Sentinel stretches across the brow of a winding grade break high above the Napa Valley. This seasonal residence was conceived as an agrarian compound which draws inspiration from its agricultural roots and takes a leap forward in innovative construction and a modern expression of timber and steel craft. A gently curving gravel drive circuits the lower end of the vineyard, announcing the arrival on the property. The drive slowly straightens to align with the vineyard rows to the North and the long axis of the residential structures to the South. Three gable-end barn forms follow the ordered lines of the vineyard to one side, and on the other, hug the rock-lined edge of the forest. Flanked by main residence and guest residence on either side, the taller, middle barn structure steps back from the forest to form a broad terrace. An elegant trellised colonnade threads through the three buildings, providing shade and dappled light to the terrace – a private place for food and wine to be enjoyed overlooking the magnificent valley below.

Michael Nash Design Build & Homes
Kitchen - transitional kitchen idea in DC Metro

This new detached garage was designed to express the owner’s contemporary tastes, while also adding functional space and aesthetic appeal. The exterior features a unique and durable charred cedar siding finish, which extends from the garage as a screen element to connect with the main house. This connection is further defined by a new metal standing seam roof detail. A custom gate leads visitors from the vehicle court into the private backyard.

Michael Nash Design Build & Homes
Inspiration for a transitional exterior home remodel in DC Metro

Michael Nash Design Build & Homes
Transitional kitchen photo in DC Metro

The owners desired a modest home that would enable them to experience the dual natures of the outdoors: intimate forest and sweeping views. The use of economical, pre-fabricated materials was seen as an opportunity to develop an expressive architecture. The house is organized on a four-foot module, establishing a delicate rigor for the building and maximizing the use of pre-manufactured materials. A series of open web trusses are combined with dimensional wood framing to form broad overhangs. Plywood sheets spanning between the trusses are left exposed at the eaves. An insulated aluminum window system is attached to exposed laminated wood columns, creating an expansive yet economical wall of glass in the living spaces with mountain views. On the opposite side, support spaces and a children’s desk are located along the hallway. A bridge clad in green fiber cement panels marks the entry. Visible through the front door is an angled yellow wall that opens to a protected outdoor space between the garage and living spaces, offering the first views of the mountain peaks. Living and sleeping spaces are arranged in a line, with a circulation corridor to the east. The exterior is clad in pre-finished fiber cement panels that match the horizontal spacing of the window mullions, accentuating the linear nature of the structure. Two boxes clad in corrugated metal punctuate the east elevation. At the north end of the house, a deck extends into the landscape, providing a quiet place to enjoy the view. Images by Nic LeHoux Photography

The Santa Lucia Estate is located on a private reserve in Upper Carmel Valley situated on a gentle grassland ridge with dramatic views of the surrounding valleys and coastal range. The house is not immediately visible and is approached from below by a winding drive and the initial view of the house is revealed through a masonry gateway surrounded by curvilinear walls made from local stone that enclose a protected forecourt. The forms of the house are expressed in two materials, stucco and dry stack stone veneer to differentiate the elements, to reflect the vernacular of the Monterey regional style, and to give the house the appearance of having various elements that have been added over time. The entry façade and the arched arcade of the entry court are symmetrical, and that formality gives way to asymmetrical enclosing wings. The building elements are placed to reflect both the Owner’s program and to fit in the topography of the site. A dominant gabled roof centers the composition of the front façade and creates space and light for the Entry Foyer and to the Dining and Living areas that open to the views on the opposite side. The Garage is located on the right of the forecourt, and the three arched openings reiterate the arches of the French doors in the main arcade. This wing contains a second story floor and traditional decorative timber balcony with views of the surrounding landscape. The main hallway that runs the length of the house is located at the entry court, forming and enfilade from which the formal living spaces and outdoor terraces are located on the opposite southeast side. The placement of these rooms allows a transition from indoor to outdoor terraces that takes advantage of protection from the prevailing wind, provides optimal solar exposure, and orients the living spaces toward the dramatic view corridor down the Potrero Valley. Two roof towers at either end of the longitudinal ridge anchor the building and provide space, focal point and daylight to the interior. A stone Caretaker’s Cottage is located down slope from the main residence.

Michael Nash Design Build & Homes
Transitional exterior home photo in DC Metro

Michael Nash Design Build & Homes
Transitional porch photo in DC Metro

Michael Nash Design Build & Homes
Example of a transitional kitchen design in DC Metro

Michael Nash Design Build & Homes
Transitional exterior home idea in DC Metro

The owners desired a modest home that would enable them to experience the dual natures of the outdoors: intimate forest and sweeping views. The use of economical, pre-fabricated materials was seen as an opportunity to develop an expressive architecture. The house is organized on a four-foot module, establishing a delicate rigor for the building and maximizing the use of pre-manufactured materials. A series of open web trusses are combined with dimensional wood framing to form broad overhangs. Plywood sheets spanning between the trusses are left exposed at the eaves. An insulated aluminum window system is attached to exposed laminated wood columns, creating an expansive yet economical wall of glass in the living spaces with mountain views. On the opposite side, support spaces and a children’s desk are located along the hallway. A bridge clad in green fiber cement panels marks the entry. Visible through the front door is an angled yellow wall that opens to a protected outdoor space between the garage and living spaces, offering the first views of the mountain peaks. Living and sleeping spaces are arranged in a line, with a circulation corridor to the east. The exterior is clad in pre-finished fiber cement panels that match the horizontal spacing of the window mullions, accentuating the linear nature of the structure. Two boxes clad in corrugated metal punctuate the east elevation. At the north end of the house, a deck extends into the landscape, providing a quiet place to enjoy the view. Images by Nic LeHoux Photography

Michael Nash Design Build & Homes
Inspiration for a transitional exterior home remodel in DC Metro

This new detached garage was designed to express the owner’s contemporary tastes, while also adding functional space and aesthetic appeal. The exterior features a unique and durable charred cedar siding finish, which extends from the garage as a screen element to connect with the main house. This connection is further defined by a new metal standing seam roof detail. A custom gate leads visitors from the vehicle court into the private backyard.

565 Broome Residence is a contemporary luxury apartment located in the iconic Renzo Piano-designed tower in SoHo, New York. Designed for a young couple with a passion for art, culture, and entertaining, the residence balances expressive design with warmth, comfort, and everyday functionality. The project transforms a developer-finished apartment into a highly personalized home defined by refined materials, integrated lighting, and carefully curated details. Open living spaces were designed to support both intimate moments and larger social gatherings, reflecting the rhythm of contemporary New York living. The private areas were approached individually to reflect the personalities of their owners: a darker and more architectural primary suite for him, and a softer, more organic atmosphere inspired by natural textures and subtle Balinese influences for her. The result is a timeless interior that combines elegance, precision, and a strong sense of place within one of Manhattan's most recognizable residential buildings.

The Santa Lucia Estate is located on a private reserve in Upper Carmel Valley situated on a gentle grassland ridge with dramatic views of the surrounding valleys and coastal range. The house is not immediately visible and is approached from below by a winding drive and the initial view of the house is revealed through a masonry gateway surrounded by curvilinear walls made from local stone that enclose a protected forecourt. The forms of the house are expressed in two materials, stucco and dry stack stone veneer to differentiate the elements, to reflect the vernacular of the Monterey regional style, and to give the house the appearance of having various elements that have been added over time. The entry façade and the arched arcade of the entry court are symmetrical, and that formality gives way to asymmetrical enclosing wings. The building elements are placed to reflect both the Owner’s program and to fit in the topography of the site. A dominant gabled roof centers the composition of the front façade and creates space and light for the Entry Foyer and to the Dining and Living areas that open to the views on the opposite side. The Garage is located on the right of the forecourt, and the three arched openings reiterate the arches of the French doors in the main arcade. This wing contains a second story floor and traditional decorative timber balcony with views of the surrounding landscape. The main hallway that runs the length of the house is located at the entry court, forming and enfilade from which the formal living spaces and outdoor terraces are located on the opposite southeast side. The placement of these rooms allows a transition from indoor to outdoor terraces that takes advantage of protection from the prevailing wind, provides optimal solar exposure, and orients the living spaces toward the dramatic view corridor down the Potrero Valley. Two roof towers at either end of the longitudinal ridge anchor the building and provide space, focal point and daylight to the interior. A stone Caretaker’s Cottage is located down slope from the main residence.

Michael Nash Design Build & Homes
Example of a transitional exterior home design in DC Metro

The concept behind this private residence was rooted in the ancient Japanese philosophy of Wabi-Sabi, which means finding beauty in imperfection, simplicity, and natural authenticity. The design focuses on quiet luxury, where the sense of premium quality is expressed through raw, tactile materials, organic curves, and custom architectural statements rather than excessive decoration

Located in the iconic Gehry Building at 8 Spruce Street, New York City, this private residence showcases the perfect synergy between Frank Gehry’s groundbreaking architecture and LAZZONI's contemporary interior design. The building itself is renowned for its striking undulating stainless steel façade and organic forms, making it a landmark on the city skyline. Inside, the residence benefits from expansive windows that flood the space with natural light and offer breathtaking panoramic views of the city. LAZZONI curated a sophisticated selection of furnishings that complement the building’s avant-garde design. These modern, sleek furniture items were thoughtfully chosen to create a harmonious, airy living environment that echoes the modernity and artistry of the Gehry Building itself. This project beautifully demonstrates how interior design can enhance and elevate architectural masterpieces, blending functionality with artistic expression to create an inspiring, cohesive living space.