“The entire bathroom was in desperate need of updating,” she recounts. “The owners wanted a calm space where they could relax and unwind.”
Working with Mike Thiede of Bethesda Contracting, McParland devised a plan that expanded the opening of the tub area, making the room feel larger. The bulky built-in tub was replaced by a freestanding Jacuzzi soaking tub, and a cramped shower stall made way for a spacious enclosure clad in white tile. A dark-stained wood double vanity is topped with a quartz counter and illuminated by sconces from Circa Lighting.
McParland combined large-format porcelain tiles with a waterjet marble mosaic-tile “rug” found at Architessa. An Uttermost canvas discovered by the clients provides a harmonious focal point above the tub, marrying the gray of the floor, the cream of Benjamin Moore’s Sail Cloth on the walls and the gold of the light fixtures.
Says McParland, “The art pulls everything together with a classic, timeless feel.”
Italy-based Lapitec has a new addition to its Essenza collection of sintered-stone surfaces. Nero Assoluto Velluto sports a charcoal hue with a soft, velvety texture. The non-porous, eco-friendly slabs—made with 100-percent mineral materials and no resins—come in a range of sizes. lapitec.com/en
MOODY HUES
Boost Smoke, a line of AtlasPlan porcelain slabs made by Ceramiche Atlas Concorde, conjures the smoky look of concrete, with warm gray tones in hammered or matte finishes. Available in large-format sizes for a sleek, seamless look. Find at Gramaco Stone Source in Savage, Maryland. gramaco.com
ON A CURVE
A curvaceous, C-shaped spout distinguishes Dornbracht’s CYO series of bathroom fixtures conceived by the German studio Sieger Design. The sculptural faucets come in matte or polished chrome, platinum or brass finishes. Low-profile round handles in textured metal and natural stone (not pictured) complete the collection. dornbracht.com
SAFETY FIRST
Grab bars—practical safety features for any bath—can also be stylish. California Faucets’ Deluxe Grab Bars boast 10 looks, seven lengths and 28 finishes. Made of brass, ergonomically designed and adorned with decorative detailing, they coordinate with the company’s plumbing fixtures. calfaucets.com
CHEERFUL STATEMENT
With its array of sizes, patterns and colorways, the Europa Arte collection of Portuguese ceramic tiles makes a cheerful statement. Six-by-six-inch, encaustic-look Aquerello tiles showcase three patterns; Palermo is pictured above in the Cielo colorway. Available at area Architessa locations. architessa.com
UNDER GLASS
Made in Italy, Glacier Lake porcelain tiles employ glazing to replicate the look of glass. The series comes in matte and gloss finishes and a range of colors and sizes, as well as in a horizontally ridged version. Pictured: Nero in a glossy finish and four-by-12-inch format. Find at area Best Tile locations. besttile.com
BATHING BEAUTY
Waterworks’ elegant Emile tub is a cast-iron oval sheathed in a brass finish for a luxe, classic look. Measuring a roomy 67 inches long and 27-and-a-half inches deep, the freestanding vessel can be made to order through Waterworks in Georgetown. waterworks.com
COLOR ON CUE
The Colour shower system by Italian manufacturer Gessi complements its square or circular rain showerhead with adjustable water jets for hydromassage as well as a nebulizer that atomizes water into mist. LEDs inside the showerhead create color sequences that can be programmed via digital keypad. gessi.com
GOOD HYGIENE
Health and safety take a front seat with Lifeker Plus+, an antibacterial coating devised by Spain’s Keraben Grupo to protect its ceramic tile surfaces. The coating is available on all of the company’s collections, including SuperWhite (pictured above), featuring an array of contemporary-looking 3D patterns. en.keraben.com
An artfully designed radiator makes a bold statement. Conceived by Andrea Crosetta for Italian manufacturer Antrax IT, Pioli evokes a ladder with its rungs grouped in threes; the unit also serves as a towel warmer. It’s made from carbon steel in two sizes and available in more than 200 colorways. antrax.it/en
STARRY NIGHT
The moody night sky inspired Island Stone’s Celestial glass subway tiles, which are characterized by a subtle, metallic shimmer in a glossy finish. Available in four complementary or contrasting colorways: Moon Beam, Dusk, Dark Star and Galaxy Blue (pictured). Intended for wall applications. islandstone.com
SURFACE STYLE
Radianz joins a growing assortment of practical, engineered alternatives to natural stone. Durable, hygienic and scratch- and stain-resistant, the quartz product comes in more than 70 high-gloss hues. Pictured: Marble-look Aries, part of the Cirrus collection, is one of the brand’s new offerings. radianz-quartz.com
Tapped to solve the dilemma, IStudio Architects found an unlikely solution: a steep, overgrown hillside wedged above a soccer field in Upshur Park, just across the street.
Owned by DC’s Department of Parks + Recreation, the new site presented a host of challenges, from accessibility and erosion due to the sloped terrain to the presence of pests and invasive species. “We started the process by listening to the site as well as what the programmatic needs were,” says IStudio principal Rick Harlan Schneider.
After running solar models to determine an optimal layout, IStudio met the site conditions and program requirements with a series of angled terraces supported by retaining walls and reached via stairs as well as zigzagging, ADA-compliant concrete pathways. The terraces contain neatly delineated beds, raised 18 to 20 inches to accommodate all sizes and abilities.
At the garden’s eastern edge, a triangular green-roof pavilion echoes the tilted planes of the beds. It provides shelter, mitigates runoff and captures rainwater for reuse. Located at 4300 Arkansas Avenue, Twin Oaks Community Garden received a 2019 AIA DC Citation for Universal Design.
Embracing this notion, an Arlington couple with twin boys decided to purchase a waterfront abode on the Chesapeake with other family members. “We wanted to buy a house with my mother and stepfather for extensive family gatherings,” recounts the wife, a stay-at-home mom whose husband is in furniture manufacturing. “And we wanted space for my sister and her family and my husband’s parents to visit.” They also planned to list the property as a vacation rental.
A circa-1992 house near St. Michaels fit the bill. At 5,100 square feet and with five bedrooms and five baths, there was room for a crowd. And nestled on six-and-a-half acres overlooking Grace Creek, the picturesque property was already beautifully landscaped with a pool, pool house and pavilion.
However, the interiors needed work. More bedrooms, bathrooms and gathering spaces would be necessary to meet the family’s requirements (the final count is six en-suite bedrooms and three powder rooms). The kitchen and existing baths were dated and the home’s orientation didn’t take advantage of the water views. The owners tapped architect Christine Dayton and designer Zoë Feldman to overhaul the abode in style.
“The clients didn’t want to enlarge the house, but they wanted two owners’ suites,” notes Dayton. “A garage addition had a large office over it which we converted into a suite for the younger couple. We kept the first-floor owners’ suite for the parents.”
The plan shifted walls on the main floor to create a more open layout, with the kitchen, dining and living areas occupying one big waterfront-facing room, spilling into a sunroom previously separated by an obtrusive kitchen peninsula. The former dining room, with no water view, became a study. Between the kitchen and garage, Dayton carved out space for a mudroom, pantry, powder room and laundry; a short hall leads out to a screened porch and a guest suite is tucked behind the garage. Upstairs, a game room with a wet bar opens out to a glass-railed balcony while four en-suite bedrooms offer plenty of additional sleeping space.
Once the new floor plans were complete, Dayton and Feldman teamed up with the owners to develop the home’s aesthetic. “It’s a post-and-beam structure, but not rustic,” explains Dayton, who wrapped the exposed woodwork in crisp white oak to match new wide-plank, white oak floors throughout.
Shiplap and board-and-batten paneling add coastal flair. “The setting is beautiful and it was the star,” the designer observes. “So we created neutral interiors that would complement the outdoors and allow the views to shine.”
Feldman collaborated with Lobkovich Kitchen Designs on the kitchen, selecting finishes while principal J. Paul Lobkovich configured the layout. Though the owners initially wanted everything white, recalls the wife, “Zoë pushed me out of my comfort zone on that, and I’m so glad she did.” Cabinets are painted a deep blue-black, offset by extensive white subway tile on the walls; copious pantry space made it possible to eschew upper cabinets in favor of open, white oak shelving. The wet bar upstairs is painted the same blue-black hue for continuity.
When it came time to decorate the home’s six en-suite bathrooms and three powder rooms, the wife suggested one look for all. “I was overwhelmed,” she recalls, “but Zoë felt that the baths are their own separate spaces and should all be different. Now, I love that each room has its own feel.” For instance, the main-level owners’ bath boasts a white porcelain-tile floor, a weathered-oak double vanity and a shower enclosure clad in blue-black subway tile, while the upstairs one features honed-slate floor tile and twin marble washstands atop iron bases.
Though Feldman selected decorative lighting, rugs and accessories, much of the furniture was acquired through the husband’s business, with the designer weighing in on choices that lean toward neutral, relaxed and a bit eclectic. The results are just what the owners wanted. “This was a labor of love,” enthuses the wife. “We couldn’t be happier with how it all turned out.”
Renovation Architecture: Christine M. Dayton, Christine M. Dayton Architect, P.A., Easton, Maryland. Interior Design: Zoë Feldman, Zoë Feldman Design, Washington, DC. Contracting: Jay Chance, Chance And Associates, Easton, Maryland. Kitchen Design: J. Paul Lobkovich, Lobkovich Kitchen Designs, Tysons, Virginia. Home Automation: Steve Adams, Strategic Home Media, Stevensville, Maryland.
Inspired by the historic, 18th-century Shiplap House in Annapolis with its steeply pitched roof and gabled end, architect Devin Kimmel embraced what he terms “Tidewater Modern” style in the contemporary design of an Annapolis home overlooking the Chesapeake Bay. “The massing of the structure is reminiscent of early American Tidewater homes, but the forms have been abstracted,” he explains.
Open on three sides via Western Windows bi-fold doors, the structure is crowned by a vaulted mahogany-plank ceiling. Silver travertine clads both the pool-house floor and pool deck, and a stucco fireplace occupies one wall.
The pool house is tucked to one side of the home so as not to impede water views, and acts as a buffer from the neighboring property. Native plantings frame the view. Visible past the pool and gardens, an existing structure was repurposed for the homeowners as a crab shack—in keeping with its Chesapeake Bay locale.
Among the bay-facing rooms is the owners’ bedroom, which enjoys access to an expansive deck through a glass-fronted door flanked by windows.
Brown set the tone with walls painted in Benjamin Moore’s bold Newburyport Blue. “The clients’ favorite color is blue—and with the water just beyond, this was the obvious choice for the palette,” she explains. Beige fabrics and rug offset the deep hue while highlighting the water vista. Pleated drapery in a Kravet linen-and-silk blend frames the window wall; Brown concealed hardware in a pocket behind the crown molding to create a sense of height and breadth for the windows. A bed, chair and ottoman from Hickory White beckon the residents to relax and soak up the scenery.
While kitchen designer Joni Zimmerman devised the layout, interior designer Katie Carlin, who masterminded the other interior spaces, imparted coastal charm through materials, finishes and cabinet profiles.
“The home is built on a peninsula with water on three sides,” recounts Carlin. “The kitchen was designed to maximize the sweeping views. There is not a seat from which you can’t see the water.” Picture windows and sliding-glass doors replaced casements, and built-in bench seating hugs the room’s perimeter, continuing around the bay window’s breakfast nook where diners gather at a custom Tritter Feefer pedestal table.
The new layout caters to the husband’s desire to cook and entertain simultaneously, via a curved island topped by stained, quarter-sawn oak. Ten Woodbridge Furniture stools upholstered in Perennials fabric all face the chef. Crisp white and pale blues keep the room bright; soft valances frame the windows and Troy Lighting chandeliers add interest.
“We had built the home for different clients almost 20 years ago,” recounts Pyramid’s Mark Sanders. “The new owners were looking to create the feel of a coastal family retreat.”
Pyramid worked with architect Patrick Jarosinski and interior designer Christy Brown on a renovation that not only enhanced the home’s existing spaces, but also overhauled the second-floor bedrooms, redid the kitchen and completely transformed the lower level. “We wanted the basement to feel like the interior of a yacht—inviting and sophisticated,” explains Jarosinski. “It’s now equipped with a theater, billiard room, bar/wine cellar, gym, golf simulator, basketball court and indoor pool.”
Under Brown’s guidance, organic materials like wood and stone were retained while a light, neutral palette made way for deeper hues and durable, textural fabrics. The interiors now form an elegant backdrop for an extensive art collection. Says Brown, “Patrick and I worked with a local gallery to curate almost every piece, so the home truly doubles as a live-in art gallery.”
Now housing three interactive exhibits, the reimagined museum aims to engage visitors and inspire environmental stewardship of the Chesapeake Bay and its surroundings. In Bay Health, an aquarium compares the quality of the bay’s waters now and in the pristine era before human contact, while an interactive journal explains the local watershed; Oyster Industry reveals oyster-harvesting methods while sharing the heritage and personal stories of the trade via a holographic waterman; and Annapolis Waters invites visitors to virtually join a boat race mid-stream, spend time on an oyster boat or kayak across the bay. Says AMM president Alice Estrada, “There’s nothing more stimulating than a great exhibition. Our new exhibits not only provide high-tech learning experiences but also deliver on the wonderful art of storytelling.”
One cold November morning, Potomac photographer Lee Goodwin was driving to an early shoot on the Eastern Shore. As dawn began to break, he spotted the beginnings of a rosy sunrise over the Kent Island Narrows. Stopping on Route 50 to take a few shots, he captured the Kent Island Yacht Club’s dock above a glassy surface tinted pale orange. “There was almost no wind that day, and I was experimenting with longer exposures over still waters,” he recalls. “I really liked the mirror effect.” Photo: Lee Goodwin
Bay Beauty - Bucolic farmland and a panoramic stretch of waterfront beckoned a couple looking for a vacation home on the Chesapeake.
The 15-acre parcel overlooking Eastern Bay on Kent Island was already home to an abandoned, circa-1980s abode set amid cornfields. The couple saw an opportunity in the rundown house, which was in foreclosure. “We are water people and had looked forever for the right property,” the wife recalls. “This one checked every box.”
The husband, who owns a mechanical contracting company, and wife, a stay-at-home mom, envisioned a sprawling weekend getaway that would become their full-time residence once their three teenage daughters go to college. They tasked architect Christopher Pattey, who had designed their beach cottage in Bethany, with reimagining—and greatly enlarging—the 3,000-square-foot structure. Early in the process, Pattey brought in designer Erin Paige Pitts to orchestrate interiors that would harmonize with the architecture, and builder John Coursey to implement their vision.
“They specified a coastal-traditional vernacular, reminiscent of grand summer homes in The Hamptons, with cedar shingles and lots of indoor-outdoor flow,” Pattey says. “It’s really an estate. We increased the square footage to 8,100—not counting pavilions, verandas and a cabana that add several thousand more.”
Constrained by critical-area rules, Pattey retained the existing foundation, which forms the home’s central volume. This section encompasses a foyer and stair hall; an open-plan dining room, kitchen and two-story great room; a library; and a sunroom. Support spaces include a back hall, butler’s pantry, mudroom areas and laundry. The second floor was overhauled to accommodate en-suite bedrooms for the three kids, while a new 2,500-square-foot owners’ wing on the main floor features a separate circular, columned entry “to establish a sense of arrival,” Pattey says. Past a sitting room dubbed the “owners’ retreat,” a wide corridor leads to the bedroom, bath and closets.
On the opposite side of the house, an existing two-car garage now boasts a spacious second-floor guest suite complete with a chic kitchenette. A colonnade connects this structure to a new three-car garage, above which an unfinished rec room awaits the next phase of construction.
The owners’ program celebrated both farmland and waterfront, so Pattey conceived a linear design in which every room enjoys one of these vistas. “I didn’t want the linearity to be monotonous, so I created an octagonal tower above the main entry,” he notes. “It’s a vertical element that draws the eye. And the owners get the bonus of an observatory with panoramic views,” accessible from a spiral stair on the second floor. Pavilions with hipped roofs, cupolas, gables and porthole windows embellish the exterior. Says Pattey, “There’s not a specific rhyme or reason for everything; it’s about the proportions and what is pleasing to the eye.” Inside, he created a sense of coziness by delineating spaces in the open-plan central volume and owners’ wing with columns and ceiling-height changes.
When conceiving the interiors, Pitts turned to the home’s estuary environment for inspiration. “They have the most magnificent waterfront I’ve seen,” she observes. “There’s an enormous front yard that’s planted with corn in the summer and a creek with wetland grasses. I tried to mix the colors of the bay and sky with the textures of the property.” A crisp-white kitchen with backsplash tiles in blues ranging from subtle to bold provided a jumping-off point for the home’s overall palette of creams and whites punctuated by blue accents. In the butler’s pantry, vibrant blue cabinetry pairs with a mirrored-tile backsplash for a touch of glam.
Pitts furnished the house from scratch, honing in on light-stained woods, woven pieces and upholstery that convey both comfort and sophistication. She enhanced the sense of intimacy through warmth of materials and furniture groupings, selecting low-slung silhouettes that allow the views to take center stage. Her challenges included designing the home’s seven bathrooms in a range of styles and materials; the marble-clad, hexagonal owners’ bath situated at the end of a wide corridor is a standout.
To meet the clients’ desire for easy indoor-outdoor living, Pattey created an abundance of al fresco spaces. A water-facing veranda stretches the length of the main volume, spilling out to a patio with a fire pit. A screened pavilion and cabana—complete with powder room and outdoor shower—flank a pergola-covered walkway to another pavilion. The existing swimming pool has been refurbished, while an outdoor kitchen, dining area and owners’ wing patio give the family plenty of outdoor options. A landscape plan by Terra Nova Design softens the extensive hardscape.
The finished house boasts a seamless connection between architecture and interior design, thanks to a design team that was sympatico from the start. “When you team up early, there’s great synergy,” comments Pattey. Both he and Pitts contend that the trust the clients vested in the team enhanced the results.
The owners are thrilled with their newly completed abode, where they unexpectedly sheltered full-time for two months during the pandemic. “The process was long, about three years from design to the end,” says the wife. “But we made it exactly the way we want it.”
Renovation Architecture: Christopher L. Pattey, Associate AIA, Becker Morgan Group, Salisbury, Maryland. Interior Design: Erin Paige Pitts, Erin Paige Pitts Interiors, Annapolis, Maryland. Renovation Contractor: John W. Coursey and Son, LLC, Centreville, Maryland. Landscape Installation: Terra Nova Design, Crofton, Maryland.
RESOURCES
GENERAL
Flooring: kentisland.abbeycarpet.com.
GREAT ROOM
Sectional & Fabric: ferrellmittman.com. Wood-Framed Chairs: mcguirefurniture.com. Coffee Table: Custom by erinpaigepittsinteriors.com. Fabrication: mitchellyanosky.com. Chandelier: arteriors.com. Drapery Fabric: fschumacher.com. White Urns on Console: Clients’ collection. Throw Pillows on Sectional: romo.com, quadrillefabrics.com.
FOYER:
Wood-Framed Bench & Fabric: furnitureclassics.com. Art above Bench: suzanneyurdin.com.
SCREENED PAVILION
Furniture: potterybarn.com.
DINING ROOM
Table: centuryfurniture.com. Chairs: hookerfurniture.com. Chair Fabric: romo.com, osborneandlittle.com. Rug: Custom. Drapery Design: erinpaigepittsinteriors.com. Drapery Fabric: osborneandlittle.com, fschumacher.com. Drapery Trim: samuelandsons.com. Chandelier: urbanelectric.com. Barn Door Covering: phillipjeffries.com.
BUTLER’S PANTRY
Backsplash Tile: annsacks.com. Countertop: cambria-quartz.com. Shades: Custom by erinpaigepittsinteriors.com.
KITCHEN
Walnut Countertop & Wood Panel on Fridge: Custom by erinpaigepittsinteriors.com. Fabrication: warrenswoodworks.com. Stone Countertop: atlastile.com. Backsplash Tiles: walkerzanger.com. Round Table by Window Seat: tritterfeefer.com. Woven Chairs: palecek.com. Counter Stools: serenaandlily.com. Island Pendants: urbanelectric.com. Range Hood: ventahood.com.
SUNROOM
Banquette: Custom by erinpaigepittsinteriors.com. Fabrication: mitchellyanosky.com. Table: tritterfeefer.com. Chairs: sikadesignusa.com. Light Fixture: paulferrante.com. Bird Pictures: Victoria-larson.com.
OWNERS’ WING
Bed, Inlaid Chest, Nightstand & Bench: bernhardtfurniture.com. Bench Fabric: fschumacher.com. Chairs & Ottoman by Window: caracole.com. Bedside Lamps: mrbrownhome.com. Drapes: Custom by erinpaigepittsinteriors.com. Drapery Fabric: janechurchill.com. Drapery Trim: fschumacher.com. Hall Settee & Fabric: vanguardfurniture.com. Picture over Settee: patricedrago.com. Console/Desk, Chandelier & Mirror: madegoods.com. Chair: hickorychair.com. Rug: Custom by erinpaigepittsinteriors.com.
A reticulated foam body promotes water drainage, while the removable crocheted cover is easy to clean. Available in six finishes and three sizes at JANUS et Cie in Cady’s Alley; pictured in new Cool Grey and Cyan Melange shades, with Patricia Urquiola’s Anatra sectional. janusetcie.com
Designed by Michael Koenig for Ligne Roset, the Giardinetto planter is crafted of galvanized-steel sheets suitable for outdoor use, then finished in an iridescent lacquer the color of anthracite. The planters come in a range of sizes; convenient handles make them eminently portable. Available at Ligne Roset in Upper Georgetown. ligneroset-dc.com
Pictured in a Carbon finish, Blu Dot’s clean-lined Lookout Outdoor Lounge Chair combines a tubular aluminum frame with all-weather rope woven to form the seat and back. Shown here with the powder-coated aluminum Circula Tall Side Table, which boasts adjustable feet to keep its base level. Both pieces are available at Blu Dot’s Georgetown showroom. bludot.com
The Borea collection by Piero Lissoni for B&B Italia includes a chic sofa that pairs a slender aluminum frame with generous cushions. Sustainable padding is made from recycled PET plastic bottles; upholstery in solid or striped cotton canvas evokes a nautical vibe. Available at B&B Italia in Georgetown. bebitalia.com
With its delicate curves, the Pekin Floor Lamp casts an elegant shadow. Designed by Gabriel Teixidó for Roche Bobois in an indoor and an outdoor version; both are made of fiberglass and metal, but the outdoor fixture dons a shade of durable Batyline to withstand the elements. Available at Roche Bobois in DC and Tysons. roche-bobois.com
Warm up on chilly evenings with Frontgate’s Classic Copper Fire Pit. Its heavy-gauge copper basin is designed to withstand extreme heat and weather; an iron grate ensures fires stay well-ventilated. Measuring 40 inches in diameter, the basin sits atop an attractive, powder-coated iron base. frontgate.com
Kingsley Bate’s Charlotte collection offers a hardy spin on classic garden seating, with aluminum frames hand-painted to resemble rattan and all-weather wicker seats and backs in an airy, open-grid weave. Pictured with the teak Avalon table, which is slatted for drainage and comes two sizes: a 41-inch square and a 73-inch rectangle. kingsleybate.com
Relax poolside on the low-profile Summit chaise, designed by Lisa Clark Jenks for Country Casual Teak. The teak frame supports a mesh sling made of fade-resistant, waterproof polyester/polyvinyl in Cloud or Taupe (pictured). The stackable lounges feature four seat-back positions and can easily be moved on rear wheels. Find at Country Casual Teak in Gaithersburg. countrycasualteak.com
Edgestar’s stainless-steel outdoor undercounter icemaker emphasizes versatility, with reversible doors, adjustable legs and front-facing vents to accommodate freestanding or built-in installation. The appliance, which moves easily on lockable castors, can produce as much as 50 pounds of ice a day and stores up to 25 pounds. Available at area Ferguson showrooms. edgestar.com; fergusonshowrooms.com
Sonoma Forge’s Waterbridge Exposed Shower System can be installed indoors or out. The industrial-style, handcrafted fixture is distinguished by exposed pipes and joints forming an adjustable rain head, hand wand and foot wash—perfect for beachgoers looking to rinse off the sand. Available in a choice of finishes, in wall- (pictured) or floor-mount versions. sonomaforge.comtores up to 25 pounds. Available at area Ferguson showrooms. edgestar.com; fergusonshowrooms.com
The Lynx L42TR 42-Inch Professional Series Grill caters to the al fresco chef with such bells and whistles as a smoker box, a dual-position rotisserie—and 1,200 square inches of grilling surface. An infrared burner reaches temperatures from 300 to 1,000 degrees. Available at A.J. Madison in Tysons. ajmadison.com; lynxgrills.com
Yorkstone pavers from Architessa convey the timeless look of natural stone with the durability of porcelain. Measuring twice the thickness of indoor tile, the new pavers are designed for outdoor applications. They come in 24-by-24- and 16-by-32-inch formats and eight colors;
Commissioned by the NOVA Parks system, Baltimore-based GWWO Architects conceived the 18,367-square-foot, multi-use building as a venue for visitors to commune with the parkland and river, learn about the region’s history and enjoy a picturesque spot for recreation.
Sited to blend with the surrounding topography, the LEED Gold-certified building emphasizes sustainability and a gentle footprint. The concept is the union of contrasting halves. “Each is articulated with different structural systems and materials, yet tied together—one light and delicate, one solid and strong,” notes GWWO design principal Alan Reed. The glass-and-steel side is a backdrop for events; the other, clad in cypress timbers harvested from the river bottom, houses the 1608 Room (named for the year of Captain John Smith’s voyage through the Chesapeake Bay), an interpretive exhibit on the area’s history.
A lower volume contains a restaurant with al fresco seating; a green roof minimizes the visual impact of this section while its brick exterior references historic structures preserved on-site—including a kiln that produced brick 100 years ago.
The airy, 6,100-square-foot showroom is the brand’s 12th brick-and-mortar location worldwide. It spans two stories, showcasing a full line-up of competitively priced contemporary furniture, lighting and accessories—all designed in the company’s Minneapolis studio. In 2018, Blu Dot received a prestigious Cooper Hewitt National Design Award for product design. 3333 M Street, NW; bludot.com
DESIGNER LIBRARY was launched in 2019 as a road-based service bringing a curated collection of brands to designers in the Mid-Atlantic region. Then on April 5, co-owners Janine Guerin and Chad Mitchell opened a chic, 1,700-square-foot Georgetown atelier where they now showcase textiles, wall coverings, rugs, furniture and lighting to the trade. Designers and their clients can view samples and shop for products made by Arte, Elitis, Marika Meyer, Porta Romana, The Vale London, Travers, Made Goods and Marc Philips, to name a few. By appointment at 1667 Wisconsin Avenue, NW; designerlibrary.com
PILLOW PUNK, a new venture by Rockville Interiors, allows decorators to design throw pillows for projects online, with pricing updated based on customizable selections ranging from fabric and filling to piping and trim. Pillows in an array of styles are handmade in the company’s workshop, with a five-business-day turn-around.
An integrated screen wall channels light while also showcasing the owners’ ceramics collection on movable, cantilevered shelves. gutierrezstudios.com
POINT OF INTEREST Steve Prudhomme of Metal Specialties, Inc. (540-967-4836), fabricated a sleek, hot-rolled-steel fireplace surround for an Alexandria penthouse during a renovation by Runningdog Architects. Conceived by interior designer Katie Otis, the fireplace anchors the long room, adding vertical interest to the space.
SEASIDE STYLE Pennsylvania-based Compass Ironworks was hired to design, fabricate and install a third-floor exterior stair on a Jersey Shore condo. The result was a sleek, high-grade aluminum spiral stair, powder-coated in an eco-friendly finish to withstand the harsh oceanfront environment. compassironworks.com
TOUCH OF GLAM Shazalynn Cavin-Winfrey of SCW Interiors tapped AK Metal Fabricators, Inc., to create a shelf system in a glamorous scullery she was designing for clients in Alexandria. A stainless-steel frame in a mirror finish supports tempered-glass shelves; the system complements a backsplash of antiqued-mirror panels. akmetalfab.com
BACK TO NATURE During the overhaul of a wooded property in Great Falls, Cardine Studios was commissioned to design and fabricate a steel railing leading to the home’s side entrance. Its graceful leaves and branches reflect the setting; they were handcrafted using traditional forging techniques.
