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. Joe Nowak

This lower level combines several areas into the perfect space to have a party or just hang out. The theater area features a starlight ceiling that even include a comet that passes through every minute. Premium sound and custom seating make it an amazing experience. The sitting area has a brick wall and fireplace that is flanked by built in bookshelves. To the right, is a set of glass doors that open all of the way across. This expands the living area to the outside. Also, with the press of a button, blackout shades on all of the windows... turn day into night. Seating around the bar makes playing a game of pool a real spectator sport... or just a place for some fun. The area also has a large workout room. Perfect for the times that pool isn't enough physical activity for you.

Another view of the exercise room
Large trendy multiuse home gym photo in New York with white walls

This lower level combines several areas into the perfect space to have a party or just hang out. The theater area features a starlight ceiling that even include a comet that passes through every minute. Premium sound and custom seating make it an amazing experience. The sitting area has a brick wall and fireplace that is flanked by built in bookshelves. To the right, is a set of glass doors that open all of the way across. This expands the living area to the outside. Also, with the press of a button, blackout shades on all of the windows... turn day into night. Seating around the bar makes playing a game of pool a real spectator sport... or just a place for some fun. The area also has a large workout room. Perfect for the times that pool isn't enough physical activity for you.

photo: Mark Pinkerton, VI360
Trendy exterior home photo in San Francisco

Photo Credit: Jerry and Lois Photography
Inspiration for a large contemporary home gym remodel in Seattle

BRP Construction, LLC A design-build firm in Maryland Visit us at www.brpdesignbuild.com or call us at (202) 812-9278
Large contemporary gray three-story mixed siding flat roof idea in DC Metro

This Beverly, Massachusetts basement renovation transformed an underutilized lower level into a spacious entertainment and relaxation area designed for everyday living and gatherings. The finished basement features an open lounge area with a large sectional, a custom bar for entertaining, a game space, and a dedicated workout area. Recessed lighting, durable flooring, and a neutral palette create a bright and comfortable environment, turning the basement into a versatile extension of the home’s living space.

Photography Credit: Jody Robinson, Photo Designs by Jody
Example of a trendy home gym design in Philadelphia

Family Room area of this large basement in which the family had a large "wish" list for me to incorporate in this space. On the list was a family room area with a large TV, a workout area, a bar which included a sink, wine refrigerator, dishwasher, drawers, cabinets, and counter space, a play area, a full bathroom, and as much storage as I could give them.

Abby Flanagan
Kids' room - mid-sized transitional gender-neutral carpeted kids' room idea in New York with white walls

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

Example of an urban basement design in Boston

This Boston area client needed a re-design for their entrance from the garage into the main house. The space is large and used as a passageway, a workout room, and a coat and shoe storage area. Using two warm toned panels that compliment the colors already present in their stone floor and on their walls, the newly designed space gives everything a place. Shelving widths were designed with purpose in mind so that they fit just the right number of shoes. Ample hooks were added to the walls to take care of all of the coats of this busy household. To finish off the coat hook wall, a custom painted beadboard backing with a shelf finished with crown molding trimmed out the space perfectly. The results are a beautiful and functional entryway that perfectly meets the client's needs! The Boston area's creative designer of choice for all your custom closet, pantry, garage, laundry room, entertainment center, home office, crafting center needs and more! Closettec is a local, family-owned business serving all of New England since 1985. Call today for a free quote! Closettec is the Boston and Providence area’s ONLY custom closet fabricators to combine custom closet, cabinetry, wood, stone, metal and glass fabrication all under one roof. We also serve the following areas outside of Boston – East Lyme, Niantic, Waterford, Mystic, Stonington, North Reading, Middleton, Lynnfield, Wakefield, Peabody, Danvers, Beverly, Salem, Marblehead, Lynn, Saugus, Revere, Stoneham, Melrose, Winchester, Woburn, Burlington, Wilmington, Billerica, Tewksbury, Nashua, Lowell, Chelmsford, Derry, Andover, Lawrence, Methuen, Haverill, Amesbury, Newburyport, Newton, Medford, Arlington, Somerville, Belmont, Cambridge, Watertown, Waltham, Weston, Wellesley, Needham, Dedham, Natick, Framingham, Westborough, Lincoln, Lexington, Wayland, Worcester, Narragansett, Newport, Jamestown.

The Goody Nook, named by the owners in honor of one of their Great Grandmother's and Great Aunts after their bake shop they ran in Ohio to sell baked goods, thought it fitting since this space is a place to enjoy all things that bring them joy and happiness. This studio, which functions as an art studio, workout space, and hangout spot, also doubles as an entertaining hub. Used daily, the large table is usually covered in art supplies, but can also function as a place for sweets, treats, and horderves for any event, in tandem with the kitchenette adorned with a bright green countertop. An intimate sitting area with 2 lounge chairs face an inviting ribbon fireplace and TV, also doubles as space for them to workout in. The powder room, with matching green counters, is lined with a bright, fun wallpaper, that you can see all the way from the pool, and really plays into the fun art feel of the space. With a bright multi colored rug and lime green stools, the space is finished with a custom neon sign adorning the namesake of the space, "The Goody Nook”.

A new workshop and build space for a fellow creative! Seeking a space to enable this set designer to work from home, this homeowner contacted us with an idea for a new workshop. On the must list were tall ceilings, lit naturally from the north, and space for all of those pet projects which never found a home. Looking to make a statement, the building’s exterior projects a modern farmhouse and rustic vibe in a charcoal black. On the interior, walls are finished with sturdy yet beautiful plywood sheets. Now there’s plenty of room for this fun and energetic guy to get to work (or play, depending on how you look at it)!

"As seen in the picture, I use the pebble 3/4'' tiles for my home gym. I was concerned about installing a workout area in a room with a tile floor, so I elected to go with the thicker foam tiles. Greatmats was awesome- I requested three samples from them, which arrived quickly and were free! It was extremely helpful being able to compare the densities, weights, and textures of all three samples side-by-side. The other two samples were roughly a half-inch thick and it was apparent the 3/4'' was the way to go for my purposes. I try not to drop any weights- more to take care of the equipment than out of a fear of damaging the underlying tile- but I love the peace of mind the mats give me to set down a deadlift relatively firmly or letting a weight slip out of my hand and not have to worry about any damage to the floor below. The density is perfect- firm enough to not feel 'squishy' underfoot (I was concerned about my feet sinking in and being unstable during squats, but that hasn't been an issue), but still enough cushioning to soften a weight being dropped. Installation was a breeze- I went to Home Depot and bought a 3' straightedge which helped tremendously. Because I installed wall-to-wall, I had to trim about a half-dozen tiles. Just make sure you have a fresh blade on your utility knife and the cuts will go much faster. I have yet to mop it or spill any water on the floor other than sweat, but I haven't noticed any liquid seeping through and they're very easy to sweep/mop up. Excellent product- I actually plan to buy a few more to finish off the room!" - Allen, San Diego, CA https://www.greatmats.com/flooring/exercise-room-flooring.php

Here is a newly completed project I've been working on. My charge was to make functional spaces in a basement that included a bar, TV space, game space, office space and music room. The client was sharing some photos he'd taken in subways in NYC, Chicago and London, among others. These exciting images of his stimulated an idea: What if we used the subway as a motif for the entire basement project? This concept was enthusiastically endorsed. Months later, here are the results of this creative challenge. Norman Sizemore

Beach style home gym photo in Santa Barbara