Home & Design

In Washington, abundant green space creates happy opportunities for city living surrounded by nature. Case in point: Rock Creek Park’s Soapstone Valley, a rolling swath of woods tucked into DC’s Forest Hills neighborhood. Among the sprinkling of modern homes clustered along its fringes, a dwelling masterminded in 1994 by Bethesda architect Stephen Muse takes full advantage of the scenery—one of many reasons a dad with kids aged nine and 13 purchased the house in 2020. “As soon as I walked in, I thought, ‘This is the one,’” recalls the owner, a partner in a venture capital firm. “The sense of serenity and space and connection to the outdoors—it’s like you’re in a forest while you’re in the city. I thought it could be our forever house.”

Set back from the road, the 5,200-square-foot, five-bedroom residence fits seamlessly into its lush landscape. While it reflects a streamlined take on cottage style in front, a wall of windows in back lets nature in. The entry door opens into an airy, two-story front gallery spanning the width of the main floor; wide openings lead into the spacious living/dining room straight ahead and the kitchen to the right. These rear-facing spaces access an expansive deck perfect for al fresco lounging and dining while taking in the sweeping vista. At one end of the gallery, a short, perpendicular wing comprises a home office, laundry, powder room, mudroom and passage to the garage. At the other end, a staircase enclosed in a rounded volume leads up to the primary suite and kids’ ensuite bedrooms.

After purchasing the house, the owner enlisted architect Christian Zapatka to finish the basement; an extensive redo created more livable space comprising a family room, kitchenette, game room, guest suite and luxe gym. Marvels the owner, “We added a wing to the house without having to touch the exterior or change its character.”

Designer Laura Hur of Lorla Studio was tapped to update the interiors with new furniture and finishes. However, the assignment soon snowballed to include structural changes, from bathroom renovations and millwork updates to interior door replacements and a kitchen facelift. Hur also spearheaded the basement finishes and furnishings. Throughout the house, her client “wanted a feeling of casual, sophisticated elegance, chic for entertaining but comfortable for family living,” she recounts. “We also wanted nature to take center stage.”

Together, they homed in on a warm, modern aesthetic. Against a palette of brown, black, gray, tan and cream, the design took shape—spare and modern with a subtly masculine vibe. The color scheme reflects the world outside those expansive windows, as do subdued materials, including custom travertine that replaced a polished, black-marble fireplace surround in the living room; it crops up again above a new, built-in dry bar in the same room. Maple closet doors gave way to walnut versions embellished by sculptural, integrated wood handles. Clay finishes by Portola Paints add richness to the walls of the deep-green home office, the nearly black first-floor bathroom, the primary bedroom and a deep-taupe basement game room. The owner’s bath is clad in custom, hand-applied clay lime plaster. White walls keep the living areas bright—and ensure all eyes are on the panorama outside.

Furnishing the main-floor rooms, Hur opted for selections that would prioritize the view. Low-slung, sculptural seating with curved profiles imparts softness to the home’s innately spare lines. Leather and textural fabrics such as velvet, bouclé and linen convey a luxe feel, paired with aged brass and warm wood frames. “These elements play an important role in keeping the interiors from becoming too modern or cold,” notes the designer.

A new lighting plan replaced clunky recessed lights with less intrusive versions. Apparatus Studio chandeliers introduce an industrial edge to the living/dining area, primary bedroom and lower-level game room. Large-scale abstract canvases throughout the house complement its simple palette.

The kitchen layout stayed the same, but light maple cabinetry was refaced with a richly grained walnut veneer. Integrated handles contribute to an uncluttered sensibility. Black granite countertops were replaced with honed quartz; a waterfall top was introduced on the island to update the look.

The bathrooms throughout the house underwent more thorough makeovers. Hur selected timeless hues of green and pink for the son’s and daughter’s baths, respectively, to ensure staying power. The primary bath showcases a sculptural tub against a wall of creamy zellige tile, conjuring a luxurious, spa-like feel.

The owner and his kids are thrilled with the results of the redo. “It’s a perfect expression of me and what I wanted,” he observes. “Laura created a family home for us. We jelled and she made it a real partnership.”

Hur adds, “Though the house was very much still in the ’90s when we began, it had strong bones and a great layout. It was fun to reimagine it for today.”

Interior, Kitchen & Bathroom Design: Laura Hur, Lorla Studio, Kensington, Maryland. Contractor: JEFFCO Development, Rockville, Maryland. Styling: Courtney Favini.

 

RESOURCES

THROUGHOUT
Home Automation: abenetworks.com.

LIVING ROOM
Sofa: stahlandband.com. Lounge Chairs: lawsonfenning.com. Coffee Table: crumpandkwash.com. Area Rug: armadillo-co.com. Side Table: yuccastuff.com. Table Lamp: dannykaplanstudio.com. Floor Lamp: palefirestudio.com. Pendant Light: apparatusstudio.com. Wall Sconces at Fireplace: visualcomfort.com. Art: Custom by Claudia Cameron. Wall Sconces at Dry Bar: rollandhill.com. Dry Bar Candles: lescollection.com. Ceramics: gisellehicks.com. Wall Paint: Chantilly Lace by benjaminmoore.com.

DINING ROOM
Table: rh.com. Chairs: eternitymodern.com. Chandelier: apparatusstudio.com. Art: joellesomero.com. Ceramics: bzippyandcompany.com. Wall Paint: Chantilly Lace by benjaminmoore.com.

KITCHEN & BREAKFAST NOOK
Table: crumpandkwash.com. Bench: fair-design.com. Chairs: 2modern.com. Wall Sconce: humanhome.co. Counter Stools: luluandgeorgia.com. Island Pendants: alliedmaker.com. Appliances: subzero-wolf.com. Faucets: calfaucets.com. Ceramics: gisellehicks.com. Wall Paint: Chantilly Lace by benjaminmoore.com.

POWDER ROOM
Vanity: Custom. Mirror: gubi.com. Wall Sconces: visualcomfort.com. Faucet: waterworks.com. Walls: Anchor by portolapaints.com.

OFFICE
Desk Chairs: Eames through dwr.com. Sleeper Sofa: westelm.com. Wall Sconces & Rug: luluandgeorgia.com. Artwork: tappancollective.com. Pillow: crateandbarrel.com. Planter: americanplant.store. Coffee Table: cb2.com. Stool: dwr.com. Walls: Lone Park by portolapaints.com.

HALLWAY
Soren Globe Light: pinchdesign.com. Artwork: blockshoptextiles.com. Bench: spartan-shop.com. Rug: loloirugs.com. Walls: Chantilly Lace by benjaminmoore.com.

PRIMARY BEDROOM
Bedframe: rh.com. Bedside Tables: crofthouse.com. Bedside Table Lamps: crateandbarrel.com. Chandelier: workstead.com. Artwork: montanalabelle.com. Chair: maidenhome.com. Chaise Lounge: crateandbarrel.com. Rug: fowlercarpet.com. Walls: Full Circle by portolapaints.com.

PRIMARY BATHROOM
Wall Tile: ziatile.com. Floor Tile: parisceramicsusa.com. Bathtub: vandabaths.com. Plumbing Fixtures: waterworks.com. Ceiling Pendant: Ludovica e Roberto Palomba for Foscarini through lumens.com. Wall Sconces at Vanity: visualcomfort.com. Vanity Mirrors: rejuvenation.com. Bathroom Walls: Custom through theartistsrepublic.net.

DAUGHTER’S BEDROOM
Wallpaper: katezaremba.com. Mirror & Table Lamp: westelm.com. Desk Chair: ikea.com. Hanging Chair: serenaandlily.com. Paper Lantern: paperlanternstore.com. Throw Pillows: crateandbarrel.com; target.com.

 

 

 

 

Over many decades, an historic manse grew to encompass a verdant landscape that suited its stately style. “The property dates back to the early 1800s and we’ve maintained it for 20 years,” relates McHale Landscape Design’s design/build president Phil Kelly. Measuring in at one acre, “it’s one of the largest residential properties in Georgetown,” he notes. 

Originally conceived by Connecticut-based landscape architecture firm James Doyle Design Associates, the grounds today are luxuriant yet structured. In front, a distinctive checkerboard surface of brown and beige precast tile forms an entry path flanked by azalea and boxwood. The wide side yard, protected by a tall privacy hedge, beckons with a row of fountains framed in low boxwood and festooned first by yellow tulips and then feathery astilbe. A bench is posed for contemplation on a gravel path surrounding the feature. The other side of the house connects the front and rear yards via a flagstone walk trimmed with manicured shrubbery and grass; another bench heralds the transition to the backyard.

Complete with a built-in grill and shaded by pleached catalpa trees, a flagstone terrace in back is spacious enough for dining and lounging. In 2021, McHale and James Doyle Design Associates collaborated on a swimming pool, installed beyond the terrace (shown on previous pages). The pool is accessed via rough-hewn granite steppers; manicured lawn frames the pool’s narrow, thermal-finish Pennsylvania flagstone coping. Says Kelly, “Green is the clients’ favorite color and the landscape’s many shades create a sense of relaxation and peace.”

Award: Distinction, Residential Maintenance (McHale). Landscape Design: James Doyle Design Associates, Greenwich, Connecticut. Landscape Installation & Maintenance: Phil Kelly, McHale Landscape Design, Upper Marlboro, Maryland. Photography: Erin Bogan. 

Colao & Peter reimagined a blank-slate, one-and-a-half-acre expanse as a year-round oasis. The project encompassed a swimming pool with an integrated spa and water feature; a separate zone centered on a fire pit; and a spacious porch off the main residence. “Our clients envisioned a luxurious, resort-style setting,” recounts landscape architect and partner J.R. Peter. “They wanted a design that blends clean lines with unique details, a timeless feel.”

At the clients’ request, the design team homed in on a modern sensibility reflected in crisp hardscape, strong angles and structured plantings. The large, rectangular pool is bordered on one side by a three-scupper water feature built into a limestone retaining wall; the feature faces the house, providing an appealing focal point and peaceful sound. The same stone envelops the spa, which boasts a granite spill on one side that empties water into the shallow end of the pool. A sun shelf provides easy pool access.

Imported Jerusalem limestone was used liberally as a connecting element to achieve a unified aesthetic. It clads the pool deck and forms stair treads and pavers in neat geometric patterns that navigate the property. A border of river rock delineates planting beds from hardscape. Hydrangea, Green Giant arborvitae and ornamental grasses soften the tableau.
The 450-square-foot porch “was designed to feel like an extension of the home,” Peter says. Double roller screens with mesh and vinyl, as well as ceiling fans and heaters, ensure comfort and use all year round.

Award: Distinction, Craftsmanship (Design/Build). Landscape Design & Contracting: J.R. Peter, partner; Dave D’Amato, landscape architect; William Woodburn, project manager, Colao & Peter—Luxury Outdoor Living, Sterling, Virginia. Photography: Jimi Smith.

A retired couple purchased a diminutive getaway with big ideas for its future. Situated a block from the ocean in Bethany Beach, Delaware, the 1,500-square-foot, circa-1960s cottage had become outmoded and dysfunctional over time—so the owners embarked on an overhaul with help from architect Jonathon Selway and Jamie Merida Interiors. The goals were to create a getaway where they could easily accommodate their two grown kids and families; foster indoor-outdoor connectivity; and impart contemporary style via clean lines and loads of color.

The plan maintained the original layout, with four bedrooms and an exercise room on the ground floor and public spaces above. A primary suite and deck were added at the front of the house. A new, second-level screened porch on the rear overlooks a recently installed plunge pool beside a shed that contains changing rooms.

Denise Perkins of Jamie Merida Interiors spearheaded the interiors. Working in tandem with principal Jamie Merida, she conjured a fresh, modern take on beach cottage style. “It was a gut job,” notes Perkins. “We were able to turn a dated house into a little jewel box.” A Q&A with the designers about the process follows.

 

How does the reimagined front entrance set the tone?
Jamie: It’s an amazing space, a solid glass volume that’s like a lighthouse at night. It contains an open staircase that replaced the original enclosed one, which was in a different spot in the house. When you arrive, all you see is glass and stair.

Share the story behind the white neon sign over the staircase.
Jamie: During the project, we were looking for quotes to reflect the philosophy of the house. That one kept coming up, so we had it custom-made in neon for the space.

Discuss how the main level evolved.
Denise: The vaulted shiplap ceiling is just about the only thing we kept from the original cottage. There was already an open plan on the main floor, but the space is used completely differently now. We relocated the kitchen because it was cramped and faced the street. We added built-ins along the fireplace wall and on one wall of the game room, where we incorporated a desk and shelving. The floor is a driftwood-look luxury vinyl tile that disguises any sand that gets tracked in.

What inspired the color scheme, which is such a defining element?
Denise: The owners like clean, crisp and contemporary. They requested all-white interiors with pops of bold, saturated color. We chose a Marmoleum floor for the entry in bright orange, turquoise, yellow and green. We added red to that palette and then ran with it on fabrics, decorative objects and art.

What role does art play in the décor?
Jamie: The colors in this house are like a Mondrian painting: clear, strong, saturated and true. We looked for art to reflect that palette and had fun with it. Denise found a light fixture for the entrance hall that looks like a Calder mobile. And there’s a fabulous piece on the landing made of crunched, recycled paint cans. In the eating area, there’s a kind of totem pole piece that reminds me of the London Underground signs.

Talk about the evolution of the two-tone countertop.
Denise: The kitchen is mainly white with black accents. The island’s countertop is both black and white. The owner didn’t want a seam in it but the size of the island would have required one. So we leaned into it with slabs of quartz in contrasting colors.

How did you achieve a connection to the outdoors?
Jamie: The screened porch in back is comfortably located under the trees so you always feel a breeze. It holds a big dining table that seats eight—custom-made in white quartz with a black stripe to echo the island countertop—and outdoor furniture for lounging.

How did you differentiate each of the tiny bedrooms?
Denise: I used bold colors and patterns in the three guest rooms. I do that to make rooms look bigger. I designed custom headboards for each bedroom; they're attached to the walls and bedframes to save space. There are two guest baths that play off the bedrooms in terms of color. The primary bedroom is black and white with a strong tree-motif wallpaper on an accent wall behind the bed and matching drapery; the ensuite bath is white and gold with black accents.

What was the secret to fitting four bedrooms into the original footprint?
Denise: They’re like staterooms, with not an inch of wasted space. The owners wanted king-sized beds in all but the bunkroom, mainly because their families like their dogs to sleep with them. We put in California king beds; you can hardly turn sideways, but we made it work! No room for dressers so we outfitted the closets with built-ins for storage.

What is special about the new pool and its surroundings?
Jamie: It’s a plunge pool—very small. It’s located at the back of the house where an existing shed was repurposed and now contains outdoor showers and changing rooms. They’re protected by an overhang. A live roof was planted over the shed, so you see that beautiful expanse of green instead of just an ugly rooftop when you look out from the porch above. It’s a really nice touch.

Renovation Architecture: Jonathon Selway, AIA, Jona- thon Selway Architects, Selbyville, Delaware. Interior Design: Jamie Merida, principal; Denise Perkins, lead designer, Jamie Merida Interiors, Easton, Maryland. Renovation Contractor: Boardwalk Builders, Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. Landscape Architecture: Topio Landscape Architecture, Selbyville, Delaware. Styling: Charlotte Safavi.

ASK JAMIE + DENISE

How do you make a coastal look feel fresh?
Jamie: It’s tricky. We’ve been trying to get away from typical navy and white with colors like sea glass. And this house is like a beach ball with all its colors, which is a fresh take in itself.

Share tips on integrating lots of color.
Denise: A base of white helps ensure a space doesn’t end up looking like a carnival. Here, I stuck to four or five colors in the same hue and intensity and repeated them.

Name a trend you’ve had enough of?
Jamie: I hope I’ll never see another gray kitchen with a blue island.

What beloved possession would you never part with?
Denise: My dad was an artist; I would never give up his paintings.
Jamie: I would sell just about anything! But I do have a baby grand piano that I love because my under-graduate degree is in piano.

 

The Michael E. Busch Annapolis Library was conceived with community in mind. Named for the former Maryland House Speaker (2003-2019), the new, 32,400-square-foot building is a hub for Anne Arundel County residents of all ages and socio-economic backgrounds. It emphasizes the sharing of information in flexible, 21st-century spaces.

The brick, glass and limestone structure was a collaborative effort by Stevensville, Maryland-based WGM Architecture + Interiors, New York-based Margaret Sullivan Studio and Louis Cherry Architecture of Raleigh, North Carolina. Organized around a central volume with clerestory windows rising two stories on one side, it encompasses meeting and collaboration spaces; dedicated areas for children, families and teens; maker and technology zones; a reading room; and a café. The entry serves as an exhibition gallery.

Flooring materials, ceiling heights, colors and finishes delineate each zone. Creative lighting is also a defining element; for example, clusters of cloud fixtures grace the kids’ area (above) while teen and adult spaces are lit by sleek, linear bars. Annapolis history also plays a role—stone entry tiles depict an 1895 nautical survey map of the Chesapeake Bay and acoustic panels showcase the text of George Washington’s resignation from the Continental Army in 1783, delivered at the nearby Maryland State House.

The library won a 2023 AIA Chesapeake Bay award for Non-Residential New Construction.

Architect of Record: Jeremy Kline, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, principal, WGM Architecture + Interiors, Stevensville, Maryland. Concept Design: Louis Cherry Architecture, Raleigh, North Carolina. Interior Design: Margaret Sullivan Studio, New York, New York. General Contractor: Towson Mechanical, Inc., Parkville, Maryland. Photography: Keith Isaacs.

Mid-century style and a beloved collection of Heath Ceramics tableware drove the redesign of a dated kitchen in Bethesda. The existing space, walled off from the family and dining rooms, lacked flow, function and panache. After a few years, the owners tapped Erika Jayne Design + Build for an overhaul. “We removed the dividing wall to open up traffic flow,” explains principal Erika Chaudhuri. The structural change also made room for a large central island with seating.

In the reimagined kitchen, marble-look quartz counters top beige, Shaker-style Eclipse cabinetry, offset by a row of sleek cabinets in horizontal-grain, reconstituted white oak. A hood concealed above the range and minimal hardware reinforce a streamlined aesthetic.

Chaudhuri’s clients requested a mid-century sensibility to fit the 1963 home’s provenance, so she selected period-style walnut sconces and green-blue clay backsplash tile—by Heath Ceramics, of course. Open shelving displays the couple’s Heath Ceramics tableware, with its earthy colors and simple forms. Black-finished pendants, ceiling lights, hardware and plumbing fixtures unify the look.

Kitchen Design & Contracting: Erika Chaudhuri, Erika Jayne Design + Build, Bethesda, Maryland.

ALL AGLOW
Named after an ancient Roman oil lamp, Ethimo’s rechargeable, LED-lit Lucerna lantern is thoroughly modern. A waterproof, anodized-metal body is finished in steel or brass; its blown-glass diffuser is tinted in a range of hues. ethimo.com

WONDER WEAVE
A dome woven out of faux rattan creates a classic silhouette for Troy Lighting’s Huxley pendant designed for outdoor use. The fixture uses three candelabra bulbs and measures 24 or 34 inches in diameter. hvlgroup.com

VERY VERSATILE
Linea Light Group’s Alba is a crescent-shaped, indoor-outdoor sconce that can be rotated to direct light up, down or sideways. The outdoor version (pictured above) comes in aluminum with a gray or dark-brown finish. linealight.com

GIMME SHELTER
The MX-4 retractable cassette awning by Markilux provides shade by day and illumination at night. Integrated LEDs and recessed- and surface-mounted spotlights come in warm, ambient or colored light; the awning is available in a variety of colors. Controlled via an app. markilux.com

OLD WORLD
The Terrace Candelabra Lantern from Hammerton Studio delivers timeless, traditional style. Made of corrosion-resistant aluminum in a powder-coated bronze, gray or black finish, the fixture is enclosed in seeded glass. studio.hammerton.com

CHIC GLOBE
Minimalist in style, the Liila Wall Outdoor by Nuura combines a backplate and slender arm with a mouth-blown glass globe. Available in a black or bronze finish with optic clear or opal white glass. nuura.com

FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Glitterlimes, playful jewelry by Debbie Tuch, showcase beauty in food; above, Fruit Loops in glitter resin are fashioned into a necklace and earrings.

AT THE WHEEL
Potter Ryan Greenheck embraces modern art in ceramic creations that reflect expressionist and abstract painting; pieces from the Pollock series are shown.

WONDROUS WOOD
Michael Cruz of Knotty by Nature uses a lathe to fashion decorative items out of wood; above: an inlaid bowl made of ambrosia maple burl.

MOOD INDIGO
R. Nemo Hill and Julio M. Perea of Exot Blue Dyers work in indigo utilizing tools of traditional Shibori, a Japanese tie-dye technique. The Beach Waves Midnight Silk Shawl is pictured.

Touch of Glam

A chic Potomac kitchen melds flow + sophisticated sparkle

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Fresh Take

Quirky charm + a European vibe elevate a Northwest DC kitchen

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Space Planning

A luxurious McLean kitchen epitomizes efficiency + style

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Light + Airy

A contemporary kitchen in Oakton, Virginia, makes the most of a bucolic locale

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CUSTOM CHIC
A Capitol Hill kitchen remodeled by Snaidero DC Metro and architect Christian Zapatka incorporates the Italian brand’s modular Code system, featuring customizable cabinetry in matte-black lacquer paired with crisp-white Silestone on the countertops and backsplash. Find the cabinetry in a range of finishes and colors. snaiderodcmetro.com

HAND CRAFTED
New Ravenna’s Signature Collection showcases 20 hand-cut stone mosaics that can be customized in less than four weeks. The line is available in any color and finish combination; Double Brick is pictured above in honed Calacatta Tia. newravenna.com

SUPER SURFACE
German kitchen brand Nobilia complements its sleek cabinetry and hardware with countertops made of Xtra Ceramic, a durable, waterproof and heat-resistant surface that layers ceramic material atop recycled glass. New options for 2024 mimic the looks of terrazzo, marble, walnut and oak. nobiliakitchenfurniture.com

COLOR WAYS
A host of custom colors can adorn German maker Häcker Kitchens’ cabinetry now that the brand’s new Natural Color System has added 1,900 lacquered, water-based paint hues to its original 190 options. Kristalweiss is pictured. hackerkitchens.us

FIXTURES + FINISHES
Dornbracht has adapted VAIA, its transitional bath-fixture collection, for the kitchen. Conceived by Sieger Design, the faucet comes in a range of configurations and finishes; a bar tap and pot filler are part of the series. dornbracht.com

COOL SOLUTION
True Residential’s 36” Refrigerator with Bottom Freezer optimizes storage via 22.6 cubic feet of interior space. LED lighting illuminates the fridge’s contents, visible through a glass door. Also available with a solid front and in a range of stylish finishes; Sage is shown. true-residential.com

IN THE HOOD
Bells and whistles abound on Dacor’s 48-Inch Wall Mount Smart Range Hood, from auto-on heat sensors and a noise-dampening system to glass touch controls, strip LEDs and a four-speed blower. Find in Silver or Graphite (pictured above) at AjMadison. ajmadison.com; dacor.com

NEW HUE
Dark-gray interiors are now an option for SieMatic’s sleek cabinet systems. The neutral hue embellishes the insides of cabinets and drawers, anti-slip and cutlery inserts and organizing accessories. Aluminum tracking hardware and dust seals come in a complementary shade. Available at Konst SieMatic. siematic.com

STYLE PROFILE
Three of Wood-Mode’s popular overlaid cabinet designs—Toulon, Cologne and Linear—are now available with inset doors as part of the Moditional Collection. Simplified profiles and beveled moldings are among the alterations that create a smooth, clean look. wood-mode.com

EASY POUR
The HydroTap by Zip Water dispenses filtered boiling, chilled or sparkling water at the press of a button. A range of models and finishes is available at ADU—Your Appliance Source; the Elite Plus model is shown. adu.com; us.zipwater.com

Clients with contemporary taste called on interior designer Sara Swabb of Storie Collective for a makeover of their 1936 Tudor-style home. Working with Unique Kitchens & Baths, Swabb found a happy middle ground in the kitchen, which punctuates an Old World feel with fresh, modern elements. “The owners love Portuguese design, so we brought in character and interest through that to reflect their modern aesthetic,” she recounts. Situated at the back of the house, the kitchen felt cut off from the other rooms. The new plan remedied this flaw by replacing a wall that separated the kitchen and dining room with a peninsula that opens up the space. Portuguese-inspired niches house the range and prep sink.

UKB fabricated and installed cabinets designed by Swabb, who partners with the firm on a cabinetry line. “The challenge was to fit everything into this tiny space,” comments UKB’s Tanya Smith-Shiflett. Painted in Benjamin Moore’s Aegean Olive, the cabinets continue a color thread found throughout the residence. Swabb used tile extensively—a hallmark of Portuguese design. Bejmat natural-terracotta tile flooring is laid in stacked and herringbone patterns, while the walls are entirely covered in glazed zellige tiles. Terracotta tiles in a bold motif accent the range niche. Lighting and plumbing fixtures impart a modern vibe.

PROJECT TEAM
Kitchen Design: Sara Swabb, Storie Collective. Cabinetry Design & Fabrication: Tanya Smith-Shiflett, Unique Kitchens & Baths. Renovation Architecture: District Architecture Studio.

KITCHEN DETAILS
CABINETRY: uniquekitchensandbaths.net. COUNTERTOPS: Taj Mahal quartzite through imaginesurfaces.com. WALL & FLOOR TILE: cletile.com. RANGE BACKSPLASH: architessa.com. FAUCET: calfaucets.com. APPLIANCES: fisherpaykel.com, bosch.com, bluestarcooking.com through build.com. PENDANT: vakkerlight.com. CAFE TABLE: chairish.com.

A dark, outdated Oakton, Virginia, kitchen got a new lease on life after a makeover by Jennifer Gilmer Kitchen & Bath. “Though the home is traditional,” relates project designer Marie-Josée Parisi, “the goal was to make the kitchen reflect its owners’ more modern style.”

A wall dividing the kitchen and family room was razed to create an open plan with plenty of light. Two islands dominate the space: One for prep houses the main sink and two dishwashers while the other is kid-centered, with room for homework and snacks; an attached band of wenge serves as a table. A column contains wine storage and glassware while a coffee bar and prep sink line a passage to the new mudroom, also part of Parisi’s plan.

A wall of windows overlooks the home’s wooded lot, so Parisi selected sleek cabinetry in a wood-look, gray-and-taupe laminate “that brings the outdoors in,” she explains. Accent cabinets are painted in pale-gray Cumulus Cloud from Benjamin Moore. Countertops in Calacatta Gold Silestone complement both finishes.

The range wall, clad in a stone-look, dimensional porcelain-tile backsplash, showcases a hood designed by Parisi. “It has a traditional form but is made of brushed metal with a polished-strap detail,” she says. “It bridges styles and warms the space.”


PROJECT TEAM

Kitchen Design: Marie-Josée Parisi, Jennifer Gilmer Kitchen & Bath. Renovation Architecture: Paola One Design. Renovation Contractor: Hayes Construction Corp.

KITCHEN DETAILS
CABINETRY: qcci.com. COUNTERTOPS: silestoneusa.com through unitedgranitemd.com. WOOD SURFACES: glumber.com. BACKSPLASH: porcelanosa.com. APPLIANCES: subzero-wolf.com, mieleusa.com through abwappliances.com. HOOD INSERT: amoredesignfactory.com. SINKS: kohler.com. FAUCETS: grohe.com, newportbrass.com. CABINET HARDWARE: pushpullhardware.com, lisa-jarvis.com, omniaindustries.com.

While orchestrating a remodel in Potomac, the design team worked to ensure the kitchen would reflect its owners’ glamorous style—with the addition of a lighter palette and a streamlined floor plan. “It’s a pretty traditional house but the redo added contemporary flair,” recalls designer Stephanie Fried of Jack Rosen Custom Kitchens, who collaborated with designer Karyn Horn on the project.

The new plan decluttered the congested, choppy layout, replacing dark tile floors with expanses of glossy-white porcelain and taking over a closet in the adjacent mudroom to recess the fridge, freezer and wine fridge. A range wall creates a focal point, and a large island makes a statement with its swirling Fantasy Macaubas quartzite waterfall countertop. Tucked into the passage to the dining room, a desk area became a butler’s pantry/coffee bar containing a prep sink and storage for glassware.

Design choices throughout add touches of glam. Lower cabinetry in a dark, high-gloss finish elevates the room; matte, taupe-hued upper cabinets provide subtle contrast. A dropped ceiling above the island accommodates an integrated hood and track lighting. And the pièce de résistance: A sleek, custom wine unit—replacing an intrusive column between the kitchen and family room—showcases bottles in graceful rows behind walls of glass.


PROJECT TEAM

Kitchen Design: Stephanie Fried, Jack Rosen Custom Kitchens. Interior & Kitchen Design: Karyn Horn Designs. Contractor: D.H. Veirs Contracting. Photos: Stacy Zarin Goldberg.

KITCHEN DETAILS
CABINETRY: artcraftkitchens.com. PERIPHERAL COUNTERTOP & BACKSPLASH: PentalQuartz through architessa.com. CERAMIC TILE BACKSPLASH: architessa.com. ISLAND COUNTERTOP: fernandosmarbleshop.com. APPLIANCES: subzero-wolf.com, mieleusa.com through adu.com. SINKS: franke.com through plumbingpartsplus.com. FAUCETS: hansgrohe-usa.com through plumbing partsplus.com. STOOLS: rh.com.

While revamping a traditional McLean abode, interior designer Tracy Morris prepared to tackle the massive new kitchen, housed in a modern rear addition. She teamed with kitchen design firm Lobkovich to make sense of the open, 35-by-25-foot space.

“It was such a big room, we decided to create four distinct, task-oriented zones within it” for optimal functionality, recounts Lobkovich’s Emily Neifeld. These zones include primary and catering kitchens and two desk areas—one for kids and one for adults. A wall was constructed to separate the kitchens. One side holds the room’s focal point: a wide niche showcasing the range and a custom, blackened-steel-and-gold hood surrounded by Fantasy Macaubas quartzite. Tucked behind the wall, the catering kitchen boasts glass-fronted cabinetry for display. A breakfast table and bar on the center island offer plenty of seating.

The kitchen strikes a transitional note, with cabinets painted in Benjamin Moore’s Hale Navy offset by an island with a hickory base; hickory also dominates the catering kitchen. “We wanted a rustic element to connect with the more traditional existing house,” explains Morris, who added reclaimed-oak ceiling beams. Wood-veneer wall covering in the catering kitchen, a beveled, ceramic-tile backsplash and understated transitional lighting complete the look.

 

PROJECT TEAM
Interior & Kitchen Design: Tracy Morris, Tracy Morris Design. Kitchen Design: Emily Neifeld, Lobkovich. Architecture: WCRA. Builder: Thorsen Construction.

KITCHEN DETAILS
CABINETRY: signaturecustomcabinetry.com through lobkovich.com. QUARTZITE: marblesystems.com. COUNTERTOPS: caesarstoneus.com. TILE BACKSPLASH: jeffreycourt.com through marblesystems.com. APPLIANCES: subzero-wolf.com through build.com. HOOD FABRICATION: akmetalfab.com. SINKS: franke.com, kohler.com. FAUCETS: kohler.com. HARDWARE: topknobs.com. PENDANTS: urbanelectric.com. STOOLS: TMD Private Label.
WALL COVERING: phillipjeffries.com.

Discuss the latest trends in home organization.
Keeping your home an uncluttered refuge is key, and custom closets, mudrooms and pantries are the core areas where we help accomplish this goal. Home offices are popular, while wall beds truly optimize available space. Converting full rooms into dream closets was big in 2023. We’re also incorporating drawer trays and wall racks for jewelry. Color preferences are shifting towards warmer tones and wood grains. —Matthew Hein, Closets by Design

What are the secrets to creating a successful closet?
Take stock to account for your needs and the needs of your clothes—remember space for full-length hanging, drawers and jewelry storage. Incorporate a mirror, which will enlarge the room visually and reflect light. Shelves should be adjustable and deep enough for folded sweaters; they should have several height options (boots need more clearance than sandals). Be sure you have enough good lighting. And add easily accessible outlets for charging. —Katherine Crosby, Jenkins Baer Associates

How do you make a pantry both stylish and functional?
When designing a pantry, I look for opportunities to hide and organize what I call the “uglies” (items we need that aren’t attractive to display) while also creating visual interest. Visibility is key. Deep drawers or cabinets are good for kitchen appliances. Baskets or bins are great for quick grabs. I include a tall, narrow storage space for brooms, mops and hand-vacs. For households with pets, I create storage and even built-in food/water bowls. —Juli Brocato, Brocato Design + Co.

Begin by making sure there’s a place for everything. Wire baskets, pull-out trays and adjustable shelving maximize storage. A pantry becomes more than a closet when it is an extension of your kitchen, incorporating lighting, countertops, hardware and specialty molding. —Pam Hausamann, Closet Factory

How do you assess a client’s home office needs?
We ask questions: Will it be a primary office or just a spot for a desk and chair? Is it for multiple users? How much storage is required? Ergonomic seating can be critical, along with a Zoom-ready background. Do they want a coffee station? Additional seating for visitors? Where in the house will it be located? To elevate the aesthetic, look for interesting art, wallpaper or a plush rug. Efficient recessed lighting is a must, while a chandelier will complement a space. Budget cabinets can be finished to look custom. Freestanding bookshelves made with metal, wood or glass add texture and interest. —Priya Gupta, Associate ASID, NKBA, Priya Design & Decor LLC

What are creative ways to organize a family entry?
Consider what you want to store there. I like to design in a way that can evolve as needs change: adjustable shelves and extra-deep drawers that are multi-purpose; doors that hide clutter and keep everything contained. Maximizing cabinet height provides opportunities for stashing out-of-season items. —Charlotte Jarrett, California Closets, Washington, DC

Devise dedicated storage areas for each family member. Consider labeled cubbies or baskets, wall-mounted hooks and a pet station with room for toys, leashes and treats. We also recommend some type of bench seating; it can be a built-in bench with hidden storage or an antique found online. A place to sit while removing belongings will help an entryway stay organized. —Scott North, Case Architects & Remodelers

How do you elevate a mundane mudroom?
Because they’re small, mudrooms are great for colorful or unique floor tile. Thin brick pavers or porcelain pavers that look like flagstone provide style without the need to upgrade for the added weight and depth of real brick or stone. We use shiplap or paneling for durability in a space where we anticipate heavier use. Lockers and cubbies are good for a pop of color, and metal mesh, caning or a custom vent pattern will add texture to a scheme.  —Luke Olson, Jessica Parker Wachtel, GTM Architects

Reston, Virginia, clients with a home on Lake Newport hired design/build firm Denny + Gardner to construct a 24-by-20-foot sunroom addition that would make the most of the waterfront locale. “They were interested in a multi-functional, indoor/outdoor living space that would be comfortable year-round,” explains partner Jason Denny, who managed the project.

He and his team began by reframing a two-story rear wall to accommodate a combination of French and bi-fold doors leading out from the second-level great room to the new sunroom. A vaulted ceiling in the great room allowed for rows of oversized transom windows between the spaces, aligning with three large skylights on the sunroom side. Sunspace WeatherMaster windows open wide for indoor-outdoor connectivity in the warmer months. Stone columns support the addition, which shelters a patio beneath it. A French door off the sunroom leads to a TimberTech composite deck with cable rails.

A stone fireplace wall anchors the sunroom; the two-sided gas fireplace is glassed in, framing the vista. With the help of two Infratech heaters, it keeps the space cozy all year round. A tongue-and-groove ceiling painted crisp white and a large-format, slate-look porcelain-tile floor convey clean-lined, transitional style.

Renovation Architecture: Benjamin J. Carstoiu, 358 Design Studio, Herndon, Virginia. Renovation Design & Contracting: Jason Denny, Denny + Gardner, Sterling, Virginia.

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