It’s always a blessing when your clients become friends - and that’s exactly what blossomed out of this two-phase remodel (along with three transformed spaces!). These clients were such a joy to work with and made what, at times, was a challenging job feel seamless. This project consisted of two phases, the first being a reconfiguration and update of their master bathroom, guest bathroom, and hallway closets, and the second a kitchen remodel. In keeping with the style of the home, we decided to run with what we called “traditional with farmhouse charm” – warm wood tones, cement tile, traditional patterns, and you can’t forget the pops of color! The master bathroom airs on the masculine side with a mostly black, white, and wood color palette, while the powder room is very feminine with pastel colors. When the bathroom projects were wrapped, it didn’t take long before we moved on to the kitchen. The kitchen already had a nice flow, so we didn’t need to move any plumbing or appliances. Instead, we just gave it the facelift it deserved! We wanted to continue the farmhouse charm and landed on a gorgeous terracotta and ceramic hand-painted tile for the backsplash, concrete look-alike quartz countertops, and two-toned cabinets while keeping the existing hardwood floors. We also removed some upper cabinets that blocked the view from the kitchen into the dining and living room area, resulting in a coveted open concept floor plan. Our clients have always loved to entertain, but now with the remodel complete, they are hosting more than ever, enjoying every second they have in their home.

ASID Design Excellence First Place Residential – Kitchen and Bathroom: Michael Merrill Design Studio was approached three years ago by the homeowner to redesign her kitchen. Although she was dissatisfied with some aspects of her home, she still loved it dearly. As we discovered her passion for design, we began to rework her entire home--room by room, top to bottom.

Photo by Jody Dole This was a fast-track design-build project which began design in July and ended construction before Christmas. The scope included additions and first and second floor renovations. The house is an early 1900’s gambrel style with painted wood shingle siding and mission style detailing. On the first and second floor we removed previously constructed awkward additions and extended the gambrel style roof to make room for a large kitchen on the first floor and a master bathroom and bedroom on the second floor. We also added two new dormers to match the existing dormers to bring light into the master shower and new bedroom. We refinished the wood floors, repainted all of the walls and trim, added new vintage style light fixtures, and created a new half and kid’s bath. We also added new millwork features to continue the existing level of detail and texture within the house. A wrap-around covered porch with a corner trellis was also added, which provides a perfect opportunity to enjoy the back-yard. A wonderful project!

Photo of a kitchen renovation feature cabinets finished in Black Licorice and Pure White lacquer. The cabinets are oversized and conceal the appliances with finished wood panels. Unique features include a wall of natural leuders veneer stone with a custom floating ventilation system as a main focal point. Complementing the cabinets are countertops of Satin Cambrian black granite and Honed Calcatta Colorado Marble. Custom hewn wood beams and hand scraped flooring warm the rooms feel against the cool gray walls. Designed and constructed by USI in Southlake Tx.

Bedroom - large transitional master dark wood floor bedroom idea in New York with gray walls and no fireplace

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.

Siri Blanchette/Blind Dog Photo Associates This kids bath has all the fun of a sunny day at the beach. In a contemporary way, the details in the room are nautical and beachy. The color of the walls are like a clear blue sky, the vanity lights look like vintage boat lights, the vanity top looks like sand, and the shower walls are meant to look like a sea shanty with weathered looking wood grained tile plank walls and a shower "window pane" cubby with hand painted tiles designed by Marcye that look like a view out to the beach. The floor is bleached pebbles with hand painted sea creature tiles placed randomly for the kids to find.

Beautiful subdued elegance permeates this kitchen, with its hints of farmhouse style and gorgeous stones. The counter and large island are finished in a Brazilian granite called New Kashmir. The Farmhouse sink is a nice feature for the island. The beautiful backsplash above the stovetop is made with blue-gray hand painted Ceramic tiles, called Duquesa. The white Shaker cabinets, warm hardwood flooring and the large island all speak of the lowcountry, easy living and coastal charm. Love this kitchen!

Jessie Alexis Photography
Example of a classic girl kids' bedroom design in Salt Lake City with multicolored walls

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.

Just off the main living space on the second floor, this master bedroom boasts the same vaulted ceilings with shiplap detail and large windows taking advantage of the views. Natural linen window coverings and bedding keep the space casual, while the tan, rose and brown palette bring in character. Hand thrown pottery lamps glazed in robin's egg blue add a personal touch.

Kids' room - contemporary girl medium tone wood floor kids' room idea in Jackson with multicolored walls

Aaron Leitz
Example of a trendy beige tile and ceramic tile bathroom design in Seattle with blue walls

Your bed isn’t just a place to sleep; it’s a place to dream, so indulge yourself with your dream bed. The Queen Anne 4-Poster Platform Bed with hand carved Headboard is built with solid Indian rosewood, a premium hardwood with a unique dark and light wood grain design. This heirloom quality bed is both durable and beautiful. Choose the bed size that fits your style. It’s available in Full, Queen, King, and California King. The four posts are slender with a four sided base and round segments on the bottom and top. The head board features intricate hand carved details. Special Features: • Hand rubbed stain and finish • Bed stands off the floor • Old world craftsmanship Dimensions: Full: Mattress Dimensions: 54" W X 75" L Overall: 58" W X 81" L X 43" H Poster Bed: 58" W X 81" L X 71" H Headboard: 43" High X 3" Thick Footboard: 12" High X 3" Thick Queen: Mattress Dimensions: 60" W X 80" L Overall: 64" W X 86" L X 43" H Poster Bed: 64" W X 86" L X 71" H Headboard: 43" High X 3" Thick Footboard: 12" High X 3" Thick King: Mattress Dimensions: 76" W X 80" L Overall: 80" W X 86" L X 43" H Poster Bed: 80" W X 86" L X 71" H Headboard: 43" High X 3" Thick Footboard: 12" High X 3" Thick California King: Mattress Dimensions: 72" W X 84" L Overall: 76" W X 90" L X 43" H Poster Bed: 76" W X 90" L X 71" H Headboard: 43" High X 3" Thick Footboard: 12" High X 3" Thick

Constructed from solid Teak and Wenge. This stunning platform bed features an imported petrified wood tile inlay, aluminum sub-frame and steel struts to support it’s uniquely designed foot board with functional bench/bookshelf design. Furniture Design: Phi Home Designs Sarah Szwajkos Photography

Keeping the wood beams and ceilings, and enhancing them with natural oils was the ticket to success with this older A frame cottage. Painting out the walls was the second ticket. The marriage of materials keeps this cottage cozy and still fresh at the same time.

Salisbury, CT This 4,000 square foot vacation house in northwest Connecticut sits on a small promontory with views across a lake to hills beyond. While the site was extraordinary, the owner’s existing house had no redeeming value. It was demolished, and its foundations provided the base for this house. The new house rises from a stone base set into the hillside. A guest bedroom, recreation room and wine cellar are located in this half cellar with views toward the lake. Above the house steps back creating a terrace across the entire length of the house with a covered dining porch at one end and steps down to the lawn at the other end. This main portion of the house is sided with wood clapboard and detailed simply to recall the 19th century farmhouses in the area. Large windows and ‘french’ doors open the living room and family room to the terrace and view. A large kitchen is open to the family room and also serves a formal dining room on the entrance side of the house. On the second floor a there is a spacious master suite and three additional bedrooms. A new ‘carriage house’ garage thirty feet from the main house was built and the driveway and topography altered to create a new sense of approach and entry.

Trestlewood processes hand-hewn sleepers into Hand-Hewn Skins, a unique 2" siding which is unmatched in character and beauty. Hand Hewn Siding is generally installed with chinking in between the slabs. It may be installed with "tails" which can be used to create dove tails at each of the corners of the house. Available Configurations: Log stack or log stack with tails. We also invite you to consider our Reclaimed Hand-Hewn Middles and NatureAged Hand-Hewn as hand-hewn siding option

Now client's daughter’s room, this room had been functioning as a second guest bedroom and was ready for a makeover, starting with the wall covering. We were able to keep the existing drapes, and repurpose the giant mirror by painting the frame; thus creating a savings in the budget and enabling the client to choose to indulge in a new high-quality chair, a gorgeous, unique, high-end fabric for the ottoman, by Katie Ridder — and the biggest investment, the custom-designed and hand-built bunk bed by Randall Wilson and Sons. The rose-colored hand-knotted oriental rug, sourced via PAK is another high-quality piece that had originally been purchased for the daughter’s nursery and transitioned easily to her new room. A lot of love and time went into designing that custom bed. Especially the detailed railing, the drawer handles, incorporating the bookshelf into the headboard, and the choosing the contrasting wood for the ladder. The bed will hold its own long into teenage-hood — because sleepovers. Photo credit: Mo Saito