Willie & Leslie of Barrington Hills loved the location of their home. Its breathtaking views overlooked a wooded backyard and a captivating lake. They didn’t want to move, but they needed more space. But the house was missing that big family room where everyone could gather, relax and converse, and the house was completely cut off visually from the beautiful outdoor view right outside! They knew what they wanted meant building an addition to their home. They began searching the internet and came across Advance Design Studio, and after browsing through project after project and reading one outstanding client review after another, they were sold on Advance Design. Additionally, they loved Advance Design’s “Common Sense Remodeling” process and felt confident that it would allow the Design/Build company to easily coordinate the multiple projects they wanted to complete all at one time. Willie and Leslie immediately set up a meeting with Owner Todd Jurs and Project Designer Claudia Pop. When the meeting ended, they were sure that Advance Design were the right people and the right approach for their project. "Establishing a direction and a budget is always key in project of this size," Todd said. "This house was screaming for a family room and it didn't have one. Ultimately, it's about working together towards the same goal of a beautiful functional addition." The project consisted of a significant family room addition with an extraordinary vaulted ceiling and floor to ceiling fireplace, a guest suite renovation with a luxury bath, a garage addition, and an adjoining outdoor patio renovation complete with a fantastic built in grilling station. The main goal was to add comfort and space to the existing home that would last their lifetime, and finally allow them to capture the amazing view of the backyard and lake that they never could really enjoy previously. Willie, Leslie and Claudia paid special attention to designing the space to make sure that the footprint of the room did not interfere with the views. Floor to ceiling Pella windows were incorporated into a spectacular window wall to provide plenty of natural light. Vaulted ceilings gave the room a bigger feel and the stunning floor to ceiling masonry fireplace was designed giving the room a rustic, comfortable feel of a Colorado Lodge. Barnwood doors and exposed wooden beams accentuate the crackling fireplace and family gathering space. An oversized statement chandelier bathes the space in soft light once the sun sets and compliments the exposed wood and fireplace perfectly. “It simple elegant and beautiful,” Designer Claudia Pop said. “It is a great family room that captures the views perfectly. They love the fireplace, the barndoors and the openness of the space we designed for the whole family now to enjoy.” And when warm weather beckons, the outdoor patio is a terrific place to spend an evening. The family now enjoys fall nights in front of their outdoor fireplace overlooking the quiet lake. Dekton Trillium Quartz counters tops adorn an amazing grilling bar. Nearly indestructible, they are the only manufactured stone product designed exclusively to withstand high heat in summer and extreme cold temperatures in winter. The guest bath renovation makes Willie and Leslie’s friends and family feel like they are staying at a 5-star hotel. Carlisle colored Maple cabinets from Medallion make a roomy dual vanity more than adequate with plenty of space to get ready for the day after a peaceful night’s sleep. Cambria Quartz countertops are durable and elegant, while contrasting the neutral cabinets flawlessly. Heated flooring from Warmly Yours is the cherry on top for this cozy guest bath. All the projects turned out better than they even imagined. Willie and Leslie now have a spacious family room with even better views of the lake and woods, a much larger garage, a fantastic relaxing outdoor patio, and a guest bath that makes it almost impossible to get the guest to leave after their stay. Are you thinking about a remodeling project? Talk to the experts at Advance Design about the renovation of your dreams. Now is the perfect time to renovate. Check out other amazing projects here. With “Common Sense Remodeling”, the process of renovating your home has never been easier. Contact us today at 847-836-2600 or schedule an appointment to talk with us about your kitchen remodeling project, or any other home renovation you are planning. Our talented team can help you design and build the new space you’ve been dreaming about.

Anne Matheis

In the family room, Etro’s Ajuga in Sottobosco through Clarence House adds a playful touch to the sofa, while complementing a custom tufted ottoman in Clarence House’s Knightsbridge in Red merino wool. Photographer: Christian Harder

A large comfortable family room flow into an open concept kitchen space. The l-shaped sofa is perfect for seating a large number of people. Contemporary artwork is the focal point of this room. And a unique and modern chandelier adds a final touch to the space. Photography by Peter Rymwid.

Beautiful couple with a precious child and a gorgeous Old Metairie home. Professional photos capture the reveal! This is a lovely traditional home with 18' ceilings! Family room has been reDESIGNED in a traditional style with chinoiserie inspirations. Bold colors including navy, coral and apple green set the stage! Notice the Antique Armoire, Secretary, and Chandelier. Curating a large set of original intaglios to be used was thrilling as I had to source in Europe for a perfect grouping of intaglios that were numerous and were also of museum quality! They are featured in the 9 Gold Framed Shadow Boxes above one sofa. These Original European Antique Intaglios provide a classic and luxury feel for that wall. Other details include the Oversized Ornate, Gold Antique Mirror, A Custom Handmade Ottoman on Plantation Casters, Gorgeous Slate Blue Custom Silk Draperies, Custom Iron Return Rods along with plenty of Antique Art throughout ! All smiles in this home ! Award Winning Luxury Interior Design Specializing in Creating UNIQUE Homes and Spaces for Clients in Old Metairie, Lakeview, Uptown and all of New Orleans. We are one of the only interior design firms specializing in marrying the old historic elements with new transitional pieces. Blending your antiques with new pieces will give you a UNIQUE home that will make a lasting statement. Whether you are building a new home or renovating your current home, your family room is a central room in your home so you want it to be comfortable, functional and beautiful. We will create a UNIQUE family room by cleverly and skillfully combining different shades and textures of color to create a soothing and relaxing family room retreat. Award Winning Luxury Interior Design Specializing in Creating UNIQUE Homes and Spaces for Clients in Old Metairie, Lakeview, Uptown and all of New Orleans. We are one of the only interior design firms specializing in marrying the old historic elements with new transitional pieces. Blending your antiques with new pieces will give you a UNIQUE home that will make a lasting statement. Whether you are building a new home or renovating your current home, your family room is a central room in your home so you want it to be comfortable, functional and beautiful. We will create a UNIQUE family room by cleverly and skillfully combining different shades and textures of color to create a soothing and relaxing family room retreat. These custom designed family rooms all boast the use of antiques and vintage pieces along with new elements to add interest making your family room UNIQUE! Making your room a 'statement' room that you friends will swoon over is accomplished first by the careful design sourcing and selection of the large pieces but the interior design details in the drapery, decor, pillows, art and greenery all combine to make you smile ! KHB Interiors New Orleans

Custom Home realized by Silverpoint Fine Homes. Interior Design by Natalie Mirabelli, NM INTERIORS.

Legacy Custom Homes, Inc Toblesky-Green Architects Kelly Nutt Designs

Photo by Venue Magazine; An elegant and traditional home near Cincinnati, Ohio. Generous use of wood and stone give this large residence an earthy, cozy feel.

The great room opens out to the beautiful back terrace and pool Much of the furniture in this room was custom designed. We designed the bookcase and fireplace mantel, as well as the trim profile for the coffered ceiling.

Dwight Myers Real Estate Photography

Architecture, Interior Design, Custom Furniture Design & Art Curation by Chango & Co.

This is the great room in the in-law suite. It has a built in desk as well.

With a high volume of traffic through this home, Paradigm Longboard vinyl flooring was the easy choice to give the room a sense of country style and high longevity to spills, anxious paws and the elements in general. With a 20 mil wear layer carrying a ceramic bead coating it's ready for any job.