Homeowners wanted to open up the existing outdated kitchen and incorporate it into shared space with existing sun room which was re-purposed into a dining room with access to front and back outdoor entertaining areas. Small spaces, if designed well can provide ample storage, improved flow, better access to natural light and feel expansive! Documodern Photography

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.

This TV stand features four storage drawers perfect for movies and small electronics, a sturdy glass shelf in the center and wire management access in the back. The large top surface provides plenty of space for your television. Dimensions: TV Stand: 55.25”Length x 15.75”Width x 15.75”Height Free shipping US www.thewallunits.com/listing/modern-tv-stands

Floor-to-ceiling windows in the master bedroom provide an expansive view of Lake Houston. A generous covered terrace is accessible through sliding doors. Cable railing allows for unobstructed views.

Raised garden beds constructed of dry stacked urbanite (salvaged concrete) demonstrates a purposeful and useful reclamation of what would have been a waste product. The raised beds provide easier access to garden without having to stoop all the way to ground. Filled with compost and irrigated with soaker hoses to conserve water.

Designed for entertaining and family gatherings, the open floor plan connects the different levels of the home to outdoor living spaces. A private patio to the side of the home is connected to both levels by a mid-level entrance on the stairway. This access to the private outdoor living area provides a step outside of the traditional condominium lifestyle into a new desirable, high-end stand-alone condominium.

A site unlike any other presented an opportunity for a modern take on a traditionally inspired Southern Gem. Each room provides stunning views through luminous floor to ceiling windows while expansive glass doors provide access to the Home’s variety of outdoor living spaces. Reclaimed from an old church, the antique brick coupled with old pine beams create a timeless canvas while open living and fresh architectural details compose the perfect environment for family and friends.

The design for this property involved creating a series of spaces to complement the principle spaces of the house and allow for the many activities of a very active family. A kitchen garden off the family entrance provides an intimate space for reflection, a sports lawn off the rear of the house allows for elegant entertainment as well as lawn tennis, and a graceful stair through a grove of hydrangea provides access to another large lawn and play area. Plant material is selected to complement the classic design of the house.

The barrier-free shower allows for easy and convenient access, and is a Universal Design feature implemented with elegance. Rocker light switches provide for easy on-off. The new window in the shower allows in fresh air and provides vending. Bright LED lighting, mirror sconces, cabinet pulls, and color contrast add to the functionality and style of this oasis. Photos: Marilyn Cunningham Photography

Mezzanine railings fabricated by Earl Parson of Parson Architecture. Photo by Parson Architecture.
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Installed cable railing.
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Allan Block products can be used to create many types of applications including stairs. These projects were built in Pennsylvania and Maryland using products from Nitterhouse Concrete. They offer great colors and textures to compliment any outdoor landscaping the customer has requested. This product encompassed the whole backyard with a custom pool. Additional photos are available. Photos provided by Allan Block Corporation

This linen closet is adjacent to the master bathroom double vanity, providing easy storage access to linens, towels and other toiletries. The fossil leaf pattern on the upper cabinet doors adds a nice contrast to the warm woodgrain cabinets.

Matthew J. Cunningham
This is an example of a contemporary landscaping in Boston.

Merbau deck has been built over the pool coping and edge of pool to provide an amazing poolside entertaining deck, Secret door allows for easy access to pool pump and hides all the bulky equipment

Access the smart home control system with the elan touch panel or the water proof touch panel in the shower, see who's at the door without stepping out. Water proof speakers provide music and/or audio from the TV. See more & take a video tour : http://www.seriousaudiovideo.com/portfolios/hoboken-smart-home-2/

Designed by our friends at Moody Landscape Architecture, we were excited to build this small, highly detailed, contemporary garden for them and their client. This small courtyard garden was completely transformed with a new mahogany deck with cable railing, western red cedar fence, new bluestone patio, and perennial plantings. Landscape Architecture - Moody Landscape Architecture (moodyla.com) Landscape Contractor - Till Gardens (tillgardens.com - 201.767.5858)

Mountain style staircase photo in San Diego