Continually Increasing - Photos & Ideas

Amazing Entire Overhaul for Rambler in Arlington, Va.

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.

Lone Moor Kitchen, Atrium and Family Room

Alair Homes Plano

Our clients came to us wanting to maximize the space they had. They were not planning on moving anytime soon, as they loved their neighborhood. They wanted to renovate the front of their house, which included the front atrium, living room, kitchen, and powder bath. They hated their kitchen because it was completely closed off, had low ceilings, was dark and outdated, not to mention the floors were different in each of these rooms! The pantry was in the breakfast area and the kitchen table became a junk catcher, being the first thing you see when coming in from the garage/laundry room. In their living room, they wanted the spaces on either side of the fireplace to be symmetrical, whether that be bookshelves, a wet bar or closed off. Both parents are working professionals with no time and/or desire to design, create and figure this out on their own. They needed help figuring out how to reconfigure their current space in order to maximize what they already had, as they could not see an obvious solution. They could not envision how it would look so the fact that our designers were able to show them their new kitchen in 3D was pertinent. We removed the pass-through windows that surrounded the atrium and front dining room, as well as the entire kitchen wall, completely opening up those two rooms. We removed a hall that used to lead between the kitchen and the living room since it was a complete waste of space! The ceilings were raised to 10’ in the kitchen and we were able to leave the skylight, letting in that natural light they wanted. We were able to give them a much larger pantry with tons of shelving and increase the size of their laundry room by utilizing the space of their old breakfast nook. We relocated the door to the garage into their new elongated laundry room, built a wet bar across from their new larger pantry (with a pocket door) and the flow and functionality of these new spaces is just perfect! All new Waypoint cabinets were installed one two main kitchen surrounding walls painted Linen. Calacatta Bianco Polished Porcelain Tile 4x12 was used for the backsplash. A large eat-at island was installed, painted Stone, where the family can now gather for homework, meals, and mingling. The soft champagne bronze hardware and accent lighting really give this white and gray kitchen a soft classic look. In the living room, we removed the built-in bookshelves to the left of the fireplace and closed off the wet-bar on the other side, giving them more space in their master suite. White Oak wood flooring, stained Putney, was installed throughout the entire new space, giving it the continuity they were looking for. In the guest bathroom, Carrara white herringbone marble mosaic 12x12 tile was used on the shower floor and niche, while basic marble Bianco polished 12x24 porcelain tile was used on the walls. Luxart polished chrome traditional hardware gives this timeless bathroom the perfect shine. Our clients are so happy with the new functionality and look of their space. It has definitely changed their lives in a way they could have never imagined!

Kitchen + sunroom + laundry room

Morris Black Designs

Sometimes the design solutions we come up for a homeowner extend beyond their kitchen — as was the case at the Burfeind residence. Julia Burfeind was unhappy that her home’s nearly 20-year-old kitchen was not well suited to entertain guests, which is something she’s been doing more of recently. She was also not satisfied with how the adjacent sunroom and mud/laundry rooms were laid out and being used (or in the case of the sunroom, not being used) by the family. Julia was recommended to Morris Black Designs whom she was told would be excellent at resolving all three issues. “Our house was built in ‘98 I believe, so the kitchen was in need of a facelift but more importantly its setup was not particularly helpful for socializing,” explains Julia. “Among other things, there was a small island in the kitchen which was not suitable for accommodating guests. “In addition, our kitchen was attached to a “sunroom” which was essentially a stepdown separate room that was attached to the kitchen but really wasn’t part of the kitchen — and so it felt like a lot of wasted space for us,” she continues. “We had our kids’ art supplies and the dog bed out there. The space was kinda useless. We didn’t like that setup particularly.” “And then thirdly, we had a room attached to the kitchen that served as both a mudroom and a laundry room but didn’t do a good job of being either. I’ve got two active young kids that play a lot of sports. There wasn’t enough room in there for all their stuff. And not enough room to do the laundry. The problems we had with all three spaces convinced us to renovate.” Julia met with one of our designers in her home to discuss and show first-hand the issues that were plaguing the kitchen area of the home. Initial designs were created and approved quickly. The need to address three distinct areas required a bit more planning and time to go from initial ideas to installation than typical kitchen-only projects, but when it was all finally said and done, Julia had three rooms that now meet her needs much better than they did before. “By itself the kitchen would be fantastic,” she happily expresses. “We have a really large island now where we have four comfortable stools where people can sit and relax while others cook which is exactly what we wanted. You know the kitchen is always the central part of your home and when you entertain, which we do fairly often, people always end up in the kitchen so this big new island works great for us.” “And now the area that was called a sunroom is incorporated with the kitchen — it was brought physically up to the same level as the kitchen which opened the two rooms up to each other as much as they can be so it’s really all one room now. We now have a dining room table out in that area and a wet bar where we have our bar stuff and our coffee makers and all of that. So those areas now work together great.” “We completed a small addition to bump the laundry room out behind the kitchen. We then had Morris Black Designs build four big storage lockers in our mudroom for the kids’ gym bags and sports stuff. They’re not like gym lockers; they’re more like nice cabinets with wooden doors which we keep closed to hide the mess inside each — so it looks very nice in that room despite having all of my kids’ gym bags secretly piled up in there. And we have the great big, beautiful, sunny laundry room with a door and a window and a skylight and a big granite countertop where I can fold clothes.” As much as she loves the distinct improvements made to each individual space, Burfeind will quickly tell you, however, that this project is truly an example of when the whole is greater than the sum of its parts “The whole house is just much more usable now,” she surmises. “The work done by Morris Black Designs has really increased our daily satisfaction of being in the house which is fun and makes it all worthwhile.”

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American Olean

Century Tile

AO_AmberValley_COM_01_H Amber Valley, Glazed Porcelain We are a customer-driven company, focused on increasing our sales and market share. We differ from our competition by our products, presentation, and service while continuing to support our reputation for value and selection. Quickly put…to make Century Tile “simply the best." Century Tile’s eleven locations and commitment to Chicago for over 65 years; First Quality Flooring, Value Pricing, Best In-stock Selection and Knowledgeable Staff. We also have the Midwest’s largest in-stock selection of flooring. We carry over 10,000 styles and colors of floor coverings which we import direct; as well as carry many of the major flooring brands domestically offered. Century Tile’s size and buying power allows us to offer you the best selection of products at the lowest price and best value in Chicago that you can take home today. Century Tile offers you Chicago’s most knowledgeable people who have an average of 12 years flooring experience. Our sales staff will assist you with any flooring project that you might have.

2020 Parade of Homes Covington Homes The Sequoia

Housing & Building Association of Colorado Springs

The Home The Sequoia is making its official debut! This beautiful two-story, main level master suite home offers luxurious and energy efficient living that appeals to all. The open floor plan is a perfect fit for those who love to entertain, enjoy having family and friends visit or stay, or are seeking multi-generational living. This home exudes grandeur and elegance with its high ceilings, entry overlook, and two-story great room. The foyer beckons you to an expansive great room with an abundance of windows to view those beautiful Colorado sunsets. Adjoining is a spacious dining area and beautiful chef’s kitchen featuring designer cabinetry, wall ovens and gas range that are perfect for lovers of culinary – offering plenty of space to prepare all things food! Elegant arches, crisp colors in fixtures and finishes, granite and quartz, stunning wood floors and sophisticated design pull this masterpiece together. The finished basement welcomes many activities such as kids’ homework and play-time, family movie nights, watch parties for The Big Game and so much more! The Sequoia offers the ability to have two master suites for added space. The main-level location offers you a sanctuary of peace while adjoining to a luxurious bathroom area that includes two walk-in closets. The upper-level master retreat offers a spacious sitting area and five-piece bath, giving you that spa-like experience from your own home. The vibrant and unique architecture of this multigenerational home is composed of elegant touches and craftsmanship from the inside and out! With views of Pikes Peak, tree-lined sidewalks, and one of the best locations in eastern Colorado Springs, the premier neighborhood of Stonebridge at Meridian Ranch is the perfect frosting for this home. Don’t forget that all of our homes are HERS rated! Our Meridian Ranch homesites located in Stonebridge have convenient access to the newest neighborhood parks and amenities. Running and walking trails, access to the private lodge, and plentiful open spaces make Stonebridge a premier community in the region! Covington Homes at Stonebridge in Meridian Ranch is a smart choice for anyone seeking to live the ‘Good Life.’ The Builder Doing the right things, the right way - that is who we are. Creating a better way of living – that is what we do. Covington Homes is a local and family owned business committed to creating community. The Covington team continues to bring beautiful and exceptionally well-built homes and communities to eastern Colorado Springs and El Paso County with the hard work and dedication of our awardwinning team. As a result, our homes stand the test of time. At Covington Homes, we are focused on creating community. We are known as the builder with the highest level of customer care that can be found. Our homes are well thought out, fully planned and exceptionally executed. Covington Homes is currently building in District 20 at Wolf Ranch, in District 49 at Banning Lewis Ranch, in Stonebridge at Meridian Ranch and our newest community in North Carefree, the Gardens. The Interior Design The Sequoia is simple and understated luxury, topped off with modern farmhouse appeal. Designed with form, function and livability in mind, this amazing layout appeals to all. In a world that is ever-changing and hectic (social media, technology and increased demands), this home is designed to calm and sooth the soul once you step inside. Designer Grace Covington (GC Luxury Homes) brings eclectic farmhouse and modern design elements together to create a refined yet relaxed environment. The use of current colors, textiles, finishes and products blended with decor that reminds one of their favorite family memories, bring personality and warmth to this home. Meridian Ranch is a beautiful setting with amazing views of the mountains and Pikes Peak, so particular care was taken to select finishes and decor reminiscent of a peaceful country life. Muted tones of greige with surprising pops of color, creative use of woods, sleek lighting and bath fixtures, modern tile-work and the sprinkling of cottage textures throughout- this home is gorgeous! Tranquil luxury in a beautiful and vibrant community - the Sequoia is the perfect home!

Suspenders™ 36" 5-Bar Zig Zag Fixture in Kitchen

sonnemanlighting

"Suspenders™ LED system is a delicately scaled, modular system of interconnected elements and suspended LED components. It can be configured as individual lighting sculptures or as a tiered web of infinite scope and variety. Using today’s leadingedge technology, Robert Sonneman has reimagined and greatly expanded his original Suspenders concept from the late 1980s with a lighter scale, increased capability, and wider range of precisely scaled luminaires. Because of the extensive range of possibilities offered by Suspenders, we have preconfigured a collection of arrangements that you can select as shown. You can also modify these arrangements using our configuration tables, or use them as inspiration to create your own completely custom configurations. We will continue to build upon and expand Suspenders as an openframed illumination system of innovative possibilities as we move forward. Five 36” Power Bars are positioned in a perpendicular zig-zag pattern. The three upper Power Bars are ceiling mounted with two 18” field-cuttable rod Ceiling Hangers. The two lower Power Bars are connected to the upper ones by two 6” Power Bar Hangers. Luminaires hang, three to a bar, in an alternating pattern. Includes Power Feed with surface mounted transformer for Ball and Crystal Oval Luminaires. Power Feed with remote mounted transformer is available for special order."

Lauzon Bedroom Inspiration

Century Tile

Natural, Designer, White Oak, Quarter Sawn We are a customer-driven company, focused on increasing our sales and market share. We differ from our competition by our products, presentation, and service while continuing to support our reputation for value and selection. Quickly put…to make Century Tile “simply the best." Century Tile’s eleven locations and commitment to Chicago for over 65 years; First Quality Flooring, Value Pricing, Best In-stock Selection and Knowledgeable Staff. We also have the Midwest’s largest in-stock selection of flooring. We carry over 10,000 styles and colors of floor coverings which we import direct; as well as carry many of the major flooring brands domestically offered. Century Tile’s size and buying power allows us to offer you the best selection of products at the lowest price and best value in Chicago that you can take home today. Century Tile offers you Chicago’s most knowledgeable people who have an average of 12 years flooring experience. Our sales staff will assist you with any flooring project that you might have.

2020 Parade of Homes Covington Homes The Sequoia

Housing & Building Association of Colorado Springs

Home in Maplewood

Studio 1200

We had the pleasure of working with the new homeowners to design further improvements to the house necessitated by their growing family. We added a porte cochere, a family-room, and increased the ceiling height in their master bedroom. These improvements augmented our design work previously completed in 2008, and the house continues to be a blend of traditional old-house details with modern, contemporary furnishings that perfectly suite a family with young children.

Mohawk Hardwood

Century Tile

Rockingham Hardwood Flooring We are a customer-driven company, focused on increasing our sales and market share. We differ from our competition by our products, presentation, and service while continuing to support our reputation for value and selection. Quickly put…to make Century Tile “simply the best." Century Tile’s eleven locations and commitment to Chicago for over 65 years; First Quality Flooring, Value Pricing, Best In-stock Selection and Knowledgeable Staff. We also have the Midwest’s largest in-stock selection of flooring. We carry over 10,000 styles and colors of floor coverings which we import direct; as well as carry many of the major flooring brands domestically offered. Century Tile’s size and buying power allows us to offer you the best selection of products at the lowest price and best value in Chicago that you can take home today. Century Tile offers you Chicago’s most knowledgeable people who have an average of 12 years flooring experience. Our sales staff will assist you with any flooring project that you might have.

Project 1760-1

Castle Building & Remodeling

For this full kitchen remodel, we filled in one doorway. Doing so then allowed for continuous countertop space between the range and sink and an increase in storage. The dishwasher moved and is now paneled. Open shelving with brackets to display art work/dishes was incorporated. Windows were replaced and exterior walls were spray foamed in order to better the energy efficiency of the house. A Kohler Strive faucet and Vault sink were installed along with Alder cabinetry, Oak natural finish flooring, and gorgeous Atlas Granite countertops. Designed by Amy Hinck. See full details, including before photos at http://www.castlebri.com/kitchens/project-1760-1/

Irvington Modern

Amy Pearson Design

This classic Portland bungalow in the highly desirable Irvington neighborhood was in desperate need of a kitchen update. Aside from tired finishes and cabinets that have seen a full life, the original layout left the family living in a small portion of the kitchen and not taking advantage of the full square footage. The family desired a design that married both the original architectural details of their bungalow with their preference for clean and modern European design. To accomplish this request, APD brought in sleek flat panel custom frameless cabinets filled with smart and strategic accessories to make the most out of every cabinet box, including full height pantry pull-out, spice and utensil pull-outs flanking the cooking zone, a blind corner pull-0ut to avoid loosing items in the hard-to-reach space, trash & recycling pull-0ut disguised to blend with the adjacent three drawers, and a wall cabinet pull-out sized to fit under the support beam spanning the width of the room. For the traditional - we kept the classic moldings around the windows and doors, continued the homes hardwood floors into the new space, incorporated classic school house light fixtures, and swapped out the slider to the back patio in favor for one with divided lights adding to the architectural detail. Matte black granite countertops with handmade black ceramic tile backsplash bridge the gap between the modern and the traditional thanks to their clean lines, high contrast color palette, and textural and artistic details. Opting for a few adjustments to the layout created a space plan that took advantage of the full square footage of the room! In the original layout, the refrigerator was squeezed onto the same wall as the cooking, leaving very little counterspace around the hard working cooking zone along with a significant portion of the room (a previous addition) under-utilized. Relocating the refrigerator increased counterspace and storage while creating a “flow” through the entire room. Luxury Miele and Subzero appliances make this kitchen a chef’s dream! To add to the clean modern look, we opted for an induction cooktop with wall oven directly below … a great alternative to the often used range! Paneling the built-in refrigerator and dishwasher help to calm the overall visual noise of the space, hiding the two hardworking appliances away! This new family kitchen is at once hardworking, sleek, and timeless!

Bathrooms

Century Tile

We are a customer driven company, focused on increasing our sales and market share. We differ from our competition by our products, presentation, and service while continuing to support our reputation for value and selection. Quickly put…to make Century Tile “simply the best." Century Tile’s eleven locations and commitment to Chicago for over 65 years; First Quality Flooring, Value Pricing, Best In-stock Selection and Knowledgeable Staff. We also have the Midwest’s largest in-stock selection of flooring. We carry over 10,000 styles and colors of floor coverings which we import direct; as well as carry many of the major flooring brands domestically offered. Century Tile’s size and buying power allows us to offer you the best selection of products at the lowest price and best value in Chicago that you can take home today. Century Tile offers you Chicago’s most knowledgeable people who have an average of 12 years flooring experience. Our sales staff will assist you with any flooring project that you might have.

Project 1760-1

Castle Building & Remodeling

Armstrong Laminate - Grand Illusions

Century Tile

We are a customer-driven company, focused on increasing our sales and market share. We differ from our competition by our products, presentation, and service while continuing to support our reputation for value and selection. Quickly put…to make Century Tile “simply the best." Century Tile’s eleven locations and commitment to Chicago for over 65 years; First Quality Flooring, Value Pricing, Best In-stock Selection and Knowledgeable Staff. We also have the Midwest’s largest in-stock selection of flooring. We carry over 10,000 styles and colors of floor coverings which we import direct; as well as carry many of the major flooring brands domestically offered. Century Tile’s size and buying power allows us to offer you the best selection of products at the lowest price and best value in Chicago that you can take home today. Century Tile offers you Chicago’s most knowledgeable people who have an average of 12 years flooring experience. Our sales staff will assist you with any flooring project that you might have.

Crystal ADU

F9 Productions Inc.

In an era when housing is becoming increasingly scarce, small structures are making a big difference. The Crystal ADU is one of them — a compact, beautifully detailed dwelling designed by F9 Productions to deliver both function and artistry within just 160 square feet. The Idea The client came to F9 with their own sketches — early ideas drawn from the fractured symmetry of natural crystals. They envisioned a minimalist refuge that was as expressive as it was efficient. We took that spark and shaped it into a refined architectural statement: a simple rectangle capped by a striking, asymmetrical roof that catches the light like a cut gem. Design and Craft The defining detail — a roof so thin it appears almost weightless — demanded careful problem-solving. Standard framing would have compromised the delicate profile. Instead, our team engineered a custom edge detail that maintains the sleek form while ensuring structural integrity and energy performance. This kind of precision is what transforms a small project into a showcase of design craft. Inside the Space Step inside, and the attention to detail continues. Every square inch is intentional. Built-in cabinetry wraps the walls, and a fold-down Murphy bed disappears to reveal open living space. In the bathroom, clever storage niches and a tankless water heater make the most of every inch. A skylight above the shower floods the space with natural light — warm, private, and bright. Efficiency in Every Sense Compact living comes with natural advantages. The small volume of the Crystal ADU reduces energy use, while a ductless mini-split system maintains comfort year-round. This simplicity makes the building both efficient and elegant — a perfect reflection of F9’s design philosophy: functional minimalism with a human touch. The Result The Crystal ADU shows that size doesn’t define quality — design does. It’s a small footprint with a big message: that thoughtful architecture can solve real housing challenges while creating spaces people love to inhabit. The future of housing may be smaller, but with projects like this, it’s infinitely brighter.

2020 Parade of Homes Covington Homes The Sequoia

Housing & Building Association of Colorado Springs

Daltile Home Inspiration

Century Tile

DT_Brancacci_COM_01 Brancacci Photo features Windrift Beige 12 x 12 field tile in a diamond pattern with Universal Accent 3 x 12 border on the floor. Wall features coordinating Windrift Beige 9 x 12 wall tile. We are a customer driven company, focused on increasing our sales and market share. We differ from our competition by our products, presentation, and service while continuing to support our reputation for value and selection. Quickly put…to make Century Tile “simply the best." Century Tile’s eleven locations and commitment to Chicago for over 65 years; First Quality Flooring, Value Pricing, Best In-stock Selection and Knowledgeable Staff. We also have the Midwest’s largest in-stock selection of flooring. We carry over 10,000 styles and colors of floor coverings which we import direct; as well as carry many of the major flooring brands domestically offered. Century Tile’s size and buying power allows us to offer you the best selection of products at the lowest price and best value in Chicago that you can take home today. Century Tile offers you Chicago’s most knowledgeable people who have an average of 12 years flooring experience. Our sales staff will assist you with any flooring project that you might have.

Quick-Step

Century Tile

QS_Classic_U845_RM_CU02 Armstrong Hardwood. We are a customer-driven company, focused on increasing our sales and market share. We differ from our competition by our products, presentation, and service while continuing to support our reputation for value and selection. Quickly put…to make Century Tile “simply the best."

Mullaloo Home

Western Cabinets

An existing 70’s brick home nestled streets away from the beach, is in dire need of a transformation. The existing home had the bones to accommodate a substantial renovation, some modifications to the layout, adding an extension and exaggerating the existing raked ceilings in the main living area impacts the new home. The home itself is a relatively disjointed 70’s home, so cleaver planning was imperative to make the most of the interior space. Large open plan living areas with adjoining outdoor entertaining was important. The owners are a young family who enjoy family and entertaining so interaction with the outdoor alfresco was essential not only for quality of living but to appear as a continuation of the main living area to increase the zone visually. My client’s fresh approach; introduction of modern materials with a hint of Scandinavian and industrial, an improved working area and a functional space for cooking and preparing meals.