Last Updated on July 1, 2024 by Advance Design Studio – Home Remodeling

Our team partnered with the Sims family to bring their unique vision to life- from design through construction- with a home elevator at the heart of it all.

WHOLE HOME REMODEL & ADDITION

Home renovations are often born out of necessity or opportunity. For Jamie and Evelyn Sims, their extraordinary Barrington home remodel and 3-story addition project was a little bit of both.

THE ELEVATOR

Planning the 3-story home elevator that they needed to make navigating their home easier yielded the perfect opportunity to completely redesign the first and second floors of their home to match the character of their basement, which was remodeled by Advance Design Studio in 2019. 

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The most suitable location for the elevator was at the center of the home, where the original dining space was. To maintain a dining room and create space for entering the elevator on the main and basement levels of the home, a 3-story addition was designed and built by the ADS team.

THE ADDITION

The addition is located off the back of the home and gave the Sims family a spacious dining room off the kitchen and an en suite master sitting room on the second floor. Both spaces are surrounded by windows, painting picturesque backyard views.

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They love sharing meals in the new dining room and unwinding in their peaceful sitting room. The sitting room, located in the master suite, offers a serene escape for Evelyn and Jamie.

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“It’s an amazing sitting room,” says Jamie. “I’ve never seen one better. We really use the space a lot, my wife and I. The cathedral ceiling adds a lot of volume to the room, and the space gets so much light, you feel like you’re in a treehouse.”

View the full addition & elevator portfolio here.

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THE REST OF THE HOME

Besides the elevator and 3-story addition, this project included a whole home remodel as well. The Sims wanted their home to feel airy and modern, yet inviting and classic. See the full video home tour here.

Several natural elements are incorporated into the modern details, including stacked stone fireplaces on each floor of the home, pebble accents in the bathrooms and entryway, and an ingenuitive plant nook with grow lights. 

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The exposed cedar beams throughout the home were inspired by a trip Jamie took to Sweden and are one of his favorite design elements. The couple also partnered with local Barrington artist Edyta Szlezak to create custom wall pieces for their home that further elevate their new spaces.

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The Kitchen

The custom kitchen features an oversized island with ample storage space. Cashew and white cabinetry is paired with veined Cambria quartz counters that continue up the walls as a backsplash.

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The combination of the handcrafted stainless steel range hood and piercing blue and gold La Cornue stove is one of Evelyn’s favorite moments. Steps away are a built-in coffee bar and a second sitting room. See the full kitchen project portfolio here.

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A Positive Experience

Like many Advance Design clients before them, this Barrington family is thrilled with the outcome of such an extensive home overhaul. Remodels of this scale and scope take time to design and construct, and we’re thankful to Jamie and Evelyn for partnering with us on their remodel. Each unique space in their home authentically reflects their style and accommodates their everyday needs.

We’re ready to help you make the most of your home by creating spaces that suit your needs and reflect your style too! Speak with a designer today to help you break down the steps needed to complete your specific remodel and answer your questions regarding investment ranges, layout ideas, timeframes, and more!