This New Hyde Park, NY customer came to us looking to not for not only a new updated kitchen, but a more functional kitchen. When our designer first walked into their existing kitchen, he noticed the microwave on the counter, soffits, and the large outdated double oven taking up a huge amount of usable space. Which all contributed to how small and closed off the room felt. These problems he knew he could fix with a new updated layout. He designed the new kitchen with a new door way in the area the old double oven used to be. This made the room compatible with today's trends- open kitchen design with an airy flow. He suggested for the customer to purchase a micro/oven combo appliance, allowing them to free their counter tops up of that big bulky appliance. This also allowed the customers to choose a sleek new hood for over their cook top. Removal of the suffits allowed us to design with taller wall cabinets topped off with a beautiful cove crown. Renovation done by: HOMEREDI

For this couple, planning to move back to their rambler home in Arlington after living overseas for few years, they were ready to get rid of clutter, clean up their grown-up kids’ boxes, and transform their home into their dream home for their golden years. The old home included a box-like 8 feet x 10 feet kitchen, no family room, three small bedrooms and two back to back small bathrooms. The laundry room was located in a small dark space of the unfinished basement. This home is located in a cul-de-sac, on an uphill lot, of a very secluded neighborhood with lots of new homes just being built around them. The couple consulted an architectural firm in past but never were satisfied with the final plans. They approached Michael Nash Custom Kitchens hoping for fresh ideas. The backyard and side yard are wooded and the existing structure was too close to building restriction lines. We developed design plans and applied for special permits to achieve our client’s goals. The remodel includes a family room, sunroom, breakfast area, home office, large master bedroom suite, large walk-in closet, main level laundry room, lots of windows, front porch, back deck, and most important than all an elevator from lower to upper level given them and their close relative a necessary easier access. The new plan added extra dimensions to this rambler on all four sides. Starting from the front, we excavated to allow a first level entrance, storage, and elevator room. Building just above it, is a 12 feet x 30 feet covered porch with a leading brick staircase. A contemporary cedar rail with horizontal stainless steel cable rail system on both the front porch and the back deck sets off this project from any others in area. A new foyer with double frosted stainless-steel door was added which contains the elevator. The garage door was widened and a solid cedar door was installed to compliment the cedar siding. The left side of this rambler was excavated to allow a storage off the garage and extension of one of the old bedrooms to be converted to a large master bedroom suite, master bathroom suite and walk-in closet. We installed matching brick for a seam-less exterior look. The entire house was furnished with new Italian imported highly custom stainless-steel windows and doors. We removed several brick and block structure walls to put doors and floor to ceiling windows. A full walk in shower with barn style frameless glass doors, double vanities covered with selective stone, floor to ceiling porcelain tile make the master bathroom highly accessible. The other two bedrooms were reconfigured with new closets, wider doorways, new wood floors and wider windows. Just outside of the bedroom, a new laundry room closet was a major upgrade. A second HVAC system was added in the attic for all new areas. The back side of the master bedroom was covered with floor to ceiling windows and a door to step into a new deck covered in trex and cable railing. This addition provides a view to wooded area of the home. By excavating and leveling the backyard, we constructed a two story 15’x 40’ addition that provided the tall ceiling for the family room just adjacent to new deck, a breakfast area a few steps away from the remodeled kitchen. Upscale stainless-steel appliances, floor to ceiling white custom cabinetry and quartz counter top, and fun lighting improved this back section of the house with its increased lighting and available work space. Just below this addition, there is extra space for exercise and storage room. This room has a pair of sliding doors allowing more light inside. The right elevation has a trapezoid shape addition with floor to ceiling windows and space used as a sunroom/in-home office. Wide plank wood floors were installed throughout the main level for continuity. The hall bathroom was gutted and expanded to allow a new soaking tub and large vanity. The basement half bathroom was converted to a full bathroom, new flooring and lighting in the entire basement changed the purpose of the basement for entertainment and spending time with grandkids. Off white and soft tone were used inside and out as the color schemes to make this rambler spacious and illuminated. Final grade and landscaping, by adding a few trees, trimming the old cherry and walnut trees in backyard, saddling the yard, and a new concrete driveway and walkway made this home a unique and charming gem in the neighborhood.

The homeowners transformed their old entry from the garage into an open concept mudroom. With a durable porcelain tile floor, the family doesn't have to worry about the winter months ruining their floor. The door to the basement was removed and opened up to allow for a new banister and stained wood railing to match the mudroom cabinetry. Now the mudroom transitions to the kitchen and the front entry allowing the perfect flow for entertaining. Transitioning from a wood floor into a tile foyer can sometimes be too blunt. With this project we added a glass mosaic tile allowing an awesome transition to flow from one material to the other.

Download our free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW This master bath remodel is the cat's meow for more than one reason! The materials in the room are soothing and give a nice vintage vibe in keeping with the rest of the home. We completed a kitchen remodel for this client a few years’ ago and were delighted when she contacted us for help with her master bath! The bathroom was fine but was lacking in interesting design elements, and the shower was very small. We started by eliminating the shower curb which allowed us to enlarge the footprint of the shower all the way to the edge of the bathtub, creating a modified wet room. The shower is pitched toward a linear drain so the water stays in the shower. A glass divider allows for the light from the window to expand into the room, while a freestanding tub adds a spa like feel. The radiator was removed and both heated flooring and a towel warmer were added to provide heat. Since the unit is on the top floor in a multi-unit building it shares some of the heat from the floors below, so this was a great solution for the space. The custom vanity includes a spot for storing styling tools and a new built in linen cabinet provides plenty of the storage. The doors at the top of the linen cabinet open to stow away towels and other personal care products, and are lighted to ensure everything is easy to find. The doors below are false doors that disguise a hidden storage area. The hidden storage area features a custom litterbox pull out for the homeowner’s cat! Her kitty enters through the cutout, and the pull out drawer allows for easy clean ups. The materials in the room – white and gray marble, charcoal blue cabinetry and gold accents – have a vintage vibe in keeping with the rest of the home. Polished nickel fixtures and hardware add sparkle, while colorful artwork adds some life to the space.

This stunning home is a combination of the best of traditional styling with clean and modern design, creating a look that will be as fresh tomorrow as it is today. Traditional white painted cabinetry in the kitchen, combined with the slab backsplash, a simpler door style and crown moldings with straight lines add a sleek, non-fussy style. An architectural hood with polished brass accents and stainless steel appliances dress up this painted kitchen for upscale, contemporary appeal. The kitchen islands offers a notable color contrast with their rich, dark, gray finish. The stunning bar area is the entertaining hub of the home. The second bar allows the homeowners an area for their guests to hang out and keeps them out of the main work zone. The family room used to be shut off from the kitchen. Opening up the wall between the two rooms allows for the function of modern living. The room was full of built ins that were removed to give the clean esthetic the homeowners wanted. It was a joy to redesign the fireplace to give it the contemporary feel they longed for. Their used to be a large angled wall in the kitchen (the wall the double oven and refrigerator are on) by straightening that out, the homeowners gained better function in the kitchen as well as allowing for the first floor laundry to now double as a much needed mudroom room as well.

A quick look through the glass front door of this home allows you to see through the house to the paradise that awaits. Toll Brothers desired for this luxurious zero edge, beach entry pool to include a cabana with a spa capable of being closed-off entirely. Expert design and installation left them completely enamored with their outdoor space. The cabana was constructed at pool level, with a zero edge completely around it, requiring the footings to actually be built into the pool. It showcases a large water feature, as well as glass walls that can completely close, providing privacy for the spa. We worked alongside the contractor for the cabana while constructing the pool so that we could properly install the elements for both portions of the project. The beach entry has several colors of mosaic tile, installed by hand to create a gradient of color, as though walking from sand to deeper water. The entire front portion of the pool is a beach entry, allowing guests to walk straight from the outdoor patio into the pool. The back of the pool is a negative edge, creating an expansive, ocean-like feel to the space. The landscape was designed to coordinate perfectly with the pool, featuring a large grassy peninsula that jets into the water. Multi-trunk King Palms were craned over the house and delicately placed into the middle of this oasis. They are surrounded by artificial turf ensuring easy maintenance and a clean line along the zero edge. This luxurious, resort-style pool and spa allows ample space for lounging on the beach, relaxing in the spa and swimming in the colorful lagoon. The owners could not be happier with their beach-themed paradise. Toll Brothers the Enclave at Yorba Linda

Buck Pittman
Inspiration for a mid-sized craftsman backyard landscaping in Jacksonville.

The first floor of this single-family home in Arlington, VA was divided to narrow staircase in front of the front door separating Living room and dining room. Just behind the dining room, was a very small kitchen, a nonfunctioning kitchen space, with a 2' wide window and just behind it an addition of storage room that literally served no purpose for them. They were looking for an updated look with lots of daylight and open first floor plan, plans were drawn up for both wall on sides of steps to be taken down giving openness to both living room and dining room. Three bearing walls separating kitchen and dining room, kitchen and added storage, and kitchen and living room were taken down and new structural support inserted instead. A major amount of plumbing and duct work were relocated allowing open space. The old storage area was converted mudroom, closet space with tile floor, ceiling was raised, side add was added and back windows were installed. Portion old storage space was given to create much added powder room. Cutely decorated with flowered design floor tiles and restored furniture style vanity cabinet. Installed a Double window to allow much needed lighting in the kitchen area. Large Island with prep sink was implemented in center of kitchen and old dining room, a butler area with wine chiller and glass cabinets was install just steps away from new Dining & Living room space. the old wood burning fireplace was converted to gas log with new marble heart. New barn door was installed to allow clear path to adjacent study. Upscale stainless-steel appliances, exotic stone top and subway tiles are added more pizzazz to this comfortable yet welcoming kitchen. she is more than pleased with her decisions and can't wait to throw more parties in her home.

The Aerius - Modern Craftsman in Ridgefield Washington by Cascade West Development Inc. Upon opening the 8ft tall door and entering the foyer an immediate display of light, color and energy is presented to us in the form of 13ft coffered ceilings, abundant natural lighting and an ornate glass chandelier. Beckoning across the hall an entrance to the Great Room is beset by the Master Suite, the Den, a central stairway to the Upper Level and a passageway to the 4-bay Garage and Guest Bedroom with attached bath. Advancement to the Great Room reveals massive, built-in vertical storage, a vast area for all manner of social interactions and a bountiful showcase of the forest scenery that allows the natural splendor of the outside in. The sleek corner-kitchen is composed with elevated countertops. These additional 4in create the perfect fit for our larger-than-life homeowner and make stooping and drooping a distant memory. The comfortable kitchen creates no spatial divide and easily transitions to the sun-drenched dining nook, complete with overhead coffered-beam ceiling. This trifecta of function, form and flow accommodates all shapes and sizes and allows any number of events to be hosted here. On the rare occasion more room is needed, the sliding glass doors can be opened allowing an out-pour of activity. Almost doubling the square-footage and extending the Great Room into the arboreous locale is sure to guarantee long nights out under the stars. Cascade West Facebook: https://goo.gl/MCD2U1 Cascade West Website: https://goo.gl/XHm7Un These photos, like many of ours, were taken by the good people of ExposioHDR - Portland, Or Exposio Facebook: https://goo.gl/SpSvyo Exposio Website: https://goo.gl/Cbm8Ya

Thse clients came to me for a kitchen refresh. Keeping the existing floor plan but updating as much as possible. After explaining my thoughts, they chose to go with a much larger project. The wall to the garage wash pushed bach 12" to allow for the island to happen. This almost couldn't happen as there is a support post in the garage we had to keep. I designed the last pantry area as on 10" deep, allowing us to conceal that behind the cabinets. Then, we opend up the wall to the dining room to make the rooms one large space. The wall to the family room was also openend up, leaving the half wall to allow for the kitchen eating area. They wanted to incorporate a bar area, without it feeling like a "bar" The fabulous tall custom unit houses their wine collection and then half of the dining room buffet area holds glassware and other bar items. I helped the clients with all of the design choices.We all wanted to keep the space classic, war, functional and with mixed materials. I chose to use the same countertop material for the backsplash, to keep the space feeling as large as possible.

Retractable Screens, also known as Roll-up Screens and Vertical Rolling Screens are completely customized to meet the needs of the space. Easy to see through and completely retractable, exterior Retractable Screens create a cool, comfortable, insect-free environment without sacrificing your view. Designed to provide superior solar protection, they mitigate UV damage, optimize comfort and provide daytime privacy even in windy settings. Extra sun control can be achieved by increasing thread counts and weave density. Retractable Solar Shades provide energy-efficient sun shading, shelter against bugs and mosquitoes, climate control and rain/wind reduction while allowing outward visibility. Depending on screen fabric selection, our solar shade fabric selections are capable of blocking up to 95% of ultra-violet (UV) rays–saving up to 50% of the energy used to heat and cool homes. Motorize Retractable Screens provide control at the touch of a button. Somfy Motors allow activation by wall mounted toggle switch or several different types of remote control options. These Retractable Screens will stop at upper and lower limits and are able to stop any where along the travel path on command. Optional Manual Override features allow for operation in case of power outage for motorized units. Manual Operations are available on most models. Motorized Retractable Screens equipped with Somfy RTS motors may be upgraded for use in Smart Homes and operated via Smartphone or other Mobile Devices. Retractable Screens should be retracted when not in use. The screens are raised and housed inside the aluminum housing. All major components of the system are powder coated aluminum for durability, ease of operations, and longevity. All Retractable Screens from Shade & Shutter Systems come with a 5 year Warranty, to include the Somfy Motor. Retractable Screens offer wind and rain abatement for breezy days. Many of our clients enjoy outdoor patio settings along coastal areas and beach front properties. Those areas also endure regular breezes that can be knocked down with retractable Screens for a more enjoyable experience. Although these screens are not designed for storm protection, winds to 40 mph are easily abated. If you would like more information about Retractable Screens, our Product Specialists can be reached at 800-522-1599.

This kitchen transformation allowed for more storage space and opened up the kitchen work areas. We removed the kitchen table and incorporated a round peninsula eating area. Doing this allowed for additional storage on the back wall. We removed fireplace and inserted a double oven and built in refrigerator on the back wall opposite the sink. We added panel details on the side walls to match the existing paneling throughout the home. We updated the kitchen by changing the tile flooring to hardwood to match the adjoining rooms. The new bay window allows for cozy window seating. We opened up the front entryway to open up the sight-line through the kitchen and into the back yard. The seldom used front entry closet was changed into a “hidden bar” with backlit honey onyx countertop when doors are opened. The antiqued mirrored glass is reflected from the back of the bar and is also in the paneled doors. Builder Credit: Plekkenpol Builders Photo Credit: Mark Ehlen of Ehlen Creative Communications, LLC

Birdhouse Exterior - Alley Facing
Example of a small trendy garage design in Austin

The architect and designer Guy Derwent was approached by his client with a clear and compelling brief: to completely transform a grand Victorian terrace house they were planning to renovate. The client envisioned something far beyond a standard renovation – this was to be a bold and dramatic reimagining of a family home that could grow with them over time. With the property having remained largely untouched for more than fifty years, the architects saw an opportunity to unlock its potential and deliver a contemporary design that would contrast beautifully with its Victorian heritage. The existing layout consisted of a series of small, disconnected rooms to the rear of the house. To respond to the client’s need for openness and flexibility, the architect proposed a radical restructuring of the ground floor: The rear rooms were completely removed Suspended timber floors were lowered by up to two metres to align with the garden Two bold extensions were added The first extension filled in the side return with a London stock brick facade and a glazed roof, while the second – a striking black steel and glass pavilion was glazed on three sides and placed along the garden elevation. This new pavilion redefined the building’s relationship with the garden. Its steel-framed glazing created a seamless dialogue between interior and exterior, offering a sense of immersion in the surrounding landscape. At the heart of the plan sits a dramatic, five-metre-tall dining space that acts as a transition from the original entrance hall into the new addition. A large, circular cast-glass window, framed in steel, provides a visual and spatial link between old and new, allowing light and movement to travel through the depth of the home. Throughout the project, a series of black metal elements were introduced as sculptural interventions – each marking moments of transformation within the house. These included the bespoke steel framed circular window, a custom metal staircase, a cylindrical support column, and the striking steel and glass garden pavilion. Together, they formed a coherent architectural language that underscored the project’s bold intent. Our steel windows and doors played a vital role in delivering the project’s vision. The architects chose steel for its refined sight lines and distinctive material character, which helped bridge the gap between the historical context of the building and the bold new additions. The black steel frames provided a crisp contrast to the pale London stock brick and added definition to the glazed pavilion, reinforcing the sense of architectural precision. In particular, the fine steel profiles of the garden room allowed the extension to feel both lightweight and immersive, blurring the boundary between the house and its garden. The architect drew inspiration from the Bauhaus Movement, particularly the work of Walter Gropius, whose approach to functional beauty and industrial materials informed the design of the garden pavilion. Here, our glazing system was used not just for transparency, but as an expressive architectural element. The carefully proportioned panels help to conceal the roof thickness and reinforce the pavilion’s industrial yet abstract character – a deliberate nod to product design and modernist detailing. Sustainability was an important factor in the selection of materials. Our steel systems, made from 99% recycled content and 100% recyclable, aligned with the project’s broader environmental goals. The architects noted that this commitment to material longevity and circularity was central to their decision to use steel. The durability and recyclability of the windows and doors ensured the project met both aesthetic and ethical criteria. This London terrace house now stands as a celebration of contrast – between heritage and innovation, solidity and transparency, tradition and transformation. Our steel windows and doors were not simply components; they were essential tools in crafting a home that is as bold and expressive as it is functional. The result is a home designed for modern family life, where light, space, and materiality come together in perfect harmony.

u2014 ALE: Wayne Rain Garden Pennsylvania Landscape & Nursery Association u2014 ALE: Wayne Rain Garden Terren Landscapes http://www.terrenlandscapes.com 2014 PLNA Awards for Landscape Excellence winner Category: Residential Up to $15,000 Award Level: Gold Project Description: Our company was contracted by the client to provide a creative solution to an ongoing drainage problem. Their property is located within 30 feet of a local stream that collects storm water from the surrounding area. The nearby stream and high water table caused the lawn area at the side of their home to flood and to remain waterlogged for a few days after each storm. The client not only had difficulty growing plants in the existing conditions, but also had a problem with mosquitoes due to standing water. Our goal was to design a self-contained, naturalistic rain garden that slowed storm water runoff, allowed for percolation, and promoted infiltration while permitting excess clean water to enter the nearby stream with diminished force. As designed, the rain garden allows the earth to slowly and more naturally absorb excess storm water while filtering out toxins such as excess nitrogen and phosphorous which are frequently found in the landscape, therefore reducing the contaminants entering the stream. A percolation test was conducted with criteria of absorbing a one-inch rainstorm within four hours without overflow. The one-inch storm calculation included an existing downspout from the home, which would be piped into the rain garden to reduce roof runoff. The first test failed due to a deep layer of high clay-content soil. Excavation continued until a layer of sandy loam was reached, the percolation test was repeated, and a successful test result was achieved. Next, the entire rain garden basin was excavated to the sandy loam layer and the soil amended with compost and sand to create a highly porous planting media. Geotextile fabric was placed to help reduce migration of the surface stone into the soil and allow for minimal maintenance. Gravel, river stone and small boulders were carefully placed to achieve the look of a natural streambed. A palette of mostly native plants with a few non-invasive ornamentals were chosen for their ability to survive in extreme conditions ranging from floods to drought and were placed according to their specific preferences. Wetland plants were chosen for the lowest portion of the rain garden as that area remains saturated for longer periods of time, with a Chionanthus virginicus as a focal point surrounded by irises and ferns at the lowest depth. Plants tolerant of drier conditions were chosen for the upper edges of the garden. The beautiful colors of Monarda, Ligularia, Eupatorium, Solidago, Chelone, and Rudbeckia were scattered within the upper edge, while movement and softness were incorporated by use of the graceful Nassella that lines the border. Finally, winter interest was provided with a backdrop of Cornus sericea. As built, this small rain garden creates tremendous impact by decreasing the amount of storm water runoff not only on our client's property, but also in the neighboring stream. It serves as a means of slowing the water and providing an area for infiltration back into the earth. The plants provide a habitat for birds, butterflies, and insects, working in harmony with nature and providing beautiful visual interest year-round. Photo Credit: Lisa C. Falls

This project was completed for clients who wanted a comfortable, accessible 1ST floor bathroom for their grown daughter to use during visits to their home as well as a nicely-appointed space for any guest. Their daughter has some accessibility challenges so the bathroom was also designed with that in mind. The original space worked fairly well in some ways, but we were able to tweak a few features to make the space even easier to maneuver through. We started by making the entry to the shower flush so that there is no curb to step over. In addition, although there was an existing oversized seat in the shower, it was way too deep and not comfortable to sit on and just wasted space. We made the shower a little smaller and then provided a fold down teak seat that is slip resistant, warm and comfortable to sit on and can flip down only when needed. Thus we were able to create some additional storage by way of open shelving to the left of the shower area. The open shelving matches the wood vanity and allows a spot for the homeowners to display heirlooms as well as practical storage for things like towels and other bath necessities. We carefully measured all the existing heights and locations of countertops, toilet seat, and grab bars to make sure that we did not undo the things that were already working well. We added some additional hidden grab bars or “grabcessories” at the toilet paper holder and shower shelf for an extra layer of assurance. Large format, slip-resistant floor tile was added eliminating as many grout lines as possible making the surface less prone to tripping. We used a wood look tile as an accent on the walls, and open storage in the vanity allowing for easy access for clean towels. Bronze fixtures and frameless glass shower doors add an elegant yet homey feel that was important for the homeowner. A pivot mirror allows adjustability for different users. If you are interested in designing a bathroom featuring “Living In Place” or accessibility features, give us a call to find out more. Susan Klimala, CKBD, is a Certified Aging In Place Specialist (CAPS) and particularly enjoys helping her clients with unique needs in the context of beautifully designed spaces. Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKD, CBD Photography by: Michael Alan Kaskel

A row of jojoba shrubs.
Design ideas for a southwestern landscaping in Phoenix.

This tiny home has utilized space-saving design and put the bathroom vanity in the corner of the bathroom. Natural light in addition to track lighting makes this vanity perfect for getting ready in the morning. Triangle corner shelves give an added space for personal items to keep from cluttering the wood counter. This contemporary, costal Tiny Home features a bathroom with a shower built out over the tongue of the trailer it sits on saving space and creating space in the bathroom. This shower has it's own clear roofing giving the shower a skylight. This allows tons of light to shine in on the beautiful blue tiles that shape this corner shower. Stainless steel planters hold ferns giving the shower an outdoor feel. With sunlight, plants, and a rain shower head above the shower, it is just like an outdoor shower only with more convenience and privacy. The curved glass shower door gives the whole tiny home bathroom a bigger feel while letting light shine through to the rest of the bathroom. The blue tile shower has niches; built-in shower shelves to save space making your shower experience even better. The bathroom door is a pocket door, saving space in both the bathroom and kitchen to the other side. The frosted glass pocket door also allows light to shine through. This Tiny Home has a unique shower structure that points out over the tongue of the tiny house trailer. This provides much more room to the entire bathroom and centers the beautiful shower so that it is what you see looking through the bathroom door. The gorgeous blue tile is hit with natural sunlight from above allowed in to nurture the ferns by way of clear roofing. Yes, there is a skylight in the shower and plants making this shower conveniently located in your bathroom feel like an outdoor shower. It has a large rounded sliding glass door that lets the space feel open and well lit. There is even a frosted sliding pocket door that also lets light pass back and forth. There are built-in shelves to conserve space making the shower, bathroom, and thus the tiny house, feel larger, open and airy.

The homeowners wanted to preserve the efficiency of their existing galley-style kitchen, but still open up their floor plan and allow the cook to participate fully in the rest of the household's activity. Removing an unnecessary wall between the kitchen and dining area and knocking a pass-through between the kitchen and the living room allowed us to provide a great room while allowing the kitchen to remain compact and efficient. Custom cabinetry, stainless steel appliances, engineered wood flooring, Mombasa granite counter tops and an attractive copper vent hood updated the space with contemporary conveniences while retaining an aura of traditional hominess. Pictures by Neil Johnson Photography.