Laundry Built-ins Photos: Katharina Kaiser

This laundry room was more of a challenge. The designer took space from a hall closet to not only accommodate a large capacity stackable washer and drying, but also to give the customer a large counter space and pantry. Waypoint LivingSpace T12S White Thermofoil door style with Wilsonart Quartz in Empire State color on the countertop.

Ana Swanson

Photos by Lynn Donaldson * Custom shelving suspended from ceiling * Fake beam out of Ghostwood siding material to hide the 'On-Demand Waterheater * Fun, red washer and dryer combo * Pine Beetle Kill flooring in weathered teak finish

Designer Tim Moser-- Sollera Fine Cabinetry-- Acadia door style Maple painted in Sea Haze

Ken Winders

This side of the island houses the family printer that rolls out from behind the door. Office supplies and arts and crafts supplies are stored in the four drawer bases on either sides.

1896 Built row house, Garden level, basement renovation. We were tasked with fitting on this level a Full size kitchen with an island and seating for 3 with a wall mounted TV. Full size gas stove. Exterior rear yard exhaust hood. Open up rear brick wall and support with steel I-Beam. Sliding glass screen door. Blue stone patio, with cedar planting area. BBQ with natural gas line. Washer Dryer, HVAC system, Condensing boiler. Powder room, and full size formal dining room. Hardwood Oak floors are custom blended Chestnut stain and oil modified polyurethane finish.

See "5-Year Kitchen in Elgin" for the kitchen featured in this description. Bud Kane has remodeled nearly every room in his own home over many years. Now reaching his 70’s, he contemplated heading up a major kitchen and laundry room renovation himself, planning on doing the carpentry work with his own hands. “I was not convinced I would ever meet anyone who could do it as well as I could do it myself”, said Bud. Ruth and Bud spent 5 years visiting kitchen firms and interviewing designers. They couldn’t however bring themselves to pull the trigger on the project, until they met Advance Design Studio in 2015. “No one understood what I wanted”, said Ruth. She was continually frustrated by experiences with designers who weren’t hearing what was important to her. “Everyone kept designing my kitchen with what they thought it should look like; I couldn’t find anyone who would listen to me”! When they met designer Scott Christensen from Advance Design Studio, they liked him right away. He listened to Ruth and designed a kitchen that she loved, all the while interjecting years of wisdom and design expertise that Ruth appreciated. “The finished product is better than I expected”, says Ruth. “I respected Scott’s opinions and together we created the perfect place for me to bake with my grandkids and truly enjoy the kitchen and laundry room I’ve been dreaming of for many years!” The kitchen transformation began with removing the home’s soffits, and extending new painted maple cabinetry to the ceiling with the addition of an elegant crown molding. Ruth’s new Vita Mix holds a coveted place on her counter, and adjustments were planned to size the cabinets in conjunction with the under cabinet decorative light molding to fit this appliance just right. “This one small detail was really important to me”, says Ruth smiling. An elegant new island replaced the original island, complete with room for 3 stools where her grandchildren will sit to make home-made pasta every Thanksgiving, and cookies at Christmas time. “Traditions are very important in my family, and making my kitchen work to suit cherished activities with my family was the number one reason this renovation was so desired”, replied Ruth when asked about the island. A picture perfect new tea station replaced a cluttered unused desk area, creating a wonderful place to prepare hot drinks for sipping any season of the year while overlooking the couple’s wonderfully manicured gardens from the lovely 3 season’s room just off the kitchen. The soft sage island bead panel detail was repeated on the backsplash, replicating the feel of a fine old piece of furniture. The biggest problem with the laundry room was 3 doors, one from the garage, one from the closet, and one to the hallway. “Scott designed a pocket door, and oh what a dream it is now to bring groceries in from the garage!” exclaims Bud who grew to disdain this task! Doing laundry is now a breeze in this attractive new space that doubles as a wonderful pantry for the kitchen with room to store food items that didn’t have a home in the poorly designed original space. New Hickory distressed wood flooring was laid both in the kitchen and leading to the hall foyer. Soft gray wood-replicating porcelain was placed in the laundry area, making for an easily cleanable surface for what doubles as a mud room from the garage. Creamy tumbled marble graces an unobtrusive backsplash spilling onto shiny granite counter tops in a rich earthy pattern of fall colors that mimic colors throughout the home. Advance is known details that included custom crafted furniture toe kicks, luxurious crown moldings, and beaded under cabinet moldings. The kitchen is complete with a glass display cabinet showing Ruth’s treasured china tea collection. Early on, it was initially only their intention of purchasing cabinets for the new design. They were so impressed however with Advance Design’s complete program for budgeting, design, installation and management that it became clear to them both that they wanted Advance to handle the entire project from start to finish. “After seeing the quality work they did, coupled with the in-house team completely dedicated to our satisfaction, it became apparent there was no other choice but to hire them to handle everything. And we’re so glad we did, we have not one regret”, says Bud. “The attention to detail by the carpentry crew more than satisfied my perfectionist expectations of the finished carpentry,” exclaimed Bud. “Every one of Advance Design’s people we encountered from design through construction was wonderful. We’ve never met a group of people so dedicated to making sure we were happy with every single detail, and every single part of this experience”, said Ruth and Bud. Designer: Scott Christensen Photographer: Joe Nowak

A wonderful laundry room with so many interesting elements. Photo Credit: N. Leonard

Another stunning home we got to work alongside with G.A. White Homes. It has a clean, modern look with elements that make it cozy and welcoming. With a focus on strong lines, a neutral color palette, and unique lighting creates a classic look that will be enjoyed for years to come.