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.

Martin King Photography
Inspiration for a mid-sized beach style u-shaped seated home bar in Orange County with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, blue cabinets, quartz benchtops, blue splashback, porcelain floors, multi-coloured benchtop, subway tile splashback and beige floor.

This is an example of an expansive transitional u-shaped wet bar in Portland with an undermount sink, beaded inset cabinets, dark wood cabinets, quartz benchtops, mirror splashback, medium hardwood floors, brown floor and multi-coloured benchtop.

U-shape bar
Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary u-shaped wet bar in Baltimore with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, brown cabinets, quartz benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, stone tile splashback, vinyl floors, multi-coloured floor and multi-coloured benchtop.

This is an example of a small contemporary single-wall wet bar in Atlanta with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, grey cabinets, quartz benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, engineered quartz splashback, light hardwood floors and multi-coloured benchtop.

In terms of functionality, the dry bar includes an under-cabinet wine refrigerator and unique drawers for bottle storage.
Photo of a small single-wall home bar in Minneapolis with shaker cabinets, blue cabinets, quartz benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, mosaic tile splashback and multi-coloured benchtop.

Inspiration for a small home bar in San Francisco with flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, marble splashback and multi-coloured benchtop.

This is an example of a mid-sized modern galley wet bar in Other with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, black cabinets, quartz benchtops, vinyl floors, grey floor and multi-coloured benchtop.

This is an example of a mid-sized contemporary l-shaped home bar in Tampa with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, stone slab splashback, porcelain floors, beige floor and multi-coloured benchtop.

Design ideas for a large eclectic galley wet bar in Columbus with a drop-in sink, flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, quartz benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, engineered quartz splashback, light hardwood floors, beige floor and multi-coloured benchtop.

The dry bar provides a designated area for beverages, especially for entertaining.
Mid-sized transitional single-wall home bar in Milwaukee with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, beige splashback, ceramic splashback, dark hardwood floors, brown floor and multi-coloured benchtop.

This is an example of a mid-sized country single-wall wet bar in Chicago with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, dark wood cabinets, quartz benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, timber splashback, ceramic floors, multi-coloured floor and multi-coloured benchtop.

Additional view of the back side of the bar.
Design ideas for a mid-sized traditional galley seated home bar in Atlanta with an undermount sink, raised-panel cabinets, medium wood cabinets, quartz benchtops, terra-cotta floors, beige floor and multi-coloured benchtop.

Man Cave/She Shed
Inspiration for a large traditional seated home bar in Orlando with a drop-in sink, recessed-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, multi-coloured splashback, dark hardwood floors, brown floor, multi-coloured benchtop, quartz benchtops and engineered quartz splashback.

Man Cave/She Shed
Photo of a large traditional l-shaped seated home bar in Orlando with a drop-in sink, dark wood cabinets, multi-coloured splashback, dark hardwood floors, brown floor, multi-coloured benchtop, quartz benchtops, engineered quartz splashback and raised-panel cabinets.

Builder: Brad DeHaan Homes Photographer: Brad Gillette Every day feels like a celebration in this stylish design that features a main level floor plan perfect for both entertaining and convenient one-level living. The distinctive transitional exterior welcomes friends and family with interesting peaked rooflines, stone pillars, stucco details and a symmetrical bank of windows. A three-car garage and custom details throughout give this compact home the appeal and amenities of a much-larger design and are a nod to the Craftsman and Mediterranean designs that influenced this updated architectural gem. A custom wood entry with sidelights match the triple transom windows featured throughout the house and echo the trim and features seen in the spacious three-car garage. While concentrated on one main floor and a lower level, there is no shortage of living and entertaining space inside. The main level includes more than 2,100 square feet, with a roomy 31 by 18-foot living room and kitchen combination off the central foyer that’s perfect for hosting parties or family holidays. The left side of the floor plan includes a 10 by 14-foot dining room, a laundry and a guest bedroom with bath. To the right is the more private spaces, with a relaxing 11 by 10-foot study/office which leads to the master suite featuring a master bath, closet and 13 by 13-foot sleeping area with an attractive peaked ceiling. The walkout lower level offers another 1,500 square feet of living space, with a large family room, three additional family bedrooms and a shared bath.

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.

Design ideas for a transitional single-wall home bar in Kansas City with no sink, black cabinets, quartz benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, dark hardwood floors, brown floor and multi-coloured benchtop.

Modern speak easy vibe for this basement remodel. Created the arches under the family room extension to give it a retro vibe. Dramatic lighting and ceiling with ambient lighting add to the feeling of the space.