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

AFTER Photo: Split sided closet with mens clothing on left and womens clothing on the right. Lots of additional storage.

Ariana with ANM Photography

This quirky walk in wardrobe was converted into a shoe storage area and extra wardrobe space, accessible from the master suite. The glass shelves are lit with led strips to showcase a wonderful collection of shoes, and the original door was saved to give access to the guest bedroom.

Michelle Yeatts

The seated vanity is accessed via the ante for quiet separation from the bedroom. As a more curated space, it sets the tone before entering the bathroom and provides easy access to the private water closet. The built-in cabinetry and tall lit mirror draw the eye upward to the silver metallic grasscloth that lines the ceiling light cove with a glamorous shimmer. As a simple transitory space without the untidiness of a sink, it provides an attractive everyday sequence that announces the entry to the en suite bathroom. A marble slab opening leads into the main bathroom amenities.

A full renovation to the lovely two bedroom cottage in the heart of the village, solid oak flooring running from front to rear and Farrow and Ball paint tones in every room.

First thought was sheepskin on the floor, a girl can always change her mind. Lisa Lyttle

A spare room converted into a large walk in closet.

This kitchen pantry is just off the work spaces of the home's kitchen. Upper shelved are distressed in line with the other wood surfaces in the home as is the counter top.

The owners of this modern house wanted a fresh take on the classic ‘country kitchen’ to infuse depth and character into their home. This quaint but quirky kitchen seamlessly blends contemporary chic with classic charm. To maximise space, modern conveniences were inset into the units, creating a striking symmetry whilst maximising worktop space. The units are a mix of English Oak and Corian, with white bronze knobs and cup handles to add understated elegance. “Our Hill farm kitchen looks as if it was born with the house and has synergy with it – it really works.” Photo: Chris Ashwin Photography