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. Photography: Joe Nowak

Eric Roth Photography
Inspiration for a large timeless guest carpeted bedroom remodel in Boston with blue walls

This modern Nantucket retreat was designed for a multi-generational family, seamlessly blending nautical charm with practical elegance. Each space balances functionality and relaxation, catering to both work and leisure. Each room exudes unique charm and adaptability, blending artful touches with practicality for a warm, inviting ambience. The great room's centerpiece is a stunning Pascale Girardin art installation on the ceiling, creating a magical focal point. Paired with comfortable furnishings, a cozy fireplace, and curated artwork, this space is welcoming and uniquely captivating.

This modern Nantucket retreat was designed for a multi-generational family, seamlessly blending nautical charm with practical elegance. Each space balances functionality and relaxation, catering to both work and leisure. Each room exudes unique charm and adaptability, blending artful touches with practicality for a warm, inviting ambience. The great room's centerpiece is a stunning Pascale Girardin art installation on the ceiling, creating a magical focal point. Paired with comfortable furnishings, a cozy fireplace, and curated artwork, this space is welcoming and uniquely captivating.

Transform your space with the timeless beauty of Olympian White Honed Marble slabs. Created by the re-crystallization of limestone under extreme heat and pressure in the earth, every piece of marble slab and tile has its own unique veining, patterns, colors, and swirls. Marble is ideal for interior, residential, and commercial floors, cladding, fireplaces, kitchens, baths, and more.

Home bar with white cabinets below and above. There is a wine fridge in the center. A unique circular pattern blue wallpaper ground the space.
Inspiration for a coastal home bar remodel in Other

This expansive great room at Sunset on St. Croix, a rustic modern luxury home, is framed by weathered antique box beams crossing the vaulted ceiling, with antique white oak flooring running throughout the open concept living, dining, and kitchen space. Stone columns anchor the room, while a wood entry door and black steel windows bring in natural light and views of the yard beyond. Leather accent chairs, a live edge dining table, and woven pendant chandeliers complete the space's blend of rustic warmth and modern comfort. Our weathered antique box beams are milled from a mix of softwoods, ranging from hemlock to pine, salvaged from joists, roof boards, decking, and walls of late 19th and early 20th century structures. The natural patina from a century of weathering gives them a darker, moodier character. Our antique white oak flooring takes the light and bright aesthetic of the species further, with a subtle grey patina earned over years of natural weathering, milled from timberstock salvaged from 19th century industrial buildings and displaying the unique grain patterns and durability old growth oak is known for. Whether you are a homebuilder, a home remodeling contractor, a homeowner, or a designer planning an open concept space like this, Manomin Resawn Timbers has the reclaimed wood box beams and flooring to bring warmth and character to your home. Visit our showroom in Hugo, MN or reach out to us with a call or a message. 15152 Freeland Avenue North, Hugo MN 55038. Mon–Thu 8am–4:30pm, Fri 8am–4pm. 651.464.1771.

A bold powder room featuring statement geometric wallpaper, a sculptural vessel sink, and warm brass fixtures. Dark tones and striking contrasts create a dramatic, design-forward space with a unique, artistic edge.

This kitchen at Sunset on St. Croix, a rustic modern luxury home, pairs antique white oak flooring underfoot with a glimpse of weathered antique box beams along the ceiling edge. Black shaker cabinetry with brass hardware, a waterfall island, a farmhouse sink, and a dark stone backsplash create a moody, sophisticated palette, while dome pendant lights and fur-topped counter stools add warmth and texture to the space. Our weathered antique box beams are milled from a mix of softwoods, ranging from hemlock to pine, salvaged from joists, roof boards, decking, and walls of late 19th and early 20th century structures. The natural patina from a century of weathering gives them a darker, moodier character. Our antique white oak flooring takes the light and bright aesthetic of the species further, with a subtle grey patina earned over years of natural weathering, milled from timberstock salvaged from 19th century industrial buildings and displaying the unique grain patterns and durability old growth oak is known for. Whether you are a homebuilder, a home remodeling contractor, a homeowner, or a designer planning a kitchen like this, Manomin Resawn Timbers has the reclaimed wood box beams and flooring to bring warmth and character to your home. Visit our showroom in Hugo, MN or reach out to us with a call or a message. 15152 Freeland Avenue North, Hugo MN 55038. Mon–Thu 8am–4:30pm, Fri 8am–4pm. 651.464.1771.

Finesse glazed ceramic wall tile brings a fresh, clean look to brighten any space. Suitable for interior applications throughout the home including kitchen counters, backsplashes and bathroom walls, this tile will provide the perfect complement to a variety of design styles. Classic white ceramic tile with a unique wave pattern in a contemporary 10”x26” size. Add interest and dimension with this wave tile. Excellent for wall and backslash usage. Glazed ceramic with an easy to clean surface. Vanity was designed by us and made by our custom mill-worker. Designed by Joana Carreira

Example of a mid-sized transitional enclosed dark wood floor and brown floor family room design in Orlando with gray walls, no fireplace and no tv

Mid-sized transitional formal carpeted and gray floor living room photo in DC Metro with no fireplace and no tv

Quaternary Celtic Knot This door was designed with the objective of universal appeal; a unique and beautiful element to sell to potential home buyers, commissioned by architect Cheri Belz in Boulder, Colorado. Raleigh Renfree chose to draw on the ancient rhythms of Celtic design, and expand those same ideas into a modern home. These Celtic knots have ubiquitous appeal because they are intrinsically recognized symbols of eternity as well as quaternary patterns found in all life and history. The closed loop of the knot has neither beginning nor end, though four distinct motions are created, which in turn create further motion. By grouping these knots into a pattern of three, Raleigh also balanced masculine and feminine elements, enriching the door’s universal appeal yet again. To harmonize the ancient heartbeat of these knot patterns with the modern flair of the architectural style of the home, Raleigh included a very skillfully inlaid pattern of slate. The geometric slate not only mirrors the curves and edges of the home’s exterior, it also tells a story of geometric creation only found through balancing the masculine with the feminine. The circle as mother, the triangle as father, and the square as child, all joined in harmony to create a flow of energy through all aspects of the self. In truly brilliant fashion, Raleigh expressed timeless knowledge harmonizing two rather diverse styles, and eased this entryway into a truly inviting and appealing “welcome home” for any buyer.

All decor is available here: https://www.dianochedesigns.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=monika

Quaternary Celtic Knot This door was designed with the objective of universal appeal; a unique and beautiful element to sell to potential home buyers, commissioned by architect Cheri Belz in Boulder, Colorado. Raleigh Renfree chose to draw on the ancient rhythms of Celtic design, and expand those same ideas into a modern home. These Celtic knots have ubiquitous appeal because they are intrinsically recognized symbols of eternity as well as quaternary patterns found in all life and history. The closed loop of the knot has neither beginning nor end, though four distinct motions are created, which in turn create further motion. By grouping these knots into a pattern of three, Raleigh also balanced masculine and feminine elements, enriching the door’s universal appeal yet again. To harmonize the ancient heartbeat of these knot patterns with the modern flair of the architectural style of the home, Raleigh included a very skillfully inlaid pattern of slate. The geometric slate not only mirrors the curves and edges of the home’s exterior, it also tells a story of geometric creation only found through balancing the masculine with the feminine. The circle as mother, the triangle as father, and the square as child, all joined in harmony to create a flow of energy through all aspects of the self. In truly brilliant fashion, Raleigh expressed timeless knowledge harmonizing two rather diverse styles, and eased this entryway into a truly inviting and appealing “welcome home” for any buyer.

Inspiration for a large mediterranean open concept beige floor living room remodel in Houston with white walls and a standard fireplace

This Spanish style Californian home used our Antique Barnboard Oak flooring in all 6.5" wide planks. Aging patina, stress cracks and some original saw marks combined with nail holes and solid knots give this grade of reclaimed oak flooring a very unique character that is impossible to match with new flooring. For more information on this flooring please call us at (800) 333-7610 or email sales@appalachianwoods.com

Bathroom - contemporary black tile gray floor bathroom idea in Vancouver with flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, an undermount sink and white countertops

Large ornate medium tone wood floor home office library photo in Denver with beige walls