Rear view of Addition- roofline was held beneath existing shed dormer and upper gable roof line, while repeating gable roof configuration of existing house. Rear porch protects patio doors giving access to new patio at grade. J. Brough Schamp

What simply started out as the purchase of a 30” Wolf gas stove to replace the old, turned into a complete kitchen renovation. The original intent was to replace the existing stove with the new. The new Wolf came other issues one being installing an adequate exhaust system to meet the needs of the stove. One thing led to the next and with that a new kitchen. The renovation included removing all existing fixtures, cabinetry and lighting. The existing tile floor remained the same but with some added area that was previously under existing base cabinets. The goal of the project, once the decision was made to do a complete renovation, was to update the kitchen creating an eclectic aesthetic with all new fixtures of the best quality that could be afforded. Listed below are the changes that were made. All fixtures remained in their existing locations other than removing small piece of wall that allowed an extended length of the new bakers table to extend 24” into the existing dining and living room space to pull the spaces together and provide a small eating bar with adjoining bar stools. One stool was a custom design and fabrication (Marlin Stool) Fixtures 1. Existing gas stove replaced with new 30” gas Wolf stove. 2. Existing Refrigerator replace with new 36” stainless steel Jen-Air refrigerator with bottom freezer. 3. Existing Dishwasher replace with new Jen-Air stainless steel interior and exterior dishwasher. 4. Existing base cabinets replaced with a combination of open and closed tables and cabinets. Two stainless steel commercial kitchen tables with an open bases and shelving. One with a stainless steel top the other a bakers table with a wood butcher block top. The cabinets were Kraft Made traditional wood base cabinets with a Kaffe finish and Fireslate counter surface. These cabinets were customized with stainless steel perforated door inserts and Mockett stainless steel drawer and door pulls. 5. Surface counter and table material included wood butcher block, stainless steel and Fireslate. 6. Overhead shelving included open commercial kitchen stainless steel shelves and open Appleply wood shelves with Rakks aluminum shelf brackets. 7. Existing lighting was replaced with Zumtobel track lighting with Ushio lamps, Lutron dimmers and an up lighted coffered ceiling (see Superman). 8. Existing kitchen sink was replaced with a large single compartment sink from Kindred with an In-Sinkerator Evolution garbage disposal. Filter water tap was added that connects to an Everprue water filter system. 9. Walls were tiled with Bottle Green 4 1/4” x 4 1/4” Daltile to staying consistent with existing original house tile. 10. The ceiling was reworked as required with a plaster finish 11. Marine grade caulk was used as required. 12. A soffit with up lighting was added to the periphery of kitchen facing the adjoining living and dining rooms. 13. Silver Masonite peg board storage wall adjacent to refrigerator. Credits: • Little Pete the Parakeet.....for being there • Catalina Aguirre.....pots • Many Friends....pots • David D’Imperio.....Sputnik lamp • Jose Maria Concha Sali.....painting • Ron Meyers.....Plates on wall • Bill Sanders.....Bunny screen painting • William Hoffman....Beverly lamp • William Hoffman.....marlin stool • William Hoffman.....Gulfstream side chair • William Hoffman.....Gulfstream dining table • William Hoffman.....5 from 1 plywood chair Problems • A custom fabricated exhaust duct was required due to existing soffit framing conditions. • The ceiling was not parallel to the floor so the intended full wall tile installation was held short of the ceiling. • Return Air duct to A/C air handler required relocation Project cost • +/- $22,000 Fixtures, materials and appliances Selection of fixtures, materials and fixtures were made based on quality, aesthetic and cost. Extensive research was done to find the best quality at a price point that was affordable. Items that were splurged on were the Wolf stove and Jen-Air refrigerator and dishwasher and the Zumtobel lighting Bill Sanders Photography

2011 NARI CAPITAL COTY GRAND AWARD WINNER Having a small 10’ x 12’ kitchen tucked in the back corner of their home wasn’t working for this this young and growing family. Its cramped layout didn’t allow for a breakfast area and storage space was non-existent, both major issues for their busy day-to-day lifestyle. After consulting with Michael Nash Design, Build & Homes, they decided to build a 300 square foot addition onto the back of this 1960’s vintage split level. The planned addition expanded and updated the home’s kitchen via a contemporary design, added plenty of storage and provided a much needed breakfast seating area. More importantly, it created a great place for the family to gather. The new kitchen contains a 48” professional-grade range and a large built-in refrigerator, as well as lots of cabinetry and counter space to meet client’s storage needs. Use of lighter shaker style custom painted cabinetry with honed black counter tops has lightened the space tremendously. A large island with distress black cherry cabinetry ans a mahogany countertop was installed and has become the focal point of the kitchen. By removing a partition that previously separated the kitchen from the dining room, the new design has created a wide open floor plan. The casual dining room flows right into a casual seating area with a corner fireplace. French doors open onto a large new deck. Best of all, the addition lets the family spend time together before, during and after mean preparation. It’s truly become the hearth of the home.

Complete update on this 'builder-grade' 1990's primary bathroom - not only to improve the look but also the functionality of this room. Such an inspiring and relaxing space now ...

First home, savvy art owners, decided to hire RBD to design their recently purchased two story, four bedroom, midcentury Diamond Heights home to merge their new parenthood and love for entertaining lifestyles. Hired two months prior to the arrival of their baby boy, RBD was successful in installing the nursery just in time. The home required little architectural spatial reconfiguration given the previous owner was an architect, allowing RBD to focus mainly on furniture, fixtures and accessories while updating only a few finishes. New paint grade paneling added a needed midcentury texture to the entry, while an existing site for sore eyes radiator, received a new walnut cover creating a built-in mid-century custom headboard for the guest room, perfect for large art and plant decoration. RBD successfully paired furniture and art selections to connect the existing material finishes by keeping fabrics neutral and complimentary to the existing finishes. The backyard, an SF rare oasis, showcases a hanging chair and custom outdoor floor cushions for easy lounging, while a stylish midcentury heated bench allows easy outdoor entertaining in the SF climate. Photography Credit: Scott Hargis Photography

2013 PROFESSIONAL REMODELER, SILVER AWARD WINNER, RESIDENTIAL KITCHEN Located in the new Trump International Golf Course Community, this contemporary home has a great location overlooking the golf course. The current layout, however, prevented the owners from taking advantage of its breathtaking view. Goals of the remodel were to open up the first floor layout by taking down the partition walls between the kitchen and dining room. The homeowner also wanted to update the home’s galley kitchen, replacing its dark cabinets and counters. Once the walls were removed, major obstacles because they were load bearing, the new design could evolve. The ten foot ceilings provided the opportunity to stack up decorative glass cabinetry and highly crafted crown moldings on top, while maintaining a considerable amount of cabinetry right below it. The custom made brush stroke finished cabinetry with bells and whistles such as corbels and chimney style wood hood surrounded with leaded glass cabinetry. Pillars were all part of detailed craftsmanship of this project. A large 5’ x 14’ island is the focal point of the design. The island consists of main sink with a pedal style control disposal, dishwasher, microwave, second bar sink, beverage center refrigerator and still has room to sit five to six people. Its darker cabinetry provides a beautiful contrast to the opaque white cabinets on the surrounding walls. White marble counters and backsplash brighten up the kitchen and two crystal chandeliers create a timeless yet elegant feel. High-end Thermador appliances covered in custom inset panels are part of this featured project to implement the classic look the homeowner wanted for this kitchen. Finally, a featured cabinet arch with leaded glass separates the kitchen from the dining room and displays the homeowner’s fine china. Finally, large windows and French doors offer beautiful golf course views from multiple vantage points.

These Shakopee homeowners were ready to remodel their kitchen and take it up a notch. They wanted to create a more modern kitchen that fit their personal taste, with a touch of uniqueness. The previous builder-grade oak cabinets and laminate countertop were outdated and boring, as was the look of the kitchen overall. To simplify the remodel process and keep it more affordable, we used the same footprint (layout) of kitchen, but updated it with a contemporary look and high quality cabinetry and countertops. What went into this stunning new kitchen? ◾Cambria countertops in Summerhill, with a waterfall edge that dramatically wraps down the side of the peninsula ◾Showplace Cabinets in the Lancaster style with a full overlay, in Cherry wood with the Peppercorn Stain ◾A sleek Swanstone Granite kitchen sink

Interior Design by Laura Schwartz-Muller General Contractor - Cliff Muller Photography by Mary E Nichols Copyright 2013 CALIFORNIA HOMES MAGAZINE / FEATURED / WINTER 2013-2014

2011 NARI CAPITAL COTY FINALIST AWARD WINNER This 1970’s split-level single-family home in an upscale Arlington neighborhood had been neglected for years. With his surrounding neighbors all doing major exterior and interior remodeling, however, the owner decided it was time to renovate his property as well. After several consultation meetings with the design team at Michael Nash Design, Build & Homes, he settled on an exterior layout to create an Art & Craft design for the home. It all got started by excavating the front and left side of the house and attaching a wrap-around stone porch. Key design attributes include a black metal roof, large tapered columns, blue and grey random style flag stone, beaded stain ceiling paneling and an octagonal seating area on the left side of this porch. The front porch has a wide stairway and another set of stairs leads to the back yard. All exterior walls of the home were modified with new headers to allow much larger custom-made windows, new front doors garage doors, and French side and back doors. A custom-designed mahogany front door with leaded glass provides more light and offers a wider entrance into the home’s living area. Design challenges included removing the entire face of the home and then adding new insulation, Tyvek and Hardiplank siding. The use of high-efficiency low-e windows makes the home air tight. The Arts & Crafts design touches include the front gable over the front porch, the prairie-style grill pattern on the windows and doors, the use of tapered columns sitting over stone columns and the leaded glass front door. Decorative exterior lighting provides the finishing touches to this look. Inside, custom woodwork, crown molding, custom glass cabinets and interior pillars carry the design. Upon entering the space, visitors face a large partition that separates the living area from a gourmet Arts & Crafts kitchen and dining room. The home’s signature space, the kitchen offers contrasting dark and light cherry cabinets. Wide plank hard wood floors, exotic granite counters and stainless steel professional-grade appliances make this a kitchen fit for any chef.

First home, savvy art owners, decided to hire RBD to design their recently purchased two story, four bedroom, midcentury Diamond Heights home to merge their new parenthood and love for entertaining lifestyles. Hired two months prior to the arrival of their baby boy, RBD was successful in installing the nursery just in time. The home required little architectural spatial reconfiguration given the previous owner was an architect, allowing RBD to focus mainly on furniture, fixtures and accessories while updating only a few finishes. New paint grade paneling added a needed midcentury texture to the entry, while an existing site for sore eyes radiator, received a new walnut cover creating a built-in mid-century custom headboard for the guest room, perfect for large art and plant decoration. RBD successfully paired furniture and art selections to connect the existing material finishes by keeping fabrics neutral and complimentary to the existing finishes. The backyard, an SF rare oasis, showcases a hanging chair and custom outdoor floor cushions for easy lounging, while a stylish midcentury heated bench allows easy outdoor entertaining in the SF climate. Photography Credit: Scott Hargis Photography

First home, savvy art owners, decided to hire RBD to design their recently purchased two story, four bedroom, midcentury Diamond Heights home to merge their new parenthood and love for entertaining lifestyles. Hired two months prior to the arrival of their baby boy, RBD was successful in installing the nursery just in time. The home required little architectural spatial reconfiguration given the previous owner was an architect, allowing RBD to focus mainly on furniture, fixtures and accessories while updating only a few finishes. New paint grade paneling added a needed midcentury texture to the entry, while an existing site for sore eyes radiator, received a new walnut cover creating a built-in mid-century custom headboard for the guest room, perfect for large art and plant decoration. RBD successfully paired furniture and art selections to connect the existing material finishes by keeping fabrics neutral and complimentary to the existing finishes. The backyard, an SF rare oasis, showcases a hanging chair and custom outdoor floor cushions for easy lounging, while a stylish midcentury heated bench allows easy outdoor entertaining in the SF climate. Photography Credit: Scott Hargis Photography

First home, savvy art owners, decided to hire RBD to design their recently purchased two story, four bedroom, midcentury Diamond Heights home to merge their new parenthood and love for entertaining lifestyles. Hired two months prior to the arrival of their baby boy, RBD was successful in installing the nursery just in time. The home required little architectural spatial reconfiguration given the previous owner was an architect, allowing RBD to focus mainly on furniture, fixtures and accessories while updating only a few finishes. New paint grade paneling added a needed midcentury texture to the entry, while an existing site for sore eyes radiator, received a new walnut cover creating a built-in mid-century custom headboard for the guest room, perfect for large art and plant decoration. RBD successfully paired furniture and art selections to connect the existing material finishes by keeping fabrics neutral and complimentary to the existing finishes. The backyard, an SF rare oasis, showcases a hanging chair and custom outdoor floor cushions for easy lounging, while a stylish midcentury heated bench allows easy outdoor entertaining in the SF climate. Photography Credit: Scott Hargis Photography

Time had stood still at this 1970s ranch in Armonk when the owners invited us to collaborate with them to transform it into a modern, light-filled home for their young family. The budget was lean, so economy was a primary consideration for every design decision. The challenge was to identify the modest home’s virtues – vaulted ceilings and a lovely backyard – and accentuate them by strategically optimizing available funds. We were tasked with rectifying a dysfunctional interior stair, connecting to the outdoors with new large windows, and updating the exterior. We focused our attention on a finite set of architectural moves which would have the biggest impact and improve our clients’ daily experience of the home. Detailing was kept simple, using common grade materials and standard components. All exterior walls were revamped with new windows and siding. Although these materials were not particularly costly, thoughtful layout of boards, battens, and openings produced a cohesive, rigorous composition at each facade. Since the budget would not cover the homeowners’ complete wish list, some items were bracketed for subsequent phases. The challenge was to establish a framework that would allow future work – including a new roof and kitchen renovation – to proceed smoothly. The homeowners, both scientists, were enthusiastic collaborators, contributing their outstanding design sensibilities to selection of fixtures and finishes. Construction ended just in time for the arrival of their baby – and with that, the transformation of their family home was complete.

These Shakopee homeowners were ready to remodel their kitchen and take it up a notch. They wanted to create a more modern kitchen that fit their personal taste, with a touch of uniqueness. The previous builder-grade oak cabinets and laminate countertop were outdated and boring, as was the look of the kitchen overall. To simplify the remodel process and keep it more affordable, we used the same footprint (layout) of kitchen, but updated it with a contemporary look and high quality cabinetry and countertops. What went into this stunning new kitchen? ◾Cambria countertops in Summerhill, with a waterfall edge that dramatically wraps down the side of the peninsula ◾Showplace Cabinets in the Lancaster style with a full overlay, in Cherry wood with the Peppercorn Stain ◾A sleek Swanstone Granite kitchen sink

Transformed this boring builder grade kitchen into a stunning and modern workspace. Painted medium brown oak cabinets a deep Mink Grey. Installed a neutral travertine matchstick tile back splash with slate inset behind the Jenn Air cooktop. Brushed nickel hardware in a modern profile and undercabinet lighting add sparkle.

These Shakopee homeowners were ready to remodel their kitchen and take it up a notch. They wanted to create a more modern kitchen that fit their personal taste, with a touch of uniqueness. The previous builder-grade oak cabinets and laminate countertop were outdated and boring, as was the look of the kitchen overall. To simplify the remodel process and keep it more affordable, we used the same footprint (layout) of kitchen, but updated it with a contemporary look and high quality cabinetry and countertops. What went into this stunning new kitchen? ◾Cambria countertops in Summerhill, with a waterfall edge that dramatically wraps down the side of the peninsula ◾Showplace Cabinets in the Lancaster style with a full overlay, in Cherry wood with the Peppercorn Stain ◾A sleek Swanstone Granite kitchen sink

First home, savvy art owners, decided to hire RBD to design their recently purchased two story, four bedroom, midcentury Diamond Heights home to merge their new parenthood and love for entertaining lifestyles. Hired two months prior to the arrival of their baby boy, RBD was successful in installing the nursery just in time. The home required little architectural spatial reconfiguration given the previous owner was an architect, allowing RBD to focus mainly on furniture, fixtures and accessories while updating only a few finishes. New paint grade paneling added a needed midcentury texture to the entry, while an existing site for sore eyes radiator, received a new walnut cover creating a built-in mid-century custom headboard for the guest room, perfect for large art and plant decoration. RBD successfully paired furniture and art selections to connect the existing material finishes by keeping fabrics neutral and complimentary to the existing finishes. The backyard, an SF rare oasis, showcases a hanging chair and custom outdoor floor cushions for easy lounging, while a stylish midcentury heated bench allows easy outdoor entertaining in the SF climate. Photography Credit: Scott Hargis Photography

Houston Interior Designer Lisha Maxey took this Museum District condo from the dated, mirrored walls of the 1980s to Mid Century Modern with a gallery look featuring the client's art collection. "The place was covered with glued-down, floor-to-ceiling mirrors," says Lisha Maxey, senior designer for Homescapes of Houston and principal at LGH Design Services in Houston. "When we took them off the walls, the walls came apart. We ended up taking them down to the studs." The makeover took six months to complete, primarily because of strict condo association rules that only gave the Houston interior designers very limited access to the elevator - through which all materials and team members had to go. "Monday through Friday, we could only be noisy from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and if we had to do something extra loud, like sawing or drilling, we had to schedule it with the management and they had to communicate that to the condo owners. So it was just a lot of coordination. But a lot of Inner City Loopers live in these kinds of buildings, so we're used to handling that kind of thing." The client, a child psychiatrist in her 60s, recently moved to Houston from northeast Texas to be with friends. After being widowed three years ago, she decided it was time to let go of the traditionally styled estate that wasn't really her style anyway. An avid diver who has traveled around the world to pursue her passion, she has amassed a large collection of art from her travels. Downsizing to 1,600 feet and wanting to go more contemporary, she wanted the display - and the look - more streamlined. "She wanted clean lines and muted colors, with the main focus being her artwork," says Maxey. "So we made the space a palette for that." Enter the white, gallery-grade paint she chose for the walls: "It's halfway between satin and flat," explains Maxey. "It's not glossy and it's not chalky - just very smooth and clean." Adding to the gallery theme is the satin nickel track lighting with lamps aimed to highlight pieces of art. "This lighting has no wires," notes Maxey. "It's powered by a positive and negative conduit." The new flooring throughout is a blended-grey porcelain tile that looks like wood planks. "It's gorgeous, natural-looking and combines all the beauty of wood with the durability of tile," says Maxey. "We used it throughout the condo to unify the space." After Maxey started looking at the client's bright, vibrant, colorful artwork, she felt the palette couldn't stay as muted anymore. Hence the Mid Century Modern orange leather sofas from West Elm and bright green chairs from Joybird, plus the throw pillows in different textures, patterns and shades of gold, orange and green. The concave lines of the Danish-inspired chairs, she notes, help them look beautiful from all the way around - a key to designing spaces for loft living. "The table in the living room is very interesting," notes Maxey. "It was handmade for the client in 1974 and has a signature on it from the artist. She was adamant about including the piece, which has all these hand-painted black-and-white art tiles on the top. I took one look at it and said 'It's not really going to go.'" However, after cutting 6 inches off the bottom and making it look a little distressed, the table ended up being the perfect complement to the sofas. The dining room table - from Design Within Reach - is a solid piece of mahogany, the chair upholstery a mix of grey velvet and leather and the legs a shiny brass. "The side chairs are leather and the end ones are velvet," says Maxey. "It's a nice textural mix that lends depth and texture." The galley kitchen, meanwhile, has been lightened and brightened, with white quartz countertops and backsplashes mimicking the look of Carrara marble, stainless steel appliances and a velvet green bench seat for a punch of color. The cabinets are painted a cool grey color called "Silverplate." The two bathrooms have been updated with contemporary white vanities and vessel sinks and the master bath now features a walk-in shower tiled in Dolomite white marble (the floor is Bianco Carrara marble mosaic, done in a herringbone pattern. In the master bedroom, Homescapes of Houston knocked down a wall between two smaller closets with swing doors to make one large walk-in closet with pocket doors. The closet in the guest bedroom also came out 13 more inches. The client's artwork throughout personalizes the space and tells the story of a life. There's a huge bowl of shells from the client's diving adventures, framed art from her child psychiatry patients and a 16th century wood carving from a monastery that's been in her family forever. "Her collection is quite impressive," says Maxey. "There's even a framed piece of autographed songs written by John Lennon." (You can see this black-framed piece of art on the wall in the photo above of two green chairs). "We're extremely happy with how the project turned out, and so is the client," says Maxey. "No expense was spared for her. It was a labor of love and we were excited to do it."