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

Master closet

Walk in master closet with island

A complete remodel of a this closet, changed the functionality of this space. Compete with dresser drawers, walnut counter top, cubbies, shoe storage, and space for hang ups.

Dwight Myers Real Estate Photography

Designer details abound in this custom 2-story home with craftsman style exterior complete with fiber cement siding, attractive stone veneer, and a welcoming front porch. In addition to the 2-car side entry garage with finished mudroom, a breezeway connects the home to a 3rd car detached garage. Heightened 10’ceilings grace the 1st floor and impressive features throughout include stylish trim and ceiling details. The elegant Dining Room to the front of the home features a tray ceiling and craftsman style wainscoting with chair rail. Adjacent to the Dining Room is a formal Living Room with cozy gas fireplace. The open Kitchen is well-appointed with HanStone countertops, tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, and a pantry. The sunny Breakfast Area provides access to a stamped concrete patio and opens to the Family Room with wood ceiling beams and a gas fireplace accented by a custom surround. A first-floor Study features trim ceiling detail and craftsman style wainscoting. The Owner’s Suite includes craftsman style wainscoting accent wall and a tray ceiling with stylish wood detail. The Owner’s Bathroom includes a custom tile shower, free standing tub, and oversized closet.

This Winchester home was love at first sight for this young family of four. The layout lacked function, had no master suite to speak of, an antiquated kitchen, non-existent connection to the outdoor living space and an absentee mud room… yes, true love. Windhill Builders to the rescue! Design and build a sanctuary that accommodates the daily, sometimes chaotic lifestyle of a busy family that provides practical function, exceptional finishes and pure comfort. We think the photos tell the story of this happy ending. Feast your eyes on the kitchen with its crisp, clean finishes and black accents that carry throughout the home. The Imperial Danby Honed Marble countertops, floating shelves, contrasting island painted in Benjamin Moore Timberwolfe add drama to this beautiful space. Flow around the kitchen, cozy family room, coffee & wine station, pantry, and work space all invite and connect you to the magnificent outdoor living room complete with gilded iron statement fixture. It’s irresistible! The master suite indulges with its dreamy slumber shades of grey, walk-in closet perfect for a princess and a glorious bath to wash away the day. Once an absentee mudroom, now steals the show with its black built-ins, gold leaf pendant lighting and unique cement tile. The picture-book New England front porch, adorned with rocking chairs provides the classic setting for ‘summering’ with a glass of cold lemonade. Joyelle West Photography

Modern farmhouse renovation with first-floor master, open floor plan and the ease and carefree maintenance of NEW! First floor features office or living room, dining room off the lovely front foyer. Open kitchen and family room with HUGE island, stone counter tops, stainless appliances. Lovely Master suite with over sized windows. Stunning large master bathroom. Upstairs find a second family /play room and 4 bedrooms and 2 full baths. PLUS a finished 3rd floor with a 6th bedroom or office and half bath. 2 Car Garage.