Our Experts

Chad Hackmann Alair Homes | Jonathan Kuhn, AIA, LEED AP, Jonathan Kuhn Architect | Matthew S. McDonald, AIA, MCDStudio | Leo Wilson, AIA, LEED AP, Hammond Wilson

Inside Scoop: Creating Curb Appeal

“Enhance your siding with new or different materials. We’ve utilized a mix of Boral and Nichiha products on recent projects.”
— Matthew McDonald

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“A carefully considered composition balances the elements of form, material and window placement. It’s the sum of all thE pieces that establishes curb appeal.”
— Leo Wilson

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“We create an inviting façade via physical and psychological indicators. Wood conveys warmth. Massing and geometries with proportion and balance contribute to the finished look.”
— Jonathan Kuhn 

What Smart Components Are Key To Sustainability?

“Sustainability can start with salvage and reuse; deconstruction is good for the environment and provides a significant tax benefit.”
— Chad Hackmann

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“HFO spray foam insulation improves thermal performance and resists airflow, saving energy and lowering costs. It also reduces sound transmission between rooms.”
— Leo Wilson

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“Integrating smart technology that controls and monitors energy use is simple and effective. Tie this to solar panels and ground-source heat pumps.”
— Jonathan Kuhn

The Latest in Windows+Doors

“Fiberglass or similar non-wood alternatives to vinyl offer competitive pricing with a higher-end look and more color options.”
— Matthew McDonald

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“Not long ago, folding doors were uncommon. Now, every major manufacturer has options for wider openings that fold or slide away to be almost unseen.”
— Chad Hackmann

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“Operation is probably the biggest advancement, with hardware increasing function. Technical improvements include better sound mitigation, insulatory/thermal values and UV protection.”
— Jonathan Kuhn

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“larger doors, including lift-and-slide, bifold and pivot options, are popular. We’re also seeing integrated, motorized shades in seamless window-and-door systems.”
— Leo Wilson

Our Experts

Meghan Browne, Jennifer Gilmer Kitchen & Bath, Ltd. | Isabella Furiati, LXRY | J. Paul Lobkovich Lobkovich | Katie Peters, Bowers Design Build

How To Mix Metals

“Stainless-steel appliances or sinks should blend in, while a contrasting secondary finish can be used for plumbing fixtures and cabinet hardware.” 
— Katie Peters

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“Every kitchen has some stainless steel in it, so I consider it a neutral. Metal accents like silver and gold go beautifully in similar amounts.”
— J. Paul Lobkovich

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“Metals have different colors and textures, with warm and cool undertones. Warm and cold can be mixed, but it takes finesse to avoid clashing.”
— Isabella Furiati

Counter Intelligence

“I always love natural stone, and quartzite is my go-to. It is very durable and the veining and coloring can be a show-stopper.”
—Meghan Browne

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“Soapstone lends luxury and richness that can only be achieved with natural materials. It’s resistant to heat, acid and chemicals and comes in many colors.”
— Katie Peters

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“I like natural stone for conservative-style kitchens and engineered stone for modern. Manufactured stone is low-maintenance and may be more practical.”
— Isabella Furiati

Our Experts

Josh Kane, Kane Landscapes | Kevin Kurdziolek, PLA, ASLA; Pristine Acres | Bernie Mihm, LA; Fine Earth Landscapes | Joseph Richardson, PLA, ASLA; Richardson & Associates Landscape Architecture

Conjuring a zen vibe in the garden

“Zen gardens are characterized by simplicity and the use of structural elements. Instead of mixed plantings, we plant in masses to create harmony.” 
— Josh Kane

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“To me, Zen means lush, textured leaves with different shades of green, and dark-gray hardscape. We like elephant ear, Japanese maple and basalt stone.”
— Kevin Kurdziolek

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“Use natural materials with irregular forms. Bring in sand or fine gravel and accent it with rocks in different sizes.”
— Joseph Richardson

Pros recall their most inspired water features

“A natural-stone waterfall flowing down to a pond. The soothing sounds and visuals are awesome and the kids love the fish and frogs.”
— Bernie Mihm 

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“A two-tiered bluestone water feature with an upper fountain, three bubblers and a spillway into a lower pool. The fountain is filled with aquatic plants.”
— Joseph Richardson

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“A large koi pond visible from the deck, pool patio and pavilion, with a gazebo on an island in the center of the pond.”
— Josh Kane 

What's hot in hardscape

“Stone veneer is leaning towards a more modern look, with long, thin rectangular pieces replacing large mosaic styles found on traditional properties.”
— Josh Kane  

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“Most popular are fire pits and outdoor kitchens made of stone topped by granite or quartz. Also, stone fire pits surrounded by stone or gravel sitting areas.”
— Bernie Mihm

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“Porcelain options have expanded. It’s a maintenance-free material that comes in different thicknesses, colors and textures.”
— Kevin Kurdziolek

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“People are exploring materials like porcelain  tile and concrete pavers; they don’t retain as much heat as bluestone, which  can reach 100 degrees.”
— Joseph Richardson

Our Experts

Barbara Hawthorn, Barbara Hawthorn Interiors | Laura Hildebrandt, Interiors by LH | Charlene Kennerknecht, MONARCH | Christie Leu, Christie Leu Interiors | Melanie Whittington, Whittington Design Studio

The Skinny on Color Trends

“Large-format murals and imagery in paint or wall coverings add huge impact. They can be applied to blank walls or even ceilings.”
— Christie Leu

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“We recently covered a primary bedroom in a beautiful ombré, then painted the ceiling high-gloss white.”
— Charlene Kennerknecht

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“We’d describe the color trend for 2024 as jewel tones with a twist—for example, a Regency stripe updated with a bright tonal mix or luminous pastels.” 
—Melanie Whittington

Designers dish on their favorite finds

“We’re always on the hunt for accent tables. We like finding antiques to set beside a sofa—or an acrylic table beside a bathtub.”
— Charlene Kennerknecht

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“Zieta Studio’s Rondo Mirror. It is so dramatic—a conversation starter and highlight of any room.”
— Laura Hildebrandt

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“I recently installed Rainbow Wave, a piece by glass artist Lisa Becker. It is harmonious and graceful—and who doesn’t love having a rainbow in their home?” 
— Barbara Hawthorn

Luxe Fabrics do Double Duty

“I’ve found a faux mohair from James Dunlop Textiles that is stain- and crush-resistant and comes in a variety of colors.” 
— Laura Hildebrandt

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“I recently upholstered a chair in a scrumptious extra-wide wale corduroy from Kravet. No one can keep their hands off it!”
— Christie Leu

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“Perennials’ indoor-outdoor Plushy looks like velvet but is solution-dyed acrylic, available in a plethora of colorways.”
— Barbara Hawthorn

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“We covered dining chairs in a performance velvet by Schumacher. It stands up to spills with style, warmth and glamour.”
— Melanie Whittington

The owners of a Woodbine, Maryland, property tapped D.A. Dunlevy to revamp their sloped backyard. “They wanted a conversation-piece pool and space for entertaining,” recounts principal D. Blake Dunlevy. “When we presented options, they were taken by the idea of a container pool.”
Traditionally used for overseas shipping, sea containers have become popular as vessels for residential swimming pools. Dunlevy tucked this one into the yard’s slope, surrounding it on three sides with an ipe deck. At the bottom of the slope, the exposed fourth side boasts an underwater viewing window.

The container pool met the clients’ aesthetic vision. “They wanted to integrate their modern taste with the farmhouse environment,” Dunlevy explains. “The pool has an industrial-modern feel.” A fire pit creates an additional gathering spot.

EXPERT INSIGHTS
Notes from D. Blake Dunlevy

• A container pool has the strength of a below-ground pool and the flexibility of an above-ground pool, with all systems in an internal compartment.
• Travertine is an easy, go-to pool-area surface for its look and feel. It is soft and elegant in a way that few other materials can match.
• Cocktail pools are everything. Small urban settings are no longer off-limits; we have been putting pools in every conceivable setting.

Landscape Architecture & Contracting: D. Blake Dunlevy, PLA, D.A. Dunlevy, Poolesville, Maryland.

A home in Northwest DC “needed new everything,” recalls Kelley Proxmire, who brought her signature lively, colorful perspective to the task of updating the circa-1970s spaces. “The owners have great artwork; we placed it in various rooms, then figured out complementary schemes of colors and fabrics.”

With her clients’ traditional sensibility in mind, Proxmire created elegant yet welcoming spaces using existing case goods, re-covered heirloom furnishings and new pieces to fill in gaps. Fresh greens and blues are woven through rooms that juxtapose textures, colors and patterns in fabric and wallpaper; attention to detail is evident in lavish trim embellishing draperies, pillows and upholstery. Says Proxmire of her measured approach, “I like a wow, but it also has to be peaceful.”

EXPERT INSIGHTS
Notes from Kelley Proxmire

• Look at the size of a room to determine furniture scale. Consider how you’re going to use the space.
• Conrad woven shades are a good way to layer a window, providing screening while still letting in the light.
• I love to mix patterns but don’t like a lot of big ones together. For instance, the pattern on the foyer floor is large-scale so I went small with the wallpaper.

Interior Design: Kelley Proxmire, Kelley Proxmire, Inc., Bethesda, Maryland.

Six months after buying an outmoded split-level in Fairfax, Virginia, its owners were ready for an overhaul. They envisioned better flow and function, and updated style—particularly in the drab kitchen. “The wife loves the mid-century aesthetic,” recounts Ann Gottlieb, who was hired for the job. “Since the house was built in the ’50s, she wanted to embrace that look.”

Gottlieb created openness by replacing a load-bearing wall between the kitchen and dining room with a wood-clad steel support beam. Windows in both spaces were enlarged and the kitchen was reconfigured around a spacious island. A coat of white paint brightened the existing beamed, exposed-wood ceiling in the kitchen; a layer of drywall between the beams conceals wires for lighting.

EXPERT INSIGHTS
Notes from Ann Gottlieb

• Don’t go cheap on cabinets; you’ll need them to be sturdy and long-lasting. Use a
  good, quality brand with a lifetime warranty.
• Invest in a recessed-lighting plan; you’ll want to make sure you have the right quantity in the right locations for functionality.
• There are vendors now who will permanently seal marble, so don’t let worries about maintenance and staining stop you if marble is
  what you love.

Interior & Kitchen Design: Ann Gottlieb, IIDA, LEED AP ID+C, Ann Gottlieb Design, Fairfax, Virginia. Contractor: Luxor Improvements, Fort Washington, Maryland.

While designing a custom estate on the Severn River in Annapolis, Purple Cherry Architects also conceived a 2,230-square-foot guest house that reflects the main abode’s modern architecture. “The structures embrace and amplify the surrounding environment, showcasing waterfront views,” recounts principal Cathy Purple Cherry. “Both utilize stone, large-scale glass, standing-seam metal roofs and vertical, nickel-gap siding.” The guest house is composed of three volumes connected by glass links. The center volume harbors a great room, complete with a kitchen and living and dining areas; there’s a guest suite above. Single-story guest suites flank the great room, which spills out to a water-facing deck. Says Purple Cherry, “The owners wanted sweeping views, but also a sense of privacy for themselves and their guests.”

EXPERT INSIGHTS
Notes from Cathy Purple Cherry

• NuCedar and Boral are two of my favorite synthetic siding materials. For roofing, I like metal and wood shakes.
• The most important factors when siting a structure are the landscape, the views and the sun’s path. I rotate the structure or even rooms themselves to frame views or exclude rudimentary ones.
• When a setting experiences excessive wind or sun, we integrate deep overhangs, big porches or bookended exterior spaces to ensure protection.

Architecture & Interior Design: Cathy Purple Cherry, AIA, LEED AP, Purple Cherry Architects, Annapolis, Maryland. Builder: ILEX Construction, Easton, Maryland. Stylist: Helen Crowther.

A DC family turned to Anthony Wilder Design/Build to transform their cramped basement into an inviting family space. Their wish list included a game room, home theater, gym, guest quarters—and a playful, modern aesthetic.

The Wilder team raised the ceiling, streamlining or eliminating obtrusive ductwork. Walls were removed to improve circulation; a load-bearing wall between the game room and theater was reduced in size and reimagined as a stylish media cabinet. “A red barn door separates the guest bedroom/gym,” explains principal Anthony Wilder. “When it’s open, the flow throughout the basement is continuous.” An elegant, 364-bottle wine room replaced two storage areas under the stairs.

A herringbone pattern on various surfaces unifies the spaces, which are enlivened by a black-and-white palette with bold pops of color.

EXPERT INSIGHTS
Notes from Anthony Wilder

• When remodeling a basement, the most important structural factor to consider is whether water is getting in.
• Cut obtrusive ductwork in half and flatten it so it’s narrow and wide rather than square and deep; paint it the color of the ceiling.
• A cost-effective move is to remove walls where possible but use the ones that must stay as built-ins or focal points.
• Add mirrors on walls to reflect light.

Renovation and Interior Design & Contracting: Anthony Wilder, Anthony Wilder Design/Build, Cabin John, Maryland.

Our Experts

Kevin Gilday, Gilday Renovations | Geoffrey Kuck, FWI Custom Homes & Renovations | George Papaheraklis, FineCraft Contractors | Michael Winn, Winn Design + Build

Why is a lighting plan key to a successful redo?

“The right lighting beautifies and harmonizes a space, enhancing the original design intent.”
— George Papaheraklis 

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“Considering color temperature, intensity and positioning of lights can reduce eye strain, enhance tasks and increase energy-efficiency.”
— Michael Winn

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“A plan identifies which fixtures are switched together and separately; how percentages of output are managed; and how lighting will impact mood and highlight art.”
— Geoffrey Kuck

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“Every room needs a lighting plan that includes supplementary illumination via lamps or pendants and sconces or up-lighting for ambiance.”
— Kevin Gilday

Trends in Smart Home Technology

“Integrated cooking, temperature, food orders, groceries and security systems all under voice command—and vacuums that clean on a schedule.”
— George Papaheraklis

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“We like Josh.ai. It offers products that are similar to Amazon Alexa or Google, but more conversational.”
— Geoffrey Kuck

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“Our team regards the Pico remote control switch as the best innovation in the past five years. It lets you put a switch at any door opening without running wires.”
— Kevin Gilday 

Storage Smarts

“Put shelves under the stairs, open up bulkheads for storage or create a laundry chute from the upper floor that makes your life easier.”
— George Papaheraklis

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“Utilize your attic. We wrap walls and nooks in shiplap; this allows the smallest spaces to look good.”
— Geoffrey Kuck

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“We often encourage people without closet space to co-opt an adjacent bedroom and outfit it as a closet—but make sure the outfitting can be removed for resale when you want more bedrooms.”
— Kevin Gilday

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“We like to create room dividers with built-in shelves or cubbies to serve as both a visual barrier and a storage unit.”
— Michael Winn

Grand Award Custom Build, Over 4,500 sq. ft.
Pyramid Builders

Avid equestrians relocating from California to Maryland’s Eastern Shore tapped Pyramid Builders to create a custom waterfront farmhouse along with a six-stall, working barn on their 15-acre property. Designed by Purple Cherry Architects, the finished project includes luxurious stables along with a 12,000-square-foot residence. “The floor plan of the main house caters to stunning river views from the back,” says Pyramid president Bret Anderson. The builder put a premium on craftsmanship throughout the residence, from the reclaimed white oak floors to custom kitchen cabinetry with elaborate mixed-metal finishes. As Anderson observes, “Wraparound porches, a pool, pool house and screened patio maximize the outdoor experience.”

"A successful blending of the casual life, shared with horses and the Eastern Shore.”
— Stephen J. Vanze, jurist

Builder: Bret Anderson; David Attenberger; Mark Sanders, Pyramid Builders. Architecture: Purple Cherry Architects. Landscape Architecture: Campion Hruby Landscape Architects.

NOTE: IMAGES OF THIS PROJECT ARE NO LONGER AVAILABLE.

Grand Award Contemporary Architecture
McInturff Architects

The owners of a wooded site in Owings Mill, Maryland, enlisted McInturff Architects to design a home where they could live and work in sync with nature. The team devised a simple structure made of steel, concrete, wood and glass that rests on a concrete plinth; solid masonry walls bookend it, while long, glass façades take in forest views. A large, open room containing the kitchen and living, dining and workspaces occupies one end with a bedroom and gym on the other. A central masonry core encloses bathrooms, stairs and mechanicals. Two small rooms perch on a minimal second floor. “The privacy provided by the wooded site allows the open living space the clients desired,” observes Mark McInturff, “with a constant connection to nature.”

Incredibly disciplined and beautiful approach to a stark but rich design. Perfecto!”
— Stephen J. Vanze, jurist

Architecture: Mark McInturff, FAIA; Jeffrey McInturff, McInturff Architects. Builder: Design Alternatives, Inc.

Merit Award Contemporary Architecture
Robert M. Gurney, FAIA Architect

Challenged to design a modern home in a busy Arlington locale, Robert Gurney envisioned a residence that would embrace—rather than shy away from—its surroundings. “We designed the house in a horizontal language to respect the scale of neighboring houses,” notes the architect. The compact, three-bedroom abode boasts open, light-filled spaces where large walls of glass provide plenty of daylight and views; motorized screens control solar gain and privacy. Conceived to tread lightly on its footprint, the home employs efficient mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems along with durable, low-maintenance building elements. Says Gurney, “Material transparency paired with a low garden brings a connection to suburban street life that other houses on the street
do not achieve.”

The architect borrowed from the modernism of the 1920s—the same era as many of its neighbors.”
— Simon Jacobsen, jurist

Architecture: Robert M. Gurney, FAIA; Matt Stephens, project architect, Robert M. Gurney, FAIA Architect. Interior Design: Therese Baron Gurney, ASID, Baron Gurney Interiors. Builder: Washington Landmark Construction. Landscape Architecture: Campion Hruby Landscape Architects.

Merit Award Traditional Architecture
Harrison Design

Clients tapped Harrison Design to conjure an English cottage-style home that would harmonize with their suburban Arlington neighborhood. The architects answered the call with aplomb. Though the six-bedroom, nine-bath residence encompasses a generous 8,700 square feet, steeply pitched gable roofs and low, three-quarter-story eaves minimize its scale. Clean, simple lines, contemporary interiors and Windsor windows with thin metal frames translate the abode’s classic style for today.

"A good example of the values of C. F. A. Voysey as seen in our present world.”
— Stephen J. Vanze, jurist

Architecture: Mark Hughes, AIA; Anamaria Quijano Franky, Harrison Design. Developer & Designer: Rosewood NB. Builder: Thorsen Construction. Landscape Architecture: Richardson & Associates Landscape Architecture. Styling: Kristi Hunter.

Grand Award Traditional Architecture
Donald Lococo Architects

Sited on a property enhanced by mature trees, meadows and a pond, a new residence designed by Donald Lococo Architects offers a fresh take on a classic country home. Upon arrival, guests are ushered via a courtyard toward the entry clad in stone. Inside, an open hallway leads to the graciously proportioned dining room, breakfast area and great room. In the latter, rustic stone anchors the fireplace walls, connecting the structure’s interior and exterior architecture. “These spaces all face the property’s striking eastern exposure, which captures the morning sun and views of the pond,” Lococo notes. The upper floors house six bedrooms and a gym while the lower level boasts a recreation room and office space.

Crisp and refined detailing and robust connections to the landscape make this a wonderful place to be.”
— Amy Gardner, jurist

Architecture: Donald Lococo, AIA; David Moore, Donald Lococo Architects LLC. Interior Design: Melanie Turner Interiors. Builder: Phoenix Builders. Landscape Architecture: Horn & Co.

Merit Award Custom Build, Over 4,500 sq. ft.
Sandy Spring Builders

Clients with a narrow, 365-foot-deep lot approached Sandy Spring Builders about constructing a custom home on site. Working with GTM Architects, they devised a plan for a 10,000-square-foot “telescoping” house that would make the most of the challenging parcel. The completed, four-bedroom abode exudes a timeless presence with lime ash brick, cedar shakes and standing-seam copper roof details. “The exterior provides the sense that the home has always been there,” notes Sandy Springs’ Mike McNeel. An arched entry foyer leads to the kitchen, dining area, family room and glass-walled sunroom. And an exercise room with heaters for hot yoga overlooks the pool and rear yard. A lower-level rec room with a wine cellar, golf simulator and home theater round out the amenities.

"The telescoping design, relationship of rooflines and progression of spaces enhance the drama of the site.”
— Amy Gardner, jurist

Builder: Mike McNeel; Tyler Abrams; Eric Abrams; Wendi Walsh, Sandy Spring Builders. Architecture: GTM Architects. Interior Design: Amelia Johnson Design. Landscape Design: Fine Earth Landscape, Inc.