The homeowners liked the idea of two-toned kitchen cabinets, so we opted for a combination of pure white and charcoal gray for dramatic contrast. Brushed gold fixtures and statement brass pulls add warmth and sophistication. The distinctive quartzite counters are a showstopper, with unique veining and striking color variation, from blue to gray to ochre. The shimmering blue-gray backsplash unites the entire space. The overall goal was to create an expansive entertaining kitchen that could accommodate our clients’ large gatherings of family and friends, and provide them with several zones for prepping, serving, seating, and socializing.

2010 NATIONAL NARI REGIONAL AWARD WINNER Project Scope The owners of this 7,000 square foot colonial in Oakton, Virginia, were seeking a multi-level Mediterranean-style indoor/outdoor living space off the back of their home. They turned to Michael Nash Design, Build & Homes for a design solution that would include a stone patio, a second-story deck, a screened-in porch and linking staircases. While the structure was designed primarily for family dining and entertaining, it also had to accommodate periodic social gatherings of one hundred guests or more. To meet these needs, the project would include a fully-equipped outdoor kitchen, several serving counters with permanent refrigeration, and well-delineated socializing and dining zones. The existing home’s setting offered several impressive assets the new outdoor living area was designed to exploit. The sprawling acreage features old stand trees, wooded paths and a private lake. Beautifully landscaped, it unfolds as an idyllic panorama that naturally draws people to the outdoors. Challenges Since the rear elevation was situated on a slope that drops away from the house, the Michael Nash team had to raise the grade two feet within in a 2,000 square foot area extending out from the back of the house. Infrastructure plans also called for a sophisticated drainage system that had to accommodate a whole series of water “runoff” considerations to be integrated into the decking itself. Excavation included constructing retaining walls to bolster the elevated grade—which also had to support a concrete slab, the primary foundation for the entire complex. Solutions The ground level decking consists of a 2,000 square foot flagstone patio level with the home’s lower level doors. There is a decorative water fountain mid-patio—an ornate collectible acquired in Florida. Food preparation is concentrated within a specially designed semi-circular wall that creates an “outdoor kitchen” equipped with a 60” Viking barbecue grill, a prep sink, a warming drawer, refrigerator and appropriate storage. There is a granite surfaced dining counter with seating for eight. Wrought iron railing and approximately 20 decorative columns (some encasing steel vertical supports) are incorporated into the design scheme. Many of the columns house accent lights. The top level—supported by horizontal steel beams– is a 2,500 square foot deck constructed entirely of Trex decking. The open air decking is, again, directly accessible from rooms on the second level of the house including the kitchen, sunroom and family room. The platform’s most prominent feature is a U-shaped “kitchenette” with cedar shake shingle roofing. Like its counterpart one level below, the facility is equipped with grill, refrigerator and stainless steel cabinetry. One portion of the deck has been allocated for a 16’ x 16’ octagonal screened-in porch crowned by a pair of 2’ x 4’ skylights. The porch can be accessed from the home’s conservatory via a set of French doors. With its mosaic tile flooring, stained cedar panel ceiling and honed granite counters, the interior is elegant and calming. Hand-painted stenciling and a wall-mounted water feature provide distinctive detailing. Finally, the design introduced elements to highlight and reinforce an awareness of the lovely bucolic setting. Fountains and water features combined with textured surfaces and mosaic tiling and backsplashes to present a villa-like ambiance well-suited to the Virginia countryside.

This custom craftsman home located in Flemington, NJ was created for our client who wanted to find the perfect balance of accommodating the needs of their family, while being conscientious of not compromising on quality. The heart of the home was designed around an open living space and functional kitchen that would accommodate entertaining, as well as every day life. Our team worked closely with the client to choose a a home design and floor plan that was functional and of the highest quality. Craftsman-style kitchen lighting is about function, but its strong geometric lines also add visual flair. Shaker style cabinetry also provides this kitchen with functionality and simple lines without any detailed carvings or ornamentation.

Home built by JMA (Jim Murphy and Associates). Architecture design by Backen Gillam & Kroeger Architects. Interior design by Heidi Toll. Photo credit: Tim Maloney, Technical Imagery Studios. The large-scale remodeling performed to create the Hill House entailed retrofitting the existing foundation to accommodate the engineering requirements for larger windows and lift-and-slide doors, and adding additional foundations for the screened porch. In addition, the main living area’s floor level was lowered in order to improve the view of the distant horizon while standing.

This New England farmhouse is surrounded by 100 rural acres of farmland and pastures. Patty DeLang Winberg and Jennifer Flores Durfee collaborated on this project to create an amazing kitchen that met all the homeowner’s wishes, wants, and needs. This functional kitchen accommodates numerous work spaces including: a harvest island to wash and prep farm veggies, a butler’s pantry, a larger island offering seating for up to 10 people and a beverage space for gatherings as well as daily use. The architectural details and unique finishes complete the design. Pairing custom inset cabinetry with beautiful walnut counters and professional appliances with an imported limestone and zinc hood created a European flavor the clients love! Photo Credit: Jessica Delaney Photography

Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional single-wall porcelain tile kitchen pantry remodel in Oklahoma City with open cabinets, white cabinets, quartz countertops, white backsplash, glass tile backsplash and no island

Stephen Karlisch // This lakeside home was completely refurbished inside and out to accommodate 16 guests in a stylish, hotel-like setting. Owned by a long-time client of Pulp, this home reflects the owner's personal style -- well-traveled and eclectic -- while also serving as a landing pad for her large family. With spa-like guest bathrooms equipped with robes and lotions, guest bedrooms with multiple beds and high-quality comforters, and a party deck with a bar/entertaining area, this is the ultimate getaway.

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Greg Powers
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Entry has a natural rectangle opening. Custom trim was built on site to accommodate arched door.
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A refreshed galley kitchen layout from the 90s featured new cabinets, glass tiel backsplash, recessed ceiling can lights, and stainless steel electrical outlets and faceplates—complete with integrated USB ports. Breakfast island features built-in wine cubbies. Before photo shows the previous peninsula desk—now a standard cabinet design.

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