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 small bathroom features a completely custom built tub. This tub was made out of Schluter board & tiled with a pebble mosaic. The niche and tub edges are trimmed with Schluter profile.

Iron details in the mirror are echoed in the custom closet antiqued mirrored door. The pebbled border runs thoughout the shower, tying the space together. Photo by Lift Your Eyes Photography

This rustic looking space is extremely low maintenance and durable for use by the retired client’s numerous grandchildren. Using wood look and pebbles tiles gives the bathroom a natural feel that suits this log cabin. Wheel handle controls by Waterworks lends nostalgia along with Navajo patterned towels. The live edge wood counter is custom. Design by Rochelle Lynne Design, Cochrane, Alberta, Canada

Photo by Jack Gardner

Andrea Mecchi

Jack Bates Photography

Rebecca Lehde, Inspiro 8 Studios

Jeff Martin

Stephen Allen Photography

Koch Cabinets in Birch wood with Driftwood stain. Savannah door style. Formica countertops in Calacatta Marble

Tiled master shower with pebble rocks running down the back of the shower and on shower pan. Pebble rock accents ran throughout the tile floors and drop in tub. Photo by Bill Johnson

The design of this refined mountain home is rooted in its natural surroundings. Boasting a color palette of subtle earthy grays and browns, the home is filled with natural textures balanced with sophisticated finishes and fixtures. The open floorplan ensures visibility throughout the home, preserving the fantastic views from all angles. Furnishings are of clean lines with comfortable, textured fabrics. Contemporary accents are paired with vintage and rustic accessories. To achieve the LEED for Homes Silver rating, the home includes such green features as solar thermal water heating, solar shading, low-e clad windows, Energy Star appliances, and native plant and wildlife habitat. All photos taken by Rachael Boling Photography

AkhunovArchitects