Home & Design

The Closet Factory used built-in storage to bring order to this laundry room. PHOTO: CLOSET FACTORY

Anthony Wilder incorporated plantings and hardscape to amp up this Potomac home’s curb appeal. PHOTO: JOHN COLE

Home Improvement

Advice from the pros

Our Experts

Wilma Bowers - Bowers Design Build, Inc.  |  Bruce Devlin - The Closet Factory

Alex Reyes - AC Remodeling  |  Anthony Wilder - Anthony Wilder Architecture | Interiors | Construction


Most popular return-on-investment project?

“When done well, curb appeal improvements can raise the value. The landscape and hardscape should frame the front of the house; each element of the façade needs to speak the language of the whole house as well as the neighborhood.”

Anthony Wilder

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“Kitchen remodels continue to be in demand; they offer a significant return on investment. Improving flow and usability appeals to buyers, thus increasing value.”

Alex Reyes

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“Front door replacement tops the list—homeowners are looking for modern, stylish entries that boost the first impression of their property.”

Wilma Bowers


What are clever tricks for more storage?

“Design every inch to be purposeful and utilize vertical space. For kitchens, we often remove soffits and delete closet-pantries. Then we apply solutions like deep pot drawers and pull-out pantries.”

Alex Reyes

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“Choose a solution that does more than one thing: A closet with a discreet pull-out hamper, a media center that hides toys, or a mudroom with a bench and built-in storage. Now you’ve got a home that works with you, not against you.”

Bruce Devlin

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“Opt for deeper closets—going with a three-foot depth instead of the standard two feet gives you more space for shelving, bins and even double-hanging rods, making the closet much more functional.”

Wilma Bowers

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“Take advantage of vertical space with tall shelving units or floor-to-ceiling cabinets. They may be hard to reach, but worth it if you need the additional storage. When available, under-stair storage with shelving and/or drawers is helpful, too.”

Anthony Wilder


Best flooring for casual living spaces?

“Character-grade, wide-plank, white oak hardwood offers a beautiful, timeless look with natural knots and grain variations. No matter the flooring choice, layering with area rugs will add softness underfoot, help define zones in open spaces, and protect your floors.”

Wilma Bowers

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“Durable, waterproof luxury plank vinyl can beautifully mimic the look of natural hardwood or stone, without the concerns about moisture, scratches or heavy wear that come with real wood or some tiles.”

Alex Reyes

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“Wide-plank engineered hardwood looks nice, is spacious-feeling and durable.”

Anthony Wilder

 

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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.

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