Karen and Chad of Tower Lakes, IL were tired of their unfinished basement functioning as nothing more than a storage area and depressing gym. They wanted to increase the livable square footage of their home with a cohesive finished basement design, while incorporating space for the kids and adults to hang out. “We wanted to make sure that upon renovating the basement, that we can have a place where we can spend time and watch movies, but also entertain and showcase the wine collection that we have,” Karen said. After a long search comparing many different remodeling companies, Karen and Chad found Advance Design Studio. They were drawn towards the unique “Common Sense Remodeling” process that simplifies the renovation experience into predictable steps focused on customer satisfaction. “There are so many other design/build companies, who may not have transparency, or a focused process in mind and I think that is what separated Advance Design Studio from the rest,” Karen said. Karen loved how designer Claudia Pop was able to take very high-level concepts, “non-negotiable items” and implement them in the initial 3D drawings. Claudia and Project Manager DJ Yurik kept the couple in constant communication through the project. “Claudia was very receptive to the ideas we had, but she was also very good at infusing her own points and thoughts, she was very responsive, and we had an open line of communication,” Karen said. A very important part of the basement renovation for the couple was the home gym and sauna. The “high-end hotel” look and feel of the openly blended work out area is both highly functional and beautiful to look at. The home sauna gives them a place to relax after a long day of work or a tough workout. “The gym was a very important feature for us,” Karen said. “And I think (Advance Design) did a very great job in not only making the gym a functional area, but also an aesthetic point in our basement”. An extremely unique wow-factor in this basement is the walk in glass wine cellar that elegantly displays Karen and Chad’s extensive wine collection. Immediate access to the stunning wet bar accompanies the wine cellar to make this basement a popular spot for friends and family. The custom-built wine bar brings together two natural elements; Calacatta Vicenza Quartz and thick distressed Black Walnut. Sophisticated yet warm Graphite Dura Supreme cabinetry provides contrast to the soft beige walls and the Calacatta Gold backsplash. An undermount sink across from the bar in a matching Calacatta Vicenza Quartz countertop adds functionality and convenience to the bar, while identical distressed walnut floating shelves add an interesting design element and increased storage. Rich true brown Rustic Oak hardwood floors soften and warm the space drawing all the areas together. Across from the bar is a comfortable living area perfect for the family to sit down at a watch a movie. A full bath completes this finished basement with a spacious walk-in shower, Cocoa Brown Dura Supreme vanity with Calacatta Vicenza Quartz countertop, a crisp white sink and a stainless-steel Voss faucet. Advance Design’s Common Sense process gives clients the opportunity to walk through the basement renovation process one step at a time, in a completely predictable and controlled environment. “Everything was designed and built exactly how we envisioned it, and we are really enjoying it to it’s full potential,” Karen said. Constantly striving for customer satisfaction, Advance Design’s success is heavily reliant upon happy clients referring their friends and family. “We definitely will and have recommended Advance Design Studio to friends who are looking to embark on a remodeling project small or large,” Karen exclaimed at the completion of her project.

Countertop: Bianco Venato Polished Cabinets: Dark Ale Bryant Maple Paint: North Star SW6246 Flooring: Encore Series Longview Pine

Lori Dennis Interior Design SoCal Contractor

Photograph © Michael Wilkinson

Fabulous home bar where we installed the koi wallpaper backsplash and painted the cabinets in a high-gloss black lacquer!

A black and white color pallet in a modern home bar with backlit marble wind cellar. Jared Kuzia Photography

RAISING TH BAR. The project started with tearing out the existing flooring and crown molding (thin plank, oak flooring and carpet combo that did not fit with their personal style) and adding in this beautiful wide plank espresso colored hardwood to create a more modern, updated look. Next, a shelf to display the liquor collection and a bar high enough to fit their kegerator within. The bar is loaded with all the amenities: tall bar tops, bar seating, open display shelving and feature lighting. Pretty much the perfect place to entertain and celebrate the weekends. Photo Credit: so chic photography

Deborah Walker

Design by Justin Farrington Photo by Chelsea Christy

Jeff Herr

This is a Craftsman home in Denver’s Hilltop neighborhood. We added a family room, mudroom and kitchen to the back of the home.

This modern transitional home was designed for a family of four and their pets. Our studio used wood detailing and medium wood floors to give the home a warm, welcoming vibe. We used a variety of statement lights to add drama to the look, and the furniture is comfortable and complements the bright palette of the home. Photographer - Sarah Shields --- Project completed by Wendy Langston's Everything Home interior design firm, which serves Carmel, Zionsville, Fishers, Westfield, Noblesville, and Indianapolis. For more about Everything Home, click here: https://everythinghomedesigns.com/