 | “The statement you want to make in a foyer depends on the personality of both the client and the home, and how far we can extend that mood into the rest of the house. I make sure finishes coordinate with colors and patterns in adjacent rooms. The scheme does not have to be limited to one to two colors, but they all need to sing together.” —Ann Gottlieb Ann Gottlieb, IIDA, LEED AP ID+C |
 | “We select furnishings that create an emotion and set the tone for the adjacent interior spaces. Eye-stopping light fixtures, wall and ceiling details and distinctive furniture bring the vision to fruition. Finishing with a bold accessory or art is like adding jewelry to a black dress for a perfected look.” —Joyce Pearl Arlene Critzos & Joyce Pearl |
 | “When a foyer opens to multiple rooms, the color scheme becomes a crucial connector. We use tones that complement adjacent spaces without directly copying them. It should feel like the first note in a beautiful composition, hinting at what’s to come while standing confidently on its own.” —Bonnie Ammon Bonnie Ammon |
 | “For me, if a foyer perfectly marries function and aesthetics, then it feels complete. This includes providing a place for someone to remove their shoes. It could be a beautiful bench along a wall or an ottoman that tucks nicely under a center-hall table. I also believe every foyer is elevated and softened by a gorgeous area rug.” —Hannah Goldberg Hannah Goldberg |
 | “Effective and multi-layered lighting is essential. In a small, intimate foyer, sconces and recessed lights create a welcoming and elegant atmosphere. In a grand, two-story foyer, a properly scaled chandelier, recessed lights, and cove lighting create a wow factor.” —Barbara Hawthorn Barbara Hawthorn |
 | Dennese Guadeloupe Rojas Interiors by Design, LLC interiorsbydesignmd.com 301-933-7723 |
 | Laura Hildebrandt Interiors by LH interiorsbylh.com 571-334-6476 Photo: Christy Kosnic Photography |
 | Jamie Merida Jamie Merida Interiors jamiemerida.com 410-819-8666 |
 | Rebecca Penno Penno Interiors pennointeriors.com 703-859-9749 Photo: Angela Newton Roy Photography |
 | Laura (Fox) Wolff Laura Fox Interior Design, LLC laurafoxinteriordesign.com |
 | Sarita Simpson Interior Matter interiormatter.com 202-900-3818 |
 | Cathy Purple Cherry Purple Cherry Architects purplecherry.com 410-990-1700 |
Happy Place
Our gazebo is my favorite spot for quiet Sunday mornings with a good book, or early evening drinks with friends. The McGuire rattan pieces are upholstered in a playful Thibaut animal print.
Go To Hostess Gift
We raid Bountiful Home for a beautiful Lafco candle (above), usually paired with a fresh dessert made by my pastry chef husband.
What inspired you to design furniture and lighting?
I love taking traditional shapes and forms and giving them a fresh, modern twist. My new lighting line for Chelsea House illustrates that approach.
Getaway Plan
We’ll spend May at our home in Normandy; it's always a beautiful time of year. Then, we’ll head to Paris for a few days at Hotel Lancaster. I adore its elegant but understated décor by Studio Jean-Philippe Nue.
Local Haunt
I’m a big fan of Scossa in Easton for fabulous Northern Italian food in a stylish setting.
The Mid-Atlantic chapter of the Professional Remodeling Organization (PRO) announced its 2025 PRO Remodeler of the Year Awards during a gala on February 8th at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Gaithersburg. The awards go to remodeling and custom-building projects in DC, Maryland and Virginia; this year, judges reviewed 135 entries in 29 categories. Media sponsor Home & Design gave its Award of Excellence to a project by Landis Architects | Builders, featured on page 115. All the award-winning projects are listed on the following pages and can be viewed on the chapter’s website: promidatlantic.org.
Home & Design Award of Excellence
Landis Architects | Builders
Basement under $150,000
GRAND: Beautiful Home Services
MERIT: Tabor Design Build
Basement $150,000 and over
GRAND: Michael Nash Design, Build & Homes
MERIT: Wentworth
FINALIST: Tabor Design Build
Creative Solutions
GRAND: Landis Architects | Builders
MERIT: The Tailored Closet and PremierGarage
Entire House under $500,000
GRAND: Atlas Moran Construction
MERIT: Tabor Design Build
FINALIST: Michael Nash Design, Build & Homes
Entire House $500,000 to $750,000
GRAND: Alair Homes Alexandria
MERIT: Blue Star
MERIT: Lofft Construction
FINALIST: Wentworth
Entire House over $750,000
GRAND: Landis Architects | Builders
MERIT: Landis Architects | Builders
FINALIST: BOWA
Residential Addition under $250,000
GRAND: The Tailored Closet and PremierGarage
MERIT: Smiley Renovations
FINALIST: Coupard Architects & Builders
Residential Addition $250,000 to $500,000
GRAND: Foster Remodeling Solutions
MERIT: Schroeder Design/Build, Inc.
FINALIST: Sun Design Remodeling Specialists
Residential Addition over $500,000
GRAND: CARNEMARK Design + Build
MERIT: Blue Star
FINALIST: Wentworth
Residential Bath under $50,000
GRAND: Michael Nash Design, Build & Homes
MERIT: Tabor Design Build
Residential Bath $50,000 to $100,000
GRAND: Michael Nash Design, Build & Homes
MERIT: Honor-Roll Remodeling
FINALIST: Foster Remodeling Solutions
Residential Bath over $100,000
GRAND: Bowers Design Build
MERIT: TriVistaUSA Design + Build
FINALIST: BOWA; Waterlily Interiors
FINALIST: Sun Design Remodeling Specialists
Residential Detached Structure
GRAND: Lofft Construction
MERIT: BOWA
FINALIST: The Tailored Closet and PremierGarage
Residential Exterior under $100,000
GRAND: Smiley Renovations
MERIT: Honor-Roll Remodeling
FINALIST: Coupard Architects & Builders
Residential Exterior $100,000 to $200,000
GRAND: Michael Nash Design, Build & Homes
MERIT: Tabor Design Build
FINALIST: Smiley Renovations
Residential Exterior over $200,000
GRAND: Michael Nash Design, Build & Homes
MERIT: Daniels Design & Remodeling
FINALIST: Anthony Wilder Design/Build
Residential Exterior Element $30,000 and over
GRAND: Pristine Acres
MERIT: Gilday Renovations
FINALIST: Wentworth
Residential Interior under $250,000
GRAND: Bowers Design Build
MERIT: House to Home Solutions
FINALIST: Sun Design Remodeling Specialists
Residential Interior $250,000 to $500,000
GRAND: Sun Design Remodeling Specialists
MERIT: BOWA; Designed Happy
FINALIST: Landis Architects | Builders
Residential Interior over $500,000
GRAND: Rust Construction
MERIT: BOWA
FINALIST: Sun Design Remodeling Specialists
Residential Interior Element under $30,000
GRAND: Sun Design Remodeling Specialists
MERIT: BOWA
MERIT: Case Architects & Remodelers
Residential Interior Element $30,000 and over
GRAND: InSite Builders & Remodeling
MERIT: Gilday Renovations
FINALIST: Case Architects & Remodelers
Residential Kitchen under $75,000
GRAND: Blue Star
MERIT: Michael Nash Design, Build & Homes
FINALIST: FineCraft Contractors
Residential Kitchen $75,000 to $150,000
GRAND: Blue Star
GRAND: Gilday Renovations
MERIT: Schroeder Design/Build, Inc.
FINALIST: Coupard Architects & Builders
FINALIST: Gilday Renovations
FINALIST: TriVistaUSA Design + Build
Residential Kitchen over $150,000
GRAND: Bowers Design Build
MERIT: Sun Design Remodeling Specialists
FINALIST: BOLT Builders
Residential Landscape Design/Outdoor Living Area $100,000 to $250,000
GRAND: Landis Architects | Builders
MERIT: Blue Star
FINALIST: House to Home Solutions
Residential Landscape Design/Outdoor Living Area over $250,000
GRAND: Pristine Acres
GRAND: Pristine Acres
MERIT: Sun Design Remodeling Specialists
FINALIST: Michael Nash Design, Build & Homes
Universal Design—Entire House/Addition
GRAND: Michael Nash Design, Build & Homes
Universal Design—Interiors
GRAND: Bowers Design Build
On March 21st, Home & Design and Purple Cherry Architects hosted a reception and author’s talk at JANUS et Cie in Bethesda. Principal Cathy Purple Cherry spoke and signed copies of her book, The Design of a Country Estate, chronicling a manor house and outbuildings she designed on the Chesapeake Bay.
Home & Design unveiled its Spring issue on March 6th with a party at Kohler by GROF in Bethesda. Guests feted the showroom’s fifth anniversary with music and libations.
 | McHale Landscape Design |
 | Kane Landscapes |
 | Walnut Hill Landscape Company |
 | Surrounds Landscape Architecture and Construction |
 | Pristine Acres |
 | Wheat’s Lawn & Custom Landscape |
 | Fine Earth Landscape |
 | Planted Earth |
 | Fine Landscapes |
 | Ed Ball Designs |
Ed Ball Designs brings more than 30 years of expertise to stunning outdoor spaces including custom pools, luxe outdoor kitchens and serene garden sanctuaries.
The owners of a home in Vienna envisioned their expansive, blank-slate property as a luxurious, resort-style outdoor living area and an extension of their home. Their wish list included a raised deck with a porch beneath it; a dining area overlooking a 20-by-40-foot pool equipped with a built-in hot tub and sheer descent water feature; and a pavilion with a fireplace and cozy seating. Plantings soften the hardscape, bringing color and interest. “The existing yard was uninspiring, lacking any features to enjoy,” notes designer and principal Ed Ball. “Our clients wanted it to be a central feature that could be enjoyed by all, whether entertaining or relaxing with family and friends.”
DESIGN FEATURES
Ed Ball Designs
703-433-1863 — edballdesigns.com
Four award-winning projects conjure grand, backyard escapes
Founded by award-winning landscape designer Charles Owen in 1978, Fine Landscapes’ staff of 65 completes as many as 110 design, installation and maintenance projects a year. In-house landscape architects, graphic designers, construction managers, horticultural specialists and tradespeople orchestrate each project; flawless execution, attention to detail and commitment to quality set Fine Landscapes apart.
1) Grand Award—Total Residential Contracting
Homeowners with a sloped property hired Fine Landscapes to design and execute a custom pool and spa with a complementary outdoor-living structure. The plan integrated the pool via grading and retaining walls. The new building harmonizes with the house.
2) Grand Award—Total Residential Contracting
A property features a swimming pool and spa, with a fire pit at one end, a large aluminum pergola and an outdoor cooking area. Tiered levels are planted to provide privacy; a flagstone terrace complements the home’s aesthetic.
3) Distinction Award—Total Residential Contracting
Fine Landscapes masterminded a landscape featuring a pool and spa; a travertine terrace and fire pit; and a pavilion with an outdoor kitchen and dining area. A rain curtain flows into the pool from the pavilion roof.
4) Distinction Award—Total Residential Contracting
A three-sided, raised-stone terrace beckons large groups, in a pool scape that includes a detached spa in a stone surround, a custom fountain and a custom shade structure. Stacked stone throughout distinguishes the design.
Fine Landscapes
703-421-7441 — finelandscapes.com
Planted Earth enriches the lives of clients by creating and maintaining beautiful and functional outdoor spaces.
Chris Vedrani launched Planted Earth in 2010 to deliver exceptional service in high-end, residential landscape installation. Over time, he built a loyal customer base and focused on growth. In 2024, he and his staff of 97 completed 45 installation projects and maintained 174 landscape-management accounts.
1) Grand Award—Outdoor Living Area
Planted Earth transformed a Cleveland Park property as part of a whole-house renovation. The landscape plan was intended to seamlessly blend the home’s architecture with the surrounding environment. Brought on board early in the process, the Planted Earth team headed by Virgil Gomez were entrusted with creating a vibrant and functional garden with a focus on planting, grading and drainage. Challenges included ensuring the retention of soil around a newly installed swimming pool and preserving lush plant material bordering the property.
HIGHLIGHTS
2) Grand Award—Residential Maintenance
Homeowners contacted Planted Earth to implement a meticulously curated landscape design. The site was elevated via lush plantings and high-quality sod. A new pool features plantings that screen it from neighbors.
3) Distinction Award—Residential Maintenance
Planted Earth was hired to install the landscape for a newly built custom home. The owners wished to enhance curb appeal and create year-round outdoor-living spaces. Expansive lawn panels define activity zones while a pool and extensive hardscaping offer room for gathering.
Planted Earth
410-857-4744 — plantedearthlandscaping.com
Founded in 1977, Fine Earth Landscape brings experience, reliability and resources to creating and maintaining beautiful outdoor environments.
Hired to create a formal garden on a blank-slate property, Fine Earth Landscape first had to meet the challenge of re-grading the property. The rear yard was raised 11 feet to be level with the first floor using a Keystone segmental-block wall system. Winter jasmine was planted at the top and hydrangea and magnolia at the bottom create a green screen for the wall. A patio and small outdoor kitchen anchor one end of the rear yard. A large, rectangular panel of lawn begins at the patio and ends at a sitting area under an arbor on the other side. Formal plantings bring color with lots of greenery.
DESIGN FEATURES
Fine Earth Landscape, Inc.
301-972-8810 — fineearth.com
Wheat’s Landscape offers construction services, property maintenance, pest control, irrigation and landscape lighting.
Wheat’s Landscape maintains an expansive property with the goal of keeping its gardens pristine and enhancing visual interest year-round. The team manages a diverse range of plant materials including various species of trees, shrubs, perennials and potted plants, each with its own needs. The owners prefer a manicured landscape, so extensive pruning and trimming is required to keep the beds neat and vibrant throughout the season. Mulching, mowing and turf applications ensure the lawn stays healthy, and pest prevention protects delicate plantings while routine assessments address stress, disease and nutrient deficiencies.
Hardscape elements such as brick and flagstone ground the front walkway and entry and create paths throughout the property; they are power washed regularly to maintain a polished appearance. In the backyard, a pebble patio for outdoor seating is kept neat and clean.
DESIGN FEATURES
Wheat’s Lawn & Custom Landscape
703-641-4790 — wheats.com
While designing and building unique, custom outdoor spaces, award-winning Pristine Acres strives to make the process enjoyable for clients.
Tapped to overhaul a dated pool and pavilion, Pristine Acres designed and implemented a new pool and patio, plus retaining walls and a new pavilion with upgraded features and a natural aesthetic. The pool boasts a waterfall and grotto feature that doubles as a retaining wall; natural stone boulders build up the grade around it while creating smaller waterfalls that play into the organic design. The hardscape palette includes travertine and irregular flagstone pavers; rustic, hand-worked building stone clads the pavilion, embellished with wood beams and thermal flagstone caps. Limelight hydrangea, Otto Luyken laurel and Winter Gem boxwood create softness and year-round structure.
DESIGN FEATURES
Pristine Acres
877-333-5651 — pristineacres.com
Surrounds develops and nurtures outdoor environments that positively change the way our clients live and experience the outdoors.
Surrounds was hired to devise a multi-faceted outdoor environment on a sloped property. Spearheaded by landscape architect Chad Talton, PLA, the plan incorporated a pool and expansive patio for entertainment, a substantial vegetable garden, lighting, drainage and extensive landscaping with shade coverage. “We worked around the sloped site, which had intrusive drainage swales, by creating two tiers,” Talton explains. “The pool is on the lower tier and the upper tier is the expansive rear lawn and vegetable garden.” Retaining walls, a raised-bond beam for the pool and an underground drainage system solved grading and drainage issues.
Travertine patios surround a composite-wrapped structure with cedar beams and a standing-seam aluminum roof. Lush shrubbery includes Cryptomeria, Green Giant Arborvitae, Crape Myrtle, Magnolia, Viburnum and Hydrangea. Drift Roses, Nepeta, Amsonia, Geraniums and Caryopteris provide color.
DESIGN FEATURES
Surrounds Landscape Architecture and Construction
703-430-6001 — surroundslandscaping.com
