Most people who have lived in Auckland for a long time remember The Heritage Grand Tearoom, a beautiful large room with an incredible high-stud art-deco ceiling. So we were beyond honoured to be a part of this, as projects of these types don’t come around very often. Because The Heritage Grand Tea Room is a Heritage site, nothing could be fixed into the existing structure. Therefore, everything had to be self-supporting, which is why everything was made out of steel. And that’s where the first challenge began. The first step was getting the steel into the space. And due to the lack of access through the hotel, it had to come up through a window that was 1500x1500 with a 200 tonne mobile crane. We had to custom fabricate a 9m long cage to accommodate the steel with rollers on the bottom of it that was engineered and certified. Once it was time to start building, we had to lay out the footprints of the foundations to set out the base layer of the mezzanine. This was an important part of the process as every aspect of the build relies on this stage being perfect. Due to the restrictions of the Heritage building and load ratings on the floor, there was a lot of steel required. A large part of the challenge was to have the structural fabrication up to an architectural quality painted to a Matte Black finish. The last big challenge was bringing both the main and spiral staircase into the space, as well as the stanchions, as they are very large structures. We brought individual pieces up in the elevator and welded on site in order to bring the design to life. Although this was a tricky project, it was an absolute pleasure working with the owners of this incredible Heritage site and we are very proud of the final product.

A tiny house in historic Old Town, Alexandria gets a completely fresh update. While it may be small, it is very functional!
Example of a large trendy open concept medium tone wood floor living room design in DC Metro with blue walls and a wall-mounted tv

Completed in 2011 this 4 BR, 3 1/2 bath custom home is situated on a very tight urban infill lot in Northern, Virginia. Our clients were relocating to the D.C. area from New England and wanted to retain some of the New England vernacular they were familiar with in their new home. Due to heavy zoning restrictions, stylistic CCR's and a large program of almost 7000 sf, our design response is a modern take on a traditional hipped 4-square. We intentionally kept the skin and form of the building simple in order to contain cost and allow for a higher level of interior finish. The main level employs our favorite Great Room scheme that merges cooking, eating and entertaining into one seamless space that flows onto an expansive deck overlooking the rear yard. The entry elevation welcomes guests with a traditional front porch and stone path that passes by a small rain garden. The basement accommodates a guest room, media room, exercise area, and full shop while the upper level orients 2 kid's bedrooms, a Jack-n-Jill bath and the master suite toward a territorial view of the rear yard. All of this program is housed beneath a hipped roof that minimizes the scale of the house while presenting a thoughtful appearance toward the street and neighbors.

This charming hill country contemporary is perched perfectly beneath huge pecan trees overlooking Lake Austin. With its soft and inviting materials palette, this home raises the bar in Caslano. Published: Austin-San Antonio Urban Home, April/May 2016 Western Art & Architecture, June/July 2015 (Cover) Luxe interiors + design, Austin + Hill Country, Dallas + Fort Worth, & Houston Editions, Winter 2015 Leading Design Professionals - The Luxury of Home: Annual 2015 Photo Credit: Dror Baldinger

This is an example of a mid-sized traditional full sun front yard concrete paver driveway in Houston for spring.

This 1975 split-level home in a wooded area of Reston, Virginia, is home to a growing family of six. Needless to say, space was at a premium and they needed more of it. So they turned to Michael Nash Design, Build & Homes to create a second-story expansion. With limited ability to expand the footprint of the home due to lot restrictions, the design team created a 25’ x 35’ master suite addition to be placed over the existing first floor. The space would be located above the living room, dining room and kitchen, creating a private and secluded oasis for mom and dad. The children would have the home’s three middle level bedrooms and a bath of their own. A New Master Suite A new custom wooden staircase leads the homeowner to the doorstep of what she now calls her “heavenly space.” It’s a large master bedroom complete with a seating area, vaulted ceiling and skylights, and a beautiful Bordeaux-finish maple wood floor. Bright color paint was selected for the walls to complement the wood flooring and bedroom furniture. The new 11’x12’ master bathroom offers a spa-like experience. The new bath touts a large shower stall with a built-in bench and storage niches covered with flagstone tiles; a soaking whirlpool tub; and a long double vanity with granite top and fancy fixtures. Exterior Ties It Together Like any large addition, this one required exterior renovation to make the addition look like the rest of the home. New vinyl siding and architectural shingles replaced the old cedar siding and run down shingles on the original structure. A new front porch with half-stone columns and pillars maintains the home’s cottage look. A new double car garage replaces the original carport. Both are a big part of the home’s new front elevation which greatly improves its curbside appeal. The end result of this project offers everyone in the family a place of their own. The children have new bedrooms and the parents have their sanctuary in their new master suite.

20 Fabulous Pool Designs Under 600 sq feet of Water Surface Area Custom pools are a much-desired amenity in Southern Nevada, however in accordance with the 2022 water use ordinance, new residential pools may NOT exceed 600 sq ft of water surface area. The square footage includes a total of the pool, spa, and any infinity-edge troughs where applicable. And, there is also a ban on independent water features. Paragon Pools’ VP & Chief Design Executive Joseph A Vassallo, CBP provides 20 pool designs under 600sq ft as an inspiration for homeowners. Excerpt from the SNWA website: Residential pool size limits Ongoing drought and climate change conditions continue to affect water levels in Lake Mead – Southern Nevada's primary water supply. As a result, the federal government declared a shortage on the Colorado River, reducing Southern Nevada's available water supply by 8.1 billion gallons, and additional reductions are expected in the coming years. To help manage these water supply constraints, the Southern Nevada Water Authority approved a resolution in July 2022 that supports a 600-square-foot surface area limit on new residential pools. The Las Vegas Valley Water District and other local jurisdictions approved this change shortly thereafter with rule and code changes. This measure will help reduce consumptive water use associated with evaporative water loss, targeting savings from the top 25 percent of new pools constructed.

20 Fabulous Pool Designs Under 600 sq feet of Water Surface Area Custom pools are a much-desired amenity in Southern Nevada, however in accordance with the 2022 water use ordinance, new residential pools may NOT exceed 600 sq ft of water surface area. The square footage includes a total of the pool, spa, and any infinity-edge troughs where applicable. And, there is also a ban on independent water features. Paragon Pools’ VP & Chief Design Executive Joseph A Vassallo, CBP provides 20 pool designs under 600sq ft as an inspiration for homeowners. Excerpt from the SNWA website: Residential pool size limits Ongoing drought and climate change conditions continue to affect water levels in Lake Mead – Southern Nevada's primary water supply. As a result, the federal government declared a shortage on the Colorado River, reducing Southern Nevada's available water supply by 8.1 billion gallons, and additional reductions are expected in the coming years. To help manage these water supply constraints, the Southern Nevada Water Authority approved a resolution in July 2022 that supports a 600-square-foot surface area limit on new residential pools. The Las Vegas Valley Water District and other local jurisdictions approved this change shortly thereafter with rule and code changes. This measure will help reduce consumptive water use associated with evaporative water loss, targeting savings from the top 25 percent of new pools constructed.

Modernist architect Marcel Breuer is known for his innovative Wassily chair, a pared back seat made up of tubular steel frame and strips of canvas. Even if that’s your only point of reference, you’ll see plenty of overlap in this Andover residence he designed. It is highly functional, with clean lines and plenty of open space. We had the honor to design an updated landscape to complement this home designed by Marcel Breuer, right here in Andover. As the landscape was originally designed by renowned landscape architect, Dan Kiley, we wanted to maintain his original design intent while also updating its functionality to suit the homeowner's needs. Ultimately, it was important to respect the architectural design intent of the property while creating a safe and inviting entry. The simplicity of the design was created with a restricted palette that compliments the materials and color tones of the house. Orthogonal lines pull from the architecture out into the landscape, unifying the two. A metal runnel with stacked stone visually connects the front entry to the primary bedroom garden, while further highlighting a unique feature in Breuer’s architecture. Moving to a space formed for privacy and respite, the zen garden off the primary bedroom offers an outdoor shower, water feature, and minimalistic planting. Arranged boulders, undulating moss plant beds, bluestone and gravel are mediums in which we used to paint a calming atmosphere extending from this unique home. To highlight the tranquil nature of the site, a boulder was hand carved to create a recirculating water feature that can be enjoyed from both the garden and primary bedroom. A wall of glass separates the bedroom from the spa-like garden, blurring the lines of architecture and landscape.

Download our free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW Like many families with older children, this local Glen Ellyn couple wanted to expand the size of their kitchen while also creating a more open, airy feel for their main level. The home had plenty of space that included a formal living room, formal dining room, family room with eat-in area and kitchen with butler’s pantry. What it didn’t have, was an effortless flow between the areas used daily for cooking, eating and gathering. Additionally, the kitchen had become outdated, feeling dark and dismal, despite the abundance of natural light. Our clients wanted a bright, cheerful interior that would inspire the family to congregate in this part of the house. No easy feat with teenagers. An open floor plan design solved the issues with functionality and circulation, removing the walls that restricted flow and opening up the entry to the dining room. We also eliminated the rarely used butler’s pantry allowing us to expand the kitchen and add a large island for food prep and gathering. To create a sense of symmetry and consistency in the space, a clerestory window was added below the header and framed to match the existing adjacent entry from the living room. Inspired by the owner’s Scottish ancestry, the island cabinetry boasts a beautiful blue hue, paired with stools upholstered in a sprightly plaid. The built-in buffet area provides additional storage, topped with a beautiful wooden top stained to coordinate with the stunning tones of the flooring. The owner’s opted for stainless steel appliances, inspiring the selection of brushed silver light fixtures and polished chrome hardware. Marble-look quartz offered a durable, lightly colored surface to reflect sunlight and enhance the cheer factor. According to this happy family, this uplifting space is now everyone’s favorite place to gather. Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKBD Photography by: Michael Kaskel For more design inspiration go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

Most people who have lived in Auckland for a long time remember The Heritage Grand Tearoom, a beautiful large room with an incredible high-stud art-deco ceiling. So we were beyond honoured to be a part of this, as projects of these types don’t come around very often. Because The Heritage Grand Tea Room is a Heritage site, nothing could be fixed into the existing structure. Therefore, everything had to be self-supporting, which is why everything was made out of steel. And that’s where the first challenge began. The first step was getting the steel into the space. And due to the lack of access through the hotel, it had to come up through a window that was 1500x1500 with a 200 tonne mobile crane. We had to custom fabricate a 9m long cage to accommodate the steel with rollers on the bottom of it that was engineered and certified. Once it was time to start building, we had to lay out the footprints of the foundations to set out the base layer of the mezzanine. This was an important part of the process as every aspect of the build relies on this stage being perfect. Due to the restrictions of the Heritage building and load ratings on the floor, there was a lot of steel required. A large part of the challenge was to have the structural fabrication up to an architectural quality painted to a Matte Black finish. The last big challenge was bringing both the main and spiral staircase into the space, as well as the stanchions, as they are very large structures. We brought individual pieces up in the elevator and welded on site in order to bring the design to life. Although this was a tricky project, it was an absolute pleasure working with the owners of this incredible Heritage site and we are very proud of the final product.

After living in this home for a decade, Crystal Lake residents Ken & Bonnie needed an update to their tired original kitchen to meet the needs of their busy family. Together with the expertise of designer Scott Christensen at Advance Design Studio they planned to completely reconfigure the entire space. They began by removing the restrictive peninsula and replaced it with a generous island designed to house an expansive farmhouse sink, convenient pull out trash receptacles, and a hidden dishwasher. Now there was ample room to add island seating to accommodate family gatherings, or for just “hanging out” with teenagers. A dramatic new focal point was created with the design of an elegant range area featuring a beautiful custom wood mantle hood detailed with crushed glass handmade tile. Hidden storage houses every spice imaginable right at the cook’s fingertips. Double-stacked glass cabinetry emphasizes the impressive height of the room that was a wonderful architectural element that previously went unnoticed in the original kitchen. The entire kitchen and breakfast nook was opened up to the 2 story family room by integrating enlarged arched openings. An outdated desk area was transformed into a beautiful breakfront bar with beverage refrigeration, glass display cabinets and plenty of new storage for entertainment pieces. An espresso nook was tucked neatly between tall cabinetry, and an old fashioned closet with shelves was converted into an efficient chef’s dream of organized custom pull out pantries. “I am the leader of the Scott Christensen fan club,” says Bonnie. “With my busy family and a full time career, Scott made the process of designing this space so easy for me. He didn’t overwhelm me, but carefully determined what I liked and offered me two thoughtful solutions for just about everything - complete with his expert opinion that I really respected.” Bright white Jay Rambo custom made maple cabinets are accented by Cambria quartz counter tops and simple subway tiles. Original hardwood floors were refinished and stained a darker shade, and stair risers and balusters were painted white to coordinate with the smart wainscot details throughout the first floor. The end effect is a cohesive first floor that flows together with grace and a level of elegance perfectly suitable for this stately Crystal Lake home. Designer: Scott Christensen Photographer: Joe Nowak

Brad Nicol Photography
Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary light wood floor kitchen remodel in Denver with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartz countertops, multicolored backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Most people who have lived in Auckland for a long time remember The Heritage Grand Tearoom, a beautiful large room with an incredible high-stud art-deco ceiling. So we were beyond honoured to be a part of this, as projects of these types don’t come around very often. Because The Heritage Grand Tea Room is a Heritage site, nothing could be fixed into the existing structure. Therefore, everything had to be self-supporting, which is why everything was made out of steel. And that’s where the first challenge began. The first step was getting the steel into the space. And due to the lack of access through the hotel, it had to come up through a window that was 1500x1500 with a 200 tonne mobile crane. We had to custom fabricate a 9m long cage to accommodate the steel with rollers on the bottom of it that was engineered and certified. Once it was time to start building, we had to lay out the footprints of the foundations to set out the base layer of the mezzanine. This was an important part of the process as every aspect of the build relies on this stage being perfect. Due to the restrictions of the Heritage building and load ratings on the floor, there was a lot of steel required. A large part of the challenge was to have the structural fabrication up to an architectural quality painted to a Matte Black finish. The last big challenge was bringing both the main and spiral staircase into the space, as well as the stanchions, as they are very large structures. We brought individual pieces up in the elevator and welded on site in order to bring the design to life. Although this was a tricky project, it was an absolute pleasure working with the owners of this incredible Heritage site and we are very proud of the final product.

Welcome to St. Andrew's walk! This TOP floor LUXURY studio apartment boasts CHIC trendy finishing’s and is one of the most AFFORDABLE ways to enjoy all that the Bear Mountain RESORT lifestyle has to offer. Just steps to the golf course itself as well as the gym, spa, fine dining, casual cafe/bistros, nature walks, running, and biking trails. BEAR MOUNTAIN offers it all. Enjoy fantastic views of Mt Finlayson from your private extra-large expansive rare patio, which allows BBQs. This EXTENSIVE private space is covered and set up for outdoor living. The 4th floor also includes another shared deck for gatherings which is beautifully surrounded by greenery, serenity & seasonal displays of the mountainside. This location has city convenience that is only a stone's throw away from all amenities. The 14 1/2-foot soaring ceilings make this approx. 700 sq ft (indoor/outdoor combined) space bright, airy, and open. Some of the features in the unit include cherry wood flooring throughout, stainless steel appliances, an electric wall-mounted fireplace, and beautiful granite countertops. This trendy unit has a classic open NY LOFT STYLE layout that offers in-suite laundry, double patio doors, big picture windows, a built-in Murphy Wall Bed, a huge walk-in closet/utility/storage room. Also, you will have secure underground parking, extra communal storage, a bike lock-up, and another separate storage locker. There are no age or rental restrictions, and you can bring your pet. Whether you chose to fall in love and stay or hold it as an investment property. Currently rented for $1400 the month-to-month tenants are extremely flexible and may stay or move out depending on the buyer’s desire. This gorgeous west shore find is where the possibilities are endless, up incoming, and exciting!| Karen Love (250)-727-5868 | RE/MAX Island Properties & www.KarenLove.com |

20 Fabulous Pool Designs Under 600 sq feet of Water Surface Area Custom pools are a much-desired amenity in Southern Nevada, however in accordance with the 2022 water use ordinance, new residential pools may NOT exceed 600 sq ft of water surface area. The square footage includes a total of the pool, spa, and any infinity-edge troughs where applicable. And, there is also a ban on independent water features. Paragon Pools’ VP & Chief Design Executive Joseph A Vassallo, CBP provides 20 pool designs under 600sq ft as an inspiration for homeowners. Excerpt from the SNWA website: Residential pool size limits Ongoing drought and climate change conditions continue to affect water levels in Lake Mead – Southern Nevada's primary water supply. As a result, the federal government declared a shortage on the Colorado River, reducing Southern Nevada's available water supply by 8.1 billion gallons, and additional reductions are expected in the coming years. To help manage these water supply constraints, the Southern Nevada Water Authority approved a resolution in July 2022 that supports a 600-square-foot surface area limit on new residential pools. The Las Vegas Valley Water District and other local jurisdictions approved this change shortly thereafter with rule and code changes. This measure will help reduce consumptive water use associated with evaporative water loss, targeting savings from the top 25 percent of new pools constructed.

20 Fabulous Pool Designs Under 600 sq feet of Water Surface Area Custom pools are a much-desired amenity in Southern Nevada, however in accordance with the 2022 water use ordinance, new residential pools may NOT exceed 600 sq ft of water surface area. The square footage includes a total of the pool, spa, and any infinity-edge troughs where applicable. And, there is also a ban on independent water features. Paragon Pools’ VP & Chief Design Executive Joseph A Vassallo, CBP provides 20 pool designs under 600sq ft as an inspiration for homeowners. Excerpt from the SNWA website: Residential pool size limits Ongoing drought and climate change conditions continue to affect water levels in Lake Mead – Southern Nevada's primary water supply. As a result, the federal government declared a shortage on the Colorado River, reducing Southern Nevada's available water supply by 8.1 billion gallons, and additional reductions are expected in the coming years. To help manage these water supply constraints, the Southern Nevada Water Authority approved a resolution in July 2022 that supports a 600-square-foot surface area limit on new residential pools. The Las Vegas Valley Water District and other local jurisdictions approved this change shortly thereafter with rule and code changes. This measure will help reduce consumptive water use associated with evaporative water loss, targeting savings from the top 25 percent of new pools constructed.

This gorgeous Mediterranean/Tuscan style home is perched on a hillside overlooking thousands of acres of Texas Hill Country. Everything about the home captures your interest and draws you in. The home was built with every room taking advantage of the incredible views. As you enter, the handmade brick ceiling entices you into the magnificent great room. Your eyes continue through the great room and are drawn to the huge picture window that looks out forever. The great room has a see through fireplace to the master bedroom, Saltillo tile floors, and a full bar with wine frig and icemaker. To the right of the foyer is a study with wooden floors, a half bath and also includes a nice size closet. To the left of the foyer is an open dining room with a cathedral ceiling and windows at the top allowing ample light to flow in. The dining room has wooden floors with a built-in buffet. The master bedroom has plush carpet, French doors that open out onto the veranda, fireplace, his/hers closets with built ins and a huge master bath complete with laundry room. The master bath has his/hers sinks with generous counter space, Jacuzzi tub and a walk- through shower with double heads. The enormous kitchen is open to the den area and also has incredible views. A large granite island houses the sink and leaves more than enough room for friends to visit while your chef is preparing the meal. Stainless steel double ovens, five burner gas stove, terracotta tile countertops with backsplash, and thermador frig and freezer. The den has a native stone fireplace and a large wall of built-ins for your T.V. and plenty of books and other décor. Saltillo tile floors cover the kitchen and den area. Next to the kitchen is a custom butler’s pantry with wood floors, terracotta tile counters, copper sink, a compact dishwasher plus a cutout into the wet bar area for ease of service. Two additional bedrooms with private baths are in the main home, with a separate 900 SF guest quarters that has a nice size living area, kitchenette, two bedrooms and a full bath. This incredible 4574+-SF estate is in a gated subdivision just minutes out of Kerrville and a stone’s throw from the eclectic Camp Verde General Store and Post Office. The home was custom built in 2004 with such attention to detail that it will stand the test of time and changing décor. The home sits on 30 acres in an area that is all wildlife exempt with superb restrictions to protect the homeowner’s investment.

The major kitchen renovation of this old country farmhouse was a task of love, one that had been planned for many years by these Barrington seasoned homeowners. After interviewing no less than five companies, the homeowners chose the design team at Advance Design Studio to make the transformation they had long planned for. “They had an understanding of the right design for the space almost from the instant they walked in the room”, says Sharon Scott of the design team of Nicole Ryan at Todd Jurs at Advance Design Studio. “They were the only designers who laid out ideas in the first meeting at the house that we really loved”, she says. “It was obvious that they understood the house, and understood us - and from then on the decision to hire them literally made itself”. The original kitchen had a dividing “wall” of cabinetry…that made the rather large space seem very small, and cut off the kitchen from the eating area that has a beautiful garden view completely hidden from the main kitchen. Circulation was poor, leaving family members on top of one another when entertaining family and friends. The new kitchen design nearly doubles the kitchen size within the original space; opening it up completely and enjoying an expansive island containing a new Kohler Whitehaven Smart Divide farm sink, a dishwasher, and pull out double trash receptacle. The great new gathering space accommodates four pull out stools beckoning grandchildren and friends alike. Removing the range from the island and relocating it to create a dramatic “feature” wall, completely out of the way of guests; it is now crowned with a beautiful completely customized wood hood designed to ventilate much more efficiently than the original island range containing a limited downdraft system. The much more efficient use of the space after removing a pantry closet made way for a fully functional “tall wall” housing a double oven and refrigerator, out of the way of guests. Removing the restrictive cabinetry wall now allowed for an expansive floor to ceiling pantry cabinet with full extension pull out shelving, and an elegant display area complete with a beautiful furniture detailed buffet. Fitting perfectly into the farmhouse charm of the old estate, Medallion Silver Lancaster cabinetry was chosen in a soft white Maple Divinity paint finish lining the perimeter. The stunning island hints to this old home’s past with Medallion Gold’s Maple Devonshire style graced with a Carriage Black Heirloom painted finish. The rubbed off black paint finish reveals the soft wood tones beneath, mimicking furniture you’d see in your grandmother’s home that has lovingly been polished for years to reveal a soft, subtly rubbed-off sheen. Counter tops reverse contrast with perimeter tops of black “Raven” granite possessing a subtle honed finish, and a shift to Quartz Difinity Viareggio - resembling white Carrera marble on the island. A simple herringbone detail completes the decorative range wall, and subtle porcelain subway tiles grace the backsplash throughout. The design is finished off with crisp Thermador and Bosch stainless steel appliances, and bright brushed cup pull and handle combination hardware. A pull down Kohler Bellaria faucet makes cleanup a breeze, and soft under-cabinet LED lighting throughout makes every work surface shine softly, and highlights the cabinetry display area with grace. One special detail was created to make the dramatic ceiling transition to a vaulted area above the breakfast nook extra special. A tongue and groove solid wood ceiling was hung above, and a subtle greenish-grey distressed paint finish was hand developed on site by the talented crew, complementing the new kitchen with a completely unique surface that appears as if it’s been there for many, many years. It’s just one standout feature in the amazing new space that is sure to be in every conversation as newcomers enjoy the newest best hangout in this old home renewed! After 30 years of renovating homes, this now content homeowner sips a cup of tea enjoying her new garden view, and reminisces projects of past – and lastly reports their experience with Advance Design Studio culminating with their amazing new kitchen to be the most enjoyable and satisfying home experience yet. Designer: Nicole Ryan Photographer: Joe Nowak