Built in the early 1950s, this small urban townhouse is located in North Old Town Alexandria in an area currently undergoing major redevelopment. The neighborhood is popular with, and affordable for, young people and families, and very convenient to Washington, DC. In its heyday, the townhouse touted a stately brick exterior, plaster walls, tongue and groove wood flooring and beautiful wooden staircase. Sixty years later, however, the homeowners were faced with crumbling masonry, sagging floors, a double layer of wallpaper over the plaster walls, a crumbling staircase, a dysfunctional kitchen and small, dark second floor rooms. Additionally, the basement had a low ceiling, moldy and cinder block walls, no plumbing and a large boiler taking up most of the space. The homeowners’ goal was to restore the exterior’s historic look while creating an interior up-to-date for the 21st Century. To turn their vision into reality, they turned to Michael Nash Design, Build & Homes. Design Solutions To maintain the townhome’s historic exterior, the Michael Nash team carefully removed, salvaged, restored and reused existing brick masonry. Matching fascia boards and windows were combined with existing windows to complete the exterior renovation. All interior walls were gutted and reframed. New electrical work, new insulation and new drywall were installed. Much of the home’s original trim was salvaged and reused, as was a piece of art glass, all to keep a bit of the past in the renovation. The sagging subfloors were fixed, new hard wood floors were installed and a new staircase and railing were designed in a style similar to the original. The solid wall between the kitchen and the dining room was removed, plumbing was relocated for a new sink location and the kitchen got expanded with an island into the dining room. Closet and plumbing stacks were relocated to allow a new space for fridge. Stainless steel appliances, granite countertops and custom cabinetry highlight the new modern kitchen. The plan called for redesigning the three bedrooms on the second floor to allow a larger bathroom, walk-in closet and wider hallways. In addition to new roofing, a large skylight was installed to allow natural light into the bathroom and the upper hallway. The basement was totally revamped. New plumbing was put in place for a full bathroom, laundry room and a den. New e-grass window was installed in the basement to bring this basement up to current building codes. This homeowners love the neighborhood and now their home gives them the opportunity to stay in the same location.

In a cozy suburban home nestled beneath the sprawling oak trees, a bathroom transformation was underway. A man named Jon Cancellino had embarked on a journey to create his dream bathroom, a space that would exude a unique blend of elegance and functionality. The first step in Jon's custom bathroom adventure was revamping the walls. To add a touch of character, he chose exquisite mosaic tiles that sparkled with a medley of colors, reflecting his vibrant personality. These tiles created a captivating canvas, covering the bathroom walls from floor to ceiling. To enhance the natural lighting, Jon decided to install window blinds and shutters. These practical yet stylish additions allowed him to control the amount of sunlight streaming into the room while adding a layer of privacy. The tile flooring he chose was a rich, dark brown, which contrasted beautifully with the mosaic walls. As Jon stepped onto it, he could feel the cool, smooth surface beneath his feet. But the real showstopper in his bathroom was the custom shower kit. With sleek, modern fixtures that included a rainforest-like roof shower and a wall-mounted acrylic photo frame, this shower was not just a place to get clean—it was a sanctuary of relaxation and self-expression. The wall shower was a stunning addition, adding to the sense of luxury. Adjacent to the shower, the bathroom sink and tap, both with a contemporary design, were placed atop a bathroom cabinet. The cabinet provided storage space for all of Jon's bathroom essentials, neatly tucked away behind stylish cabinet doors. A towel hanger hung conveniently on one of the walls, ready to embrace freshly washed towels. Nearby, a wall-mounted photo frame held a cherished memory—a moment captured in time—a testament to Jon's personal touch in designing this space. For a finishing touch, a wall mirror adorned one side of the bathroom, reflecting the beauty of the room and creating an illusion of spaciousness. Next to the mirror, a hanger was mounted for Jon to hang his robes and clothing, maintaining the bathroom's clean and organized appearance. As he gazed around his custom bathroom, Jon marveled at how each element came together to create a space that was both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Every morning, he would step into his oasis, bask in the glow of the mosaic tiles, and let the water from his custom shower kit wash away the stresses of the day. This bathroom, carefully curated with love and attention to detail, was a testament to Jon's unique personality and the comfort he sought in his home.

This "Snakeskin" Tile Really Accents this Gorgeous Bathroom. Small but Simple. Vanity is Custom and the Vessel Sink is Stunning!
Beach style bathroom photo in Orange County

The final phase completed the home’s evolution with a full basement remodel, enhancing usable living space without expanding the footprint. Spanning four phases over eight years, this project reflects a disciplined, intentional approach to remodeling, layering modern aesthetics and functionality into a timeless Seattle home while honoring its architectural roots.

Mevrou, erected in 1922, was a Landmark Structure which over time had seen many additions and renovations. The design process began by peeling away the layers and uncovering the original footprint. The small front staircase located to the north and right off the main entry became an interesting challenge to work through as its location, while original to the structure, was not ideal. The original 1922 structure dictated the scale of the addition, telling the story from the outside and guiding the interior flow. Beginning from the west living room wall, the new design created the dining, kitchen, and family room areas that more naturally lead into the rest of the home. The composition resulted in Mevrou being composed of two volumes: a strong, single form of concrete plastered walls remaining from the original more formal structure, contrasted by the exposed brick form of the new addition. The contrast of original and new structure continues to tell Mevrou’s long story on the interiors as well, displaying beautiful exposed brick and plank boards. The new fireplace mantel was designed based on the original doors Mevrou once sported in 1922 paying homage to the details lost during its lifetime of renovations.

A walk-in Pantry that lights up when the door opens. A bench seat with shoe storage below. Dimmable LED lights inside cabinet & under cabinet. 4 - Layer buildup Crown molding

Inspiration for a mid-sized craftsman master white tile and terra-cotta tile porcelain tile, gray floor, double-sink and brick wall bathroom remodel in Charleston with shaker cabinets, light wood cabinets, a two-piece toilet, beige walls, an undermount sink, quartz countertops, a hinged shower door, white countertops and a built-in vanity

Exterior of Woodland Heights Bungalow with new standing seam roof. Photo credit: Kathleen Ryan
Example of an arts and crafts beige two-story mixed siding exterior home design in Houston with a metal roof

Large 88" X 106" Island, with hidden dimmable switch & plug. A walk-in Pantry that lights up when the door opens. Dimmable LED lights inside cabinet & under cabinet. 4 - Layer buildup Crown molding

The final phase completed the home’s evolution with a full basement remodel, enhancing usable living space without expanding the footprint. Spanning four phases over eight years, this project reflects a disciplined, intentional approach to remodeling, layering modern aesthetics and functionality into a timeless Seattle home while honoring its architectural roots.

Built in the early 1950s, this small urban townhouse is located in North Old Town Alexandria in an area currently undergoing major redevelopment. The neighborhood is popular with, and affordable for, young people and families, and very convenient to Washington, DC. In its heyday, the townhouse touted a stately brick exterior, plaster walls, tongue and groove wood flooring and beautiful wooden staircase. Sixty years later, however, the homeowners were faced with crumbling masonry, sagging floors, a double layer of wallpaper over the plaster walls, a crumbling staircase, a dysfunctional kitchen and small, dark second floor rooms. Additionally, the basement had a low ceiling, moldy and cinder block walls, no plumbing and a large boiler taking up most of the space. The homeowners’ goal was to restore the exterior’s historic look while creating an interior up-to-date for the 21st Century. To turn their vision into reality, they turned to Michael Nash Design, Build & Homes. Design Solutions To maintain the townhome’s historic exterior, the Michael Nash team carefully removed, salvaged, restored and reused existing brick masonry. Matching fascia boards and windows were combined with existing windows to complete the exterior renovation. All interior walls were gutted and reframed. New electrical work, new insulation and new drywall were installed. Much of the home’s original trim was salvaged and reused, as was a piece of art glass, all to keep a bit of the past in the renovation. The sagging subfloors were fixed, new hard wood floors were installed and a new staircase and railing were designed in a style similar to the original. The solid wall between the kitchen and the dining room was removed, plumbing was relocated for new sink location and the kitchen got expanded with an eating island into the dining room. Closet and plumbing stacked were relocated to allow a new space for fridge. Stainless steel appliances, granite countertops and custom cabinetry highlight the new modern kitchen. The plan called for redesigning the three bedrooms on the second floor to allow a larger bathroom, walk in closet and wider hallways. In addition to new roofing, a large skylight was installed to allow natural light into the bathroom and the upper hallway. The basement was totally revamped. New plumbing was put in place for full bathroom, laundry room and a den. New e-grass window was installed in the basement to bring this basement up to current building codes. This homeowners love the neighborhood and now their home gives them the opportunity to stay in the same location.

The dynamic angles of the exterior architecture are woven throughout the entire design. They are showcased in the outdoor kitchen roofline, the 45 degree juxtaposition of the outdoor kitchen relative to the main structure. The artistry of angles is also a powerful design element on the interior spaces where striking angular elements including ceiling lines, window lines, exposed beams, and trusses are artistically layered to articulate the spatial volumes.

ELIMINATING ECHOS IN A LUXURY POOL HOUSE Innovative & Unobtrusive Acoustic Treatments Engaged By WSDG-Brasil BELO HORIZONTE, BRASIL: How do you keep your pool house from reverberating like a gymnasium? For the owners of a luxurious villa set amidst of one of Brasil’s most breathtaking landscapes, the views and the pastoral silence were priceless. A wide expanse of windows surrounding the infinite lap pool draw attention to the spectacular mountains and gardens framing this opulent weekend residence. Intrusive echoes of laughter and music were unacceptable. The critical acoustical designs devised by WSDG Brasil for the villa’s home theater and other living spaces were inspired by the firms’ professional recording studio expertise. Inhibiting sound from invading or escaping sensitive listening areas is a WSDG specialty. The enclosed pool and spa area, however presented uniquely troubling waters. Especially challenging was the requirement that the acoustical treatments unobtrusively compliment the sumptuous custom finishes. In addition to the 46’ long, 10’ wide lap pool, the 2100 sq. ft structure includes a gym, Jacuzzi and wet bar, bounded by three walls of double height windows. A movable glass sealing system was installed to maintain interior warmth during the cool, mountain region evenings. Prognosis? Warm, but noisy. Here, professional recording studio design techniques provided solutions. Each window, including an expansive skylight grid comprised of 24 individual 7’x5’motorized Italian glass panels, was fitted with two layers of Clearsorber™ Foil special micro-perforated transparent foil with 1” of air space separating the layers. Mounting the foil layers 2” below the glass skylight insured optimal sound absorption. Developed in Germany, these innovative translucent plastic sheets absorb medium and high frequency reverberation to resolve sonic reflection issues. “We have hung panels of this material in front of glass windows in recording studios,” explains WSDG Brasil, GM Renato Cipriano. “They have proved very effective in helping us ‘tune’ rooms without obstructing views. Now they are proving equally helpful in this residential application.” The foil’s full transparency insures unimpeded views and eliminates traditional pool house reverberation. Happily, the product also serves as a UV ray filtering system. Cipriano reports that special attention was also devoted to the pool house floor which is situated over a large machine room. “A number of generators, pumps and air conditioning units live beneath the pool,” he says. “Thanks to our acoustic treatments, they hum away doing their jobs without making their presence known to the guests.” Morro do Chapeau was designed by celebrated Brasilian architect Eduarda Correa. The extensive A/V installation was designed and installed by Versao Brasileira, a leading Belo Horizonte-based high-end home theater specialist. “We have participated on a number of challenging projects with Versao Brasileira,” Cipriano concludes. “They are extremely knowledgeable and we welcome the opportunity to collaborated with them.” ### Photos: Five views of the Morro do Chapeau pool house in Belo Horizonte, Brasil. All glass windows including the expansive skylight are insulated by a special micro perforated transparent foil to eliminate audio reverberation and also serve as a UV ray filtering system. Please credit photos by Jomar Braganca

This penthouse condo in Raven Woods is home to an adventurous, nature-loving couple. With their children grown and starting families of their own, Jeremy and Cynthia (names changed) chose to downsize their livable space and “upsize” in quality and luxury. The couple hired us to help them achieve several well-defined goals: feeling immersed and connected to nature, having warm and welcoming spaces to host their family and friends, and selecting pieces that would support local makers and artisans. (If you know me, you know that nature, connection, and community are some of my most important values, personally and professionally — the perfect fit!) Using our comprehensive design process, we spent months designing, procuring, and installing their new, long-time home. The resulting spaces are breathtaking, creating a daily living experience that is full of serenity and bliss. Welcoming & Bright Home with Forest Views: Ahhh… can you imagine coming home to a space as bright and soothing as this one? To find inspiration for this home’s interiors, we needed to look no further than out the windows, where mountain views greet us to the north and the ocean beckons from the south. Paying homage to their locale, we curated a colour palette of subtle blues and grays, warm-toned woods, and natural materials, all set against a crisp, white backdrop. These help us create a seamless visual transition between the interior and exterior. Let’s start our tour in the living area… A Cozy Living Area with Warmth & Dimension: In the living area, the fireplace was the starting point for the design, as it determined the size of the space and the scale of our furnishings. To keep this area feeling cozy but not crowded, we selected this soft ottoman to serve as a table surface with a tray or as additional seating when Jeremy and Cynthia host guests. (Multi-purpose items are one of the 5 elements of The Simple Home.) Additional textures — the sofa, upholstered swivel chairs, pillows, and ceramic wall art reminiscent of sand dollars — offer further depth and dimension in this simple yet layered space. The result is a cozy living room area perfect for a relaxing read on an overcast day or a social evening by the fire. While daunting at first, this home’s small and open footprint offered a special opportunity for us to design thoughtful “zones”. To create a defined living space, we used an area rug to establish a border and situated the larger seating (the sofa) on the right. Its visual weight serves as a grounding barrier that naturally separates the living and dining areas. Overhead, the centrally located brass and glass chandelier serves as another focal point, making the entire living area feel like one unit. Last but not least… Styled with tall decorative lamps, this light oak and rattan console sits just behind the sofa, creating an additional visual barrier between the living and dining areas. We styled it with accessories that complement the overall palette, and it has the added benefit of providing storage right where Jeremy and Cynthia need it, the dining area. An Art-Infused Dining Area: The dining area is warm, woodsy, and filled with locally sourced art that Jeremy and Cynthia love. Next to the console is a custom textile piece from Vancouver artist, With Strings Attached, that mimics the scenic, mountain backdrop. The blue hues of the piece work in harmony with the warm wood dining table, cool gray upholstered chairs, and neutral stools at the kitchen bar. On the other side of the space, is Jeremy’s and Cynthia’s favourite piece, a commissioned work of art by local maker, Katie Napier. Carefully positioned in a central location and framed by two modern sconces, this piece captures the feel of gentle waters on a misty day and evokes calm. Other curated pieces include this rectangular vessel centrepiece by sculptural artist, Martha Sturdy, bearing a stunning moss arrangement by Soul Roots Moss Art. As this couple can attest, a treasured memento or piece of art can transform your space and your mood, transporting you to a relaxed and peaceful state. A Bedroom Full of Light & Texture: This beautiful bedroom is another manifestation of Jeremy and Cynthia’s favourite experiences: hiking the rainforest trails and enjoying the spray of the sea. The blue-and-green branching pattern found in the window treatments and pillows ground the space, while bright turquoise lamps — akin to sea glass — infuse the room with a touch of coastal vibrance. Similar to the living area, we added comfort through texture and warm tones, incorporating oak end tables, natural woven wall decor above the headboard, knitted ottomans at the foot of the bed, a textured duvet, and an extra plush area rug. A Loft Inspired by Flora & Fauna: For the loft space, we moved away from coastal elements and decided to ground the space in the more earthy elements of nature: flora and fauna. We selected an umber-hued sofa complemented by floral decorative pillows and walls adorned with botanical prints by Heather Johnston. This multi-purpose space serves as a reprieve for our clients to read, practice yoga, and relax. Alternatively, a Frame TV intentionally meant to blend as art allows the space to function as a secondary entertainment space or a place for their granddaughter to play and sleep over. Praise from Our Clients: This home’s small footprint pushed us to be more resourceful in our furniture sourcing and more creative in our space planning. The result is a home as livable, beautiful, and intentional as any larger home would be. Most importantly, Jeremy and Cynthia love it! “Lori listened to our love of nature and designed our condo reflecting that love. It is beautiful, serene, and welcoming. We couldn't be happier.” If you’re ready to uncover the hidden potential in your home, that is what we do best. Contact us here or download our complimentary guide below to discover more.

Simple Fireplace Wall Transformation with Deep Blue Shiplap, Dolomite Fireplace Face, Custom Reclaimed Mantle and Custom Built-in at Existing Niche Space. The Brass Hardware is Stunning on this Cabinet. Cabinet Color Chantilly Lace.

Bedroom - mid-sized craftsman master medium tone wood floor, brown floor and vaulted ceiling bedroom idea in Charleston with beige walls

The moment you swing open the blue front door, you are welcomed into a world of elegance and style. The entryway of this home has been transformed into a space that effortlessly blends sophistication with comfort, making a memorable first impression. One of the standout features is the custom wall paneling that adorns the entryway. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, these panels add a layer of texture and depth and set the tone for what lies ahead. The entryway also boasts a charming touch of blue with the entry seating. The rich, serene hue of the seating adds a pop of color to the space, complementing the custom wall paneling perfectly. It's a spot where you can sit and pause, offering a moment of respite as you enter the home. The combination of custom wall paneling and the inviting blue seating creates a sense of anticipation, hinting at the comfort and style that permeates the entire home. This is not just an entryway; it's a promise of what's to come.

Decorate your living space with an exceptional area rug that brings both elegance and comfort to your home. Rugs are fundamental in interior design, providing not only visual appeal but also warmth and texture to any room. Whether you're enhancing a cozy living room or adding a sophisticated touch to your bedroom, selecting the right rug can profoundly impact your home’s ambiance. When considering living room rugs, you have a multitude of options to choose from. For expansive spaces, oversized rugs or large carpets are perfect for creating a cohesive and inviting atmosphere. These substantial pieces can anchor a room, offering both style and function. Opting for a huge carpet for the living room adds a layer of luxury and comfort, making your space feel more grand and sumptuous. For a more customized touch, explore large living room carpet rugs. These generously sized rugs provide extensive coverage and are ideal for adding a plush, cushioned feel to your floor. The scale of these rugs makes them perfect for enhancing the comfort and visual interest of larger rooms, creating a welcoming environment for relaxation and social gatherings. In addition to traditional living room options, consider floor carpets and mats for the kitchen. These practical yet stylish additions can infuse your kitchen with warmth and coziness. Kitchen mats, in particular, are designed to handle spills and stains, ensuring they remain both functional and aesthetically pleasing. When selecting rugs, pay attention to the material and maintenance needs. For high-traffic areas like the living room, durability and ease of cleaning are key. Look for rugs with stain-resistant properties or those that are machine washable to ensure they stay looking fresh. Non-slip or adhesive backings are also important, particularly for hardwood or tile floors, to prevent slips and ensure stability. Additionally, consider the comfort factor. Cushioned rugs can enhance the overall feel of your space, making it more inviting and enjoyable. Personalized or custom rugs allow you to select specific designs, colors, and sizes that perfectly match your decor and preferences. An 8x10 rug, for example, offers ample coverage for larger rooms and adds versatility to your decorating options. A well-chosen rug is not just a decorative element but also a practical investment in your home’s comfort and style. Whether you’re choosing a large rug for a spacious living room, a floor carpet for the kitchen, or a big carpet to make a bold statement, the right rug can transform your living environment into a stylish and comfortable retreat. Discover a variety of styles, materials, and sizes to find the ideal rug that complements your decor and enhances the functionality of your space.

ASH Vulcano Medium Ash wood with consistent colouring resulting from special heat treatment (without chemical additives). Ash plank in 3-layer construction with small bevel on long side and approx. 4 mm top layer, with approx. 4 mm backing in the same wood and middle layer conifer. Tongue and groove on all sides for easy installation. The planks are knot-free and isolated tension cracks are possible.