Search results for "Distinctive solutions" in Home Design Ideas

Returning home after more than a decade living and working in Taiwan, our client envisioned something entirely different from the French Colonial aesthetic of his early-1990s Beaverton home. Through a comprehensive design-build renovation, this Portland metro whole-house remodel transformed a conventional suburban residence into a richly layered retreat inspired by global travel, natural materials, and timeless craftsmanship. The result is a warm, sophisticated home designed to showcase treasured artifacts and collectibles gathered from years abroad while providing modern functionality for everyday living.
From the moment you enter, the home's new character unfolds through a carefully curated palette of wood, stone, and metal. Rich ebony-stained knotty alder millwork draws the eye through the entry, where a newly created mudroom replaces the former office space. Beyond a set of dramatic barn doors, a striking stone fireplace becomes the focal point of the living room, anchored by a reclaimed wood mantel and rustic ceiling beams that add warmth and architectural depth. Nearby, the sunroom was completely refreshed through thoughtful window modifications and custom trim detailing, creating a seamless connection between the interior and the surrounding landscape.
The kitchen serves as the heart of the renovation, blending rustic elegance with refined craftsmanship. Custom alder cabinetry is paired with layered metal finishes, allowing subtle copper and bronze undertones to emerge from creamy quartz countertops. A textured slate backsplash echoes the flagstone-inspired flooring, while a newly created butler's pantry provides both beauty and functionality. Each material was selected to evoke the authenticity of old-world craftsmanship while supporting the practical needs of modern living.
One of the home's most dramatic architectural transformations is the custom floating staircase. Designed as both a sculptural centerpiece and a solution to circulation challenges, the staircase opens previously constricted pathways and enhances the home's flow. Hand-tooled hickory wraps each tread while weathered metal accents provide subtle industrial character. Upstairs, creative space planning allowed for the addition of a discreet laundry nook within an underutilized hallway area, improving convenience without sacrificing valuable living space.
The primary suite continues the home's story of understated luxury and global influence. Rustic ceiling beams mirror those seen throughout the main level, creating visual continuity and warmth. An antique carved door serves as a distinctive feature within the reconfigured closet layout, while the primary bathroom embraces a calming combination of stone, concrete, and matte black finishes. Large-format tile arranged in a custom Versailles-inspired pattern guides the eye through the spa-like retreat, where natural textures and abundant daylight create a serene atmosphere.
While the main and upper levels celebrate warmth and global influence, the basement renovation introduces an entirely different layer of the home's personality. To create the ultimate entertainment destination, the basement footprint was extended approximately seven feet beyond the original foundation, transforming previously underutilized space into a seamless indoor-outdoor gathering environment. Inspired by cultured industrial design, the newly expanded lower level was envisioned as a place where family and friends could relax, connect, and enjoy the home's resort-like backyard amenities.
At the heart of the basement renovation is a custom entertainment bar featuring reclaimed rustic cabinetry and chiseled-edge granite countertops that emphasize the natural character of the materials. Accordion-style serving windows create a direct connection between the interior bar and the outdoor living spaces, allowing drinks, food, and conversation to flow effortlessly between the entertainment room and the backyard pool, hot tub, and professionally landscaped grounds. The result is a true indoor-outdoor living experience designed for year-round enjoyment.
The expansive recreation area accommodates a variety of activities while maintaining a cohesive design aesthetic. A shuffleboard table, billiards area, and casual bar dining space provide multiple destinations for gathering, all unified by a sophisticated palette of brick, concrete, wood, and metal. Slim-profile brick walls introduce texture and authenticity, while custom decorative painting techniques create the appearance of cast concrete accent walls, reinforcing the basement's refined industrial character without overwhelming the space.
Supporting spaces throughout the lower level were equally transformed. An outdated bathroom was fully renovated to reflect the home's dark and moody aesthetic, incorporating a curbless shower, rustic vanity, and layered finishes that balance comfort with style. Two underutilized bedrooms were thoughtfully reconfigured to better support the homeowner's lifestyle, with one becoming a dedicated home office and the other opening into a flexible music room designed for creativity and relaxation. Additional unfinished crawlspace and storage areas were reclaimed to create a private home gym, maximizing every square foot of the home's footprint.
The renovation extended beyond the interior walls of the home. A newly rebuilt two-story deck strengthens the connection between indoor and outdoor spaces while providing multiple vantage points overlooking the backyard retreat. On the upper level, adjacent to the primary suite, a new enclosed sunroom addition creates a peaceful sanctuary elevated among the trees. Together, these exterior improvements complement the home's interior transformation, enhancing both livability and year-round enjoyment while creating a true extension of the living space outdoors.
Behind the finished spaces, this Beaverton full home remodel required significant structural and technical expertise. Replacing the original staircase involved extensive modifications to the upper-floor framing system, including the installation of concealed supports for the floating treads and the creation of a new landing structure. Throughout the home, natural materials presented unique installation challenges. The dimensional variation of the slate backsplash required each stone to be precisely shaped around electrical devices and surrounding elements, while reclaimed wood beams demanded extensive preparation before they could be securely installed. Careful coordination among multiple trades ensured every custom detail performed as beautifully as it appeared.
Because the homeowner remained in Taiwan for much of the renovation, collaboration relied on a highly organized design-build process and frequent communication across a fourteen-hour time difference. Detailed design presentations, material selections, and construction updates allowed key decisions to be made efficiently, even from across the globe. This partnership enabled the project team to successfully execute a highly customized vision despite logistical complexities and construction delays outside of the project's control.
Strategic planning also played a crucial role in maintaining the project budget. While the homeowner initially envisioned reclaimed wood flooring and natural flagstone throughout the home, carefully selected engineered hardwood and porcelain tile provided a similar aesthetic with improved performance and cost efficiency. Authenticity was preserved through the use of genuine stone at key focal points, including the fireplace surround and kitchen backsplash, as well as reclaimed wood incorporated into architectural beam details. Existing high-quality windows were retained and transformed through selective replacement, custom trim work, and thoughtful refinishing, delivering the desired look while avoiding unnecessary expense. Additional savings came from a creative exterior repair solution that replicated the home's original stucco detailing without requiring a complete façade replacement.
This luxury Beaverton whole-house renovation demonstrates how thoughtful design-build remodeling can completely reimagine an existing home. Through strategic space planning, custom craftsmanship, and budget-conscious decision making, a dated suburban residence was transformed into a distinctive rustic contemporary retreat that reflects its owner's global experiences, personal story, and vision for home.

Returning home after more than a decade living and working in Taiwan, our client envisioned something entirely different from the French Colonial aesthetic of his early-1990s Beaverton home. Through a comprehensive design-build renovation, this Portland metro whole-house remodel transformed a conventional suburban residence into a richly layered retreat inspired by global travel, natural materials, and timeless craftsmanship. The result is a warm, sophisticated home designed to showcase treasured artifacts and collectibles gathered from years abroad while providing modern functionality for everyday living.
From the moment you enter, the home's new character unfolds through a carefully curated palette of wood, stone, and metal. Rich ebony-stained knotty alder millwork draws the eye through the entry, where a newly created mudroom replaces the former office space. Beyond a set of dramatic barn doors, a striking stone fireplace becomes the focal point of the living room, anchored by a reclaimed wood mantel and rustic ceiling beams that add warmth and architectural depth. Nearby, the sunroom was completely refreshed through thoughtful window modifications and custom trim detailing, creating a seamless connection between the interior and the surrounding landscape.
The kitchen serves as the heart of the renovation, blending rustic elegance with refined craftsmanship. Custom alder cabinetry is paired with layered metal finishes, allowing subtle copper and bronze undertones to emerge from creamy quartz countertops. A textured slate backsplash echoes the flagstone-inspired flooring, while a newly created butler's pantry provides both beauty and functionality. Each material was selected to evoke the authenticity of old-world craftsmanship while supporting the practical needs of modern living.
One of the home's most dramatic architectural transformations is the custom floating staircase. Designed as both a sculptural centerpiece and a solution to circulation challenges, the staircase opens previously constricted pathways and enhances the home's flow. Hand-tooled hickory wraps each tread while weathered metal accents provide subtle industrial character. Upstairs, creative space planning allowed for the addition of a discreet laundry nook within an underutilized hallway area, improving convenience without sacrificing valuable living space.
The primary suite continues the home's story of understated luxury and global influence. Rustic ceiling beams mirror those seen throughout the main level, creating visual continuity and warmth. An antique carved door serves as a distinctive feature within the reconfigured closet layout, while the primary bathroom embraces a calming combination of stone, concrete, and matte black finishes. Large-format tile arranged in a custom Versailles-inspired pattern guides the eye through the spa-like retreat, where natural textures and abundant daylight create a serene atmosphere.
While the main and upper levels celebrate warmth and global influence, the basement renovation introduces an entirely different layer of the home's personality. To create the ultimate entertainment destination, the basement footprint was extended approximately seven feet beyond the original foundation, transforming previously underutilized space into a seamless indoor-outdoor gathering environment. Inspired by cultured industrial design, the newly expanded lower level was envisioned as a place where family and friends could relax, connect, and enjoy the home's resort-like backyard amenities.
At the heart of the basement renovation is a custom entertainment bar featuring reclaimed rustic cabinetry and chiseled-edge granite countertops that emphasize the natural character of the materials. Accordion-style serving windows create a direct connection between the interior bar and the outdoor living spaces, allowing drinks, food, and conversation to flow effortlessly between the entertainment room and the backyard pool, hot tub, and professionally landscaped grounds. The result is a true indoor-outdoor living experience designed for year-round enjoyment.
The expansive recreation area accommodates a variety of activities while maintaining a cohesive design aesthetic. A shuffleboard table, billiards area, and casual bar dining space provide multiple destinations for gathering, all unified by a sophisticated palette of brick, concrete, wood, and metal. Slim-profile brick walls introduce texture and authenticity, while custom decorative painting techniques create the appearance of cast concrete accent walls, reinforcing the basement's refined industrial character without overwhelming the space.
Supporting spaces throughout the lower level were equally transformed. An outdated bathroom was fully renovated to reflect the home's dark and moody aesthetic, incorporating a curbless shower, rustic vanity, and layered finishes that balance comfort with style. Two underutilized bedrooms were thoughtfully reconfigured to better support the homeowner's lifestyle, with one becoming a dedicated home office and the other opening into a flexible music room designed for creativity and relaxation. Additional unfinished crawlspace and storage areas were reclaimed to create a private home gym, maximizing every square foot of the home's footprint.
The renovation extended beyond the interior walls of the home. A newly rebuilt two-story deck strengthens the connection between indoor and outdoor spaces while providing multiple vantage points overlooking the backyard retreat. On the upper level, adjacent to the primary suite, a new enclosed sunroom addition creates a peaceful sanctuary elevated among the trees. Together, these exterior improvements complement the home's interior transformation, enhancing both livability and year-round enjoyment while creating a true extension of the living space outdoors.
Behind the finished spaces, this Beaverton full home remodel required significant structural and technical expertise. Replacing the original staircase involved extensive modifications to the upper-floor framing system, including the installation of concealed supports for the floating treads and the creation of a new landing structure. Throughout the home, natural materials presented unique installation challenges. The dimensional variation of the slate backsplash required each stone to be precisely shaped around electrical devices and surrounding elements, while reclaimed wood beams demanded extensive preparation before they could be securely installed. Careful coordination among multiple trades ensured every custom detail performed as beautifully as it appeared.
Because the homeowner remained in Taiwan for much of the renovation, collaboration relied on a highly organized design-build process and frequent communication across a fourteen-hour time difference. Detailed design presentations, material selections, and construction updates allowed key decisions to be made efficiently, even from across the globe. This partnership enabled the project team to successfully execute a highly customized vision despite logistical complexities and construction delays outside of the project's control.
Strategic planning also played a crucial role in maintaining the project budget. While the homeowner initially envisioned reclaimed wood flooring and natural flagstone throughout the home, carefully selected engineered hardwood and porcelain tile provided a similar aesthetic with improved performance and cost efficiency. Authenticity was preserved through the use of genuine stone at key focal points, including the fireplace surround and kitchen backsplash, as well as reclaimed wood incorporated into architectural beam details. Existing high-quality windows were retained and transformed through selective replacement, custom trim work, and thoughtful refinishing, delivering the desired look while avoiding unnecessary expense. Additional savings came from a creative exterior repair solution that replicated the home's original stucco detailing without requiring a complete façade replacement.
This luxury Beaverton whole-house renovation demonstrates how thoughtful design-build remodeling can completely reimagine an existing home. Through strategic space planning, custom craftsmanship, and budget-conscious decision making, a dated suburban residence was transformed into a distinctive rustic contemporary retreat that reflects its owner's global experiences, personal story, and vision for home.
Find the right local pro for your project

This kitchen renovation transformed a dated 1930s bungalow into a warm, functional space that honors the home's original character while meeting the needs of modern living.
The homeowners wanted to preserve the vintage charm of their home while significantly improving storage, workflow, and everyday functionality. To accomplish this, we designed the kitchen with Starmark Cabinetry, carefully balancing timeless aesthetics with practical solutions.
One of the most impactful design improvements was extending cabinetry around the corner using shallow base cabinets. This creative approach allowed us to add valuable upper cabinet storage without making the space feel crowded, maximizing every inch of the kitchen while maintaining an open, comfortable feel.
The finished space is full of thoughtful details that celebrate the home's history. A beautifully restored antique range serves as the centerpiece of the kitchen, while the retro-inspired flooring establishes the room's distinctive personality. As a fun design note, the flooring is the same style featured in Steve Martin's apartment on Only Murders in the Building, making it a perfect complement to this home's vintage character.
The result is a kitchen that feels authentic to the home's 1930s roots while offering the storage, organization, and functionality today's homeowners expect.

This kitchen renovation transformed a dated 1930s bungalow into a warm, functional space that honors the home's original character while meeting the needs of modern living.
The homeowners wanted to preserve the vintage charm of their home while significantly improving storage, workflow, and everyday functionality. To accomplish this, we designed the kitchen with Starmark Cabinetry, carefully balancing timeless aesthetics with practical solutions.
One of the most impactful design improvements was extending cabinetry around the corner using shallow base cabinets. This creative approach allowed us to add valuable upper cabinet storage without making the space feel crowded, maximizing every inch of the kitchen while maintaining an open, comfortable feel.
The finished space is full of thoughtful details that celebrate the home's history. A beautifully restored antique range serves as the centerpiece of the kitchen, while the retro-inspired flooring establishes the room's distinctive personality. As a fun design note, the flooring is the same style featured in Steve Martin's apartment on Only Murders in the Building, making it a perfect complement to this home's vintage character.
The result is a kitchen that feels authentic to the home's 1930s roots while offering the storage, organization, and functionality today's homeowners expect.

This custom kitchen had great bones, but with the stainless steel, slick granite and shiny hardwood floors, we needed to add some softness.
Patterned flat roman shades softened add just enough softness without interfering with the room's contemporary lines.
A simple taupe honeycomb shade provides an elegant, functional solution to sometimes tricky french door coverage.
This semi-sheer shade is opaque enough for nighttime privacy, and sheer enough for daytime light control.
Lea Tran @ Distinctive Designs.
www.distinctivedesignsbytran.com

Sponsored
Columbus, OH
Wannemacher Interiors
Customized Award-Winning Interior Design Solutions in Franklin Cnty OH

Solution 1.8 is a mid-size heating device that earns high marks in both performance and attractive styling. Its slightly curved top, arched door, distinctive lines and choice of pedestal or curved legs creates a look that combines rustic with modern.
Like all wood-burning models in the Enerzone line, it uses combustion technology with a secondary air supply tested to meet EPA emissions standards (Environmental Protection Agency). The particulate matter is burned before being released into the atmosphere for economic combustion that protects the environment.
Solution 1.8 is a versatile auxiliary device for responsible heating today and in the future.

This kitchen renovation transformed a dated 1930s bungalow into a warm, functional space that honors the home's original character while meeting the needs of modern living.
The homeowners wanted to preserve the vintage charm of their home while significantly improving storage, workflow, and everyday functionality. To accomplish this, we designed the kitchen with Starmark Cabinetry, carefully balancing timeless aesthetics with practical solutions.
One of the most impactful design improvements was extending cabinetry around the corner using shallow base cabinets. This creative approach allowed us to add valuable upper cabinet storage without making the space feel crowded, maximizing every inch of the kitchen while maintaining an open, comfortable feel.
The finished space is full of thoughtful details that celebrate the home's history. A beautifully restored antique range serves as the centerpiece of the kitchen, while the retro-inspired flooring establishes the room's distinctive personality. As a fun design note, the flooring is the same style featured in Steve Martin's apartment on Only Murders in the Building, making it a perfect complement to this home's vintage character.
The result is a kitchen that feels authentic to the home's 1930s roots while offering the storage, organization, and functionality today's homeowners expect.

This kitchen renovation transformed a dated 1930s bungalow into a warm, functional space that honors the home's original character while meeting the needs of modern living.
The homeowners wanted to preserve the vintage charm of their home while significantly improving storage, workflow, and everyday functionality. To accomplish this, we designed the kitchen with Starmark Cabinetry, carefully balancing timeless aesthetics with practical solutions.
One of the most impactful design improvements was extending cabinetry around the corner using shallow base cabinets. This creative approach allowed us to add valuable upper cabinet storage without making the space feel crowded, maximizing every inch of the kitchen while maintaining an open, comfortable feel.
The finished space is full of thoughtful details that celebrate the home's history. A beautifully restored antique range serves as the centerpiece of the kitchen, while the retro-inspired flooring establishes the room's distinctive personality. As a fun design note, the flooring is the same style featured in Steve Martin's apartment on Only Murders in the Building, making it a perfect complement to this home's vintage character.
The result is a kitchen that feels authentic to the home's 1930s roots while offering the storage, organization, and functionality today's homeowners expect.

Visit Our Showroom
8000 Locust Mill St.
Ellicott City, MD 21043
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Elevations Design Solutions by Myers is the go-to inspirational, high-end showroom for the best in cabinetry, flooring, window and door design. Visit our showroom with your architect, contractor or designer to explore the brands and products that best reflects your personal style. We can assist in product selection, in-home measurements, estimating and design, as well as providing referrals to professional remodelers and designers.

This kitchen renovation transformed a dated 1930s bungalow into a warm, functional space that honors the home's original character while meeting the needs of modern living.
The homeowners wanted to preserve the vintage charm of their home while significantly improving storage, workflow, and everyday functionality. To accomplish this, we designed the kitchen with Starmark Cabinetry, carefully balancing timeless aesthetics with practical solutions.
One of the most impactful design improvements was extending cabinetry around the corner using shallow base cabinets. This creative approach allowed us to add valuable upper cabinet storage without making the space feel crowded, maximizing every inch of the kitchen while maintaining an open, comfortable feel.
The finished space is full of thoughtful details that celebrate the home's history. A beautifully restored antique range serves as the centerpiece of the kitchen, while the retro-inspired flooring establishes the room's distinctive personality. As a fun design note, the flooring is the same style featured in Steve Martin's apartment on Only Murders in the Building, making it a perfect complement to this home's vintage character.
The result is a kitchen that feels authentic to the home's 1930s roots while offering the storage, organization, and functionality today's homeowners expect.

Solution 1.8 is a mid-size heating device that earns high marks in both performance and attractive styling. Its slightly curved top, arched door, distinctive lines and choice of pedestal or curved legs creates a look that combines rustic with modern.
Like all wood-burning models in the Enerzone line, it uses combustion technology with a secondary air supply tested to meet EPA emissions standards (Environmental Protection Agency). The particulate matter is burned before being released into the atmosphere for economic combustion that protects the environment.
Solution 1.8 is a versatile auxiliary device for responsible heating today and in the future.

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.
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