 | Living LargeMarks-Woods Construction Services elevates a McLean abode with enhanced finishes and functionality |
 | Backyard RetreatSun Design turns a mundane backyard into a welcoming, indoor-outdoor retreat |
 | Modern ReduxBowers Design Build brings organic flair and a contemporary touch to a classic family home |
 | Walnut Hill Landscape Company |
 | McHale Landscape Design |
 | D. A. Dunlevy |
 | Jennifer Horn Landscape Architecture |
 | Kane Landscapes |
 | Colao & Peter |
 | Fine Earth Landscape Inc. |
 | Aqua-Bright |
 | ZEN Associates, Inc. |
 | Scapes, Inc. |
 | Wheat’s Lawn & Custom Landscape, Inc |
 | Surrounds Inc. |
 | Laura FoxLaura Fox Interior Design, LLC |
 | Bonnie AmmonBonnie Ammon Interiors703-778-5755 PHOTO: Geoffrey Hodgdon |
 | Laura HildebrandtInteriors by LH, LLC571-334-6476 PHOTO: Robert Radifera |
 | Jamie MeridaJamie Merida Interiors410-819-8666 |
 | Barbara HawthornBarbara Hawthorn Interiors703-241-5588 PHOTO: Kenneth M. Wyner Photography |
 | Sarita Simpson and Jason ClaireInterior Matter202-900-3818 |
 | Melanie WhittingtonWhittington Design Studio703-533-3705 |
 | Cathy Purple CherryPurple Cherry Architects410-990-1700 PHOTO: David Burroughs |
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How has the pandemic affected the future of design?
We are focusing more on simplifying spaces, making them functional but flexible, with no wasted spaces. We are designing smarter and more creative storage to reduce clutter and allow for buying in bulk.
What changes from the past year are here to stay?
Meeting with clients virtually. The more flexible scheduling appeals to both me and my clients. It can be easier to arrange a Zoom than an in-home or showroom meeting - and I can wear my slippers!
How do you create multi-functional spaces?
I’m designing spaces that aren’t highly specific to a particular use, like large islands that multi-task as workspace and dining. And Murphy beds are enjoying a renaissance, allowing for additional workspace in bedrooms.
How has the pandemic affected the future of design?
I think today’s health crisis is changing some aspects of how people view their homes. The desire for areas for family gathering and entertaining is competing with the need for individual workspace—from spouses who both require their own home offices to multiple kids who need dedicated areas for homework, crafts, etc. Everyone needs that separate work environment.
What is your philosophy on home as a sanctuary?
People always want to see their home as a sanctuary, a place where they can step away from the outside world or to invite a group of close friends over. These spaces are becoming more casual and open with a lot more connection to the exterior environment.
What is your philosophy of home as sanctuary?
This past year has opened up unused parts of the house for many—with new emphasis on quality over quantity. As personal wellness becomes the new luxury, home as sanctuary will take hold and change our approach to building.
What technologies have become a must at home?
Technologies that push on the wellness concept are in high demand. I am excited to bring my experience working at the forefront of accessibility and sustainability to the work of helping clients live healthy lives in the post-pandemic world.
What changes from the past year are here to stay?
Homeowners will continue to seek out design programs and products that enhance connectivity to family, friends and the flow of information. Those connections have grown in importance during covid.
How has the pandemic affected the future of design?
The pandemic has streamlined the use of technology to share ideas and inspiration. While nothing can replace in-person connections, virtual presentations will become more common, allowing for greater efficiency in our workday.
What is your philosophy on home as a sanctuary?
Nature is synonymous with peace and relaxation. Outdoor living spaces can be a sanctuary, as visual and acoustic elements offer peaceful views and soothing sounds.
How do you create multi-functional spaces?
It takes imagination and creativity to produce multi-functional spaces, and flexibility on the client’s side in terms of their use. A lawn can serve as a bocce court or a perfect spot for your annual crab feast.
What changes from the past year are here to stay?
The demand for robust home-wireless networks grew exponentially this year. Video conferencing, virtual happy hours, multiplying streaming services, smart exercise equipment and other IoT devices will remain.
Explain how entertaining at home will evolve?
Outdoor spaces are the primary location for socially distanced gatherings. Weatherproof TVs, outdoor Wi-Fi access points and landscape audio and lighting systems all transport entertainment outside.
What technologies have become a must at home?
An essential part of expanding the utility of the home is dressing our spaces with light. Motorized window treatments and automated light fixtures can transform a room at the press of a button.
What is your philosophy on home as a sanctuary?
Your home should be functional and also have “special moments.” These can be as simple as dressing up a fireplace for a cozy evening or adding color and texture to a wet bar to create a restaurant experience.
How do you create multi-functional spaces?
The way in which I design a multifunctional yet cohesive space is driven by my client’s lifestyle and priorities. For example, what looks like a stand-alone cabinet could be a wine fridge or even a hidden desk area for working from home.
Explain how entertaining at home will evolve?
We are moving away from formal dining and living rooms, towards a more informal and personal way of living. I aim to create spaces that feel both intimate and warm but still sophisticated.
How has the pandemic affected the future of design?
People are rethinking what “home” means to them. While incorporating advances in technology, they also want their homes to express more of who they are rather than just a collection of objects they’ve gathered.
What is your philosophy on home as a sanctuary?
The home as a sanctuary has always been central to our design philosophy. We ask our clients: What do your interiors communicate to you? Our spaces connect, relax, energize and inspire—often within the same home.
How will the “new normal” impact open floor plans?
We adapt to the new reality of more people being at home through the use of furniture plans, screens, wall colors and so on. This is how we create individual niches so people can function separately in the same space.
How has the pandemic affected the future of design?
Despite the past year’s events, there have been silver linings. Our industry is busier than ever. We are moving past gray into color. Creativity and hope are blooming!
What changes from the past year are here to stay?
The work-from-home culture will integrate itself into our lives for years to come. Home offices are taking the place of little-used guest rooms. In future, we’ll be able to earn a living in more beautiful, better-designed environments.
Explain how entertaining at home will evolve?
We have acclimated to year-round outdoor dining and entertaining. Furnished spaces are exploding out into our yards. We’ll be adding more seating areas, landscapes and fire features to prolong the enjoyment of early spring and late fall days.
Many of my clients planned additions and converted decks and lower levels into offices and living space. These are great ways to increase square footage without the expense of buying a larger home.
What technologies have become a must at home?
Must-have technologies include new materials that acoustically isolate home offices; heat-recovery ventilators that provide ventilation without increasing utility bills; and secure WiFi products that protect and expand Internet service throughout the home.
How are you making clients’ homes healthier?
Indoor air quality is a major factor. Because materials that give off Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) degrade health, I select
zero- or low-VOC materials and furniture. Smart ventilation is also key!
How has the pandemic affected the future of design?
It has definitely shifted our focus toward our homes, forcing a reassessment of whether our spaces work. Does my home make me feel comfortable and centered— even if the world outside doesn’t?
What technologies have become a must at home?
LEDs offer us much more flexibility with design since they can take on new shapes and fit anywhere. Paired with integrated smart controls, changing the feel in a space can be as simple as using your voice.
How are you making clients’ homes healthier?
Light can deeply affect our health, particularly mood and sleep cycles. We now counsel our clients on “circadian-attuned lighting,” which replicates the shifting color and intensity of sunlight through the day.
