitects.com/

J. Larry Golfer - http://www.dazzlingpropertyphotography.com/

We typically meet clients who want to renovate with a need, want or desire in mind. In this case, our client needed to update their full bath as the tub and shower plumbing was leaking into the walls, floor and sub-floor; a complete de-construction was required. Upon investigation, we noticed no mechanical ventilation in place which caused moisture build up and mold to appear. Installing the proper ventilation was ley to ensuring a heathy bathroom environment. All fixtures were replaced along with a wood vanity with drawer for tissue and towel storage. A popular trend, classic Carrera-look quartz countertop, wall and floor tiles created an airy and bright feel. The soft green colored walls was the perfect choice, coordinating nicely with the pretty glass tile mosaic details in the shower area.

This previously small and under-utilized hall bathroom presented several design challenges. Maximizing storage and creating a big feeling with limited square footage was priority. It was also imperative that the end result be bright yet warm, durable and easy to maintain while achieving a sleek contemporary look. The solution was multifold. The fixture layout was rearranged to maximize function. European frameless cabinetry with large drawers was used to maximize storage. A larger medicine cabinet was custom designed and placed on an angle to give maximum storage above the vanity. Warmth was brought into the space with the charcoal wood grain patterned floor tile and Rift White Oak horizontal grain cabinetry. A soft blue grey hue was chosen for the walls and a new 5 lite door, bringing serenity and peace to the space. Updated LED recessed lights bounce off the Porcelonosa wall tile and highlight the subtle stripe detail. The old light bar was replaced with sleek wall sconces providing more flattering light both outward for the user and down to the counter to illuminate items gracing the surface. Special details such as the stone wrapped vanity were achieved through acute intention by the designer and skillful execution by fine local craftsman. Dekton was used as the wrap and is a striking and unexpected detail creating abundant simplicity and modern elegance while providing a durable and easy to maintain surface. The mirror was inset flush with the surrounding Porcelanosa wall tile and its edges align perfectly with the lines of the tile. Wall to wall Euro glass sliding shower doors maximize the spacious feeling and slide seamlessly on a brushed nickel mechanical rail system.

Located in upstate New York in the city of Ghent, 20 minutes from Albany, New York, the new 3,180 square foot Cape Cod/farmhouse style 2-story residence with full basement is built into the hillside of the 34.7 acres. The 5-bedroom residence features in-floor radiant heating, faux wood siding, lavish landscaping, and dormer windows with spectacular views of the New England countryside. Full basement with wine cellar, family room, bedroom, exercise room, mechanical room, and walks out to pool and pool house. A large detached 2-car garage connects to the main house with an enclosed connecting walkway. Over the garage is a separate 600 square foot guest apartment and bath. The 34.7-acre parcel features a natural stream and farmland. The Olympic-length pool and guest house includes natural stone walkways, landscaping, decks, outdoor kitchen and fire pit. The house was completed in 2014.

The rip on a new Englert 1300 series mechanically-seamed architectural aluminum roof on this mid-century modern style North Haven residence. After removing the previous flat roof and insulation, we fastened 7.1" of Polyiso (polyisocyanurate) rigid foam insulation panels to the roof decking. We then covered that with a high-temperature Ice and Water Shield underlayment before attaching the standing seam metal, in mansard brown. This job presented numerous protrusion challenges - skylights, venting, chimney stack, as well as a roof transition where we had to maintain the tapered gable ends.

Affectionately referred to as the ‘Christmas House’ - a custom wrapping room was designed for use during family holiday celebrations. Features include 7 fireplaces, heated floors, extensive quarter sawn and hand hewn wood floors. To minimize mechanical noise, outside A/C condensers are housed in a covered pit and a similar space was built for spa equipment.

The water feature is constructed on top of a bunker housing the mechanical room as well as a bathroom with shower. The bathroom is finished with stone wainscoting that echoes the mountains surrounding the prairie

This 2 story home was originally built in 1952 on a tree covered hillside. Our company transformed this little shack into a luxurious home with a million dollar view by adding high ceilings, wall of glass facing the south providing natural light all year round, and designing an open living concept. The home has a built-in gas fireplace with tile surround, custom IKEA kitchen with quartz countertop, bamboo hardwood flooring, two story cedar deck with cable railing, master suite with walk-through closet, two laundry rooms, 2.5 bathrooms, office space, and mechanical room.

Detail elements in this bathroom are stunning! Gorgeous glass vanity that sits atop polished nickel piping with matching faucet. Glass backspash shelf, Cherry cabinetry with custom made fabric infused glass fronts. Lighting to include underlit cabinetry and recessed lighting in ceiling. Motorized mirror mechanism allowing mirror to descend down into glass shelf and pleated levolor blinds which accend up the window. Buras PhotographyBuras Photography

We typically meet clients who want to renovate with a need, want or desire in mind. In this case, our client needed to update their full bath as the tub and shower plumbing was leaking into the walls, floor and sub-floor; a complete de-construction was required. Upon investigation, we noticed no mechanical ventilation in place which caused moisture build up and mold to appear. Installing the proper ventilation was ley to ensuring a heathy bathroom environment. All fixtures were replaced along with a wood vanity with drawer for tissue and towel storage. A popular trend, classic Carrera-look quartz countertop, wall and floor tiles created an airy and bright feel. The soft green colored walls was the perfect choice, coordinating nicely with the pretty glass tile mosaic details in the shower area.

embarked on this whole home renovation project to modernize yet preserve the home’s architectural beauty. Our client’s fell in love with the structure’s stone facade and medieval stained glass windows, but the primary suite was small and the kitchen was not suitable for modern day living. Eliminating existing walls and revising the space planning was a key aspect of this project. We implemented rustic beams and dramatic pops of color to accent the original stone and wrought iron elements. The project included all new windows, refinished hardwood floors, mechanical upgrades, and full renovations to the kitchen, bathrooms, and 2ndfloor fireplaces tile work.

Two light sconces flank the Ikea mirror, all sitting above a single sink vanity. Love this look? You could achieve it YOURSELF. All DIYers, craftsmen/women, and mechanically inclined individuals! Steve White (owner of SRW Contracting, Inc. and Bathroom Remodeling Teacher) has created easy-to-follow courses that enable YOU to build your own bathroom. He has compiled all of his industry knowledge and tips & tricks into several courses he offers online to pass his knowledge on to you. Check out his courses by visiting the Bathroom Remodeling Teacher website at: https://www.bathroomremodelingteacher.com/learn.

ENRarchitects designed and rebuilt this 975sf, single story Residence, adjacent to Stanford University, as project architect and contractor in collaboration with Topos Architects, Inc. The owner, who hopes to ultimately retire in this home, had built the original home with his father. Services by ENRarchitects included complete architectural, structural, energy compliance, mechanical, electrical and landscape designs, cost analysis, sub contractor management, material & equipment selection & acquisition and, construction monitoring. Green/sustainable features: existing site & structure; dense residential neighborhood; close proximity to public transit; reuse existing slab & framing; salvaged framing members; fly ash concrete; engineered wood; recycled content insulation & gypsum board; tankless water heating; hydronic floor heating; low-flow plumbing fixtures; energy efficient lighting fixtures & appliances; abundant clerestory natural lighting & ventilation; bamboo flooring & cabinets; recycled content countertops, window sills, tile & carpet; programmable controls; and porus paving surfaces.

Paul Keitz
Example of a mid-sized trendy master gray tile and matchstick tile porcelain tile alcove shower design in San Francisco with flat-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, beige walls and an undermount sink

Luxurious with vivid flares. The Pert Infinity Starlight luxury vessel-sink, mesmerizing as if it were true light emanating from the stars. This luxury vessel-sink is absolutely graceful with its intriguing sparkle, formed like the vast galaxy and held together by gravity. The Pert Infinity Starlight has an unexplainable elegance and boundless form. The Pert Infinity Starlight luxury contemporary vessel- sink is ideal for those who want the bold, fresh and prefer a modern design style. Made out of high tech polymer materials, enhanced with modish colors through a pearlescent finish. The Pert Infinity Starlight luxury vessel-sink is available in designer inspired colors: White|Starlight, Black|Starlight, Champagne|Starlight, and Blue|Green Starlight. This luxury vessel- sink is infinite in its design and "in a class of its own". Countertop installation ensures this sink will stand out in your bathroom as a striking focal point. Pert is one of the most innovative and leading-edge design materials, made from a technological polymer of extraordinary quality. Pert is lightweight with a high mechanical resistance, which minimizes the need for any special maintenance. Furthermore, Pert is durable making it practical for most any design applications.