A bright, octagonal shaped sunroom and wraparound deck off the living room give this home its ageless appeal. A private sitting room off the largest master suite provides a peaceful first-floor retreat. Upstairs are two additional bedroom suites and a private sitting area while the walk-out downstairs houses the home’s casual spaces, including a family room, refreshment/snack bar and two additional bedrooms.

Our clients in Tower Lakes, IL, needed more storage and functionality from their kitchen. They were primarily focused on finding the right combination of cabinets, shelves, and drawers that fit all their cookware, flatware, and appliances. They wanted a brighter, bigger space with a natural cooking flow and plenty of storage. Soffits and crown molding needed to be removed to make the kitchen feel larger. Redesign elements included: relocating the fridge, adding a baking station and coffee bar, and placing the microwave in the kitchen island. Advance Design Studio’s Claudia Pop offered functional, creative, and unique solutions to the homeowners’ problems. Our clients wanted a unique kitchen that was not completely white, a balance of design and function. Claudia offered functional, creative, and unique solutions to Chad and Karen’s kitchen design challenges. The first thing to go was soffits. Today, most kitchens can benefit from the added height and space; removing soffits is nearly always step one. Steely gray-blue was the color of choice for a freshly unique look bringing a sophisticated-looking space to wrap around the fresh new kitchen. Cherry cabinetry in a true brown stain compliments the stormy accents with sharp contrasting white Cambria quartz top balancing out the space with a dramatic flair. “We wanted something unique and special in this space, something none of the neighbors would have,” said Claudia. The dramatic veined Cambria countertops continue upward into a backsplash behind three complimentary open shelves. These countertops provide visual texture and movement in the kitchen. The kitchen includes two larder cabinets for both the coffee bar and baking station. The kitchen is now functional and unique in design. “When we design a new kitchen space, as designers, we are always looking for ways to balance interesting design elements with practical functionality,” Claudia said. “This kitchen’s new design is not only way more functional but is stunning in a way a piece of art can catch one’s attention.” Decorative mullions with mirrored inserts sit atop dual sentinel pantries flanking the new refrigerator, while a 48″ dual fuel Wolf range replaced the island cooktop and double oven. The new microwave is cleverly hidden within the island, eliminating the cluttered counter and attention-grabbing wall of stainless steel from the previous space. The family room was completely renovated, including a beautifully functional entertainment bar with the same combination of woods and stone as the kitchen and coffee bar. Mesh inserts instead of plain glass add visual texture while revealing pristine glassware. Handcrafted built-ins surround the fireplace. The beautiful and efficient design created by designer Claudia transitioned directly to the installation team seamlessly, much like the basement project experience Chad and Karen enjoyed previously. “We definitely will and have recommended Advance Design Studio to friends who are looking to embark on a project small or large,” Karen said. “Everything that was designed and built exactly how we envisioned it, and we are really enjoying it to its full potential,” Karen said. Our award-winning design team would love to create a beautiful, functional, and spacious place for you and your family. With our “Common Sense Remodeling” approach, the process of renovating your home has never been easier. Contact us today at 847-665-1711 or schedule an appointment.

A cramped and dated kitchen was completely removed. New custom cabinets, built-in wine storage and shelves came from the same shop. Quartz waterfall counters were installed with all-new flooring, LED light fixtures, plumbing fixtures and appliances. A new sliding pocket door provides access from the dining room to the powder room as well as to the backyard. A new tankless toilet as well as new finishes on floor, walls and ceiling make a small powder room feel larger than it is in real life. Photography: Chris Gaede Photography http://www.chrisgaede.com

The kitchen has a very large island that wraps over the edge of the cabinet ends. Clerestory windows bring in light above the cabinets. An organic 'branch' inspired series of pendants are set above the dining room table. http://www.kipnisarch.com Cable Photo/Wayne Cable http://selfmadephoto.com

Galley kitchen in Midtown East Manhattan. Hard wood floors with white recessed-panel cabinets and counter tops. KBR Design & Build

Photography by Laura Hull.

Because the client for this project is a chef each part of the design had to perform as well as look good. The traditional white scheme is set off by subtle touches of pink in the backsplash and the veins of the marble counter top. An enameled farmhouse sink brings a little bit of the countryside into this urban location. A five burner cook top, sprayer style faucet and ample fridge pack tons of function into the small space. Photo by Chris Amaral.

The unique design challenge in this early 20th century Georgian Colonial was the complete disconnect of the kitchen to the rest of the home. In order to enter the kitchen, you were required to walk through a formal space. The homeowners wanted to connect the kitchen and garage through an informal area, which resulted in building an addition off the rear of the garage. This new space integrated a laundry room, mudroom and informal entry into the re-designed kitchen. Additionally, 25” was taken out of the oversized formal dining room and added to the kitchen. This gave the extra room necessary to make significant changes to the layout and traffic pattern in the kitchen. By creating a large furniture style island to comfortably seat 3, possibilities were opened elsewhere on exterior walls. A spacious hearth was created to incorporate a 48” commercial range in the existing nook area. The space gained from the dining room allowed for a fully integrated refrigerator and microwave drawer. This created an “L” for prep and clean up with room for a small wine bar and pantry storage. Many specialty items were used to create a warm beauty in this new room. Custom cabinetry with inset doors and a hand painted, glazed finish paired well with the gorgeous 3 ½” thick cherry island top. The granite was special ordered from Italy to coordinate with the hand made tile backsplash and limestone surrounding the stone hearth. Beth Singer Photography

Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, this bar boasts luxurious brass fixtures that lend a touch of opulence. The glistening marble backsplash adds a sense of grandeur, creating a stunning focal point that commands attention. Designed with a family in mind, this bar seamlessly blends style and practicality. It's a space where you can gather with loved ones, creating cherished memories while enjoying your favorite beverages. Whether you're hosting intimate gatherings or simply unwinding after a long day, this bar caters to your every need!

This Historical Home was built in the Columbia Country Club in 1925 and was ready for a new, modern kitchen which kept the traditional feel of the home. A previous sunroom addition created a dining room, but the original kitchen layout kept the two rooms divided. The kitchen was a small and cramped c-shape with a narrow door leading into the dining area. The kitchen and dining room were completely opened up, creating a long, galley style, open layout which maximized the space and created a very good flow. Dimensions In Wood worked in conjuction with the client’s architect and contractor to complete this renovation. Custom cabinets were built to use every square inch of the floorplan, with the cabinets extending all the way to the ceiling for the most storage possible. Our woodworkers even created a step stool, staining it to match the kitchen for reaching these high cabinets. The family already had a kitchen table and chairs they were happy with, so we refurbished them to match the kitchen’s new stain and paint color. Crown molding top the cabinet boxes and extends across the ceiling where they create a coffered ceiling, highlighting the beautiful light fixtures centered on a wood medallion. Columns were custom built to provide separation between the different sections of the kitchen, while also providing structural support. Our master craftsmen kept the original 1925 glass cabinet doors, fitted them with modern hardware, repainted and incorporated them into new cabinet boxes. TASK LED Lighting was added to this china cabinet, highlighting the family’s decorative dishes. Appliance Garage On one side of the kitchen we built an appliance garage with doors that slide back into the cabinet, integrated power outlets and door activated lighting. Beside this is a small Galley Workstation for beverage and bar service which has the Galley Bar Kit perfect for sliced limes and more. Baking Cabinet with Pocket Doors On the opposite side, a baking cabinet was built to house a mixer and all the supplies needed for creating confections. Automatic LED lights, triggered by opening the door, create a perfect baker’s workstation. Both pocket doors slide back inside the cabinet for maximum workspace, then close to hide everything, leaving a clean, minimal kitchen devoid of clutter. Super deep, custom drawers feature custom dividers beneath the baking cabinet. Then beneath the appliance garage another deep drawer has custom crafted produce boxes per the customer’s request. Central to the kitchen is a walnut accent island with a granite countertop and a Stainless Steel Galley Workstation and an overhang for seating. Matching bar stools slide out of the way, under the overhang, when not in use. A color matched outlet cover hides power for the island whenever appliances are needed during preparation. The Galley Workstation has several useful attachments like a cutting board, drying rack, colander holder, and more. Integrated into the stone countertops are a drinking water spigot, a soap dispenser, garbage disposal button and the pull out, sprayer integrated faucet. Directly across from the conveniently positioned stainless steel sink is a Bertazzoni Italia stove with 5 burner cooktop. A custom mosaic tile backsplash makes a beautiful focal point. Then, on opposite sides of the stove, columns conceal Rev-a-Shelf pull out towers which are great for storing small items, spices, and more. All outlets on the stone covered walls also sport dual USB outlets for charging mobile devices. Stainless Steel Whirlpool appliances throughout keep a consistent and clean look. The oven has a matching microwave above it which also works as a convection oven. Dual Whirlpool dishwashers can handle all the family’s dirty dishes. The flooring has black, marble tile inlays surrounded by ceramic tile, which are period correct for the age of this home, while still being modern, durable and easy to clean. Finally, just off the kitchen we also remodeled their bar and snack alcove. A small liquor cabinet, with a refrigerator and wine fridge sits opposite a snack bar and wine glass cabinets. Crown molding, granite countertops and cabinets were all customized to match this space with the rest of the stunning kitchen. Dimensions In Wood is more than 40 years of custom cabinets. We always have been, but we want YOU to know just how much more there is to our Dimensions. The Dimensions we cover are endless: custom cabinets, quality water, appliances, countertops, wooden beams, Marvin windows, and more. We can handle every aspect of your kitchen, bathroom or home remodel.

Photography by Whit Preston

Designer, Joel Snayd. Beach house on Tybee Island in Savannah, GA. This two-story beach house was designed from the ground up by Rethink Design Studio -- architecture + interior design. The first floor living space is wide open allowing for large family gatherings. Old recycled beams were brought into the space to create interest and create natural divisions between the living, dining and kitchen. The crisp white butt joint paneling was offset using the cool gray slate tile below foot. The stairs and cabinets were painted a soft gray, roughly two shades lighter than the floor, and then topped off with a Carerra honed marble. Apple red stools, quirky art, and fun colored bowls add a bit of whimsy and fun. Wall Color: SW extra white 7006 Cabinet Color: BM Sterling 1591 Floor: 6x12 Squall Slate (local tile supplier)

Brett Winter Lemon Photography

Party Barn Bar area by Charlotte Starling

Bob Greenspan

Fire Bordeaux Granite is a bold, colorful stone with burgandy, rose, cream, grey, tan, black, green, and coral. The homeowners wanted their Elkridge, MD basement to be an elegant, but casual family entertainment area that could moonlight as a man cave.