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.

As the client entertains often with large parties, we created an enormous island to allow socializing, work, play, eating and drinking. The Ceasarstone, Bianco Drift, countertop waterfalls over the edge to create a dramatic leg for the island. Kate Falconer Photography

Example of a small 1960s backyard patio design in Los Angeles with a fire pit and a roof extension

This was our 2016 Parade Home and our model home for our Cantera Cliffs Community. This unique home gets better and better as you pass through the private front patio courtyard and into a gorgeous entry. The study conveniently located off the entry can also be used as a fourth bedroom. A large walk-in closet is located inside the master bathroom with convenient access to the laundry room. The great room, dining and kitchen area is perfect for family gathering. This home is beautiful inside and out. Jeremiah Barber

Bathroom - bathroom idea in Austin

Men's Concrete flat panel with scoop drawers reach in closet.
Example of a small transitional men's carpeted reach-in closet design in Phoenix with flat-panel cabinets and gray cabinets

Jenny Gorman
Alcove shower - transitional white tile and subway tile alcove shower idea in DC Metro with open cabinets, black cabinets, a two-piece toilet, white walls, an undermount sink and a hinged shower door

Coronado, CA The Alameda Residence is situated on a relatively large, yet unusually shaped lot for the beachside community of Coronado, California. The orientation of the “L” shaped main home and linear shaped guest house and covered patio create a large, open courtyard central to the plan. The majority of the spaces in the home are designed to engage the courtyard, lending a sense of openness and light to the home. The aesthetics take inspiration from the simple, clean lines of a traditional “A-frame” barn, intermixed with sleek, minimal detailing that gives the home a contemporary flair. The interior and exterior materials and colors reflect the bright, vibrant hues and textures of the seaside locale.

Photo by Carolyn Bates Mural by Abby Manock: http://abbymanock.com/murals-paintings-patterns-fabrics

Inspiration for a mid-sized farmhouse side yard screened-in balcony remodel in Nashville with decking and a roof extension

Inspiration for a contemporary bathroom remodel in New York with flat-panel cabinets, gray cabinets, beige walls and a vessel sink

Jenn Baker
Large trendy open concept concrete floor family room photo in Dallas with gray walls, a ribbon fireplace, a brick fireplace and a wall-mounted tv

Photo Credit: Mary Prince
Trendy bathroom/laundry room photo in Boston

Inspiration for a timeless master brown tile and porcelain tile porcelain tile freestanding bathtub remodel with raised-panel cabinets, white cabinets, granite countertops, a one-piece toilet, an undermount sink and brown walls

Tracey Ayton Photography
Inspiration for a timeless master gray tile and ceramic tile ceramic tile bathroom remodel in Vancouver with a drop-in sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, marble countertops and white walls

Kids closet with built in storage.
Inspiration for a large modern women's light wood floor and beige floor walk-in closet remodel in Charleston with flat-panel cabinets and white cabinets

Kerry Kirk
Large elegant two-story stone exterior home photo in Houston with a hip roof

Example of a classic bathroom design in Orange County

Leigh Ann Rowe Chad Mellon