Set on Camelback Country Club with sweeping views to the golf course and surrounding peaks—Camelback, Piestewa, and Mummy Mountain—this Paradise Valley estate was designed with one clear priority: make the view the main event. Every line of the pool and landscape plan was meticulously composed to pull your eye outward, enhance the architecture, and create an atmosphere that feels singular to this property. The backyard is anchored by a custom resort-style pool and spa composition that reads like a modern water courtyard—clean geometry, natural stone surfaces, and layered water movement. Bubblers and deck jets add sound and sparkle without interrupting sightlines, while a low-profile fire element and lawn panels soften the hardscape and keep the space feeling livable, not just a showpiece. Beyond the resort core, the property expands into an estate-scale recreation zone, including a full sport court framed in stone paving, structured planting beds, and evening lighting that keeps the grounds active after sunset. The perimeter is finished with privacy hedging and layered plantings—lush, controlled, and intentionally quiet—so the mountains and fairways remain the star. This home set a record-breaking sale, closing $1M higher than any home north of DoubleTree, and it sold in a single day. The developer, builder, and buyer all echoed the same thing: the pool and landscape sold the home, and then the record number followed. It’s the kind of project that proves what we believe: when outdoor living is designed at the highest level, it doesn’t just complement a home—it defines it.

This is a cool older home in Norfolk that had a teeny, tiny kitchen with a full bath beside it. By removing a wall between the dining room and taking space from the bathroom- a huge, open kitchen was created and the bathroom became this beautiful half bath. I worked with the owners on how to configure the new space and the cabinet layout and design. Construction was by Clark Development and interior decorating by Amy Stanley (check out her website- she does interior design, event planning and design and more- www.sbdva.com ). Photo by Amy Stanley

The linen closet from the hallway and bathroom was removed and the vanity area was decreased to allow room for an intimate-sized sauna. • This change also gave room for a larger shower area o Superior main showerhead o Rain head from ceiling o Hand-held shower for seated comfort o Independent volume controls for multiple users/functions o Grab bars to aid for stability and seated functions o Teak bench to add warmth and ability to sit while bathing • Curbless entry and sliding door system delivers ease of access in the event of any physical limitations. • Cherry cabinetry and vein-cut travertine chosen for warmth and organic qualities – creating a natural spa-like atmosphere. • The bright characteristics of the Nordic white spruce sauna contrast for appreciated cleanliness. • Ease of access for any physical limitations with new curb-less shower entry & sliding enclosure • Additional storage designed with elegance in mind o Recessed medicine cabinets into custom wainscot surround o Custom-designed makeup vanity with a tip-up top for easy access and a mirror o Vanities include pullouts for hair appliances and small toiletries

My clients desired a bedroom that was simple, stylish, and restful. A neutral palette of soothing colors was chosen, and a soft upholstered headboard was created to frame the sleeping area of this large bedroom. Careful consideration was taken for the existing wiring and the individual panels were designed (and fitted) around the light switches. A lovely, dove grey fabric with a texture like silk was chosen, however it is extremely resistant to dirt and stains. The two matching nightstands in a walnut finish feature soft close drawers and metallic details on the handles and feet. The circular motif is echoed in the Lucite lamps, tailored bedding, and handmade pillows. Three small accent pillows in fresh green add a pop of color to the space.

Backyard lawn and retaining wall and driveway removed to create a new landscape with flowering plants and a zen like feeling.
Design ideas for a large partial sun and drought-tolerant backyard stone landscaping in Los Angeles with a fire pit.

The entertainment unit of the living room was custom designed around the TV. The unit - exhibiting a clean minimal style - has ledge space created with Carrera marble and offers storage for smaller objects. The serenity of mid-century modern design can be seen in the Eames Chair that plays a vital role in bringing charm to the space. Both the unit and Eames Chair set well with the walnut floors and palette of whites and greys. The liquor cabinet (also custom-made) is another focal point of the space. It’s composed of Caesarstone countertop, vertical chrome handles, and walnut material, resulting in a crisp home furnishing. This piece is key in making the living room a destination for moments of private relaxation and events such as soirées.

Stunning Outdoor Remodel in the heart of Kingstown, Alexandria, VA 22310. Michael Nash Design Build & Homes created a new stunning screen porch with dramatic color tones, a rustic country style furniture setting, a new fireplace, and entertainment space for large sporting event or family gatherings. The old window from the dining room was converted into French doors to allow better flow in and out of home. Wood looking porcelain tile compliments the stone wall of the fireplace. A double stacked fireplace was installed with a ventless stainless unit inside of screen porch and wood burning fireplace just below in the stoned patio area. A big screen TV was mounted over the mantel. Beaded panel ceiling covered the tall cathedral ceiling, lots of lights, craftsman style ceiling fan and hanging lights complimenting the wicked furniture has set this screen porch area above any project in its class. Just outside of the screen area is the Trex covered deck with a pergola given them a grilling and outdoor seating space. Through a set of wrapped around staircase the upper deck now is connected with the magnificent Lower patio area. All covered in flagstone and stone retaining wall, shows the outdoor entertaining option in the lower level just outside of the basement French doors. Hanging out in this relaxing porch the family and friends enjoy the stunning view of their wooded backyard. The ambiance of this screen porch area is just stunning.

This beautifully renovated St. Louis home blends historic charm with modern elegance, creating a luxurious, welcoming space. Thoughtful design preserves its original architecture while adding contemporary sophistication. The living rooms of this home balance glamour and drama with livability. Adorned with a stunning art collection, beautiful textiles, and luxurious finishes, they’re perfect for hosting events and gatherings.

We were very blessed to work with these clients who came to us with a wooded lot in North Saanich and wanted to create a home for themselves that worked with their lifestyle and aesthetic. Both clients are avid bikers and kayakers and wanted to be able to get out and enjoy the outdoors and be able to feel like they lived in the wilderness of B.C. We completed as little tree removal as necessary, including putting effort into maintaining the fern and salal landscape that encompassed the woodlands surrounding the project. Staging area for construction and material storage were also limited, and scheduling the subtrades for their work was tight, but with competent site management, we left the site in a natural state. The energy efficiency was close to net zero, but the solar component and the proximity of the many trees made it difficult to attain a complete net zero level. We included a 6” rock wool exterior insulation layer around the entire home, under-slab insulation and other key items to maximize the efficiency of the living areas. Additional seismic components were also included to increase the longevity of the home and protection of the occupants should a seismic event occur.

Stunning Outdoor Remodel in the heart of Kingstown, Alexandria, VA 22310. Michael Nash Design Build & Homes created a new stunning screen porch with dramatic color tones, a rustic country style furniture setting, a new fireplace, and entertainment space for large sporting event or family gatherings. The old window from the dining room was converted into French doors to allow better flow in and out of home. Wood looking porcelain tile compliments the stone wall of the fireplace. A double stacked fireplace was installed with a ventless stainless unit inside of screen porch and wood burning fireplace just below in the stoned patio area. A big screen TV was mounted over the mantel. Beaded panel ceiling covered the tall cathedral ceiling, lots of lights, craftsman style ceiling fan and hanging lights complimenting the wicked furniture has set this screen porch area above any project in its class. Just outside of the screen area is the Trex covered deck with a pergola given them a grilling and outdoor seating space. Through a set of wrapped around staircase the upper deck now is connected with the magnificent Lower patio area. All covered in flagstone and stone retaining wall, shows the outdoor entertaining option in the lower level just outside of the basement French doors. Hanging out in this relaxing porch the family and friends enjoy the stunning view of their wooded backyard. The ambiance of this screen porch area is just stunning.

2013 NARI Capital CotY, Merit Award Winner, Creative Solutions under $15,000 Objective: This couple was tired of the old brick look of their family room and its embedded fireplace. They wanted to uplift the entire room, with better lighting, updated built ins and new gas log fireplace. Challenges: It was not an easy task to get rid of all masonry and brick wall. Gas lines and powder line were quite distance away and the family room floor was a concrete slab. Design solutions: It was important for the couple to create an optional separation between the family room and the kitchen for times that she is having her book club gang over and husband wanted to watch his sporting events. Part of the wall between kitchen and family room was taken by a closet. We have removed that entire wall and implemented a 6” wide Barn door for a partial solution to their problem. New wiring for light and cable wires were running into the old masonry wall. Gas line gave the old wood burning fireplace and new life. Custom built in cabinetry was placed in place old masonry wall. A new stone hearth and surround wrapped around the new fireplace. New hardwood wide plank flooring gave this family room warmth. New recess lighting has offered a much brighter room. Outcome: He gets to enjoy his favorite football team beat up the rebels while she gets to have her tea party around the kitchen table. And in all other occasions they get to cuddle by the flames of a new fireplace.

The clients enjoy entertaining guests in their home. They enjoy sports events, but don't necessarily enjoy the hustle 'n bustle of going to the stadium, finding a place to park, and in the case of football, freezing to death. They much prefer sharing the ambiance of their comfortable home, offering snacks and drinks from the bar, and enjoying a round of pool during intermissions and halftime, or watching halftime shows on a state-of-the-art home theater. These clients were so committed to this enterprise, they dedicated their 3,000 sq’ basement, except those areas already used for utility, storage, and mechanical needs, the renovation.To make sure the clients' every wish was met, a complete entertainment area was designed and constructed with ease of movement, lighting, and safety in mind. The area would include a home theater with totally wireless controls, a pool room, and a social area replete with a commercial-grade wet bar. The home theater consists of a screen within a custom cabinet system that also houses the complete audio-visual equipment center. Speakers are nestled in custom benches with the sound cones discretely hidden behind fabric panels. The motor for the panel that hides the screen when not in use is behind a similar fabric panel.The furniture style cabinet has Shaker style doors with walnut peg inlays and leaded glass panels. There are multiple lighting "scenes" for ambiance; low-voltage lighting inside the crown molding, and recessed can lights are discretely placed so that they can provide an extra level of illumination when required.The pool room was walled with a custom wainscot paneling with clear cherry stiles and rails finished with a clear satin lacquer. The panels are of Madagascar ebony with a light satin stain and a clear lacquer finish. A custom cue rack was constructed from clear cherry and backed with the Madagascar ebony panel.Drink rails were custom fabricated from cherry and custom crown molding was fabricated to match the rest of the house. The space is lit with a combination of recessed lights and a series of hidden lights behind crown molding for dramatic effect. The bar area is topped with a custom crown detail to contain the lighting. The bar is constructed in the same manner and fashion as the theater and pool rooms with Shaker style cabinetry with square walnut peg in the door corners and decorative leaded glass door fronts with more than enough front and back bar space to serve and enjoy drinks and snacks. Entry behind the bar is through custom, bi-directional butler doors. A custom bottle display and storage area takes up the bottom half of the bar's back wall. And, for the sake of convenience, a full size automatic dishwasher is installed under the bar for cleaning glasses and stemware. The bar is also tricked out with an espresso machine, its own flat screen TV and AmX video controller. The bar is lit with puck lights in the upper cabinets that illuminate downward through glass shelves, and low-voltage lighting is used behind the bottle display. The bar itself is lit by a series of earthen tone pendant lights.All three areas complement each other and are in total harmony with the remainder of the house. Moldings were matched, carpeting styles were chosen to complement rather than compromise, and muted, natural colors and textures were chosen that complement the surroundings. There is a seamless transition between the newer areas of the home and those already in everyday use. The entire area is a nebula of electrons operating servos, quietly opening and closing hidden switches, mysteriously dimming and brightening lights, and not only creating an alluring atmosphere, but one that is programmable, available at the touch of a finger to a heat sensitive screen, for an individual, or a group. At a single touch the lights in the theater and bar areas dim as the theater screen lowers into viewing position. Not only does the AMX controller open and close shades and window treatments to facilitate better viewing, but on an entirely different level it controls the very access to the property. It opens and closes entryways, external doors and gates as well.None of this magic came easily. Electrical circuits were at a premium. Over heating plagued the AV rack, and pesky rays of light seemed to creep in where and when they were least welcome. An exhaust fan was installed in the AV cabinet to dissipate the heat. New electrical outlets were scheduled and placed while others were moved. The bar area received custom wire chases hidden within the cabinetry. Exterior roll-a-way shutters, all controlled from the AMX controller, were installed and programmed as the answer to those pesky light rays.

The homeowners wanted a more open, cohesive main floor, starting with a redesigned entrance from the garage that improved flow with a new hallway leading into the main living space. Removing the towering 30-foot brick fireplace transformed the space, making way for a bright, inviting kitchen with a stunning three-paneled window that floods the room with natural light. White and gray-toned cabinetry, a spacious quartz-topped island seating six, and state-of-the-art GE Monogram appliances, including a striking six-burner gas range, create a perfect blend of elegance and efficiency. Gray plank flooring flows throughout, complemented by plush gray carpet that subtly defines adjacent spaces. Thoughtful details—iron pendant lights, a gray-blue tile backsplash, and ash-gray hardware—enhance the sophisticated design. The updated laundry area, featuring sleek cabinetry and a quartz waterfall countertop, seamlessly balances style and practicality while connecting effortlessly to the new hallway. Now, the home accommodates both intimate gatherings and large family events, with an airy, light-filled layout designed for comfort and connection.

Custom Cabinets for Home Bar can be fun as well as a practical feature in your living space. These custom cabinets can be a balance between large celebrations to smaller, more intimate events. Designing your home bar cabinetry starts with knowing if you want a wet bar or dry bar. A wet bar is equipped with a sink and running water. A dry bar can be used when there is no plumbing for a sink. You should include plenty of storage – as much as your space will allow. Cabinetry can include a combination of drawers, shelves and pullouts to increase the storage capacity, along with a stemware holder. In addition for space for bottles and drink mixing ingredients, there needs to be a space to keep utensils, glassware and other bar accessories. You can also create a display space to accommodate collections of decanters, etc. For more information and FREE consultation 727-522-2700 sales@accentwoodworking.com https://www.accentwoodworking.com/cabinetry/

We were very blessed to work with these clients who came to us with a wooded lot in North Saanich and wanted to create a home for themselves that worked with their lifestyle and aesthetic. Both clients are avid bikers and kayakers and wanted to be able to get out and enjoy the outdoors and be able to feel like they lived in the wilderness of B.C. We completed as little tree removal as necessary, including putting effort into maintaining the fern and salal landscape that encompassed the woodlands surrounding the project. Staging area for construction and material storage were also limited, and scheduling the subtrades for their work was tight, but with competent site management, we left the site in a natural state. The energy efficiency was close to net zero, but the solar component and the proximity of the many trees made it difficult to attain a complete net zero level. We included a 6” rock wool exterior insulation layer around the entire home, under-slab insulation and other key items to maximize the efficiency of the living areas. Additional seismic components were also included to increase the longevity of the home and protection of the occupants should a seismic event occur.

“Greensboro’s Grandest House” was recently selected as the 2013 ShowHouse presented by the Junior League of Greensboro and national media sponsor Traditional Home. Among the local and national design talent featured in this special fundraising event was design duo Patti Allen and Stephanie James of Furnitureland South, who transformed the estate’s patio into a classic, colorful and cozy space. Built in the early 1920s, the Adamsleigh estate is more than 15,000 square feet and covers 13.5 acres that include pools, a lake, tennis courts, a stone gazebo and a five-car garage. The 30×60 patio presented a special design challenge – the space was in disrepair and sat unevenly on a downward slope. Rising to the challenge, Patti and Stephanie partnered with Outer Space Landscapes to change the elevation of the patio in order to draw attention to the focal point and inspiration of the project: a beautiful canopy sofa by Century Furniture. The addition of 6 tons of landscaping material included Pennsylvania blue stone, pebbles, sand, cherry trees, azaleas and geraniums all blooming in the colors of the latest Sunbrella fabrics featured in the outdoor furnishings: crisp, sandy white, fuchsia and tangerine. Patti and Stephanie wanted to showcase clean and classic outdoor style with an edge of color and unexpected elements. Playful ottomans by Baker float in the space for multiple functions, adding an extra pop of color to the sophisticated setting which includes a dining table by Oscar de la Renta, organic spot tables from Phillips Collection, and daybeds and seating from Century Furniture. Combining their passion for interior spaces with signature designs, Allen and James Designs gave this outdoor space the comfort, color and style it deserved. Patti and Stephanie, co-founders of Allen and James Designs, are committed to inspire and influence unique spaces for home, work, play and relaxation. With over 25 years of experience and a dedication to client relationships, their infusion of international inspiration with style, color, texture and vision make Patti and Stephanie a creative duo capable of exceeding the expectations of any client’s design project. By forming over 400 connections with key manufactures such as Henredon, Century, Lillian August, Dovetail, Maitland Smith and Huntington House, Allen and James Designs can provide a broad range of options that virtually meet any need a client has to create their dream home.

Stunning Outdoor Remodel in the heart of Kingstown, Alexandria, VA 22310. Michael Nash Design Build & Homes created a new stunning screen porch with dramatic color tones, a rustic country style furniture setting, a new fireplace, and entertainment space for large sporting event or family gatherings. The old window from the dining room was converted into French doors to allow better flow in and out of home. Wood looking porcelain tile compliments the stone wall of the fireplace. A double stacked fireplace was installed with a ventless stainless unit inside of screen porch and wood burning fireplace just below in the stoned patio area. A big screen TV was mounted over the mantel. Beaded panel ceiling covered the tall cathedral ceiling, lots of lights, craftsman style ceiling fan and hanging lights complimenting the wicked furniture has set this screen porch area above any project in its class. Just outside of the screen area is the Trex covered deck with a pergola given them a grilling and outdoor seating space. Through a set of wrapped around staircase the upper deck now is connected with the magnificent Lower patio area. All covered in flagstone and stone retaining wall, shows the outdoor entertaining option in the lower level just outside of the basement French doors. Hanging out in this relaxing porch the family and friends enjoy the stunning view of their wooded backyard. The ambiance of this screen porch area is just stunning.

The home of Nobel Prize and Pullitzer Prize-winning author Pearl S. Buck is located in Doylestown, Pennsylvania. Each year they host the Festival of Trees holiday event. I was selected to decorate the large library. The tree depicted holiday traditions throughout the world. Different framed photos were hung, along with traditional holiday decorations. A sleigh filled with gifts and books sits adjacent to the tree. A bircage filled with seasonal decor is the focus of the seating area. Two carolers adorn the fireplace.

2013 NARI Capital CotY, Merit Award Winner, Creative Solutions under $15,000 Objective: This couple was tired of the old brick look of their family room and its embedded fireplace. They wanted to uplift the entire room, with better lighting, updated built ins and new gas log fireplace. Challenges: It was not an easy task to get rid of all masonry and brick wall. Gas lines and powder line were quite distance away and the family room floor was a concrete slab. Design solutions: It was important for the couple to create an optional separation between the family room and the kitchen for times that she is having her book club gang over and husband wanted to watch his sporting events. Part of the wall between kitchen and family room was taken by a closet. We have removed that entire wall and implemented a 6” wide Barn door for a partial solution to their problem. New wiring for light and cable wires were running into the old masonry wall. Gas line gave the old wood burning fireplace and new life. Custom built in cabinetry was placed in place old masonry wall. A new stone hearth and surround wrapped around the new fireplace. New hardwood wide plank flooring gave this family room warmth. New recess lighting has offered a much brighter room. Outcome: He gets to enjoy his favorite football team beat up the rebels while she gets to have her tea party around the kitchen table. And in all other occasions they get to cuddle by the flames of a new fireplace.