Nistenhaus Design LLC

My wife and I have used Michael & Justing (aka Nistenhaus) on a number of projects over the past three years. Originally, they helped us design our master suite. Then, we loved that project so much we paid them to come in and design & decorate our main living space while we were gone in Munich. When we came back from that long international flight, it was an extra special moment I’ll always remember. We stepped into a brand new version of our home, and loved every last detail they added to it. Our second major project was when we brought them into renovating our first investment property. They actually came into the mix before the purchase to let us know what things would cost so we could make the best decision about the investment. Once we closed on the property, they were in the next week measuring and planning the new kitchen layout and showing us color swatches. It was important to us to stay within budget, and get this renovation wrapped up as quick as possible so we could get it on the market and rented. They nailed it! We came in a few thousand under budget, with everything we planned on doing and were basically talking ourselves out of moving in ourselves! We can’t say enough great things about Nistenhaus! They understand how to meet every need and want and keep within budget. They gave us pushback at the appropriate times if we would get ahead of ourselves and it was something that would take us over budget. Or, if they didn’t really think something would work well with the rest of the plan, they gave us their professional opinion and offered better options in return. I think the biggest part about working with them is feeling confident in their decisions. Occasionally we’d have something we weren’t necessarily liking, but all in all we trusted their decisions because they understood our style and aesthetic after our first meeting or two. Communication throughout the whole process was seamless and not overwhelming at all. My wife and I discussed a number of times how we always felt informed and part of the project, but never overwhelmed or annoyed by “too much communication”. As a business owner myself, I think that’s a tough thing to pull off. But they handled it beautifully. Their next project with us is an overhaul of my home office space. And after that, other rental properties until the big one comes: a new construction of our dream home in the CWE! We love these guys! They deserve their own tv show!

We have been very pleased with the work Mike and Justin have done for us. Our home was beautiful for Christmas, thanks to Mike's creative eye and our outdoor space is great.

Mike and Justin at Nistenhaus Design, LLC are outstanding!! I had the pleasure of working with them on a LARGE historic renovation in Lafayette Square and they were not only good to work with as design team, but provided sound input throughout the process with my construction crews that were doing the hands-on work on the home. I would recommend them without reservation to anyone needing a savvy design team to help with project layout, kitchen design, color selections, fixture selections, etc.

I have used Nistenhaus Design for multiple projects in my home including: kitchen, den, great room, master bath, and basement rec room. The team has been able to bring a design element to my home I could have never have completed on my own, despite my exhaustive efforts. Both Michael and Justin have great ideas. They can solve architectural and design dilemmas by bringing scale and perspective to any area of the home lacking interest including the large one and two story spaces no one knows what to do with. The two story art installation in my great room is one example of beauty and intrigue added to a 20 ft tall blank wall. It is now my favorite thing to look at in my home. I receive compliments on the décor and design of my home all the time. I do believe Nistenhaus will take the lead on planning of the new home sometime in the fall. Thank you again for all your hard work.

We've hired Nistenhaus on three occasions. The first was to decorate our new home, which had an open concept and had gotten overwhelming to me. We've traveled the world over and have an interesting mix of items we wanted displayed. Mike and Justin had their hands full pulling it off on our budget. But they did a great job. We were so happy with their work, we hired them again to design our lower level build out. They handled all the plans and worked with the contractors to execute it beautifully and on a tight deadline. More recently, we hired them to help us update an investment property we purchased. We were on a tight budget for this project, and they did a great job maximizing every dime. (They were also honest with us about what was possible with our tight budget and timeline.) They selected paint, light fixtures, etc. We had 10 families show up to our open house and many apply to rent the house, so we were able to pick a top-notch renter because we had a great, stylish place to offer. I appreciate that Nistenhaus works within almost any budget and pulls both designer items in with things from Target. Because its such a great mix, no one notices. Most of all, I love their attention to detail. And they are just quality people, generous and appreciative of their clients. I already have my next project planned and they are an important part of that plan.

Mike had helped me update my house and get it ready to sell! He had great ideas that were always on budget! We were able to communicate very well and Mike understood the vision that I had for the house transformation. The house sold right away! Currently, we are working with Mike on architecture design ideas and interior/exterior decorating for our new home. He has done a great job meeting with us at various appointments, suggesting vendors, and coordinating all colors and materials to make sure the vibe of the house is exactly what we are looking for. Can't wait to see how this project turns out!

Mike and Justin were great to work with. They listened to what we thought we wanted and brought new ideas that were amazing. My Fireplace is something my entire neighborhood is looking to do.... Highly recommend them!!!

What can I say, Mike and Justin have completely transformed our cookie-cutter subdivision house into a stylish yet cozy home that truly reflects our taste! We still have some work to do but wouldn't dream of asking anyone else to help with any future projects!

We have worked with Nistenhaus on many projects for our home, but our Kitchen was by far our largest project. From the beginning, Nistenhaus went above and beyond. Their design was exactly what we were looking for and gave my wife and I a great sense of relief, as we knew they listened to exactly what we wanted. They made finding the right contractor and product extremely easy and affordable. They were there every step of the way and their communication with us and all contractors kept the project on time. My wife and I love our new kitchen and hardwood floors and have recommended them to many friends and family.

Justin and Mike are both great to work with. I am a painter and they are both good communicators so it is always easy to get my job done. The jobs we have worked on together have all been gorgeous when completed. They also work with carpenters that do an excellent job. I would definately recommend them!!!

I used Nistenhaus design to redecorate my living room (new furniture, paint colors, rug, etc.) change the floors and backsplash in my kitchen and update my kitchen (new wallpaper, rug). I am very pleased with the results. For each decision, Mike provided 3-4 suggestions. This was a great decision making model for me as I would have been overwhelmed otherwise. I appreciate the attention to detail, the creative ideas and the resources that Nistenhaus Design brought to this project.

Michael and Justin are a pleasure to work with. They have great vision, keen eye for detail, and the spaces they design are beautiful! We have had the opportunity to work with Nistenhaus on several projects, and are happy to recommend them.