The daughter of an existing client relocated to Tulsa and purchased a home with a dated interior and multiple structural problems. Our work included adding a hobby room and totally renovating the utility room, master bathroom, kitchen, play room, bedrooms, two additional bathrooms and living room. One of the major structural issues that had to be addressed was the tendency of the house to flood during major rain storms. By creating a landscaped stream both in front and on the side of the house we were able to eliminate the flooding problem and provide a rather unique landscape feature. With its completion the owner could with the flick of a switch create a bubbling stream that went under a large natural stone bridge around the perimeter of the house. Once the flooding problems were solved strategically placed piers stabilized the home and allowed us to complete the balance of the renovations.

This suburban home was built back in the 1970s and still retained its original "charming" colored tile, petite shower, and a tiny 9x9 kitchen. The major issue? It was outdated and cramped! The owners desired additional space for their dining area, larger kitchen, bathrooms and updated finishes. Our team managed to add square footage to the living room to accommodate a full sized dining table overlooking the garden. By moving the dining room out of the kitchen, this helped us almost double the kitchen's size where we added a bar, full pantry and plenty of storage. We removed a hall closet to expand the bathroom area, enabling us to create two rectangular bathrooms instead of two intertwined bathrooms. In the primary bathroom, we added a full-sized shower with a bench, as well as plenty of cabinet storage. Additionally, we gave the house a fresh look with new hardwood floors that matched the old ones (still visible in the bedrooms), as well as new solid core doors, hardware, and brand new paint throughout. The exterior was revamped with new lighting, landscaping, cement patio, fresh paint, address numbers and an aluminum pergola to provide shade from the hot summer sun. This remodel is the perfect example that you can still evoke luxury in smaller homes.

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.

The new owners were looking forward to living in their new home with an open floor plan, tall vaulted ceilings, and great views. It featured a large Great Room with two big French Doors separating the Dining Room from the Master Bedroom. But after only a few months they identified a major design flaw: Each of the French Doors had ten glass windows with two large windows above each door. (Check out our before and after designs, traffic flow diagrams and photos of this project.) Glass windows and doors allowed sound and light from guests or the TV in the great room to easily sneak into the bedroom. With unique work and sleep schedules (he’s a pilot, she’s a registered nurse) this design wasn’t working. Then there was a traffic flow design flaw: The Master Bedroom had a second entrance from a hallway. To get into the bedroom from the hallway you needed to walk down another claustrophobic hallway. To get from the Master Bedroom to the Master Bath begin at the most remote corner of the bedroom and down a hallway between two closets. Once inside the bath, a huge triangular Jacuzzi dominating the space. So, from a privacy and traffic flow perspective, this home had some major design issues. When Craig Weber first met with the owners, he listened to their ideas and concerns. The owners trusted Craig to come up with the most efficient and most effective solution to this design dilemma. He offered a solution that resolved the bed-bath traffic flow problem, offered some bedroom room privacy, and updated the bath. First, the two French Doors and windows were removed. A new wall was built with sound-absorbing materials, making the Great Room and Dining Room more comfortable spaces for entertaining while creating the bedroom privacy the owners craved. Solving the Bedroom/Bath traffic flow problem began with removing the two existing closets. The bath door was relocated next to the hall entrance, and then a new walk-in closet was added adjacent to the hallway entrance. The solution offered easy access to and from the bath, closet and hallway without a hint of claustrophobia. The Master Bath underwent a major transformation designed for convenience and comfort – especially during long, cold Minnesota winters. Most everything from the former bath was torn out, beginning with the giant Jacuzzi. A new bathtub that is wider and deeper than the standard size was installed with brushed Nickel fixtures. It’s the perfect place to relax with a glass of wine and candles. Warm floors are a Minnesota “must have.” The bath’s new ceramic floor features in-floor electric heat. Getting in and out of the tub is easy and comfortable. The new walk-in shower again features in-floor heating and a place to sit. The most interesting feature of this shower may the custom ceramic tile installed with unique patterns. A new vanity Cambria Bradshaw countertops features two under-hung ceramic sinks with matching brushed Nickel fixtures. Tall ceilings and three glass windows near the ceiling flood the room with natural light. A new energy-efficient window frames an ornamental stained glass window created by the owner’s father – a great personal touch. A quiet place to sleep. A private dining room for entertaining. A Master Bath to die for. And easy traffic flow. The owners couldn’t have been more delighted with the outcome. And Lilly, their cat, loves it too.

The new owners were looking forward to living in their new home with an open floor plan, tall vaulted ceilings, and great views. It featured a large Great Room with two big French Doors separating the Dining Room from the Master Bedroom. But after only a few months they identified a major design flaw: Each of the French Doors had ten glass windows with two large windows above each door. (Check out our before and after designs, traffic flow diagrams and photos of this project.) Glass windows and doors allowed sound and light from guests or the TV in the great room to easily sneak into the bedroom. With unique work and sleep schedules (he’s a pilot, she’s a registered nurse) this design wasn’t working. Then there was a traffic flow design flaw: The Master Bedroom had a second entrance from a hallway. To get into the bedroom from the hallway you needed to walk down another claustrophobic hallway. To get from the Master Bedroom to the Master Bath begin at the most remote corner of the bedroom and down a hallway between two closets. Once inside the bath, a huge triangular Jacuzzi dominating the space. So, from a privacy and traffic flow perspective, this home had some major design issues. When Craig Weber first met with the owners, he listened to their ideas and concerns. The owners trusted Craig to come up with the most efficient and most effective solution to this design dilemma. He offered a solution that resolved the bed-bath traffic flow problem, offered some bedroom room privacy, and updated the bath. First, the two French Doors and windows were removed. A new wall was built with sound-absorbing materials, making the Great Room and Dining Room more comfortable spaces for entertaining while creating the bedroom privacy the owners craved. Solving the Bedroom/Bath traffic flow problem began with removing the two existing closets. The bath door was relocated next to the hall entrance, and then a new walk-in closet was added adjacent to the hallway entrance. The solution offered easy access to and from the bath, closet and hallway without a hint of claustrophobia. The Master Bath underwent a major transformation designed for convenience and comfort – especially during long, cold Minnesota winters. Most everything from the former bath was torn out, beginning with the giant Jacuzzi. A new bathtub that is wider and deeper than the standard size was installed with brushed Nickel fixtures. It’s the perfect place to relax with a glass of wine and candles. Warm floors are a Minnesota “must have.” The bath’s new ceramic floor features in-floor electric heat. Getting in and out of the tub is easy and comfortable. The new walk-in shower again features in-floor heating and a place to sit. The most interesting feature of this shower may the custom ceramic tile installed with unique patterns. A new vanity Cambria Bradshaw countertops features two under-hung ceramic sinks with matching brushed Nickel fixtures. Tall ceilings and three glass windows near the ceiling flood the room with natural light. A new energy-efficient window frames an ornamental stained glass window created by the owner’s father – a great personal touch. A quiet place to sleep. A private dining room for entertaining. A Master Bath to die for. And easy traffic flow. The owners couldn’t have been more delighted with the outcome. And Lilly, their cat, loves it too.

This home is Castle’s first Save a Castle. It was purchased in early 2013 and completed by end of Spring. When Castle first purchased this home, it was in terrible shape. The copper pipes had been stolen, there were major structural issues, the porch ceiling had collapsed, and the house had been trashed but there was potential. On the main floor a wall between the dining room and kitchen was removed to create a more open floor plan. The kitchen was completely transformed with new custom cabinetry and updated stainless steel appliances in place, as well as recycled glass countertops and butcher block countertops. On the second floor the bathroom was updated with new tile and glass block window and the bedrooms were made over to match the charm of the home. This home received new Kolbe windows and the hardwood floors were re-sanded and stained dark to compliment the white woodwork. The existing porch felt outdated and did not fit with the rest of the home so it was opened up to create a more inviting porch. Finally the yard also received a makeover with new sod, bushes, and mulch. While the house originally looked as though it hadn’t been taken care of in years this Castle is now ready for another 100 years.

Lake views, daylight and a private master suite were the primary goals of this second floor remodel. Having started as a lake cottage, several previous remodels resulted in an awkward floor plan and major structural issues. New beams were added in the floor and ceiling and both were completely re-framed to level the nearly 4” of sag. The master bedroom was moved to the lakeside with large windows, a vaulted ceiling and private master bath. An addition made space for two more bedrooms filled with daylight.

2012 NARI CAPITAL COTY, MERIT AWARD WINNER, RESIDENTIAL BATH UNDER $30,000 This piano teacher lives in a small townhouse on a beautiful lake in Reston, Virginia. While the home has a lot to offer, the third level master bath has always been a major issue. While small and confined, the design team at Michael Nash Design, Build & Homes felt it had potential. By making better use of its sloped room and finding a bit of added space in an adjacent attic, the new design can truly be called a master bathroom. The homeowner’s wish list included a large shower, a soaking tub and a long vanity with two sinks. With a built-in shower bench, storage niches, and a frameless glass enclosure, the new shower transformed the space. The soaker tub and judicious use of multi-colored tile emphasizes the contemporary flair the design has achieved. The client greatly enjoys her dream bathroom. She has achieved her ultimate goal of large, usable bathroom with lots of amenities.

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.

This suburban home was built back in the 1970s and still retained its original "charming" colored tile, petite shower, and a tiny 9x9 kitchen. The major issue? It was outdated and cramped! The owners desired additional space for their dining area, larger kitchen, bathrooms and updated finishes. Our team managed to add square footage to the living room to accommodate a full sized dining table overlooking the garden. By moving the dining room out of the kitchen, this helped us almost double the kitchen's size where we added a bar, full pantry and plenty of storage. We removed a hall closet to expand the bathroom area, enabling us to create two rectangular bathrooms instead of two intertwined bathrooms. In the primary bathroom, we added a full-sized shower with a bench, as well as plenty of cabinet storage. Additionally, we gave the house a fresh look with new hardwood floors that matched the old ones (still visible in the bedrooms), as well as new solid core doors, hardware, and brand new paint throughout. The exterior was revamped with new lighting, landscaping, cement patio, fresh paint, address numbers and an aluminum pergola to provide shade from the hot summer sun. This remodel is the perfect example that you can still evoke luxury in smaller homes.

Bathroom Remodel completed in Auburn Massachusetts. Layout and design by Andrew. J.V. Mechanical plumbing. Faux Wood ceramic tile transitioned to stone tile. Mosaic Niche. Claw foot tub with oil rubbed bronze finishes. Glass mosaic installed on the windowsill. No casing around the window. Aldo Nolle electrical. All work completed in house by Andrew and our talented crew. Original floor had major structural issues. Leveled and sistered all the joists. Greenboard installed on the walls with first coat on seams. Kerdiboard installed on tile walls.

Designed a small backyard space that had just lawn and very poor drainage into a backyard retreat. The drainage was a major issue so multiple Lazer level drain lines run throughout the back tying into the drain system. We created a small stream on the main side of the back yard and a bubbler water ferature off of the clients bedroom. The ambiance from these water features has eliminated traffic noise. We created natural stone raised beds to eliminate the flat ba ck yardlook. The flagstone paths were chiseled one piece at a time for a perfect fit. Crushed granite is the filler. Irrigation, lighting, plants, and a custom built fence are also included.

The homeowners of this Marblehead residence wished to remodel their master bathroom, which had been redone only a few years prior. The previous renovation, however, was not a pleasant experience and they were hesitant to dive-in again. After an initial conversation, the homeowners agreed to meet with me to discuss the project. listened to their vision for the room, paid close attention to their concerns, and desire to create a tranquil environment, that would be functional and practical for their everyday lifestyle. In my first walk-through of the existing bathroom, several major issues became apparent. First, the vanity, a wooden table with two vessel sinks, did not allow access to the medicine cabinets due to its depth. Second, an oversized window installed in the shower did not provide privacy and had visible signs of rot. Third, the wallpaper by the shower was peeling and contained mold due to moisture. Finally, the hardwood flooring selected was impractical for a master bathroom. My suggestion was to incorporate timeless and classic materials that would provide longevity and create an elegant environment. I designed a standard depth custom vanity which contained plenty of storage. We chose lovely white and blue quartzite counter tops, white porcelain tile that mimic the look of Thasos marble, along with blue accents, polished chrome fixtures and coastal inspired lighting. Next, we replaced, relocated, and changed the window style and shape. We then fabricated a window frame out of the quartzite for protection which proved to give the shower a lovely focal point. Lastly, to keep with the coastal theme of the room, we installed shiplap for the walls. The homeowners now look forward to starting and ending their day in their bright and relaxing master bath. It has become a sanctuary to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

The existing stairway had two major issues: the large wall limited the size of furniture the clients could bring upstairs, and the ceiling height was too low for tall members of the family. Problems were solved by raising the ceiling and opening the wall to add a finely-crafted banister.

This home is Castle’s first Save a Castle. It was purchased in early 2013 and completed by end of Spring. When Castle first purchased this home, it was in terrible shape. The copper pipes had been stolen, there were major structural issues, the porch ceiling had collapsed, and the house had been trashed but there was potential. On the main floor a wall between the dining room and kitchen was removed to create a more open floor plan. The kitchen was completely transformed with new custom cabinetry and updated stainless steel appliances in place, as well as recycled glass countertops and butcher block countertops. On the second floor the bathroom was updated with new tile and glass block window and the bedrooms were made over to match the charm of the home. This home received new Kolbe windows and the hardwood floors were re-sanded and stained dark to compliment the white woodwork. The existing porch felt outdated and did not fit with the rest of the home so it was opened up to create a more inviting porch. Finally the yard also received a makeover with new sod, bushes, and mulch. While the house originally looked as though it hadn’t been taken care of in years this Castle is now ready for another 100 years. Photographer: Hannah Lloyd

This home is Castle’s first Save a Castle. It was purchased in early 2013 and completed by end of Spring. When Castle first purchased this home, it was in terrible shape. The copper pipes had been stolen, there were major structural issues, the porch ceiling had collapsed, and the house had been trashed but there was potential. On the main floor a wall between the dining room and kitchen was removed to create a more open floor plan. The kitchen was completely transformed with new custom cabinetry and updated stainless steel appliances in place, as well as recycled glass countertops and butcher block countertops. On the second floor the bathroom was updated with new tile and glass block window and the bedrooms were made over to match the charm of the home. This home received new Kolbe windows and the hardwood floors were re-sanded and stained dark to compliment the white woodwork. The existing porch felt outdated and did not fit with the rest of the home so it was opened up to create a more inviting porch. Finally the yard also received a makeover with new sod, bushes, and mulch. While the house originally looked as though it hadn’t been taken care of in years this Castle is now ready for another 100 years. Photographer: Hannah Lloyd

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.

2012 NARI CAPITAL COTY, MERIT AWARD WINNER, RESIDENTIAL BATH UNDER $30,000 This piano teacher lives in a small townhouse on a beautiful lake in Reston, Virginia. While the home has a lot to offer, the third level master bath has always been a major issue. While small and confined, the design team at Michael Nash Design, Build & Homes felt it had potential. By making better use of its sloped room and finding a bit of added space in an adjacent attic, the new design can truly be called a master bathroom. The homeowner’s wish list included a large shower, a soaking tub and a long vanity with two sinks. With a built-in shower bench, storage niches, and a frameless glass enclosure, the new shower transformed the space. The soaker tub and judicious use of multi-colored tile emphasizes the contemporary flair the design has achieved. The client greatly enjoys her dream bathroom. She has achieved her ultimate goal of large, usable bathroom with lots of amenities.

This suburban home was built back in the 1970s and still retained its original "charming" colored tile, petite shower, and a tiny 9x9 kitchen. The major issue? It was outdated and cramped! The owners desired additional space for their dining area, larger kitchen, bathrooms and updated finishes. Our team managed to add square footage to the living room to accommodate a full sized dining table overlooking the garden. By moving the dining room out of the kitchen, this helped us almost double the kitchen's size where we added a bar, full pantry and plenty of storage. We removed a hall closet to expand the bathroom area, enabling us to create two rectangular bathrooms instead of two intertwined bathrooms. In the primary bathroom, we added a full-sized shower with a bench, as well as plenty of cabinet storage. Additionally, we gave the house a fresh look with new hardwood floors that matched the old ones (still visible in the bedrooms), as well as new solid core doors, hardware, and brand new paint throughout. The exterior was revamped with new lighting, landscaping, cement patio, fresh paint, address numbers and an aluminum pergola to provide shade from the hot summer sun. This remodel is the perfect example that you can still evoke luxury in smaller homes.