making the foyer essentially a narrow hallway. other issues included an inconvenient main-level laundry room which the h
élan
Celebrating the Arts | A PRIL 2016
interior design
Renovate, Not Relocate dated colonial gets a make over | BY Troy Blewett “The masterpiece of this project proved to be the basket weave pattern of multi-color wood floors in the foyer’s center.” 52 | April 2016 | élan magazine
family of four has been living in a dated colonial in McLean for more than 20 years. And like most colonials of that era, the floorplan was tight, the rooms boxy and the colors darker. Ultimately, they wanted a home with more space and a more open floorplan. Moving to a new home wasn’t an option, however, because both parents had good jobs in the area; instead, expansion of their existing home became a high priority.
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“The project was essentially a whole-house renovation,” says Sonny Nazemian, president and CEO of Michael Nash Design Build & Homes, the firm hired to do the job. “We had quite a list of homeowner wants and needs. I recall the homeowner telling me the existing kitchen was ‘driving her up the walls,’” he says. The design of the original kitchen was dark, dated and with severely limited space. The entire first level was chopped up. There was no real flow between family room, kitchen and the rest of the main floor.
Above, clockwise from top left: The interesting 8’ x 8’ sleeping alcove which was built over the screened-in porch is an addition to a daughter’s bedroom; The basket weave pattern of multi-color wood floors in the foyer creates a focal point upon entering the home; and the 12” x 24” porch addition Opposite: The renovated gourmet space has new sinks and professional-grade appliances, much more storage and an area for large gatherings as well as more informal entertainment.
Additionally, the living room had a tight entrance, making the foyer essentially a narrow hallway. Other issues included an inconvenient main-level laundry room which the homeowner wanted to move to the second floor. There was a poorly positioned powder room just off the family room and a master bathroom on the second floor with a tub/shower that had not been used in five years because of rusty pipes and leaks. “We met with the client and came away with several objectives for the remodel,” Nazemian says. “Highlights of the project were to include a new gourmet kitchen and open floorplan on the first floor, a new master suite and laundry room on the second floor and an updated exterior for curbside appeal.”
An Open-Concept First Floor A new 8’ x 24’ addition was built behind the existing garage and is now home to a new powder room and mudroom. Also, built-in benches, charging station, and coat closet provide significant utility. The 12’ x 24’ two-story back addition houses the new kitchen and breakfast room on the first floor. The new gourmet space has new sinks and professional-grade appliances, much more storage and an area for large gatherings as well as more informal entertainment. élan magazine | April 2016 | 53
White painted cabinetry and a marble top put a nice spin to this classic transformation. Carefully added soft subway tiles and blue tone glass tiles amplify the French country theme of this bright and airy space. Double French doors and big windows bring light from the backyard into this new kitchen, while a side French door leads onto a grilling deck. The load-bearing wall between the family room and the kitchen was removed and replaced with a large dividing island, the breakfast side of which serves as a wine fridge with more storage, while the family room side became home for TV and media equipment. The home’s garage entrance was relocated from the family room into the new mud room. The old kitchen was converted into a butler’s area between the kitchen and the new formal dining room with added built-in pantry. A large 5’ x 10’ island, which included stool seating and buffet-style counter space, is equipped with a prep sink, dishwasher and display glass cabinet–all under hanging chandeliers; it takes over the center of this gourmet kitchen. A new side entrance from the dining room opened the way to a secluded side-screen porch. “The homeowners tell me they love spending time on this porch,” Nazemian says. “Exotic plank flooring, hardie plank walls, a beaded panel ceiling and a large ceiling fan create a genteel atmosphere.” Natural-stained wood floors were installed throughout 54 | April 2016 | élan magazine
Above: Pocket doors separate the foyer from the the living room which includes beautiful hardwood floors and built-ins Opposite, top: The large 5’ x 10’ island includes stool seating and buffet-style counter space includes a prep sink, dishwasher and display glass cabinet–all under hanging chandeliers; artistry abounds with the new professional grade gas range with tile back splash and handsome hood
the entire first floor, which had been opened to improve traffic flow throughout the first level. The masterpiece of this project proved to be the basket weave pattern of multi-color wood floors in the foyer’s center, creating a focal point immediately upon entering the home.
Second Floor Getaway The highlight of the second floor renovation is the new master bath which overlooks the backyard. It includes a large whirlpool tub, large marble shower stall, long double vanity and lots of storage and marble floors. Additional linen cabinets and a walk-in closet with small windows were built just outside of the new bath, giving both parents plenty of space for their wardrobe. “The new master bathroom offers the homeowners a spa-like experience,” Nazemian says. Whether soaking in the tub or getting ready in front of the large vanity, the space has been designed for comfort and relaxation.” On the second floor, the old bathroom was converted to a new laundry room with space for the new hot water heater. A new HVAC system was installed inside the attic to handle the needs of the entire second story. An interesting 8’ x 8’ sleeping alcove with walk-in closet with small square windows was built over the screened-in porch; it was an addition to a daughter’s bedroom.
Finishing Touches Crown molding was added throughout the first and second floors, as well as shadow boxing in the dining room, hallway and stairway. A wooden floor was installed in the master bedroom and closet. New carpeting was installed on the remainder of the second floor. All the old siding and existing windows were stripped down and replaced with hardie plank siding, trim, fascia board, gutters, roof and downspouts. The use of small and round window sizes, added roof lines and angular corners all added more interest and curb appeal to the home. “The homeowners shared with me that living so close to work and keeping in their circle of 20-years’ neighbors and friends has been priceless,” says Nazemian. “Location really was everything to them, and this renovation let them stay in the place they loved.” This renovation won “Contractor of the Year Award” from the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI). In competition with contractors in NARI’s Southeast Region–Alabama, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia and Washington, D.C., it took home the top prize in its category, “2015 NARI CotY Southeast Regional Award Winner, Residential Kitchen Entire House, $250,000 to $500,000.” . élan magazine | April 2016 | 55
