The owners of a 20-year-old French Country manor in Washington, DC, recently turned to Patrick Sutton to revive its outdated interiors. Patrick reimagined the entire residence, creating chic, timeless spaces that foster easy entertaining. Please join us for a before-and-after look at this dramatic transformation and a conversation with designer Patrick Sutton and builder Mark Sanders, moderated by editor in chief Sharon Jaffe Dan.

With the plethora of possibilities available today, shopping for appliances can be a daunting experience. “We recommend visiting a showroom to see what is out there and learn about the latest industry trends,” says Oliff. Below are tips to help you on your way.

Finish Line

• Stainless steel is still king, followed by white appliances with professional stainless-steel handles, then slate finishes.
• Many home chefs seek out a pop of color, customizing the range, hood and refrigerator in a painter’s palette of 1,000-plus colors and finishes.
• Brass-handled appliances, brass hoods and other brass accents are a hot trend in the kitchen.

Sleek Style

• Homeowners are moving away from the retro look in favor of a sleek, modern aesthetic with flush-mount installation.
• Appliances with no handles are on the rise with finger-touch and swipe controls replacing traditional knobs and pulls.

Tech Watch

• Oven features now make it possible to cook with less butter and oil. These functions include steam assist; options for air frying and slow cooking; and thermometer controls for sous vide, a process that cooks food for a long time at very low temperatures.
• Smart hubs above the range hood or integrated into the backsplash control the kitchen (among other parts of the house) via touch screen. They allow you to preheat your oven, turn on your hood, check ice levels in your freezer and much more.

Personal Favorites

• The Monogram Hearth Oven is handcrafted to capture the performance of a wood-fired brick pizza oven and comes in a new brass option.
• Beverage centers from Sub-Zero and Monogram hold wine, beer and sodas, freeing up space in the main refrigerator.
• A steam oven from Wolf can cook a 20-pound turkey in an hour and a half.
• A built-in Miele espresso machine holds a pound of beans and brews perfect coffee, cappuccino and latte.

Pro Tips

“Textured backsplash tile contrasts with sleek cabinets in a contemporary kitchen. Add a subtle crackle finish in a transitional space or classic subway tile in a traditional one.” —Stephanie Fried, Jack Rosen Custom Kitchens

“Wood stain is back in style in the kitchen—but not cherry or maple. Now is the era of walnut, oak and hickory.” —Yasin Kazanci, USA Cabinet Store

Sponsored by the MBIA, this annual awards program honors architecture, construction and remodeling projects in the Greater Washington, DC, area. A full list of 2021 winners follows, along with photographs of a number of award-winning projects.

Custom Contemporary Home over 6,000 square feet
GOLD—Sandy Spring Builders, LLC

Custom Contemporary Home under 6,000 square feet
GOLD—Douglas Construction Group

Custom Traditional Home
between 4,000-4,999 square feet
GOLD—Mid-Atlantic Custom Builders

Custom Traditional Home
between 5,000-5,999 square feet
GOLD—Bethel Regency Homes

Custom Traditional Home between 6,000-6,999 square feet
GOLD—Sandy Spring Builders, LLC
BRONZE—Mid-Atlantic Custom Builders

Custom Traditional Home
between 7,000-7,999 square feet
GOLD—Mid-Atlantic Custom Builders

Custom Traditional Home under 4,000 square feet
GOLD—Leveille HIC, Leveille Custom Cabinets

Renovation
GOLD—Sandy Spring Builders, LLC

Speculative Renovation
GOLD—Francis Development

Speculative Home between 3,000-3,999 square feet
GOLD—Foxhall Homes
BRONZE—Foxhall Homes

Speculative Home between 4,000-4,999 square feet
GOLD—Mid-Atlantic Builders LLC

Speculative Home between 5,000-5,999 square feet
GOLD—Laurence Cafritz Builders

Speculative Home between 6,000-6,999 square feet
GOLD—Claude C. Lapp Architects, LLC
BRONZE—Mid-Atlantic Custom Builders

Speculative Home under 3,000 square feet
GOLD—Douglas Construction Group