Nick Johnson
Family room - mid-sized contemporary open concept medium tone wood floor family room idea in Austin with beige walls, no fireplace and a wall-mounted tv

We closed off the open formal dining room, so it became a den with artistic barn doors, which created a more private entrance/foyer. We removed the wall between the kitchen and living room, including the fireplace, to create a great room. We also closed off an open staircase to build a wall with a dual focal point — it accommodates the TV and fireplace. We added a double-wide slider to the sunroom turning it into a happy play space that connects indoor and outdoor living areas. We reduced the size of the entrance to the powder room to create mudroom lockers. The kitchen was given a double island to fit the family’s cooking and entertaining needs, and we used a balance of warm (e.g., beautiful blue cabinetry in the kitchen) and cool colors to add a happy vibe to the space. Our design studio chose all the furnishing and finishes for each room to enhance the space's final look. Builder Partner – Parsetich Custom Homes Photographer - Sarah Shields --- Project completed by Wendy Langston's Everything Home interior design firm, which serves Carmel, Zionsville, Fishers, Westfield, Noblesville, and Indianapolis. For more about Everything Home, click here: https://everythinghomedesigns.com/ To learn more about this project, click here: https://everythinghomedesigns.com/portfolio/hard-working-haven/

This bathroom had to serve the needs of teenage twin sisters. The ceiling height in the basement was extremely low and the alcove where the existing vanity sat was reduced in depth so that the cabinetry & countertop had to be sized perfectly. (See before Photos)The previous owner's had installed a custom shower and the homeowners liked the flooring and the shower itself. Keeping the tile work in place and working with the color palette provided a big savings. Now, this charming space provides all the storage needed for two teenage girls.

Removed the shower entrance wall and reduced to a knee wall. Custom Quartz Ultra on Knee wall Ledge and Vanity Top. Custom Niche with Soap Dish. White and Green Subway Tile (Vertical and Horizontal Lay) Black Shower Floor Tile. Also Includes a Custom Closet.

This bathroom had to serve the needs of teenage twin sisters. The ceiling height in the basement was extremely low and the alcove where the existing vanity sat was reduced in depth so that the cabinetry & countertop had to be sized perfectly. (See before Photos)The previous owner's had installed a custom shower and the homeowners liked the flooring and the shower itself. Keeping the tile work in place and working with the color palette provided a big savings. Now, this charming space provides all the storage needed for two teenage girls.

Removed the shower entrance wall and reduced to a knee wall. Custom Quartz Ultra on Knee wall Ledge and Vanity Top. Custom Niche with Soap Dish. White and Green Subway Tile (Vertical and Horizontal Lay) Black Shower Floor Tile. Also Includes a Custom Closet.

Removed the shower entrance wall and reduced to a knee wall. Custom Quartz Ultra on Knee wall Ledge and Vanity Top. Custom Niche with Soap Dish. White and Green Subway Tile (Vertical and Horizontal Lay) Black Shower Floor Tile. Also Includes a Custom Closet.

Example of a small minimalist medium tone wood floor reach-in closet design in Birmingham with flat-panel cabinets and white cabinets

At the outset, this project began with the transformation of a 2-car attached garage. The goal was to create a mudroom, an exercise room, and a breezeway to seamlessly connect the spacious detached garage with the main part of the house. Additionally, the project involved partial roof removal and the addition of a new front entry. But then came an unexpected twist – scope creep. We found ourselves veering away from the initial client-supplied architectural plans. After numerous consultations with the clients and several iterations of the design, we arrived at a significantly improved plan for the remodel and addition. Our journey commenced with the demolition of almost the entire former 2-car garage, making space for a new, oversized 3-car garage measuring 40′ x 28′. This garage was strategically placed between the existing house and the large detached garage. We introduced a custom low-sloped flat roof, designed to address historical drainage issues. To mitigate water pooling, we created a custom concrete step at the back corner of the garage, equipped with a sturdy metal grate that sits flush with the step. We also installed a PVC drainage system, commencing at the step and running beneath a newly designed patio, ultimately draining into the yard. These measures have significantly reduced water accumulation around the house. The new garage boasts several features, including Longboard aluminum siding, custom full glass garage doors, interior drywall finished to a level 4, an abundance of can lights, an epoxy floor coating, vinyl base trim, a new forced air garage heater, and more. The clients also requested a designated space for their three kids and their friends to enjoy, thus giving birth to the “Kid Zone.” We partitioned a section of the existing oversized garage, resulting in a space measuring approximately 22′ x 32′, brimming with entertainment possibilities. To enhance control over the temperature in the Kid Zone, we collaborated with our licensed HVAC partner to install a cold weather mini-split system. One of the most significant challenges was the modernization and consolidation of the home’s main electrical systems. We reconfigured and combined 6-7 different electrical panels into just two. One panel serves the main house, while the second is dedicated to backup power from a generator. These panels, along with the boiler for the in-floor heating system, are housed in a newly constructed mechanical room within the Kid Zone. Inside the main house, we completed various tasks, such as removing the ceiling in the hallway from the new garage to address prior water damage, improve insulation, and rework electrical and HVAC systems. We also replaced the ceiling from the front door to the base of the stairs, adding new can lighting and enhancing insulation. Skilled drywall specialists then installed and finished new drywall to a level 5 standard. The exterior of the house underwent a complete overhaul. Before installing new roofing on the entire house and garage, we modified an existing flat roof by adding custom lumber and plywood to enhance the pitch, preventing future ice dams. A new rubber roof was expertly installed on the oversized 3-car garage, and the flat roof section we re-framed. Our meticulous exterior team removed old white aluminum soffit, fascia, and gutters, replacing them with new framing to accommodate Longboard soffit material. This task was particularly challenging due to the age of the house and the non-standard wall and roof framing. Our skilled exterior subcontractors ensured a perfect fit. Near the pool area, we discovered severe rot and decay from years of water intrusion. After informing the homeowners, we ordered and installed five new commercial-style block framed windows and a custom 8′ high Anderson patio door. This involved careful removal and replacement of window headers from the outside to avoid disturbing the finished part of the house. We reframed the large openings to fit the new windows, and our skilled trim carpenters installed new walnut casing, base, and window sills. In total, we replaced around 900 lineal feet of soffit and installed approximately 32 squares of aluminum siding. The entire house was meticulously prepped, repaired, and painted according to the client’s chosen color. Throughout the project, we incorporated numerous custom touches and unique design elements, some of which you can see in the pictures. Our team also addressed various unforeseen challenges, from soil issues to rot and decay repair, roof leaks, drainage problems, electrical and HVAC complexities, and much more. At Xpand Inc., we take pride in making it all happen, turning your remodeling and renovation dreams into reality.

Architect: Andre Tchelistcheff Architects New York. NY Builder: Xhema of Greenwich CT Installer: TRM Enterprises Bridgehampton NY Back story. Northern has worked with both Xhema and TRM many tiles. We have worked with Andre before he branched out on his own. Originally Xhema’s contact was to replace the roof and repair the garage, which as some point had been made into an indoor swimming pool without adequate ventilation. The budget was about $8m and there were 20 drawings. By the time the job was 6 months old the scope of work has expanded to over $30m and over 200 drawings had been produced. Northern was contacted to visit the site and evaluate the existing roof. Although the house had been added to over the years the same tile was used but due to the location of the house the color of the tile varied considerably from the front to the back. Northern identified a large number of custom details which would require us to: 1) Match the existing Field tile in size, thickness (it was actually thicker at the butt and reduced to ½” where the tile is overlapped) , surface texture and the color. 2) Make tiles that are curved in their length to suit the curved rafter on the gabled dormers. 3) Make the curved tiles to suit the low slope octagonal tower. 4) Make the curved tiles and Arris style hips to suit the hipped dormers with the curved rafters. 5) Make the segmented tiles to suit the round turret. 6) Make the custom arris style hip tiles for the octagonal tower. 7) Make the custom Arris style hip to suit the different roof pitches as well as the varying splays at the eaves. 8) Make the custom pieces to suit the swept valleys Simon broke down each section of the roof. He indented all items for each section and agreed the measure etc with the installers. This ‘Project Bible’ became an invaluable tool for the installer, our tile makers and us. We shipped some samples from the original roof to Sahtas who replicated tall the details. I was visiting factory and delayed my return to the Saturday so that the tiles coming out of the kiln late Friday night could be wrapped and packed into newly purchase suit cases. I arrived home late Saturday evening and Simon picked me up Sunday afternoon and drove us down to Greenwich for an 8 am meeting with the clients. When we unpacked the tiles they were still warm and Hilfiger signed off on the color, although his wife suggested we make them a bit darker a ‘as he has a dreadful sense of color!’ We took Vincent Liot, owner of TRM to the factory twice so that he could oversee the prototyping of all the myriad custom pieces. This was an invaluable move as he pre-approved all the pieces before they were shipped. The installation was completed and everyone was very pleased with the final outcome. The Hilfiger’s estate manager told me that a group of friends who were staying the weekend after all the work was completed were heard to ask Mr. Hilfiger ‘I thought you were having a new roof’…to which he responded ‘we did but you can’t tell, which as the plan” …perfect! In refection this is probably the most complicated roof Northern has ever had the pleasure to supply. We learned a lot of very valuable lessons but in future when we are asked how did we do it we will answer ‘that is for us to know and for you to pay for!’

Removed the shower entrance wall and reduced to a knee wall. Custom Quartz Ultra on Knee wall Ledge and Vanity Top. Custom Niche with Soap Dish. White and Green Subway Tile (Vertical and Horizontal Lay) Black Shower Floor Tile. Also Includes a Custom Closet.

Removed the shower entrance wall and reduced to a knee wall. Custom Quartz Ultra on Knee wall Ledge and Vanity Top. Custom Niche with Soap Dish. White and Green Subway Tile (Vertical and Horizontal Lay) Black Shower Floor Tile. Also Includes a Custom Closet.

This custom desk area was designed as the creative heart of the room — a sophisticated workspace that supports both everyday function and artistic expression. The softly curved desk extends into the space to create a generous work surface, allowing room for studying, sketching, painting, and collaborative projects with friends. A calming palette of natural wood tones, warm brass accents, and soft blues creates an atmosphere that feels elegant yet youthful. The sculptural desk design helps soften the room’s clean architectural lines while encouraging flow and interaction within the space. Integrated cabinetry provides abundant concealed storage for art supplies, books, and creative materials, while frosted glass doors maintain a visually clean and organized feel by subtly concealing contents and reducing visual clutter. Carefully layered lighting, curated artwork, and thoughtful styling add warmth and personality, making this workspace feel inspiring, functional, and deeply personal to its young artist owner.

Removed the shower entrance wall and reduced to a knee wall. Custom Quartz Ultra on Knee wall Ledge and Vanity Top. Custom Niche with Soap Dish. White and Green Subway Tile (Vertical and Horizontal Lay) Black Shower Floor Tile. Also Includes a Custom Closet.

Removed the shower entrance wall and reduced to a knee wall. Custom Quartz Ultra on Knee wall Ledge and Vanity Top. Custom Niche with Soap Dish. White and Green Subway Tile (Vertical and Horizontal Lay) Black Shower Floor Tile. Also Includes a Custom Closet.

This bathroom had to serve the needs of teenage twin sisters. The ceiling height in the basement was extremely low and the alcove where the existing vanity sat was reduced in depth so that the cabinetry & countertop had to be sized perfectly. (See before Photos)The previous owner's had installed a custom shower and the homeowners liked the flooring and the shower itself. Keeping the tile work in place and working with the color palette provided a big savings. Now, this charming space provides all the storage needed for two teenage girls.

This custom millwork wall was thoughtfully designed to bring elegance, organization, and creativity together in one cohesive space. Created for a young artist and avid reader, the design maximizes storage while maintaining a calm and sophisticated atmosphere that feels timeless rather than overly youthful. Floor-to-ceiling cabinetry in a soft natural wood finish provides extensive concealed storage for books, art supplies, and ongoing creative projects. Frosted glass upper doors help soften the visual weight of the cabinetry while subtly concealing contents, reducing visual clutter, and minimizing dust collection — an ideal solution for a space with many treasured items and materials. Inside the cabinetry, custom interior drawer storage was accented in soft blue as a subtle and playful nod to the client’s favorite color. Beyond adding personality, the integrated drawer system helps keep creative supplies beautifully organized and easily accessible while creating a thoughtful moment of contrast within the light wood millwork. The integrated desk area features a gently curved work surface that extends into the room, encouraging both independent creativity and collaborative projects with friends. Warm brass hardware and lighting introduce refined detailing, while soft blue accents throughout the space create a calming and cohesive palette. Layered textures, thoughtful styling, and highly functional built-ins transform this bedroom into a creative retreat that supports focus, imagination, and everyday living beautifully.

Removed the shower entrance wall and reduced to a knee wall. Custom Quartz Ultra on Knee wall Ledge and Vanity Top. Custom Niche with Soap Dish. White and Green Subway Tile (Vertical and Horizontal Lay) Black Shower Floor Tile. Also Includes a Custom Closet.

Inspired by this Arvada kitchen renovation? Our design process blends refined materials, custom details, and thoughtful space planning to create homes that are as functional as they are beautiful. For clients seeking a luxury kitchen remodel with warmth, elegance, and everyday ease, this bespoke custom kitchen, project "Nest and Nurture" is a beautiful example of what is possible when design is tailored to the way a family truly lives. This kitchen was designed to support the rhythm of modern family living while honoring timeless, elevated craftsmanship. This transitional kitchen began as a structural redesign, requiring engineering expertise to open up the heart of the home and create a more connected, light-filled space where cooking, gathering, hosting, and everyday routines could happen with ease. The result is a warm and highly functional luxury kitchen layered with enduring materials and thoughtful details. Rich walnut cabinetry brings depth and natural character, while Taj Mahal quartzite countertops introduce soft movement, creamy warmth, and refined elegance. Brushed brass hardware, plumbing, and lighting add a tailored glow throughout the space, balancing the organic wood tones with a polished, sophisticated finish. Durable ceramic tile completes the palette, offering texture, practicality, and timeless appeal. Designed with both beauty and convenience in mind, this Arvada kitchen remodel features bespoke storage solutions crafted around the family’s daily life. Custom pull-outs, hidden organizational systems, specialty cookware storage, integrated towel storage, and finely crafted cabinetry create a kitchen that feels effortless to use and beautiful from every angle. Every detail was designed to reduce clutter, improve flow, and make the kitchen work harder without sacrificing style. With its blend of classic detailing, modern openness, and fashion-forward functionality, Nest and Nurture reflects a truly elevated approach to transitional kitchen design. This renovation transformed the home into a more generous, welcoming, and highly personalized space—one built for connection, comfort, and the everyday rituals that make a house feel deeply lived in.