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.

Keeping in style with the rest of their home, our clients were inspired by an elegant french country design with their choice of cabinetry, hardware and fixtures. Body sprays, a heated floor, steam shower and a free standing tub bring this bathroom into the modern day.

Egress Window Brick Well
Basement photo in Denver

NanDro manufactures and installs environmentally-friendly protective shields, sealants and concrete materials. Our coatings, sealers and materials can be used to defend your surface from harmful environmental elements as well as everyday wear and tear! NanDro also is an applicator and can coat your products in house or out in the field. NanDro Concrete Shield protects concrete and masonry surfaces from multiple destructive forces. Unprotected concrete surfaces can be damaged by water, salt spray, acid from food/beverages & waste, gum, graffiti, and chloride ion. When coated, the concrete surface will not only be protected from these damaging elements, but will also be aesthetically enhanced with a peel and flake resistant gloss or satin finish. NanDro Wood Shield is the all in one solution for protecting your everyday wooden surfaces. It protects from UV damage, acid etching, water spots, moisture and other natural decay. These features make it ideal for use not only in the home, but also in industries such as restaurants, marinas, decks, furniture, and the rest of the great outdoors. NanDro Metal Shield is ideal for protecting, and preserving metal surfaces under various conditions. It provides protection against all types of corrosion from water, salt spray, chemical exposure, as well as other damaging environmental elements. Due to its anti-corrosion properties, the Metal Coat also eliminates the need to polish easily tarnished metals, such as aluminum, copper, and brass. It also provides UV protection for the metal surface and reduces ice adhesion. Also available is the NanDro Stainless Steel Coating.

Neutral body color with white trim and a darker version of the body color as an accent work well with the surrounding homes and the shingle shake roof.

This project required the renovation of the Master Bedroom area of a Westchester County country house. Previously other areas of the house had been renovated by our client but she had saved the best for last. We reimagined and delineated five separate areas for the Master Suite from what before had been a more open floor plan: an Entry Hall; Master Closet; Master Bath; Study and Master Bedroom. We clarified the flow between these rooms and unified them with the rest of the house by using common details such as rift white oak floors; blackened Emtek hardware; and french doors to let light bleed through all of the spaces. We selected a vein cut travertine for the Master Bathroom floor that looked a lot like the rift white oak flooring elsewhere in the space so this carried the motif of the floor material into the Master Bathroom as well. Our client took the lead on selection of all the furniture, bath fixtures and lighting so we owe her no small praise for not only carrying the design through to the smallest details but coordinating the work of the contractors as well.

A truly restorative bedroom is designed around comfort, support, and the moments that make home feel like home. This welcoming space features the Doctor's Choice® Elite Soft Mattress from Denver Mattress, crafted for sleepers who prefer a softer feel while still benefiting from advanced support and pressure-relieving comfort. As part of the premium Doctor's Choice® Collection, the Elite Soft is engineered to cushion key pressure points while helping maintain healthy spinal alignment throughout the night. Its combination of plush comfort and supportive design creates a sleep surface that helps reduce tossing and turning, promoting deeper, more restorative rest. Surrounded by rich wood furnishings, calming colors, soft textures, and personal touches, this bedroom demonstrates how thoughtful design can support both relaxation and well-being. Whether enjoying a quiet morning, unwinding after a busy day, or sharing time with loved ones, the space is designed to help you feel comfortable, supported, and at ease.

Hayden Master Spa: 18-Head Digital Hydrotherapy & Total Sensory Wellness This master en-suite in Hayden, Idaho, is a masterclass in high-tech wellness and custom engineering. We moved beyond standard luxury to create a "Total Immersion" environment, centered around a massive, custom-tiled steam suite that functions as a private residential spa. This project demonstrates our ability to integrate complex computerized systems with high-end architectural finishes. The Ultimate Spa Features: 18-Head Digital Shower Matrix: The heart of the suite is a Kohler DTV digital interface, controlling a massive array of 18 total water outlets. This includes a ceiling-mounted rainforest head, high-pressure wall-mounted massaging body sprayers, and precision handshowers—all programmable for a customized hydrotherapy experience. Polk Audio Soundscape: To create a truly immersive atmosphere, we integrated a high-fidelity Polk Audio sound system with Bluetooth connectivity. These moisture-resistant, marine-grade speakers are built directly into the shower architecture, providing crisp, studio-quality audio. Integrated Towel Warmer: For the ultimate post-shower experience, we installed a professional-grade towel warmer. This feature ensures that the spa feeling doesn't end when the water stops, providing perfectly heated towels that complement the overall warmth of the room. Intelligent Thermal Control: Beneath the large-format Italian porcelain tile, we installed a thermostat-controlled radiant heating system. This provides invisible, consistent warmth that extends from the vanity area directly into the shower floor. Artisan Custom Cabinetry: The technical complexity is balanced by furniture-grade custom cabinetry featuring matching vertical storage towers and LED-lit mirrors with integrated magnification for perfect task lighting. Freestanding Air Tub: The en-suite is rounded out with a luxury air therapy tub and a precision floor-mounted Kohler filler, perfectly positioned for a quiet retreat.

Step into the Grand Hammam at Hurrem Hammam, where Ottoman-inspired architecture meets luxurious marble craftsmanship. The space features sweeping archways, detailed mosaics, and polished stone surfaces, creating an atmosphere of timeless elegance and tranquility. Every element, from the ornate ceilings to the hand-carved accents, is designed to showcase authentic Turkish artistry, making the Grand Hammam a true masterpiece of design and detail.

Karen was an existing client of ours who was tired of the crowded and cluttered laundry/mudroom that did not work well for her young family. The washer and dryer were right in the line of traffic when you stepped in her back entry from the garage and there was a lack of a bench for changing shoes/boots. Planning began… then along came a twist! A new puppy that will grow to become a fair sized dog would become part of the family. Could the design accommodate dog grooming and a daytime “kennel” for when the family is away? Having two young boys, Karen wanted to have custom features that would make housekeeping easier so custom drawer drying racks and ironing board were included in the design. All slab-style cabinet and drawer fronts are sturdy and easy to clean and the family’s coats and necessities are hidden from view while close at hand. The selected quartz countertops, slate flooring and honed marble wall tiles will provide a long life for this hard working space. The enameled cast iron sink which fits puppy to full-sized dog (given a boost) was outfitted with a faucet conducive to dog washing, as well as, general clean up. And the piece de resistance is the glass, Dutch pocket door which makes the family dog feel safe yet secure with a view into the rest of the house. Karen and her family enjoy the organized, tidy space and how it works for them.

Well-Traveled Alys Beach Home Photo: Jack Gardner
Example of a large beach style beige floor kitchen/dining room combo design with white walls

The property is one of the original farm houses located on the main street of a small town. It has been in the family for many years and our client just inherited the property. They were trying to have balance of preserving the old while realizing modern day living has its benefits too. The house had a large addition added using mostly old style materials, but designed with function and modern day luxuries. Our goal was to carry that theme to the outside. Our first problem we had to address was how to transition between the first floor elevation changes. The lower room was the husband’s office. He stated in the future he may have clients over and it would be nice to have an area to sit outside. The wife’s main concern was to renew the four corner garden. She also felt it was very important to be able to see it from the kitchen area. Finally there was an old wishing well stuck right outside the kitchen. They both felt it would be neat to be able to incorporate this in some how. They wanted a patio area with a built in grill to accommodate there family and friends. They also wanted to keep a large play area for the kids. We were able to pull this off successfully. We addressed the first issue by having a small lower level flagstone area. This area is large enough for 1 to 2 people to sit comfortably. It also provides a transition from his office to the larger patio area. We installed a simple small gravel sitting area opposite of the main patio. This provides our client a secluded place to relax or do business. Mrs.... told me she is amazed how much her and her husband enjoys this area. It is so peaceful looking at the small creek over a glass of wine. We built a natural limestone retaining wall to create the patio terrace. The stone was chosen to extend the houses architectural elements into the landscape. Irregular broken flagstone was used to give it a more casual feel. We installed three Serviceberries into the patio terrace to replace some trees that were taken down during the remodeling. She was very concern that they would block the view of the four corner garden. We new they were crucial to nestle in the terrace, so we placed them for a couple days for her to decide. Fortunately she agreed they not only kept the view open, but helped frame the garden. The four corner garden was designed to be viewed from afar and experienced up close. We wanted the space to have some formal structure while keeping with the casual farm house feel. Another natural limestone retaining wall was created. This leveled the garden terrace and helped associate it with the rest of the property. The four corner garden is nestled into the existing woods edge. This provides three distinct experiences to entering the garden; a more formal from the driveway, an open feel from the lower lawn, and a more natural / casual experience from the wooded area. The Plymouth brown gravel was used for the center of the garden. This helped highlight the stone post that was found during construction. The gravel also brings the sense of sound into the garden space. Lamb’s ear was chosen as a fun way to get kids interest in horticulture. The balance of using the new to create the old feel is what makes this project a success. The property has already hosted a local historical society event and won an award for its preservation efforts. When Mrs.... can’t find her husband, she knows he is either reading the newspaper by the grill or resting in the hammock along the wood’s path.

This project required the renovation of the Master Bedroom area of a Westchester County country house. Previously other areas of the house had been renovated by our client but she had saved the best for last. We reimagined and delineated five separate areas for the Master Suite from what before had been a more open floor plan: an Entry Hall; Master Closet; Master Bath; Study and Master Bedroom. We clarified the flow between these rooms and unified them with the rest of the house by using common details such as rift white oak floors; blackened Emtek hardware; and french doors to let light bleed through all of the spaces. We selected a vein cut travertine for the Master Bathroom floor that looked a lot like the rift white oak flooring elsewhere in the space so this carried the motif of the floor material into the Master Bathroom as well. Our client took the lead on selection of all the furniture, bath fixtures and lighting so we owe her no small praise for not only carrying the design through to the smallest details but coordinating the work of the contractors as well.

Our clients came to us wanting to update and open up their kitchen, breakfast nook, wet bar, and den. They wanted a cleaner look without clutter but didn’t want to go with an all-white kitchen, fearing it’s too trendy. Their kitchen was not utilized well and was not aesthetically appealing; it was very ornate and dark. The cooktop was too far back in the kitchen towards the butler’s pantry, making it awkward when cooking, so they knew they wanted that moved. The rest was left up to our designer to overcome these obstacles and give them their dream kitchen. We gutted the kitchen cabinets, including the built-in china cabinet and all finishes. The pony wall that once separated the kitchen from the den (and also housed the sink, dishwasher, and ice maker) was removed, and those appliances were relocated to the new large island, which had a ton of storage and a 15” overhang for bar seating. Beautiful aged brass Quebec 6-light pendants were hung above the island. All cabinets were replaced and drawers were designed to maximize storage. The Eclipse “Greensboro” cabinetry was painted gray with satin brass Emtek Mod Hex “Urban Modern” pulls. A large banquet seating area was added where the stand-alone kitchen table once sat. The main wall was covered with 20x20 white Golwoo tile. The backsplash in the kitchen and the banquette accent tile was a contemporary coordinating Tempesta Neve polished Wheaton mosaic marble. In the wet bar, they wanted to completely gut and replace everything! The overhang was useless and it was closed off with a large bar that they wanted to be opened up, so we leveled out the ceilings and filled in the original doorway into the bar in order for the flow into the kitchen and living room more natural. We gutted all cabinets, plumbing, appliances, light fixtures, and the pass-through pony wall. A beautiful backsplash was installed using Nova Hex Graphite ceramic mosaic 5x5 tile. A 15” overhang was added at the counter for bar seating. In the den, they hated the brick fireplace and wanted a less rustic look. The original mantel was very bulky and dark, whereas they preferred a more rectangular firebox opening, if possible. We removed the fireplace and surrounding hearth, brick, and trim, as well as the built-in cabinets. The new fireplace was flush with the wall and surrounded with Tempesta Neve Polished Marble 8x20 installed in a Herringbone pattern. The TV was hung above the fireplace and floating shelves were added to the surrounding walls for photographs and artwork. They wanted to completely gut and replace everything in the powder bath, so we started by adding blocking in the wall for the new floating cabinet and a white vessel sink. Black Boardwalk Charcoal Hex Porcelain mosaic 2x2 tile was used on the bathroom floor; coordinating with a contemporary “Cleopatra Silver Amalfi” black glass 2x4 mosaic wall tile. Two Schoolhouse Electric “Isaac” short arm brass sconces were added above the aged brass metal framed hexagon mirror. The countertops used in here, as well as the kitchen and bar, were Elements quartz “White Lightning.” We refinished all existing wood floors downstairs with hand scraped with the grain. Our clients absolutely love their new space with its ease of organization and functionality.

The ultimate coastal beach home situated on the shoreintracoastal waterway. The kitchen features white inset upper cabinetry balanced with rustic hickory base cabinets with a driftwood feel. The driftwood v-groove ceiling is framed in white beams. he 2 islands offer a great work space as well as an island for socializng.

  Download our free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   The homeowners came to us looking to update the kitchen in their historic 1897 home. The home had gone through an extensive renovation several years earlier that added a master bedroom suite and updates to the front façade. The kitchen however was not part of that update and a prior 1990’s update had left much to be desired. The client is an avid cook, and it was just not very functional for the family. The original kitchen was very choppy and included a large eat in area that took up more than its fair share of the space. On the wish list was a place where the family could comfortably congregate, that was easy and to cook in, that feels lived in and in check with the rest of the home’s décor. They also wanted a space that was not cluttered and dark – a happy, light and airy room. A small powder room off the space also needed some attention so we set out to include that in the remodel as well. See that arch in the neighboring dining room? The homeowner really wanted to make the opening to the dining room an arch to match, so we incorporated that into the design. Another unfortunate eyesore was the state of the ceiling and soffits. Turns out it was just a series of shortcuts from the prior renovation, and we were surprised and delighted that we were easily able to flatten out almost the entire ceiling with a couple of little reworks. Other changes we made were to add new windows that were appropriate to the new design, which included moving the sink window over slightly to give the work zone more breathing room. We also adjusted the height of the windows in what was previously the eat-in area that were too low for a countertop to work. We tried to keep an old island in the plan since it was a well-loved vintage find, but the tradeoff for the function of the new island was not worth it in the end. We hope the old found a new home, perhaps as a potting table. Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKD, CBD Photography by: Michael Kaskel For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

2012 NARI CAPITAL COTY, MERIT AWARD WINNER, RESIDENTIAL BATH $30,000 to $60,000 The owners of this contemporary home in Centreville, Virginia, had a dated master bathroom suite that didn’t meet their modern tastes or their needs. To make the changes they wanted, the design team at Michael Nash Design, Build & Homes determined that the room would need to be gutted. All the partition walls had to go, as did the old whirlpool tub. And all of the plumbing and fixtures had to be relocated to new positions to meet the new design’s criteria. The clients previously replaced the bathroom windows with glass blocks. Thus, contemporary glass blocks were used instead of partition walls to add openness to this new bathroom layout. Large polished limestone tiles were used on the bathroom floors and walls, and stylish glass tiles were used as an accent. A free-standing oval tub adds to the room’s contemporary look and saves a lot of space as well. A two-person shower stall with a modern body spray shower system was also installed. Custom built high level cabinetry and vanities, and modern lighting—both recessed and hanging fixtures— contribute greatly to the success of the final project.

This little girls bedroom started out as a playroom before she was born. You can still see remnants of the former room in the carpet tiles and built-in toy storage. We began the transformation with a pink ceiling that runs down the wall about 18", grey walls below to help dilute the brightness a little and provide a backdrop for other pops of color. This antique bed was drug out of her great-grandmothers attic, as well as the dresser and dressing table. They were all given some much needed love with bright paint colors to match the little girls personality. A window seat with toy storage below was fixed with a purple seat cushion, throw pillows, and a glass bird in a pink birdcage. Wrapping paper was glued below the window seat and on the cabinet doors as wall paper to provide a little pattern in the room. Original kids artwork as well as calendar photos are framed throughout the room. A body pillow creates a comfortable headboard and a colorful, butterfly pattern (which is where most of the colors for the room were pulled) adorn the bed with all white bedding.

Our clients came to us wanting to update and open up their kitchen, breakfast nook, wet bar, and den. They wanted a cleaner look without clutter but didn’t want to go with an all-white kitchen, fearing it’s too trendy. Their kitchen was not utilized well and was not aesthetically appealing; it was very ornate and dark. The cooktop was too far back in the kitchen towards the butler’s pantry, making it awkward when cooking, so they knew they wanted that moved. The rest was left up to our designer to overcome these obstacles and give them their dream kitchen. We gutted the kitchen cabinets, including the built-in china cabinet and all finishes. The pony wall that once separated the kitchen from the den (and also housed the sink, dishwasher, and ice maker) was removed, and those appliances were relocated to the new large island, which had a ton of storage and a 15” overhang for bar seating. Beautiful aged brass Quebec 6-light pendants were hung above the island. All cabinets were replaced and drawers were designed to maximize storage. The Eclipse “Greensboro” cabinetry was painted gray with satin brass Emtek Mod Hex “Urban Modern” pulls. A large banquet seating area was added where the stand-alone kitchen table once sat. The main wall was covered with 20x20 white Golwoo tile. The backsplash in the kitchen and the banquette accent tile was a contemporary coordinating Tempesta Neve polished Wheaton mosaic marble. In the wet bar, they wanted to completely gut and replace everything! The overhang was useless and it was closed off with a large bar that they wanted to be opened up, so we leveled out the ceilings and filled in the original doorway into the bar in order for the flow into the kitchen and living room more natural. We gutted all cabinets, plumbing, appliances, light fixtures, and the pass-through pony wall. A beautiful backsplash was installed using Nova Hex Graphite ceramic mosaic 5x5 tile. A 15” overhang was added at the counter for bar seating. In the den, they hated the brick fireplace and wanted a less rustic look. The original mantel was very bulky and dark, whereas they preferred a more rectangular firebox opening, if possible. We removed the fireplace and surrounding hearth, brick, and trim, as well as the built-in cabinets. The new fireplace was flush with the wall and surrounded with Tempesta Neve Polished Marble 8x20 installed in a Herringbone pattern. The TV was hung above the fireplace and floating shelves were added to the surrounding walls for photographs and artwork. They wanted to completely gut and replace everything in the powder bath, so we started by adding blocking in the wall for the new floating cabinet and a white vessel sink. Black Boardwalk Charcoal Hex Porcelain mosaic 2x2 tile was used on the bathroom floor; coordinating with a contemporary “Cleopatra Silver Amalfi” black glass 2x4 mosaic wall tile. Two Schoolhouse Electric “Isaac” short arm brass sconces were added above the aged brass metal framed hexagon mirror. The countertops used in here, as well as the kitchen and bar, were Elements quartz “White Lightning.” We refinished all existing wood floors downstairs with hand scraped with the grain. Our clients absolutely love their new space with its ease of organization and functionality.