Mother in law suite has all the allowable amenities by law: refrigerator, sink, dishwasher, toaster over, microwave, toaster and coffee pot. With direct access to the main house, this offers the perfect amount of independence.

This brownstone, located in Harlem, consists of five stories which had been duplexed to create a two story rental unit and a 3 story home for the owners. The owner hired us to do a modern renovation of their home and rear garden. The garden was under utilized, barely visible from the interior and could only be accessed via a small steel stair at the rear of the second floor. We enlarged the owner’s home to include the rear third of the floor below which had walk out access to the garden. The additional square footage became a new family room connected to the living room and kitchen on the floor above via a double height space and a new sculptural stair. The rear facade was completely restructured to allow us to install a wall to wall two story window and door system within the new double height space creating a connection not only between the two floors but with the outside. The garden itself was terraced into two levels, the bottom level of which is directly accessed from the new family room space, the upper level accessed via a few stone clad steps. The upper level of the garden features a playful interplay of stone pavers with wood decking adjacent to a large seating area and a new planting bed. Wet bar cabinetry at the family room level is mirrored by an outside cabinetry/grill configuration as another way to visually tie inside to out. The second floor features the dining room, kitchen and living room in a large open space. Wall to wall builtins from the front to the rear transition from storage to dining display to kitchen; ending at an open shelf display with a fireplace feature in the base. The third floor serves as the children’s floor with two bedrooms and two ensuite baths. The fourth floor is a master suite with a large bedroom and a large bathroom bridged by a walnut clad hall that conceals a closet system and features a built in desk. The master bath consists of a tiled partition wall dividing the space to create a large walkthrough shower for two on one side and showcasing a free standing tub on the other. The house is full of custom modern details such as the recessed, lit handrail at the house’s main stair, floor to ceiling glass partitions separating the halls from the stairs and a whimsical builtin bench in the entry.

The new basement is the ultimate multi-functional space. A bar, foosball table, dartboard, and glass garage door with direct access to the back provide endless entertainment for guests; a cozy seating area with a whiteboard and pop-up television is perfect for Mike's work training sessions (or relaxing!); and a small playhouse and fun zone offer endless possibilities for the family's son, James.

The family room fireplace and TV are a focal point but only if you are not taking in the spectacular lake views. The family room is open to the kitchen but also has direct access to the outdoor terrace, stair to the lower level and main entry foyer for great flow and convenience.

Classic, timeless, and ideally positioned on a picturesque street in the 4100 block, discover this dream home by Jessica Koltun Home. The blend of traditional architecture and contemporary finishes evokes warmth while understated elegance remains constant throughout this Midway Hollow masterpiece. Countless custom features and finishes include museum-quality walls, white oak beams, reeded cabinetry, stately millwork, and white oak wood floors with custom herringbone patterns. First-floor amenities include a barrel vault, a dedicated study, a formal and casual dining room, and a private primary suite adorned in Carrara marble that has direct access to the laundry room. The second features four bedrooms, three bathrooms, and an oversized game room that could also be used as a sixth bedroom. This is your opportunity to own a designer dream home.

This open kitchen and dining space was designed for effortless entertaining in a luxury custom home on Wrightsville Beach. Soft coastal finishes, an oversized island, expansive seating and direct access to the covered porch create an easy flow between indoor and outdoor living.

The great room has tremendous views and direct access to the back porch and pool.
Inspiration for a large contemporary open concept white floor living room remodel in Other with a ribbon fireplace and a wall-mounted tv

In the lower level, the details of the wood-clad walls continue, a bit more simply, but filled with texture and in a cozy shade of brown. The space is elaborate, yet comfortable, a perfect place for get-togethers with its bar, wine room, game area, and direct access to the patio, pool, and lake views.

A light filled kitchen the has direct access to the pantry which includes a small workspace and then connects through to the mud room.
Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary kitchen remodel in Other

Secondary bedroom with direct access to the rear shared roof deck.
Bedroom - mid-sized contemporary guest medium tone wood floor and brown floor bedroom idea in San Francisco with white walls

Built by Schumacher Homes, America's Largest Custom Home Builder, this stunning Windsor Modern Farmhouse in Bowling Green, Ohio, masterfully blends timeless regional charm with elevated modern living. Spanning a thoughtfully detailed 3,383 square feet, the 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom floor plan emphasizes seamless spatial flow and effortless functionality. The heart of the home is an expansive, open-concept main level designed for both high-end entertaining and daily culinary pursuits. The chef-ready kitchen boasts generous counter space, an optional expansive "messy kitchen" that acts as a secondary prep zone to keep the main kitchen pristine. Flexibility is built into the architecture. A main-level flex room easily adapts to a sophisticated home office, while a private first-floor guest suite ensures comfort and seclusion for visitors. Upstairs, the owner’s retreat serves as a private sanctuary, featuring dual vanities, expansive separate walk-in closets, and discrete, direct access to the second-floor laundry suite.

Kathryn J. LeMaster
Mid-sized eclectic concrete floor sunroom photo in Little Rock with a standard ceiling

Third level study with access to roof garden. Camano sunset. Photography by Lucas Henning.
Study room - mid-sized modern freestanding desk porcelain tile and beige floor study room idea in Seattle with white walls

Hillcrest is very proud to present this custom country estate. Our journey to provide this home for our customer started with our Realty division searching for land for them. After we found the gorgeous countryside site with an old pond, wetland and pastures we managed complex re-zoning and permitting. Because every direction offers distinct views, we spent a lot of time with our customers to place the home and create a layout that maximizes views from every living space. Our design department created a two story main dwelling with an open concept, modern country style custom kitchen, dining area with two sided fireplace, and abutting three season porch. With the kitchen being the hub, it accesses the office, front hall foyer, stairs to the second floor, and the breezeway to the auxiliary part of the home. The living room is semi-open of the dinette, and has chauffeured ceilings. The second floor contains the master suite with a very luxurious bathroom and stunning views. The other two bedrooms also provide great, far flung views. The auxiliary part of the home is perhaps the most unique part of this estate. It offers a long hallway with glass to the south overlooking a large patio with a hot tub. The other side of the hallway has a large laundry with a dumbwaiter to return the laundry upstairs, a shower and powder room for direct access from the hot tub and swimming pond, and a large mudroom. It terminates in the rear foyer with access to the garage and the crown jewel, the sports bar. The customer wanted a brew pub to make and serve his home made beer. The brew pub contains heated, stained concrete floors, concrete counters, and very tall vaulted ceilings. The walls and ceilings are clad with wire brushed grey stained pine and lots of windows overlook the hot tub patio and 270 degree views. The customer also wanted a barn, as both he and she grew up on a farm and shared the love of barns with Hillcrest’s owner. We designed the “perfect gentleman’s barn”, of course red with white trim and with a covered porch which extends on one side into a small greenhouse. Hillcrest also designed and built extensive landscaping features including a winding plank walk to a large swimming pond in the woods. Because of the ample ground water, we created a second swimming pond next to the house which is stays crystal clear and ended up functioning as an outdoor pool.

Hillcrest is very proud to present this custom country estate. Our journey to provide this home for our customer started with our Realty division searching for land for them. After we found the gorgeous countryside site with an old pond, wetland and pastures we managed complex re-zoning and permitting. Because every direction offers distinct views, we spent a lot of time with our customers to place the home and create a layout that maximizes views from every living space. Our design department created a two story main dwelling with an open concept, modern country style custom kitchen, dining area with two sided fireplace, and abutting three season porch. With the kitchen being the hub, it accesses the office, front hall foyer, stairs to the second floor, and the breezeway to the auxiliary part of the home. The living room is semi-open of the dinette, and has chauffeured ceilings. The second floor contains the master suite with a very luxurious bathroom and stunning views. The other two bedrooms also provide great, far flung views. The auxiliary part of the home is perhaps the most unique part of this estate. It offers a long hallway with glass to the south overlooking a large patio with a hot tub. The other side of the hallway has a large laundry with a dumbwaiter to return the laundry upstairs, a shower and powder room for direct access from the hot tub and swimming pond, and a large mudroom. It terminates in the rear foyer with access to the garage and the crown jewel, the sports bar. The customer wanted a brew pub to make and serve his home made beer. The brew pub contains heated, stained concrete floors, concrete counters, and very tall vaulted ceilings. The walls and ceilings are clad with wire brushed grey stained pine and lots of windows overlook the hot tub patio and 270 degree views. The customer also wanted a barn, as both he and she grew up on a farm and shared the love of barns with Hillcrest’s owner. We designed the “perfect gentleman’s barn”, of course red with white trim and with a covered porch which extends on one side into a small greenhouse. Hillcrest also designed and built extensive landscaping features including a winding plank walk to a large swimming pond in the woods. Because of the ample ground water, we created a second swimming pond next to the house which is stays crystal clear and ended up functioning as an outdoor pool.

Hillcrest is very proud to present this custom country estate. Our journey to provide this home for our customer started with our Realty division searching for land for them. After we found the gorgeous countryside site with an old pond, wetland and pastures we managed complex re-zoning and permitting. Because every direction offers distinct views, we spent a lot of time with our customers to place the home and create a layout that maximizes views from every living space. Our design department created a two story main dwelling with an open concept, modern country style custom kitchen, dining area with two sided fireplace, and abutting three season porch. With the kitchen being the hub, it accesses the office, front hall foyer, stairs to the second floor, and the breezeway to the auxiliary part of the home. The living room is semi-open of the dinette, and has chauffeured ceilings. The second floor contains the master suite with a very luxurious bathroom and stunning views. The other two bedrooms also provide great, far flung views. The auxiliary part of the home is perhaps the most unique part of this estate. It offers a long hallway with glass to the south overlooking a large patio with a hot tub. The other side of the hallway has a large laundry with a dumbwaiter to return the laundry upstairs, a shower and powder room for direct access from the hot tub and swimming pond, and a large mudroom. It terminates in the rear foyer with access to the garage and the crown jewel, the sports bar. The customer wanted a brew pub to make and serve his home made beer. The brew pub contains heated, stained concrete floors, concrete counters, and very tall vaulted ceilings. The walls and ceilings are clad with wire brushed grey stained pine and lots of windows overlook the hot tub patio and 270 degree views. The customer also wanted a barn, as both he and she grew up on a farm and shared the love of barns with Hillcrest’s owner. We designed the “perfect gentleman’s barn”, of course red with white trim and with a covered porch which extends on one side into a small greenhouse. Hillcrest also designed and built extensive landscaping features including a winding plank walk to a large swimming pond in the woods. Because of the ample ground water, we created a second swimming pond next to the house which is stays crystal clear and ended up functioning as an outdoor pool.

Hillcrest is very proud to present this custom country estate. Our journey to provide this home for our customer started with our Realty division searching for land for them. After we found the gorgeous countryside site with an old pond, wetland and pastures we managed complex re-zoning and permitting. Because every direction offers distinct views, we spent a lot of time with our customers to place the home and create a layout that maximizes views from every living space. Our design department created a two story main dwelling with an open concept, modern country style custom kitchen, dining area with two sided fireplace, and abutting three season porch. With the kitchen being the hub, it accesses the office, front hall foyer, stairs to the second floor, and the breezeway to the auxiliary part of the home. The living room is semi-open of the dinette, and has chauffeured ceilings. The second floor contains the master suite with a very luxurious bathroom and stunning views. The other two bedrooms also provide great, far flung views. The auxiliary part of the home is perhaps the most unique part of this estate. It offers a long hallway with glass to the south overlooking a large patio with a hot tub. The other side of the hallway has a large laundry with a dumbwaiter to return the laundry upstairs, a shower and powder room for direct access from the hot tub and swimming pond, and a large mudroom. It terminates in the rear foyer with access to the garage and the crown jewel, the sports bar. The customer wanted a brew pub to make and serve his home made beer. The brew pub contains heated, stained concrete floors, concrete counters, and very tall vaulted ceilings. The walls and ceilings are clad with wire brushed grey stained pine and lots of windows overlook the hot tub patio and 270 degree views. The customer also wanted a barn, as both he and she grew up on a farm and shared the love of barns with Hillcrest’s owner. We designed the “perfect gentleman’s barn”, of course red with white trim and with a covered porch which extends on one side into a small greenhouse. Hillcrest also designed and built extensive landscaping features including a winding plank walk to a large swimming pond in the woods. Because of the ample ground water, we created a second swimming pond next to the house which is stays crystal clear and ended up functioning as an outdoor pool.

Hillcrest is very proud to present this custom country estate. Our journey to provide this home for our customer started with our Realty division searching for land for them. After we found the gorgeous countryside site with an old pond, wetland and pastures we managed complex re-zoning and permitting. Because every direction offers distinct views, we spent a lot of time with our customers to place the home and create a layout that maximizes views from every living space. Our design department created a two story main dwelling with an open concept, modern country style custom kitchen, dining area with two sided fireplace, and abutting three season porch. With the kitchen being the hub, it accesses the office, front hall foyer, stairs to the second floor, and the breezeway to the auxiliary part of the home. The living room is semi-open of the dinette, and has chauffeured ceilings. The second floor contains the master suite with a very luxurious bathroom and stunning views. The other two bedrooms also provide great, far flung views. The auxiliary part of the home is perhaps the most unique part of this estate. It offers a long hallway with glass to the south overlooking a large patio with a hot tub. The other side of the hallway has a large laundry with a dumbwaiter to return the laundry upstairs, a shower and powder room for direct access from the hot tub and swimming pond, and a large mudroom. It terminates in the rear foyer with access to the garage and the crown jewel, the sports bar. The customer wanted a brew pub to make and serve his home made beer. The brew pub contains heated, stained concrete floors, concrete counters, and very tall vaulted ceilings. The walls and ceilings are clad with wire brushed grey stained pine and lots of windows overlook the hot tub patio and 270 degree views. The customer also wanted a barn, as both he and she grew up on a farm and shared the love of barns with Hillcrest’s owner. We designed the “perfect gentleman’s barn”, of course red with white trim and with a covered porch which extends on one side into a small greenhouse. Hillcrest also designed and built extensive landscaping features including a winding plank walk to a large swimming pond in the woods. Because of the ample ground water, we created a second swimming pond next to the house which is stays crystal clear and ended up functioning as an outdoor pool.

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.