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Water’s EdgeMcHale Landscape Design crafts and maintains a riverfront oasis with panoramic views |
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Family TimeConceived by Alan Blalack of Kane Landscapes, a wooded property is a serene backdrop for outdoor entertaining |
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Beachy FeelingPristine Acres masterminds a welcoming backyard oasis in Aldie, Virginia |
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River VistaSisson Landscapes conjures a picturesque aerie above the Potomac River |
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Pure GeometryKatia Goffin Gardens conceives lush, elegant garden rooms in a Chevy Chase landscape |
Gathering Spots: Spaces for backyard get-togethers
Q&A with Katia Goffin, ASLA; Katia Goffin Gardens
What were the client’s goals?
The client, an avid gardener, wanted outdoor rooms within a planted oasis for gardening, entertaining and enjoyment.
What spaces are used for relaxing and gathering?
An expanded terrace by the house overlooks the property, which features two inner garden rooms with inviting lawns and an outer garden room.
Share your aesthetic and functional vision for the project.
Plantings, materials and paths shape the garden rooms; the strong geometry of the layout is softened by leaves and flowers. We showcased perennials and shrubs against a backdrop of evergreen hedges.
What hardscape materials did you use?
The terrace was extended with matching brick and bluestone banding. Pea gravel paths link rooms. A wooden gate with brick columns serves as a focal
point in the main garden room.
Katia Goffin Gardens
202-352-5928
goffingardens.com
Gathering Spots: Spaces for backyard get-togethers
Q&A with Denny Sisson, Sisson Landscapes
What were the goals of the project?
The vision was a beautiful and functional space for entertaining on an undeveloped part of the property. Enhancing sightlines to the river was a key element of the design, which called for distinct yet cohesive spaces intended to foster serenity, contemplation, beauty and celebration.
How do these spaces facilitate relaxing, gathering and entertaining?
By combining terraced hardscaping and complementary plantings, we were able to implement a series of patio “rooms” for gathering—one of which centers on a built-in stone fire pit. A parterre garden with a fountain creates paths between spaces and anchors the landscape.
What hardscape materials and plantings did you implement?
We used a combination of Carderock masonry stone, stacked stone walls and broken flagstone with mazus as well as beautiful local boulders.
Sisson Landscapes
703-759-2012
sissonlandscapes.com
Gathering Spots: Spaces for backyard get-togethers
Q&A with Steve Waldron & Kevin Kurdziolek, PLA, ASLA; Pristine Acres
What were the goals of this project?
Our clients wanted a total backyard solution with multiple options for outdoor gathering and entertaining.
Describe spaces that are used for relaxing, gathering and entertaining.
A second-level pavilion with a fireplace spills out to a deck located atop a lower-level dining area. A raised spa and a pergola with a fire feature anchor one end of the 20-by-40-foot swimming pool. Each area has its own function and visually harmonizes with the other spaces.
What inspired the feel of the property?
A theme of “modern farmhouse meets beach getaway.” The materials and plantings were selected to create that seaside feeling while still matching with the home’s modern farmhouse style. The travertine pool deck, bordered by flagstone, is accented by miscanthus adagio grasses reminiscent of the beach. Vertical marble and porcelain surfaces add interest.
Pristine Acres
877-333-5651
pristineacres.com
Gathering Spots: Spaces for backyard get-togethers
Q&A with Alan R. Blalack, RLA, ASLA; Kane Landscapes, Inc.
What were the goals of the project?
The family wished to have outdoor areas where they could spend more time together.
What spaces are used for relaxing, gathering and entertaining?
We added a pool, spa and soccer field—all designed to feel intimate, but with plenty of space for entertaining. A two-story deck off the home’s main living area was replaced with an airy solarium.
Share your aesthetic and functional vision for the project.
To ensure a sense of intimacy, we created several “rooms” that allow guests to mingle throughout the property. Lush shade plantings connect the landscape to its wooded surroundings.
What hardscape materials did you use?
The pool patio is Techo-bloc with pool coping and wall caps of thermal-treated bluestone. The solarium and stairs are clad in Azek.
Kane Landscapes, Inc.
703-803-3146
kanelandscapes.com
Gathering Spots: Spaces for backyard get-togethers
Q&A with Emily McHale Pike, McHale Landscape Design
What were the goals of the project?
Clients on the Severn River in Annapolis tapped McHale Landscape Design five years ago to replace their existing pool and pool cabana with a new vanishing-edge pool and pool house, complete with a kitchen and guest bedroom.
What spaces are used for relaxing, gathering and entertaining?
With water views and the home’s architecture in mind, we created picturesque spaces for entertaining, lounging, eating and cooking poolside year-round. We also provided guest quarters, decks for morning coffee and sunning and a fire pit—all facing the river.
What hardscape materials and plantings did you implement?
We installed ipe decking, flagstone pool coping and walls made of ashlar-cut natural stone. Wetland, native and ornamental plantings feature shrubs such as hydrangea, boxwood, nandina, deutzia and abelia as well as perennials including daylily, astilbe, hosta, carex and ornamental grasses.
McHale Landscape Design
301-599-8300
mchaleandscape.com
Every two years, the Washington Mid-Atlantic Chapter of the Institute of Classical Architecture & Art holds a design competition recognizing fine classical work in the region. The awards are named after John Russell Pope (1874-1937), a New York-based architect who designed significant classical buildings in Washington, DC, including the Jefferson Memorial and the National Gallery of Art. After a jury of experts selected this year’s winning projects, the chapter announced the 2023 awards at a gala held on April 28 at The Sulgrave Club in Washington. The winning projects are listed below; for more information, visit classicist-washington.org.
Residential Renovation
Fairfax & Sammons Architects. Hatton Grange Farm, Scottsville, Virginia.
Landscape Design
Arentz Landscape Architects LLC. Sycamore Point, Easton, Maryland. Builder: Winchester.
Commercial Design
David M. Schwarz Architects. Rosewood Le Guanahani, St. Barts.
Residential, New Construction Under 8,000 Square Feet
Franck & Lohsen Architects, Inc. The Waterfowl Residence, Bluffton, South Carolina.
Artisanship
Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest. Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest, Forest, Virginia.
Ecclesiastical Design
Harrison Design. Our Mother of Perpetual Help Chapel, Northfield, Massachusetts.
Institutional Design
David M. Schwarz Architects. Zeppos College at Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee.
Urban Design
J. E. Schram Architect. L’ Ecole de la Cour, Lake Arthur, Louisiana.
Historic Preservation
Kimmel Studio Architects. Cloverfields, Queenstown, Maryland. Builder: Lynbrook of Annapolis.
Interior Design, Commercial & Institutional
McCrery Architects. Hoynak Banquet Hall, Hillsdale, Michigan.
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“When designing a luxury bath, we ask a couple of key questions: How do we maximize the space if we cannot change the footprint? And how do we accommodate the clients’ requirements while making the space feel larger than it is? Once we’ve determined the layout, we select colors and materials that will create a relaxing and luxurious experience.” —Ann Gottlieb, IIDA, LEED AP ID+C, Ann Gottlieb Design PLLC
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“Adding heated floors and towel bars is a must. It’s the height of luxury to step onto a warm stone floor in the winter and grab a warm towel from the rack. We also use sophisticated LED-lit mirrors and medicine cabinets with integrated televisions and magnifying mirrors.” —Kirsten Kaplan, Haus Interior Design |
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“When designing a luxurious hotel-bath experience, the focus is on ambiance, materials and special amenities. A soothing color palette and dimmable lighting will create a tranquil atmosphere. Use high-quality materials like marble and natural stone. Incorporate textures that sparkle and fixtures with rain features. Wet rooms containing a shower and soaking tub add a layer of luxury. A linear fireplace will further elevate the look.” —Arelene Critzos, Interior Concepts, Inc. |
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“Evoking a spa atmosphere in a bathroom design starts with a soft color palette. We like to keep the cabinets and walls light, especially if the windows aren’t large. We often recommend marble that has consistent veining for both the countertop slab and the floor and wall tiles.” —Rebecca Penno, Penno Interiors PHOTO: Angela Newton Roy Photography |
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Laura Hildebrandt Interiors by LHPHOTO: Angela Newton Roy Photography |
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Laura (Fox) Wolff Laura Fox Interior Design, LLC |
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Bonnie Ammon Bonnie Ammon Interiors |
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Jamie Merida
Jamie Merida InteriorsPhoto: Robert Radifera Stylish Productions |
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Sarita Simpson Interior Matter |
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Melanie Whittington Whittington Design Studio |
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Barbara Hawthorn
Barbara Hawthorn InteriorsPHOTO: Kenneth M. Wyner Photography |
Home & Design toasted the launch of its Summer 2023 issue on June 21st with a festive event at AjMadison in Tysons. Guests mingled over light bites and explored the showroom’s array of cutting-edge appliances.
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Barbara Hawthorn |
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Arlene Critzos |
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Dennese Guadeloupe Rojas |
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Kirsten Anthony Kaplan |
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Bonnie Ammon |
Accolades:
Share your firm’s background.
BHI is a boutique luxury firm, in business since 1984. We work on projects requiring multiple phases over years, so we typically accept only a few new ones a year; we currently have more than 13 high-end projects in progress.
What is your business philosophy?
Of paramount importance are honesty, transparency, innovation and functionality. The process should be fun for everyone.
What is your favorite aspect of your job?
Hearing from clients about how our work has transformed the way they experience their home. Many of our clients have worked with us before and continue to work with us whenever—and wherever—they relocate.
What sets your firm apart?
Our level of originality and creativity integrated with expert organization and responsiveness. We recognize that our ultimate reward is the client’s happiness, both with the process and the result.
Barbara Hawthorn Interiors, LTD.
barbarahawthorninteriors.com
Accolades:
Talk about your background.
I worked for Thomas Pheasant before launching BAI in 2016. I have a staff of four completing projects ranging from redecorating to renovations and new construction.
What sets your firm apart?
Our knowledge of construction, architecture and materials enhances our clients’ experience and allows for a solid outcome. I have a background in finance that helps me know when to spend and when not to; in fact, I’m often part of contract negotiations with the builder or remodeler.
What is your favorite aspect of your job?
Seeing my clients’ tears of joy during the big reveal of a new space is my favorite thing. I love being a designer because it truly makes a difference in a person’s life.
Bonnie Ammon Interiors
bonnieammoninteriors.com
