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.

Kitchen - traditional kitchen idea in Seattle

The beautiful, old barn on this Topsfield estate was at risk of being demolished. Before approaching Mathew Cummings, the homeowner had met with several architects about the structure, and they had all told her that it needed to be torn down. Thankfully, for the sake of the barn and the owner, Cummings Architects has a long and distinguished history of preserving some of the oldest timber framed homes and barns in the U.S. Once the homeowner realized that the barn was not only salvageable, but could be transformed into a new living space that was as utilitarian as it was stunning, the design ideas began flowing fast. In the end, the design came together in a way that met all the family’s needs with all the warmth and style you’d expect in such a venerable, old building. On the ground level of this 200-year old structure, a garage offers ample room for three cars, including one loaded up with kids and groceries. Just off the garage is the mudroom – a large but quaint space with an exposed wood ceiling, custom-built seat with period detailing, and a powder room. The vanity in the powder room features a vanity that was built using salvaged wood and reclaimed bluestone sourced right on the property. Original, exposed timbers frame an expansive, two-story family room that leads, through classic French doors, to a new deck adjacent to the large, open backyard. On the second floor, salvaged barn doors lead to the master suite which features a bright bedroom and bath as well as a custom walk-in closet with his and hers areas separated by a black walnut island. In the master bath, hand-beaded boards surround a claw-foot tub, the perfect place to relax after a long day. In addition, the newly restored and renovated barn features a mid-level exercise studio and a children’s playroom that connects to the main house. From a derelict relic that was slated for demolition to a warmly inviting and beautifully utilitarian living space, this barn has undergone an almost magical transformation to become a beautiful addition and asset to this stately home.

This Second Empire Victorian, was built with a unique, modern, open floor plan for an active young family. The challenge was to design a Transitional Victorian home, honoring the past and creating its own future story. A variety of windows, such as lancet arched, basket arched, round, and the twin half round infused whimsy and authenticity as a nod to the period. Dark blue shingles on the Mansard roof, characteristic of Second Empire Victorians, contrast the white exterior, while the quarter wrap around porch pays homage to the former home. Architect: T.J. Costello - Hierarchy Architecture + Design Photographer: Amanda Kirkpatrick

The beautiful, old barn on this Topsfield estate was at risk of being demolished. Before approaching Mathew Cummings, the homeowner had met with several architects about the structure, and they had all told her that it needed to be torn down. Thankfully, for the sake of the barn and the owner, Cummings Architects has a long and distinguished history of preserving some of the oldest timber framed homes and barns in the U.S. Once the homeowner realized that the barn was not only salvageable, but could be transformed into a new living space that was as utilitarian as it was stunning, the design ideas began flowing fast. In the end, the design came together in a way that met all the family’s needs with all the warmth and style you’d expect in such a venerable, old building. On the ground level of this 200-year old structure, a garage offers ample room for three cars, including one loaded up with kids and groceries. Just off the garage is the mudroom – a large but quaint space with an exposed wood ceiling, custom-built seat with period detailing, and a powder room. The vanity in the powder room features a vanity that was built using salvaged wood and reclaimed bluestone sourced right on the property. Original, exposed timbers frame an expansive, two-story family room that leads, through classic French doors, to a new deck adjacent to the large, open backyard. On the second floor, salvaged barn doors lead to the master suite which features a bright bedroom and bath as well as a custom walk-in closet with his and hers areas separated by a black walnut island. In the master bath, hand-beaded boards surround a claw-foot tub, the perfect place to relax after a long day. In addition, the newly restored and renovated barn features a mid-level exercise studio and a children’s playroom that connects to the main house. From a derelict relic that was slated for demolition to a warmly inviting and beautifully utilitarian living space, this barn has undergone an almost magical transformation to become a beautiful addition and asset to this stately home.

The beautiful, old barn on this Topsfield estate was at risk of being demolished. Before approaching Mathew Cummings, the homeowner had met with several architects about the structure, and they had all told her that it needed to be torn down. Thankfully, for the sake of the barn and the owner, Cummings Architects has a long and distinguished history of preserving some of the oldest timber framed homes and barns in the U.S. Once the homeowner realized that the barn was not only salvageable, but could be transformed into a new living space that was as utilitarian as it was stunning, the design ideas began flowing fast. In the end, the design came together in a way that met all the family’s needs with all the warmth and style you’d expect in such a venerable, old building. On the ground level of this 200-year old structure, a garage offers ample room for three cars, including one loaded up with kids and groceries. Just off the garage is the mudroom – a large but quaint space with an exposed wood ceiling, custom-built seat with period detailing, and a powder room. The vanity in the powder room features a vanity that was built using salvaged wood and reclaimed bluestone sourced right on the property. Original, exposed timbers frame an expansive, two-story family room that leads, through classic French doors, to a new deck adjacent to the large, open backyard. On the second floor, salvaged barn doors lead to the master suite which features a bright bedroom and bath as well as a custom walk-in closet with his and hers areas separated by a black walnut island. In the master bath, hand-beaded boards surround a claw-foot tub, the perfect place to relax after a long day. In addition, the newly restored and renovated barn features a mid-level exercise studio and a children’s playroom that connects to the main house. From a derelict relic that was slated for demolition to a warmly inviting and beautifully utilitarian living space, this barn has undergone an almost magical transformation to become a beautiful addition and asset to this stately home.

1730s Farmhouse Kitchen Renovation This kitchen renovation thoughtfully blends historic charm with modern functionality in a beautifully preserved 1730s farmhouse. Central to the redesign was the addition of a walk-in pantry, seamlessly integrated to enhance storage while maintaining the home’s vintage character. At the heart of the kitchen, the original antique slate farm sink was carefully restored and reused, grounding the space with an authentic period touch. The layout was opened up with the addition and strategic relocation of windows, inviting in natural light and offering views of the surrounding landscape. A reclaimed barn board wood hood anchors the cooking area with rustic warmth, paired with full inset Shaker-style cabinets painted in Benjamin Moore’s “Inkwell” — a deep, moody blue in a soft, dull finish. Countertops in white engineered quartz with navy blue veining offer a crisp contrast and subtle elegance. Satin brass hardware and light fixtures add a refined, modern edge, while distressed pine floating shelves bring a casual, lived-in feel that honors the farmhouse’s heritage. The result is a timeless kitchen that celebrates its past while serving the needs of today.

The kitchen is now the hub of the house with its roomier, more open layout, natural light and improved flow. Flooring is new top nailed White Oak to match the existing floor. New perimeter cabinets are painted white with unlacquered brass hardware. The custom island is Walnut and offers plenty of seating for casual dining or catching up with the cook. A walk-in pantry offers plenty of storage for drygoods. All cabinetry is custom made by Arciform. Counters are topped with 3cm Soapstone from Pental Surfaces. Most of the light fixtures are salvaged and restored, and represent the general time period of the house.

1730s Farmhouse Kitchen Renovation This kitchen renovation thoughtfully blends historic charm with modern functionality in a beautifully preserved 1730s farmhouse. Central to the redesign was the addition of a walk-in pantry, seamlessly integrated to enhance storage while maintaining the home’s vintage character. At the heart of the kitchen, the original antique slate farm sink was carefully restored and reused, grounding the space with an authentic period touch. The layout was opened up with the addition and strategic relocation of windows, inviting in natural light and offering views of the surrounding landscape. A reclaimed barn board wood hood anchors the cooking area with rustic warmth, paired with full inset Shaker-style cabinets painted in Benjamin Moore’s “Inkwell” — a deep, moody blue in a soft, dull finish. Countertops in white engineered quartz with navy blue veining offer a crisp contrast and subtle elegance. Satin brass hardware and light fixtures add a refined, modern edge, while distressed pine floating shelves bring a casual, lived-in feel that honors the farmhouse’s heritage. The result is a timeless kitchen that celebrates its past while serving the needs of today.

This charming top floor condo in Ashbury Heights had beautiful Victorian period details and like all homes of the period, the kitchen was an afterthought. The goal of this project was to reunite the living spaces and introduce them to the outdoors. The rear yard, which was previously accessible only through a dank laundry room, was invited in and integrated with the new dining room and kitchen. The hidden gem in this home was the fantastic attic space. Removing the ceiling joists and exposing the sloping roof to create a cathedral ceiling, the structure provided this new kitchen and dining room with the breathing space it needed. With the south facing exposure now accessible, the space was transformed, bringing light to where before there was little. Careful detailing by the interior designer ensured the traditional qualities this home has to offer were blended in elegantly while respecting the original charm.

Architecturally significant 1930's art deco jewel designed by noted architect Hervey Clark, whose projects include the War Memorial in the Presidio, the US Consulate in Japan, and several buildings on the Stanford campus. Situated on just over 3 acres with 4,435 sq. ft. of living space, this elegant gated property offers privacy, expansive views of Ross Valley, Mt Tam, and the bay. Other features include deco period details, inlaid hardwood floors, dramatic pool, and a large partially covered deck that offers true indoor/outdoor living.

One of the most popular hardwood floor finishing which offers Tom & Peter Flooring is provided by WOCA. If you’ve decided that you want a natural looking wooden floor that is lacquer-free, then the likelihood is that you’ve chosen oil as your way of protecting your wood and making your floor look great at the same time. WOCA for wood flooring comes in various forms and is a great way of making sure that your wood is protected, but at the same time looks natural. A highly popular as well as effective way of treating wood floors, oils effectively penetrate into the wood and in some cases harden into the surface of the floor to stop damage and to maintain the wood in its optimum condition. WOCA Oil finish hardwood flooring has taken the United States market by in 2014 and shows no signs of slowing down in 2016 and now. Here are some of the most common questions we have regarding this type of finish which we will I’m to answer in today’s my blog: Is oil finish as durable as traditional factory urethane finishes with aluminum oxide? When it comes to durability, oil finish flooring tackles the issue with a completely different method. The penetrating oil serves as protection from moisture and wear while allowing the user to feel the wood grains in their bare feet. If compared directly to factory finished aluminum oxide finish, the oil finish flooring will not perform as well to abrasion and impact. However, the beauty of this finish is the fact that it will camouflage any scratches which will inevitably accumulate over time. Will this finish evaporate over time and will this be harmful for indoor air quality? Another concern for oil finished floors its effect on indoor air quality. For on-site applications, some varieties suggest several coats which typically require the residents to be out of the home due to mild odors. However, there are factory finished UV-cured or single coat applications which lessen the downtime. Despite the odors produced during the drying process, oil finish floors rank amongst the lowest for VOC (volatile organic compound) emissions. Certain brands even boast true zero VOC. This fact alone makes oil finished floors one of the best options for green building solutions. “WOCA products are certified by independent laboratories, the German Institute for Biological Building Materials, and are in accordance with DIN–Norm 53–160. WOCA WoodCare Denmark products meet or exceed the most stringent U.S. standards for volatile organic compounds.” –WOCA Oil Finish Manufacture Does this type of finish require additional maintenance which I am not familiar with? For weekly cleaning, oiled floors use a special cleaner which contains an oil and soap mixture. After a period of 12-18 months some oil may evaporate causing the wood grains to appear dry. An additional layer of oil can be reapplied to keep the floor looking fresh. Although oil finished floors require more involvement in periodic maintenance in high traffic areas, this maintenance can be done much easier than the equivalent of an onsite sand and refinish. WOCA Master Color Oil contains pigment, which provides a single-step hardwood floor staining process. Laying down the stain and the finish in one step. This product comes 14 different colors, from Black to Extra White, and you can mix them freely to create various color palettes that will meet the demands of any job. Below are some pictures of the finished job…

1730s Farmhouse Kitchen Renovation This kitchen renovation thoughtfully blends historic charm with modern functionality in a beautifully preserved 1730s farmhouse. Central to the redesign was the addition of a walk-in pantry, seamlessly integrated to enhance storage while maintaining the home’s vintage character. At the heart of the kitchen, the original antique slate farm sink was carefully restored and reused, grounding the space with an authentic period touch. The layout was opened up with the addition and strategic relocation of windows, inviting in natural light and offering views of the surrounding landscape. A reclaimed barn board wood hood anchors the cooking area with rustic warmth, paired with full inset Shaker-style cabinets painted in Benjamin Moore’s “Inkwell” — a deep, moody blue in a soft, dull finish. Countertops in white engineered quartz with navy blue veining offer a crisp contrast and subtle elegance. Satin brass hardware and light fixtures add a refined, modern edge, while distressed pine floating shelves bring a casual, lived-in feel that honors the farmhouse’s heritage. The result is a timeless kitchen that celebrates its past while serving the needs of today.

One of the most popular hardwood floor finishing which offers Tom & Peter Flooring is provided by WOCA. If you’ve decided that you want a natural looking wooden floor that is lacquer-free, then the likelihood is that you’ve chosen oil as your way of protecting your wood and making your floor look great at the same time. WOCA for wood flooring comes in various forms and is a great way of making sure that your wood is protected, but at the same time looks natural. A highly popular as well as effective way of treating wood floors, oils effectively penetrate into the wood and in some cases harden into the surface of the floor to stop damage and to maintain the wood in its optimum condition. WOCA Oil finish hardwood flooring has taken the United States market by in 2014 and shows no signs of slowing down in 2016 and now. Here are some of the most common questions we have regarding this type of finish which we will I’m to answer in today’s my blog: Is oil finish as durable as traditional factory urethane finishes with aluminum oxide? When it comes to durability, oil finish flooring tackles the issue with a completely different method. The penetrating oil serves as protection from moisture and wear while allowing the user to feel the wood grains in their bare feet. If compared directly to factory finished aluminum oxide finish, the oil finish flooring will not perform as well to abrasion and impact. However, the beauty of this finish is the fact that it will camouflage any scratches which will inevitably accumulate over time. Will this finish evaporate over time and will this be harmful for indoor air quality? Another concern for oil finished floors its effect on indoor air quality. For on-site applications, some varieties suggest several coats which typically require the residents to be out of the home due to mild odors. However, there are factory finished UV-cured or single coat applications which lessen the downtime. Despite the odors produced during the drying process, oil finish floors rank amongst the lowest for VOC (volatile organic compound) emissions. Certain brands even boast true zero VOC. This fact alone makes oil finished floors one of the best options for green building solutions. “WOCA products are certified by independent laboratories, the German Institute for Biological Building Materials, and are in accordance with DIN–Norm 53–160. WOCA WoodCare Denmark products meet or exceed the most stringent U.S. standards for volatile organic compounds.” –WOCA Oil Finish Manufacture Does this type of finish require additional maintenance which I am not familiar with? For weekly cleaning, oiled floors use a special cleaner which contains an oil and soap mixture. After a period of 12-18 months some oil may evaporate causing the wood grains to appear dry. An additional layer of oil can be reapplied to keep the floor looking fresh. Although oil finished floors require more involvement in periodic maintenance in high traffic areas, this maintenance can be done much easier than the equivalent of an onsite sand and refinish. WOCA Master Color Oil contains pigment, which provides a single-step hardwood floor staining process. Laying down the stain and the finish in one step. This product comes 14 different colors, from Black to Extra White, and you can mix them freely to create various color palettes that will meet the demands of any job. Below are some pictures of the finished job…

This vintage kitchen in a historic home was snug and closed off from other rooms in the home, including the family room. Opening the wall created a pass-through to the family room as well as ample countertop space and bar seating for 4. The new undercount sink in the beautiful granite countertop was enlarged to a single 36" bowl. The original Jen-Aire range had seen better days. Removing it opened up additional counter space as well as offered a smooth cook surface with down draft vent. The custom cabinets were solidly built with lots of custom features that new cabinets would not have offered. To lighten and brighten the room, the cabinets were painted with a Sherwin-Williams enamel. Vintage-style hardware was added to fit the period home. The desk was removed since it diminished counter space and the island cabinets were moved into its place. Doing this also opened up the center of the room, allowing better flow. Backsplash tile from Floor & Decor was added. Walls, backsplash, and cabinets were selected in matching colors to make the space appear larger by keeping the eye moving.

1730s Farmhouse Kitchen Renovation This kitchen renovation thoughtfully blends historic charm with modern functionality in a beautifully preserved 1730s farmhouse. Central to the redesign was the addition of a walk-in pantry, seamlessly integrated to enhance storage while maintaining the home’s vintage character. At the heart of the kitchen, the original antique slate farm sink was carefully restored and reused, grounding the space with an authentic period touch. The layout was opened up with the addition and strategic relocation of windows, inviting in natural light and offering views of the surrounding landscape. A reclaimed barn board wood hood anchors the cooking area with rustic warmth, paired with full inset Shaker-style cabinets painted in Benjamin Moore’s “Inkwell” — a deep, moody blue in a soft, dull finish. Countertops in white engineered quartz with navy blue veining offer a crisp contrast and subtle elegance. Satin brass hardware and light fixtures add a refined, modern edge, while distressed pine floating shelves bring a casual, lived-in feel that honors the farmhouse’s heritage. The result is a timeless kitchen that celebrates its past while serving the needs of today.

1730s Farmhouse Kitchen Renovation This kitchen renovation thoughtfully blends historic charm with modern functionality in a beautifully preserved 1730s farmhouse. Central to the redesign was the addition of a walk-in pantry, seamlessly integrated to enhance storage while maintaining the home’s vintage character. At the heart of the kitchen, the original antique slate farm sink was carefully restored and reused, grounding the space with an authentic period touch. The layout was opened up with the addition and strategic relocation of windows, inviting in natural light and offering views of the surrounding landscape. A reclaimed barn board wood hood anchors the cooking area with rustic warmth, paired with full inset Shaker-style cabinets painted in Benjamin Moore’s “Inkwell” — a deep, moody blue in a soft, dull finish. Countertops in white engineered quartz with navy blue veining offer a crisp contrast and subtle elegance. Satin brass hardware and light fixtures add a refined, modern edge, while distressed pine floating shelves bring a casual, lived-in feel that honors the farmhouse’s heritage. The result is a timeless kitchen that celebrates its past while serving the needs of today.

One of the most popular hardwood floor finishing which offers Tom & Peter Flooring is provided by WOCA. If you’ve decided that you want a natural looking wooden floor that is lacquer-free, then the likelihood is that you’ve chosen oil as your way of protecting your wood and making your floor look great at the same time. WOCA for wood flooring comes in various forms and is a great way of making sure that your wood is protected, but at the same time looks natural. A highly popular as well as effective way of treating wood floors, oils effectively penetrate into the wood and in some cases harden into the surface of the floor to stop damage and to maintain the wood in its optimum condition. WOCA Oil finish hardwood flooring has taken the United States market by in 2014 and shows no signs of slowing down in 2016 and now. Here are some of the most common questions we have regarding this type of finish which we will I’m to answer in today’s my blog: Is oil finish as durable as traditional factory urethane finishes with aluminum oxide? When it comes to durability, oil finish flooring tackles the issue with a completely different method. The penetrating oil serves as protection from moisture and wear while allowing the user to feel the wood grains in their bare feet. If compared directly to factory finished aluminum oxide finish, the oil finish flooring will not perform as well to abrasion and impact. However, the beauty of this finish is the fact that it will camouflage any scratches which will inevitably accumulate over time. Will this finish evaporate over time and will this be harmful for indoor air quality? Another concern for oil finished floors its effect on indoor air quality. For on-site applications, some varieties suggest several coats which typically require the residents to be out of the home due to mild odors. However, there are factory finished UV-cured or single coat applications which lessen the downtime. Despite the odors produced during the drying process, oil finish floors rank amongst the lowest for VOC (volatile organic compound) emissions. Certain brands even boast true zero VOC. This fact alone makes oil finished floors one of the best options for green building solutions. “WOCA products are certified by independent laboratories, the German Institute for Biological Building Materials, and are in accordance with DIN–Norm 53–160. WOCA WoodCare Denmark products meet or exceed the most stringent U.S. standards for volatile organic compounds.” –WOCA Oil Finish Manufacture Does this type of finish require additional maintenance which I am not familiar with? For weekly cleaning, oiled floors use a special cleaner which contains an oil and soap mixture. After a period of 12-18 months some oil may evaporate causing the wood grains to appear dry. An additional layer of oil can be reapplied to keep the floor looking fresh. Although oil finished floors require more involvement in periodic maintenance in high traffic areas, this maintenance can be done much easier than the equivalent of an onsite sand and refinish. WOCA Master Color Oil contains pigment, which provides a single-step hardwood floor staining process. Laying down the stain and the finish in one step. This product comes 14 different colors, from Black to Extra White, and you can mix them freely to create various color palettes that will meet the demands of any job. Below are some pictures of the finished job…

1730s Farmhouse Kitchen Renovation This kitchen renovation thoughtfully blends historic charm with modern functionality in a beautifully preserved 1730s farmhouse. Central to the redesign was the addition of a walk-in pantry, seamlessly integrated to enhance storage while maintaining the home’s vintage character. At the heart of the kitchen, the original antique slate farm sink was carefully restored and reused, grounding the space with an authentic period touch. The layout was opened up with the addition and strategic relocation of windows, inviting in natural light and offering views of the surrounding landscape. A reclaimed barn board wood hood anchors the cooking area with rustic warmth, paired with full inset Shaker-style cabinets painted in Benjamin Moore’s “Inkwell” — a deep, moody blue in a soft, dull finish. Countertops in white engineered quartz with navy blue veining offer a crisp contrast and subtle elegance. Satin brass hardware and light fixtures add a refined, modern edge, while distressed pine floating shelves bring a casual, lived-in feel that honors the farmhouse’s heritage. The result is a timeless kitchen that celebrates its past while serving the needs of today.