2011 NARI CAPITAL COTY GRAND AWARD WINNER A single family home in Oakton, VA built in late 80’ was occupied by family of four for 10 years. The owner wishes to expand the living space, finish the basement, add a sunroom/breakfast area addition, eliminate the deck and put in a screen porch. Also convert the laundry room to an office/mudroom area. The basement has gained a new bar area, a total new bathroom with shower and large vanities and all amenities, media area with gas fireplace and mantel surrounded with matching cherry bookcases and granite tops, recess lights, surround sound system, wood floor and steps. New French doors lead to a brick patio. The first floor gained this new 16’x20’ cathedral ceiling sunroom/breakfast addition surrounded with large arched windows and French slider leading into new screen porch. The kitchen lay-out gained three more feet in width. Also by removing partition wall between the kitchen and existing family room, the first floor now has total open floor plan. The fireplace in existing family room was converted to gas. The new kitchen design touts new appliances and a beautiful large furniture style island that is the focal point of the space. The island is made from cherry cabinetry stained in espresso and topped with a multi-color exotic granite counter. The wrap-around natural stained cherry cabinets around the perimeter include the display cabinets and bench seat in the dining room. A tumbled marble backsplash, wide plank mahogany floors and stainless steel appliances complete this gourmet kitchen. The screen porch is done with Trex decking and the cathedral ceiling is covered in beaded panels . The corner gas fireplace surround is Ledgestone. The new addition has given this family a place to gather and relax for years to come.

Dancer Concrete Design was contacted to find the best way to deliver a finished concrete floor in such a different type of space. The home’s design is of two intersecting circles that make up the garage and main living space. A basement sits below half of the structure while a structural concrete pad supports the other half circle. The floor finishing would take place in the living room, dinning room, and into the kitchen. For this project the owners were fully occupying the space. Of course this process aesthetically enhances the space, but we have also found it to increase the durability of our floors. After mechanically removing the grout we move to additional polishing steps and our two-step sealing process of densification and stain guard. Densifying is a reactive penetrating sealer that makes the concrete even stronger and resistant to scratches, stains and other contaminants. The homeowner selected a natural concrete finish – no added stains or dyes – and the final day, the team polished the floor to the desired finish, a level one, 400-grit shine.

2011 NARI CAPITAL COTY GRAND AWARD WINNER A single family home in Oakton, VA built in late 80’ was occupied by family of four for 10 years. The owner wishes to expand the living space, finish the basement, add a sunroom/breakfast area addition, eliminate the deck and put in a screen porch. Also convert the laundry room to an office/mudroom area. The basement has gained a new bar area, a total new bathroom with shower and large vanities and all amenities, media area with gas fireplace and mantel surrounded with matching cherry bookcases and granite tops, recess lights, surround sound system, wood floor and steps. New French doors lead to a brick patio. The first floor gained this new 16’x20’ cathedral ceiling sunroom/breakfast addition surrounded with large arched windows and French slider leading into new screen porch. The kitchen lay-out gained three more feet in width. Also by removing partition wall between the kitchen and existing family room, the first floor now has total open floor plan. The fireplace in existing family room was converted to gas. The new kitchen design touts new appliances and a beautiful large furniture style island that is the focal point of the space. The island is made from cherry cabinetry stained in espresso and topped with a multi-color exotic granite counter. The wrap-around natural stained cherry cabinets around the perimeter include the display cabinets and bench seat in the dining room. A tumbled marble backsplash, wide plank mahogany floors and stainless steel appliances complete this gourmet kitchen. The screen porch is done with Trex decking and the cathedral ceiling is covered in beaded panels . The corner gas fireplace surround is Ledgestone. The new addition has given this family a place to gather and relax for years to come.

Believed to be the oldest building in Excelsior Minnesota, this humble brick structure has transformed, been moved, and housed countless people over its 162 years. Affectionately known as ‘The Beehive’, it was built in 1857 and began as the original Excelsior schoolhouse. It was moved to its’ current location in the 1880’s and became a 23-room dormitory for Northwestern Christian College, followed by a boarding house, and finally apartments (in addition to the rumors of more sordid activities in the early 20th century!). After being in the same family for several decades, the owner wanted to transform the building one more time to make it her own home. Citydeskstudio worked closely with her and the Excelsior Historic Preservation Commission on the design. She now occupies the main floor, with additional units above and below for rental and for family. The design celebrates the stout and blocky character of the building with a new modern expansion off the back. There, the building steps and expands outwards in glassy boxes of charred cedar. Inside, the original structure was repaired and uncovered where possible, and previous poorly done modifications were corrected. The center piece of this more open and light-filled home is a rich modern kitchen in walnut, travertine, and steel. The old character remains ever present and is essential to the spirit of The Beehive’s latest transformation. This multigenerational home’s design honors the legacy of the property, marrying the original Excelsior schoolhouse with a beautiful, modern, contextually-sensitive remodel and addition. Project Team: Ben Awes, AIA, Principal-In-Charge Chris Bach Nate Dodge

Credit to Dave Mason, the stone mason who designed and installed the masonry around these entry gates. The back side of the gate wingwall surrounds a small niche that can be occupied by children. It was intended as a 'hobbit house' by the owner for their grandchildren.

Designed in 1914 by Wilder and White, Architects, of New York City, the original owner of this property was Dr. William Englesby. In 1956 the house was willed to the University of Vermont. It served as a dormitory for twenty-seven women students until the new president of UVM, John Fey, arrived in 1958 and the university remodeled the house to serve as his residence. It has since been occupied by succeeding UVM presidents. This was an intriguing space to design due to the rarity of such a large garden in the city. We installed a front walk with a ramp from pavers and custom cut bluestone. We carried this look to the back of the house by installing a paver patio with bluestone inlay along with some steps. Colorful plantings completed the area and gave it an elegant feel.

Converting a home office into a nursery for a growing family presented some interesting challenges because of the spatial limitations. Originally, the space housed an enclosed side porch in this small 1940's post war cottage style home. During the planning stage, the decision was made that the design elements of the nursery would be consistent with those previously used in the refurbished home…a soft, sophisticated mix of traditional furnishings accented with contemporary styled pieces and elements set within a monochromatic color scheme. Knowing that the expected child was a girl enabled the exploration of a full range of feminine options. To maximize style, unify the space, and preserve the impression of childlike innocence a decision was reached to use minimalist colors. Winter Morning coats the walls with just a hint of pink as seen in the sky at sunrise. Texture is introduced in a blush linen; its hue was chosen to increase spatial perception within this compact nursery. The same linen covers the crib bumper pads and upholsters the small scale glider. Blush is repeated in the chenille braid on the bumper pads, the pleat closures for the tailored striped silk crib skirt and, again, on the trim of the stripped silk drapery panels which are hung to the ceiling adding visual height and providing yards of gentle softness to the area. Antique botanicals from the owner's childhood provide femininity and a connection to the past. Mounted from the ceiling is a small glazed chandelier with clear crystal and rose quartz pendants perfectly suited for the little charmer who will occupy this room. The space may be small in size, but it is large in style, functionality, and filled with love.

This project for a builder husband and interior-designer wife involved adding onto and restoring the luster of a c. 1883 Carpenter Gothic cottage in Barrington that they had occupied for years while raising their two sons. They were ready to ditch their small tacked-on kitchen that was mostly isolated from the rest of the house, views/daylight, as well as the yard, and replace it with something more generous, brighter, and more open that would improve flow inside and out. They were also eager for a better mudroom, new first-floor 3/4 bath, new basement stair, and a new second-floor master suite above. The design challenge was to conceive of an addition and renovations that would be in balanced conversation with the original house without dwarfing or competing with it. The new cross-gable addition echoes the original house form, at a somewhat smaller scale and with a simplified more contemporary exterior treatment that is sympathetic to the old house but clearly differentiated from it. Renovations included the removal of replacement vinyl windows by others and the installation of new Pella black clad windows in the original house, a new dormer in one of the son’s bedrooms, and in the addition. At the first-floor interior intersection between the existing house and the addition, two new large openings enhance flow and access to daylight/view and are outfitted with pairs of salvaged oversized clear-finished wooden barn-slider doors that lend character and visual warmth. A new exterior deck off the kitchen addition leads to a new enlarged backyard patio that is also accessible from the new full basement directly below the addition. (Interior fit-out and interior finishes/fixtures by the Owners)

This client sought to update their recently purchased home in Alexandria. A gourmet kitchen that complemented the size of the home and property was a top priority. They wanted more light-filled and connected living spaces for their growing family. Updating the finishes throughout the home was also a necessity. Design challenges included an existing utility space that occupied a large portion of the kitchen footprint, making the kitchen cramped and narrow. In addition, the foyer was dark, confined and uninviting as a result of its organization and enclosed nature of the main stair. To overcome the challenges, we relocated the utilities, creating a more usable footprint for the kitchen. The aging furnace was replaced with a high efficiency furnace located in a newly insulated and conditioned crawl space. A new hot water heater was placed in the finished attic, and the electrical panel was also relocated. Then, we designed a portion of the kitchen to mask the need for dropped structural headers: the refrigerator, freezer and pantry were placed under the area that necessitated a drop bulkhead, creating a sleek built-in area for the appliances. Once the utilities were moved, the kitchen could be opened up to a large family room and designed with a much-improved layout. Two new four-panel exterior doors replaced small doors at the family room to connect the main living space with the beautiful yard. In addition, white bead board was added to the family room ceiling, creating more visual continuity with the adjacent white kitchen. To transform the foyer into a grand and welcoming entry, a small amount of space was taken from a large second floor bedroom, and the entire second floor structure was supported with a series of flush beams to allow the stair to be opened and expose the rail. New glass doors to the den, relocated at an angle from the main stair provide the foyer with more natural light and a wider, more inviting path to the kitchen. In the master suite, the bedroom and bathroom entry doors were relocated to improve the room’s layout and offer more bathroom privacy and space for a walk-in closet. A room forgotten by the previous owner was turned into a family mudroom with built-ins and wainscoting to keep the family organized in style. Photography by Greg Hadley

Using the Home Owner's sofa, table, arched lamp and framed B&W picthres, we added a pouf, rug and plant to create the right balance.
Living room - small contemporary open concept medium tone wood floor and gray floor living room idea in Los Angeles with white walls

About This Project: Stunning 180' ocean and bay views abound from this spacious 3,500 sq. ft. home sitting perfectly on a 9,300 square foot lot on an ideal upper ridge-line overlooking the sea. Take in stunning sunsets while floating in the pool, playing games in the yard or entertaining friends via the ideal indoor/outdoor floor plan. Privacy awaits you beyond the entry gate as you are welcomed by the expansive views. The master suite occupies the entirety of the second-floor yielding yet more phenomenal views and seclusion that is sure to please any homeowner! Distinctive Domain is a member of the Certified Luxury Builders Network. Certified Luxury Builders is a network of leading custom home builders and luxury home and condo remodelers who create 5-Star experiences for luxury home and condo owners from New York to Los Angeles and Boston to Naples. As a Certified Luxury Builder, Distinctive Domain is proud to feature photos of select projects from our members around the country to inspire you with design ideas. Please feel free to contact the specific Certified Luxury Builder with any questions or inquiries you may have about their projects. Please visit www.CLBNetwork.com for a directory of CLB members featured on Houzz and their contact information.

Designed in 1914 by Wilder and White, Architects, of New York City, the original owner of this property was Dr. William Englesby. In 1956 the house was willed to the University of Vermont. It served as a dormitory for twenty-seven women students until the new president of UVM, John Fey, arrived in 1958 and the university remodeled the house to serve as his residence. It has since been occupied by succeeding UVM presidents. This was an intriguing space to design due to the rarity of such a large garden in the city. We installed a front walk with a ramp from pavers and custom cut bluestone. We carried this look to the back of the house by installing a paver patio with bluestone inlay along with some steps. Colorful plantings completed the area and gave it an elegant feel.

This vacant condo definitely has the most palladian windows in it. The light is incredible. Adding punches of colours made this condo come alive. If you have a vacant property or an occupied property and you are planning to list it, give us a call for a consultation. We have been helping realtors, home owners, house flippers and investors sell their properties for over 10 years. Call 514-222-5553 for more information

A rarely used drop-in tub occupied a large footprint in the condo’s primary bathroom. Our clients preferred to have a generous walk-in shower, so we reconfigured the layout and eliminated the bathtub altogether which also allowed space for a freestanding linen cabinet. We paired large scale porcelain floor tiles with marble penny rounds in the custom-tiled shower and storage niche. The timeless marble, white, and gray palette is accented with brushed nickel fixtures and accessories providing the owners with a stylish, sophisticated bathroom.

What does a roof deck look like when every part of the roof, even areas deemed uninhabitable and structurally weak, is utilized and optimized? This large midcentury home on the edge of Presidio National Park in San Francisco had an incredible location and views. But the original roof deck suffered from poor design detailing that had rendered it a leaking, deteriorating mess. Even worse, the previous owner had covered three roof areas surrounding the deck with river stones, structurally overloading the building and endangering its occupants. We removed the river stones and everything else down to the framing. An expertly detailed drainage and waterproofing system underlies everything above. The deck and access stairs are surfaced with durable and refined porcelain pavers. The guardrail is made from custom stainless steel supports with clear, low-iron, laminated glass spanning between for an unobstructed view. Heated seats make watching the chilly fog roll in through the gate comfy. Planting and greenery surround the deck. The type varies depending on structural conditions- a deep planter sits on top of a structural wall, sedums in shallow soil occupy the strong edges of the surrounding rooftops, and faux grass turf fills out the middle in areas that can’t support the weight of wet soil.

This is a large Hurricane Harvey restoration and remodeling project. The remodel featured an entirely new kitchen and master bathroom, wood tile floors, and iron stair ballusters. We arranged for the owners to move back in before completion so the completed photos show the the house 100% occupied.

Dancer Concrete Design was contacted to find the best way to deliver a finished concrete floor in such a different type of space. The home’s design is of two intersecting circles that make up the garage and main living space. A basement sits below half of the structure while a structural concrete pad supports the other half circle. The floor finishing would take place in the living room, dinning room, and into the kitchen. For this project the owners were fully occupying the space. Of course this process aesthetically enhances the space, but we have also found it to increase the durability of our floors. After mechanically removing the grout we move to additional polishing steps and our two-step sealing process of densification and stain guard. Densifying is a reactive penetrating sealer that makes the concrete even stronger and resistant to scratches, stains and other contaminants. The homeowner selected a natural concrete finish – no added stains or dyes – and the final day, the team polished the floor to the desired finish, a level one, 400-grit shine.

•Architects: Aires Mateus •Location: Lisbon, Portugal •Architect: Manuel Aires Mateus •Years: 2006-20011 •Photos by: Ricardo Oliveira Alves •Stone floor: Ancient Surface A succession of everyday spaces occupied the lower floor of this restored 18th century castle on the hillside. The existing estate illustrating a period clouded by historic neglect. The restoration plan for this castle house focused on increasing its spatial value, its open space architecture and re-positioning of its windows. The garden made it possible to enhance the depth of the view over the rooftops and the Baixa river. An existing addition was rebuilt to house to conduct more private and entertainment functions. The unexpected discovery of an old and buried wellhead and cistern in the center of the house was a pleasant surprise to the architect and owners.

This project is a (new) pool within an (existing) pool! The client asked me to remodel their extra large 1970s trapezoid pool that was lacking a spa and seating area. They wanted to make it into a focal feature of their yard allowing them to entertain and capture there scenic view in ways that the previous configuration prevented. On this property, it made sense for the new spa to be on the uphill side adjacent to the master bedroom -- not only for convenience but also for enjoying the views, and allowing us to overflow the spa so that the water could return downhill back to the pool. This is where the cylindrical glass tile “jewel” is situated. The vibrant color of glass was chosen to compliment (be the opposite of, in order to visually resonate and create a higher energy feel) with the ocher seen in the natural stone palette that the house gave us as precedent. Once the spas location was decided, the best views enjoyed by this property are located where the chaise lounges are now in the finished design. The previous pool occupied the space, and this prime area could not be accessed at all! Our second order of business was to carve out a destination space from the previous pool and give it back to be a furniture area for entertaining. Locating the chaise lounger deck across the pool presented a challenge that became a fun opportunity not to be passed up. The overflowing spa water had to return to the pool somehow, and the flowing water had to be crossed over to get to the Chaise lounge viewing deck. The solution? A bridge of course! And with the stairs ascending up to the spa, why not have a stairway like water feature underneath the bridge? The final touch on this design was omitting the weak and poorly executed vanishing edge, which had a horizon line finishing right into the rooftops of the homes below. Not the best aesthetic! To block the roof lines of the homes below and direct your eyes up to the mountain peaks beyond, a stone clad raised planter became the central focal point of the yard, allowing us to create a beautiful agave, yucca, and cacti display to be enjoyed from every angle of the home. Altogether the new configuration really plays off the angular shapes of the home, extends the pallet of materials around the yard, and makes the new space all that more enjoyable for the owners private and public entertainment.