Our client constructed their new home on five wooded acres in Northern Virginia, and they requested our firm to help them design the ultimate backyard retreat complete with custom natural look pool as the main focal point. The pool was designed into an existing hillside, adding natural boulders and multiple waterfalls, raised spa. Next to the spa is a raised natural wood burning fire pit for those cool evenings or just a fun place for the kids to roast marshmallows. The extensive Techo-bloc Inca paver pool deck, a large custom pool house complete with bar, kitchen/grill area, lounge area with 60" flat screen TV, full audio throughout the pool house & pool area with a full bath to complete the pool area. For the back of the house, we included a custom composite waterproof deck with lounge area below, recessed lighting, ceiling fans & small outdoor grille area make this space a great place to hangout. For the man of the house, an avid golfer, a large Southwest synthetic putting green (2000 s.f.) with bunker and tee boxes keeps him on top of his game. A kids playhouse, connecting flagstone walks throughout, extensive non-deer appealing landscaping, outdoor lighting, and full irrigation fulfilled all of the client's design parameters.

The rear of this property was basically non-existent falling into heavy woods on a very steep pitch. We tried creating this space with poured footings and walls that go below frost, creating the living space. With the harsh winter of 2017, the weather we encountered did not stop us from pushing through the setbacks to completing this momentous outdoor oasis. We are able to work in all the elements the North East can and has thrown at us. We have an extremely knowledgeable crew and appropriate, well-maintained equipment. Materials such as clear Cedar and Travertine make up the crisp, clean look of this great space!

This residential home utilizes Victoria real stone veneer from the Quarry Mill to give dimension to a beautiful outdoor dining area. Victoria stones contain an earthy mix of light tans, off-whites, and slightly darker tan colors that will add a bit of color to your décor and home exterior. The block-like, rectangular stones work well for projects like chimneys, siding, kitchen backsplashes, and accent walls. Victoria stones’ various sizes help you create a wall with non-repeating patterns. Small projects like backsplashes and door and window trim are just as easy as large projects like whole-house siding. The neutral colors of this natural stone veneer will go well with rustic and contemporary homes and your existing accessories.

This young couple was ready to make some changes to their master bedroom. They already laid a great foundation for me: beautiful wall color, carpet and trim. We just needed to update their furnishings and make this space feel more like them. They requested a bedroom that was more classic than trendy and a space that feels relaxing and spa-like. I started with the big pieces. I know they liked the light, upholstered bed look, which is awesome because I get so many clients who shy away from this option for fear of it getting dirty. Next up were the case pieces: dresser, night stands, high boy. I know a lot of designers who favor designing a bedroom with non-matching sets, but in this case, I thought opting for matching nightstands and dressers was the most classic choice and will stand the test of time best. They also a requested an area for the wive to do her make up and hair separate from the bathroom with ample light. I found a vanity, replaced the matching stool with an accent chair in a grey ikat print and used a pair of existing lamps. Extra seating is provided at the end of the bed on a tufted grey bench. The inverted pleat drapes are custom made with black out lining. Accessories and wall art were added to infuse personality and warm up the space.

Burh Becc at Beacon Springs is the Midwest’s first, and the world’s second fully certified Living Building Challenge residence - the world’s most rigorous proven performance standard for sustainability. This home is a 3,400 finished sq ft walk-out ranch which has been designed to emulate nature: Net Zero energy getting all of its energy from the sun; Net Zero water getting all of its water from the sky; Net Zero waste creating only ecological nutrient from its existence; and constructed entirely of materials that are non-toxic, healthy and ecologically sound.

Burh Becc at Beacon Springs is the Midwest’s first, and the world’s second fully certified Living Building Challenge residence - the world’s most rigorous proven performance standard for sustainability. This home is a 3,400 finished sq ft walk-out ranch which has been designed to emulate nature: Net Zero energy getting all of its energy from the sun; Net Zero water getting all of its water from the sky; Net Zero waste creating only ecological nutrient from its existence; and constructed entirely of materials that are non-toxic, healthy and ecologically sound.

Welcome the Oxford End Table from Convenience Concepts into your home. This chic transitional side table is just what you were looking for to renovate your space. Available in multiple finishes, the Oxford End Table will complement any existing living room while offering a fresh new look. The beautiful bold X frame panel sides makes a statement, while creating an open concept feel that is modern and new. Featuring a spacious table top, middle and bottom shelf, this accent table provides plenty of space for display and storage, from your favorite books to a vase filled with your favorite flowers. Made of MDF and non-lead based paint, the Oxford End Table is built to last and safe for any room. Bring the Oxford End Table home today and look for other coordinating pieces from the Oxford Collection from Convenience Concepts, each sold separately.

The rear of this property was basically non-existent falling into heavy woods on a very steep pitch. We tried creating this space with poured footings and walls that go below frost, creating the living space. With the harsh winter of 2017, the weather we encountered did not stop us from pushing through the setbacks to completing this momentous outdoor oasis. We are able to work in all the elements the North East can and has thrown at us. We have an extremely knowledgeable crew and appropriate, well-maintained equipment. Materials such as clear Cedar and Travertine make up the crisp, clean look of this great space!

Though graced with a towering Sycamore and other mature plantings, this impressive Craftsman garden was in need of some reimagining. Working with our clients’ wish to eliminate their existing pool, we sited and designed a new spa, pathways, and seating area with a millstone fountain that fits the bucolic feeling of the site. New plantings were designed to attract birds and butterflies. Photo by Martin Cox.

Project Goals: This house needed a bit more room inside to create a bathroom oasis on the second floor. The solution was to build on top of an already existing small addition on the rear of this home. Project Results: To create slightly square footage for this bathroom, we cantilevered this part of the new structure. We blended the exterior finishes with the existing addition structure, to create a seamless look, and create a beautiful bathroom.

Wainscot trim
Inspiration for a mid-sized craftsman wooden straight wood railing staircase remodel in Chicago with painted risers

The homeowner's had a small, non functional kitchen. With their desire to think outside of the box we were able to knock down a structural wall between the kitchen and dining room to give them a large island and a more functional kitchen. To keep costs down we left the sink in the existing location under the window. We provided them with a large pantry cabinet to replace their closet. In the dining room area we flanked the window with a window seat and a storage space for them to put shoes when coming in from the garage. This more open concept kitchen provides the homeowner's with a great entertaining space for their large family gatherings. Mike Kaskel

In Southern California there are pockets of darling cottages built in the early 20th century that we like to call jewelry boxes. They are quaint, full of charm and usually a bit cramped. Our clients have a growing family and needed a modern, functional home. They opted for a renovation that directly addressed their concerns. When we first saw this 2,170 square-foot 3-bedroom beach cottage, the front door opened directly into a staircase and a dead-end hallway. The kitchen was cramped, the living room was claustrophobic and everything felt dark and dated. The big picture items included pitching the living room ceiling to create space and taking down a kitchen wall. We added a French oven and luxury range that the wife had always dreamed about, a custom vent hood, and custom-paneled appliances. We added a downstairs half-bath for guests (entirely designed around its whimsical wallpaper) and converted one of the existing bathrooms into a Jack-and-Jill, connecting the kids’ bedrooms, with double sinks and a closed-off toilet and shower for privacy. In the bathrooms, we added white marble floors and wainscoting. We created storage throughout the home with custom-cabinets, new closets and built-ins, such as bookcases, desks and shelving. White Sands Design/Build furnished the entire cottage mostly with commissioned pieces, including a custom dining table and upholstered chairs. We updated light fixtures and added brass hardware throughout, to create a vintage, bo-ho vibe. The best thing about this cottage is the charming backyard accessory dwelling unit (ADU), designed in the same style as the larger structure. In order to keep the ADU it was necessary to renovate less than 50% of the main home, which took some serious strategy, otherwise the non-conforming ADU would need to be torn out. We renovated the bathroom with white walls and pine flooring, transforming it into a get-away that will grow with the girls.

The rear of this property was basically non-existent falling into heavy woods on a very steep pitch. We tried creating this space with poured footings and walls that go below frost, creating the living space. With the harsh winter of 2017, the weather we encountered did not stop us from pushing through the setbacks to completing this momentous outdoor oasis. We are able to work in all the elements the North East can and has thrown at us. We have an extremely knowledgeable crew and appropriate, well-maintained equipment. Materials such as clear Cedar and Travertine make up the crisp, clean look of this great space!

The rear of this property was basically non-existent falling into heavy woods on a very steep pitch. We tried creating this space with poured footings and walls that go below frost, creating the living space. With the harsh winter of 2017, the weather we encountered did not stop us from pushing through the setbacks to completing this momentous outdoor oasis. We are able to work in all the elements the North East can and has thrown at us. We have an extremely knowledgeable crew and appropriate, well-maintained equipment. Materials such as clear Cedar and Travertine make up the crisp, clean look of this great space!

Burh Becc at Beacon Springs is the Midwest’s first, and the world’s second fully certified Living Building Challenge residence - the world’s most rigorous proven performance standard for sustainability. This home is a 3,400 finished sq ft walk-out ranch which has been designed to emulate nature: Net Zero energy getting all of its energy from the sun; Net Zero water getting all of its water from the sky; Net Zero waste creating only ecological nutrient from its existence; and constructed entirely of materials that are non-toxic, healthy and ecologically sound.

Welcome the Oxford End Table from Convenience Concepts into your home. This chic transitional side table is just what you were looking for to renovate your space. Available in multiple finishes, the Oxford End Table will complement any existing living room while offering a fresh new look. The beautiful bold X frame panel sides makes a statement, while creating an open concept feel that is modern and new. Featuring a spacious table top, middle and bottom shelf, this accent table provides plenty of space for display and storage, from your favorite books to a vase filled with your favorite flowers. Made of MDF and non-lead based paint, the Oxford End Table is built to last and safe for any room. Bring the Oxford End Table home today and look for other coordinating pieces from the Oxford Collection from Convenience Concepts, each sold separately.

The original cabinet doors, drawer fronts, and moldings got tossed. We modified the oven cabinet to fit the new ovens, added a deeper and shorter refrigerator cabinet, and eliminated the old-school recessed sink front. New moldings were added and then the original cabinet boxes were painted in place. New hard, durable, factory-painted doors, and drawer fronts were installed. On the island, we added a couple of drawers, refaced in a complementary stained wood, and added posts to the backside for a touch of elegance. The old, non-functional, fluorescent under-cabinet lights were swapped-out for new LED tape-style versions. The existing tile floor was in great shape, so we just made sure it was protected during the project. It is amazing how the countertops, floor, backsplash, and wallpaper all got re-invigorated by association when we upgraded the look of the cabinetry. Photo's by Warren Smith, CMKBD

The rear of this property was basically non-existent falling into heavy woods on a very steep pitch. We tried creating this space with poured footings and walls that go below frost, creating the living space. With the harsh winter of 2017, the weather we encountered did not stop us from pushing through the setbacks to completing this momentous outdoor oasis. We are able to work in all the elements the North East can and has thrown at us. We have an extremely knowledgeable crew and appropriate, well-maintained equipment. Materials such as clear Cedar and Travertine make up the crisp, clean look of this great space!