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.

This is an example of a small transitional single-wall wet bar in Toronto with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, mosaic tile splashback, porcelain floors, grey floor, beige benchtop and multi-coloured splashback.

Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary seated home bar in San Diego with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, grey cabinets, quartz benchtops, multi-coloured splashback and dark hardwood floors.

Kip Dawkins
Design ideas for a small modern single-wall wet bar in Richmond with an undermount sink, raised-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, quartz benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, mosaic tile splashback and dark hardwood floors.

Pool parties and sports-watching are cherished activities for the family of this 1961 ranch home in San Jose’s Willow Glen neighborhood. As the design process evolved, the idea of the Ultimate Cocktail Bar emerged and developed into an integral component of the new bright kitchen.

Cambria Portrush quartz and slate blue cabinets in a home wet bar area.
Contemporary single-wall wet bar in Boston with an undermount sink, beaded inset cabinets, blue cabinets, quartz benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, engineered quartz splashback, medium hardwood floors and multi-coloured benchtop.

Beverage Center
Inspiration for a large traditional single-wall home bar in Other with no sink, shaker cabinets, medium wood cabinets, quartz benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, brick splashback, medium hardwood floors, brown floor and white benchtop.

This 1600+ square foot basement was a diamond in the rough. We were tasked with keeping farmhouse elements in the design plan while implementing industrial elements. The client requested the space include a gym, ample seating and viewing area for movies, a full bar , banquette seating as well as area for their gaming tables - shuffleboard, pool table and ping pong. By shifting two support columns we were able to bury one in the powder room wall and implement two in the custom design of the bar. Custom finishes are provided throughout the space to complete this entertainers dream.

An office with a view and wine bar...can it get any better? Custom cabinetry with lighting highlights the accessories and glassware for guests to enjoy. Our executive level office offers refreshment with refined taste. The Cambria quartz countertop is timeless, functional and beautiful. The floating shelves offer a display area and there is plenty of storage in the custom cabinets Photography by Lydia Cutter

Bourbon room with double sided fireplace
Mid-sized eclectic seated home bar in Indianapolis with an undermount sink, beaded inset cabinets, beige cabinets, quartz benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, ceramic splashback, vinyl floors, brown floor and brown benchtop.

Design ideas for a mid-sized transitional single-wall home bar in Chicago with flat-panel cabinets, black cabinets, quartz benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, mirror splashback, medium hardwood floors, brown floor and white benchtop.

A basement sports bar! In this house, is definitely a great addition. Also that you can watch mutliple games at once and keep everyone happy! No more expensive beers out at the busy bars, you can sit and relax and enjoy it all from home. Loving the detail of the decor sheet metal around the front of the raise bar top. Also that the bar stools are the same as what is in the kitchen, just a darker grey. Again bringing consistency throughout a home just brings all the rooms together, especially with the open concept home being so popular at this time.

Mid-sized transitional u-shaped wet bar in St Louis with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, quartz benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, mosaic tile splashback and porcelain floors.

The bar areas in the basement also serves as a small kitchen for when family and friends gather. A soft grey brown finish on the cabinets combines perfectly with brass hardware and accents. The drink fridge and microwave are functional for entertaining. The recycled glass tile is a show stopper!

Alyssa Lee Photography
Transitional galley seated home bar in Minneapolis with quartz benchtops, cement tile splashback, white benchtop, an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, grey cabinets, multi-coloured splashback and grey floor.

Photo of a large transitional single-wall wet bar in Nashville with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, blue cabinets, quartz benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, mosaic tile splashback, dark hardwood floors, brown floor and grey benchtop.

John Shum, Destination Eichler
Design ideas for a mid-sized midcentury galley home bar in San Francisco with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, medium wood cabinets, quartz benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, ceramic splashback, ceramic floors and grey floor.

This beautifully appointed basement kitchen combines modern touches and functionality for a great space for entertaining. Visit VKB Kitchen & Bath for your remodel project or call us at (410) 290-9099.

Farmhouse style kitchen with bar, featuring floating wood shelves, glass door cabinets, white cabinets with contrasting black doors, undercounter beverage refrigerator and icemaker with panel, decorative feet on drawer stack.