Few things will go further towards taming the chaos of family living than a well organized mud room or mud zone.

Here individual cubbies are provided for each member of the family with separate compartments for boots, shoes, and sports equipment.  Nearby is a place to sort mail as well as a niche for the answering machine with cabinets above and below for phone books, take out menus and stationary supplies.

The mud room is an entry portal into the kitchen after dealing with day to day activities which cause clutter.

Sometimes there is not enough space for a separate mud room.  As soon as we enter this kitchen we create at one end of the room a mud zone by building in tall cabinets which serve as closets and lockers for sports gear and coats.  In addition there is a window seat with drawers below for boots, gloves and scarves.

A simple change in cabinet finish can differentiate the mud zone from the balance of the kitchen.

Brenneman & Pagenstecher
10605 Concord Street, Suite 1
Kensington, MD 20895-2503
301-933-9305
www.brenpag.com

Have you ever said “Where can I put those wires they look terrible”?  We came up with an unusual solution to this problem.  During the remodel we created a floating wooden slab with hidden doors to conceal all the Home Theater and stereo components as well as the unsightly wires for this home in Potomac, Md.  The slab is held up by cantilever steel brackets out of the wall.  This gives the room an architectural focus while solving the problem.
We love the challenge of architecturally driven projects.  Accordingly, we have developed our staff and systems around the specific needs of this type of work. The sophistication of this process pays off for our highly detailed designs; in fact it is key to our ability to consistently deliver works of beauty and grace.

Brenneman & Pagenstecher
301-933-9305
www.brenpag.com

This home in Bethesda, MD had been remodeled several different times with different designs.  Our goal was to unify and give cohesion to the house without making major changes.  In this room we started with simply changing the pattern of the window divisions.  We then moved the door to the center and replaced it with French doors.  Overhead ceiling lights were added to brighten the room and we retrimmed the fireplace with a custom designed mantel and stone hearth. 

We believe in a team approach; and working enthusiastically, hand in hand with our clients is very important to us.  Nothing is more satisfying than standing back with our clients, reviewing a completed project and saying, "look at what we've created together".  

Brenneman & Pagenstecher
301-933-9305
www.brenpag.com

Testimonial from Joyce

Testimonial from a customer:Carol

Patios, decks, outdoor kitchens, special features—these can transform your outdoor area into a year-round, multifunctional living space that’s perfect for dining and entertaining. Even a small space can transform into an appealing outdoor retreat. Why stay cooped up inside? Extend the livable portion of your home by creating an outdoor living space.?  ?Add a Deck – The most common way to enhance your outdoor space is to add a deck. A deck increases the usability of your space, particularly if you have a sloped yard, bare patches, or uneven areas to hide. Decks provide a flat, finished entertainment space. Screened porches, gazebos, grill stations, planter boxes, built-in benches, and dining nooks can take your deck to the next level. Depending on the building material you use, you can achieve almost any look.
Wood is still a viable decking material. Pressure-treated lumber is easy to work with and can be refinished for years. Exotic hardwoods like redwood or cedar are beautiful and naturally resistant to insects and decay. Quality composite materials are a low-maintenance alternative to wood; these generally resist fading, cracking, and rotting. A newer alternative is aluminum. Aluminum systems create a gapless deck surface that is completely waterproof. Aluminum decking is powder-coated with a nonslip surface that eliminates the need for painting and staining. Aluminum stays cooler to the touch than some other deck surfaces.
Custom Patios – Patios are another outdoor favorite. This is a great solution when a house is constructed on a concrete slab and is too close to the ground for a deck. Constructed of concrete or brick pavers, a patio functions much the same as a deck. But gone are the days of the dull gray concrete slab. Stencils, stamping tools, custom designs and textures, stains, and colorants can give a concrete slab the look of flagstone or tile. If you prefer brick pavers, these can be mixed and matched by color or style to create beautiful patterns or a one-of-a-kind work of art.
Build an Outdoor Kitchen – Outdoor kitchens have become surprisingly popular. An outdoor kitchen can be as simple as a patio with a gas grill station or as elaborate as a full meal-preparation center complete with built-in gas-burner stoves, ovens, refrigerators, and sinks. Covered dining areas provide all-weather enjoyment for your guests and family.
Add a special feature – Other features make your space uniquely suited to your taste and lifestyle. A fire pit or built-in outdoor fireplace extends the use of your outdoor living area well into winter, providing warmth and a focus for cold-weather gatherings. Architectural features such as pergolas or trellises and carefully selected plantings create secluded areas for meditation. A water feature, such as a pond or fountain, can provide a beautiful focal point. Outdoor lighting can accent special features and provide security.
Whether you have acres or just a few square feet of space, consult an exterior designer for great ideas on making the most of your outdoor space.

For more info go to: www.brenpag.com · 301-933-9305