Squeezing by the washer and dryer at the start and end of each day, my clients could not help but be reminded of an endless chore — laundry! Relocating the laundry facilities and designing a proper mudroom allows for a smoother, stress-free transition when the family enters and exits their home. Nicole Billark Photography

2010 REGIONAL AWARD WINNER Built in 2000, this center hall colonial in Fairfax Station, Virginia had a kitchen that was neither functional nor aesthetically pleasing. First, the floor plan was poorly rationalized. The work triangle was inefficient, a large pantry took up too much floor space, and a series of railings between the kitchen and family room obstructed traffic flow. Aesthetically, the space was dated. Dutch cabinetry, floral wallpaper and a faux Victorian chandelier all cried for an update. Additionally, the homeowners wanted to incorporate high-end appliances and other amenities like a wine cooler and steam cooker. Overall, the owners were seeking to replace worn out-of-style kitchen with a substantially upgraded “open” facility that combines traditional and contemporary features configured to support multiple social and culinary needs. Working with Michael Nash Design, Build & Homes, they decided to implement a series of strategic revisions that would support their new use goals. First, they removed an obstructive bearing wall between the existing kitchen and mudroom, creating a recessed niche for a new 48” gas range with custom hood. An unused desk taken out provided a spot for the new 48” two-drawer refrigerator/freezer. A custom-designed L-shaped granite-surfaced island with bar sink, icemaker and mini-drawer refrigerator takes center stage in the space and offers seating for six. Now the chef can entertain guests while preparing the meal. From an aesthetic point of view, the interior features are nothing less than stunning. Softly painted walls, decorative ceramic tile backsplashes and granite surfaces combine with custom made cabinets to create an elegant space. Antiqued soft-opaque cabinet facings, wood panel refrigerator door inserts, glass-facing display cabinets and a custom mantle range hood are true works of craftsmanship. Fine detail is expressed with flutes and corbels. Beauty is truly in the details of this award-winning kitchen.

This quintessential family home offers owners comfort, functionality, and a beautiful space to gather. This home, designed by Visbeen Architects, encompasses all of these qualities and throws in luxury and style, too. Exterior details reflect the American Craftsman and Shingle styles of the late 19th century. On the main level, the formal dining room flows into the living area and kitchen, offering more than enough space and seating for large groups of friends and family to congregate. The well-appointed master suite is also located on the main floor. Climb the turreted stairs to the upper level and you will find two bedroom suites, a guest room, laundry facilities, and a home office. The lower level provides a guest suite, and a comfortable family and hearth area, as well as a refreshment bar and an additional office.

This award-winning whole house renovation of a circa 1875 single family home in the historic Capitol Hill neighborhood of Washington DC provides the client with an open and more functional layout without requiring an addition. After major structural repairs and creating one uniform floor level and ceiling height, we were able to make a truly open concept main living level, achieving the main goal of the client. The large kitchen was designed for two busy home cooks who like to entertain, complete with a built-in mud bench. The water heater and air handler are hidden inside full height cabinetry. A new gas fireplace clad with reclaimed vintage bricks graces the dining room. A new hand-built staircase harkens to the home's historic past. The laundry was relocated to the second floor vestibule. The three upstairs bathrooms were fully updated as well. Final touches include new hardwood floor and color scheme throughout the home.

Breathtaking views of the incomparable Big Sur Coast, this classic Tuscan design of an Italian farmhouse, combined with a modern approach creates an ambiance of relaxed sophistication for this magnificent 95.73-acre, private coastal estate on California’s Coastal Ridge. Five-bedroom, 5.5-bath, 7,030 sq. ft. main house, and 864 sq. ft. caretaker house over 864 sq. ft. of garage and laundry facility. Commanding a ridge above the Pacific Ocean and Post Ranch Inn, this spectacular property has sweeping views of the California coastline and surrounding hills. “It’s as if a contemporary house were overlaid on a Tuscan farm-house ruin,” says decorator Craig Wright who created the interiors. The main residence was designed by renowned architect Mickey Muenning—the architect of Big Sur’s Post Ranch Inn, —who artfully combined the contemporary sensibility and the Tuscan vernacular, featuring vaulted ceilings, stained concrete floors, reclaimed Tuscan wood beams, antique Italian roof tiles and a stone tower. Beautifully designed for indoor/outdoor living; the grounds offer a plethora of comfortable and inviting places to lounge and enjoy the stunning views. No expense was spared in the construction of this exquisite estate.

This exclusive guest home features excellent and easy to use technology throughout. The idea and purpose of this guesthouse is to host multiple charity events, sporting event parties, and family gatherings. The roughly 90-acre site has impressive views and is a one of a kind property in Colorado. The project features incredible sounding audio and 4k video distributed throughout (inside and outside). There is centralized lighting control both indoors and outdoors, an enterprise Wi-Fi network, HD surveillance, and a state of the art Crestron control system utilizing iPads and in-wall touch panels. Some of the special features of the facility is a powerful and sophisticated QSC Line Array audio system in the Great Hall, Sony and Crestron 4k Video throughout, a large outdoor audio system featuring in ground hidden subwoofers by Sonance surrounding the pool, and smart LED lighting inside the gorgeous infinity pool. J Gramling Photos

Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary u-shaped ceramic tile open concept kitchen remodel in Vancouver with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, quartz countertops, beige backsplash, ceramic backsplash and stainless steel appliances

This project was such an incredible design opportunity, and instilled inspiration and excitement at every turn! Our amazing clients came to us with the challenge of converting their beloved family home into a welcoming haven for all members of the family. At the time that we met our clients, they were struggling with the difficult personal decision of the fate of the home. Their father/father-in-law had passed away and their mother/mother-in-law had recently been admitted into a nursing facility and was fighting Alzheimer’s. Resistant to loss of the home now that both parents were out of it, our clients purchased the home to keep in in the family. Despite their permanent home currently being in New Jersey, these clients dedicated themselves to keeping and revitalizing the house. We were moved by the story and became immediately passionate about bringing this dream to life. The home was built by the parents of our clients and was only ever owned by them, making this a truly special space to the family. Our goal was to revitalize the home and to bring new energy into every room without losing the special characteristics that were original to the home when it was built. In this way, we were able to develop a house that maintains its own unique personality while offering a space of welcoming neutrality for all members of the family to enjoy over time. The renovation touched every part of the home: the exterior, foyer, kitchen, living room, sun room, garage, six bedrooms, three bathrooms, the laundry room, and everything in between. The focus was to develop a style that carried consistently from space to space, but allowed for unique expression in the small details in every room. Starting at the entry, we renovated the front door and entry point to offer more presence and to bring more of the mid-century vibe to the home’s exterior. We integrated a new modern front door, cedar shingle accents, new exterior paint, and gorgeous contemporary house numbers that really allow the home to stand out. Just inside the entry, we renovated the foyer to create a playful entry point worthy of attention. Cement look tile adorns the foyer floor, and we’ve added new lighting and upgraded the entry coat storage. Upon entering the home, one will immediately be captivated by the stunning kitchen just off the entry. We transformed this space in just about every way. While the footprint of the home ultimately remained almost identical, the aesthetics were completely turned on their head. We re-worked the kitchen to maximize storage and to create an informal dining area that is great for casual hosting or morning coffee. We removed the entry to the garage that was once in the informal dining, and created a peninsula in its place that offers a unique division between the kitchen/informal dining and the formal dining and living areas. The simple light warm light gray cabinetry offers a bit of traditional elegance, along with the marble backsplash and quartz countertops. We extended the original wood flooring into the kitchen and stained all floors to match for a warmth that truly resonates through all spaces. We upgraded appliances, added lighting everywhere, and finished the space with some gorgeous mid century furniture pieces. In the formal dining and living room, we really focused on maintaining the original marble fireplace as a focal point. We cleaned the marble, repaired the mortar, and refinished the original fireplace screen to give a new sleek look in black. We then integrated a new gas insert for modern heating and painted the upper portion in a rich navy blue; an accent that is carried through the home consistently as a nod to our client’s love of the color. The former entry into the old covered porch is now an elegant glass door leading to a stunning finished sunroom. This room was completely upgraded as well. We wrapped the entire space in cozy white shiplap to keep a casual feel with brightness. We tiled the floor with large format concrete look tile, and painted the old brick fireplace a bright white. We installed a new gas burning unit, and integrated transitional style lighting to bring warmth and elegance into the space. The new black-frame windows are adorned with decorative shades that feature hand-sketched bird prints, and we’ve created a dedicated garden-ware “nook” for our client who loves to work in the yard. The far end of this space is completed with two oversized chaise loungers and overhead lights…the most perfect little reading nook! Just off the dining room, we created an entirely new space to the home: a mudroom. The clients lacked this space and desperately needed a landing spot upon entering the home from the garage. We uniquely planned existing space in the garage to utilize for this purpose, and were able to create a small but functional entry point without losing the ability to park cars in the garage. This new space features cement-look tile, gorgeous deep brown cabinetry, and plenty of storage for all the small items one might need to store while moving in and out of the home. The remainder of the upstairs level includes massive renovations to the guest hall bathroom and guest bedroom, upstairs master bed/bath suite, and a third bedroom that we converted into a home office for the client. Some of the largest transformations were made in the basement, where unfinished space and lack of light were converted into gloriously lit, cozy, finished spaces. Our first task was to convert the massive basement living room into the new master bedroom for our clients. We removed existing built-ins, created an entirely new walk-in closet, painted the old brick fireplace, installed a new gas unit, added carpet, introduced new lighting, replaced windows, and upgraded every part of the aesthetic appearance. One of the most incredible features of this space is the custom double sliding barn door made by a Denver artisan. This space is truly a retreat for our clients! We also completely transformed the laundry room, back storage room, basement master bathroom, and two bedrooms. This home’s massive scope and ever-evolving challenges were thrilling and exciting to work with, and the result is absolutely amazing. At the end of the day, this home offers a look and feel that the clients love. Above all, though, the clients feel the spirit of their family home and have a welcoming environment for all members of the family to enjoy for years to come.

Lube studio offers a comprehensive choice of materials, styles, designs, accessories, and combinations, which helps in making every kitchen unique, customized and one of its kinds. Lube has over 150 models to offer with more than 200 color options and over 250 handle designs, with more than 1,000 permutation and combination options. The in-house visionary Designing and Operations team at all out Studios, help you turn your dreams into reality. LUBE assurance can delight you, due to its 100% Italian make from our one and only production facility which is in Treia Italy. Visit our exclusive showroom at: 1180 Coney Island Ave, Brooklyn, NY, 11230. 718.434.2111 or visit our website: www.exclusivehomebath.com

This project was such an incredible design opportunity, and instilled inspiration and excitement at every turn! Our amazing clients came to us with the challenge of converting their beloved family home into a welcoming haven for all members of the family. At the time that we met our clients, they were struggling with the difficult personal decision of the fate of the home. Their father/father-in-law had passed away and their mother/mother-in-law had recently been admitted into a nursing facility and was fighting Alzheimer’s. Resistant to loss of the home now that both parents were out of it, our clients purchased the home to keep in in the family. Despite their permanent home currently being in New Jersey, these clients dedicated themselves to keeping and revitalizing the house. We were moved by the story and became immediately passionate about bringing this dream to life. The home was built by the parents of our clients and was only ever owned by them, making this a truly special space to the family. Our goal was to revitalize the home and to bring new energy into every room without losing the special characteristics that were original to the home when it was built. In this way, we were able to develop a house that maintains its own unique personality while offering a space of welcoming neutrality for all members of the family to enjoy over time. The renovation touched every part of the home: the exterior, foyer, kitchen, living room, sun room, garage, six bedrooms, three bathrooms, the laundry room, and everything in between. The focus was to develop a style that carried consistently from space to space, but allowed for unique expression in the small details in every room. Starting at the entry, we renovated the front door and entry point to offer more presence and to bring more of the mid-century vibe to the home’s exterior. We integrated a new modern front door, cedar shingle accents, new exterior paint, and gorgeous contemporary house numbers that really allow the home to stand out. Just inside the entry, we renovated the foyer to create a playful entry point worthy of attention. Cement look tile adorns the foyer floor, and we’ve added new lighting and upgraded the entry coat storage. Upon entering the home, one will immediately be captivated by the stunning kitchen just off the entry. We transformed this space in just about every way. While the footprint of the home ultimately remained almost identical, the aesthetics were completely turned on their head. We re-worked the kitchen to maximize storage and to create an informal dining area that is great for casual hosting or morning coffee. We removed the entry to the garage that was once in the informal dining, and created a peninsula in its place that offers a unique division between the kitchen/informal dining and the formal dining and living areas. The simple light warm light gray cabinetry offers a bit of traditional elegance, along with the marble backsplash and quartz countertops. We extended the original wood flooring into the kitchen and stained all floors to match for a warmth that truly resonates through all spaces. We upgraded appliances, added lighting everywhere, and finished the space with some gorgeous mid century furniture pieces. In the formal dining and living room, we really focused on maintaining the original marble fireplace as a focal point. We cleaned the marble, repaired the mortar, and refinished the original fireplace screen to give a new sleek look in black. We then integrated a new gas insert for modern heating and painted the upper portion in a rich navy blue; an accent that is carried through the home consistently as a nod to our client’s love of the color. The former entry into the old covered porch is now an elegant glass door leading to a stunning finished sunroom. This room was completely upgraded as well. We wrapped the entire space in cozy white shiplap to keep a casual feel with brightness. We tiled the floor with large format concrete look tile, and painted the old brick fireplace a bright white. We installed a new gas burning unit, and integrated transitional style lighting to bring warmth and elegance into the space. The new black-frame windows are adorned with decorative shades that feature hand-sketched bird prints, and we’ve created a dedicated garden-ware “nook” for our client who loves to work in the yard. The far end of this space is completed with two oversized chaise loungers and overhead lights…the most perfect little reading nook! Just off the dining room, we created an entirely new space to the home: a mudroom. The clients lacked this space and desperately needed a landing spot upon entering the home from the garage. We uniquely planned existing space in the garage to utilize for this purpose, and were able to create a small but functional entry point without losing the ability to park cars in the garage. This new space features cement-look tile, gorgeous deep brown cabinetry, and plenty of storage for all the small items one might need to store while moving in and out of the home. The remainder of the upstairs level includes massive renovations to the guest hall bathroom and guest bedroom, upstairs master bed/bath suite, and a third bedroom that we converted into a home office for the client. Some of the largest transformations were made in the basement, where unfinished space and lack of light were converted into gloriously lit, cozy, finished spaces. Our first task was to convert the massive basement living room into the new master bedroom for our clients. We removed existing built-ins, created an entirely new walk-in closet, painted the old brick fireplace, installed a new gas unit, added carpet, introduced new lighting, replaced windows, and upgraded every part of the aesthetic appearance. One of the most incredible features of this space is the custom double sliding barn door made by a Denver artisan. This space is truly a retreat for our clients! We also completely transformed the laundry room, back storage room, basement master bathroom, and two bedrooms. This home’s massive scope and ever-evolving challenges were thrilling and exciting to work with, and the result is absolutely amazing. At the end of the day, this home offers a look and feel that the clients love. Above all, though, the clients feel the spirit of their family home and have a welcoming environment for all members of the family to enjoy for years to come.

The owners requested a Private Resort that catered to their love for entertaining friends and family, a place where 2 people would feel just as comfortable as 42. Located on the western edge of a Wisconsin lake, the site provides a range of natural ecosystems from forest to prairie to water, allowing the building to have a more complex relationship with the lake - not merely creating large unencumbered views in that direction. The gently sloping site to the lake is atypical in many ways to most lakeside lots - as its main trajectory is not directly to the lake views - allowing for focus to be pushed in other directions such as a courtyard and into a nearby forest. The biggest challenge was accommodating the large scale gathering spaces, while not overwhelming the natural setting with a single massive structure. Our solution was found in breaking down the scale of the project into digestible pieces and organizing them in a Camp-like collection of elements: - Main Lodge: Providing the proper entry to the Camp and a Mess Hall - Bunk House: A communal sleeping area and social space. - Party Barn: An entertainment facility that opens directly on to a swimming pool & outdoor room. - Guest Cottages: A series of smaller guest quarters. - Private Quarters: The owners private space that directly links to the Main Lodge. These elements are joined by a series green roof connectors, that merge with the landscape and allow the out buildings to retain their own identity. This Camp feel was further magnified through the materiality - specifically the use of Doug Fir, creating a modern Northwoods setting that is warm and inviting. The use of local limestone and poured concrete walls ground the buildings to the sloping site and serve as a cradle for the wood volumes that rest gently on them. The connections between these materials provided an opportunity to add a delicate reading to the spaces and re-enforce the camp aesthetic. The oscillation between large communal spaces and private, intimate zones is explored on the interior and in the outdoor rooms. From the large courtyard to the private balcony - accommodating a variety of opportunities to engage the landscape was at the heart of the concept. Overview Chenequa, WI Size Total Finished Area: 9,543 sf Completion Date May 2013 Services Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Interior Design

Breathtaking views of the incomparable Big Sur Coast, this classic Tuscan design of an Italian farmhouse, combined with a modern approach creates an ambiance of relaxed sophistication for this magnificent 95.73-acre, private coastal estate on California’s Coastal Ridge. Five-bedroom, 5.5-bath, 7,030 sq. ft. main house, and 864 sq. ft. caretaker house over 864 sq. ft. of garage and laundry facility. Commanding a ridge above the Pacific Ocean and Post Ranch Inn, this spectacular property has sweeping views of the California coastline and surrounding hills. “It’s as if a contemporary house were overlaid on a Tuscan farm-house ruin,” says decorator Craig Wright who created the interiors. The main residence was designed by renowned architect Mickey Muenning—the architect of Big Sur’s Post Ranch Inn, —who artfully combined the contemporary sensibility and the Tuscan vernacular, featuring vaulted ceilings, stained concrete floors, reclaimed Tuscan wood beams, antique Italian roof tiles and a stone tower. Beautifully designed for indoor/outdoor living; the grounds offer a plethora of comfortable and inviting places to lounge and enjoy the stunning views. No expense was spared in the construction of this exquisite estate. Presented by Olivia Hsu Decker +1 415.720.5915­ +1 415.435.1600­ Decker Bullock Sotheby's International Realty

This exclusive guest home features excellent and easy to use technology throughout. The idea and purpose of this guesthouse is to host multiple charity events, sporting event parties, and family gatherings. The roughly 90-acre site has impressive views and is a one of a kind property in Colorado. The project features incredible sounding audio and 4k video distributed throughout (inside and outside). There is centralized lighting control both indoors and outdoors, an enterprise Wi-Fi network, HD surveillance, and a state of the art Crestron control system utilizing iPads and in-wall touch panels. Some of the special features of the facility is a powerful and sophisticated QSC Line Array audio system in the Great Hall, Sony and Crestron 4k Video throughout, a large outdoor audio system featuring in ground hidden subwoofers by Sonance surrounding the pool, and smart LED lighting inside the gorgeous infinity pool. J Gramling Photos

This luxury master bath not only features a beautiful master tub area with a custom designed tile installation -- it also contains both his and hers vanities, a custom walk-in tile shower, a private water closet area as well as both in-floor hydronic heat and audio visual facilities for both viewing TV or listening to music while relaxing in the bath.

The owners requested a Private Resort that catered to their love for entertaining friends and family, a place where 2 people would feel just as comfortable as 42. Located on the western edge of a Wisconsin lake, the site provides a range of natural ecosystems from forest to prairie to water, allowing the building to have a more complex relationship with the lake - not merely creating large unencumbered views in that direction. The gently sloping site to the lake is atypical in many ways to most lakeside lots - as its main trajectory is not directly to the lake views - allowing for focus to be pushed in other directions such as a courtyard and into a nearby forest. The biggest challenge was accommodating the large scale gathering spaces, while not overwhelming the natural setting with a single massive structure. Our solution was found in breaking down the scale of the project into digestible pieces and organizing them in a Camp-like collection of elements: - Main Lodge: Providing the proper entry to the Camp and a Mess Hall - Bunk House: A communal sleeping area and social space. - Party Barn: An entertainment facility that opens directly on to a swimming pool & outdoor room. - Guest Cottages: A series of smaller guest quarters. - Private Quarters: The owners private space that directly links to the Main Lodge. These elements are joined by a series green roof connectors, that merge with the landscape and allow the out buildings to retain their own identity. This Camp feel was further magnified through the materiality - specifically the use of Doug Fir, creating a modern Northwoods setting that is warm and inviting. The use of local limestone and poured concrete walls ground the buildings to the sloping site and serve as a cradle for the wood volumes that rest gently on them. The connections between these materials provided an opportunity to add a delicate reading to the spaces and re-enforce the camp aesthetic. The oscillation between large communal spaces and private, intimate zones is explored on the interior and in the outdoor rooms. From the large courtyard to the private balcony - accommodating a variety of opportunities to engage the landscape was at the heart of the concept. Overview Chenequa, WI Size Total Finished Area: 9,543 sf Completion Date May 2013 Services Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Interior Design

The remarkable Greek inspired indoor pool facility has a blend of contemporary rectilinear components with Greek-Roman architectural elements and finishes, such as the over-extending, ancient-style aqueduct that transitions from the spa into the pool, and the hand carved fire-water features at each end of the room. The aqueduct is a key relevance to the style which portrays an ancient cultural method of elutriating stagnant bath water with a continuous supply of fresh water. Each elaborately hand carved feature sets a mood of Greek architectural expression in this space. The two fire-water features at each end of the pool and all of the column structural support depict a ‘Doric’ style consisting of channeled columns. Also, to enhance this space with a full perspective of Greek-Roman style, the convex ceiling depicts a vision of an opened-ceiling that reveals a fully animated Greek-mythological star setting created by fiber optic lighting. Geothermal technology is the primary source for heating and cooling the pool and spa. Although they appear to be one body of water, they are independent so the spa can be maintained at 103degrees all year round. Photography: Daniel Driensky

AV Architects + Builders Location: Great Falls, VA, US A full kitchen renovation gave way to a much larger space and much wider possibilities for dining and entertaining. The use of multi-level countertops, as opposed to a more traditional center island, allow for a better use of space to seat a larger crowd. The mix of Baltic Blue, Red Dragon, and Jatoba Wood countertops contrast with the light colors used in the custom cabinetry. The clients insisted that they didn’t use a tub often, so we removed it entirely and made way for a more spacious shower in the master bathroom. In addition to the large shower centerpiece, we added in heated floors, river stone pebbles on the shower floor, and plenty of storage, mirrors, lighting, and speakers for music. The idea was to transform their morning bathroom routine into something special. The mudroom serves as an additional storage facility and acts as a gateway between the inside and outside of the home. Our client’s family room never felt like a family room to begin with. Instead, it felt cluttered and left the home with no natural flow from one room to the next. We transformed the space into two separate spaces; a family lounge on the main level sitting adjacent to the kitchen, and a kids lounge upstairs for them to play and relax. This transformation not only creates a room for everyone, it completely opens up the home and makes it easier to move around from one room to the next. We used natural materials such as wood fire and stone to compliment the new look and feel of the family room. Our clients were looking for a larger area to entertain family and guests that didn’t revolve around being in the family room or kitchen the entire evening. Our outdoor enclosed deck and fireplace design provides ample space for when they want to entertain guests in style. The beautiful fireplace centerpiece outside is the perfect summertime (and wintertime) amenity, perfect for both the adults and the kids. Stacy Zarin Photography

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Breathtaking views of the incomparable Big Sur Coast, this classic Tuscan design of an Italian farmhouse, combined with a modern approach creates an ambiance of relaxed sophistication for this magnificent 95.73-acre, private coastal estate on California’s Coastal Ridge. Five-bedroom, 5.5-bath, 7,030 sq. ft. main house, and 864 sq. ft. caretaker house over 864 sq. ft. of garage and laundry facility. Commanding a ridge above the Pacific Ocean and Post Ranch Inn, this spectacular property has sweeping views of the California coastline and surrounding hills. “It’s as if a contemporary house were overlaid on a Tuscan farm-house ruin,” says decorator Craig Wright who created the interiors. The main residence was designed by renowned architect Mickey Muenning—the architect of Big Sur’s Post Ranch Inn, —who artfully combined the contemporary sensibility and the Tuscan vernacular, featuring vaulted ceilings, stained concrete floors, reclaimed Tuscan wood beams, antique Italian roof tiles and a stone tower. Beautifully designed for indoor/outdoor living; the grounds offer a plethora of comfortable and inviting places to lounge and enjoy the stunning views. No expense was spared in the construction of this exquisite estate.