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.

Jeri Koegel
Inspiration for a transitional galley wet bar in Orange County with open cabinets, black cabinets, grey splashback, timber splashback, medium hardwood floors and brown floor.

Photo of a contemporary wet bar in Los Angeles with flat-panel cabinets, black cabinets, mirror splashback, medium hardwood floors, brown floor and black benchtop.

Marshall Evan Photography
Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional single-wall home bar in Columbus with shaker cabinets, black cabinets, granite benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, brick splashback, medium hardwood floors, brown floor and brown benchtop.

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Photo of a contemporary galley seated home bar in Tampa with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, black cabinets, blue splashback, glass sheet splashback and medium hardwood floors.

In this asymmetrical dining room, the unused niche is now the home for a custom modern two-tone bar, featuring natural walnut and rift-cut oak with a deep java stain. The natural walnut cabinetry highlights carved integrated pulls and a backsplash with an unexpected random wave pattern. The java stained framing and interior lighting create drama. The cabinet base houses two refrigerators and generous liquor drawers, with rich modern satin bronze hardware. This custom bar brings high function and a unique modern element to our traditional New England home.

Nestled in the heart of Los Angeles, just south of Beverly Hills, this two story (with basement) contemporary gem boasts large ipe eaves and other wood details, warming the interior and exterior design. The rear indoor-outdoor flow is perfection. An exceptional entertaining oasis in the middle of the city. Photo by Lynn Abesera

A medley of modern-rustic design and patterns come together in this transitional style home. 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/

Design ideas for a mid-sized contemporary u-shaped seated home bar in Cincinnati with flat-panel cabinets, black cabinets, medium hardwood floors, brown floor, grey benchtop and a drop-in sink.

Oivanki Photography
Photo of a large traditional galley seated home bar in New Orleans with medium hardwood floors, an undermount sink and black cabinets.

This basement bar has a lovely modern feel to it, with plenty of storage and a wine refrigerator. Check out the floating shelves and accent lighting!

Mid-sized contemporary single-wall wet bar in Calgary with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, black cabinets, solid surface benchtops, red splashback, matchstick tile splashback, medium hardwood floors and brown floor.

Our Aspen studio designed this beautiful home in the mountains to reflect the bright, beautiful, natural vibes outside – an excellent way to elevate the senses. We used a double-height, oak-paneled ceiling in the living room to create an expansive feeling. We also placed layers of Moroccan rugs, cozy textures of alpaca, mohair, and shearling by exceptional makers from around the US. In the kitchen and bar area, we went with the classic black and white combination to create a sophisticated ambience. We furnished the dining room with attractive blue chairs and artworks, and in the bedrooms, we maintained the bright, airy vibes by adding cozy beddings and accessories. --- Joe McGuire Design is an Aspen and Boulder interior design firm bringing a uniquely holistic approach to home interiors since 2005. For more about Joe McGuire Design, see here: https://www.joemcguiredesign.com/ To learn more about this project, see here: https://www.joemcguiredesign.com/bleeker-street

Photo of a mid-sized traditional seated home bar in Cincinnati with glass-front cabinets, black cabinets, wood benchtops, stone tile splashback and medium hardwood floors.

Mid-sized transitional single-wall home bar in Nashville with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, black cabinets, granite benchtops, white splashback, subway tile splashback and medium hardwood floors.

The new construction luxury home was designed by our Carmel design-build studio with the concept of 'hygge' in mind – crafting a soothing environment that exudes warmth, contentment, and coziness without being overly ornate or cluttered. Inspired by Scandinavian style, the design incorporates clean lines and minimal decoration, set against soaring ceilings and walls of windows. These features are all enhanced by warm finishes, tactile textures, statement light fixtures, and carefully selected art pieces. In the living room, a bold statement wall was incorporated, making use of the 4-sided, 2-story fireplace chase, which was enveloped in large format marble tile. Each bedroom was crafted to reflect a unique character, featuring elegant wallpapers, decor, and luxurious furnishings. The primary bathroom was characterized by dark enveloping walls and floors, accentuated by teak, and included a walk-through dual shower, overhead rain showers, and a natural stone soaking tub. An open-concept kitchen was fitted, boasting state-of-the-art features and statement-making lighting. Adding an extra touch of sophistication, a beautiful basement space was conceived, housing an exquisite home bar and a comfortable lounge area. ---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, see here: https://everythinghomedesigns.com/ To learn more about this project, see here: https://everythinghomedesigns.com/portfolio/modern-scandinavian-luxury-home-westfield/

The home bar lends a casual vibe to the living space. Custom cabinets are painted in Sherwin Williams, "Cyberspace" paint and contrast the natural elements of the open shelving.

Photo of a transitional single-wall wet bar with an undermount sink, glass-front cabinets, black cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, engineered quartz splashback, medium hardwood floors and white benchtop.