Considering a new kitchen project? Be prepared for a plethora of decisions—but don’t be intimidated. The key to a successful kitchen renovation is in the planning. Using the checklist below will keep your project moving in the right direction—while making it a fun and rewarding experience.
Budget—Determine a price range you feel comfortable with. Also consider your expectations for quality of materials and how long you anticipate living in the house. Typically, the cost of the project should be consistent with your home’s value.
Kitchen Dealer + Designer—Rely on recommendations from friends and the reputation of the dealer. Your designer should be someone who presents you with good ideas and also listens to your needs.
Installers + Contractors—In this area, experience and expertise are required. A good framing carpenter is not necessarily a qualified kitchen-cabinet installer. No matter what the components, the cabinet installer can make or break a project.
Cabinetry—There are three levels of cabinetry available: stock, semi-custom and custom. As you might expect, they represent distinctions in quality, finishes, flexibility, delivery time and pricing.
Countertops—Most customers choose between natural stone—i.e. granite and marble—and manufactured quartz products. Both have their advantages. Natural stone has a beauty that cannot be matched, while quartz boasts durability, minimal upkeep and an increasing number of attractive color choices.
Lighting—Improvements in LED lights make them a compelling choice for the kitchen. However, there are vast differences in quality, so experts should be consulted.
Appliances—Choices abound, with a direct relationship between price and quality.
Source: Larry Rosen, Jack Rosen Custom Kitchens. Kitchen Design: Stephanie Fried, Jack Rosen Custom Kitchens. Interior Design: Kirsten Kaplan, Haus Interior Design. Photo: Stacy Zarin Goldberg.
Landscape installation work—including sprinkler systems and maintenance—can cost thousands of dollars. Using a qualified, professional contractor is a must to get value for your money and to ensure a return on investment and increased property values. The following advice will help you choose the right contractor and services for your landscape.
Source: Landscape Contractors Association MD • DC • VA; Landscape Design: Botanical Decorators.
The Internet makes learning about potential remodelers easy. What is their business model? What type of projects do they excel at? What is the tenure and experience of their staff? What awards have they won? What is their standing in industry organizations? Below are further details to consider:
References—After narrowing your choices, request three recent references for projects comparable to your scope of work. Ask the homeowners to tell you the three best things about working with the company and the three worst.
Design—Whether your remodeler has on-staff designers or outsources its design work, make sure that:
Contract Documents—Detailed construction contracts protect against monetary or timing surprises during construction. Ideally, the contract will include start and finish dates and a weekly project-management schedule.
Permitting Process—Make sure your remodeler obtains all the appropriate jurisdictional building permits.
Project Management—Some project managers work on multiple projects at once, while some remodelers offer clients a dedicated project manager, which costs more. Find out how hands-on you’ll need to be in managing your project.
Specialty Tradesmen/Subcontractors—Some remodelers have specialty trades on-staff and some hire them as needed. How does your remodeler requisition this work? Do their tradespeople have insurance and licenses in place?
Communications—How will you communicate with your remodeler during construction? How often will you get formal updates? How will problems be handled? Having a communication plan in writing is ideal—including turn-around times for receiving answers to your questions.
Quality Construction—Ask how your remodeler ensures a high-quality job. Ideally, you should meet your construction management team before the work starts.
Going Green—Dust and construction debris need to be controlled daily. Ask your remodeler how they will keep your home clean and safe during construction, especially if you plan to live there through the project.
Customer Satisfaction—Make sure your contract states what constitutes a completed project, as the definition may differ per provider. Does your remodeler provide a final cleaning and if so, what does it include?
Warranty—Read the warranty carefully and ask questions before you sign the construction contract.
Source: Wilma Bowers, Bowers Design/Build
Each year, Home & Design polls hundreds of area professionals to discover their picks for leaders in the innovative, ever-evolving home-design industry—as well as their votes of confidence in those just making their marks. We also ask architects and designers to vote on their favorite industry resources, in categories ranging from audio-video and appliance showrooms to lighting dealers and art galleries.
See pictures from the awards reception at Thos. Moser - American Handmade Furniture...
The following covers the complete survey results for 2019.
–HOME&DESIGN
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Architect of The Year
Leo A. Wilson, AIA, LEED AP
Hammond Wilson
Annapolis, Maryland
hammondwilson.com
[/column]
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Interior Designer of The Year
Erica Burns
Erica Burns Interiors
Bethesda, Maryland
ericaburns.com
© Greg Powers
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Landscape Architect of The Year
Michael Prokopchak, ASLA
Walnut Hill Landscape Company
Annapolis, Maryland
walnuthilllandscape.com
© Tony J. Photography
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[column]
Architecture Firm of The Year
GTM Architects
Bethesda, Maryland
gtmarchitects.com
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[column]
Kitchen & Bath Design Firm of The Year
Aidan Design
Silver Spring, Maryland
aidandesign.com
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Landscape Design Firm of The Year
Wheat’s LANDSCAPE
Vienna, Virginia
wheats.com
[/column]
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[column]
Interior Design Firm of The Year
Kristin Peake Interiors, LlC
Rockville, Maryland
kristinpeakeinteriors.com
[/column]
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Custom Builder of The Year
The Galileo Group
McLean, Virginia
thegalileogroup.com
[/column]
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Design/Build Firm of The Year
Anthony Wilder Architecture | Interiors | Construction
Cabin John, Maryland
anthonywilder.com
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[column]
Art Resource
Torpedo Factory Artists
Alexandria, Virginia
torpedofactory.org
[/column]
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Carpet & Flooring
Carpet Creations
Rockville, Maryland
carpetcreationsandflooring.com
[/column]
[column]
Craftsman
Metal Specialties
Spencerville, Maryland
metalspecialties.biz
[/column]
[column]
Custom Closets
Poliform | sagartstudio
Washington, DC
poliformdc.com
[/column]
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[column]
Decorative Accessories
Gretchen Everett
Silver Spring, Maryland
gretcheneverett.com
[/column]
[column]
Fabric & Wallcoverings
Kravet
Washington, DC
kravet.com
[/column]
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Fine Furniture
AmericanEye
Washington, DC
americaneyewdc.net
[/column]
[column]
Home Tech Company
CasaPlex
Kensington, Maryland
casaplex.com
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[column]
Appliances & Fixtures
Ferguson
Area locations
fergusonshowrooms.com
[/column]
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Lighting
Dominion Electric Supply Company, Inc.
Area locations
dominionelectric.com
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Tile & Flooring
Architectural Ceramics
Area locations
architecturalceramics.com
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Ed Ball Landscape Architecture creates outdoor spaces for all seasons
Ed Ball Landscape Architecture offers full-service landscape design and construction services. Landscape architect Ed Ball brings more than 20 years of experience to his work; from pools, spas and pavilions to kitchens, fireplaces and entertainment spaces, he and his team create year-round outdoor living spaces for clients in the DC region and beyond.
What did the project involve?
We were hired by clients in the Bahamas to create a functional, private garden space with great flow on a very small lot.
What challenges did you face?
We had to ensure that the outdoor spaces would offer plenty of circulation and would feel much bigger than they actually are. We accomplished these objectives by using vertical lines in our design that keep traffic patterns open, and by allowing the adjacent properties to expand the views beyond the property lines.
Describe plantings and materials.
Neem trees, coconut palms, Dwarf Buttonwood just to name a few tropicals. Lush lawn and coral stone and textured-concrete stepping stones. A synthetic lawn and pavers enhances the driveway.
FACTS + STATS
Ed Ball Landscape Architecture has been in business for 10 years. Owner Ed Ball executes 10 to 15 projects per year, with prices beginning at $15,000.
Ed Ball Landscape Architecture
1800 Jonathan Way, Apt. 614, Reston, Virginia 20190
703-433-1863 • edballlandscapearchitecture.com
Fine Landscapes, Ltd., brings elegance and comfort to bear in a lush, bucolic landscape
With more than 40 years’ experience, Fine Landscapes’ skilled designers and artisans tailor any landscape to fit the client’s style. Spaces lush with mature plantings are enhanced by stone walkways, brick patios and pools and spas, as well as outdoor pavilions and kitchens. Fine Landscapes will transform any backyard into a unique garden escape.
What did the project involve?
Fine Landscapes designed an infinity-edge pool, outdoor kitchen, spa and pool house complete with wood-burning fireplace, bar, his-and-her baths, outdoor shower and kitchenette with laundry. The pool house echoes the home’s architecture while materials and finishes add character.
What challenges did you face?
The pool was sited atop an existing horizontal geothermal field. To get around this issue, our team designed and installed six vertically drilled wells that would tie back into the home’s HVAC system.
Describe plantings and materials.
The pool house features a slate roof, board-and-batten siding and stone accents. The pool terrace is travertine. A custom steel water wheel stands in the koi pond. Deciduous trees, flowering shrubs and perennials add seasonal interest.
FACTS + STATS
Charles Owen of Fine Landscapes, Ltd., has been in business for 40 years and employs a staff of 50 people executing 120 projects yearly. Prices range from $150,000 to $3 million.
Fine Landscapes, Ltd.
21558 Stonetree Court, Sterling, Virginia 20166
703-421-7441 • finelandscapes.com
Wheat’s Landscape creates an outdoor oasis with amenities galore
Established in 1978, Wheat’s Landscape has evolved from a family lawn care service to a premiere landscape design/build and maintenance company. The firm has received multiple Excellence in Landscape awards and is recognized as a leader in both the industry and the community.
What did the project involve?
The clients had just moved into a new house. They wanted a custom spa and an Argentinian-style wood-flame grill. Wheat’s designed a beautiful outdoor living space, complete with spa, grill and fire pit.
What challenges did you face?
Unstable soils discovered during excavation resulted in the need to alter the design. Extensive footings were constructed to support the spa. A crane carefully lifted the spa over the house and lowered it into place. The project required extreme precision.
Describe plantings and materials.
A stainless-steel Bradford Spa with custom tile and a wood-fire grill was installed from Grillworks. Peruvian travertine paving softened by Annabelle hydrangea, feather reed grass, Sweetbay magnolia, columnar oak trees, evergreen trees and colorful perennials.
FACTS + STATS
With over 100 employees—including landscape architectStephen Wlodarczyk, PLA—Wheat’s installs at least 30 design/build projects a year, ranging from $15,000 to $1 million.
Wheat’s Landscape
8620 Park Street, Vienna, VA 22180
703-641-4790 • Wheats.com
Fine Earth Landscape designs a modern haven for outdoor entertaining
Fine Earth Landscape specializes in residential design/build and landscape maintenance. For this project, the company was asked to create an oasis in sleek, modern style, incorporating a pool and spa, fireplace and outdoor kitchen complete with swim-up bar and TV.
What challenges did you face?
Spatial constraints and the clients’ wish list required that we construct retaining walls at the property lines. This was an engineering challenge, as a conventional, seven-foot retaining wall needs significant space behind it for structural support.
How did you meet this challenge?
A tail-in-tail keystone wall was used for the far back line, allowing us to build to the property line, then develop the rest of the rear garden using the maximum space allowed.
Describe plantings and materials.
The pool deck utilizes wet cast stone by CST Products and we installed a Blade natural gas fireplace. Simple plantings, including arborvitae, are utilized for screening.
What lesson can be learned from this project?
This garden shows that a lot of different elements can be designed in a very small space.
FACTS + STATS
Joel Hafner, Sr. is president of Fine Earth, a 40-year-old firm that specializes in residential design/build and landscape-maintenance services in the suburbs of DC, Maryland and Virginia.
Fine Earth Landscape
16815 Budd Road, Poolesville, Maryland 20837
301-972-8810 • fineearth.com
Goffin Gardens conjures a soothing retreat for a historic residence in the city
Goffin Gardens designs harmonious and inviting outdoor spaces. Principal Katia Goffin and her team bring a European background, cross-cultural perspective and more than 25 years of innovative design experience to their work, resulting in projects with a thoughtful, contemporary twist.
What did the project involve?
The fusion of a 21st-century garden with a 19th-century urban home. Working from design conception through installation, we facilitated the merging of two lots. Our goal was to blend beauty, order and simplicity in a soothing retreat.
What challenges did you face?
To transform a long, narrow site into a year-round refuge. The design objective was to link two garden rooms with a curated plant palette that frame views providing a serene enclosure with a well-tuned fountain adding to the space acoustically.
Describe the plantings and materials you used.
Hornbeam, magnolia, a beech hedge and a grove of ginkgoes provide vertical interest over roses, hydrangea and hosta. A marble angle on the brick will spills into a concrete basin flush with a patio of large format bluestone pavers. Mexican beach pebbles crisply edge the beds.
FACTS + STATS
Principal, Katia Goffin has been in business for five years and employs a staff of three. The firm executes 20 projects a year ranging in cost from $60,000 to $350,000.
Goffin Gardens
7217 Evans Mill Road, McLean, Virginia
22101 703-821-1821 • goffingardens.com
Kane Landscapes, Inc., conjures resort-style living around an expansive backyard pool scape
Kane Landscapes, Inc., provides landscape architecture and maintenance, focusing on the art of design as well as on quality construction and comprehensive care. The company serves Northern Virginia, DC and Potomac, Maryland.
What did the project involve?
Clients asked us to create an outdoor oasis that would be inviting for their family of four but where they could comfortably entertain their large, extended family when they came to visit.
What challenges did you face?
The area had veins of rock and marine clay, causing poor drainage at the rear of the property. We did a test excavation and adjusted the location and shape of the pool to accommodate the circumstances. We also installed 100 tons of gravel in the pool scape per county requirements and added an extensive drainage system under and around the pool.
Describe plantings and/or materials.
The pool decking, lower patio and driveway accents are Techo-Bloc pavers, tying the landscape together. The steps, wall and pool coping are bluestone and the floor and deck, with custom composite railings, are made of Trex. The pavilion ceiling is stained cedar.
FACTS + STATS
Josh Kane launched his company 29 years ago. Today, Kane Landscapes employs a staff of 45 executing more than 20 projects a year. Prices range from $30,000 to $2 million.
Kane Landscapes, Inc.
105 Douglas Court, Sterling, Virginia 20166
703-803-3146 • kanelandscapes.com
McHale Landscape Design transforms a mundane lot into a versatile garden retreat
McHale Landscape Design is a single-source landscape design/build/architecture firm boasting an experienced and passionate staff of designers, masons, carpenters and landscape technicians. The company employs the highest standard of craftsmanship, from concept to impeccable creation.
What did the project involve?
Clients hired Phil Kelly of McHale to affect a complete property transformation that would complement the home’s architecture while also reflecting the style and personality of the client. The use of waterscapes heightened the overall experience of the various outdoor spaces.
What challenges did you face?
Changes in elevation made connectivity difficult. McHale oriented the pool on an axis with the home and located the pool house and pavilion to buffer undesirable views of neighborhood traffic. The pavilion is a portal to the greater landscape and offers panoramic views of the lower yard
Describe materials and plantings.
Travertine bordered with Pennsylvania flagstone created the hardscape. Japanese snowbell, arborvitae, boxwood, drift roses, nepeta, Russian sage, baptisia and ornamental grasses enhanced the architectural elements with texture and color.
FACTS + STATS
Phil Kelly, McHale’s first employee in 1981, is one of 200 employees at McHale Landscape Design, which completes 100 to 150 projects a year ranging in price from $25,000 to $1 million.
McHale Landscape Design
6212 Leapley Road, Upper Marlboro, Maryland 20772
301-599-8300 • mchalelandscape.com
Insights Ideas from our H&D Design Partners
I love a mudroom with personality. I think this is a space that can be fun and a little different from the others. Shiplap adds nice visual interest and bold porcelain-tile floors are great and easy to maintain. The accessories will depend on how the client lives; closets with doors make it easy to hide backpacks, bags, umbrellas, etc., while open shelves with chunky hooks and baskets or bins are both attractive and functional. —Laura Fox, Laura Fox Interior Design LLC
Pictured above. While renovating their Bethesda home, the owners tapped designer Laura Fox to upgrade the interiors with a clean-lined, transitional sensibility. On the wish list for the transformed space: a stylish yet practical mudroom. Against a backdrop of shiplap siding, Fox installed a wall of cubbies, incorporating an existing window into the design and creating a bench under which the owners can tuck their shoes. The floors are charcoal-hued porcelain tile in a herringbone pattern, with contrasting light-gray grout. “I kept the room white intentionally,” says Fox, “and added visual interest through the texture of the materials.”
Select finishes that are easy to clean: washable paint or wallpaper; tile with minimal grout or vinyl floors; fabrics that can go into the washing machine. Use every nook and cranny for storage. Each person should have his or her own personal hook or cubby. A bench will make it easy to put on or take off shoes and boots.
—Barbara Hawthorn, Barbara Hawthorn Interiors
To create the most functional mudroom, enlist the help of a custom-cabinet maker or closet company who will tailor the space to your specific needs. For smaller children, install separate cubbies with hooks placed at a lower level for coats and backpacks, and drawers underneath for shoes, gloves, hats, etc., so everything stays together. If space permits, I would add a few shelves as a dumping ground for keys, cell phones and purses.
—Amy Schwartz, Amy Schwartz Interiors
A mudroom is all about practicality and function. Think about every member of your family and how to organize for each of them specifically. This will help you achieve maximum efficiency. And don’t forget your pets… If you have room for a pet-washing station, you will love it! Finally, choose flooring that is easy to clean and maintain. Tile and stone are good choices.
—Jamie Merida, Bountiful Interiors
Mudrooms have really become a catchall for the home. I like to add lots of cabinetry and baskets and keep the base design neutral. I then add bright splashes of color through art, window treatments and a functional rug that can be changed as the family grows.
—Laura Hildebrandt, Interiors by LH, LLC
How top designers problem-solve
Outdoor Aerie
McHale Landscape Design transforms a mundane lot into a versatile garden retreat
Family Affair
Kane Landscapes, Inc., conjures resort-style living around an expansive backyard pool scape
Urban Refuge
Goffin Gardens conjures a soothing retreat for a historic residence in the city
Bethesda Escape
Fine Earth Landscape designs a modern haven for outdoor entertaining
Spa Living
Wheat’s Landscape creates an outdoor oasis with amenities galore
Al Fresco Escape
Fine Landscapes, Ltd., brings elegance and comfort to bear in a lush, bucolic landscape
Garden Variety
Ed Ball Landscape Architecture creates outdoor spaces for all seasons
Sponsored by the Maryland Building Industry Association, the annual Custom Builder Awards honor architecture, construction and remodeling projects in the Greater Washington, DC, area. Following is a list of all 2018 MBIA winners; photos of some appear on these pages.
CUSTOM TRADITIONAL HOME
GOLD— Sandy Spring Builders, LLC. Architect: GTM Architects.
SILVER—Studio Z Design Concepts, LLC. Builder: Chase Builders.
BRONZE—Chuck Sullivan Homes. Architect: Studio Z Design Concepts, LLC.
CUSTOM CONTEMPORARY HOME
GOLD—Sandy Spring Builders, LLC. Architect: GTM Architects.
CUSTOM HOME 5,000-7,500 square feet
GOLD—Castlewood Consulting, LLC. Architect: Castlewood Consulting, LLC.
CUSTOM HOME 7,500-12,500 square feet
GOLD—Sandy Spring Builders, LLC. Architect: Studio Z Design Concepts, LLC.
CUSTOM HOME over 12,500 square feet
GOLD—GTM Architects. Builder: Banks Development.
SPECULATIVE TRADITIONAL HOME
GOLD—Mid-Atlantic Custom Builders. Architect: Mid-Atlantic Custom Builders.
SILVER—Mid-Atlantic Custom Builders. Architect: Mid-Atlantic Custom Builders. Builders.
SPECULATIVE CONTEMPORARY HOME
GOLD—Studio Z Design Concepts, LLC. Builder: Cheshire & FWI Development.
SPECULATIVE TRANSITIONAL HOME
GOLD—Laurence Cafritz Builders. Architect: Studio Z Design Concepts, LLC.
SILVER—Mid-Atlantic Custom Builders. Architect: Mid-Atlantic Custom Builders.
BRONZE—Studio Z Design Concepts, LLC. Builder: Laurence Cafritz Builders.
SPECULATIVE GREEN HOME
GOLD—Mid-Atlantic Custom Builders. Architect: W.C. Ralston Architects.
SPECULATIVE HOME under 3,500 square feet
GOLD—Douglas Construction Group. Architect: Studio Z Design Concepts, LLC.
SPECULATIVE HOME 3,500-5,000 square feet
GOLD—Mid-Atlantic Custom Builders. Architect: Mid-Atlantic Custom Builders.
SPECULATIVE HOME 5,000-7,500 square feet
GOLD—Chuck Sullivan Homes. Architect: Studio Z Design Concepts, LLC.
SILVER—Foxhall Homes. Architect: Architecture Collaborative.
Since 1984, Barbara Hawthorn has been creating award-winning, timeless designs that reflect her clients’ personal visions. Her firm’s services encompass all aspects of the design process, from new construction to all types of renovation. “We believe that regardless of style or period, good design is harmonious, welcoming, functional and inspiring,” Hawthorn says. “Our greatest reward is the happiness our clients experience in the spaces we have created for them.”
Arlene Critzos, ASID (right) & Cathy BelkovFounded in 1979, Interior Concepts is a full-service design firm with 50 employees and a tenured Sr. design team. Projects range from family homes, beach getaways and mountain retreats to prestigious estates and flats. The process begins with an understanding of the client’s needs, financial scope and timing. “Our goal is to exceed expectations,” says Critzos. “We emphasize creativity and professionalism while creating what we believe is the most valuable facet of a person’s life: their environment.”
Melissa BroffmanMelissa Broffman designs interiors with character, comfort and timeless appeal. “We address matters of form and function—with a focus on personal style,” Broffman says of her full-service residential design firm, which combines creativity and balance to achieve success. “Whether it’s a whole house renovation, a single-room makeover or a new home,” she notes, “our goal is to capture a one-of-a-kind look that goes beyond the retail sameness of today’s home furnishings market.”
Jamie MeridaBountiful Interiors began in 2000 as a home-décor store on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, later adding a design studio to meet client’s needs. Founder Jamie Merida leads a team of 18, including three interior designers. His Tidewater Collection for Chelsea House features furniture, lighting and home accents. Bountiful’s “traditional made modern” aesthetic reimagines classic designs with modern colors and textures. Inspiration from Eastern Shore waterways and landscapes, creates elegant, comfortable coastal style.
Paula Grace, MBA, MSW, Allied ASID, Allied AIA, IFDA, IDSAfter earning degrees and working in social work and business administration, Paula Grace discovered a new passion: interior design. The epiphany came when she was decorating her own house. “I really enjoyed what I was doing,” she recalls. She switched gears and went to design school, launching her firm in 2004. Today, in addition to a thriving design practice, she has a furniture line, Signature Grace, which has been frequently featured in print, online and in showrooms.
Gina Fitzsimmons, ASID, NKBAFitzsimmons Design has been servicing clients in the Chesapeake Bay area for more than 25 years. Gina Fitzsimmons and her team of three designers specialize in waterfront homes, offering services that include design, procurement and accessorizing. The firm operates in conjunction with Fitzsimmons’s home-decor boutique, Details of Design. Says Fitzsimmons, “We maximize the impact of each space by carefully analyzing each component for the best results.”
Sandra MeyersIn 2003, Sandra Meyers translated her passion for design into a career with Sandra Meyers Design Studio LLC. Fifteen years later, she and her staff of three help clients navigate their projects, getting to know their personal styles and needs and welcoming each challenge as a great design opportunity. Projects by Meyers range from small renovations to custom homes—always with the goal of achieving a design that is both beautiful and comfortable.
Celebrating its 10th anniversary this fall, Inspired Design was founded by Annette Phillips with the idea that every client has a unique story—and that their home should reflect it. Considering special possessions, client requests, entertaining styles and living habits helps Annette ensure that every design is personal: “Your Style, Inspired!” Phillips is a member of ASID and a DC license holder.
On April 11, Home & Design celebrated the publication of its May/June 2018 issue with a reception at Poggenpohl in Georgetown. Guests mingled and explored the showroom’s sleek European kitchen displays. H&D Late Spring Issue Party
