Kitchen renovations are exciting and fun projects.  This kitchen in Arlington, VA boasts new WoodMode custom cabinets, Subzero, Wolf and Thermador applianaces and two islands.  One island includes a sink and ample prep area.  The other island, closer to the family room will have a beverage refrigerator, icemaker and several stools for counter-top seating. Natelli worked with Thomas French Architects in McLean to expand the back of the home on the 1st and 2nd floors.  Efficient scheduling and confident decision making by the client made for a quick and timely renovation.

This article was posted in Kitchens, Renovations, Remodeling and tagged with Architectural Design Potomac Maryland, Remodeling Potomac Maryland, Remodeling Arlington VA, Kitchen renovation bethesda md, kitchen renovation arlington va, kitchen renovation potomac md

 

A simple two-car garage addition to a property in Bethesda, MD adds ample storage.  Not only does the garage fit two cars, this design has a rear storage room for garden equipment and pool furniture.  This addition even boasts a second floor which can be renovated for a future in-law suite or apartment.  The stone veneer comes from a local Potomac, MD quarry and the slate is sourced from Maine.  Simple but appropriate architectural design includes two dormers and a convenient side entrance.

This article was posted in Renovations, Remodeling, Additions and tagged with Architectural Design Potomac Maryland, Remodeling Potomac Maryland, Remodeling Arlington VA, additions bethesda md, additions potomac md, additions arlington va, additions mclean va

 

Changing a home from old Andersen windows to new energy-efficient Eagle windows makes a huge difference to a home in Rockville, MD. Removing the aluminum siding and installing HardiePlank lap siding by James Hardie combined with the Eagle window replacements makes an even larger energy tranformation for the homeowner.  After removing the old aluminum siding, Natelli installed Tyvek house wrap and Vikor window flashing making for a weaterproof and long-lasting installation.  It is easy to justify investing in energy efficient renovations with new windows, Tyvek house wrap and long-lasting HardiePlank siding. V5JM8766KNMV

This article was posted in Windows, Exterior Doors, Renovations, Remodeling and tagged with Window replacement Potomac Maryland, Remodeling Potomac Maryland, new windows potomac maryland, Siding and windows potomac maryland, windows and siding bethesda MD, windows and siding arlington VA

 

This old fireplace with split face surround really needed some help.  Not only was it unattractive, but the previous builder set the fireplace behind the wood wall.  With a little creativitity and good marble and millwork shops, Natelli made custom extensions on the fireplace surround so the colonial wood mantle would fit properly over the fireplace.  Sometimes big problems have simple solutions.

This article was posted in Quality, Details, Renovations, Remodeling, Design, Fireplaces and tagged with Architectural Design Potomac Maryland, Remodeling Potomac Maryland, Architectural Design Arlington Virginia, Remodeling Bethesda Maryland, Remodeling Arlington Virginia, Remodeling McLean Virginia, home remodeling potomac md, home remodeling bethesda md, home remodeling mclean virginia

 

This article was posted in Renovations, Remodeling, Additions and tagged with Architectural Design Potomac Maryland, Remodeling Potomac Maryland, additions in potomac maryland, additions in arlington va, remodeling in bethesda md

 

We had quite a challenge on this modification to a bedroom wall in Potomac, MD.  Removing the
existing windows, brick veneer and wall structure was detailed enough but installing a steel moment frame and then perfectly fitting combinations of new Marvin casement windows, awning windows and picture windows raised the bar quite a bit.

 

This article was posted in Windows, Exterior Doors, Renovations, Remodeling and tagged with Window replacement Potomac Maryland, Architectural Design Potomac Maryland, Remodeling Potomac Maryland, Window replacement Bethesda Maryland, Window Replacement Arlington Virginia, Marvin Casement Window Potomac Maryland

 

This will be one of the most interesting "before and after" comparisons we have ever done. Using arrangements of Marvin casement windows, awning windows and fixed windows, we converted a typical traditional elevation of the rear of a master bedroom into an eye-popping view.

Standing in the home looking out makes me feel like I am in a museum. The results are strikingly beautiful and effective. The before and after photos say more than I could possibly put to words. Stay tuned and I'll be sure to show you the finished product.

Like Natelli Homes on FaceBook and we will contribute 3 meals to the Capital Area Food Bank.

This article was posted in Windows, Renovations, Remodeling, News and tagged with Window replacement Potomac Maryland, Architectural Design Potomac Maryland, Remodeling Potomac Maryland, Window replacement Bethesda Maryland, Remodeling Arlington Virginia

 

In early February, we talked about a kitchen in progress in our blog.  See, "New Bethesda Kitchen & Family Room".  The room was drywalled and primed, but hardwood was not installed, tile flooring was still in the warehouse, kitchen cabinets were not set, appliances were nowhere to be seen and final paint colors has not even been selected.

In just 45 days, Natelli staff and crews quickly completed the project sooner than the client expected.  Everything behind the scenes was planned and organized and the job moved efficiently and with ease to full and proper completion.  Our clients are happy, the project looks great and we have already toured the kitchen with another client. 

You might hear a lot of stories about the remodeling project that never ended, the one where the contractor never showed up or the subcontractors did not perform.  The Washington DC metro area is full of competent and professional renovation contractors (and unfortunately many from which these bad stories eminate), and I am proud that Natelli Homes is one of those remodeling firms that out-performs our clients expectations.  The key is staffing.  Our Supervisors and Project Managers know how and when to help clients with the myriad decisions that go into a project and ensure that decisions don't delay the project.  This is not an easy endeavor and the skill comes with experience and industry intelligence.

When you consider your next renovation project, kitchen or bathroom make sure you find a professional contractor with decades of experience who can give you examples of their success like this one.

Feel free to contact me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit our website at www.NatelliHomes.com

This article was posted in Kitchens, Details, Renovations, Remodeling and tagged with Remodeling Potomac Maryland, Remodeling Bethesda Maryland, kitchen renovation potomac maryland, kitchen renovation bethesda maryland, kitchen renovation arlington virginia

 

The weather this January and February has been unique to say the least.  We have had the predictable snow and windy cold days, but to have near 70 degrees this past Friday makes me think of summer.  For those who planned ahead, they will be enjoying a new pool and pool house this summer to combat the intense heat of August in metro DC. 

This project in Bethesda, MD, was planned last summer so we could coordinate the permits and begin construction in the fall.  Overall winter temperatures were pretty forgiving for construction so we made good progress.  The lot has some intense topography so retaining walls anchor the ends of the pool terrace.   At one end, the pool house masks the fact that the project is cut into an 8' tall slope.  We used full masonry walls for the pool house to make it easy to clean and practically a maintenance-free structure.  The walls will have a stucco finish with tile and stone accents.   

A curvilinear concrete retaining wall with field-stone veneer levels the other end of the project and creates a lawn area adjacent to the pool for recreation and casual seating. You can see the stone masons taking advantage of the warm weather in the adjacent photo.  We will excavate the pool soon which fits between the pool house and the wall in the photo on the left.  The before and after images of this project will be dramatic so I'll continue to share the progress as we get closer to completion.

Feel free to contact me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit our website at www.NatelliHomes.com where you can find valuable coupons for the remainder of February.

This article was posted in Renovations, Remodeling, News, Additions, Pool houses & pools and tagged with Architectural Design Potomac Maryland, Renovations, Remodeling Potomac Maryland, Potomac, Potomac Maryland, Bethesda, Bethesda Maryland, pool, pool house

 

Arguably the most important rooms in a home are the kitchen and family room.  Families tend to congregate, eat, play, laugh, argue, watch TV and use computers in these rooms.  Dining Rooms are used a couple of times a year and Living Rooms almost have no purpose at all.

For this property owner in Bethesda, like the vast majority in the Washington, D.C. metro area, they needed an affordable expansion of the kitchen, family room and breakfast room.  This project included a family room addition about 20 feet square that adjoined the kitchen and breakfast room.  The family room connects to the kitchen through an open counter-top and two cased openings as you can see in the adjacent photo.  The breakfast room is large enough to house a generous table and will include a wall-mounted TV and wireless computer connections.

This project is ready for the finishes.  The drywall has been installed and primed, the sub-floor has been screwed and prepped to receive the wood flooring and equally important, the home is clean and safe.  A clean project is a safe project.  The windows are ready to be trimmed with casing and stool - this project is ready to continue on its speedy schedule.  Check our posts in a week or two - I will be sure to include some photos of the completed cabinets and trim.

Feel free to e-mail me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit our website at www.natellihomes.com.  We have valuable on-line coupons for kitchens, bathrooms and windows that will not be available for much longer.

This article was posted in Kitchens, Details, Renovations, Remodeling, Design, Additions and tagged with Kitchens, Architectural Design Potomac Maryland, Renovations, Remodeling Potomac Maryland, Design, Bethesda, Bethesda Maryland, family room

 

Lots of people pause about renovating a home because they worry about how long it might take, interruptions to their family and perhaps the cost.  One of the easiest additions is over an existing garage.  If the existing home was constructed properly it should support the new living space.  There is a lot of foot-print to work with and the demolition is minimal.

In this project located in Potomac, MD, we removed the existing roof and had the new room built in a manner of a few weeks.  The Owners were concerned about disturbance during the forthcoming holidays, but good planning and project management got the job under roof well before the deadlines.

There is a lot of room over a garage.  A Master Suite with closets and a large bathroom will easily fit in the space.  Alternatively two bedrooms and a shared bath would work as well.  The living spaces can easily be enhanced with dormers and vaulted ceilings.  This is truly one of the most logical additions one can make if added bedroom space is a necessity.

The bottom line here is simple.  Don't overlook the obvious.  There is easy inexpensive space over a garage.  I'll talk about the inside improvements in a future post. 

Feel free to contact me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit our website at www.NatelliHomes.com

This article was posted in Bathrooms, Renovations, Remodeling, Design, Additions and tagged with Architectural Design Potomac Maryland, Renovations, Remodeling Potomac Maryland, Potomac, Maryland, Potomac Maryland, Bethesda, Bethesda Maryland

 

Natelli Homes recently completed a kitchen renovation to a home in Potomac, MD.  We used custom WoodMode cabinets, Kashmere Gold perimeter granite countertops with antique honed finishes and professional grade Wolf, Subzero and Dacor appliances - all high-end components that would make any kitchen stand out.  The Woodmode cabinets with a distressed Cottage White finish on the surrounding wall and base cabinets make the rich wood-tones of the island stand out.

The existing kitchen was limited in width so the client made some creative decisions to make the island the most notable feature in the project without harming valuable space.  The cherry cabinets in the island are a rich Burnished Tuscan Sun finish from WoodMode's array of custom options and finishes.  At the end of the island is a maple butcher block that the client found in an antique shop.  We studied the butcher block with our WoodMode kitchen designer and made a custom base that would look as if they were both designed with the original cabinets. 

The most challenging part of the project was the custom zinc top.  Knowing that zinc is a soft metal that can scratch and stain unless properly cared for, we debated for several weeks with the client about that choice of material.  Finally after much discussion on the pros and cons, we carefully measured for the top and made a template for the zinc manufacturer.  Even in the Washington, DC metropolitan area, not many firms are experienced or qualified to make a zinc top, so we ended up using a firm in Texas.  The separation from DC to Texas was not very comforting as all dimensions and details had to be confirmed over e-mail or the phone. Obviously the top came out great.  It is a beautiful, completely unique feature in what could have been an outstanding but somewhat typical kitchen renovation. 

Credit goes to the client for knowing what they wanted, researching the issues and sticking to their instincts.  We are pleased to have been a part of another beautiful kitchen renovation with different challenges and such notable differences in the finished product.

Feel free to contact me with any questions or comments.  I can be reached at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit our website at www.natellihomes.com

 

This article was posted in Kitchens, Details, Renovations, Remodeling, Design and tagged with Kitchens, Details, Renovations, Remodeling Potomac Maryland, Potomac, Potomac Maryland, Bethesda, Bethesda Maryland

 

Fireplaces are wonderful complements to any home. When the resources are available for stone or antique mantles, the attention to detail becomes all that more crucial. Steep roof lines and exotic stone work make for beautiful design features, but a chimney and flue that leak quickly become a damaging and very costly repair job. Spending the time and energy to do it perfectly from the outset, is the name of the game.

The chimney block at right has been waterproofed completely, before any finished veneer is applied, and the through-wall flashing has been wrapped around the block and stepped-down to accept the stone and brick that will create the finished surface. The entire structure is fabricated to repel and channel water off the roof, before any stone veneer is applied or brick laid.
Knowing that the construction of a chimney has been given the same attention as the fine millwork and details within the home can be very comforting for an owner. When striking stone work is coupled with contrasting roofing tiles and dramatic angles, the home becomes a movie set in the making.

But it cannot be overstated. If your builder treats a chimney and fireplace as just something else that has to be done, then find a builder that understands how to build that one-of-a-kind fireside masterpiece.

This marriage of an antique French fireplace to a flue and chimney system, that are works of artful design and engineering, will create a stunning atmosphere of warmth and singularity for many years to come.

Feel free to contact me at  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit our website www.natellihomes.com

This article was posted in Quality, Details, News, Fireplaces and tagged with New Homes, Details, Renovations, Remodeling Potomac Maryland, Potomac, Potomac Maryland, Bethesda, Bethesda Maryland

 

Faced with the task of heating and cooling a home of any size, geothermal systems make an incredible contribution to energy efficiency and practical applications.  Not only will they save money over time but they significantly reduce the demand on the electrical grid and the gas services in a community.   Given the energy issues in our world, its good to know that there are ways to make tremendous reductions in the carbon footprint of any new home or renovation.

In this project five wells were drilled to provide the heat exchangers with a water inflow that is roughly constant in temperature, about 50 degrees F.   Heat pumps work like a reversible refrigerator, sending the heat from ground water to the home in winter and swapping the heat from home back to the ground water in summer. Boilers work to boost the temperature of water. One of the wells prior to being connected to the home appears in the adjacent photo.

The following photos depict the installation of radiant heating systems that, by concept, date back to the Roman Empire.  When combined with geothermal systems, and today’s technology, radiant systems can drastically improve the comfort of modern living areas at a much lower energy cost.  Small tubing filled with heated water is recessed into prefabricated panels. The panels are mounted on the subflooring and contain an aluminum backing that radiates the heat of the water upwards.  The rooms will warm from the floor to the ceiling, heating the entire space. This will allow the owners to be comfortable at lower thermostat settings on the primary heating system.  This installation also helps eliminate cold feet syndrome – that malady that occurs when your body is warm, but your feet are freezing.

This system is installed in the kitchen and dining area, spaces where families and friends often congregate.  These flooring elements should be carefully coordinated with the cabinets, floor supply ducts and even flooring patterns in the tile and wood.

A great link that explains the physics behind geothermal: http://smart-nrg.com/geothermal.php Not only is this the "green" thing to do but it saves a lot of money in the long run.  You might check with your tax advisor about the incentives available for these installations.

We enjoy hearing from our readers.  Feel free to contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit our website at www.NatelliHomes.com

 

This article was posted in New Homes, Heating & Air Conditioning, Renovations, Remodeling, Building Green, News and tagged with New Homes, Energy Efficiency, Remodeling Potomac Maryland, Heating & Air Conditioning

 

Next in our series of possible bathroom design options we look at adding a couple of feet to the back of the room and creating a shed dormer.  We want to manage costs so the expansion will be minimal but still develop the necessary space.  The sketch on the right is the same starting point we have for our other design options.  Now let's see what happens with a few extra square feet positioned in the right place.

We will incorporate a tub, full shower, two vanities and a toilet compartment in this expansion.  The tub is generously sized with ample room on the deck for towel storage and decorations.  The shower has a large seat and potential for multiple heads and there is room for a private area for the water closet. Having his and her vanities makes sense for many couples.  The complement of quality cabinets on either side of the room, such as the WoodMode cabinets we feature, not only allows symmetry in the space but creates a focal point to the tub and window above.  The added window could be the most valuable component.  Large amounts of natural light flowing in the bathroom through a round or elliptical transom makes the room feel more connected to the outside.  The ambient light in a room often negates the need for illuminated lights.  Finally, look at the closets.  They have more than doubled - something every family could use!

So now you have three functional options to the standard bathroom in the Washington, DC, metropolitan area.  Each one has different priorities but none come at significant expense because they are designed and constructed in a logical and practical manner.  With these designs you can bring your home from the 1940's quickly into optimum design standards for your lifestyle today.

Feel free to contact me by e-mail at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit our website, www.NatelliHomes.com

This article was posted in Bathrooms, Windows, Details, Renovations, Remodeling, Design, Additions and tagged with Bathrooms, Windows, Architectural Design Potomac Maryland, Renovations, Remodeling Potomac Maryland, Design

 

Homes and designs constructed in the 50's and 60's often don't work very well for our current needs.  In particular, bathrooms were seemingly tertiary spaces, whereas they are vital and one of the primary priorities for homeowners today.  People expect more in a bathroom now, especially when it comes to the master bathroom.  The challenge comes when the client does not want to expand the room due to structural issues, the effects on other rooms or simply budget limitations.

We have done a 4 part study of design options for a typical bathroom built in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area.  The existing bathroom is shown in a sketch on the right.  You can see a long dressing vanity, a compacted bathroom area and two modest closets.   As you can see, there is a lot of wasted space in the hallway and open area in front of the dressing vanity.

For the 1st option, below, we kept the bathroom to the same general limitations of the existing space.  We did not allow the design to expand into other rooms, except a small portion of an adjacent attic. In this version, we maintained a tub and a separate shower.  Clients often debate whether to incorporate a tub or not; some people use the tub, many do not - every client is different so we will show you alternatives without tubs in subsequent posts. We have one long vanity with two bowls, a compartment for the toilet and even a linen closet dedicated to the Master bath.  The closets have been expanded into the attic space.  The entrance incorporates a vestibule to delineate the privacy desired for the Master Suite.

This example shows the potential of working within the structure of the existing home.  The bathroom is vastly improved with a large shower, good counter space and expanded closets.  Next we will show you what we can do if we eliminate the tub.  After that, in Options 3 & 4, we will show you what happens when we add a window.  Stay tuned!

We appreciate your comments and questions.  Please e-mail me directly at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit our website at www.NatelliHomes.com.

This article was posted in Bathrooms, Details, Renovations, Remodeling, Design and tagged with Bathrooms, Architectural Design Potomac Maryland, Renovations, Remodeling Potomac Maryland, Design

 

Kitchens can be a lot of fun if you let your imagination go beyond traditional thinking.  Families spend the majority of their time in a kitchen so why not put the emphasis in that room?  We obviously eat our meals in the kitchen; but in addition, kids do their homework on the kitchen counter-top, parties invariably end up in kitchens, computers are in most kitchens, families watch TV in the kitchen not to mention the cooking and food preparation that goes on in a kitchen.

Kitchens are one of the most important rooms in our home.  They need to be significant, functional, comfortable and engaging. 

A properly executed kitchen renovation needs to convert a basic kitchen into a multi-functional, useful and family oriented living space.  In this example we converted an ordinary kitchen into an eye opening, light filled space with a breakfast room, large open counter-tops, an expansive island, two dishwashers, accommodations for computers and TVs and comfortable sitting areas.  It is hard to believe that these photos are the before and after of the same kitchen, but they really are, which is a testament to the power of imagination and good design.

Note the high ceilings in the open gable window of the breakfast room.  The room fills with the warm morning sun and makes for a inviting space for families and guests.  The back yard and patio are now extensions of the kitchen and breakfast room.  There is even a fireplace in the adjacent room that can be enjoyed from the kitchen and breakfast room.

When designing a kitchen or any space for that matter, "think outside the box".  Creative design, quality construction and understanding the needs of a client should be paramount in your selection of a kitchen contractor.  Don't be limited by the walls in front of you, look to a professional designer like Natelli Homes to guide you to to the right design and premier construction services.

We enjoy hearing from our readers.  Feel free to contact me, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit our website, www.natellihomes.com

This article was posted in Kitchens, Details, Renovations, Remodeling, Design and tagged with Kitchens, Architectural Design Potomac Maryland, Renovations, Remodeling Potomac Maryland, Design

 

Please enjoy this time lapse photo journal of an addition to a home.

Additional Entertainment

Renovations and additions can be wonderful complements to an existing home.  Thanks to Mr. Mancini for reminding me how important music is in our lives.

Feel free to contact me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit our website at www.natellihomes.com

This article was posted in Renovations, Remodeling, News, Additions and tagged with Renovations, Remodeling Potomac Maryland, Additions Potomac Maryland

 

Everyone seems to be spending lots of time at home working on their business, so more and more of our clients are looking for ways to accomplish this need.  In this case we converted a large hallway adjacent to an open 2nd floor foyer into a work area.  Working with WoodMode cabinets we created a very effective work area.

There is a pull out desk-top for additional work surface area, file storage, customized spaces for the hard drive, keyboard and computer display.  The pull out desk-top slides imperceptibly back into the cabinets when not in use.

The desk top is set lower to a table top height while the adjacent cabinets are slightly higher for more storage. Clever features and details make this space functional and attractive.  Note the large windows adjacent to the desk that bring ample natural light to the work areas.

This article was posted in Details, Renovations, Remodeling, Design and tagged with Details, Architectural Design Potomac Maryland, Renovations, Remodeling Potomac Maryland, Storage, Design, Home Office

 

Good architectural design blends an addition to a home seamlessly as if the improvement had been there all along.  In this example, Natelli Homes designed and constructed a screened porch on the rear of an existing home and blended it perfectly with the composition of the architecture.  Compare the before and after photos - one almost has to look twice to see that we added an entire room.

This comfortable addition includes a stained fir ceiling with dramatic beams and brackets, which we will describe in a post in the near future.  A floor-to-ceiling field stone fireplace anchors the plush seating and eating area.   This home owner enjoys the space, which overlooks a pool and patio, almost year-round.

Good architectural design for renovations is quite a skill.  We enjoy hearing our clients tell their friends that it looks and feels as if our new work was a part of the original architecture.

I appreciate hearing from readers about our posts.  Please contact me at Bob@NatelliHomes or visit our website at www.NatelliHomes.com

This article was posted in Renovations, Remodeling, Design, News, Screened Porches and tagged with Architectural Design Potomac Maryland, Renovations, Remodeling Potomac Maryland, Design, Screened Porches