Inspiration for a contemporary kitchen remodel in DC Metro

Saturday July 18, Time TBD | Boston The Macallen Building and Court Square Press Courtyard by Michael Blier, RLA, ASLA of Landworks Studio, Inc., with architect Nader Tehrani of NADAAA Located in a rapidly evolving area on the outskirts of South Boston, the Macallen Building condominium community features an award-winning landscape that evokes the neighborhood’s industrial heritage while demonstrating modern principles of sustainable development. Awarded LEED Gold certification in 2008, the project’s attention to sustainability permeates all aspects the three-tiered landscape. Paving materials, tree plantings, and lighting adorn an entry-level courtyard on the ground floor, known as “Macallen Way.” The second level landscape covers the roof of the parking garage, providing recreational space for building residents as well as a graphic garden designed to be viewed from the condominiums above. The third level—including a sloping green roof and terrace garden—is integral to the building’s achievement of LEED certification as the green space is specifically designed to improve stormwater management, ameliorate the urban heat island effect, and provide additional insulation to the building. Through use of these design elements, the landscape greatly diminishes the ecological impact of development and serves as a model for sustainable development throughout the evolving region. In addition to the Macallen Building attendees will also get to visit the adjacent Court Square Press Courtyard which won the American Society of Landscape Architect's 2006 Award of Excellence in the General Design category. The project, which was conceived as a series of fragmented views, is equally compelling both while in the space, and when viewed from above. Photo courtesy Landworks Studio

The Home The Cahill exudes traditional charm with horizontal siding, barn shutters and rocking chair front porch, while the family-focused floorplan offers plenty of room for a growing family with multiple entertaining spaces. At centerstage, an open-concept design connects the kitchen with large a island to the adjoining dining and family rooms. A corner fireplace in the family room adds appeal without diminishing the sense of space, while well-placed windows allow for plenty of natural light. Excellent use of space continues upstairs with the owner’s retreat separated from two secondary bedrooms by a large walk-in closet and conveniently positioned utility room. An upstairs retreat offers another informal family gathering area with the flexibility to create distinct spaces like a playroom, media room and more. Ideal for growing families, The Cahill also boasts an unfinished basement, prime for a fifth bedroom, third full bathroom and spacious game room. The Builder Founded in 1976, David Weekley Homes is the nation’s second largest privately-held home builder. Headquartered in Houston, TX, the company operates in 20 cities, including three communities in Colorado Springs. ​ David Weekley Homes was the first builder in the United States to be awarded the Triple Crown of American Home Building, an honor which includes “America’s Best Builder,” “National Housing Quality Award” and “National Builder of the Year.” Nationwide, the company has received more than 1,300 product design and service awards, a reflection of the company’s commitment to Building Dreams, Enhancing Lives for more than 100,000 homebuyers. By utilizing buyer demographic information and incorporating the latest trends, Kathy Andrews Interiors (KAI) serves as the creative force behind the builder’s model homes where buyers can see and touch the quality craftsmanship. KAI also selects finishes like flooring and furnishings to create one-of-a-kind homes for buyers! The Interior Design The Cahill’s façade sets the tone for the interior color palette with traditional charm and neutral hues. The cozy feel begins with popular soft brown, laminate, wood-like flooring throughout the main living areas that offer a contrast to off-white walls. Soft gray kitchen cabinets are highlighted by white, brick-laid tile for visual interest against the sleek, quartz countertops. Warm wooden tables and furnishings with clean lines create an inviting space with hints of a trendy farmhouse design. This cozy feeling continues on the upper and lower levels with warm, neutral, marled carpet to soften the spaces. A real memory point can be found in the Super Shower of the owner’s retreat bathroom with white tile in a diagonal diamond pattern, lending an air of cleanliness and tranquility to the space. The pure, clean perfection of this home provides a blank canvas for homeowner’s artwork and accents.

4 Meadow Green Court, Wichita Falls, TX FEATURED HOME IN THE PARADE OF HOMES. 4885 Total SF Under Roof 3500 sq. ft. Living Area ½ Acre, Cul-de-Sac location Two story, 4 Bedroom, 3 ½ Baths, Study, Formal Dining Room & Bonus Room Two, two-car Garages and Large Rear Patio (Master bedroom, Study & 4th bedroom all located on first floor) Amenities Include: • Kitchen • Stainless Wolf, Sub-Zero & Scottsman Appliances: o 36" Gas cook top & range; cast iron grates and sealed burners o Energy Star qualified dishwasher, with purge filtration system o 1200 watt Microwave Oven o 15" Scottsman ice maker o 36" Sub-Zero Counter depth Refrigerator • Large, Open design, with prep island and floating sink island • Quartz countertops. • 42" high Knotty Alder custom cabinets. • Under cabinet lighting • Oversized Breakfast area with large windows • Great Room, 19' 6" x 17' with wood burning fireplace and gas starter. • Great Room wired for surround sound. • Formal Dining Room with large picture window. • Master Bedroom, 16' x 17' with double layered crown molding. • Master Bath has 60" whirlpool tub & 4' x 6' shower o Quartz counter top, double sinks and framed mirrors o Walk in master closet with lots of shelving & rods • Study / Office has coffered wood beam ceiling. • Bonus Room upstairs, 15' x 21' • Laundry room includes sink, cabinets and bench seating. • Rear Patio, 18" 6" x 14' 4" includes built-in roll top, stainless Grill. • Rinnai Tank-less high capacity hot water system. • Two, Two-car Garages (4 stalls) with twin door openers & insulated doors. Expanded Driveway. • Foam wall and sub-floor insulation. • Outdoor roll-top Grill. • Radiant barrier roof decking to reduce attic heat • Vapor barrier house wrap diminishes moisture accessibility and drafts • Low E tilt out windows reduce radiant heat and harmful UV rays • 14 Seer, high efficient, HVAC unit with zone controls. Natural gas heater and electronic thermostat. • Security System on all exterior doors and operating windows. • Landscaping includes Bermuda grass, automatic sprinklers, Oak trees, shrubs, and 6' wood privacy fence with concrete curbing. • On site Water well; • Price $497000.

This beautiful, but tired, eclectic craftmanesque home needed an interior makeover without diminishing its unique charm. The front entry was updated while an addition was added to the rear of the house so the kitchen and bathrooms could be expanded and redesigned.

In an attempt to diminish irrigation and maintenance cost we greatly reduced the lawn and added drought tolerant plants that would be easy for the homeowner to maintain. By placing plants in a pseudo-agricultural rows we were able to give the landscape a contemporary feel without working against the more traditional lines of the home. Bright colors, interesting textures and seasonal changes keep the landscape from becoming stale. A new gathering space complete with bistro lights in the existing pine were incorporated to accommodate both large and intimate affairs. Through creative and cost effective measures this property now offers a contemporary setting without conflicting with the homes original design.

Raised Outdoor living space on a home in the tropical island overlooking the ocean view. Keuka Studios aluminum cable railing wraps the deck. The aluminum posts are powder coated white. Railings by Keuka Studios www.Keuka-studios

The existing condominium was spacious, but lacked definition. It was simply too rambling and shapeless to be comfortable or functional. The existing builder-grade kitchen did not have enough counter or cabinet space. And the existing window sills were too high to appreciate the views outside. To accommodate our clients' needs, we carved out the spaces and gave subtle definition to its boundaries without obstructing the views within or diminishing the sense of spaciousness. We raised the kitchen and dining space on a low platform to define it as well as to define the space of the adjacent living area. The platform also allowed better views to the exterior. We designed and fabricated custom concrete countertops for the kitchen and master bath. The concrete ceilings were sprayed with sound attenuating insulation to abate the echoes. The master bath underwent a transformation. To enlarge the feel of the space, we designed and fabricated custom shallow vanity cabinets and a concrete countertop. Protruding from the countertop is the curve of a generous semi-encased porcelain sink. The shower is a room of glass mosaic tiles. The mirror is a simple wall mirror with polished square edges topped by a sleek fluorescent vanity light with a high CRI. This project was published in New Orleans Homes and Lifestyles magazine. photo: Volume Zero LLC

Instead of a plain panel alongside the refrigerator, we used a custom wainscot panel. this panel is about 30 inches wide. By using wainscoting, it diminishes the size of it. It also makes the deep refrigerator look counter-depth, with a built-in look.

This room was painted red to diminish the glare from the water. the clients also love color. We had fun with classic furniture upholstering them in fabrics not usually used on them like this Herman Miller Stripe.

This vintage kitchen in a historic home was snug and closed off from other rooms in the home, including the family room. Opening the wall created a pass-through to the family room as well as ample countertop space and bar seating for 4. The new undercount sink in the beautiful granite countertop was enlarged to a single 36" bowl. The original Jen-Aire range had seen better days. Removing it opened up additional counter space as well as offered a smooth cook surface with down draft vent. The custom cabinets were solidly built with lots of custom features that new cabinets would not have offered. To lighten and brighten the room, the cabinets were painted with a Sherwin-Williams enamel. Vintage-style hardware was added to fit the period home. The desk was removed since it diminished counter space and the island cabinets were moved into its place. Doing this also opened up the center of the room, allowing better flow. Backsplash tile from Floor & Decor was added. Walls, backsplash, and cabinets were selected in matching colors to make the space appear larger by keeping the eye moving.

The Home The Cahill exudes traditional charm with horizontal siding, barn shutters and rocking chair front porch, while the family-focused floorplan offers plenty of room for a growing family with multiple entertaining spaces. At centerstage, an open-concept design connects the kitchen with large a island to the adjoining dining and family rooms. A corner fireplace in the family room adds appeal without diminishing the sense of space, while well-placed windows allow for plenty of natural light. Excellent use of space continues upstairs with the owner’s retreat separated from two secondary bedrooms by a large walk-in closet and conveniently positioned utility room. An upstairs retreat offers another informal family gathering area with the flexibility to create distinct spaces like a playroom, media room and more. Ideal for growing families, The Cahill also boasts an unfinished basement, prime for a fifth bedroom, third full bathroom and spacious game room. The Builder Founded in 1976, David Weekley Homes is the nation’s second largest privately-held home builder. Headquartered in Houston, TX, the company operates in 20 cities, including three communities in Colorado Springs. ​ David Weekley Homes was the first builder in the United States to be awarded the Triple Crown of American Home Building, an honor which includes “America’s Best Builder,” “National Housing Quality Award” and “National Builder of the Year.” Nationwide, the company has received more than 1,300 product design and service awards, a reflection of the company’s commitment to Building Dreams, Enhancing Lives for more than 100,000 homebuyers. By utilizing buyer demographic information and incorporating the latest trends, Kathy Andrews Interiors (KAI) serves as the creative force behind the builder’s model homes where buyers can see and touch the quality craftsmanship. KAI also selects finishes like flooring and furnishings to create one-of-a-kind homes for buyers! The Interior Design The Cahill’s façade sets the tone for the interior color palette with traditional charm and neutral hues. The cozy feel begins with popular soft brown, laminate, wood-like flooring throughout the main living areas that offer a contrast to off-white walls. Soft gray kitchen cabinets are highlighted by white, brick-laid tile for visual interest against the sleek, quartz countertops. Warm wooden tables and furnishings with clean lines create an inviting space with hints of a trendy farmhouse design. This cozy feeling continues on the upper and lower levels with warm, neutral, marled carpet to soften the spaces. A real memory point can be found in the Super Shower of the owner’s retreat bathroom with white tile in a diagonal diamond pattern, lending an air of cleanliness and tranquility to the space. The pure, clean perfection of this home provides a blank canvas for homeowner’s artwork and accents.

The Home The Cahill exudes traditional charm with horizontal siding, barn shutters and rocking chair front porch, while the family-focused floorplan offers plenty of room for a growing family with multiple entertaining spaces. At centerstage, an open-concept design connects the kitchen with large a island to the adjoining dining and family rooms. A corner fireplace in the family room adds appeal without diminishing the sense of space, while well-placed windows allow for plenty of natural light. Excellent use of space continues upstairs with the owner’s retreat separated from two secondary bedrooms by a large walk-in closet and conveniently positioned utility room. An upstairs retreat offers another informal family gathering area with the flexibility to create distinct spaces like a playroom, media room and more. Ideal for growing families, The Cahill also boasts an unfinished basement, prime for a fifth bedroom, third full bathroom and spacious game room. The Builder Founded in 1976, David Weekley Homes is the nation’s second largest privately-held home builder. Headquartered in Houston, TX, the company operates in 20 cities, including three communities in Colorado Springs. ​ David Weekley Homes was the first builder in the United States to be awarded the Triple Crown of American Home Building, an honor which includes “America’s Best Builder,” “National Housing Quality Award” and “National Builder of the Year.” Nationwide, the company has received more than 1,300 product design and service awards, a reflection of the company’s commitment to Building Dreams, Enhancing Lives for more than 100,000 homebuyers. By utilizing buyer demographic information and incorporating the latest trends, Kathy Andrews Interiors (KAI) serves as the creative force behind the builder’s model homes where buyers can see and touch the quality craftsmanship. KAI also selects finishes like flooring and furnishings to create one-of-a-kind homes for buyers! The Interior Design The Cahill’s façade sets the tone for the interior color palette with traditional charm and neutral hues. The cozy feel begins with popular soft brown, laminate, wood-like flooring throughout the main living areas that offer a contrast to off-white walls. Soft gray kitchen cabinets are highlighted by white, brick-laid tile for visual interest against the sleek, quartz countertops. Warm wooden tables and furnishings with clean lines create an inviting space with hints of a trendy farmhouse design. This cozy feeling continues on the upper and lower levels with warm, neutral, marled carpet to soften the spaces. A real memory point can be found in the Super Shower of the owner’s retreat bathroom with white tile in a diagonal diamond pattern, lending an air of cleanliness and tranquility to the space. The pure, clean perfection of this home provides a blank canvas for homeowner’s artwork and accents.

In an attempt to diminish irrigation and maintenance cost we greatly reduced the lawn and added drought tolerant plants that would be easy for the homeowner to maintain. By placing plants in a pseudo-agricultural rows we were able to give the landscape a contemporary feel without working against the more traditional lines of the home. Bright colors, interesting textures and seasonal changes keep the landscape from becoming stale. A new gathering space complete with bistro lights in the existing pine were incorporated to accommodate both large and intimate affairs. Through creative and cost effective measures this property now offers a contemporary setting without conflicting with the homes original design.

There are many lighting rules which apply to the conceptual plan. Smaller parcels diminish light glare and pollution for the neighbors. Overuse of horizontal fixture types creates a landing strip appearance. The lighting design should have no dark holes. There should be lighting connectivity and composition throughout the design. Equal brightness of focal points surrounding architectural elements needs to be considered. Brightness levels need to be illuminated with connecting lower levels of illumination and stay underneath dark sky limits. The points of view need to be identified. These, and other lighting conceptual concerns, are presented and discussed individually in an effort to establish a master lighting plan for the property. This lighting plan can be implemented in phases do to budget, time constraints, and desires of the homeowner. The landscape lighting master plan brings the landscape plan to the fullest 8 seasons, 4 seasons both day and night.

This Avon Home has it all. All that has to be said is see it at night. The superior construction and detail of the Home shines magnificently at night. The coining of the bricks, ledge mantles and chimney tops label this home to be in a league of very few. It was a great pleasure and honor to be called upon for the outdoor Lighting design and installation. The light photometric and color temperature is what first came to mind to me because of the absorbency of the bricks, Also the photometric spread as to diminish the hot spots that appear as torches on the bricks, Lens covers and finish pointing at night sometimes can make or break the effects of lighting. The drive by approach of this home is a head turner at night. For more info and views on this home go to www.OutdoorLightingDesign.com

There are many lighting rules which apply to the conceptual plan. Smaller parcels diminish light glare and pollution for the neighbors. Overuse of horizontal fixture types creates a landing strip appearance. The lighting design should have no dark holes. There should be lighting connectivity and composition throughout the design. Equal brightness of focal points surrounding architectural elements needs to be considered. Brightness levels need to be illuminated with connecting lower levels of illumination and stay underneath dark sky limits. The points of view need to be identified. These, and other lighting conceptual concerns, are presented and discussed individually in an effort to establish a master lighting plan for the property. This lighting plan can be implemented in phases do to budget, time constraints, and desires of the homeowner. The landscape lighting master plan brings the landscape plan to the fullest 8 seasons, 4 seasons both day and night.

Massed plantings diminish the impact of the driveway and new parking. Permission from the county to change anything about this sensitive non-conforming mountain overlay property hinged on the Landscape Architect's proof of reduced visibility from the highway and neighboring properties.

Inspiration for an eclectic kitchen remodel in Singapore