Home & Design
Merit Award Interior Renovation
Fowlkes Studio

A gracious row house in DC’s Kalorama neighborhood had become outmoded with time. When new owners entered the scene, they hired Fowlkes Studio for an update that would marry the dwelling’s grandeur with modern elements. The team replaced the dated kitchen with a sleek one by Poggenpohl; installed an open staircase of white oak; and converted a second-story sleeping porch into a home office topped with a roof terrace. The now-finished basement features guest quarters, a prep kitchen and a wine cellar.

Refined finishes spoke to the owners’ aesthetic vision. “Interior walls are clad in rugged materials like brick and Venetian plaster for a sense of monumentality and timelessness,” architect VW Fowlkes points out. “Wood and stone elements are layered in dialogue.”

"The designers rigorously executed a modern interior in a traditional row house. It’s the architectural equivalent of culinary fusion.”
— Stephen J. Vanze, jurist

Renovation Architecture: VW Fowlkes, AIA; Catherine Fowlkes, AIA; Martin Locraft, AIA; Josh Eager, Fowlkes Studio. Renovation Contractor: Added Dimensions, Inc.

“The directive was to create a soothing, earthy feel with natural light. The client has an affinity for the color green.”
— Eric Goetz, Blue Star
THEN
NOW

The bathroom was poorly laid out, with a toilet occupying center stage and a small pedestal sink stuck in a corner behind the tub. The soaking tub and shower are combined in a wet area at one end of the room. Appropriating an adjacent walk-in closet made room for a double vanity on the former tub wall as well as a private WC.

Limited light came through narrow windows at each end of the space. Double casement windows replaced the narrow ones, admitting more light into the room.

Boring white wall tiles and dark tile floors made the bathroom feel dingy and dated. An eye-catching material palette includes glazed, green ceramic Zia tiles on two walls. Floors and other walls are clad in random-cut, terrazzo-look porcelain tile from Vives by Grof. A walnut vanity sporting brushed-brass hardware is topped by a quartz counter.

Bath Design & Contracting: Eric Goetz, Blue Star, Washington, DC.

“The neighborhood was being replaced by modern farmhouse architecture; my client wanted to show that people could have something different.”
— James Rill
THEN
NOW

A traditional Cape Cod, the original house sat awkwardly on the site. Its stye didn’t reflect the owners’ taste. Designed around a beautiful old maple tree, the home enhances and respects its natural environment. It embraces a Mid-Century Modern aesthetic with clean, unadorned lines.

The abode lacked a strong indoor-outdoor connection. Large expanses of sliding glass and both picture and clerestory windows connect the interiors to the large front yard and smaller rear yard. Interiors spill out onto ipe decking and serene, Japanese-style courtyards.

White-painted asphalt shingles seemed out of harmony with the surroundings. The front façade held little visual interest. Gray-painted, horizontal Hardie siding complements the colors of nature; fir-clad overhangs and privacy screens made of ipe and cedar lend warmth and interest.

Renovation Architecture: James Rill, AIA, Rill Architects, Bethesda, Maryland. Builder: Woodhaven Contractors, Ijamsville, Maryland.

“My clients asked for a place where they’d want to sit and relax rather than a room that they’d just walk by.”
— Elizabeth Reich
THEN
NOW

The living room was nondescript, with beige walls and few architectural details to give it character. There was no room to display collectibles. Reich painted walls and trim in Benjamin Moore’s Gunmetal, a rich gray that modernizes the room while keeping it cozy. A wall of custom built-ins adds interest and display space.

Housing a hodgepodge of old furniture, the space lacked balance and harmony. Symmetry rules in a furniture grouping that includes twin Bernhardt sofas, coffee tables and armchairs. Low-slung stools at the entrance maintain openness.

Bare windows and a dearth of artwork contributed to a feeling of coldness. A stylish mid-century chandelier went unnoticed against the humdrum backdrop. Schumacher drapes soften the lines of the windows. Antiqued-gold drapery hardware picks up the finish on the chandelier, which pops against the gray walls. A colorful abstract painting by Baltimore artist Kelly Walker was commissioned for the space.

Interior Design: Elizabeth Reich, Jenkins Baer Associates, Baltimore, Maryland.

“It’s a remarkable transformation that captures storybook cottage style.”
— Stephen Wlodarczyk
THEN
NOW

The front yard was neglected and overgrown; invasive bamboo largely hid the house from view. The bamboo was painstakingly eradicated. The recently renovated home’s charming front façade is now visible.

A ratty gravel driveway interspersed with weeds occupied center stage in front of the house. After the driveway was relocated to one side of the home, a broad front walkway of Pennsylvania flagstone took shape, culminating at a pedestal urn surrounded by cobblestone. Beyond, a welcoming porch and front door beckon.

Weeds dominated the front yard, overpowering two ornamental trees. The overgrowth spilled onto the sidewalk. A Carderock stone retaining wall borders a garden nestled beneath redbud and weeping cherry trees that now have breathing room. Astilbe, heuchera and ferns bloom in their shade while a garden of lilies across the walkway enjoys sunshine.

Landscape Design & Contracting: Stephen Wlodarczyk, PLA, McHale Landscape Design, Upper Marlboro, Maryland.

“We gave the house a presence among the rhythm of the houses on the street.”
— Paola Lugli
THEN
NOW

A box-shaped, circa-1950s abode—a duplicate of its neighbors—lacked distinctive architectural details. Zoning restrictions prohibited additions to the structure. Inserted into the existing footprint, a shiplap volume with a butterfly roof breaks up the façade. Tall front openings and a standing-seam metal overhang above the front door add interest.

Only eight feet high, a dilapidated porch on the back of the house felt dark and inaccessible. A 10-foot-tall, shiplap-clad back porch is now an extension of the new build, which encompasses an open-plan kitchen/dining/living space. An adjacent covered area supplies indoor-outdoor connectivity.

Drab brick siding did little to set the house apart. The windows and front door were unremarkable. Black-painted bricks contrast with the white shiplap. Protruding window frames are a contemporary element; along with the front door, they are painted a playful pink.

Renovation Architecture: Paola Lugli, PLDesignStudio, Arlington, Virginia. Consulting Architect: Claudio Conti, Rome, Italy. Renovation Contractor: J&J Construction, Fairfax, Virginia.

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

‡ ‡ ‡ ‡

“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

‡ ‡ ‡ ‡

“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

‡ ‡ ‡ ‡

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

‡ ‡ ‡ ‡

“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

‡ ‡ ‡ ‡

“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

‡ ‡ ‡ ‡

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

‡ ‡ ‡ ‡

“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


Bringing a Spa Vibe Home

“Steam showers come with essential-oil kits in a variety of scents. They calm nerves, relax overworked muscles and help insomnia and congestion.”
— Katie Peters
‡ ‡ ‡ ‡

“Wet rooms are exclusive zones like those a spa would have; they combine a shower and a soaking tub in one glassed-in area.”
— J. Paul Lobkovich

‡ ‡ ‡ ‡

“My favorite recommendations are heated floors, curb-less shower entries and steam showers, which can include aromatherapy.”
— Meghan Browne 

Tubs The Pros Love

“I love Badeloft freestanding cast-stone tubs. They provide matching sinks to create a consistent design.”
— Isabella Furiati

‡ ‡ ‡ ‡

“BainUltra produces lightweight acrylic tubs with options for hydro-thermal massage, chromatherapy, aromatherapy and light and sound therapies.”
— J. Paul Lobkovich

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

‡ ‡ ‡ ‡

“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

‡ ‡ ‡ ‡

“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

‡ ‡ ‡ ‡

“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

‡ ‡ ‡ ‡

“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

‡ ‡ ‡ ‡

“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

‡ ‡ ‡ ‡

“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 

‡ ‡ ‡ ‡

“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

‡ ‡ ‡ ‡

“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  

‡ ‡ ‡ ‡

“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

‡ ‡ ‡ ‡

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

‡ ‡ ‡ ‡

“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

‡ ‡ ‡ ‡

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

‡ ‡ ‡ ‡

“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

‡ ‡ ‡ ‡

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

‡ ‡ ‡ ‡

“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

‡ ‡ ‡ ‡

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

‡ ‡ ‡ ‡

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

‡ ‡ ‡ ‡

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

HOME&DESIGN, published bi-monthly by Homestyles Media Inc., is the premier magazine of architecture and fine interiors for the Washington, DC, Maryland and Virginia region.

The company also publishes an annual H&D Sourcebook of ideas and resources for homeowners and professionals alike. H&D Chesapeake Views is published bi-annually and showcases fine home design and luxury living in and around the Chesapeake Bay.

The H&D Portfolio of 100 Top Designers spotlights the superior work of selected architects, interior designers and landscape architects in major regions of the US.

Stay Connected with HOME & DESIGN Newsletter

Copyright © 2024 Home & Design. All rights reserved. | Back to top
magnifier