With proper space planning, Exquisite Designs turned a cramped primary bath into a sleek and serene retreat. The clients requested storage, separate vanities and abundant natural light. The renovation plan removed an unnecessary bulkhead, traded regular doors for pocket doors on the closet and WC and added a frosted-glass paneled entry door. A vertical rain-glass panel over the tub brings in additional light while a leaner mirror adds depth and dimension.
Clean-lined, walnut vanities from Adelphi Kitchens & Cabinetry are adorned with Schaub hardware. Topped with quartz counters, the vanities are paired with Robern Uplift medicine cabinets and Tech pendants. The shower, Kohler sinks and Hydrosystems soaking tub boast Grohe plumbing fixtures. Porcelain tiles clad the shower and vanity walls. A favorite touch: A floating shower floor of wide-plank wood pieces, conjures the feel of showering al fresco.
Exquisite Designs
exquisitedesignshome.com
703-930-8388
The owners of a Potomac Falls home enlisted Exquisite Designs to oversee the redo of their primary bath. Their wish list included a spacious shower enclosure, a comfortable soaking tub and a more functional vanity—all in chic style with a touch of drama.
The design team removed an obtrusive corner Jacuzzi, freeing up space for a roomy shower clad in Marble Systems porcelain tiles and boasting a rain shower head. An enlarged vanity by Adelphi Kitchens & Cabinetry with Kohler sinks now incorporates a storage tower with electric and USB ports. The Hydrosystems tub is tucked beneath a bank of windows.To create a “wow” element, slabs of polished exotic marble now enhance the tub and accent walls. Santec plumbing fixtures complete the look, which includes Top Knobs cabinet hardware in a gold finish and complementary Hinkley sconces. Hunter Douglas blinds ensure privacy.
Exquisite Designs
exquisitedesignshome.com
703-930-8388
This issue marks the 15th year that H&D has spotlighted up-and-coming designers who lead their own firms in DC, Maryland and Virginia. To celebrate the milestone, we gathered for a portrait shoot at Washington's iconic Kreeger Museum, designed in 1963 by luminary architects Philip Johnson and Richard Foster. We couldn't imagine a more fitting spot to host these promising pros—all of whom are breaking exciting new ground with their work, revealed in the links below.
On May 12th, Gaggenau and ABW Appliances hosted Taste for Design, a special event at Washington’s Métier restaurant. The evening began with the screening of a film short, “Secret Ingredients,” spotlighting Spy House, a modern McLean residence that architect Simon Jacobsen designed for two former intelligence agents.
Following the film, Home & Design senior editor Julie Sanders moderated a panel discussion on the intersection of design, architecture and culinary arts with Métier chef Eric Ziebold, homeowner Joan Dempsey and Simon Jacobsen. The three panelists all appeared in the film, which features Ziebold cooking a meal in the Dempsey’s kitchen on Gaggenau luxury appliances. A four-course tasting menu with wine pairings topped off the festive affair.
On May 18, Home & Design hosted a festive event at Ferguson’s Annapolis showroom celebrating the publication of the Spring 2022 issue of Chesapeake Views. Guests mingled while browsing a plethora of high-end bath, kitchen and lighting products.
![]() | Moody BluesA design team turns a mundane home office into a dramatic destination, renovation by Marks-Woods Construction Services
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![]() | Clever RedoBlue Star transforms a rundown DC row house with a dynamic, modern update. |
![]() | Timeless StyleBOWA elevates a Reston kitchen with an open plan, improved functionality and luxe finishes. |
Stylish Getaway Homes
Tapped to design a modern vacation home in the Appalachian Mountains of West Virginia, Jonathan Kuhn paid careful attention to the obstacles and opportunities of the site. “We situated the structure at the bottom of a hill in the only level area of the property,” he recounts. Inspired by the rugged, wooded surroundings, the architecture “took on a prairie style emphasizing simplicity, integration with nature and horizontal massing that reflects the setting.”
The three-bedroom, two-and-a-half bath, single-story home comprises three volumes. The double-height central volume houses a light-filled entry that connects the volume holding the public spaces to the wing that contains the bedrooms. A screened porch links the dining room to the deck, which boasts a hot tub.
“A peaceful and tranquil retreat is set within the wooded and rugged surroundings of nature’”
—Jonathan Kuhn Jonathan
Shou Sugi Ban wood siding and micro-concrete flooring are among the materials that maintain a low-maintenance connection to nature. Says Kuhn, “The hill almost cradles the house, protecting it from the elements while providing a beautiful backdrop.”
Kuhn Architect • kuhnarchitect.com
Stylish Getaway Homes
The owners of a log cabin on Deep Creek Lake embraced their abode’s characteristic rustic exterior—but they were less enamored of its dark interior spaces. The fireplace obstructed expansive lake views while heavy timbers and traditional sliding doors also created a distraction. The owners sought a brighter, cleaner aesthetic that would reflect their preference for modern design.
“The best renovations make the greatest impact in the fewest number of moves,” observes project architect and principal William Kirwan. “Relocating the fireplace to an adjacent wall opened up the vista while providing an opportunity to significantly increase the amount and height of the glazing on the lake view-facing wall.” Folding-glass wall systems maximize the views, opening the interior to the deck and lake beyond.
“The owners sought to reflect their preference for modern design in their lakefront getaway.”
—William Kirwan, AIA, LEED AP
The log main stair was rebuilt in steel with reclaimed white oak treads, eliminating a clunky landing that had blocked sightlines. Exterior and interior timber walls were sheathed in painted drywall; timber ceilings were painted to match, brightening the spaces while retaining the original timber construction. Heavy timber railings inside and out were replaced in steel with cable rails that enhance the views.
Project Highlights
MUSE | KIRWAN ARCHITECTS • musekirwan.com
A number of regional chapters of the American Institute of Architects honored the best in local architecture during the 2021 AIA Excellence in Design Awards. The following pages list residential winners in AIA’s Northern Virginia, Maryland, Chesapeake Bay, Baltimore and Potomac Valley chapters; a sampling of award-winning projects is pictured. For a complete list of chapter winners, visit homeanddesign.com. Projects are also on view at aianova.org/DA21 and mdaiaawards.secure-platform.com
CITATION
MERIT
HONOR
RESIDENTIAL DESIGN AWARD
RESIDENTIAL HONORABLE MENTION
EXCELLENCE
MERIT
JURORS’ CITATION
SPECIAL RECOGNITION
MERIT
HONOR
HONOR, RESIDENTIAL NEW CONSTRUCTION
MERIT, RESIDENTIAL NEW CONSTRUCTION
HONOR/PRESERVATION, RESIDENTIAL RENOVATION/ADDITION
CITATION/SUSTAINABLE DESIGN, RESIDENTIAL NEW CONSTRUCTION