Design a Favorite Space in your Home

Many people have a favorite space in their home, be it a cozy nook for reading, a luxurious bath for escaping the hassles of a long day or a gourmet kitchen ideally suited for preparing meals the whole family can enjoy. Your favorite space may be a home bar perfect for entertaining family and friends (see last month’s issue) or an area custom designed to match your children’s interests so they can enjoy time with friends in the safety of your own home.  If you don’t already have your favorite space picked out keep in mind a well-planned home renovation can turn an ordinary space into something truly extraordinary. Following are some of our clients’ favorites.

Light-Filled Family Room

One Northern Virginia family had an existing rooftop terrace that was causing leaks and other problems in their home. This problematic space was transformed into a cozy upper-level family room. Glass windows now encase the room, showing off the beautiful view of the distant skyline, while a set of doors still make a balcony accessible. The sturdy ceiling of beams and planks adds texture, while the custom-built entertainment cabinet serves as another focal point of the room.

Family-Friendly Sports Court    

Kids and adults alike are big fans of having a sports court in the home. With a multipurpose recreational room you can have family basketball games, a volleyball tournament for birthday party entertainment, or a weight and exercise room to get in shape for that upcoming vacation. Common elements of these rooms are padded walls, sport court markings, unbreakable glass, and real athletic wood or cushioned flooring.

A Lofty Idea

When planning their recent addition, one Arlington couple envisioned a sitting area adjacent to their master suite. The solution was an award-winning design featuring an “eagle’s nest” loft addition complete with a wooden ship’s ladder. This type of staircase, rather than a more traditional style, not only saved space but also fit nicely into the nautical theme of the room. Today, the couple happily plans their boating trips in this map room, which features spectacular views of the Washington monument in the distance.

A Tranquil Oasis

Turning a master bath into a spa-like retreat is all about creating a space focused on comfort, warmth, and relaxation. In one Potomac renovation, the expanded master bath inspired by the homeowner’s love of spa getaways features a soaking tub, glass-walled steam shower, a morning bar, her dressing area and sleek, clean finishes. As an added bonus, sliding doors lead to a rooftop balcony overlooking a beautiful outdoor renovation.  While the floor looks like a hardwood floor and gives the room a warm finish, it is actually heated ceramic tile perfect for those cold winter mornings! Contemporary design elements include glass and marble mosaic tiles, chrome fixtures and a soothing color palette of soft greens and browns.

Stu, Stu, Studio

Whatever your passion is, be it your life’s work or just a hobby, creating a studio in your own home offers many benefits. By working closely with our design team, one professional photographer was able to create a space in his home that suited his technical photography needs, but also provided an area to meet with his clients and display his work. Perhaps you have a budding singer or dancer in your family. If so, instead consider creating a recording studio for the next Taylor Swift or a dance room for your young ballerina. Whatever your craft may be, a design build contractor can help create the perfect area to pursue your family’s talents. And, to round out the list, we have at least one client who says the colorful, new laundry room is her favorite space in her home.  Since you probably don’t believe us, see for yourself!