Our Experts

Jim Dillon - Snaidero DC Metro  |  Georgia Economakis - Designs by Georgia

J. Paul Lobkovich - Lobkovich Kitchen Designs  |  Leslee Tucker - Kitchen & Bath Creations

What spa-like features are most in demand?

“We often have requests for steam showers, as well as heated floors and towel bars. Places to relax in the bathroom are also desirable so if there’s space, we’ll add a comfortable chair or ottoman.”

J. Paul Lobkovich

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“In primary baths, it’s larger showers with sophisticated shower systems. We’re also seeing more upgraded lighting systems for ambiance and mirrors with integrated LED lighting.”

Georgia Economakis

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“Soaking tubs are a favorite and can offer cold-plunge options and chromotherapy. We also like to use organic materials, such as stone and wood, and bring in lots of natural light if possible.”

Jim Dillon

Kitchen island or central table?

“Central tables can be a great alternative to islands, especially in smaller kitchens. The lightness of the table is sometimes preferable to the visual weight an island can add.”

Jim Dillon

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“An island is preferable. Island height (36 inches) is much easier to work at than table height (30 inches).  Also, you can pack a lot of valuable storage in an island.”

J. Paul Lobkovich

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“An island is perfect for a casual meal, presenting a buffet of food or using as a flexible workspace. And the central table remains that go-to spot where everyone gathers and shares a family dinner.”

Leslee Tucker

How do you add character to a plain kitchen?

“White kitchens are timeless, but nothing adds personality like color. If you are too shy to do an entire kitchen in a color, then add pops such as the interiors of glass-fronted or open cabinets.”

J. Paul Lobkovich 

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“We encourage details that have personal meaning, such as using hand-painted terra-cotta tiles as a nod to a client’s Portuguese heritage or finding a spot that might beautifully display their grandmother’s china.”

Jim Dillon

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“Hardware is one of my favorite ways to add interest to a kitchen. When you find hardware that truly reflects your personal style and feels like jewelry being added to a gorgeous dress—it’s the best!”

Leslee Tucker

Our Experts

Sarah Armstrong, AIA - Studio360 LLC  |  Mike Campbell - Winchester

James McDonald - James McDonald Associate Architects  | Yuri Sagatov - ODE Design

What’s a game-changing building product?

“Products like Hardie Board panels or large-format tile provide weather-resistant accents, adding color and texture to a design.”

James McDonald

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“Using new lighting systems to set a mood or define a space can make a design come alive, so innovative products like Ketra are incredibly exciting to me.”

Sarah Armstrong

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“Our company has been using Accoya wood products in many exterior applications, such as decks, windows, doors, siding and shutters. The product is stable, rot-resistant and paints well.”

Mike Campbell

What home amenities are most in demand?

“There’s a growing demand for kitchens that incorporate sculleries or oversized, highly functional pantries. These spaces serve as hardworking zones for countertop appliances—freeing up the main kitchen to remain clean, open and visually calm.”

Yuri Sagatov

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“Clients ask for flexible spaces that can accommodate family members coming and going, such as aging parents or young adult children who are transitioning to leaving the roost. This could be a study that can transform into a bedroom, or suites that can accommodate family to age in place for a longer stretch of time.”

Sarah Armstrong

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“We’ve seen an uptick in outdoor cooking, fire pits and stand-alone masonry fireplaces. We imagine these spaces were results of the pandemic and clients’ desire to have the amenities of a high-end resort in their backyard.”

Mike Campbell

How is AI impacting your work?

“In the custom-home industry, it is still important to work with clients to develop and translate their wishes into a home for their family, but AI has really sped up the facilitation of digital renderings to present to them.”

James McDonald

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“In the short term, AI will likely lower the barrier to entry for semi-custom interior design, enabling faster creation of mood boards and aesthetic concepts. Over the long term, It’s entirely possible that AI could generate impressive home designs or architectural concepts with little to no expert input. “

Yuri Sagatov

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“AI has been a great tool for our office, allowing us to quickly access inspiration images to share with clients and save time researching product ideas. We use it to take meeting notes, write proposals and create renderings.”

Sarah Armstrong

When a couple with two young boys felt growing pains in their 1955 Somerset rancher, they called Four Brothers Design + Build, who offered a clever solution: Build up instead of out. Now, a 1,400 square-foot, second-story addition holds a secluded primary suite and art studio. The first floor saw changes, too. The existing kids’ bedrooms became ensuites, and a powder room and mudroom were added.

Reconfiguring the layout allowed for a larger, modernized kitchen and an open-plan living and dining area. Large-format windows connect those spaces to the woodland setting and flood them with natural light—a must for the homeowner’s extensive plant collection. “Bringing the feel of the woods and the outside world into the house was important, so we picked materials that felt more natural,” relays architect Sondra Zabroske.  “The owner was leaning into a Japandi aesthetic.”

EXPERT TAKEAWAYS

Advice from architect Sondra Zabroske

• Adding a second story makes sense, especially in urban areas where square footage is at a premium.
• A “pop-up” is more structurally involved, so make sure you go with an architect or a design-build firm that’s done it before.
• Sometimes the best solution is a compromise: He wanted a separate dining room and she wanted an open plan. That’s how we landed on the glass doors.

Renovation Architecture & Contracting: Sondra Zabroske, AIA, Four Brothers Design + Build, Washington, DC.

A  young couple with three children under the age of ten hired Dana Schwartz to dress the interiors of their new build in Potomac. For the dining room, they requested a loungey aesthetic reminiscent of the restaurants and bars they frequented as New Yorkers. Schwartz found the cornerstone of the design in a Phillip Jeffries wallpaper depicting a night sky that she applied on the ceiling. Once that went up, everything from the moody palette to the cloudlike chandelier fell into place.

Because the space is exceptionally long, she sanctioned off the front of the room to create a cocktail zone. There, in collaboration with GTM Architects and Thorsen Construction, she employed a genius idea: A double-arched wall smartly conceals the window treatment hardware and allows the fenestration to shine. Says Schwartz, “It was a cool solution that also happens to look really beautiful.”

EXPERT TAKEAWAYS

Advice from designer Dana Schwartz

• With such a long room, it’s important to create zones to give an open-plan space purpose.
• So many people are afraid of color; if something is a bolder choice than you’re used to, make sure it’s something you will love for years to come.
• When a room isn’t used every day, take a chance and do something a little more special or dramatic with the design.

Architecture: GTM Architects, Bethesda, Maryland. Interior Design: Dana Schwartz, Dana Schwartz Design, Washington, DC. Builder: Thorsen Construction, Alexandria, Virginia. 

A 1980s build near Turkey Run Park in McLean had water drainage issues, so the owners called landscape architect Scott Brinitzer to devise a solution. One thing led to another and over the course of 12 years he completely reshaped the grounds, most notably the back gardens. Working with an area no more than 30 feet wide, he filled in and terraced the yard. A long, narrow pool celebrates its linear dimensions, and a sitting area with a fireplace lives near a canopy of clipped hornbeams, inspired by the owner’s love of formal French landscapes. A Corten steel bridge connects the pool to a garden with a ping-pong table, and allows stormwater run-off to pass underneath. “It looks like the gardens have always been there, but it’s all found land that we created by terracing the property,” says Brinitzer. “The simplicity of design belies the technical challenges that went into it.”

EXPERT TAKEAWAYS

Advice from landscape architect Scott Brinitzer

• Varying the size of boxwoods in an orderly container is a way to play with shapes in a lighthearted way.
• Grass stairs can be an easier option to traverse a steep incline without creating a hulking masonry stairway.
• With outdoor rooms, aim for a continuum through the composition, so each area is part of the overall idea and everything is connected.

Landscape Architecture: Scott Brinitzer, PLA, ASLA, Brinitzer Landscape Architecture, Falls Church, Virginia.

When a client bought nearly 100 acres in Etlan, Virginia, with views of Old Rag Mountain, he hired Robert Gurney to design a house. Needing a place to lodge while the main residence was being built, he also asked the architect to design a 1,700-square-foot contemporary farmhouse on five acres he parceled off. Readily available materials such as clapboard siding, asphalt shingles and corrugated metal siding were used. Composed of three gabled volumes with minimal ornamentation, the house took its inspiration from the vernacular red barns that dot the region’s landscape. “The idea was to do something that responded to the setting,” explains Gurney.

While the home’s footprint and materials are relatively modest, its 14-foot ceilings impart a sense of grandeur; strategically placed windows celebrate majestic mountain views. Adds Gurney, “when you walk in and the ceiling opens up, it’s a drop-your-jaw moment.”

EXPERT TAKEAWAYS

Advice from architect Robert M. Gurney

• You don’t need a large amount of square footage to make a space feel big—ceiling height can accomplish that.
• When you have an amazing setting like this, the architecture should frame the views.
• Opting for understated and minimal interior finishes keeps the focus on what’s outside.

Architecture: Robert M. Gurney, FAIA, principal; Matt Stephens, project architect; Robert M. Gurney, FAIA Architect, Washington, DC. Landscape Architecture: Campion Hruby Landscape Architects, Annapolis, Maryland. General Contractor: Fajen & Brown, Hyattsville, Maryland.

Empty nesters with frequently visiting family dreamed of renovating the original kitchen of their 1997 Great Falls home. “A lot of the problem was aesthetic; it was frilly and overdone,” recounts architect Nancy McCarren of Jennifer Gilmer Kitchen & Bath, who was tapped for the update.

Luckily, it wasn’t all bad: Existing parquet floors, stained ceiling beams and a salvaged French pantry door provided inspiration for the freshened-up look. A limestone-and-brass Francois & Co. range hood became the new focal point, while a large island with furniture legs conceals a wealth of storage. Nearby, a built-in bar replaced an outdated and barely used desk area. Warm white cabinets with quartzite countertops and a stunning marble mosaic backsplash complete the scene. “The owner was open to having something unique,” says McCarren of the backsplash. “The moment we saw it, we knew it was a magical find.”

EXPERT TAKEAWAYS

Advice from architect Nancy McCarren

• Consider your needs for storage. Here, we did a lot of hidden storage in the island and we did an appliance garage for smaller items.
• Every little detail has to be right—even more so when something is going to be a major focal point, such as the range hood.
• Be sure to balance your wood finishes with painted ones so the room doesn’t feel too visually lopsided.

Kitchen Design: Nancy McCarren, AIA, LEED AP, Jennifer Gilmer Kitchen & Bath, Chevy Chase, Maryland. Contractor: Paul Lappas, Lappas Contractors, Inc.

BRANCHING OUT  Resembling a constellation, the Birmingham wall sconce combines starburst topaz Piastre glass and clear, etched shades for an interplay of light and texture. Available in three formats with a vintage brass finish. hvlgroup.com

WALL FLOWER  Blending Deco flair with preppy Palm Beach style, Coleen and Company’s Leafy sconce is a playful addition to any wall. In seven colors, as well as custom paint options. Shown in Farrow & Ball’s Calke Green. coleenandcompany.com

ITALIAN STYLE  The Duomo sconce by Michael Amato for Urban Electric features a shade that’s evocative of the dome of Santa Maria del Fiore in Florence. Shown in tarnished brass with a custom painted accent and Zak & Fox shade. urbanelectric.com

SHELL GAME  Inspired by the treasure found inside an oyster, this Roll & Hill sconce has a handblown Italian glass outer shell that masks an internal handblown “pearl.” Shown in oil-rubbed bronze and cased fume glass. rollandhill.com

EFFORTLESS GLOW  The Twinky cordless sconce in antique brass requires just two screws to install, and it’s rechargeable. Pop off the shade and plug it in using a USB charger for 10 hours of warm, dimmable light. us.pooky.com

BAUBLE BAR  Sean Lavin’s Collier sconce is composed of dangling, faceted alabaster glass “beads” made in the Czech Republic. Each contains integrated LED lighting and is joined by solid-brass connectors. Available in multiple-length strands. visualcomfort.com

NATURAL SELECTION  Designer Amber Lewis brings her California-cool vibe to the Rui sconce. Its classic silhouette pairs an abaca shade with a hand-rubbed antique brass plate for a transitional light with go-anywhere appeal. luluandgeorgia.com

JADE ACCENT  Named after a Greek Muse, the Thalia sconce is saturated in marbleized color with metal accents. The dual-light fixture can be installed horizontally or vertically. It’s hardwired, but there’s a plug-in option, too. sazeracstitches.com

GREEN MACHINE In 21 different hues, including Matcha (shown here), the KitchenAid Artisan stand mixer is the perfect pop of color for the kitchen countertop. Includes a five-quart, stainless-steel bowl, flat beater, dough hook, wire whip and pouring shield. williams-sonoma.com

SUPER SOAKER  The monolithic Celine Petite tub from Devon & Devon is crafted entirely from White Tec Plus, a sustainable material made of vegetable-derived resins. It’s available in a full range of colors with a sophisticated matte finish. devon-devon.com

HOT HANDLES  California Faucets introduces a colorful palette of porcelain handles in two different styles: the sleek and minimalist Cayucos (shown here) as well as the more traditional Del Mar Series. calfaucets.com

PRETTY IN PINK  BlueStar expands its line with a new  36-inch induction range featuring an ample, five-zone cooking surface. Customizable in over 1,000 colors, including this cheery salmon hue, with various metal trim finishes. bluestarcooking.com

VIBRANT VESSEL  With bold color and utilitarian style, this vintage-inspired bucket sink from Concretti is perfect for a mudroom, powder room or a kids’ bath. Handcrafted in concrete, it’s available in 18 colors with two- or three-hole mount options. concrettidesigns.com

KISSES & HUGS  Inspired by the 1960s Pop Art movement, these playful enamel-and-brass cabinet pulls come in “X” and “O” shapes. Designed by Doug Meyer, they add a whimsical touch and burst of color to any interior. modern-matter.com

HOLD THE MARTINI  True Residential introduced a full suite of refrigeration units in Olive, a nuanced deep green with subtle undertones of gray, reminiscent of lush forests and mossy paths. Customizable with a variety of finish and hardware options. true-residential.com

BOLD & BRIGHT  Ann Sacks introduces 10 new glazes to its MADE collection of earthenware tiles—perfect for adding color to the kitchen or bath. Each ceramic tile is handcrafted to order in Portland, Oregon, from a palette of over 100 artisan glazes. annsacks.com

SKY LIGHT  Baby blue on the outside with a gilded interior and an aged-brass geometric chain, the Binta pendant from Shades of Light is one eye-catching way to add a splash of color over a kitchen island. shadesoflight.com

HIP TO BE SQUARES  Neutral tones comingle with vibrant colors in Elitis’ new Bohemian-inspired Tribus collection of wall coverings, influenced by global artisanship. Comporta, shown here, is characterized by a rich patchwork pattern of tie-dyed raffia squares. elitis.fr

THROWING SHAPES  From Kravet’s Art District collection comes Mural, a blend of loose brushstrokes and abstract forms resembling a canvas you might spy hanging in the Hirshhorn. Printed on luxurious 100-percent linen, the pattern is available in four colorways. kravet.com

GRACIOUS GESTURES  Robust, layered brushstrokes define Thibaut’s Magnus patterned fabric, shown here on pillows. Organic and gestural, the strokes vary in opacity, creating depth and tonal variation throughout four different color ways. Also available in a matching wallpaper. thibautdesign.com

WINNING STREAKS  Perfectly imperfect hand-painted lines run up and down this House of Hackney wallpaper, appropriately titled Artist’s Stripe. Available in eight colorways including Amber (shown here), it’s FSC-certified, PVC-free and printed with water-based inks. houseofhackney.com

COASTAL FARE  Inspired by abstract art, Villa Vibes features a geometric pattern that conjures a hillside scene in a Mediterranean seaside town. Made of marshmallow hemp, the wall covering has a textural finish reminiscent of a painted fresco. phillipjeffries.com

CLOUD FORMATION  Backdrop collaborated with artist Xavier Donnelly to manifest Painted Sky, a dense cumulus cloudscape with subtle tonal shifts and an airy three-dimensional feel—like a Renaissance ceiling minus the angels. schumacher.com

DREAMLIKE STATE  Abstract Expressionist art from the 1940s and ’50s informed Mokum’s Modern Art collection of fabrics. Ronde, shown here, is composed of watercolor-like shapes digitally printed onto a wide linen base, creating a sheer, ethereal effect. mokumtextiles.com

Molly Acorn, owner of Mantel House DC, shares her insights on how to choose the perfect mantel:

• Respect the architecture—but feel free to mix eras. A period-appropriate mantel creates harmony, while a thoughtful contrast can bring a level of surprise to a space.
• Scale matters. Make sure it’s proportional to the ceiling height and fireplace opening so it feels balanced.
• Invest in lasting materials. Marble and other natural stones stand the test of time.

BLACK BEAUTY  In Nero Marquina marble, the Hudson mantel offers a fresh take on Old World charm. It can be installed as a decorative accent or used with a wood-burning fireplace or Valor’s Windsor gas and electric units. mantelhousedc.com

POURED PERFECTION  With its clean lines, Trueform’s Beam fireplace surround can work in traditional or modern settings. Each of its three pieces is handmade in the U.S. and sealed to protect the concrete’s distinct patina. Available in eight colors and three finishes. trueformconcrete.com

A FINE RIBBING  DreamCast’s Adagio surround features a fluted front and curved sides that lead your eye to the dancing flames of a roaring fire. Made of high-performance concrete with glass-fiber reinforcement, it’s suitable for gas, electric and wood-burning fireplaces. dreamcastdesign.com

CHALET CHIC  Designed as a statement piece in steel, Ortal’s new Oval gas-burning fireplace provides a mod, ski-lodge vibe with its sleek, midcentury shape. It can be fully suspended or wall-mounted (shown here). ortalheat.com

ARCH APPEAL  Evocative of classical Grecian columns and modern masterpieces such as the Metropolitan Opera House at Lincoln Center, Chesney’s Wallace mantel has a style that’s both lyrical and architectural. Executed in limestone, it would boost the ambience of any room—with or without a fire. chesneys.com

ROYAL TREATMENT  Ceramic stoves have been used for centuries to heat homes in northern Europe. The Kungsholm, an Art Nouveau-inspired design, is handcrafted by Gabriel of Sweden. Its tiled surface doesn’t get too hot to touch and it provides constant radiant warmth. ceramicstove.com

We are honored to present our annual Home & Design Excellence Awards. Showcasing the depth and breadth of talent in DC, Maryland and Virginia, this juried competition recognizes outstanding work in residential architecture, interior design, custom-building, kitchen and bath design, landscape design and remodeling. Congratulations to the winners, chosen from 224 entries. They are listed opposite and further spotlighted in corresponding sections of this Idea Book.

WINNERS

BUILT TO PERFECTION

	Grand Award Contemporary Architecture Patrick Brian Jones PLLC Read More...	Merit Award Contemporary Architecture Gardner Architects LLC Read More... and  Robert M. Gurney, FAIA Architect Read More...
	Grand Award Traditional Architecture Wiedemann Architects, LLC Read More...	Merit Award Traditional Architecture Donald Lococo Architects Read More...
	Grand Award Custom Build: Whole House, New Construction Bayview Builders Read More...	Merit Award Custom Build: Whole House, New Construction Classic Homes of Maryland Read More... and The Block Builders Group Read More...
	Grand Award Custom Build: Whole House, Renovation Robert M. Gurney, FAIA Architect Read More...	Merit Award Custom Build: Whole House, Renovation Wiedemann Architects, LLC Read More...

DREAM KITCHENS & BATHS

	Grand Award Kitchen Design Premier Home Center Read More...	Merit Award Kitchen Design Joyful Designs Studio Read More...
	Grand Award Bath Design Ann Gottlieb Design Read More...	Merit Award Bath Design Melissa Mclay Interiors Read More...

THE GREAT OUTDOORS

	Grand Award More Than One Acre Richardson & Associates Read More...	Merit Award More Than One Acre Richardson & Associates Read More...
	Grand Award Less Than One Acre FORM Garden Design Read More...	Merit Award Less Than One Acre CLINTON+RIES Landscape Architects Read More...
	Grand Award Outdoor Entertainment Space Richardson & Associates Read More...	Merit Award Outdoor Entertainment Space GTM Architects Read More...

INSPIRING INTERIORS

	Grand Award Whole House Ella Scott Design LLC Read More...	Merit Award Whole House Barbara Noguera Interiors Read More...
	Grand Award Condo/Apartment Casa Millie Read More...	Merit Award Condo/Apartment Sroka Design Read More...
	Grand Award Getaway Home Jodi Macklin Interior Design Read More...	Merit Award Getaway Home Tracy Morris Design Read More...
	Grand Award Outstanding Single Room Makeover Barbara Noguera Interiors Read More...	Merit Award Outstanding Single Room Makeover Laura Fox Interior Design, LLC Read More...

READY, SET, REMODEL

	Grand Award Interior Renovation Eastwing Architects Read More...	Merit Award Interior Renovation Balodemas Architects Read More...
	Grand Award Exterior Makeover Robert M. Gurney, FAIA Architect Read More...	Merit Award Exterior Makeover Mcinturff Architects Read More...

THE JUDGES

Three expert panels judged the 2025 Home & Design Excellence Awards. Many thanks to our esteemed local jurists, listed below: 

Architects (Architecture, Custom Build, Remodel)

Interior Designers (Interiors, Kitchen & Bath)

Landscape Architects (Landscape)

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