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.

Custom Basement Bar Design by Natalie Fuglestveit Interior Design, Calgary & Kelowna Interior Design Firm. Featuring Caesarstone Raw Concrete quartz countertops, symmetrical bar design, ebony oak custom millwork, antique glass backed open shelves, wine fridges, and bar sink. Photo Credit: Lindsay Nichols Photography. Contractor: Triangle Enterprises Ltd.

Mid-sized contemporary galley wet bar in Hertfordshire with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, black cabinets, granite benchtops, mirror splashback, black benchtop and grey floor.

Mid-sized galley home bar in Auckland with flat-panel cabinets, black cabinets, quartz benchtops, light hardwood floors and grey benchtop.

Dry bar with tall Lincoln marble backsplash and vintage mirror. Flanked by deGournay wall mural.
Inspiration for a large traditional galley home bar in Minneapolis with shaker cabinets, black cabinets, marble benchtops, white splashback, marble splashback and white benchtop.

Mid-sized industrial galley seated home bar in Atlanta with a drop-in sink, recessed-panel cabinets, black cabinets, concrete benchtops, brown splashback, brick splashback, dark hardwood floors and brown floor.

This is an example of a large traditional galley wet bar in Kansas City with slate floors, black cabinets, granite benchtops, black splashback and multi-coloured floor.

The bar area in the lower level is the perfect place to enjoy watching your favorite sports team. This custom designed and built home was constructed by Meadowlark Design+Build in Ann Arbor, MI. Photos by John Carlson.

Inspiration for a large country galley seated home bar in Minneapolis with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, black cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, subway tile splashback, vinyl floors, grey floor and white benchtop.

Stephen Shefrin
Design ideas for a large contemporary galley seated home bar in Phoenix with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, black cabinets, quartz benchtops and medium hardwood floors.

Heather Ryan, Interior Designer H. Ryan Studio - Scottsdale, AZ www.hryanstudio.com
Photo of a modern galley wet bar in Phoenix with an undermount sink, black cabinets, limestone benchtops, mirror splashback, medium hardwood floors, brown floor and grey benchtop.

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.

Yvonne Menegol
This is an example of a large modern galley seated home bar in Melbourne with flat-panel cabinets, a drop-in sink, black cabinets, tile benchtops, grey splashback, mosaic tile splashback, medium hardwood floors, brown floor and white benchtop.

Design ideas for a small contemporary galley wet bar in San Diego with an undermount sink, glass-front cabinets, black cabinets, granite benchtops, medium hardwood floors, brown floor and black benchtop.

The counter top and backsplash are Carrara Marble. The cabinets are in a colonial style done by palmer woodworks. The floor time is honed limestone and honed Toledo Gray by Decostone.

Love the luxe tile our design team used for this stunning bar
Inspiration for a large contemporary galley seated home bar in Salt Lake City with an undermount sink, glass-front cabinets, black cabinets, granite benchtops, black splashback, ceramic splashback, dark hardwood floors, brown floor and black benchtop.

Small galley home bar in Kansas City with no sink, raised-panel cabinets, black cabinets, quartz benchtops, metal splashback, medium hardwood floors, brown floor and white benchtop.

Photo of a mid-sized industrial galley seated home bar in Atlanta with a drop-in sink, recessed-panel cabinets, black cabinets, concrete benchtops, brown splashback, brick splashback, dark hardwood floors and brown floor.

Photo of a small contemporary galley wet bar in San Diego with an undermount sink, glass-front cabinets, black cabinets, granite benchtops, medium hardwood floors, brown floor and black benchtop.