After purchasing a newly constructed residence in Alexandria, homeowners hired Marks-Woods Construction Services to imbue its blank-slate rooms with character. The first priority was a home office with two dedicated workstations, abundant space for storage—and a distinctive, sophisticated yet traditional aesthetic. “The wife owns a styling business and works from home,” explains Marks-Woods partner Greg Marks. “She wanted the room to reflect her style in a striking way.”

Collaborating with Braemar Cabinetry, the Marks-Woods design team crafted a functional plan incorporating two built-in desks, a window seat and lots of cupboards and shelving. French doors up the style quotient and a custom cabinet with a floor-mounted rollout keeps the printer handy. As the room evolved, built-in features were embellished with elaborate millwork. “A lot of applied moldings on the walls create a paneled look that really enhances the room,” Marks comments. “They match the trim on the cabinet drawers and doors.”

Braemar studio manager Nadia Wall homed in on a rich, saturated look. “The millwork and color are the heroes of this story,” she notes. “It was important to create a transportive feeling; we wanted the room wrapped in color and set apart from the rest of the house.”

Benjamin Moore’s Van Deusen Blue makes a statement on cabinets, walls, moldings and trim. The desks, window seat and cupboards are topped with walnut-stained wood that matches the floor. Brass accents in the picture lights, Everly Quinn chandelier and cabinet hardware complete the look.

Award: Grand for Residential Interior under $100,000. Renovation Design & Contracting: Greg Marks, Marks-Woods Construction Services, LLC, Alexandria, Virginia. Cabinetry Fabrication: Nadia Wall, Braemar Cabinetry, Alexandria, Virginia. Photography: Nova Soul Imagery.