JESSICA MUST DESIGNER/OWNER Jessica is the founder of Luxe Coast Design. Jessica has over 18 years of experience in residential design, decorating, project management and construction. She studied interior design and merchandising at Florida State University, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1999. Jessica is touted for her ability to create a LUXE LIVING SPACE, which she describes as a luxurious space that is both functional and fitting of her client’s personality and lifestyle. Her clients benefit from her skilled knowledge of the construction process which not only creates successful and cohesive relationships with contractors and clients, but also helps her to stay on time and within budget. Jessica is a lover of yoga, and she and her husband enjoy spending time with their 3 children; traveling, boating, beaching and attending sporting events.

Stunning Outdoor Remodel in the heart of Kingstown, Alexandria, VA 22310. Michael Nash Design Build & Homes created a new stunning screen porch with dramatic color tones, a rustic country style furniture setting, a new fireplace, and entertainment space for large sporting event or family gatherings. The old window from the dining room was converted into French doors to allow better flow in and out of home. Wood looking porcelain tile compliments the stone wall of the fireplace. A double stacked fireplace was installed with a ventless stainless unit inside of screen porch and wood burning fireplace just below in the stoned patio area. A big screen TV was mounted over the mantel. Beaded panel ceiling covered the tall cathedral ceiling, lots of lights, craftsman style ceiling fan and hanging lights complimenting the wicked furniture has set this screen porch area above any project in its class. Just outside of the screen area is the Trex covered deck with a pergola given them a grilling and outdoor seating space. Through a set of wrapped around staircase the upper deck now is connected with the magnificent Lower patio area. All covered in flagstone and stone retaining wall, shows the outdoor entertaining option in the lower level just outside of the basement French doors. Hanging out in this relaxing porch the family and friends enjoy the stunning view of their wooded backyard. The ambiance of this screen porch area is just stunning.

Designer Janet Villafane of Villafane Design, LLC of Chester, New Jersey designed and executed this contemporary kitchen with Aston Smith of Bilotta Kitchens of New York. According to Villafane, “from the moment you meet this family you understand their priority in life is family and friends. We were looking for a design that, first and foremost, emphasized the occupants’ request to have a home that was inviting to all that entered. We continued to focus on that request throughout the design phase.” In addition, the design team needed to satisfy the needs of a disabled family member. They wanted him to be able to flow through all areas of the space and feel as if he could comfortably use the open kitchen and family room without any hindrance. The clients were inspired by clean lines and simplicity. When they spoke about their modern Florida home, one could hear and see their enthusiasm and excitement to bring that simplicity into their new home. It became evident early on that their new space should be contemporary but the home’s exterior, as well as the neighboring community, had an old world, traditional charm. The goal was to avoid competing aesthetics while respecting both looks. The resulting interior design incorporated slab doors with both semi-gloss white lacquer and grey stain on horizontal grained oak. The rich dark oak base cabinets perfectly balanced the ceiling beams. The use of a stainless channel system, in place of traditional hardware, and the stainless toe kick completed the design. The Bertazzoni cooktop and wall ovens in stainless steel, Sub-Zero refrigeration paneled in white semi-gloss, and a stainless steel chimney hood enhanced the clean, uninterrupted lines. The island countertop is Thunder White granite in a leathered finish; the perimeter is Super White Quartz; and the nook table is Virginia Mist honed granite. The backsplash is a frosted glass tile. The clients hope for quality, simplicity and functionality were beautifully achieved by the designers. Closed, solid front cabinets provide a “home” for everything in the kitchen. A seating nook with a large screen TV, as well as additional TVs visible throughout the kitchen and family room, satisfied the demand of watching multiple sporting events at one time. To finish it all off decorative lighting was carefully selected to make a “wow” statement. Designer: Janet Villafane of Villafane Design LLC Bilotta Designer: Aston Smith Photo Credit: Peter Krupenye

Stunning Outdoor Remodel in the heart of Kingstown, Alexandria, VA 22310. Michael Nash Design Build & Homes created a new stunning screen porch with dramatic color tones, a rustic country style furniture setting, a new fireplace, and entertainment space for large sporting event or family gatherings. The old window from the dining room was converted into French doors to allow better flow in and out of home. Wood looking porcelain tile compliments the stone wall of the fireplace. A double stacked fireplace was installed with a ventless stainless unit inside of screen porch and wood burning fireplace just below in the stoned patio area. A big screen TV was mounted over the mantel. Beaded panel ceiling covered the tall cathedral ceiling, lots of lights, craftsman style ceiling fan and hanging lights complimenting the wicked furniture has set this screen porch area above any project in its class. Just outside of the screen area is the Trex covered deck with a pergola given them a grilling and outdoor seating space. Through a set of wrapped around staircase the upper deck now is connected with the magnificent Lower patio area. All covered in flagstone and stone retaining wall, shows the outdoor entertaining option in the lower level just outside of the basement French doors. Hanging out in this relaxing porch the family and friends enjoy the stunning view of their wooded backyard. The ambiance of this screen porch area is just stunning.

2013 NARI Capital CotY, Merit Award Winner, Creative Solutions under $15,000 Objective: This couple was tired of the old brick look of their family room and its embedded fireplace. They wanted to uplift the entire room, with better lighting, updated built ins and new gas log fireplace. Challenges: It was not an easy task to get rid of all masonry and brick wall. Gas lines and powder line were quite distance away and the family room floor was a concrete slab. Design solutions: It was important for the couple to create an optional separation between the family room and the kitchen for times that she is having her book club gang over and husband wanted to watch his sporting events. Part of the wall between kitchen and family room was taken by a closet. We have removed that entire wall and implemented a 6” wide Barn door for a partial solution to their problem. New wiring for light and cable wires were running into the old masonry wall. Gas line gave the old wood burning fireplace and new life. Custom built in cabinetry was placed in place old masonry wall. A new stone hearth and surround wrapped around the new fireplace. New hardwood wide plank flooring gave this family room warmth. New recess lighting has offered a much brighter room. Outcome: He gets to enjoy his favorite football team beat up the rebels while she gets to have her tea party around the kitchen table. And in all other occasions they get to cuddle by the flames of a new fireplace.

To keep it cool during the sweltering Louisiana summer months, the builders mounted outdoor fans to the patio ceiling. The large hanging chandelier outdoor lighting fixtures complete the rustic farmhouse style and provide contrast to the white ceiling. An outdoor TV is mounted above the wood burning fireplace, providing the perfect place to wind down and watch your favorite movie, TV show, or sporting event.

Adjacent to the home’s luxurious indoor kitchen, an outdoor cooking and dining area offers a restaurant-like destination for hosting game night. Equipped with a pizza oven, smoker, wine fridge, multiple grills, and refrigerators, the outdoor kitchen serves as an ideal spot for culinary enthusiasts looking to cook up a storm in the great outdoors. To the side, a spacious dining room is anchored by an elegant natural stone fireplace, infrared heaters, and a mounted TV perfect for hosting lively family nights or year-round sporting events. Providing comfort and functionality through the seasons, frameless movable glass doors envelop the space, creating a protected indoor-outdoor area for cooking and dining without ever missing the view of the Sierra Nevada. “I chose the all-glass, frameless NanaWall system to keep the amazing views of the Sierra Nevada mountains,” says Jim Grimes from Concrete North. “The design keeps the sightlines clean and open, making it feel like the outdoors is part of the space.”

Designer Janet Villafane of Villafane Design, LLC of Chester, New Jersey designed and executed this contemporary kitchen with Aston Smith of Bilotta Kitchens of New York. According to Villafane, “from the moment you meet this family you understand their priority in life is family and friends. We were looking for a design that, first and foremost, emphasized the occupants’ request to have a home that was inviting to all that entered. We continued to focus on that request throughout the design phase.” In addition, the design team needed to satisfy the needs of a disabled family member. They wanted him to be able to flow through all areas of the space and feel as if he could comfortably use the open kitchen and family room without any hindrance. The clients were inspired by clean lines and simplicity. When they spoke about their modern Florida home, one could hear and see their enthusiasm and excitement to bring that simplicity into their new home. It became evident early on that their new space should be contemporary but the home’s exterior, as well as the neighboring community, had an old world, traditional charm. The goal was to avoid competing aesthetics while respecting both looks. The resulting interior design incorporated slab doors with both semi-gloss white lacquer and grey stain on horizontal grained oak. The rich dark oak base cabinets perfectly balanced the ceiling beams. The use of a stainless channel system, in place of traditional hardware, and the stainless toe kick completed the design. The Bertazzoni cooktop and wall ovens in stainless steel, Sub-Zero refrigeration paneled in white semi-gloss, and a stainless steel chimney hood enhanced the clean, uninterrupted lines. The island countertop is Thunder White granite in a leathered finish; the perimeter is Super White Quartz; and the nook table is Virginia Mist honed granite. The backsplash is a frosted glass tile. The clients hope for quality, simplicity and functionality were beautifully achieved by the designers. Closed, solid front cabinets provide a “home” for everything in the kitchen. A seating nook with a large screen TV, as well as additional TVs visible throughout the kitchen and family room, satisfied the demand of watching multiple sporting events at one time. To finish it all off decorative lighting was carefully selected to make a “wow” statement. Designer: Janet Villafane of Villafane Design LLC Bilotta Designer: Aston Smith Photo Credit: Peter Krupenye

Designer Janet Villafane of Villafane Design, LLC of Chester, New Jersey designed and executed this contemporary kitchen with Aston Smith of Bilotta Kitchens of New York. According to Villafane, “from the moment you meet this family you understand their priority in life is family and friends. We were looking for a design that, first and foremost, emphasized the occupants’ request to have a home that was inviting to all that entered. We continued to focus on that request throughout the design phase.” In addition, the design team needed to satisfy the needs of a disabled family member. They wanted him to be able to flow through all areas of the space and feel as if he could comfortably use the open kitchen and family room without any hindrance. The clients were inspired by clean lines and simplicity. When they spoke about their modern Florida home, one could hear and see their enthusiasm and excitement to bring that simplicity into their new home. It became evident early on that their new space should be contemporary but the home’s exterior, as well as the neighboring community, had an old world, traditional charm. The goal was to avoid competing aesthetics while respecting both looks. The resulting interior design incorporated slab doors with both semi-gloss white lacquer and grey stain on horizontal grained oak. The rich dark oak base cabinets perfectly balanced the ceiling beams. The use of a stainless channel system, in place of traditional hardware, and the stainless toe kick completed the design. The Bertazzoni cooktop and wall ovens in stainless steel, Sub-Zero refrigeration paneled in white semi-gloss, and a stainless steel chimney hood enhanced the clean, uninterrupted lines. The island countertop is Thunder White granite in a leathered finish; the perimeter is Super White Quartz; and the nook table is Virginia Mist honed granite. The backsplash is a frosted glass tile. The clients hope for quality, simplicity and functionality were beautifully achieved by the designers. Closed, solid front cabinets provide a “home” for everything in the kitchen. A seating nook with a large screen TV, as well as additional TVs visible throughout the kitchen and family room, satisfied the demand of watching multiple sporting events at one time. To finish it all off decorative lighting was carefully selected to make a “wow” statement. Designer: Janet Villafane of Villafane Design LLC Bilotta Designer: Aston Smith Photo Credit: Peter Krupenye

Black Oak Construction and Collective Design took our clients’ visions and turned their unfinished basement into a distinctive entertainment hub. Our clients came to us with a large collection of skateboards and equally as impressive collection of rock and roll posters they wanted to display. At the time, they didn’t have any real area to entertain friends and family. They wanted a Gallery/Lounge area, Theater/ Billard’s area a half bath and a workout room. The basement was a little dark. Existing windows on the East and South side were removed and replaced with a bank of 7 windows which then allowed an unobstructed view of their lake. The windows were trimmed to hide motorized blinds used to block the light when movies or sporting events were being watched on one of the flat screens. As you walk in the entertainment room, there is a custom-designed tray ceiling with a lighted display constructed to hold 42 of the skateboards. The challenge was in hanging the skateboards in it. Originally it was to be metal but it didn’t securely hold a skateboard. Our carpenters used bolts and magnets to solve the problem and hold them securely. It turned out to be the focal point of the entire area. Centered in the rec room is a bar area with visual site to most of the rec room. The front of the bar is trimmed uniquely to add dimension. The cabinets above the bar have a lighted linear wine rack. There are two comfortable areas to watch a game or music video. The homeowners brought in a KC Chiefs theme in the furnishings. One wall was dedicated to jerseys, memorabilia and stadium seats. Behind the large red couch is a custom metal sofa table that spells out CHIEFS. The workout room has a waterproof floating floor. By adding nearly frameless glass doors going in, the room feels like a part of the rest of the rec room. Framed rare posters hang throughout the entertainment area. A custom “skateboard” table is in one of the sitting areas. Pinball machines were added to provide another form of play. When finished, this was not your usual rec room by any means. This was a client ordered, construction delivered entertainment setting sure to be enjoyed for years to come.

Laundry rooms and mudrooms can be a headache for many homeowners. They are usually cramped with poor functionality and little storage space. Joe and Kristin suffered all those aches and more, as their laundry room lacked clothing storage. Shoes were crammed in every corner. There was nowhere to fold clothes without taking them to the kitchen. They were ready for a complete laundry room remodel project. Joe and Kristin interviewed several local remodeling companies but didn’t connect with anyone who could understand their vision. During the summer, when they were attending their son’s race venue, they noticed fellow kart racers Todd and Christine Jurs’ sponsor banner for their remodeling company, Advance Design Studio. Immediately they were thrilled that they knew someone they trusted who could handle the renovation. “We wanted someone that we actually knew, who has a little bit more invested than an outside person that we don’t have any ties to,” Kristin said. Project Designer Nicole Ryan came to their home in Warrenville for the initial consultation. Kristin, an avid HGTV viewer, brought her ideas to Nicole. Throughout the design process, they worked together designing the space, selecting materials, and choosing colors. Nicole made sure to incorporate Kristin’s must-haves into the finished laundry room remodel. “It was really easy. Nicole made the transition very easy,” Kristin said of Nicole’s work in the design phase of the project. With the materials selected and the drawings finalized, it was time to begin construction. Kristin and Joe were impressed with how quickly and cleanly this phase went. “Everyone that came in was very respectful, very neat, and that was a big part for me because I didn’t want dust going through the rest of my house,” Kristin said. The new combination mudroom/laundry room is everything Kristin and Joe hoped. There is plenty of storage, three pull-out laundry hampers for presorting laundry, a large central island for folding clothes, a designated bar to hang dry, and even a unique rotating shoe rack to keep shoes from cluttering the space. “My rotating shoe rack,” Kristin said when asked what her favorite part of her new laundry room was. “We have four kids. We have a lot of shoes and sporting events. So it makes sense to have all that space for shoes.” The center island has an exceptional feature as well. It has wheels. Kristin wanted to be able to move the island out of the way for different functions in the room. An island with wheels can be placed wherever needed in the space. The two existing closets were reconfigured with built-in closet storage systems to make them more functional than before with shelves for baskets holding gloves and hats, umbrellas, and coats. “They love it,” Project Designer Nicole Ryan said. “They had a vision of how they wanted the space to function but didn’t know exactly how to get it there. My design took all their needs and used the most efficient products to get them the desired outcome. Tons of function, while still looking beautiful!” The “White” Hudson Panel Dura Supreme cabinetry on the perimeter brightens the space and contrasts the popular blue “Gale Force” Dura Supreme cabinetry of the rolling island. The black and white encaustic design porcelain tile backsplash adds visual interest to the room above the white quartz countertops. Additionally, an oil-rubbed bronze bar for hanging clothes is conveniently located above the washer/dryer, and a stainless-steel under-mount sink with a matching Kohler faucet offers perfect functionality. “I would definitely recommend Advance Design; they’ve been wonderful. They were so helpful. Any little changes we had, they were able to accommodate,” Kristin said.

This living room started out with dusty rose carpeting and walls and a mish mash of cheap furniture. It needed a complete overhaul. The first step was to identify the room's purpose. While technically it is a living room, it is connected via open space to the dining room, kitchen, and family room...thus, it was really more of an extension of the most used, common areas of the home. It was also the first room that visitors see when entering the home, and thus, it needed to be beautiful. While the space is more refined than the other common areas of the home, it is still relaxed enough to be used everyday, and it is. It's TV is used regularly to watch the big sporting events of the week and its also a cozy place with comfortable, oversize chairs and sofas to curl up and read a book or play a card game by the gas fireplace. Wall to wall custom built-in cabinetry and mantle were designed and installed that create a beautiful focal point for the room. Tracey Ayton Photography

Stunning Outdoor Remodel in the heart of Kingstown, Alexandria, VA 22310. Michael Nash Design Build & Homes created a new stunning screen porch with dramatic color tones, a rustic country style furniture setting, a new fireplace, and entertainment space for large sporting event or family gatherings. The old window from the dining room was converted into French doors to allow better flow in and out of home. Wood looking porcelain tile compliments the stone wall of the fireplace. A double stacked fireplace was installed with a ventless stainless unit inside of screen porch and wood burning fireplace just below in the stoned patio area. A big screen TV was mounted over the mantel. Beaded panel ceiling covered the tall cathedral ceiling, lots of lights, craftsman style ceiling fan and hanging lights complimenting the wicked furniture has set this screen porch area above any project in its class. Just outside of the screen area is the Trex covered deck with a pergola given them a grilling and outdoor seating space. Through a set of wrapped around staircase the upper deck now is connected with the magnificent Lower patio area. All covered in flagstone and stone retaining wall, shows the outdoor entertaining option in the lower level just outside of the basement French doors. Hanging out in this relaxing porch the family and friends enjoy the stunning view of their wooded backyard. The ambiance of this screen porch area is just stunning.

Laundry rooms and mudrooms can be a headache for many homeowners. They are usually cramped with poor functionality and little storage space. Joe and Kristin suffered all those aches and more, as their laundry room lacked clothing storage. Shoes were crammed in every corner. There was nowhere to fold clothes without taking them to the kitchen. They were ready for a complete laundry room remodel project. Joe and Kristin interviewed several local remodeling companies but didn’t connect with anyone who could understand their vision. During the summer, when they were attending their son’s race venue, they noticed fellow kart racers Todd and Christine Jurs’ sponsor banner for their remodeling company, Advance Design Studio. Immediately they were thrilled that they knew someone they trusted who could handle the renovation. “We wanted someone that we actually knew, who has a little bit more invested than an outside person that we don’t have any ties to,” Kristin said. Project Designer Nicole Ryan came to their home in Warrenville for the initial consultation. Kristin, an avid HGTV viewer, brought her ideas to Nicole. Throughout the design process, they worked together designing the space, selecting materials, and choosing colors. Nicole made sure to incorporate Kristin’s must-haves into the finished laundry room remodel. “It was really easy. Nicole made the transition very easy,” Kristin said of Nicole’s work in the design phase of the project. With the materials selected and the drawings finalized, it was time to begin construction. Kristin and Joe were impressed with how quickly and cleanly this phase went. “Everyone that came in was very respectful, very neat, and that was a big part for me because I didn’t want dust going through the rest of my house,” Kristin said. The new combination mudroom/laundry room is everything Kristin and Joe hoped. There is plenty of storage, three pull-out laundry hampers for presorting laundry, a large central island for folding clothes, a designated bar to hang dry, and even a unique rotating shoe rack to keep shoes from cluttering the space. “My rotating shoe rack,” Kristin said when asked what her favorite part of her new laundry room was. “We have four kids. We have a lot of shoes and sporting events. So it makes sense to have all that space for shoes.” The center island has an exceptional feature as well. It has wheels. Kristin wanted to be able to move the island out of the way for different functions in the room. An island with wheels can be placed wherever needed in the space. The two existing closets were reconfigured with built-in closet storage systems to make them more functional than before with shelves for baskets holding gloves and hats, umbrellas, and coats. “They love it,” Project Designer Nicole Ryan said. “They had a vision of how they wanted the space to function but didn’t know exactly how to get it there. My design took all their needs and used the most efficient products to get them the desired outcome. Tons of function, while still looking beautiful!” The “White” Hudson Panel Dura Supreme cabinetry on the perimeter brightens the space and contrasts the popular blue “Gale Force” Dura Supreme cabinetry of the rolling island. The black and white encaustic design porcelain tile backsplash adds visual interest to the room above the white quartz countertops. Additionally, an oil-rubbed bronze bar for hanging clothes is conveniently located above the washer/dryer, and a stainless-steel under-mount sink with a matching Kohler faucet offers perfect functionality. “I would definitely recommend Advance Design; they’ve been wonderful. They were so helpful. Any little changes we had, they were able to accommodate,” Kristin said.

2013 NARI Capital CotY, Merit Award Winner, Creative Solutions under $15,000 Objective: This couple was tired of the old brick look of their family room and its embedded fireplace. They wanted to uplift the entire room, with better lighting, updated built ins and new gas log fireplace. Challenges: It was not an easy task to get rid of all masonry and brick wall. Gas lines and powder line were quite distance away and the family room floor was a concrete slab. Design solutions: It was important for the couple to create an optional separation between the family room and the kitchen for times that she is having her book club gang over and husband wanted to watch his sporting events. Part of the wall between kitchen and family room was taken by a closet. We have removed that entire wall and implemented a 6” wide Barn door for a partial solution to their problem. New wiring for light and cable wires were running into the old masonry wall. Gas line gave the old wood burning fireplace and new life. Custom built in cabinetry was placed in place old masonry wall. A new stone hearth and surround wrapped around the new fireplace. New hardwood wide plank flooring gave this family room warmth. New recess lighting has offered a much brighter room. Outcome: He gets to enjoy his favorite football team beat up the rebels while she gets to have her tea party around the kitchen table. And in all other occasions they get to cuddle by the flames of a new fireplace.

In the family room, Sweeney Design Remodel designed distinct zones for movie watching and sporting events. The wet bar received a facelift with new finishes and cabinetry, including a Look blu 2” x 9” glossy tile backsplash in a herringbone pattern and a Trends Harbor Quartz countertop, while the electronics underwent a significant upgrade. Wall-mounted TVs and speakers were added to elevate the viewing experience for games and movies.

The furniture layout didn't reflect a space where families could gather for conversation and enjoying a movie or sporting event on television. The rectilinear layout felt static and the accessories cluttered the space.

The clients enjoy entertaining guests in their home. They enjoy sports events, but don't necessarily enjoy the hustle 'n bustle of going to the stadium, finding a place to park, and in the case of football, freezing to death. They much prefer sharing the ambiance of their comfortable home, offering snacks and drinks from the bar, and enjoying a round of pool during intermissions and halftime, or watching halftime shows on a state-of-the-art home theater. These clients were so committed to this enterprise, they dedicated their 3,000 sq’ basement, except those areas already used for utility, storage, and mechanical needs, the renovation.To make sure the clients' every wish was met, a complete entertainment area was designed and constructed with ease of movement, lighting, and safety in mind. The area would include a home theater with totally wireless controls, a pool room, and a social area replete with a commercial-grade wet bar. The home theater consists of a screen within a custom cabinet system that also houses the complete audio-visual equipment center. Speakers are nestled in custom benches with the sound cones discretely hidden behind fabric panels. The motor for the panel that hides the screen when not in use is behind a similar fabric panel.The furniture style cabinet has Shaker style doors with walnut peg inlays and leaded glass panels. There are multiple lighting "scenes" for ambiance; low-voltage lighting inside the crown molding, and recessed can lights are discretely placed so that they can provide an extra level of illumination when required.The pool room was walled with a custom wainscot paneling with clear cherry stiles and rails finished with a clear satin lacquer. The panels are of Madagascar ebony with a light satin stain and a clear lacquer finish. A custom cue rack was constructed from clear cherry and backed with the Madagascar ebony panel.Drink rails were custom fabricated from cherry and custom crown molding was fabricated to match the rest of the house. The space is lit with a combination of recessed lights and a series of hidden lights behind crown molding for dramatic effect. The bar area is topped with a custom crown detail to contain the lighting. The bar is constructed in the same manner and fashion as the theater and pool rooms with Shaker style cabinetry with square walnut peg in the door corners and decorative leaded glass door fronts with more than enough front and back bar space to serve and enjoy drinks and snacks. Entry behind the bar is through custom, bi-directional butler doors. A custom bottle display and storage area takes up the bottom half of the bar's back wall. And, for the sake of convenience, a full size automatic dishwasher is installed under the bar for cleaning glasses and stemware. The bar is also tricked out with an espresso machine, its own flat screen TV and AmX video controller. The bar is lit with puck lights in the upper cabinets that illuminate downward through glass shelves, and low-voltage lighting is used behind the bottle display. The bar itself is lit by a series of earthen tone pendant lights.All three areas complement each other and are in total harmony with the remainder of the house. Moldings were matched, carpeting styles were chosen to complement rather than compromise, and muted, natural colors and textures were chosen that complement the surroundings. There is a seamless transition between the newer areas of the home and those already in everyday use. The entire area is a nebula of electrons operating servos, quietly opening and closing hidden switches, mysteriously dimming and brightening lights, and not only creating an alluring atmosphere, but one that is programmable, available at the touch of a finger to a heat sensitive screen, for an individual, or a group. At a single touch the lights in the theater and bar areas dim as the theater screen lowers into viewing position. Not only does the AMX controller open and close shades and window treatments to facilitate better viewing, but on an entirely different level it controls the very access to the property. It opens and closes entryways, external doors and gates as well.None of this magic came easily. Electrical circuits were at a premium. Over heating plagued the AV rack, and pesky rays of light seemed to creep in where and when they were least welcome. An exhaust fan was installed in the AV cabinet to dissipate the heat. New electrical outlets were scheduled and placed while others were moved. The bar area received custom wire chases hidden within the cabinetry. Exterior roll-a-way shutters, all controlled from the AMX controller, were installed and programmed as the answer to those pesky light rays.

Amazing views of the Hudson River were the focus of our 2011 renovation of this three-bedroom condo for a popular TV personality. A large-screen TV is tucked behind closed doors in the living room to accommodate the client’s desire to host viewing parties for televised sporting events. Renovating and decorating this space was quick and effortless, as we’d worked with the client on three other projects over the previous 10 years.