Mike and Anne of Barrington Hills desperately needed to update and renovate both their kid’s hall bath and guest bath, and in their 1980’s home each project presented a different set of unique challenges to overcome. When they set out to identify the right remodeling company to partner with, it was important to find a company that could help them to visualize design solutions for the bath renovations. When they came across Advance Design Studio’s website, they were immediately drawn to the solution-oriented remodeling process and the family friendly company. They say they chose Advance Design because of the integrated approach of “Common Sense Remodeling”, making the design, project management and construction all happen in one place. When they met with Project Designer Michelle Lecinski, they knew they chose the right company. “Michelle’s excellent work on the initial designs made it easy to proceed with Advance Design Studio,” Mike said. Like most homeowners anticipating a big renovation project, they had some healthy fears; with two bathrooms being remodeled at the same time they worried about timeframes and staying within budget. With the help of Michelle, and the “Common Sense” guidelines, they were confident that Advance Design would stay true, orchestrating all the moving parts to stay within both the estimated timeline and budget. The guest bath offered the biggest design challenge. A dormer obstruction made the already cramped shower awkward to access. Mike and Anne also wanted the shower size to be expanded, making it more accommodating. Working with Advance’s construction expert DJ Yurik, Michelle relocated the shower concealing the original dormer and creating a larger, more comfortable and aesthetically pleasing guest shower. The unsightly and not at all user-friendly closet was removed and replaced with elegant White Maple Dura Supreme cabinetry with much improved function featuring dual tall linen cabinets, a special makeup area and two sinks, providing a dual vanity which was extremely important for better guest use. The Fossil Brown quartz countertop is in pleasing contrast to the white cabinetry, and coordinates nicely with the mocha porcelain tile gracing the shower for an accent. The decorative glazed turquoise tile backsplash, tile border, and bottle niche adds a taste of marine green to the room, while marble-looking porcelain tile makes guests feel they are staying in a 5-star hotel. Polished nickel Kohler plumbing fixtures were chosen to add a touch of sophistication. This renovated guest bath is comfortable and elegant, and Anne and Mike’s house guests may never want to leave! “The end result was updated and restyled bathrooms that the client will enjoy and increase the value of their home,” Designer Michelle said. The children’s hall bath had its own set of challenges. The current placement of the sink was not conducive to the best use of the existing space, nor did it allow for any visual interest, something Advance’s designers always work to achieve even within the tight confines of a small bath. Advance removed the linen closet and used the gain in wall space to create a dramatic focal point on the vanity wall. They also took additional space that wasn’t being used for new Storm Gray Dura Supreme tall built-in linen cabinets, creating functional storage space that the former bath lacked. A customized glass splash panel was created for the bath, and the high ceilings with skylights were accented with a custom-made track lighting fixture featuring industrial pipe and cage materials. Authentic cement encaustic tile was used wall to wall surrounding the vanity to create a dramatic and interesting back drop for the new elegant and stately furniture-like double sink wall. Hand-made encaustic tile originated in Western Europe beginning in the 1850’s and reminded Mike and Anne of tile they had seen and loved from their travels overseas. Today, encaustic tile has made a re-appearance in today’s modern bath design with its wide array of appealing patterns and artistic use of color. Oil rubbed bronze Kohler fixtures echo the black accents in the beautiful tile pattern and reflect the matte black of the unique lighting detail. Easy to maintain Blanca Arabescato Quartz countertops add practicality and natural beauty and compliments the warm wood porcelain tile floors. This handsome bath has generated praise from friends and family even before it’s complete unveiling as photos of the space leaked out on social media! It’s not only completely functional to use, but especially pretty to look at. “Advance Design Studio did a terrific job for us. We really appreciated how easy it was to work with them on a complex project of the complete remodeling of two bathrooms. They very capably handled all the details from design, to project management, to construction. It is a great group of people to work with and we would welcome the opportunity to work with them again anytime,” Mike said.

Small spaces sometimes make a big impact, especially if they are enveloped by textured silver wallpaper and accented by a silver-framed mirror.
This is an example of a large contemporary master bathroom in Chicago with grey walls, dark wood cabinets, shaker cabinets, a corner shower, a one-piece toilet, multi-coloured tile, glass sheet wall, porcelain floors, a drop-in sink, solid surface benchtops, beige floor, a hinged shower door and grey benchtops.

Design ideas for a mid-sized country 3/4 bathroom in Minneapolis with flat-panel cabinets, medium wood cabinets, a corner shower, a one-piece toilet, multi-coloured tile, wood-look tile, multi-coloured walls, porcelain floors, an undermount sink, engineered quartz benchtops, grey floor, a hinged shower door, white benchtops, a single vanity and a floating vanity.

This project was not only full of many bathrooms but also many different aesthetics. The goals were fourfold, create a new master suite, update the basement bath, add a new powder bath and my favorite, make them all completely different aesthetics. Primary Bath-This was originally a small 60SF full bath sandwiched in between closets and walls of built-in cabinetry that blossomed into a 130SF, five-piece primary suite. This room was to be focused on a transitional aesthetic that would be adorned with Calcutta gold marble, gold fixtures and matte black geometric tile arrangements. Powder Bath-A new addition to the home leans more on the traditional side of the transitional movement using moody blues and greens accented with brass. A fun play was the asymmetry of the 3-light sconce brings the aesthetic more to the modern side of transitional. My favorite element in the space, however, is the green, pink black and white deco tile on the floor whose colors are reflected in the details of the Australian wallpaper. Hall Bath-Looking to touch on the home's 70's roots, we went for a mid-mod fresh update. Black Calcutta floors, linear-stacked porcelain tile, mixed woods and strong black and white accents. The green tile may be the star but the matte white ribbed tiles in the shower and behind the vanity are the true unsung heroes.

Inspiration for a mid-sized modern 3/4 bathroom in Chicago with white cabinets, an alcove shower, a one-piece toilet, multi-coloured tile, marble, multi-coloured walls, porcelain floors, an integrated sink, granite benchtops, grey floor, a hinged shower door, white benchtops, a single vanity and a freestanding vanity.

Design ideas for a beach style bathroom in Boston with shaker cabinets, white cabinets, an alcove shower, multi-coloured tile, grey walls, a vessel sink, white floor, a hinged shower door, white benchtops and decorative wall panelling.

Inspiration for a large master bathroom in Bridgeport with raised-panel cabinets, white cabinets, a freestanding tub, a two-piece toilet, multi-coloured tile, porcelain tile, grey walls, porcelain floors, an undermount sink, marble benchtops, multi-coloured floor, a hinged shower door, multi-coloured benchtops, a double vanity, a freestanding vanity and decorative wall panelling.

Design ideas for a large mediterranean master wet room bathroom in Phoenix with raised-panel cabinets, brown cabinets, a freestanding tub, multi-coloured tile, terra-cotta tile, white walls, terra-cotta floors, an undermount sink, concrete benchtops, a hinged shower door, a shower seat, a double vanity and a built-in vanity.

The Holloway blends the recent revival of mid-century aesthetics with the timelessness of a country farmhouse. Each façade features playfully arranged windows tucked under steeply pitched gables. Natural wood lapped siding emphasizes this homes more modern elements, while classic white board & batten covers the core of this house. A rustic stone water table wraps around the base and contours down into the rear view-out terrace. Inside, a wide hallway connects the foyer to the den and living spaces through smooth case-less openings. Featuring a grey stone fireplace, tall windows, and vaulted wood ceiling, the living room bridges between the kitchen and den. The kitchen picks up some mid-century through the use of flat-faced upper and lower cabinets with chrome pulls. Richly toned wood chairs and table cap off the dining room, which is surrounded by windows on three sides. The grand staircase, to the left, is viewable from the outside through a set of giant casement windows on the upper landing. A spacious master suite is situated off of this upper landing. Featuring separate closets, a tiled bath with tub and shower, this suite has a perfect view out to the rear yard through the bedroom's rear windows. All the way upstairs, and to the right of the staircase, is four separate bedrooms. Downstairs, under the master suite, is a gymnasium. This gymnasium is connected to the outdoors through an overhead door and is perfect for athletic activities or storing a boat during cold months. The lower level also features a living room with a view out windows and a private guest suite. Architect: Visbeen Architects Photographer: Ashley Avila Photography Builder: AVB Inc.

Photography: Alyssa Lee Photography
Design ideas for a mid-sized transitional 3/4 bathroom in Minneapolis with a two-piece toilet, porcelain tile, beige walls, porcelain floors, an undermount sink, engineered quartz benchtops, a hinged shower door, white benchtops, dark wood cabinets, an alcove shower, multi-coloured tile, beige floor and shaker cabinets.

Inspiration for a beach style 3/4 bathroom in Other with louvered cabinets, beige cabinets, an alcove shower, multi-coloured tile, white walls, an undermount sink, beige floor, a hinged shower door and multi-coloured benchtops.

For this Chicago bath remodel, we went with a bright white to give the room a modern feeling, while adding woods and black hardware to provide sharp lines and contrast. Project designed by Skokie renovation firm, Chi Renovation & Design - general contractors, kitchen and bath remodelers, and design & build company. They serve the Chicago area and its surrounding suburbs, with an emphasis on the North Side and North Shore. You'll find their work from the Loop through Lincoln Park, Skokie, Evanston, Wilmette, and all the way up to Lake Forest. For more about Chi Renovation & Design, click here: https://www.chirenovation.com/ To learn more about this project, click here: https://www.chirenovation.com/portfolio/chicago-bath-renovation/

This modern farmhouse master bath features his and hers separate vanities, a soaking tub, and a walk-in shower.
Photo of a large country master wet room bathroom in Oklahoma City with furniture-like cabinets, white cabinets, an alcove tub, a one-piece toilet, multi-coloured tile, ceramic tile, beige walls, ceramic floors, an undermount sink, granite benchtops, beige floor, a hinged shower door and multi-coloured benchtops.

This is an example of a large midcentury master bathroom in Other with flat-panel cabinets, grey cabinets, a freestanding tub, multi-coloured tile, beige walls, a trough sink, beige floor, a hinged shower door, white benchtops, an alcove shower, porcelain floors and quartzite benchtops.

The layout of the master bathroom was created to be perfectly symmetrical which allowed us to incorporate his and hers areas within the same space. The bathtub crates a focal point seen from the hallway through custom designed louvered double door and the shower seen through the glass towards the back of the bathroom enhances the size of the space. Wet areas of the floor are finished in honed marble tiles and the entire floor was treated with any slip solution to ensure safety of the homeowners. The white marble background give the bathroom a light and feminine backdrop for the contrasting dark millwork adding energy to the space and giving it a complimentary masculine presence. Storage is maximized by incorporating the two tall wood towers on either side of each vanity – it provides ample space needed in the bathroom and it is only 12” deep which allows you to find things easier that in traditional 24” deep cabinetry. Manmade quartz countertops are a functional and smart choice for white counters, especially on the make-up vanity. Vanities are cantilevered over the floor finished in natural white marble with soft organic pattern allow for full appreciation of the beauty of nature. This home has a lot of inside/outside references, and even in this bathroom, the large window located inside the steam shower uses electrochromic glass (“smart” glass) which changes from clear to opaque at the push of a button. It is a simple, convenient, and totally functional solution in a bathroom. The center of this bathroom is a freestanding tub identifying his and hers side and it is set in front of full height clear glass shower enclosure allowing the beauty of stone to continue uninterrupted onto the shower walls. Photography: Craig Denis

This is an example of a large beach style master bathroom in Dallas with white cabinets, gray tile, multi-coloured tile, white tile, blue walls, an undermount sink, quartzite benchtops, a hinged shower door, white benchtops, recessed-panel cabinets, an alcove shower and grey floor.

This is an example of a midcentury master bathroom in Salt Lake City with flat-panel cabinets, medium wood cabinets, a corner shower, gray tile, multi-coloured tile, white walls, an undermount sink, grey floor, a hinged shower door and white benchtops.

Landmark Photography
Photo of a beach style master bathroom in Minneapolis with recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, a freestanding tub, gray tile, multi-coloured tile, beige walls, an undermount sink, grey floor and a hinged shower door.

Converted Jack and Jill tub area into a walk through Master Shower.
Inspiration for a small contemporary master wet room bathroom in Other with flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, a two-piece toilet, multi-coloured tile, porcelain tile, grey walls, laminate floors, an undermount sink, glass benchtops, brown floor and a hinged shower door.