HOMEOWNERS IN VIENNA WERE TIRED OF THEIR DRAB, SINGLE-FAMILY COLONIAL HOME APPEARANCE. Red brick and a non-functional front porch led to a complete outdoor renovation with Michael Nash Design Build. The home was not only transformed into a craftsman-style beauty, but now features a usable outdoor area that extends the family’s living space by bringing them outside.
The new wraparound front porch is large enough to accommodate an outdoor sitting space and ties in with the covered back porch, which is used as an extension of the kitchen. The aesthetics of the home were improved by dark bronze metal roofing, tapered columns over stone pillars and new porch cedar ceiling panels.
The transformation of the home was so incredible, the neighborhood committee selected it as an icon home for festive holidays.
Exterior Renovation: Both Beautiful and Functional
A 2020 CHRYSALIS NATIONAL AWARD WINNING REMODEL FROM MICHAEL NASH SHOWS THE POWER OF GOOD DESIGN.
BRIGHT IDEA
Adding a fish pond with a running river and water-garden landscaping gives a feeling of nature. A drainage and erosion problem was also solved by adding this feature.
TREND SETTER (CONTINUED)
The curb-appeal of the home was significantly upgraded by adding a three-sided front porch, new landscaping and a flagstone walkway, which required a major excavation from two sides of the house.
TIPS FOR OUTDOOR RENOVATIONS:
- Identify the problems with the house. How do we improve the look of the house, and what is the intent of the design for function?
- Once you do the diagnosis through working with the design team, then designing and implementation is easy. The only times you run into problems is when you overlook details in step 1.
- Each house has its own DNA so there is no one-size-fits-all solution. It is extremely important to work with a knowledgeable team that understands renovation is not cookie cutter, but follows the spoken needs and issues.
- Outdoor living is much different than it used to be. You really want to be able to “live in” and enjoy your outdoor environment, aesthetically and functionally. How do you want to enjoy your property and what changes will make it more of a used space?
