Extended step width creates an inviting feel. This view of the deck illustrates the "two room" feel that a two tier deck creates.
Example of a mid-sized trendy backyard deck design in Philadelphia with no cover

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.

Our clients are seasoned home renovators. Their Malibu oceanside property was the second project JRP had undertaken for them. After years of renting and the age of the home, it was becoming prevalent the waterfront beach house, needed a facelift. Our clients expressed their desire for a clean and contemporary aesthetic with the need for more functionality. After a thorough design process, a new spatial plan was essential to meet the couple’s request. This included developing a larger master suite, a grander kitchen with seating at an island, natural light, and a warm, comfortable feel to blend with the coastal setting. Demolition revealed an unfortunate surprise on the second level of the home: Settlement and subpar construction had allowed the hillside to slide and cover structural framing members causing dangerous living conditions. Our design team was now faced with the challenge of creating a fix for the sagging hillside. After thorough evaluation of site conditions and careful planning, a new 10’ high retaining wall was contrived to be strategically placed into the hillside to prevent any future movements. With the wall design and build completed — additional square footage allowed for a new laundry room, a walk-in closet at the master suite. Once small and tucked away, the kitchen now boasts a golden warmth of natural maple cabinetry complimented by a striking center island complete with white quartz countertops and stunning waterfall edge details. The open floor plan encourages entertaining with an organic flow between the kitchen, dining, and living rooms. New skylights flood the space with natural light, creating a tranquil seaside ambiance. New custom maple flooring and ceiling paneling finish out the first floor. Downstairs, the ocean facing Master Suite is luminous with breathtaking views and an enviable bathroom oasis. The master bath is modern and serene, woodgrain tile flooring and stunning onyx mosaic tile channel the golden sandy Malibu beaches. The minimalist bathroom includes a generous walk-in closet, his & her sinks, a spacious steam shower, and a luxurious soaking tub. Defined by an airy and spacious floor plan, clean lines, natural light, and endless ocean views, this home is the perfect rendition of a contemporary coastal sanctuary. PROJECT DETAILS: • Style: Contemporary • Colors: White, Beige, Yellow Hues • Countertops: White Ceasarstone Quartz • Cabinets: Bellmont Natural finish maple; Shaker style • Hardware/Plumbing Fixture Finish: Polished Chrome • Lighting Fixtures: Pendent lighting in Master bedroom, all else recessed • Flooring: Hardwood - Natural Maple Tile – Ann Sacks, Porcelain in Yellow Birch • Tile/Backsplash: Glass mosaic in kitchen • Other Details: Bellevue Stand Alone Tub Photographer: Andrew, Open House VC

Credit: Ron Rosenzweig
Mid-sized trendy dark wood floor bathroom photo in Miami with a vessel sink, flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, onyx countertops and blue countertops

Master Bedroom SW7102 White Flour Walls Hunter Ceiling Fan
Large transitional master medium tone wood floor and brown floor bedroom photo in Miami with green walls

This custom kitchen is part of an adventuresome project my wife and I embarked upon to create a complete apartment in the basement of our townhouse. We designed a floor plan that creatively and efficiently used all of the 385-square-foot-space, without sacrificing beauty, comfort or function – and all without breaking the bank! To maximize our budget, we did the work ourselves and added everything from thrift store finds to DIY wall art to bring it all together. This combination island-and-bar was the most challenging of the cabinets to design and build. It incorporates an eating area, a cabinet, and drawers for storage, with shelves to match the other cabinets. I also made the upper shelf extra deep to accommodate a full size microwave. Because of local codes, we were unable to install a full stove in a basement, so instead we purchased a high-quality hot plate and countertop oven. The hot plate can be stored in a cabinet to maximize counter space.

By relocating the Dining Room to the front of the house and doing away with a first floor formal living room, we were able to create a more gracious kitchen with a casual hang out space and visual access to the Lower level living room.

The laundry room was placed between the front of the house (kitchen/dining/formal living) and the back game/informal family room. Guests frequently walked by this normally private area. Laundry room now has tall cleaning storage and custom cabinet to hide the washer/dryer when not in use. A new sink and faucet create a functional cleaning and serving space and a hidden waste bin sits on the right.

Inspiration for a large timeless backyard deck remodel in Louisville with a roof extension

Flush inset cabinets with multi level island.
Example of a mid-sized eclectic l-shaped light wood floor eat-in kitchen design in New York with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz countertops, stone tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Flush inset cabinets with multi level island.
Example of a mid-sized eclectic l-shaped light wood floor eat-in kitchen design in New York with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz countertops, stone tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Flush inset cabinets with multi level island.
Example of a mid-sized eclectic l-shaped light wood floor eat-in kitchen design in New York with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz countertops, stone tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Flush inset cabinets with multi level island.
Example of a mid-sized eclectic l-shaped light wood floor eat-in kitchen design in New York with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz countertops, stone tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Flush inset cabinets with multi level island.
Mid-sized eclectic l-shaped light wood floor eat-in kitchen photo in New York with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz countertops, stone tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

This Lino Lakes multi-level remodel involved main level kitchen updates with a dramatic basement transformation. The main floor kitchen had a 2-tierd island that was no longer functional or desired. The homeowner asked us to cut it back to a single level & replace the laminate top a with new Cambria surface. Those design changes were then reflected in a full basement remodel, featuring a new bath w/custom vanity, an entertainment wall with cultured stone fireplace, and built-in book shelves and TV cabinets. The new custom kitchenette provides support for a multi-use activity space—everything from TV, lounging by the fire, to ping-pong and piano sonatas. Crown moulding, a mix of ceramic tile & carpet all bathed in overhead and natural light from new egress windows gives this new space functionality and sophistication. Design/Build lead— Jeff Robinson Photographer—Alyssa Lee

Caleb Vandermeer
Large trendy galley light wood floor and brown floor open concept kitchen photo in Portland with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, quartz countertops, gray backsplash, porcelain backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Flush inset cabinets with multi level island.
Example of a mid-sized eclectic l-shaped light wood floor eat-in kitchen design in New York with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz countertops, stone tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

This lakeside A-Frame cottage required creative space planning. The lower level galley kitchen offers tons of hidden storage built under the stairs. Modern grey cabinetry and open shelving are accented by ample recessed and spot lights. The countertop and white subway tiles wrap around into the living area, creating multi-function seating. USB outlets allow homeowners and guest to charge their smart devices easily. The floors look like a greyed rustic wood, but are actually luxury vinyl tiles...perfect for the in-and-out traffic from water related activities.

Stephani Buchman
Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary enclosed family room remodel in Toronto with white walls and a wall-mounted tv