What an honor it was to be part of this Classic California Ranch remodel! Originally built in 1940 with the architectural influence of the iconic William Wurster, this beautiful home had a small, dated kitchen that didn't do it justice. The floor plan had become rather compartmentalized due to remodels and additions by the previous homeowners, and the current homeowners wanted to thoughtfully re-design the kitchen paying tribute to its roots, while also gaining more open and functional space. Ultimately, we relocated the kitchen from it's original location to what was an informal dining space. We reconfigured the mud/laundry room, as well as the space adjacent to it and the kitchen, to allow for a more natural flow between kitchen, dining, and living. The space that previously housed the kitchen was turned into a gallery, where the homeowners can sit and enjoy their morning coffee while viewing the golf course. In the gallery, the original brick from the exterior patio was uncovered under many layers of flooring, and the contractor was able to restore the brick and re-install it for the gallery floor, creating a space that truly emphasizes the leisurely, laid back California lifestyle that blends the indoor and outdoor spaces that the architecture of William Wurster so beautifully emphasizes.

© Javier Guillen Photo
Example of a mid-sized trendy backyard concrete and rectangular pool fountain design in Houston

My client called me in for a "Design Perspective". She hated her floors and wanted my professional opinion. I questioned whether I should be brutally honest, and her response was "absolutely". Then truth be told, "your countertops bother me more than your floors". My client has a stunningly beautiful home and her countertops were not in "the same league". So the project scope expanded from new floors to include countertops, backsplash, plumbing fixtures and hardware. While we were at it, her overly froufrou corbels were updated along with dishwashers that "drove her crazy". Since there was plenty of "demo" in store, she elected to lower her breakfast bar to counter height at the same time to connect her nook more seamlessly with her kitchen. The process: at our first slab warehouse stop, within ten minutes, we uncovered the most beautiful slabs of Taj Mahal ever. No need to keep looking. The slabs had perfect coloration and veining. So different from any other slab of Taj Mahal, it really ought to have its own name. Countertop selection was easy as was the subway and Arabesque backsplash tile. Polished chrome, with its blend of warm and cool tones, was the obvious choice for her plumbing fixture and hardware finish. Finding the right floor tile was what proved to be most challenging, but my client was up to the task. Several weeks of shopping and numerous samples hauled home led us to the perfect limestone. Once her room was complete, better barstools were in order. Hancock and Moore with their huge assortment of leather colors and textures was our clear choice. The Ellie barstools selected embody the perfect blend of form and comfort. Her new limestone flooring extends into her Butler's pantry, pool bath, powder bath and sewing room, so wait, there is still more to do.

Photo: Sarah Seung McFarland © 2017 Houzz
Eclectic living room photo in New York

2013 NARI CAPITAL COTY, MERIT AWARD WINNER, RESIDENTIAL EXTERIOR A family of five living in a Chantilly, Virginia, neighborhood with a lot of improvement going on decided to do a project of their own. An active family, they decided their old deck was ragged, beat up and needed revamping. After discussing their needs, the design team at Michael Nash Design, Build & Homes developed a plan for a covered porch and a wrap-around upscale deck. Traffic flow and multiple entrances were important, as was a place for the kids to leave their muddy shoes. A double staircase leading the deck into the large backyard provides a panoramic view of the parkland behind the property. A side staircase lets the kids come into the covered porch and mudroom prior to entering the main house. The covered porch touts large colonial style columns, a beaded cedar (stained) ceiling, recess lighting, ceiling fans and a large television with outdoor surround sound. The deck touts synthetic railing and stained grade decking and offers extended living space just outside of the kitchen and family room, as well as a grill space and outdoor patio seating. This new outdoor facility has become the jewel of their neighborhood and now the family can enjoy their backyard activities more than ever.

I say it often, but this was one of my favorite projects!! A complete restoration of this turn of the century Victorian. We uncovered tree stumps as footings in the basement. So many amazing surprises on this project including an original stacked brick chimney dating back to 1886! Having known the owner of the property for many years, we talked at length imagining what the spaces would look like after this complete interior reconstruction was complete. It was important to keep the integrity of the building, while giving it a much needed update. We paid special attention to the architectural details on the interior doors, window trim, stair case, lighting, bathrooms and hardwood floors. The result is a stunning space our client loves.... and so do we!

I say it often, but this was one of my favorite projects!! A complete restoration of this turn of the century Victorian. We uncovered tree stumps as footings in the basement. So many amazing surprises on this project including an original stacked brick chimney dating back to 1886! Having known the owner of the property for many years, we talked at length imagining what the spaces would look like after this complete interior reconstruction was complete. It was important to keep the integrity of the building, while giving it a much needed update. We paid special attention to the architectural details on the interior doors, window trim, stair case, lighting, bathrooms and hardwood floors. The result is a stunning space our client loves.... and so do we!

spacecrafting
Mid-sized transitional brick back porch idea in Minneapolis with a roof extension

I say it often, but this was one of my favorite projects!! A complete restoration of this turn of the century Victorian. We uncovered tree stumps as footings in the basement. So many amazing surprises on this project including an original stacked brick chimney dating back to 1886! Having known the owner of the property for many years, we talked at length imagining what the spaces would look like after this complete interior reconstruction was complete. It was important to keep the integrity of the building, while giving it a much needed update. We paid special attention to the architectural details on the interior doors, window trim, stair case, lighting, bathrooms and hardwood floors. The result is a stunning space our client loves.... and so do we!

Ushuaia Pod by Lofty Pods features a fully equipped kitchen, a living room and a bedroom. The large windows bring natural light into the pod.
Minimalist one-story exterior home photo

What an honor it was to be part of this Classic California Ranch remodel! Originally built in 1940 with the architectural influence of the iconic William Wurster, this beautiful home had a small, dated kitchen that didn't do it justice. The floor plan had become rather compartmentalized due to remodels and additions by the previous homeowners, and the current homeowners wanted to thoughtfully re-design the kitchen paying tribute to its roots, while also gaining more open and functional space. Ultimately, we relocated the kitchen from it's original location to what was an informal dining space. We reconfigured the mud/laundry room, as well as the space adjacent to it and the kitchen, to allow for a more natural flow between kitchen, dining, and living. The space that previously housed the kitchen was turned into a gallery, where the homeowners can sit and enjoy their morning coffee while viewing the golf course. In the gallery, the original brick from the exterior patio was uncovered under many layers of flooring, and the contractor was able to restore the brick and re-install it for the gallery floor, creating a space that truly emphasizes the leisurely, laid back California lifestyle that blends the indoor and outdoor spaces that the architecture of William Wurster so beautifully emphasizes.

I say it often, but this was one of my favorite projects!! A complete restoration of this turn of the century Victorian. We uncovered tree stumps as footings in the basement. So many amazing surprises on this project including an original stacked brick chimney dating back to 1886! Having known the owner of the property for many years, we talked at length imagining what the spaces would look like after this complete interior reconstruction was complete. It was important to keep the integrity of the building, while giving it a much needed update. We paid special attention to the architectural details on the interior doors, window trim, stair case, lighting, bathrooms and hardwood floors. The result is a stunning space our client loves.... and so do we!

I say it often, but this was one of my favorite projects!! A complete restoration of this turn of the century Victorian. We uncovered tree stumps as footings in the basement. So many amazing surprises on this project including an original stacked brick chimney dating back to 1886! Having known the owner of the property for many years, we talked at length imagining what the spaces would look like after this complete interior reconstruction was complete. It was important to keep the integrity of the building, while giving it a much needed update. We paid special attention to the architectural details on the interior doors, window trim, stair case, lighting, bathrooms and hardwood floors. The result is a stunning space our client loves.... and so do we!

I say it often, but this was one of my favorite projects!! A complete restoration of this turn of the century Victorian. We uncovered tree stumps as footings in the basement. So many amazing surprises on this project including an original stacked brick chimney dating back to 1886! Having known the owner of the property for many years, we talked at length imagining what the spaces would look like after this complete interior reconstruction was complete. It was important to keep the integrity of the building, while giving it a much needed update. We paid special attention to the architectural details on the interior doors, window trim, stair case, lighting, bathrooms and hardwood floors. The result is a stunning space our client loves.... and so do we!

What an honor it was to be part of this Classic California Ranch remodel! Originally built in 1940 with the architectural influence of the iconic William Wurster, this beautiful home had a small, dated kitchen that didn't do it justice. The floor plan had become rather compartmentalized due to remodels and additions by the previous homeowners, and the current homeowners wanted to thoughtfully re-design the kitchen paying tribute to its roots, while also gaining more open and functional space. Ultimately, we relocated the kitchen from it's original location to what was an informal dining space. We reconfigured the mud/laundry room, as well as the space adjacent to it and the kitchen, to allow for a more natural flow between kitchen, dining, and living. The space that previously housed the kitchen was turned into a gallery, where the homeowners can sit and enjoy their morning coffee while viewing the golf course. In the gallery, the original brick from the exterior patio was uncovered under many layers of flooring, and the contractor was able to restore the brick and re-install it for the gallery floor, creating a space that truly emphasizes the leisurely, laid back California lifestyle that blends the indoor and outdoor spaces that the architecture of William Wurster so beautifully emphasizes.

I say it often, but this was one of my favorite projects!! A complete restoration of this turn of the century Victorian. We uncovered tree stumps as footings in the basement. So many amazing surprises on this project including an original stacked brick chimney dating back to 1886! Having known the owner of the property for many years, we talked at length imagining what the spaces would look like after this complete interior reconstruction was complete. It was important to keep the integrity of the building, while giving it a much needed update. We paid special attention to the architectural details on the interior doors, window trim, stair case, lighting, bathrooms and hardwood floors. The result is a stunning space our client loves.... and so do we!

I say it often, but this was one of my favorite projects!! A complete restoration of this turn of the century Victorian. We uncovered tree stumps as footings in the basement. So many amazing surprises on this project including an original stacked brick chimney dating back to 1886! Having known the owner of the property for many years, we talked at length imagining what the spaces would look like after this complete interior reconstruction was complete. It was important to keep the integrity of the building, while giving it a much needed update. We paid special attention to the architectural details on the interior doors, window trim, stair case, lighting, bathrooms and hardwood floors. The result is a stunning space our client loves.... and so do we!

This urban townhouse took on new life when it was renovated for a couple relocating from New York City. The owner’s sophisticated taste, cultivated from world travels, paired with the character of the existing home and resulted in a fresh and colorful gem in the heart of the historic downtown. Extensive approvals from the local Historic District Commission preceded an addition on the rear of the time-honored building and a complete restoration of the exterior. The addition encompasses a first-floor, finished garage with arch doors that open to the gardens, ideal for entertaining. Above the garage accommodates the master bedroom, walk-in closets and a bathroom suite. The exterior restoration allowed the addition of window pediments, shutters with authentic hardware and gaslight features. Pocket gardens surround the townhouse and boast multiple plantings that complement a historic environment. The interior of the home was restructured to allow for reworking of the main stair. The reconfigured flight can now carry the weight of books and art alongside ascending residents and guests. Amid construction, two previously hidden fireplaces were uncovered. By the end of the renovation, four fireplaces were entirely refurbished and now lend immense aesthetic to interior design. The interior finishes within the home keep visitors engaged and impressed. From imported Italian tile to contextually historic light switches, the colorful décor is appealing to all senses. Specially painted walls coordinate with furnishings, bookcases and art. Photos: Greg West Photography

I say it often, but this was one of my favorite projects!! A complete restoration of this turn of the century Victorian. We uncovered tree stumps as footings in the basement. So many amazing surprises on this project including an original stacked brick chimney dating back to 1886! Having known the owner of the property for many years, we talked at length imagining what the spaces would look like after this complete interior reconstruction was complete. It was important to keep the integrity of the building, while giving it a much needed update. We paid special attention to the architectural details on the interior doors, window trim, stair case, lighting, bathrooms and hardwood floors. The result is a stunning space our client loves.... and so do we!