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.”
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 Nearby, a built-in bar replaced an outdated and barely used desk area.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.”
Advice from architect Nancy McCarren
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 |
 | 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.
 | Grand Award | Merit AwardContemporary ArchitectureGardner Architects LLC Read More...and |
 | Grand AwardTraditional ArchitectureWiedemann Architects, LLC | Merit AwardTraditional ArchitectureDonald Lococo Architects |
 | Grand AwardCustom Build: Whole House, New ConstructionBayview Builders | Merit AwardCustom Build: Whole House, New ConstructionClassic Homes of Maryland Read More...andThe Block Builders Group Read More... |
 | Grand AwardCustom Build: Whole House, RenovationRobert M. Gurney, FAIA Architect | Merit AwardCustom Build: Whole House, RenovationWiedemann Architects, LLC |
 | Grand AwardKitchen DesignPremier Home Center | Merit AwardKitchen DesignJoyful Designs Studio |
 | Grand AwardBath DesignAnn Gottlieb Design | Merit AwardBath DesignMelissa Mclay Interiors |
 | Grand AwardMore Than One AcreRichardson & Associates | Merit AwardMore Than One AcreRichardson & Associates |
 | Grand AwardLess Than One AcreFORM Garden Design | Merit AwardLess Than One AcreCLINTON+RIES Landscape Architects |
 | Grand AwardOutdoor Entertainment SpaceRichardson & Associates | Merit AwardOutdoor Entertainment SpaceGTM Architects |
 | Grand AwardWhole HouseElla Scott Design LLC | Merit AwardWhole HouseBarbara Noguera Interiors |
 | Grand AwardCondo/ApartmentCasa Millie | Merit AwardCondo/ApartmentSroka Design |
 | Grand AwardGetaway HomeJodi Macklin Interior Design | Merit AwardGetaway HomeTracy Morris Design |
 | Grand AwardOutstanding Single Room MakeoverBarbara Noguera Interiors | Merit AwardOutstanding Single Room MakeoverLaura Fox Interior Design, LLC |
 | Grand AwardInterior RenovationEastwing Architects | Merit AwardInterior RenovationBalodemas Architects |
 | Grand AwardExterior MakeoverRobert M. Gurney, FAIA Architect | Merit AwardExterior MakeoverMcinturff Architects |
Three expert panels judged the 2025 Home & Design Excellence Awards. Many thanks to our esteemed local jurists, listed below:
Dale Overymyer, Jr., AIA, was born in Venezuela and raised overseas in West Africa and Great Britain. Established in 1996, Overmyer Architects has completed over 400 projects and its work has been featured in numerous publications. The office currently employs six associates and is located in the Georgetown neighborhood of Washington, DC. | Mary-Margaret Stacey, AIA, is a principal at Hill & Hurtt Architects, a residential firm in Washington, DC, that has garnered awards from Remodeling magazine, the American Institute of Architects and the Institute of Classical Art and Architecture. She has been practicing architecture in the area for nearly 25 years. | Michelle Murphy Vassallo, AIA, principal, had the opportunity to work on projects across the country and abroad in her 14 years at BarnesVanze Architects, prior to establishing her own eponymous firm. Her European upbringing informs her design style, which is characterized by sensitivity to scale, simplicity and the needs of modern-day living. MV Architects. |
Annie Elliott trained as an art historian, working in top museums before turning to interior design. For over 20 years, she and her team have designed residences in and around greater Washington. She is the author of My Neighbor Saw Me Naked and Other Reasons You Need Drapes, and her TikTok channel has nearly 300,000 followers. Annie Elliott Design. | Joe Ireland founded J.D. Ireland Interior Architecture + Design with high school friend Julie Weber in 2002. Defined by values of creativity, transparency and collaboration, they offer a dynamic, down-to-earth approach to design. The firm’s work has won numerous accolades and been published in national design magazines. | Marika Meyer is the founder and creative director of the award-winning boutique interior design firm, Marika Meyer Studio, known for colorfully classic full-service design projects from Washington, DC, to Maine. Named One to Watch by the Washington Design Center, she has been featured in Home & Design, Traditional Home, House Beautiful and Luxe. |
Lili Herrera, PLA, ASLA, principal, has practiced landscape architecture with Oehme, van Sweden since 2011. Serving as a key member of the firm, she has worked extensively on high-end residential designs in the New York area, as well as many horticulturally sensitive projects in DC and throughout the world, including the restoration of the White House Rose Garden and many historic landscapes. | Jennifer Horn, PLA, is a licensed landscape architect in Virginia, Maryland and Washington, DC, and an ISA Certified Arborist. Since founding Horn & Co. in 2009, she has designed numerous luxury landscapes for residences, communities and resorts. She was named by Washingtonian as a “woman to watch,” and is a member of the Cultural Landscape Foundation’s sustainability council. | Ryan Moody is a registered landscape architect and the founding principal of Moody Graham Landscape Architecture in Washington, DC, a firm known for its bold yet thoughtful designs. Ryan’s expertise bridges architecture and landscape, and he has lectured widely on the health benefits of nature and the integration of landscape architecture into built environments. |
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THE 2808 COLLECTIVE in Fairfax presents a mix of curated antiques, contemporary furniture and vintage finds. Open on Wednesdays and by appointment, the 5,000-square-foot space is divided into three shops, each with its own focus and personality: Domicile, Klover Collection and Peace & Plenty. 2808 Merrilee Drive, Units E and F; the2808collective.com
84 LUMBER’s new Annapolis outpost demystifies window and door buying, whether clients are building or upgrading a home. The 1,350-square-foot store centers on Andersen products, from replacement windows to patio doors, plus smart home-enabled technologies. 111 Chinquapin Round Road; 84lumber.com
ATELIERS JACOB, a high-end Canadian cabinet maker, unveiled its first U.S. flagship in Georgetown’s Cady’s Alley. The 3,100-square-foot spot showcases bespoke cabinetry and millwork in varied styles and materials. Limuro Murphy beds are also available. 3330 Cady’s Alley; ateliersjacob.com
BSH EXPERIENCE & DESIGN CENTER in CityCenterDC spotlights state-of-the-art appliances by Bosch, Thermador and Gaggenau in stylish, interactive vignettes. The 7,000-square-foot emporium features live demonstrations and design consultations. 940 New York Avenue, NW, Suite 706; bsh-group.com/us
CASA DI LUSSO BY STEINER-HOUCK in Annapolis specializes in Italian kitchens, bars, wardrobes and luxury furnishings. The 3,000-square-foot studio showcases the firm’s bespoke designs, which blend timeless elegance and modern sophistication. 1750 Forest Drive, Suite 200; steinerhouck.com
ECONIZE DESIGN CENTER is slated to open in May 2026. The 13,000-square-foot, Fairfax showroom will inspire homeowners with displays of custom closets, garages, home offices, pantries, laundry rooms and more. Experienced staff offer 3D designs and installation. 8321 West Broad Street; econizeclosets.com
ERNESTA, an online purveyor of custom-sized rugs, now has an 800-square-foot brick-and-mortar on Bethesda Row. Purchases arrive in two to four weeks. 4816 Bethesda Avenue; ernesta.com
FRAMEBRIDGE, a maker of custom frames, has expanded its local presence with a new, 300-square-foot Georgetown shop. 1506 Wisconsin Avenue, NW; framebridge.com
HÄCKER KITCHENS DESIGN STUDIO showcases the German brand’s sustainably crafted kitchen cabinetry, sideboards, wardrobes and more. The 1,600-square-foot Bethesda showroom presents products in 37 door styles and more than 200 finishes, from matte lacquer to oak veneer. 8218 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 100; hackerkitchensbethesda.com
INI SMART HOME EXPERIENCE CENTER plans to open a Dulles, Virginia, showroom in late 2025. INI specializes in whole-house automation, A/V and lighting-control technologies from top brands such as Savant, Crestron, Lutron, DMF, Ketra and Sonance. 22365 Broderick Drive, Suite 365; iniav.com
MICHELBACHS, a 10,000-square-foot Old Town Alexandria emporium, focuses on high-end furniture in a range of styles, from traditional to contemporary. 906 King Street; michelbachs.com
OAK&LOFT occupies a newly renovated residence in DC’s Brightwood neighborhood. Decorated like a real home, interiors present thoughtfully curated living spaces that focus on handcrafted European furniture, Italian lighting and cabinetry via the company’s sister studio, Häcker Greenwich. By appointment only. 5914 16th Street, NW; oaknloft.com
ORNARE, a Brazilian cabinet maker, unveiled its first DC location in Georgetown. Designed to feel like a luxury home, the 1,840-square-foot space showcases the brand’s signature collections in settings that flow from kitchen to closet to lounge. 3340 Cady’s Alley, NW; ornare.com
SIGNATURE HOME STUDIO unveiled a 6,000-square-foot Fairfax showroom—accessible exclusively to the trade—designed to highlight its built-ins, closets, millwork, cabinetry and window treatments in an elegant environment. 9560 Blenheim Boulevard; signaturehomestudio.com
TILEBAR will open an 8,000-square-foot Logan Circle shop in fall 2025, showcasing chic tile and bath products, plus solid-wood vanities. 1526 14th Street, NW; tilebar.com
VISUAL COMFORT & CO. has opened its doors in Annapolis, with a new showroom coming to Bethesda in late 2025. These shops—at 3,500 and 4,788 square feet, respectively—offer decorative, architectural and landscape lighting as well as ceiling fans. 2500 Riva Road, Suite 310, Annapolis; 7316 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda. visualcomfort.com
JANUARY 9–11, 2026
WASHINGTON WINTER SHOW
American University’s Katzen Arts Center •
washingtonwintershow.org
FEBRUARY 20–22, 2026
AMERICAN CRAFT MADE BALTIMORE
Baltimore Convention Center • craftcouncil.org
FEBRUARY 20–22, 2026
CAPITAL REMODEL + GARDEN SHOW
Dulles Expo Center • capitalremodelandgarden.com
FEBRUARY 28–MARCH 1; MARCH 6– 8, 2026
MARYLAND HOME & GARDEN SHOW
Timonium Fairgrounds • mdhomeandgarden.com
APRIL 18, 2026
GEORGETOWN HOUSE TOUR
Georgetown • georgetownhousetour.com
APRIL 18–25, 2026
HISTORIC GARDEN WEEK
Virginia • vagardenweek.org
APRIL 22–26, 2026
SMITHSONIAN CRAFT SHOW
National Building Museum • smithsoniancraftshow.org
MAY 9–10, 2026
BETHESDA FINE ARTS FESTIVAL
Bethesda • bethesda.org
MAY 2026
TEPHRA ICA ARTS FESTIVAL
Reston Town Center • tephraica.org
JULY 10–19, 2026
PLEIN AIR EASTON ART FESTIVAL
Easton • pleinaireaston.com
SEPTEMBER 2026
SMITHSONIAN CRAFT2WEAR
Smithsonian Institution Arts and Industries Building • smithsoniancraft2wear.org
OCTOBER 16–18, 2026
MARYLAND FALL HOME & GARDEN + CRAFT SHOW
Timonium Fairgrounds • mdhomeandgarden.com
DECEMBER 2026
HOLIDAY FETE
Washington Design Center • designcenterdc.com
On a hill with sweeping views of the Severn River, sits a 1.87-acre property in Arnold, Maryland. The site’s elevation and proximity to the water provided an inspiring foundation for McHale Landscape’s design, which features lovingly restored 90-year-old terraced stone walls that wind along the lot’s steep bluff. A cast-stone wall fountain, installed in a 10-foot retaining wall, introduces sound and movement. After clearing years of invasive growth from the property, boxwood, hydrangea, and azalea were planted to bring in color and texture. Balancing historical preservation with modern usability on such a steep site was a point of pride for the project, which honors the history and grandeur of this 1935 home and its gardens.
McHale Landscape Design
mchalelandscape.com
301-599-8300
