Home & Design
  • Consult an engineer prior to beginning your project; you’ll need to consider the weight and location of large containers and other objects.
  • A removable, raised-pedestal system is a must for flooring, as it allows you to maintain the roof and handle drainage.
  • For shade, plant trees in large fiberglass containers with a lightweight soil mix, or install an adjustable canopy system, which is typically supported by cables that attach to the walls.
  • Concrete pavers offer longevity and come in an array of colors and finishes. Ipe decking materials can clip together and are suspended above the roof, allowing for drainage.
  • Utilize the interior and exterior architecture as a style guide, selecting containers that incorporate similar and complementary materials and colors.

“We’re seeing a trend in the DC area toward modern landscape designs,” says Joe Colao of Fairfax-based Colao & Peter: Luxury Outdoor Living. A recent project illustrates his point: McLean homeowners tapped Tampa landscape-design firm Ryan Hughes Design | Build to create what Colao calls “a Florida-esque outdoor space,” complete with fireplace, lights and sleek sophistication.

Colao & Peter built the project, which centers on an infinity-edge pool flanked by a pergola and a covered kitchen/seating area. Limestone pavers unify the hardscape, while both structures are clad in stucco with pillars of sandblasted limestone.

Beneath the pergola, a hot tub features infinity edges that spill into a basin tiled in reflective glass mosaics. Limestone steppers “float” above the basin and a freestanding stucco wall holds a linear gas fireplace and decorative panels of glass-tile mosaics. Strategically placed LED lights add romantic allure.

Thinking about building a custom home? As you begin the planning phase, you’ll want to research what’s new in custom-home design. Below, Jonathan Lerner, CEO of Meridian Homes, lists trends on the rise in the DC area.

  • Living Less Large—High-quality finishes are more important than extra square footage. And smaller homes cost less to maintain over time.
  • Cutting-Edge—Clients today expect the latest technology. Factor in home-tech systems early so you’ll have the infrastructure you need over time.
  • Eco-Friendly—Homeowners are embracing a whole-house approach to sustainability, from energy efficiency to air quality to the use of green and recycled materials.
  • Back to Nature—Outdoor living spaces are in—complete with kitchens, swimming pools, sport courts and fireplaces or fire pits for when the weather turns cooler.
  • Open Plan—These days, open kitchen/breakfast/family room spaces are commonplace.
  • Spa Time—The master bath is a luxurious retreat with a freestanding soaking tub and a roomy shower.
  • Kitchen Karma—High-functioning kitchens include work stations, oversized islands and separate pantries.

BLACK. . .For a calming effect

  • On trim, accent pieces and fixtures
  • With bright colors

BEIGE. . . To make a room look warm and inviting

  • On any surface
  • With black and white, wood and other brown tones

NEUTRAL. . . To make a space feel large, open and airy

  • On walls
  • With everything

BLUE. . . To create a soothing effect

  • In the bedroom to help you sleep
  • With blue or contrasting colors

YELLOW. . . To impart lightness to a space

  • On surfaces that don’t get much sunlight
  • With white for an even lighter feel

RED. . . To add drama and energy to a space

  • On the walls or as an accent
  • To warm up cooler colors

PURPLE. . . When you want to be bold

  • On any surface
  • With other bright colors for drama or with gray for sophistication

WHITE. . . To conjure a sense of lightness and space, or to unify an eclectic room

  • On walls to maximize these effects
  • With black and white or bright colors

GREEN. . . When you want to use several colors in a room

  • On any surface
Houzz
Houzz is a one-stop shop for decorating and assembling interior-design sketches or idea books. There are 3D renderings of many products that you can drop into your space for a preview and 2D renderings of other products, which you can place in your room and photograph. The app lets you sketch and notate the pictures afterwards, making this a great way to experiment.

Floor Plan App (Laan Labs)
Creating a floor plan and taking measurements are often the first steps in an interior-design project. This app makes it possible to measure your room and create a very accurate floor plan in less than a minute. After calibrating your device, move the camera around the room and set pins. The app will automatically create your plan. You can modify and save it as a graphic or PDF file.

Measured by Lowe’s
No tape measure? No problem. This app from Lowe’s uses the device’s camera to measure just about anything. Perfectionists may still want to confirm with an analog tape measure, but the app is quite accurate—certainly more reliable than a simple eyeball guestimate.

Karndean Designflooring
When it comes to interior design, the right flooring is critical. Not only do floors need to withstand daily use, they need to “fit” with the décor of everything else in the room. The Designflooring app is a fantastic place to get started. After calibrating the device and scanning your room, you can virtually preview a wide variety of flooring options in your own space.

WhiteWall AR
This is one of the slickest ways to determine the perfect photos and frames for your room. Online photo lab Whitewall, which does premium printing, mounting and framing, has created an app that utilizes augmented-reality technology. Its 3D models let users move about the room as images of their own artwork appear on screen. Save and share screenshots, and order prints via the app.

Color Capture
This app from Benjamin Moore helps users find inspiration and create color schemes. Say you see the perfect color but have no idea how to identify it for later reference. Take a photo using the Color Capture app, then select the exact shade you want using your finger as an eye-dropper tool. The app will automatically suggest color matches from the company’s enormous palette of paint hues.

IKEA Place
It seems almost inconceivable to complete a home-decorating project without a trip to IKEA, especially for DIYers. The IKEA Place app saves home decorators a journey through the labyrinth megastore by making their living rooms a virtual IKEA. Place 3D furniture and other items into your space and see how they look on your device.

AJ Madison Appliances is projected to open its first DC-area location on October 28, 2019. The 5,000-square-foot Tysons showroom will offer a vast selection of indoor and outdoor appliances by brands such as Miele, Bosch, Sub-Zero, Viking and Gaggenau. Factory-trained staff members provide expertise for consumers seeking advice, from planning to installation. 8500 Leesburg Pike; ajmadison.com

BoConcept returns to Tysons Galleria after a five-year absence—this time in a new, 4,500-square-foot location. The Danish company designs and produces a wide array of contemporary indoor and outdoor furniture, accessories and lighting for every space in the home. In-house consultants can assist with selections and customize BoConcept’s modular designs to suit homeowners’ needs. 2001 International Drive; boconcept.com

Boss Design Center has opened a 4,000-square-foot McLean showroom providing custom and semi-custom cabinetry in a range of styles; granite, marble, soapstone and quartz countertops; glass, porcelain, ceramic and stone tile options; and the latest in LED lighting. Staff members answer questions on products and are also on hand to design remodeling projects from kitchen, bath (to take an herbal bath to prevent flu) and basement makeovers to whole-house renovations. 1389 Chain Bridge Road; bossdesigncenter.com

Bountiful Home has moved into a newly renovated, 16,000-square-foot building in Easton, Maryland. The location encompasses Bountiful Home, a retailer showcasing furniture, fabrics and wall coverings, antiques and handcrafted items; Bountiful Flooring, which offers carpet, flooring and tile; and Jamie Merida Interiors, the owner’s eponymous design studio. Also on-site for weary shoppers: Turnbridge Talbot, a bakery/café. 803 Goldsborough Street; jamiemerida.com

Capitol Closet Design opened its newest location in Tysons. The 2,000-square-foot space houses 14 innovative displays showcasing the latest walk-in and reach-in closets, pantries, laundry rooms, home offices, garages and Murphy beds. Customers can browse a wide selection of cabinet door, drawer and hardware styles while knowledgeable designers and installers help make their ideas a reality. 8027 Leesburg Pike, Suite 304; capitolclosetdesign.net

Erin Paige Pitts Home is an 850-square-foot boutique that interior designer Erin Paige Pitts recently opened next door to her Annapolis studio. Defining her inventory as “Hamptons meets Annapolis,” Pitts curates a collection of sophisticated home furnishings, accessories and original art unique to the area. Among the brands in stock: Thomas Fuchs, Bolé Road Textiles and Kerri Rosenthal. 105A Annapolis Street; erinpaigepitts.com

Framebridge, purveyor of custom frames, complements its online presence with new showrooms in Bethesda and on DC’s 14th Street. In the stores, customers can see frames and matting options in person and schedule design consultations. A Story Booth in the DC location lets shoppers record videos about what they’re framing, perfect for a gift—or a social-media post. 1919 14th Street, NW; 4806 Bethesda Avenue; framebridge.com

Hästens, a Swedish manufacturer of luxury beds, mattresses, pillows and linens, will open its first DC-area location in Tysons Galleria in fall 2019. Seven of the company’s signature beds will be on view in the 1,186-square-foot showroom. All are crafted with natural materials, including pine, wool, cotton, flax and ethically sourced horsehair. 2001 International Drive, Suite 1156; hastens.com

Konst Union’s debut in Bethesda marked KONST Design Group’s acquisition of Union Hardware, a go-to resource in the community for more than 100 years. KONST Union’s new, 1,250-square-foot showroom presents an array of high-end bath fixtures and furniture by top European brands including Fantini, Falper, Effegibi, Vitage, Milldue, Noorth, Devon & Devon and Crosswater London. 7550 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 110; konstunion.com

Maine Cottage, known for its colorful wooden furniture sold online and in catalogs, has opened a 1,200-square-foot outpost in Annapolis. The design center showcases the company’s furniture in room vignettes including two living rooms, a dining room and a bedroom. A Color Bar offers hanging fabric samples along with take-away paint cards and fabric swatches. Design services are available; open by appointment only. 1205 West Street; mainecottage.com

The Tile Shop, a nationwide retailer specializing in natural stone and manmade surface products, has opened a Chantilly location. The 12,000-square-foot showroom features thousands of tile designs; full-room, tiled vignettes offer consumers plenty of ideas and inspiration. Experts help shoppers select the right surfaces for any project. 13920 Lee Jackson Memorial Highway, Suite 20B; tileshop.com

Unique By Ruth is the brainchild of Ruth Gamarra, who started refinishing dated furniture in 2012. Over time, her hobby expanded into a business. Today, in addition to transforming furniture and kitchen cabinetry in a wide range of finishes and styles, Unique by Ruth also showcases an array of new cabinetry, furniture and accessories in this 4,500-square-foot Rockville showroom. Painting workshops are offered too. 12266 Wilkins Avenue, Suite L; uniquebyruth.com

Von Ammon Co, a new gallery in Cady’s Alley, exhibits work by internationally recognized artists in an edgy, industrial space. Todd von Ammon, a veteran of the New York art scene, says he opened the gallery in Georgetown’s design district to “provide another venue for events and conversation in the city.” Upcoming shows include Helmut Lang (through November 2, 2019), Timur Si-Qin and Wickerham + Lomax. 3330 Cady’s Alley, NW; vonammon.co


Don’t Miss These Shopping Hot-Spots

Old Town
An excursion to Virginia’s Old Town Alexandria is a chance to soak up the atmosphere as well as the deals. Located on the Potomac River, this historic district of brick sidewalks and cobblestone streets was founded in 1749 and is lined with locally owned boutiques, galleries, antiques stores and national retailers—many in vintage row houses an easy stroll from one another.

Tysons Corner
Virginia’s bustling Tysons Corner encompasses three major shopping areas: Fairfax Square, with select upscale boutiques; and Tysons Corner Center and Tysons Galleria—both sprawling, multi-level indoor malls chock-full of fashion and home-design showrooms. Stand-alone stores also abound, from Crate & Barrel to The Container Store, plus specialty shops tucked away in smaller shopping strips.

Cady's Alley
This 120,000-square-foot enclave in the heart of Georgetown is mainly comprised of contemporary home-design showrooms sporting lofted ceilings, exposed brick and glass-and-steel stairways. Shops proffer everything from chic bath resources to sleek furnishings and stylish lighting, conveniently centered around a pedestrian-friendly cobblestone alley that makes one-stop shopping easy.

14th Street, NW
Once a shabby neighborhood of warehouses and body shops, this vibrant stretch between Thomas Circle and U Street, NW, is now home to industrial-chic abodes and a hip design district that culminates on L Street at the Washington Design Center. Home-décor showrooms along 14th Street range from a four-story Room & Board to quirky Miss Pixie’s Furnishings & Whatnot—interspersed with trendy restaurants. The Design Center, in the iconic Franklin Court building, is home to 21 designer showrooms, some of which are to-the-trade only.

Bethesda Area
A construction boom has transformed Bethesda, Maryland, from suburban sprawl to urban metropolis. In Fall 2018, a new Anthropologie with a home-design center joined Pottery Barn and Williams-Sonoma on Bethesda Avenue; they keep pace with fixtures such as Urban Country and Random Harvest. Nearby Kensington still lures visitors to its Antique Row, a bastion of antiques dealers, galleries and more—just as it has for decades.

“The house had good detailing and nice, simple forms, but it needed to be more gracious,” says architect Stephen Muse. In adding onto the glassed-in family room, he and his team replaced a defunct garage with a second, smaller hip that houses a new master suite. The front hip, which used to contain three cramped bedrooms, now holds two larger ones. The family-room addition is topped with a flat roof; it extends into a deep overhang for protection from the sun.

ThenNow
The homeowners, who frequently host large-scale receptions, needed better circulation and expansive spaces where guests could congregate; the house had no family room.Muse Architects designed a side addition to house a spacious family room, and reorganized other rooms to improve flow.
A park bordered the property, but the home was not designed to take advantage of it. A small side porch did not foster enjoyment of the view.The addition affords views of the park, and the small porch was repurposed as a portico to the front entry.
The vintage house had typically small windows and suffered from a shortage of natural light.The addition steps down, raising the ceiling height and allowing for transoms above French doors and windows that let in the light. Divided panes mimic the existing windows, which were enlarged during the renovation.

Renovation Architecture: Stephen Muse, FAIA, Muse Architects, Bethesda, Maryland. Builder: Horizon Builders, Inc., Crofton, Maryland. Photography: Erik Kvalsvik.

Confronting less-than-optimal conditions on a Bethesda project, landscape designer Judith Petersen created welcoming outdoor-living spaces framed by luxuriant gardens. The slate patios and terraced landscape are enhanced by hosta, azalea, boxwood, camellia, daphne, fern and hydrangea, which soften the property’s lines while cleverly concealing unappealing infrastructure.

ThenNow
The backyard was dominated on one side by an unsightly concrete wall supporting the neighbor’s swimming pool, perched high above. A ramshackle stockade fence below it was an eyesore.Petersen replaced the fence with attractive latticework. Nellie Stevens holly, climbing hydrangea and euonymus largely conceal the concrete.
Water from the neighbor’s pool overflowed into a swale at its base and emptied into the client’s yard.The latticework hides the swale, which now channels water to a drain that carries it out to the street.
The stone retaining wall was bare and the ground behind it overgrown. The small slate patio was dilapidated.Additional retaining walls create a layered landscape of terraced gardens. The patio has been repaired and another installed on the side of the house. A third creates a sitting area on the slope.

Landscape Design & Installation: Judith M O Petersen, Fine Earth Landscape, Poolesville, Maryland. Photography: Hilary Schwab.

Christie Leu worked with an eco-conscious client wishing to overhaul her dated kitchen with sustainable materials and a chic, mid-century aesthetic that would reflect the rest of her home. “We aimed for simplicity, which is a signature of mid-century style,” the designer says. Slab-fronted cabinets and stainless-steel appliances contribute to a seamless look, while a stainless-steel farmhouse sink optimizes basin space. A masonry opening behind the range admits additional light.

ThenNow
The kitchen was poorly laid out, with an odd peninsula interrupting its flow. There was a shortage of storage and the grab-bag assortment of appliances was awkwardly placed.The peninsula was replaced with a central island containing deep storage drawers. The appliances—in uniform stainless steel—have been shifted to more convenient locations.
The run-down cabinetry had become an eyesore and the dated Formica counters were drab. There was no backsplash.Sustainable bamboo cabinetry complements crisp, white-quartz countertops and a stone-tile backsplash. Wood-look porcelain floors are pretty and practical.
An ugly ceiling fan dominated the room.A bold orange fixture from Rejuvenation Lighting above the island conveys a mid-century look while adding playful personality. Orange Calligaris stools complete the picture.

Kitchen Design: Christie Leu, Christie Leu Interiors, LLC, Chevy Chase, Maryland. Contractor: Herb Olshin Custom Carpentry, Laurel, Maryland. Photography: Stacy Zarin Goldberg.

Your home may be the biggest investment you’ll make. Regular maintenance is necessary to preserve its value and ensure it will provide comfortable, safe shelter for years to come. Below are the National Association of Home Builders guidelines for routine home maintenance—indoors and out.

Inside the Home

Air Filters—Many types of heating and air conditioning systems contain filters to remove dirt and dust from the air. Change these filters at least every three months.

Sinks—Clean your faucets’ aerators—the spring inside the end of the faucet—every three to four months. • To maintain your garbage disposal, run cold water through it during use.

Fireplaces—Be sure to build the fire atop andirons or a grate, never on the fireplace floor. • To prevent soot and to add color to the fire, throw in a handful of salt. • Store your firewood outside, away from the house and not directly on the ground. • Have a chimney sweep inspect your chimney and fireplace annually, especially if you build a lot of fires in the winter.

Floors—To maintain unpainted concrete floors in your basement or garage, first apply a concrete sealer, which makes them easier to clean. To clean them, use a solution of four to six tablespoons of washing soda in a gallon of hot water. Add scouring powder to the solution for tough jobs. • Be sure hardwood floors have a polyurethane finish before cleaning with water. Hardwood floors that do not have a polyurethane finish will need to be waxed periodically. Use spirit wax in a liquid or paste. • The best polish for vinyl floors is water emulsion wax.

Safety and Security—If you have a home security system, regularly check that the alarms and circuit breakers are in working order. Inspect the sensors one by one. • Check the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors twice a year to ensure they are operable. Hard-wired and battery-powered detectors should be replaced every 10 years.

Walls—Masonry walls sometimes develop a white, powdery surface. This is called efflorescence, a crystallized soluble salt that can be removed by scrubbing with water and a stiff brush.

Outside the Home

Roof, Gutters and Downspouts—A qualified roofer should inspect your roof every three years. • Skylights should also be inspected each time so leaks don’t develop from cracks or interruptions around the seals, caulking and flashings. • Make sure gutters and downspouts are not clogged with leaves or other objects.

Windows and Doors—Inspect exterior windows and doors yearly to see if the caulking around them has split or cracked. If so, replace the caulk and clean any mildew. • To wash extremely dirty exterior windows, combine equal parts vinegar and water or three tablespoons of denatured alcohol per one quart of warm water. Use newspaper to wash the glass to avoid lint left behind by paper towels. • To help a window slide easily, rub the channel with a piece of paraffin.

Siding—Inspect your siding yearly to determine if your wood-sided home needs to be repainted. Trim shrubbery away so that it does not touch the siding. • The exterior of your house is built to withstand exposure to the elements, but a periodic cleaning will improve the appearance and, in many instances, prolong the life of siding and other exterior products.

When it comes to carpet cleaning, not all fibers and constructions are equal. That also goes for stains. Below, Paul Pearce, technical director of the National Carpet Cleaners Association, suggests treating stains as quickly as possible through blotting, then employing a treatment specific to the substance spilled. Below is Pearce’s list of treatments for the most common spills.

Coffee and Wine—Apply pressure with absorbent towels, turning or replacing them regularly. Spray diluted carpet shampoo and blot, repeating as required. Leave sheets of paper towel on the wet carpet overnight, then vacuum.

Blood—For small amounts, dab with cold water to remove as much as possible. Use cold water in a hand sprayer, apply and repeat the blotting process. Then use a dilution of carpet shampoo and water and repeat.

Mud—Allow to dry, then vacuum. If there’s any residue, spray diluted carpet shampoo and blot, repeating as required. Leave sheets of paper towel on the wet carpet overnight to dry, then vacuum.

Food—These stains can combine oil and water. Remove excess food by using a blunt knife or spoon, then vacuum. Blot with mineral spirits to remove any oil-based stains, apply diluted carpet shampoo, blot again and repeat as required. Leave sheets of paper towel on the wet carpet overnight to dry,
then vacuum.

Pet Mess—Blot liquid with absorbent towels. Apply pressure and turn or replace the towels regularly. Mix two parts white vinegar and two parts water, spray on the carpet and blot again. Then spray with diluted carpet shampoo, blot and repeat. Leave sheets of paper towel on the wet carpet overnight to dry, then vacuum.

Cosmetics—It’s difficult to know where to start with cosmetics as some are oily, some water-soluble and some a combination of both. Start with white vinegar or surgical spirit; apply to a clean white towel and blot. Remove as much of the stain as you can by turning or changing the towel. If it persists, proceed with a dilution of carpet shampoo and water as above.

Oily Stains—Treat with white vinegar on a cloth, use it to blot the stain, then repeat as necessary. Be careful: Over-applying solvents such as white vinegar can wear away the backing of the carpet over time.

Whether your idea of bliss is relaxing with a good book or enjoying an afternoon with friends, a beautiful backyard is the perfect setting. But how do you transform that plain-vanilla suburban lawn into a versatile outdoor-living environment?

Start with a Daydream and a Notebook

  • Imagine how you’d like to spend time outdoors at different times of the day. Would you prefer a Zen moment gazing at the rippling surface of a pond, or some early morning yoga? Maybe you’d love a cutting garden or fragrant herbs just outside the kitchen door.
  • Write down your preferences, then do a little research. Take advantage of online resources like Houzz and Pinterest. Keep notes about what you like and why. This preparation will help you communicate your ideas to the landscape-design professionals who will bring them to life.

Ask Yourself Why
Beautiful landscapes are for living–not just for show. You may want a swimming pool, covered patio, koi pond or waterfall–but what really matters are the experiences you envision in these special outdoor places.

Give Yourself Time to Explore
Take your time figuring out what you want during the inspiration stage to ensure that you’ll know your priorities when it comes time for planning.

Share Your Thoughts with a Professional
You’ll need to find a landscape architect or designer to help refine your ideas. They’ll advise you on the feasibility of design elements, guide you through concept development and shape broad ideas into the specific and detailed decisions you’ll need to make later. They should be able to organize your ideas into a coherent plan that meets your budget.

Choose a Landscape Architect
Exchanging ideas with a professional early in the exploratory process is your best guarantee of success. But how do you know if a landscape architect is a good fit for you? Below are keys to making that important decision:

  • Connection and trust: Will your landscape architect be able to convert your inspiration into reality? Does he or she listen, ask questions and give feedback?
  • Portfolio: Look carefully at their work. How were the ideas in each project developed? How will the designer work with you to develop your ideas?
  • Visit projects: Images cannot tell you what it feels like to experience an outdoor space.
  • Talk to previous clients: Ask how the process went. Did the landscaper transform their ideas into reality?

From Dream to Design Fulfillment
You want your backyard landscape to be part of your daily lifestyle. To get there, take your time and get inspired. Choose a professional who can weave your creative impulses into a practical plan. It will become the outdoor environment you’ve been dreaming of.

Barry Schneider is a partner at Surrounds, Inc.

The idea of building a custom home can be both tantalizing and intimidating. Architect Francisca Alonso offers a detailed guide that will help you do it right.

Choose Your Architect—Work with an architect/builder who will be with you through completion of construction. This way, buildability, budget and design issues can be considered and addressed as they arise.

Select a Location—Consider choices such as urban, suburban or rural locales; school districts; proximity to the city versus nature and privacy; and lot sizes and costs. Remember, for example, that a quarter-acre lot in Alexandria will require you to build up, while a five-acre lot in Great Falls will allow you the leeway of building out.

Decide on the Size of Your Home—Obviously, a 4,000-square-foot home will require a significantly different budget than that of a home measuring 9,000+ square feet.

Find Your Lot—In the greater Washington area, it is preferable to hunt for property where there is an existing house to tear down. Not only is there more inventory, but utilities are already in place and the lot has already been cleared and graded.

Work with Your Financial Institution—Interview your lender. Make sure they understand that you are looking for a loan that will go from land to construction to mortgage as the project evolves.

Obtain a Feasibility Study—Include a contingency for feasibility so issues like setbacks and topography don’t interfere with building your dream home.

Finalize the Design and Budget—Complete the design of the house before its foundation is built, making 90 percent of your decisions on materials like light fixtures, tile and flooring at that point. Waiting until construction will slow the schedule down and increase the cost. If you’ve already made those decisions, there will be less uncertainty and need for allowances, and your lender will be happier.

Create Permit Plans—Your architect and engineer should work together to create plans that will pass the permitting process on the first go-round.

Construction—The length of the construction phase will vary depending on the size of the house. Once framing is complete, consider hiring an interior designer who will be able to order items that can take months to arrive. This way, move-in can occur upon completion of construction.

Francisca Alonso is a founding partner at AV Architects & Builders.

In the hands of The Rug Republic, the lifespan of a pair of jeans is longer than you’d think. The India-based company weaves denim into rugs, enhanced with color and texture from upcycled saris, cotton remnants and natural fibers such as hemp and wool.

The process begins with containers of jeans culled from all over the world. Craftsmen cut the jeans into narrow strips which are wound onto spindles, then woven into rugs in an array of sizes on giant pit looms. One rug typically takes 10 days to complete. Poufs, cushions and stools are also on offer. trrhome.com

WOOD CABINETRY
Remember, it’s not the wood you’re cleaning but rather the top-coat varnish. Just moistening a soft cloth with dish soap and water is best. If there are streaks, you can use a chamois or lint-free cloth to help remove them or bring the shine back up on the varnish. Use a clean, dry cloth to wipe the surface of your cabinets before applying mild soap and water.
https://www.homeanddesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/CL_Kitchen-shoot-hi-res-18.jpgDOS AND DONTS
DO check the ingredients if you are purchasing a cleanser for wood.
DON'T use alcohol-, oil- or wax-based products.

NATURAL-WOOD COUNTERTOPS
Wood countertops in high-use areas should not have top-coat varnish on them, as it will scratch over time and catch dirt. Natural wood is durable as long as it’s maintained with mineral oil. For the first year, oil the wood top every three months. For the next few years, oil it when it starts to look dry. After that, one application a year should be fine. If the wood top suffers marks, burns or water rings, sand them away, then lightly sand the entire surface. Clean with mild soap and water using a cloth or paper towel. Finally, rub in oil and wipe off the excess. The counter should look like new. If your counter does have a top coat, see cabinetry care above.
https://www.homeanddesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/CL_Kitchen-shoot-hi-res-1.jpgDO use cutting boards to avoid regular maintenance.
DON'T place hot plates or bowls directly on the wood countertop.
DON'T leave anything wet on the counter; regular oiling will help minimize water absorption.

STONE COUNTERTOPS
Marble is much more porous than granite, but simple care and maintenance will keep both granite and marble surfaces looking beautiful for generations to come. While all granite and marble tops are pre-sealed, we recommend applying a resin-based penetrating sealer at least every six months. Sealing fills the pores, which helps protect from stains. Some daily care is necessary to maintain the quality of the stone. Wiping spills will prevent a mineral buildup (a whitish residue), especially around faucet holes and sinks.
https://www.homeanddesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/CL_IdeaBook-hi-res-5.jpgDO clean surfaces with mild detergent or soap approved for use on stone.
DO blot up spills immediately.
DO avoid vinegar, lemon juice and other acidic substances on the stone surface.
DO use mineral oil on unfinished soapstone when it starts to look mottled.
DON’T use oily products on marble or granite.
DON’T use cleaners that contain acid such as those used on grout or tub and tile.
DON’T use abrasive dry or soft cleansers.

Each year, Home & Design polls hundreds of design professionals to name their picks for industry leaders and favorite resources. Following are the winners for 2020. –HOME&DESIGN


[columns_row width="third"]
[column]

Architect of the Year
Richard Foster
Richard Foster Architects
Rockville, Maryland
richardfosterarchitects.com

[/column]
[column]

Interior Designer of the Year
Arlene Critzos
Interior Concepts, Inc.
Annapolis, Maryland
interiorconceptsinc.com
[/column]
[column]

Landscape Architect of the Year
Richard Arentz, ASLA
Arentz Landscape Architects LLC
Washington, DC, and Marshall, Virginia
arentzdc.com
[/column]
[/columns_row]


Award-Winning Firms

[columns_row width="third"]
[column]

Architecture
Firm of the Year

Thomson & Cooke Architects
Washington, DC
thomsoncooke.com
[/column]
[column]

Kitchen & Bath Design
Firm of the Year

Jennifer Gilmer Kitchen & Bath
Chevy Chase, MD, and Ashburn, VA
gilmerkitchens.com
[/column]
[column]

Landscape Design
Firm of the Year

Campion Hruby Landscape Architects
Annapolis, Maryland
campionhruby.com

[/column]
[/columns_row]

[columns_row width="third"]
[column]

Interior Design
Firm of the Year

Solís Betancourt & Sherrill
Washington, DC
solisbetancourt.com
[/column]
[column]

Custom Builder
of the Year

Pyramid Builders
Annapolis, Maryland
pyramid-builders.com
[/column]
[column]

Design/Build
Firm of the Year

BOWA
McLean and Middleburg, Virginia
bowa.com
[/column]
[/columns_row]


Favorite Resources

[columns_row width="third"]
[column]

Art Resource
Merritt Gallery & Renaissance Fine Arts
Baltimore and Chevy Chase, Maryland
merrittgallery.com
[/column]
[column]

Carpet & Flooring
Stark Carpet
Washington Design Center
starkcarpet.com

[/column]
[column]

Craftsman
Allegheny Wood Works
Hyattsville, Maryland
alleghenywoodworksllc.com

[/column]

[/columns_row]

[columns_row width="third"]

[column]

Custom Closets
Closets by Design
Manassas, Virginia
closetsbydesign.com

[/column]

[column]

Fabric & Wall Coverings
Farrow & Ball
Washington, DC
farrow-ball.com

[/column]
[column]

Fine Furniture
Century
Washington, DC
centuryfurniture.com

[/column]

[/columns_row]

[columns_row width="third"]

[column]

Hardware
Push Pull Decorative Hardware
North Bethesda, Maryland
pushpullhardware.com

[/column]
[column]

Home Technology
A.B.E. Networks
Rockville, Maryland
abenetworks.com

[/column]

[column]

Appliances & Fixtures
ADU, Your Appliance Source
Area locations
adu.com

[/column]

[/columns_row]

[columns_row width="third"]

[column]

Lighting
Illuminations, Inc.
Washington, DC
illuminc.com

[/column]
[column]

Tile Surfaces
Renaissance Tile & Bath
Alexandria, Virginia
renaissancetileandbath.com

[/column]
[column]

Window Treatments
Gretchen Everett
Silver Spring, Maryland
gretcheneverett.com

[/column]
[/columns_row]

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.

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