Home & Design

“We are seeing a lot more wood and high-contrast cabinet options, as well as colors like greens and blues,” says designer Laura Fox Wolff of Laura Fox Interior Design, LLC. Case in point is an English country-style kitchen she recently transformed in Chevy Chase, Maryland. Working with Jack Rosen Custom Kitchens on the cabinetry, she dramatically improved workflow and storage options. Quartz countertops and a graphite counter complete the picture; A.B.E. Networks developed the lighting plan. PHOTO: Nova Soul Imagery

Kitchen Wisdom

Designers serve up expert advice on countertops, cabinets, color and more

“Wood cabinetry is making a comeback and we’re thrilled about it. A mix of two cabinetry finishes adds interest and breaks things up visually. As to clients brave enough to go for color, we see that dark blue is no longer the top choice; homeowners are loving deep berry and maroon tones.” —Sarita Simpson

Interior Matter, interiormatter.com


“When it comes to kitchens, we opt for quality, longevity and timelessness. Kitchen floors are the most trafficked floors in a home so we recommend wood or tile—materials that can handle sustained use. In the same vein, thermofoil and particleboard cabinets won’t hold up compared to hardwood, wood veneer or MDF.” —Hannah Goldberg

Hannah Charlotte Interiors, hannahcharlotteinteriors.com
Photo: Jennifer Howell Photography


“Small, evenly spaced recessed lights, accompanied by glamorous pendants or chandeliers, undercabinet, interior cabinet and toe-kick lighting, are requisites of a good kitchen lighting plan. With today’s LED lighting, it’s important to consider how warm or cool the lighting should be; the quality of your bulbs can impact the entire look and feel of the space.” —Barbara Hawthorn

Barbara Hawthorn Interiors Ltd., barbarahawthorninteriors.com
PHOTO: Kenneth M. Wyner Photography


“Having just returned from Milan Design Week, I saw a huge presence of industrial-style kitchens with stainless-steel elements, terrazzo flooring, granite counters and very small, matte backsplash tiles. Colors ranged from bold to minimal. I’m embracing this look as I’m ready for a huge overhaul in the world of kitchen design!” —Ann Gottlieb, IIDA, LEED AP ID+C

Ann Gottlieb Design, anngottliebdesign.com
Photo: Angela Newton Roy Photography


“We’ll never discourage clients who like white cabinets. There are hundreds of shades of white and you can play it up in many different ways. In terms of surfaces, we try to avoid marble. Most of our clients have busy families who need durable, cleanable and stain-resistant products, so it’s not realistic from a functional perspective.” —Catherine Troxell

Grace Thomas Designs, gracethomasdesigns.com


Arlene Critzos

Interior Concepts, Inc., interiorconceptsinc.com


Laura Hildebrandt

Interiors by LH, ​interiorsbylh.com
PHOTO: Angela Newton Roy Photography


Bonnie Ammon

Bonnie Ammon Interiors, bonnieammoninteriors.com


Jamie Merida

Jamie Merida Interiors, jamiemerida.com


Rebecca Penno

Penno Interiorspennointeriors.com
PHOTO: Angela Newton Roy Photography


Laura (Fox) Wolff

Laura Fox Interior Design, LLC, laurafoxinteriordesign.com


Dennese Guadeloupe Rojas

Interiors by Design, LLCinteriorsbydesignmd.com

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HOME&DESIGN, published bi-monthly by Homestyles Media Inc., is the premier magazine of architecture and fine interiors for the Washington, DC, Maryland and Virginia region.

The company also publishes an annual H&D Sourcebook of ideas and resources for homeowners and professionals alike. H&D Chesapeake Views is published bi-annually and showcases fine home design and luxury living in and around the Chesapeake Bay.

The H&D Portfolio of 100 Top Designers spotlights the superior work of selected architects, interior designers and landscape architects in major regions of the US.

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