New planting beds, including a hedge of Blizzard mockorange, were added around the patio, screening guests while seated yet not restricting views out to the rest of the park-like landscape from the home.

Custom built-in helving and cabinetry
Example of a transitional enclosed dark wood floor living room design in New York with white walls

photo by Seed Studio, editing by TR PhotoStudio
Inspiration for a small modern full sun backyard formal garden in San Francisco with a fire pit and decking.

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.

In the master bathroom, marble floors and walls highlight the white cabinetry.
Large elegant master white tile and marble tile marble floor and white floor bathroom photo in Miami with raised-panel cabinets, white cabinets, gray walls, an undermount sink and marble countertops

Our clients wanted the ultimate modern farmhouse custom dream home. They found property in the Santa Rosa Valley with an existing house on 3 ½ acres. They could envision a new home with a pool, a barn, and a place to raise horses. JRP and the clients went all in, sparing no expense. Thus, the old house was demolished and the couple’s dream home began to come to fruition. The result is a simple, contemporary layout with ample light thanks to the open floor plan. When it comes to a modern farmhouse aesthetic, it’s all about neutral hues, wood accents, and furniture with clean lines. Every room is thoughtfully crafted with its own personality. Yet still reflects a bit of that farmhouse charm. Their considerable-sized kitchen is a union of rustic warmth and industrial simplicity. The all-white shaker cabinetry and subway backsplash light up the room. All white everything complimented by warm wood flooring and matte black fixtures. The stunning custom Raw Urth reclaimed steel hood is also a star focal point in this gorgeous space. Not to mention the wet bar area with its unique open shelves above not one, but two integrated wine chillers. It’s also thoughtfully positioned next to the large pantry with a farmhouse style staple: a sliding barn door. The master bathroom is relaxation at its finest. Monochromatic colors and a pop of pattern on the floor lend a fashionable look to this private retreat. Matte black finishes stand out against a stark white backsplash, complement charcoal veins in the marble looking countertop, and is cohesive with the entire look. The matte black shower units really add a dramatic finish to this luxurious large walk-in shower. Photographer: Andrew - OpenHouse VC

Kerri Fukkai
Minimalist light wood floor and beige floor great room photo in Salt Lake City with white walls

Cesar Rubio Photography
Example of a classic l-shaped light wood floor utility room design in San Francisco with white cabinets, granite countertops, a side-by-side washer/dryer, multicolored walls, black countertops and recessed-panel cabinets

Inspiration for a contemporary 3/4 blue tile and white tile blue floor alcove shower remodel in New York with flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, blue walls and an integrated sink

Inspiration for a coastal backyard concrete paver patio remodel with a roof extension

Dean Riedel of 360Vip Photography
Example of a classic carpeted family room design in Minneapolis with a standard fireplace, a brick fireplace and a media wall

Alcove shower - traditional alcove shower idea in Orange County with white cabinets, an undermount tub and recessed-panel cabinets

This quaint living room doubles as the exercise studio for the owners. The modern linear fireplace and flush TV with a light colored tile surround are accentuated by the dark wood grain laminate bookcase cabinetry on either side if the fireplace. Tripp Smith

Example of a large trendy master marble floor drop-in bathtub design in Miami with beige walls

Wissel's Saguaro Lawson's false cypress - ideal for skinny spaces Le jardinet

We took a tiny outdated bathroom and doubled the width of it by taking the unused dormers on both sides that were just dead space. We completely updated it with contrasting herringbone tile and gave it a modern masculine and timeless vibe. This bathroom features a custom solid walnut cabinet designed by Buck Wimberly.

Example of a huge arts and crafts l-shaped medium tone wood floor open concept kitchen design in Cleveland with flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, granite countertops, beige backsplash, beige walls and an island

This existing client reached out to MMI Design for help shortly after the flood waters of Harvey subsided. Her home was ravaged by 5 feet of water throughout the first floor. What had been this client's long-term dream renovation became a reality, turning the nightmare of Harvey's wrath into one of the loveliest homes designed to date by MMI. We led the team to transform this home into a showplace. Our work included a complete redesign of her kitchen and family room, master bathroom, two powders, butler's pantry, and a large living room. MMI designed all millwork and cabinetry, adjusted the floor plans in various rooms, and assisted the client with all material specifications and furnishings selections. Returning these clients to their beautiful '"new" home is one of MMI's proudest moments!

Photo of a contemporary landscaping in San Francisco.