Search results for "Visually expanded" in Home Design Ideas
Klopf ArchitectureMalibu Glass Box House by Klopf Architecture
Following the devastating Woolsey Fire of 2018, the site in Malibu offered a unique opportunity to rebuild not just a home, but a new architectural composition that highlighted the property’s potential while navigating strict fire-rebuild codes in the area. Designed by Klopf Architecture, this project embraced a set of limitations and translated them into an architectural asset.
The city’s fire-rebuild process required the new structure to remain close to the original footprint, size and bulk, a constraint that ultimately clarified the architectural direction. Perched near the front of a long, narrow lot, the new home frames and overlooks a private, park-like rear expanse, an uncommon luxury especially in this part of Malibu .
Without a fixed program, the design process allowed for a different kind of creative focus allowing Klopf Architecture the opportunity to explore how a modernist home could best respond to this site. The team approached the project not with a list of requirements, but with a question: How might a modernist live here? What spatial qualities would inspire calm, connection, and a sense of wonder in this setting? The process became less about problem-solving and more about architectural storytelling—letting the site, the light, and the principles of modern design guide the form and flow of the home.
The response emerged in the form of a glass-box pavilion, an open, Mid-Century Modern inspired living, dining, and kitchen space that floats at the edge of the property’s natural descent. Connected to the more enclosed, private areas of the home by a glass-walled hallway, the living pavilion becomes a distinct centerpiece of the design. It opens on all four sides to the landscape with decks and patios on the flanks, an internal garden and water feature to the north, and a dramatic unguarded view of the expansive backyard and ocean horizon to the south.
Because of the mandated footprint, careful planning was required to ensure every space could still engage with light, landscape, or both. Strategic voids in the form of atriums and courtyards allow daylight to filter deep into the home’s core, while offering moments of surprise and retreat. These design gestures allow natural light to filter deep into the interior, creating a sense of brightness and openness throughout the day. At the same time, they expand the perceptual boundaries between inside and out, making the home feel more expansive while anchoring its connection to the surrounding landscape.
The siting of the house is what gives it its unique character. Rather than receding into the backyard like the neighboring homes, the house holds a slight prominence. From the central living pavilion, stepping down into the landscape feels more like entering a secluded park where a separate existing accessory structure, trail, and recreational areas await. The home’s modest street presence gives way to this unfolding drama of space, view, and nature.
Fire-resilient materials and assemblies are integrated seamlessly throughout including triple-pane glazing, under-slab and roof insulation, and locally sourced fire-rated cladding ensure the house not only meets Calfornia’s rigorous wildland-urban interface (WUI) standards, but feels effortlessly aligned with them. While technical decisions like fire-hardening and mechanical systems presented some construction challenges, particularly around the cantilevered glass box, the team found a functional compromise that preserved the integrity of the design.
Inside, a restrained palette and exposed post and beam design celebrate the ethos of mid-century modernism. A central circulation spine extends from the entry to the rear glass wall, offering a continuous visual link from street to ocean. Spaces such as the library and office, though more intimate in scale, are never cut off from nature as each opens to its own unique courtyard or garden view.
Though born out of a strict regulatory framework and developed without a specific client, the rebuild design unfolded with remarkable clarity. Grounded in site logic, refined by limitations and an emphasis on timeless spatial relationships – light, proportion, and a strong connection to nature, the resulting design feels both effortless and uplifting. The home lives lightly on the land, opens generously to its surroundings, and strikes a careful balance between privacy, openness, and calm. For Klopf Architecture, it stands as a compelling case study in how site, code, and circumstantial constraints can inspire enduring, modernist architecture. With years of experience reimagining mid-century modern design for how people live today, the firm took the project’s limitations as an opportunity. The result is a home shaped by open, flowing spaces, strong indoor-outdoor connections, and a calm, clear sense of structure. It’s a good reminder that even with strict constraints, there’s still room for architecture to breathe—and for modernism to keep moving forward.
Klopf Architecture project team: Geoff Campen, John Klopf, AIA, and Sherry Tan
Structural Engineer: ZFA
Contractor: Maison D’Artiste
Photography: ©2025 Mariko Reed
Year Completed: 2023
Capital Kitchen & BathThis kitchen remodel is the definition of elevated everyday living, where clean lines, warm textures, and intentional function come together in a space designed to truly perform.
The quartz countertops & full height backsplash give the entire kitchen a clean, luminous feel while providing durable, low-maintenance performance for real everyday living.
A large statement island was created by expanding the kitchen footprint and eliminating the unused formal dining room. The island adds generous prep space, comfortable seating, and the perfect gathering spot for morning coffee or evening entertaining.
Tucked seamlessly into the cabinetry is a hidden walk-in pantry with wet bar & storage galore, keeping the kitchen's visual lines beautifully uncluttered.
And for effortless hosting, a dedicated beverage station- in the kitchen- featuring an ice maker and refrigerator creates a functional mini-hub for drinks, snacks, and celebrations.
Modern. Functional. Timeless. This is more than a kitchen remodel, it’s a space designed to make daily life feel beautiful and effortless.
EAG StudioRefined Continuity: Bridging Classical Architecture and Modern Living
This comprehensive remodel of a grand Cow Hollow residence reimagines a historically expressive envelope through a lens of contemporary livability, precision detailing, and material restraint. The design approach carefully balances the home’s classical proportions and ornamental heritage with a refined, modern sensibility—evident in the disciplined palette of warm neutrals, soft plasters, pale oak flooring, and tailored millwork. Circulation has been clarified and subtly expanded to enhance spatial flow, while openings are leveraged to capture light, garden outlooks, and distant water views. Throughout, architectural interventions are executed with a high level of craft, ensuring that new insertions—whether cabinetry, railings, or apertures—read as seamless continuations of the original structure rather than applied elements.
The kitchen serves as the operational and visual anchor of the home, conceived as a sculptural yet highly functional environment. Custom rift-cut cabinetry, softened through a desaturated finish, is paired with honed stone surfaces and integrated brass hardware to create a quiet, tactile richness. A monolithic island establishes a central gathering point, while perimeter work zones are carefully layered with concealed storage, integrated appliances, and open, backlit shelving that elevates everyday objects into curated displays. The adjacent bar and entertaining areas extend this language, reinforcing a cohesive hospitality-driven program. In parallel, the primary bathroom is designed as a serene, spa-like retreat, where bookmatched stone, frameless glass enclosures, and finely detailed metalwork converge. The composition prioritizes symmetry, clarity, and light—balancing generous volumes with intimate moments through integrated lighting, custom vanities, and a restrained material hierarchy.
The library and ancillary living spaces introduce a more intimate scale, anchored by bespoke built-ins that combine closed storage with illuminated display niches, creating depth and rhythm along the walls. Here, material transitions and furniture integration are handled with particular nuance, allowing the architecture to support both quiet retreat and social gathering. A continuous language of custom railings—executed in refined metal profiles—threads through the interior and extends outward, where the exterior gate and garden elements have been reinterpreted to align with the home’s renewed identity. The entry sequence is now defined by a calibrated interplay of solidity and transparency, with sculptural metalwork and landscape integration establishing a sense of arrival that is both secure and elegant. Collectively, the project reflects a holistic transformation—one that elevates performance, livability, and aesthetic clarity while preserving the inherent dignity of the original architecture.
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Michael Nash Design, Build & Homes2011 CHRYSALIS AWARD WINNER, ADDITION $100,000-$250,000
The owners of this small rambler in Arlington were tired of living in cramped quarters. The home’s kitchen was only 8’ x 11’ and they wanted to add a family room. Because the home is built on a slab, with no basement, the decision was made to expand out into the backyard.
Their contractor, Michael Nash Design, Build & Homes, proposed an addition to back of the home, which would also be built on a slab to match the existing elevation. To make room, they had to remove the home’s original patio and then remove the 30’ wall running across the back of the home.
In their place, a new 16’x32’ addition was built with high cathedral ceilings, skylights and French doors topped with arched transoms. An archway and decorative columns were put in place to connect the old and new areas.
The new kitchen starts in the old kitchen area and wraps its way into the new addition, ending with a large two-tier island and prep sink topped with exotic granite. The main sink is in the corner of the old kitchen, easily accessible from both ends of the work area.
Beautiful custom-made cabinets include a wooden range hood and floor-to-ceiling pantry with wine rack. Stainless steel Energy Star appliances include a professional-quality gas cooktop and double wall ovens.
The kitchen flows into the new family room via an open concept design. A beautiful floor-to-ceiling natural stone fire place located in the middle of the back wall serves as a visual separation for the space. A round window is uniquely embedded in the stone work near the ceiling.
Wide plank oak flooring runs the length of the room, providing a uniform look throughout the space. Opposite the kitchen is the home’s new family room, with comfortable leather seating and plenty of windows to brighten up the space. A new stone patio off the kitchen provides the finishing touch to this remodel. In the end, the project provided the homeowners with the space they wanted and plenty of amenities to make family time or entertaining guests a pleasure.
LiLu InteriorsWhen LiLu was called on by a long-time client to help remodel her kitchen in a charming 1930s St. Paul home, the Design Team knew the space needed to be expanded, lightened, and brightened. First they removed the wall separating the kitchen and dining room. A breakfast bar was added and the window seat was refreshed to offer more inviting places for people to mingle. Crown molding and recessed lighting were installed to create visual height. All the cabinets were painted a light gray, with bold pops of blue, orange, and even some indigo throughout. And yet what makes this kitchen a perfect fit for our home cook client are the storage spaces unique positioned throughout. From shelving above that houses our client’s many cookbooks, to the custom cabinets that hideaway appliances and cookware alike, every detail was considered when making this kitchen both useful and unique.
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Project designed by Minneapolis interior design studio LiLu Interiors. They serve the Minneapolis-St. Paul area including Wayzata, Edina, and Rochester, and they travel to the far-flung destinations that their upscale clientele own second homes in.
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For more about LiLu Interiors, click here: https://www.liluinteriors.com/
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To learn more about this project, click here:
https://www.liluinteriors.com/blog/portfolio-items/culinary-delight/
Aleto Construction GroupLooking for more space to entertain guests, our homeowners asked us to help transform their longtime dream into reality. Their “must-haves” included a large gathering room for entertaining and hosting events, and a primary bedroom suite in which to relax. The bedroom suite with walk in closet and private bath was designed with both elegance and functionality in mind. A washer / dryer closet was enclosed in the bathroom to make laundry day a breeze. The kitchen received added sparkle with minor alterations. By widening the entrance from the original kitchen/breakfast room to the addition we created a new space that flowed seamlessly from the existing house, appearing original to the home. We visually connected the new and existing spaces with wide-plank flooring for a cohesive look. Their spacious yard was well-configured for an addition at the back of the home; however, landscape preparation required storm water management before undertaking construction. Outdoor living was enhanced with a two-level deck, accessible from both the primary suite and living room. A covered roof on the upper level created a cozy space to watch the game on tv, dine outside, or enjoy a summer storm, shielded from the rain. The uncovered lower deck level was designed for outdoor entertainment, well suited for a future firepit. Delighted with the realization of their vision, our homeowners have expanded their indoor/outdoor living space by 90%.
Capital Kitchen & BathThis kitchen remodel is the definition of elevated everyday living, where clean lines, warm textures, and intentional function come together in a space designed to truly perform.
The quartz countertops & full height backsplash give the entire kitchen a clean, luminous feel while providing durable, low-maintenance performance for real everyday living.
A large statement island was created by expanding the kitchen footprint and eliminating the unused formal dining room. The island adds generous prep space, comfortable seating, and the perfect gathering spot for morning coffee or evening entertaining.
Tucked seamlessly into the cabinetry is a hidden walk-in pantry with wet bar & storage galore, keeping the kitchen's visual lines beautifully uncluttered.
And for effortless hosting, a dedicated beverage station- in the kitchen- featuring an ice maker and refrigerator creates a functional mini-hub for drinks, snacks, and celebrations.
Modern. Functional. Timeless. This is more than a kitchen remodel, it’s a space designed to make daily life feel beautiful and effortless.
Jordan Design Build GroupExpanding and updating the kitchen was our top priority – the new layout was designed to straddle the original house and the addition, creating work zones rather than the traditional work triangle. The modified galley layout more than doubled their countertop area and storage space. Extending the kitchen into the addition took full advantage of the vaulted ceilings and light-filled space. To improve flow and connectivity, we opened up a wall between the old kitchen and the front entry hall providing a straight path from front door to the new mudroom/drop zone and kitchen beyond. A door from the dining room into the kitchen was shifted to allow for a more generous kitchen.
The beautifully veined Calacatta Eiffel quartz counters and backsplash provide visual contrast with the black cabinetry and keep the space from feeling too heavy. A continuous ledge and floating shelves replace traditional uppers for a more open and modern feel. Stained wood is used throughout, from the bench top, to shelving, trim and custom millwork; it brings in a natural element and helps unite all of the spaces. A hood with a custom Venetian plaster finish is flanked by vintage inspired sconces and provides a stunning focal point in the room. A deep nook is home to a ‘bubble box’ that dispenses cold sparkling or still water on demand – the marble tile backsplash further differentiates this beverage zone. The brushed brass hardware stands out against the dark cabinets and adds a touch of warmth. With seating for three at the counter and the inclusion of a breakfast area banquette (with drawers), the home is ideal for family time and relaxed gatherings with friends.
Calligaris"Model L'EAU chair, with metal frame and technopolymer shell, stackable up to eight chairs high.
A lightweight chair, with a metal base and a coloured and transparent shell, it has a strong visual impact due to the ""water waves"" motif that characterizes it. The technopolymer seat features concentric waves similar to those of water, which expand outwards from the centre of the seat.
Suitable for any environment, both public and private. Choose the combination you prefer.
Calligaris: Italian Smart Design since 1923
What does ""smart"" mean for us?
Smart is harmony between technique and aesthetics, between reason and emotion, because each Calligaris piece encloses the know-how of our experienced designers and our creativity applied to contemporary living."
Drury DesignThe Setup
For this primary bathroom project, the homeowners wanted to transform their large, T-shaped bathroom into a functional, multi-purpose sanctuary. The existing layout was inefficient, with a bulky built-in tub, a closed-off shower, and an awkward footprint that limited practical use.
This remodel also presented a unique challenge – the homeowners wanted to use the space for workouts as well. The design needed to maximize the large open area in the middle of the T, providing enough room for yoga and light free-weight exercises while maintaining the bathroom’s aesthetic and functionality.
Design objectives:
Expand and brighten the shower area without major layout changes
Replace the oversized built-in tub with a sleek freestanding alternative
Create a flexible space for workouts while maintaining the bathroom’s design integrity
Address cold flooring with added comfort solutions
Enhance lighting for both beauty and functionality
Incorporate storage for workout equipment and everyday essentials
Integrate natural elements to accommodate the homeowners’ love of plants
The Remodel
Design challenges to be solved:
Shower Expansion – The homeowners want a more open, spa-like shower but don’t want to dramatically alter the footprint.
Workout Integration – Balancing fitness functionality with a serene bathroom design will require creative layout adjustments.
Storage Solutions – With workout gear to stow away, the space needs discrete and versatile storage options.
Lighting – Enhancing both natural and artificial lighting to brighten the large space.
Cold Floors – Positioned above the garage, the bathroom tends to feel colder than the adjacent primary bedroom. A solution is needed to add warmth and comfort during use, without the need to reconfigure the home’s overall heating system.
The Renewed Space
Design solutions:
Spa-Like Shower Expansion – Removing a wall and replacing it with glass transformed the shower into an open, airy retreat, allowing natural light to flow freely through the space. A curved black river rock floor and neutral linear wall tiles add warmth and texture, while carefully placed niche lighting enhances the tranquil, luxurious atmosphere.
Workout-Friendly Layout – A custom full-length mirror was strategically placed to accommodate multiple uses, creating a fitness studio-like experience for yoga or light weight training. The mirror’s size and positioning allow for clear visibility during workouts, while also enhancing the room by adding light and a greater sense of depth.
Custom Storage Solutions – A custom cabinet with a wood top was crafted to discreetly store workout equipment, preserving the clean, open feel of the space. Its design not only enhances functionality but also creates a sense of symmetry, bringing visual balance and cohesion to the overall layout.
Enhanced Lighting – Replacing the shower wall with glass, installing a full-length mirror, and incorporating vanity mirrors with built-in lighting dramatically brighten the space. LED strip lighting under the cabinets, along the tub half wall, and in both the side and shower niches adds layered illumination, enhancing both function and ambiance.
Heated Floors – Installing heated flooring provides consistent warmth and comfort year-round, enhancing the space for both workouts and daily routines. A European-style towel warmer brings additional warmth and a touch of luxury, elevating the overall experience.
Final Thoughts:
This transformed bathroom blends luxury with intentional design. By addressing the homeowners’ needs – from workout flexibility to spa-inspired details – the space now serves multiple purposes without compromise. The warm cabinetry, black accents and thoughtful lighting tie the design together, while the curved textures and plant-friendly ledge add a personalized touch. This bathroom is now a bright, welcoming sanctuary for daily routines and mindful moments.
EAG StudioRefined Continuity: Bridging Classical Architecture and Modern Living
This comprehensive remodel of a grand Cow Hollow residence reimagines a historically expressive envelope through a lens of contemporary livability, precision detailing, and material restraint. The design approach carefully balances the home’s classical proportions and ornamental heritage with a refined, modern sensibility—evident in the disciplined palette of warm neutrals, soft plasters, pale oak flooring, and tailored millwork. Circulation has been clarified and subtly expanded to enhance spatial flow, while openings are leveraged to capture light, garden outlooks, and distant water views. Throughout, architectural interventions are executed with a high level of craft, ensuring that new insertions—whether cabinetry, railings, or apertures—read as seamless continuations of the original structure rather than applied elements.
The kitchen serves as the operational and visual anchor of the home, conceived as a sculptural yet highly functional environment. Custom rift-cut cabinetry, softened through a desaturated finish, is paired with honed stone surfaces and integrated brass hardware to create a quiet, tactile richness. A monolithic island establishes a central gathering point, while perimeter work zones are carefully layered with concealed storage, integrated appliances, and open, backlit shelving that elevates everyday objects into curated displays. The adjacent bar and entertaining areas extend this language, reinforcing a cohesive hospitality-driven program. In parallel, the primary bathroom is designed as a serene, spa-like retreat, where bookmatched stone, frameless glass enclosures, and finely detailed metalwork converge. The composition prioritizes symmetry, clarity, and light—balancing generous volumes with intimate moments through integrated lighting, custom vanities, and a restrained material hierarchy.
The library and ancillary living spaces introduce a more intimate scale, anchored by bespoke built-ins that combine closed storage with illuminated display niches, creating depth and rhythm along the walls. Here, material transitions and furniture integration are handled with particular nuance, allowing the architecture to support both quiet retreat and social gathering. A continuous language of custom railings—executed in refined metal profiles—threads through the interior and extends outward, where the exterior gate and garden elements have been reinterpreted to align with the home’s renewed identity. The entry sequence is now defined by a calibrated interplay of solidity and transparency, with sculptural metalwork and landscape integration establishing a sense of arrival that is both secure and elegant. Collectively, the project reflects a holistic transformation—one that elevates performance, livability, and aesthetic clarity while preserving the inherent dignity of the original architecture.
Sosna IncOur returning clients, middle-aged professionals, reached out to us to remodel their bathrooms as they transition from raising children to focusing on their own comfort and living space. They asked us to modernize their ensuite and shared bathroom, both of which had become outdated and impractical for their current needs.
In the ensuite bathroom, we removed a partition wall to redesign and expand the shower and toilet areas, creating a spacious open-concept layout. We added custom cabinetry with pull-out pantries, finished in a bright paint, and a large linear perimeter for ample storage and countertop space. The countertops and backsplash feature dusk veining, paired with brushed nickel sinks, faucets, and cabinet hardware, giving the space a contemporary yet timeless update. A new curbless glass enclosure adds a striking focal point, while the removal of an underused angled jetted tub creates space for an elegant freestanding tub.
In the shared bathroom, we replaced the tub with a modern curbed shower and enhanced the aesthetic with large, colorful porcelain floor tiles that tie together the artistic essence of the home.
The result is a significantly more functional and visually appealing space that reflects our clients' unique style and needs.
Sponsored
Columbus, OH
Snider & Metcalf Interior Design, LTD
Leading Interior Designers in Columbus, Ohio & Ponte Vedra, Florida
Klopf ArchitectureMalibu Glass Box House by Klopf Architecture
Following the devastating Woolsey Fire of 2018, the site in Malibu offered a unique opportunity to rebuild not just a home, but a new architectural composition that highlighted the property’s potential while navigating strict fire-rebuild codes in the area. Designed by Klopf Architecture, this project embraced a set of limitations and translated them into an architectural asset.
The city’s fire-rebuild process required the new structure to remain close to the original footprint, size and bulk, a constraint that ultimately clarified the architectural direction. Perched near the front of a long, narrow lot, the new home frames and overlooks a private, park-like rear expanse, an uncommon luxury especially in this part of Malibu .
Without a fixed program, the design process allowed for a different kind of creative focus allowing Klopf Architecture the opportunity to explore how a modernist home could best respond to this site. The team approached the project not with a list of requirements, but with a question: How might a modernist live here? What spatial qualities would inspire calm, connection, and a sense of wonder in this setting? The process became less about problem-solving and more about architectural storytelling—letting the site, the light, and the principles of modern design guide the form and flow of the home.
The response emerged in the form of a glass-box pavilion, an open, Mid-Century Modern inspired living, dining, and kitchen space that floats at the edge of the property’s natural descent. Connected to the more enclosed, private areas of the home by a glass-walled hallway, the living pavilion becomes a distinct centerpiece of the design. It opens on all four sides to the landscape with decks and patios on the flanks, an internal garden and water feature to the north, and a dramatic unguarded view of the expansive backyard and ocean horizon to the south.
Because of the mandated footprint, careful planning was required to ensure every space could still engage with light, landscape, or both. Strategic voids in the form of atriums and courtyards allow daylight to filter deep into the home’s core, while offering moments of surprise and retreat. These design gestures allow natural light to filter deep into the interior, creating a sense of brightness and openness throughout the day. At the same time, they expand the perceptual boundaries between inside and out, making the home feel more expansive while anchoring its connection to the surrounding landscape.
The siting of the house is what gives it its unique character. Rather than receding into the backyard like the neighboring homes, the house holds a slight prominence. From the central living pavilion, stepping down into the landscape feels more like entering a secluded park where a separate existing accessory structure, trail, and recreational areas await. The home’s modest street presence gives way to this unfolding drama of space, view, and nature.
Fire-resilient materials and assemblies are integrated seamlessly throughout including triple-pane glazing, under-slab and roof insulation, and locally sourced fire-rated cladding ensure the house not only meets Calfornia’s rigorous wildland-urban interface (WUI) standards, but feels effortlessly aligned with them. While technical decisions like fire-hardening and mechanical systems presented some construction challenges, particularly around the cantilevered glass box, the team found a functional compromise that preserved the integrity of the design.
Inside, a restrained palette and exposed post and beam design celebrate the ethos of mid-century modernism. A central circulation spine extends from the entry to the rear glass wall, offering a continuous visual link from street to ocean. Spaces such as the library and office, though more intimate in scale, are never cut off from nature as each opens to its own unique courtyard or garden view.
Though born out of a strict regulatory framework and developed without a specific client, the rebuild design unfolded with remarkable clarity. Grounded in site logic, refined by limitations and an emphasis on timeless spatial relationships – light, proportion, and a strong connection to nature, the resulting design feels both effortless and uplifting. The home lives lightly on the land, opens generously to its surroundings, and strikes a careful balance between privacy, openness, and calm. For Klopf Architecture, it stands as a compelling case study in how site, code, and circumstantial constraints can inspire enduring, modernist architecture. With years of experience reimagining mid-century modern design for how people live today, the firm took the project’s limitations as an opportunity. The result is a home shaped by open, flowing spaces, strong indoor-outdoor connections, and a calm, clear sense of structure. It’s a good reminder that even with strict constraints, there’s still room for architecture to breathe—and for modernism to keep moving forward.
Klopf Architecture project team: Geoff Campen, John Klopf, AIA, and Sherry Tan
Structural Engineer: ZFA
Contractor: Maison D’Artiste
Photography: ©2025 Mariko Reed
Year Completed: 2023
Cornerstone HomesOpen-Concept Covered Deck
Designed by Cornerstone Homes, this expansive covered deck creates a seamless extension of the main living area, blending indoor comfort with outdoor living. Oversized accordion-style folding glass doors open the living room almost completely to the deck, visually and functionally expanding the entertaining space and creating the feeling of one continuous indoor-outdoor great room.
The covered deck features a dark-stained wood plank ceiling, recessed lighting, integrated speakers, and an overhead patio heater for added comfort. White horizontal siding provides a crisp modern-farmhouse backdrop, while dark window frames and glass railings continue the home’s strong black-and-white architectural palette. Generous lounge seating transforms the space into a true outdoor living room, ideal for entertaining, relaxing, and enjoying the surrounding views.
With the accordion doors fully opened, the deck and interior living room flow together, effectively doubling the usable gathering space and creating an impressive entertaining experience.
Michael Nash Design, Build & Homes2011 CHRYSALIS AWARD WINNER, ADDITION $100,000-$250,000
The owners of this small rambler in Arlington were tired of living in cramped quarters. The home’s kitchen was only 8’ x 11’ and they wanted to add a family room. Because the home is built on a slab, with no basement, the decision was made to expand out into the backyard.
Their contractor, Michael Nash Design, Build & Homes, proposed an addition to back of the home, which would also be built on a slab to match the existing elevation. To make room, they had to remove the home’s original patio and then remove the 30’ wall running across the back of the home.
In their place, a new 16’x32’ addition was built with high cathedral ceilings, skylights and French doors topped with arched transoms. An archway and decorative columns were put in place to connect the old and new areas.
The new kitchen starts in the old kitchen area and wraps its way into the new addition, ending with a large two-tier island and prep sink topped with exotic granite. The main sink is in the corner of the old kitchen, easily accessible from both ends of the work area.
Beautiful custom-made cabinets include a wooden range hood and floor-to-ceiling pantry with wine rack. Stainless steel Energy Star appliances include a professional-quality gas cooktop and double wall ovens.
The kitchen flows into the new family room via an open concept design. A beautiful floor-to-ceiling natural stone fire place located in the middle of the back wall serves as a visual separation for the space. A round window is uniquely embedded in the stone work near the ceiling.
Wide plank oak flooring runs the length of the room, providing a uniform look throughout the space. Opposite the kitchen is the home’s new family room, with comfortable leather seating and plenty of windows to brighten up the space. A new stone patio off the kitchen provides the finishing touch to this remodel. In the end, the project provided the homeowners with the space they wanted and plenty of amenities to make family time or entertaining guests a pleasure.
The Decorating TherapistThe original kitchen island was undersized, offering seating for only two and limiting both workspace and entertaining potential. By thoughtfully repositioning the adjacent breakfast area, the renovation created room to significantly enlarge the island, allowing comfortable seating for three while preserving generous traffic flow throughout the kitchen. The expanded island now serves as the functional heart of the home, providing ample space for meal preparation, casual dining, and gathering with family and friends.
To further enhance both storage and entertaining, the wall cabinetry was extended to seamlessly incorporate a dedicated beverage refrigerator and a custom glass-front stemware cabinet. These integrated features create a sophisticated beverage station while keeping crystal stemware beautifully displayed, organized, and conveniently accessible for everyday enjoyment and gracious entertaining.
A custom upholstered dining bench transformed the breakfast nook into one of the most inviting spaces in the home. By maximizing seating without increasing the room's footprint, the banquette offers exceptional comfort for everyday meals, morning coffee, and relaxed family gatherings. It has quickly become the homeowner's favorite place to sit, demonstrating how thoughtful furniture selection can elevate both function and comfort.
The sliding glass doors leading to the outdoor living area were finished with softly textured sheer drapery in a tone that harmonizes with the wall color. These elegant window treatments gently diffuse intense natural sunlight while preserving outdoor views, adding softness, warmth, and visual texture to the kitchen. The sheers enhance the bright, airy atmosphere while contributing to the refined, layered aesthetic that defines this luxury kitchen renovation.
Aleto Construction GroupLooking for more space to entertain guests, our homeowners asked us to help transform their longtime dream into reality. Their “must-haves” included a large gathering room for entertaining and hosting events, and a primary bedroom suite in which to relax. The bedroom suite with walk in closet and private bath was designed with both elegance and functionality in mind. A washer / dryer closet was enclosed in the bathroom to make laundry day a breeze. The kitchen received added sparkle with minor alterations. By widening the entrance from the original kitchen/breakfast room to the addition we created a new space that flowed seamlessly from the existing house, appearing original to the home. We visually connected the new and existing spaces with wide-plank flooring for a cohesive look. Their spacious yard was well-configured for an addition at the back of the home; however, landscape preparation required storm water management before undertaking construction. Outdoor living was enhanced with a two-level deck, accessible from both the primary suite and living room. A covered roof on the upper level created a cozy space to watch the game on tv, dine outside, or enjoy a summer storm, shielded from the rain. The uncovered lower deck level was designed for outdoor entertainment, well suited for a future firepit. Delighted with the realization of their vision, our homeowners have expanded their indoor/outdoor living space by 90%.
Inviniti Cellar DesignA small existing crawl space was dug out and expanded to make room for this amazing entertainment area / office. The glass wall and double glass doors at the end of the room allows for the dramatic visual while providing a sealed space for the mechanical cooling to keep the wine at the optimum temperature. The combination of label forward aluminum racking with wood end caps and the clear-coated walnut cabinetry is a welcoming contrast.
The cellar holds 373 bottles of unique wines. The Diamond bins, drawers, bottle display and picture opening provides for various bottle sizes. Up lighting from the floor and LED lighting within the racking supports the ever-changing ambiance of the room.
Photos by Inviniti Cellar Design
Crystal Kitchen + BathThe goal for this 1939 Tudor-style story-and-a-half home was to create a kitchen that offered the conveniences, storage, and performance of a modern workspace while preserving the warmth, craftsmanship, and vintage charm that made the home special. The client, an avid home cook, wanted the room to feel as though it had always belonged to the house, with thoughtful upgrades that respected the original architecture rather than competing with it. Just as important, she needed a more efficient layout with enough storage for small appliances, so everyday cooking would no longer require carrying items up from the lower level.
Several existing conditions shaped the design approach. The kitchen retained original, amber-stained birch woodwork that the client wished to keep, and the compact footprint was interrupted by six doorways and two windows, none of which were to be moved, altered, or replaced. A previous flooring update had left the door casings undercut too short, creating visible gaps where the casing met the floor. The existing vintage 40-inch range also lacked proper ventilation, yet the client wished to accommodate a refrigerator, dishwasher, cooktop, double ovens, built-in microwave, and effective venting above the cooktop into the new kitchen layout.
To honor the original millwork, beaded inset-style cherry cabinetry was selected in a soft, hand-rubbed finish that will deepen over time and develop a natural patina. Charcoal-gray soapstone countertops complement the cabinetry while reinforcing the historic character of the home with an organic, timeworn texture. The former breakfast nook was transformed into a butler’s pantry, adding valuable base cabinet storage and expanded work surfaces for frequently used small appliances. Also in the butler’s pantry, a single upper cabinet was paired with open shelves to give an open, airy feeling while adding character and practical storage. A classic single-bowl apron-front workstation sink contributes both period-appropriate character and practical prep and cleanup function.
Because the home’s openings were such a defining feature, the design worked within the existing architecture instead of altering it. Custom plinth blocks were created for each doorway to extend the original casing gracefully down to the new natural red oak flooring, resolving the earlier construction issue while adding a detail that feels authentic to the age of the house. Despite the number of door and window openings, the new layout provides a significantly more functional, built-in kitchen with an improved work triangle for serious cooking.
Appliance placement was carefully planned to deliver the requested performance without overwhelming the small room. Three cooking functions (double ovens & microwave) were consolidated into one location with a GE Café double oven featuring Advantium Technology, while the client’s compact 31-inch refrigerator was reused to preserve space. A sleek 30-inch induction cooktop provides efficient cooking, and a Vent-A-Hood ARS ductless vent hood supplies needed ventilation without requiring a duct run to the exterior.
The finish palette balances richness, texture, and historical sensitivity. A deeply textured navy backsplash tile adds depth and dramatic shadow play against the soapstone, while wallpaper in the back entry echoes the tile’s geometric pattern to visually connect the adjoining spaces. Oil-rubbed bronze cabinet hardware and light fixtures enhance the warmth of the cherry cabinetry and complete the antique-inspired feel.
Lighting was layered to make the compact kitchen brighter, more useful, and more inviting. Vintage-style semi-flush ceiling fixtures establish the overall tone, while dimmable puck lights highlight select areas and undercabinet task lighting keeps work surfaces well illuminated.
The completed kitchen now feels both highly functional and deeply rooted in the home’s history. Rich cherry cabinetry, velvety soapstone, natural red oak flooring, navy tile, bronze accents, and carefully preserved birch trim work together to create a warm, cohesive space that celebrates timeless craftsmanship. By increasing storage, improving workflow, integrating modern appliances, and respecting the Tudor home’s original character, the design achieves the client’s vision: a kitchen that feels personal, practical, historically appropriate, and as though it has always been there.
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