Extension of the kitchen toward the back yard created space for a new breakfast nook facing the owning sun. Cookbook storage is integrated into the bench design. Photo: Erick Mikiten, AIA

Located on a partially wooded lot in Elburn, Illinois, this home needed an eye-catching interior redo to match the unique period exterior. The residence was originally designed by Bow House, a company that reproduces the look of 300-year old bow roof Cape-Cod style homes. Since typical kitchens in old Cape Cod-style homes tend to run a bit small- or as some would like to say, cozy – this kitchen was in need of plenty of efficient storage to house a modern day family of three. Advance Design Studio, Ltd. was able to evaluate the kitchen’s adjacent spaces and determine that there were several walls that could be relocated to allow for more usable space in the kitchen. The refrigerator was moved to the newly excavated space and incorporated into a handsome dinette, an intimate banquette, and a new coffee bar area. This allowed for more countertop and prep space in the primary area of the kitchen. It now became possible to incorporate a ball and claw foot tub and a larger vanity in the elegant new full bath that was once just an adjacent guest powder room. Reclaimed vintage Chicago brick paver flooring was carefully installed in a herringbone pattern to give the space a truly unique touch and feel. And to top off this revamped redo, a handsome custom green-toned island with a distressed black walnut counter top graces the center of the room, the perfect final touch in this charming little kitchen.

Susan Whisman of Blue Door Portraits

Classic craftsman character exterior. The exterior architecture was kept in a traditional craftsman style and is, quite frankly, beautiful.

This home had a complete second story addition that worked beautifully with this charming bungalow style. The two story bay creates some added interest on the side of the house and more dramatic spaces on the interior.

This project consist of a very large privacy fence system and two arbors with attached trellises. What I think I have accomplished here is a good marriage between the garden structure and the home. The home itself in what we call its "previous life" was a real operating barn. The attached photos that I have taken for this display show both before and after shots of the home and surrounding grounds.

Front elevation of a craftsman style house in old Davidon

Bright and White with Classic cabinet details, this laundry/mud room was designed to provide storage for a young families every need. Specific task areas such as the laundry sorting station make chores easy. The bar above is ready for hanging those items needed air drying. Remembering to take your shoes off is easy when you have a dedicated area of shelves and a bench on which to sit. A mix of whites and wood finishes, and linen textured Porcelanosa tile flooring make this a room anyone would be happy to spend time in. Photography by Fred Donham of PhotographyLink

Examples of Fall and Spring containers designed for a long time client.

http://www.edgarallanphotography.com/ Sit a spell . . .

Fitness Room Includes: thumping sound system, 60" flat screen TV, 2-Big Ass ceiling fans, indirect lighting, and plenty of room for exercise equipment. The yoga studio and golf swing practice rooms adjoin.

white laundry cabinets w/ deep sink