NATURAL BEAUTY  CALI’s GeoWood flooring fortifies a layer of real bamboo or hardwood with a limestone-composite foundation, which makes the product water-resistant and easy to install. Manufactured with sustainably harvested species, the floors have ultra-low VOC ratings. The full line includes four bamboo and nine hardwood finishes; Capistrano Oak is pictured. calibamboo.com

NORDIC NOTE  With matte-white metal shades and beechwood accents, Spanish lighting brand Mantra’s Looker collection sounds a Nordic note. Designed in chic, casual style by Santiago Sevillano, the fixture comes in three- and five-light pendants (pictured) and as an adjustable study lamp. mantrailuminacion.com

BRASS TACKS  Crosswater London’s Union collection marries an industrial edge with solid brass construction. Shown in Unlacquered Brass, the Single-Hole Basin Faucet features a lever handle and finely knurled detailing. Available at Konst Union. crosswaterlondon.com​; konstunion.com

VINTAGE EDGE  California Faucets has expanded its Descanso Series with two new handle options that evoke 1930s industrial style. The spinoff includes a lever and a wheel handle (pictured); the latter comes in a powder-coated matte black or red finish. californiafaucets.com

Our Experts

Wilma Bowers Bowers Design Build  |  Fritz Eisenbrandt Eisenbrandt Companies  |  Carolyn Elleman Case Architects & Remodelers  |  TJ Monahan, AIA BOWA  |  Sean Mullin, AIA Anthony Wilder Design/Build

What upgrades deliver the most bang for your buck?

“For resale, the best bet is curb appeal—that transformation from ordinary to amazing.”  — Sean Mullin

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“Starting a project is expensive, so the more you do, the better the value. Don’t focus on dollars at the expense of time and emotion.”  — TJ Monahan

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“Many people rarely use their formal dining and living rooms, yet feel cramped in the kitchen and family room; recreating these spaces allows for a customized approach to each homeowner.”  — Wilma Bowers

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“Kitchen and bath updates. Heated floors, double vanities and recessed cabinets are always popular in the bath.”  — Fritz Eisenbrandt

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“A tankless water heater saves money and space. And it has no limitations since it heats the water as it goes through.”  — Carolyn Elleman

Share an ingenious storage solution you’ve come up with.

“Window seats with storage, hidden panels in walls or behind closets for valuables. We once built a secret office behind a wall.”  — Wilma Bowers

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“We like making something look like it’s not what it is. In a recent project, the door to the pantry looked like a cabinet.”  — Sean Mullin

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“We added a spice pullout by the kitchen sink and stashed the sink clutter there. The Top rack is for sponges, the bottom holds cleansers.”  — TJ Monahan

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“Under-stair storage. We recently stored the cat litter box there, along with a cubby for the dog.”  — Carolyn Elleman

What items do you recommend salvaging prior to renovation?

“Rely on the expertise of your remodeler when it comes to what’s worth saving. Appliances may not be meant to be reinstalled. And some building materials may not match your new ones.”  — TJ Monahan

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“Salvage door knobs and handles; they might be crystal or brass—hard to find and expensive. There are companies that will bring them back to life.”  — Carolyn Elleman

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“We recommend keeping solid wood-paneled doors and quality wood flooring that can be refurbished.”  — Wilma Bowers

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“From a supply-chain standpoint: Hold onto your appliances so you can use them while waiting for new ones to come in.”  — Sean Mullin

Our Experts

Shawna J. Dillon, ASID, NCIDQ Snaidero DC Metro  |  Jennifer Gilmer, CKD Jennifer Gilmer Kitchen & Bath, Ltd.  |  Tracy McGuinness, CKBD Kitchen Encounters  |  Larry Rosen Jack Rosen Custom Kitchens  |  Julia Walter Boffi Georgetown

How do you mastermind a small-space kitchen?

“Select a quiet cabinet style and finish and forgo handles, grout lines, moldings and trim to give the impression of space.”  — Shawna Dillon

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“Try not to overcrowd. Shallow-depth base and tall pantry cabinets work Best. Choose recessed LEDs over hanging or surface-mounted fixtures.”  — Larry Rosen

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“Consider a small sink with a cover that doubles as a work surface. Cabinets can sit on the countertop with bi-fold doors that open to create additional workspace.”  — Jennifer Gilmer

Favorite kitchen faucet?

“We like brands with multiple matching functions: main faucet, water filter, accessories and a secondary faucet for a prep sink.”  — Julia Walter

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“Choose a single handle with a pullout spray. A high arch will make it a focal point and easily clear tall pots.”  — Tracy McGuinness

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“A gooseneck with a pull-down spray. They are tall, allowing room to work, and complement any setting.”  — Larry Rosen

Our Experts

Bonnie Ammon Bonnie Ammon Interiors  |  Iantha Carley Iantha Carley Interiors  |  Josh Hildreth Josh Hildreth Interiors  |  Jamie Merida Jamie Merida Interiors  |  Skip Sroka, ASID, NCIDQ, ICAA Sroka Design, Inc.

What high-low combo is easy to pull off?

“Make an inexpensive find into a lamp, then splurge on the shade. Lamps are the jewelry in a room.”  — Josh Hildreth

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“You can spend less on accessories and lighting. But be careful where they go so they don’t look cheesy.”  — Iantha Carley

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“I framed 15 kids’ watercolor pictures and hung them amid luxe furniture in complementary colors. It took the art to a new level.”  — Jamie Merida

Name your go-to neutral or bold paint hue.

“I love hot pink; if you use it right it isn’t too feminine. Benjamin Moore’s Chantilly Lace is a crisp white that is a great backdrop for color.”  — Bonnie Ammon

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“I use pale colors as neutrals. Man on the Moon by Benjamin Moore is warm with a cream cast.”  — Skip Sroka

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“I love Farrow & Ball’s Charleston Gray; it’s soothing, with a hint of purple. I’m about to paint my front door in it.”  — Iantha Carley

Tips for playing with pattern

“I mix Motifs of different scales and combine them with solids to break things up visually. I Use one dominant color to focus the eye.”  — Bonnie Ammon

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“You should have one exciting, multi-color print with two-toned supporting patterns. Mix in a textural pattern too.”  — Josh Hildreth

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“Playing with pattern is intuitive. Remember to edit; don’t get messy and overdo it.”  — Skip Sroka

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“I’m a big fan of pattern play, but the balance has to be there. Big, bold florals may go with a small paisley.”  — Jamie Merida

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“I love mixing lots of patterns—but you have to know when to stop. Start largE and work your way down in scale.”  — Iantha Carley

Our Experts

Bret Anderson Pyramid Builders  |  Eric R. Carle, AIA Runningdog Architects  |  VW Fowlkes, AIA, LEED AP Fowlkes Studio  |  Amy Gardner, FAIA, LEED AP Gardner Architects LLC  |  Brad Pryor Horizon Builders

What unsung components are key to a stellar project?

“The best projects require equal attention to what’s behind the walls. Your builder should be knowledgeable about the inner workings of your house.”  — Brad Pryor

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“It’s not a component but a feel. Light and shadow. How do you experience the outside world from the space you’re in?”  — Eric Carle

What’s hot: future trends in building.

“Many wood-look materials produce a durable, low-maintenance alternative to wood siding. We’ve been researching Accoya, Trespa Pura NFC and Kebony.”  — Amy Gardner

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“We’re excited about harnessing solar energy in more of the ultra-homes we build. For example, Tesla manufactures quartz solar shingles with attractive textures.”  — Bret Anderson

What’s the smartest place to splurge?

“We look for what’s BEST for the client, whether it’s space-planning, storage and closets or HVAC.”  — VW Fowlkes

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“For durability, energy-efficiency and resilience, building infrastructure is the wisest place to invest.”  — Amy Gardner

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“Thinking of the home as a long-term investment, durability is the way to go: geothermal HVAC systems, mahogany windows, waterproofing and insulation.”  — Brad Pryor

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“Windows. Bringing light into a building, experiencing the outside through them. High-quality windows work better, feel better, require less maintenance.”  — Eric Carle

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“Timelessness and sound building materials are paramount. Future owners will thank you for the strong foundation.” — Bret Anderson

York Wallcoverings managing director Ashley Vizzi Akridge and her family recently moved into a Federal-style Georgetown abode. H&D caught up with her there.

What are the hottest trends in wallpaper?
Large-scale murals and big prints are on the rise. It's a great time to be a maximalist! We’re also bringing nature indoors with botanical and floral prints and organic materials like wood, jute and grasses.

Current favorite wall covering and why?
I love grass cloth. It’s timeless and also helps with noise control. In my home, I feature grass cloth in teal, lavender, off-white and pale blue.

How do you accentuate texture and pattern?
Texture and pattern help create a mood—like textured neutrals and small-scale prints in a tranquil bedroom. A powder room with less natural light is an opportunity to go bold with large-scale patterns.

Rules of thumb for hanging art on wallpaper?
Hanging art on wallpaper can be very stressful because the nail holes are permanent. Be sure you absolutely love the artwork and the placement.

Unexpected space to enhance with wall covering?
The ceiling, which we call the fifth wall, is an under-utilized way to add dimension and personality. I have wall covering on my closet ceiling from Carlisle & Co.; the closet is a great place to start with this trend.

Our Experts

Shawna J. Dillon, ASID, NCIDQ Snaidero DC Metro  |  Jennifer Gilmer, CKD Jennifer Gilmer Kitchen & Bath, Ltd.  |  Tracy McGuinness, CKBD Kitchen Encounters  |  Larry Rosen Jack Rosen Custom Kitchens  |  Julia Walter Boffi Georgetown

What are wise bathroom investments for resale?

“Extras are costly and hard to do retroactively. Go nuts with handheld, rain and body sprays; people will snap them up on resale.”  — Shawna Dillon

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“Curb-less showers with frameless glass enclosures. A heated-tile floor feels luxurious as you reach for a towel off the towel warmer.”  — Larry Rosen

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“Smart technology with digital controls will allow you to personalize your shower settings. And they’re operable via smart phone.”  — Tracy McGuinness

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“Increasing your shower space is smart for aging in place. Adding a linear drain will look more contemporary and spa-like. ”  — Jennifer Gilmer

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“A unique tile or stone slab will set the tone. Look for a well-planned vanity and easy-access medicine cabinets.”  — Julia Walter

During the Washington Design Center’s Fall Market Day on September 29th, RUE IV hosted a panel discussion entitled “The Power of Women.” Editor in chief Sharon Jaffe Dan moderated the conversation, which focused on the challenges and rewards of creating a design brand with five innovative female entrepreneurs whose lines are represented in the showroom. After the panel, attendees met the makers and perused their wares.

Photos: Kaz Sasahara/Lancer Photography

On October 12, Home & Design celebrated the launch of its 2023 Idea Book with a reception at ABW, a luxury-appliance showroom in Rockville. A highlight of the evening was the announcement of the magazine’s first annual Design Excellence Awards, published in H&D’s Idea Book and at homeanddesign.com.

Renovation Architecture: Elizabeth Emerson, AIA, EL Studio, Washington, DC. Renovation Contractor: Added Dimensions, Inc., Takoma Park, Maryland.

Kitchen Design: Tanya Smith-Shiflett, NKBA, Unique Kitchens & Baths, Washington, DC, and Great Falls, Virginia. Renovation Contractor: CarrMichael Construction, Oakton, Virginia.

Renovation Architecture & Contracting: Michael Winn, Winn Design + Build, McLean, Virginia.

Landscape Design & Installation: Angela Rodrigues, Xtra Care Landscaping & Design, Inc., Damascus, Maryland.