“Come in, you have to see this,” beckons architect Christian Zapatka, standing at the door of a recently completed project in McLean, Virginia. He and the homeowner are positively beaming with anticipation as they draw their visitor through the front entry and around the corner to where the living room lies. As they do, a view of the Potomac River opens up that, literally, takes your breath away. The house is sited on a ridge 200 feet above the water, and the river vista, framed by foliage, drama unfolds in rocky outcroppings, churning currents and green, undulating shorelines.
No wonder the homeowners, an aviation entrepreneur, and his wife, wanted a house that would focus on the view. They were already living on the two-plus-acre property in a 1970s-era abode when they hired Zapatka to design a new home that would do justice to its remarkable locale. “The original house had no relationship to the landscape, let alone the view,” Zapatka says. “We created a series of rooms strung along a viewing platform. Every main room has a view of the river.”
During the design phase, the idea was raised of using arches as a structural device. Zapatka decided to make them “volumetric, like vaults. The vault is so timeless—Roman but also very modern,” he says. “And of course, airplane hangars are vaulted.” It was the perfect motif for the homeowner, given his line of work.
The finished structure incorporates a major and a minor vault connected by a linear, one-story volume. From the front, the house appears to be a single story with a two-story center volume. At the back, however, the ground slopes down and three glass-walled stories are visible: the basement, the main level and a third story, which is contained in the center volume. Balconies on the main level evoke the decks of a ship.
While the original house was situated back from the ridge, Zapatka sited the new one along its outermost edge. “There was a lot of shoring up,” he says. “Serious foundation work is keeping this all in place.”
A metal roof conveys the hangar motif, and stucco clads the exterior. “Stucco is solid and doesn’t distract the eye from the composition,” Zapatka observes.
Inside, the owners specified a single-level layout that would enable them to age in place. They also requested a beautiful, functional kitchen and an open floor plan. “This is the house we’ll be in forever,” says the wife. “We wanted to do it right.”
In fact, the only structural element that breaks up the open plan in the home’s public areas is what Zapatka calls a “central core” containing a fireplace and a shaft for a future elevator; it also anchors the staircase. “This is a tried-and-true planning device in modern houses,” explains the architect. “Not only does it provide circulation and space for utilities, it also acts as a divider instead of conventional walls.”
A pine-block, glass-and-steel staircase leads to a second-floor office, where the central vaulted roofline stretches overhead, flanked by a catwalk overlooking the entry. The stairs also lead to a lower level, which houses an exercise room and guest suite.
The open plan encompasses the front hall, living room and dining area, with the kitchen as a focal point. “We wanted the kitchen to be a showpiece,” says the husband. High-gloss Macassar cabinets are paired with black-granite countertops, and the island has an attached Macassar table for casual meals.
High up on one wall of the dining area, a series of clerestory windows offer glimpses of sky and trees without detracting from the windows across the room that frame the river views. Below those small windows, a long, built-in Macassar beverage bar provides additional storage.
To the right of the front hall, a gallery leads to a guest room as well as the master suite, which accesses one of the balconies. From the gallery, French doors also open onto a small front porch facing the driveway that enjoys the afternoon sun.
The home is furnished with a mix of family heirlooms and new, modern pieces. “Christian just had to make sure the living room was big enough to hold my sofas,” recalls the wife. “That was the only requirement.”
Zapatka’s decision to conceal the view from arriving guests “was critical,” he says. “Don’t give it all away. You want a hall where you can greet your guests and be with them for a moment. Then you come around the corner and that’s when you say ‘wow.’”
Photographer Gordon Beall is based in Bethesda.
ARCHITECTURE: CHRISTIAN ZAPATKA, AIA, FAAR, Christian Zapatka Architect PLLC, Washington, DC. BUILDER: DOUG BLAUER, OC Builders Inc., McLean, Virginia. LANDSCAPE DESIGN: BRETT LEIGHTY, Area Landscaping, Inc., Fairfax, Virginia.
CNN’s chief congressional correspondent Dana Bash knows how to prepare for a photo shoot. Breezing down the stairs of her house, she is perfectly made up and coiffed with a welcoming smile on her face. Of course, Home & Design’s camera crew is not the only one she’ll be facing on this day. She will soon be on her way to CNN to cover the latest political maneuverings in the House and Senate. It’s a job she’s been doing for nine years and it definitely keeps her busy.
As does her four-year-old boy, whose father is her former husband, CNN anchor and chief national correspondent John King. Bash lives with her son in the house she purchased in 2007 on a sleepy block in Northwest DC. Built in 2001, it combines clean lines and modern amenities with traditional elements like wainscoting and a stone fireplace. It also offers plenty of space for a very active child to run around.
Though Bash loves the house, she was originally drawn to the land, which accommodates a patio, swimming pool, and lawn, plus blooming shrubs and brimming flowerpots. “I wanted to live in DC but still have the benefits of suburbia,” she says. “I’m very much an outside person, so the garden was important to me.”
Bash lived in the house for a number of years before deciding to decorate. She had purchased it from a designer who also sold her the classic Niermann Weeks chandelier and massive mirror that still occupy the living room and front hall, respectively. “There was enough there that I liked, so I just left it alone and didn’t add a lot of ‘me’ into it,” she says.
When she was finally ready, she hired designer Melissa Broffman, whom she knew because Broffman had worked at CNN in a previous career. Together, they tackled the house in stages. “Dana’s very decisive. She could do it all by herself; she just doesn’t have the time,” Broffman observes.
Bash characterizes her taste as “classically contemporary with a little bit of glam.” Broffman helped her choose pieces that fit her style, including a Donghia sofa paired with a gilt wall sculpture by Christopher Guy for the living room. A plush chaise in her bedroom conveys a chic but understated vibe. While Bash didn’t relinquish all the decision-making, she explains that she was confident that “Melissa knows me and would understand what I wanted.”
Throughout the house, artwork picked up during her travels clearly reflects Bash’s aesthetic—as well as a sense of whimsy and playfulness. A vibrant painting of a flower by her boyfriend, L.A.-based actor Spencer Garrett, stands front and center in the dining room, while a series of celebrity portraits by artist Richard Zarzi recently acquired in London, hangs in the living room. Numbered prints by Theodor Geisel (a.k.a. Dr. Seuss) add punches of vibrant color. A Jonathan Adler pillow depicting Jackie Onassis sits on the living room sofa, and a poster of Audrey Hepburn as Coco Chanel graces the upstairs landing. “I like empowered women who are classy and chic,” Bash says. “I like to be inspired by them.”
The daughter of Stuart Schwartz, a longtime producer at ABC, the New Jersey-born Bash moved to DC to attend George Washington University and never left. “It wasn’t about politics at the time,” she recalls. “My dad likes to joke that I graduated from college without knowing there were three branches of government! But I caught the bug pretty fast. My whole childhood, I said ‘I’ll never go into TV news—you have vacations taken away, you work crazy hours.’ Then I stopped fighting my DNA and went with it.”
Bash joined CNN right after college and has been there ever since. As a top political correspondent, she will soon be on the road covering the 2016 election. “My favorite part of the job is witnessing what will soon be history up close and personal, being part of the action,” she comments.
For Bash, downtime these days means relaxing at home with her son, who, she says, has pretty much taken over. Minutes before the camera crew arrived, “we had a rollercoaster going through the living room under the Niermann Weeks chandelier,” she laughs. “That’s why there’s no rug. My son likes it better that way! “This house makes me so happy,” she continues. “It’s the most rewarding thing for me these days, just being at home with my son.”
INTERIOR DESIGN: MELISSA BROFFMAN, Allied Member ASID, Melissa Broffman Interior Design, Arlington, Virginia. LANDSCAPE DESIGN: CHARLES DALTON, Dalton Ventures, Inc., Middletown, Maryland.
When designing a new Potomac home, Diane Shaw created a master bath that mirrored the aesthetic reflected in the rest of the house: clean-lined yet classical, elegant and sophisticated.
“I wanted to make it beautiful,” she says, “but since it’s for a couple, it had to be pretty but masculine too.”
The large bathroom provided Shaw with expansive walls—one of which now accommodates a double vanity with two sinks while another anchors a makeup table. A soaking tub by Victoria & Albert sits before a bank of windows, and a glass-enclosed shower with a bench is a room in itself. A separate WC is tucked into one corner.
Marble surfaces throughout convey the fresh yet traditional look Shaw was after. The countertops and shower are white Thassos, while the mosaic-tile decorative motif in the shower is gray-veined Carrara, offset by a field of white marble squares. Shaw extended the gray-and-white palette with custom cabinetry.
Every detail has been considered. Twin mirrors by J. Conn Scott above the sinks flank a Pottery Barn sconce that has been refinished to match. A chandelier by Circa Lighting above the tub draws the eye, and antique sconces to either side pick up the nearby shower medallion’s design. At the makeup table, a gilt- and silver-framed mirror is a family heirloom, while the antique chair by the tub was a gift from the owners’ daughter.
BATH & INTERIOR DESIGN: DIANE SHAW, Diane Shaw Interiors, Potomac, Maryland. ARCHITECT: GERI YANTIS, Sutton Yantis Associates Architects, Vienna, Virginia. BUILDER: Horizon Builders, Inc., Crofton, Maryland.
For two more retreats also see:
Located in Southwest DC, L’Enfant Plaza and the adjacent 10th Street Promenade were the 1960s brainchildren of architect I.M. Pei. Flanked by a series of federal office buildings, the plaza has been sadly under-utilized over the years. In 2009, developer JBG—which had acquired the site in 2003—hired SmithGroupJJR architects to revitalize it—and, by extension, the promenade. “It was obvious that L’Enfant Plaza felt cut off,” says Andrew Rollman, principal designer on the project. Since it lies between the National Mall and the burgeoning Southwest Waterfront, “the challenge was to make it a bridge between the two—to draw people to use it as a path from one area to the other.”
Some 200,000 square feet of shops and dining areas already existed underground, below a pyramidal structure added in the late 1970s. However, “no one seemed to know they were there,” says Rollman. He and his team conceived a design for a massive glass atrium to replace the pyramid over the shopping area. Not only would this structure bring in natural light—thereby negating the sense of being underground—it would also attract passersby. Measuring 3,000 square feet, the atrium is now a clean, modern form that complements Pei’s original site plan.
JBG’s plan also involved turning the plaza into a vibrant retail destination. A whole new crop of vendors has moved in, and a food court has been designed to approximate a bustling, urban street. Up next: new office, residential and entertainment spaces around the atrium that will turn L’Enfant Plaza into its own dense, mixed-use neighborhood.
ARCHITECTURE: ANDREW ROLLMAN, AIA, principal designer, SmithGroupJJR, Washington, DC. BUILDER: Whiting-Turner, Greenbelt, Maryland.
A newly completed house in McLean, Virginia, hosted the 2015 DC Design House. Designed by Harrison Design and built by Artisan Builders, the 8,869-square-foot home conveys a farm-house vernacular recalling the region’s bygone days. This year, 24 area design teams transformed 28 spaces—indoors and out—using creative, innovative ideas that respected the home’s rustic style while injecting sophistication, elegance and a touch of whimsy. With Home & Design as its media sponsor, the show house was open for tours April 11 through May 10; in case you missed it, we highlight each room online. Now in its eighth year, the DC Design House benefits Children’s National Health System.
VINTAGE FIND Sarah Wessel’s BREAKFAST AREA began with a painting by Kitty Williams based on early 20th-century WPA photographs. It set the tone for a space that combined new and vintage pieces—and served as a visual extension of the kitchen, which Wessel also accessorized. An antique French farm table from Côté Jardin and Lee Industries chairs rest atop a soft-hued rug from Stark. For the drapes, “I reversed a hand-blocked fabric by Lee Jofa to give it a softer look,” Wessel says. Pendants from Currey & Company evoked fireflies in a jar. Design: Sarah Wessel, Sarah Wessel Designs, Ltd.
OUTDOOR OASIS “Think South of France, dining al fresco,” suggests Skip Sroka of the elegant GARDEN PAVILION he designed on the patio. Fabricated by Walpole Outdoors LLC, the structure created an oasis for entertaining in the backyard. The intimate gathering space had ample room for a dining table, chairs, and chandelier by Sroka Design. All-weather draperies and cushion fabrics by Robert Allen and a rug from Infinity Fabrics sported a classic blue-and-white palette. Design: Skip Sroka, CID, ASID; Antonella Cestone Lafranchise, Sroka Design Incorporated.
FUNCTIONAL & FUN Margery Wedderburn gave “a nod to the Virginia countryside” in the BUTLER'S PANTRY. She chose custom wallpaper by Stacey Tranter: faux wood for the ceiling and botanical for the walls. Dishes and glassware came to life against the backdrop of an open pantry cupboard, papered by Tranter in a horizontal stripe. Touches of vibrant teal punctuated the room, even adorning a pendant from AmericanEye that Wedderburn lacquered for space. Design: Margery Wedderburn, Margery Wedderburn Interiors, LLC.
KITCHEN KARMA The KITCHEN by J. Paul Lobkovich and Emily Neifeld combined rustic wood beams overhead with clean-lined custom cabinetry by Signature featuring inset doors that created a modern feel. The island, with its walnut base and legs, was “more like a big farmhouse table,” says Neifeld. Crisp, white cabinets were offset by a niche of walnut built-ins. Taj Mahal quartzite countertops and a Tatami mosaic-stone backsplash kept the space light and airy. Design: J. Paul Lobkovich, Emily Neifeld, Lobkovich Kitchen Designs.
NATURAL SANCTUARY With curtained borders and a wall of evergreen shrubs, the LOGGIA “was meant to be a gathering spot with a sense of sanctuary,” says Nancy Colbert. A gray-washed teak sectional from JANUS et Cie and chairs from Lee Industries surrounded a custom, a granite-topped table that doubled as a fire pit, while an Arteriors mirror provided a focal point. Punches of soft teal in the ceiling, Sunbrella upholstery and throw pillows added color and fun. Design: Nancy Colbert, NCIDQ, ASID, CID, Design Partners, LLC.
GOING GREEN Iantha Carley envisioned “a FAMILY ROOM that would be cozy for family use—respectful of country style, but with a modern eye.” She selected a large-format botanical pattern by Lee Jofa for the drapes, then took her cues for the room’s striking palette from its vivid greens. Benjamin Moore’s Dragonwell Green covered the walls, tempered by white trim and furniture upholstered in white indoor/outdoor Perennials fabric. The custom coffee table was fabricated by Michael James Furniture. Design: Iantha Carley, Iantha Carley Interiors.
MODERN FARMHOUSE Jeff Akseizer and Jamie Brown bridged modern and rustic sensibilities in the DINING ROOM with white custom cabinets, wallpaper in a geometric pattern by Thibaut, modern hide chairs by Saddleman’s and a custom dining table by Keith Fritz. As an organic element, says Brown, “We made coffers for the ceilings, then used birch-stick remnants from a paper farm inside of them.” A dramatic, modern chandelier from Stilnovo suggested branches falling.
In the adjoining GALLERY, which links the public spaces, the design team went a different route to create “a modern take on farmhouse style,” says Akseizer. They offset the long, narrow room, bordered by a wall of stone, with crisp, white trim and a ceiling clad in Thibaut grasscloth that echoed the gray in the stonework. An antique chest and acrylic chairs from Spectrum lined the stone wall and abstract artwork by Lisa Tureson completed the look. Design: Jeff Akseizer and Jamie Brown, Akseizer Design Group.
RUSTIC REVIVAL Michael Hampton was inspired by the home’s architecture in the design of his LIBRARY, where “farm meets Greek Revival,” he explains. A backdrop of bleached-oak woodwork kept the room light yet cozy and a Chinoiserie painting above the John Rosselli sofa sparked the palette of greens and golds. A classical Greek key motif embellished the marble-topped coffee table from John Rosselli in Georgetown and Neoclassical painted chairs were paired with a table by Michael S. Smith. Design: Michael Hampton, Michael Hampton Design.
ARTISTIC TOUCH A 1952 painting by Helen Frankenthaler inspired Lisa Tureson’s design for the POWDER ROOM. An artist herself, Tureson painted a series of acrylics based on Frankenthaler’s work, positioning them throughout the small space. She finished the walls in a layer of quartz to create a subtly glittering surface. A console designed by Michael Hampton fit perfectly into space, and over the vanity, a mirror hand-etched by Tureson drew the eye. Design: Lisa S. Tureson, Studio Artistica.
FARMHOUSE CHIC Hoping to “draw people in” to the LIVING ROOM, Annette Hannon covered one wall in a hand-painted, hand-embroidered silk wall covering by Fromental depicting delicate cherry blossoms that appeared to float onto the ceiling. A reclaimed-wood fireplace mantel imparted an organic flavor to the room, which she describes as “a great mix of farmhouse and chic.” A chandelier by David Iatesta and custom coffee table by Keith Fritz added an artisanal touch. Design: Annette Hannon, Annette Hannon Interior Design, Ltd.
A UNIFYING ELEMENT “The BACK STAIR HALL is the vantage point for everything,” says David Benton. “We wanted it to be warm and welcoming, not just a hallway.” In the absence of a window on the first floor, Benton hung a painting of clouds, then chose elegant and functional furniture and accessories to create the impression of an acquired collection; a built-in desk occupies a niche. A graphic Cole & Son wallpaper pattern on the stairwell united the first and second floors. Design: David A. Benton, AIA, RA Spaces & Rill Architects.
GLAMOROUS TOUCH “We created a modern space with a hint of glam while respecting the home’s farmhouse-inspired architecture,” says Pamela Harvey of her design for the ENTRY AND UPPER STAIR HALL. Crisp, white-painted millwork provided a backdrop to subtle blush- and pewter-toned accents. A chandelier from Circa Lighting picked up gold hues in the nearby stonework. A glittery fabric wall covering from Beacon Hill started on the stairs and continued to the second-floor hallway, where an adjoining alcove beckoned. Design: Pamela Harvey, Pamela Harvey Interiors, LLC.
WELCOMING VIBE Country Casual designers Nicolette Powell and John LeMieux used teak furniture and accessories and cushions in vibrant blue, green and yellow to create a welcoming vibe on the FRONT PORCH. “We wanted a casual, warm approach to the house,” says LeMieux. A line of rocking chairs flanked the front door on one side while a glider, two armchairs, and a coffee table beckoned on the other. A granite-topped buffet table held greenery and teak planters lined the driveway. Design: Nicolette Powell and John LeMieux, Country Casual.
A SENSE OF AGE Charles Owen of Fine Landscapes, Ltd., selected LANDSCAPE AND HARDSCAPE materials to complement the home’s rustic architecture. “We wanted to evoke an Old American farm,” he explains. Brick pavers and decorative elements such as a 19th-century horse trough and well pump by the front porch conveyed a sense of age, and Pennsylvania flat-stack fieldstone walls with a connected water feature offered a focal point in the backyard. Design: Charles Owen, Fine Landscapes, Ltd.
SMOOTH TRANSITION Hand-painted walls by muralist Gary Goldberg formed the basis for the playful UPPER GALLERY. Since it was long and narrow with problematic doorways and windows, “there wasn’t a lot of room to hang things, so I decided to make the walls themselves the art,” says Christopher Nutter. He chose a botanical design that bridges adult and child sensibilities, providing a transition from public to private spaces. He punctuated the design with vibrant blue accents. Design: Christopher Nutter, Christopher Nutter Designs.
COLOR AT REST “You don’t have to use neutral colors to create a serene, restful space,” Alex Deringer and Courtney Cox explain their vision for the GUEST SUITE. A custom muslin wall covering in rich blush hues by Ann McGuire Studio matched the linen drapes and bedstead. Belgian linen bedding from Ivy Lane Linens boutique, night tables by Codor Design and a vintage acrylic bar cart finish the look. Design: Alex Deringer and Courtney Cox, Ivy Lane Living.
LUXE LAUNDRY A builder-grade LAUNDRY ROOM became chic in the hands of Lynni Megginson, who believes that “elevating even mundane tasks can make life better.” Inspired by the organic appeal of the existing gray-green ceramic floors and granite countertops, she introduced a shimmery custom wall covering of crushed oyster shells and mica. A playful touch: a drapery rod from which bracelets by Dina Mackney Designs and Swarovski crystal-encrusted hangers were suspended. Design: Lynni Megginson, IDS, NKBA, Lynni Megginson Designs, LLC.
An ORGANIC COMPOSITION The natural materials of the house inspired Scott Cooke’s design of the GENTLEMAN'S RETREAT. “The stone, the wide-plank floors—it all said that the room should be rustic,” he explains. Wallpaper from Thibaut that looks and feels like wood provided a backdrop to antique furnishings, lighting, and accessories from Hollis & Knight. A strong palette of browns and blacks was reflected in artwork provided by Cross MacKenzie Gallery for this inviting, masculine space. Design: Scott Cooke, Scott Cooke Design, LLC.
HIS AND HERS The two facing MASTER BEDROOM CLOSETS were “empty shells” when David Chin of Closets by Design arrived on the scene. He selected a design for the custom built-in closet systems that featured seeded-glass doors on traditional cabinetry. Convenient surfaces made it easy to set out accessories for wear, as well as personal items. Plenty of hanging space in both his and her sections accommodated dresses and shorter items, while multiple drawers kept things organized. Design: David Chin, Closets by Design.
SUBTLE + SERENE For the nursery, Nancy Twomey says, “I started with a spare Scandinavian vibe and broke that up with textures and subtle blues and pinks.” The serene space centered on a delicate photograph of a baby fawn, with spots that were echoed in the rug from Farsh, Inc. Barely blue accent wallpaper and soft pink drapes by Rogers & Goffigon imparted warmth, while shelves designed by Twomey held toys and books. A goose-feather light fixture added a whimsical note. Design: Nancy Twomey, Finnian’s Moon Interiors.
YIN AND YANG Designed by Christopher Patrick, the MASTER BEDROOM “blended masculine and feminine, modern and traditional, light and dark—the yin and yang of design,” Patrick says. Dark gray walls and trim made the large room, with its vaulted ceiling, feel cozy, while the white-painted bedroom alcove (top, right) boasted built-ins papered in Phillip Jeffries walnut wallpaper. Chaises from Plum Furniture created visual balance opposite the Niermann Weeks bedstead. Gold-accented occasional tables added sophistication.
Patrick also designed the MASTER BATHROOM, which started out with a stone wall and heavily striated marble surfaces. “I warmed up space with paint colors and an area rug,” Patrick says. The rug from Carpet Impressions toned down the expanse of marble flooring and picked up the hues in the stone; a Niermann Weeks chandelier and a leather slipper chair provided gold accents to enliven the design. Design: Christopher Patrick, Christopher Patrick Interiors, LLC.
COLOR ACCENTS “I wanted to create a calming, monochromatic retreat for enjoying art,” says Terri Pakravan of the ART AFICIONADO'S LOUNGE. An eclectic selection of artwork, sourced through Merritt Gallery, was showcased against walls and woodwork painted the same high-gloss gray enamel, allowing the art to pop. Custom hand-blocked wallpaper from Pintura Studio on the ceiling added interest and a hand-painted silk Fortuny chandelier lent a lavish touch. A leather armchair from Poltrona Frau offered a spot to relax under sconces from Dessin Fournir. Design: Terri Pakravan, Décor Dose, LLC.
CLUB STYLE In the basement-level BISTRO, Joanne Fitzgerald created a seating area with two distinctive elements: a Silver Lining blown-glass chandelier by Tracy Glover and a large-scale painting of a bull by Katie Pumphrey behind armchairs from American Leather. The room “was meant to be like a New York club—moody and intimate,” Fitzgerald says. Walls papered in Jessica Zoob’s Dreaming pattern for Romo Black Edition kept things light. Design: Joanne Fitzgerald, Gatéga Interior Design, LLC.
ALL GROWN UP Samantha Friedman envisioned “a space for a grown-up family that wants their basement back” in the LOVER-LEVEL DEN. Wallpaper in an abstract, large-format pattern by Casamance created a backdrop for comfortable yet sophisticated furnishings, including a sectional from Vanguard and club chairs from Restoration Hardware. An elegant rug from Stark unified the large room, which Friedman made feel smaller and cozier with matching Tritter Feefer consoles. Design: Samantha Friedman, Samantha Friedman Designs, LLC.
Photographer Angie Seckinger splits her time between Potomac, Maryland, and Spain.
A drive through a gated community in Rehoboth offers glimpses of attractive, recently built homes that could be almost anywhere. But exit the car outside one of those houses—in this case, the one belonging to designer Shawn Evans and his husband, Joe Patrone, a human resources executive—and fresh ocean breezes make it clear that the beach is not far away.
This is what the couple was after when they selected the lot for their vacation home. “We wanted to be near the water but not in a touristy area,” says Evans. “The location is a nice compromise—less than a mile to the boardwalk but completely peaceful.”
The quarter-acre property presented a challenge: how to accommodate a private weekend getaway while hemmed in by surrounding homes. Evans, the owner of the design firm P Four, had an unusual solution in mind: to build the house around a pool and patio in a private central courtyard. “I always wanted a U-shaped house,” Evans explains. “I like the way it flows and what it does for connectivity throughout.” To make the vision a reality, the designer assembled a team that included architect Gregory Sparhawk of gps designs, and OPaL Construction.
Now complete, the 4,800-square-foot house boasts seven bedrooms—a requirement for Evans and Patrone, who entertain in large numbers. “Shawn and Joe wanted curb appeal, coupled with a program for seven bedrooms on a fairly small lot,” recalls Sparhawk. “I designed a two-story structure at the rear that houses four bedrooms upstairs. The main living space wraps the courtyard and addresses the street with lower-profile façades.”
To the right of the courtyard, the front entry opens into a porch. Just ahead, a door leads to the foyer while to the left, the swimming pool and patio beckon. A NanaWall separates the courtyard from the interior; when it’s open, the spaces flow seamlessly together. To the left of the courtyard, a mudroom connects the pool to a changing area; the dining room lies beyond, leading to the open-plan kitchen and great room in the center volume. Flanked by privacy fencing, a gazebo shields the courtyard on the street side.
The two-story great room contains stairs to the second floor and a catwalk that connects the guest bedrooms. The master suite and another guest room occupy the main floor. Though the bedrooms are small, vaulted ceilings offset their size. The dining room, too, boasts a vaulted ceiling—this one embellished with unusual decorative trusses designed around huge twin chandeliers Evans salvaged from a church that was being dismantled.
Sparhawk describes the house as “a Shingle-style coastal home that strikes a balanced chord between contemporary and traditional.” The interiors mirror this aesthetic. With help from P Four creative director Jill Mastrostefano, Evans conceived a plan “using neutral colors to create a casual, comfortable style,” he says. Throughout the house, a palette of crisp white and beige with charcoal accents conveys a cohesive aesthetic, while antique and vintage furniture and accessories combine with modern design elements. A sleek fireplace with a clean-lined, porcelain-tile surround in the great room is juxtaposed with a traditional-style staircase. Sofas with linen slipcovers and Bernhardt leather chairs accommodate as many as 15 around a five-by-seven-foot custom coffee table.
Throughout the house, a sophisticated coastal vibe prevails, with organic materials like reclaimed-wood beams on the living room ceiling and bleached, engineered-wood floors that look like driftwood. “I wanted hints of the beach without being trite,” observes Evans, who framed vintage mens’ bathing suits as art and selected Ralph Lauren grasscloth wall coverings, sisal rugs, rope tiebacks and even a sculpted school of fish—resin finished with silver—that creates a playful focal point on the great room wall.
In the six bathrooms and two kitchens (a catering kitchen is tucked behind the main one and leads via a butler’s pantry to the dining room), a classic sensibility is reflected through custom cabinetry and marble countertops and backsplash. The guest baths even boast marble tub and shower surrounds. Reclaimed-wood pillars and pendants made from vintage glass wine spheres add interest in the main kitchen, where a massive island seats eight.
For Evans and Patrone, their weekend beach getaway is everything they wanted—as was the experience of creating it. “It was a great partnership,” says Evans. “A real collaboration between the builder, architect, interior design team, Joe and me.” Now, it’s time to relax.
Stacy Zarin Goldberg is a photographer based in Olney, Maryland.
ARCHITECTURE: GREGORY SPARHAWK, AIA, gps designs, Vienna, Virginia. INTERIOR DESIGN: SHAWN EVANS, principal, JILL MASTROSTEFANO, creative director, P Four, Alexandria, Virginia. BUILDER: OPaL, LLC, Cabin John, Maryland.
WELL MODULATED Designed by Piero Lissoni, Cassina’s sleek, modular Miloe seating collection combines two-person sofas, end units, ottomans and additional back cushions in various configurations. Complimentary coffee and side tables come with dark-stained oak or glass tops. Available in fabric or leather. cassina.com
ASIAN INSPIRATION A serpentine design in relief embellishes the Madura Hall Chest from Tommy Bahama’s Asian-inspired Island Fusion collection. The four-drawer chest is paired here with the Kobe Round Mirror, which features irregular slats in a dark hickory frame. Available at Belfort Furniture. belfortfurniture.com
CHIC & ELEGANT The Alexa Chair by Carter Furniture is characterized by its chic, elegant lines. Handcrafted in the contemporary furniture company’s North Carolina factory, the chair combines a wood base with a choice of 400 fabric options and is fully customizable. Available in DC through J Lambeth. jlambeth.com
COASTAL CASUAL Lexington Home Brands’ Oyster Bay Collection was inspired by a casual yet sophisticated Hamptons vibe. The Hidden Lake Bistro table boasts custom antique-pewter hardware; a distressed, light wood base; and a stainless-steel top. Paired with Merrick Swivel Stools made of metal, wood and rush. Available at IMI Furniture. imifurniture.com
Designer Favorite: “Windsor Smith’s new collection for Arteriors mixes urban and old to create a great look.” —Kristin Peake, Kristin Peake Interiors, LLC
UNUSUAL INSPIRATION The wingspread of an ostrich was the unusual inspiration for Sebastian Herkner’s Banjooli Collection for Moroso. Implemented by African artisans and woven of yarn used for fishing nets, the collection includes sofas, chairs and coffee tables in a range of vibrant colors. Available through Apartment Zero. apartmentzero.com
VERY VERSATILE Minotti’s versatile Collar sofa features technology developed by Minotti Studio that allows the armrests and seatbacks to be adjusted to three different positions: horizontal for a table-like surface, vertical for sitting upright and at a slant for reclining. Available at Contemporaria. contemporaria.com
HAND CRAFTED Designed by Andrea Lucatello for Cattelan Italia, the handcrafted SKORPIO dining table is defined by its distinctive base, which comes in transparent varnished metal, embossed lacquered steel, or white, black or eye-popping orange. The glass surface has a beveled edge. Available in numerous sizes through Theodore's in Upper Georgetown. theodores.com
LOCAL TALENT Signature Grace, a line of furniture, rugs and accessories by Ashburn, Virginia, designer Paula Grace Halewski, showcases timeless, classic pieces handcrafted using inlaid wood and wood veneers. The Path Side Table is made from walnut, veneers and polished brass; shown here in ebony, it’s also available in an array of finishes and paint options. paulagracedesigns.com
READY FOR BED The inviting Aurora Due bedstead was designed by Tito Agnoli for Poltrona Frau with a plush, leather-upholstered headboard. A solid or hollowed-out trapezoidal base is available in black-painted wood or metal that has been chrome-plated or finished in black or gunmetal. poltronafrau.com
Designer Favorite: “I love the mix of metal with glass or acrylic in the accent tables by Lucy Smith Designs.”—Andrea Houck, A Houck Designs, Inc.
CLASSIC DESIGN The New Traditionalists, a boutique furniture company, designs its collections in New York City and handcrafts them in New England using classic joinery construction. The Bar Cart no. One, which boasts a removable oil-rubbed walnut tray and comes in black walnut or red lacquer. thenewtraditionalists.com
SIMPLE LINES The simple lines of a sawhorse are made elegant in DC designer Michael Hampton’s Bamboo Desk, part of his new collection for Salvations Architectural Furnishings. The base is made of blacksmith-forged metal with a glass top. Available through AmericanEye in DC. americaneyewdc.net
Designer Favorite: “This A. Rudin customizable sofa rests naturally on its clean-lined base, displaying a perfect example of tailoring and contour.”—Joanne Rodríguez, Allied ASID, Joanne Rodríguez Interior Design
INDIAN INFLUENCE The intricate jali fretwork found in Indian furniture—and adorning the country’s architecture—inspired the Marble Fret Cocktail Table from Global Views. Made of carved marble with a solid marble top. globalviews.com
NAP TIME Smaller than a sofa bed and more versatile than a regular sofa, Marcel Wanders’s new Power Nap for Moooi has a back that reclines for easy relaxation. The sofa comes in charcoal or bright orange, with a powder-coated steel or chrome frame. moooi.com
Designer Favorite: “Bold color and classic lines make this leather-wrapped desk from Theodore Alexander my favorite piece with a twist.” —Courtney Griffin, Interior Concepts, Inc.
STORAGE SPACE Entertaining is easy with the Stickley Gathering Island, which boasts storage and serving space for food and drinks. Counter stools tucked underneath provide extra seating, while a power strip with USB keeps you connected. Available through Sheffield Furniture & Interiors. sheffieldfurniture.com
At the new Kaufman Cancer Center in Bel Air, Maryland’s Upper Chesapeake Medical Center, patients, and their loved ones can find respite on the hospital’s rooftop, where a 13,000-square-foot healing garden provides sanctuary and peace. According to lead project designer Steve Kelly of Mahan Rykiel Associates, the main goal was “the creation of a healing environment and a place for stress reduction.”
The multi-functional garden offers myriad ways for patients to recharge. Secluded fountains promote contemplation, and a labyrinth is a reflective space for people to walk through. Adjacent to it, a water wall of smooth granite and rough, tactile fieldstone provides a focal point. Small, themed gathering spaces include a shade garden, a grotto and a sensory garden with plants specifically chosen for their scents and textures. An open lawn can be used for classes and special events.
“The challenge was providing flexibility to meet different people’s needs,” says Kelly. “The garden allows people to be together or alone, as they prefer.”
For Live Green Landscape Associates, which implemented the garden, the rooftop location was the tough part. “With no conventional access, everything was hard to get to,” recalls Live Green president Michael Martin. Some 1,200 tons of soil had to be transported, plantings were craned onto the roof and free-floating concrete forms were employed to pour concrete.
The healing garden has received numerous awards, including a Landscape Contractor of the Year grand award and a Planet Award from the National Association of Landscape Professionals.
LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE: Steve Kelly, PLA, lead project designer, Mahan Rykiel Associates, Inc., Baltimore, Maryland. LANDSCAPE INSTALLATION: Michael Martin, Live Green Landscape Associates, Owings Mills, Maryland.
Ikat textiles, with their distinctively rich, saturated hues and blurred, softened lines, have dominated fabric design for some time. The vibrant, abstract patterns lend themselves to rugs, upholstery, drapes, and pillows. Now, legendary French textile boutique Hermès has translated ikats to porcelain with its Voyage en Ikat dinner service.
Designed by Benoit-Pierre Emery for Hermès, this delicate collection encompasses hues of emerald, sapphire, ruby, and gold. Applied singly or in combination, these colors grace plates, platters, bowls and much more. The shapes of the pieces reflect an Asian influence—when stacked, the plates resemble a lotus flower—but the collection is French in terms of function and includes a vase, soup tureen, and other classic pieces. Made in Limoges, France, the white porcelain is decorated by Hermès craftsmen.
The Voyage en Ikat dinner service was unveiled at this year’s Maison & Objet in Paris and is currently available at the Hermès boutique that opened recently at CityCenterDC. 202-789-4341; hermes.com
The beach comes to downtown DC from July 4 through September 7, courtesy of the National Building Museum. Made of white-painted scaffolding, wood panels, and perforated mesh, “The BEACH” is a 10,000-square-foot, interactive architectural installation that will span the museum’s Great Hall, containing an “ocean” of nearly one million recyclable, translucent plastic balls. Monochromatic beach chairs and umbrellas will dot the 50-foot-wide “shoreline,” with a mirrored wall creating the effect of an infinite expanse. Kids looking for fun may “swim” in the ocean, play beach games like paddleball, enjoy the snack bar or just dangle their feet off the “pier.”
The BEACH is part of the museum’s annual Summer Block Party, with programs, exhibits, and events for all ages. It was created in conjunction with Snarkitecture, an experimental Brooklyn practice that blends art and architecture in installations that allow people to engage directly with their environment. For more information, visit nbm.org.
Conceived by the Smithsonian Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum, the National Design Awards celebrate outstanding achievement in American design. First launched at the White House in 2000, the annual awards were established to promote design as a tool in shaping the world; winners are selected based on the level of impact their body of work has had on the public. The awards recognize excellence and innovation across every avenue—from architecture, interiors, and landscape design to fashion, graphics and interactive design.
The 2015 recipients in home-design categories include the late architect and designer Michael Graves for lifetime achievement; New York-based textile designer Jack Lenor Larsen, who won the Director’s Award (chosen for outstanding support and patronage within the design community); Heath Ceramics for corporate and institutional achievement; New York-based MOS Architects for architecture design; L.A.-based commercial, residential and graphic design firm Commune for interior design; and Minneapolis-based Coen + Partners for landscape architecture.
National Design Award winners were chosen by a jury of design leaders and educators nationwide, who reviewed submissions resulting from nominations submitted by the general public. Winners will be honored at a gala dinner on October 15, held at Pier 60 in Manhattan. Proceeds from the gala benefit Cooper-Hewitt.
In conjunction with the National Design Awards program, Cooper-Hewitt sponsors National Design Week, October 10 through 18, a series of free public programs in New York and Washington, DC, that promotes an understanding of the role design plays in all aspects of life. Launched in 2006, this initiative includes interactive events for students, teachers, corporate professionals, and designers. For information on the awards festivities and National Design Week, visit cooperhewitt.org.
At a time when the rest of DC seems awash in the chaos of new construction, Capitol Hill is an oasis of calm. In the sprawling neighborhood of late-Victorian row houses, historic designation makes new construction virtually non-existent. As a result, homeowners who want to update have to be creative: Front façades must remain unchanged, but interiors and back façades are definitely fair game.
Located a stone’s throw from the U.S. Capitol on stately East Capitol Street, one-row house combines charm and character with ingenious design elements that bridge eras and impart a modern touch. Owned by a DC journalist and her attorney husband, the four-story, the 5,000-square-foot house was built in 1870 and measures 25 feet wide (a typical Capitol Hill row house is 18). It was converted to apartments after World War II, then reconverted to a single-family abode in the 1980s during a renovation tailored to suit homeowners without children.
The house felt both dated and inconvenient. As soon as they bought it, the couple contacted Brooklyn architect Cynthia Wright to begin the remodeling process. A close longtime friend, Wright had renovated several other properties for them and understood what they wanted. “We’ve been working together for many years,” she observes. “My client has great taste and she’s decisive.”
The goal was “to restore the traditional detailing and create a light-filled, modern home for a family with two children,” explains the journalist. The wish list included overhauling the kitchen and three bathrooms; rejuvenating the outdoor spaces; and creating a strong connection between the backyard and kitchen. On the second floor, the master suite needed a more functional layout; both the husband and wife have a home office on this level. The third-floor houses kids’ bedrooms, a bath, common rooms and a guest suite.
The existing kitchen encompassed an area for food prep and a breakfast nook with an awkward spiral staircase. An over-large opening to the backyard included sliding French doors and an arch-top transom. The effect “was not aesthetically pleasing,” Wright recalls. “We wanted it to look modern, but fitting.” Since the owners envisioned a spacious farmhouse kitchen with plenty of natural light, Wright employed an unusual idea: She replaced the dated sliding doors with an aluminum storefront window. “I had never used one before,” she comments. “It was an experiment and turned out great—and very cost-effective.“ The curved frame of the opening mimics an already-existing arch in the brick exterior wall.
The result is a modern, industrial look that complements its Victorian context. In the kitchen, wenge and white-painted custom cabinetry and shelving, Absolute Black granite counters and cork floors convey warmth. A modern take on a farmhouse table, designed by Wright in walnut, centers the room.
Replacing a ramshackle deck out back, a new one made of Japanese-style horizontal cedar slats with cedar walls contains niches for plants along its sides. Stairs down to a concrete-slab play area and driveway are part of the deck construction; wisteria envelops a pergola overhead in summer.
A major goal was to bring in light without altering the home’s original footprint. Wright did this by raising the heights of the doorways in the front hall to emphasize the open line of sight from the foyer all the way through to the backyard beyond. Upstairs, the master suite—complete with bedroom, bath, and two closets—is now “an apartment inside the house,” says the journalist. Wright also designed walls of bookshelves in the husband’s front-facing, second-floor office.
Original moldings, ceiling medallions, and a curved marble fireplace had survived the previous renovation and the wife consulted New York-based color guru Donald Kaufman before selecting a palette of warm, earthy tones that would further reflect the home’s Victorian era. She also called on Brooklyn-based interior designer Karen Mauersberg for help sourcing furnishings and accessories throughout the house that would blend with what they already had. “She likes Mid-Century Modern classics and her husband inherited some antiques,” Mauersberg says. “My job was to combine the family heirlooms while mixing in interesting fabrics, textures, colors and floor coverings. The house encompasses what they love, without being a hodgepodge.”
It’s been some years since the renovation was completed and the family is still thrilled with it. “Cindy made my Victorian house full of little rooms and doors light and airy without blasting it apart,” the journalist observes. “I really feel her work will stand the test of time.”
Photographer Paul Burk is based in Baltimore.
RENOVATION ARCHITECTURE: CYNTHIA J. WRIGHT, AIA, Cynthia J. Wright Architecture, LLC, Brooklyn, New York. INTERIOR DESIGN: KAREN MAUERSBERG, Karen Mauersberg Design, Brooklyn, New York.
Few countries have produced a more specific design aesthetic than Denmark. For most people, the term “Danish Modern” conjures ready images of light wood surfaces, expanses of white and sleek, contemporary furniture. To the owners of a mundane raised ranch house in Chevy Chase, Maryland, imbuing their home with this spare sensibility was of paramount importance. Kira Fortune, who is Danish and works in the field of international health, and her British husband, Richard, a management consultant, resided in England before settling in the DC area. Prior to that, they lived in Denmark. “We wanted a house where London and Copenhagen could come together,” Kira explains.
After living in the house with their two children for a couple of years, the Fortunes selected DC architect Carmel Greer to make the changes they wanted. “They asked for an open family room/dining room and kitchen, which isn’t unusual,” Greer says. “What was different was that when they showed me photos they had clipped, they were so boldly modern.”
Greer designed a sleek, contemporary addition that expanded the back of the home; it would contain an enlarged kitchen, sitting area, and dining space—all in stark-white Scandinavian style. In contrast, the original 1970s structure housing the living room would be largely untouched; with its traditional fireplace and built-in bookshelves, it reflected the London piece of the equation while still flowing smoothly into the addition. If funds were left after these changes were made, a master suite above the addition would become part of the plan.
A large, functional kitchen replaced the small, cramped version, as well as the former dining room. Beyond the kitchen, the back wall of the home was bumped out 16 feet to accommodate a spacious seating and dining area. Ten-foot ceilings delineate the addition from the kitchen and the rest of the house, where ceilings measure eight feet. Glass doors and windows admit plenty of light.
The design seamlessly supports the owners’ stylistic vision—including a sleek Bulthaup kitchen centered on a 14-foot, Caesarstone-topped island and a wall of built-in cupboards that keeps surfaces clutter-free. The interiors throughout are painted white. “We believe less is more,” Kira says. “We wanted clean lines—warm modern with a soul.”
In keeping with this philosophy, the couple imported furniture by renowned Danish designers, along with iconic pieces by Charles and Ray Eames, Kira’s favorite modern designers. The dining area contains a sideboard from BoConcept, a table by Piet Hein and Eames chairs, while the sitting area holds an Arne Jacobsen Egg chair shipped from Hay Furniture in Copenhagen. A wood-burning stove from Morsø adds a cozy touch, and large-scale photography commissioned by Greer hangs on walls that are otherwise unadorned.
Before the renovation, the upstairs consisted of one small, attic-like room. Greer brought to light and height to it with a five-window dormer, and it now houses Richard’s home office. Creating the hoped-for master suite on the second story of the addition was indeed possible; it lies beyond a short transitional passage lined with floor-to-ceiling cabinets. As spare as the rest of the house, the bedroom opens to a small îpe balcony overlooking the backyard. It also flows directly into a spa-like master bath with an enclosed W.C. Clad from top to bottom in Carrara marble with a luxurious soaking tub, “it’s our escape,” says Kira. “It feels like a hotel.”
The kids’ rooms are located in the original structure, along with the living room, where Greer enlarged the windows, replacing a curved bay with a square one, and substituted the original stair rail for a simpler version. One of their prized possessions, a Stingray Rocker by Thomas Pedersen, occupies a corner of the room.
The Fortunes are very happy with their sleek, renovated home—and so is their architect. “This was one of my first jobs,” Greer reflects. “As a fledgling architect, it was a relief to be hired to do something I knew would be beautiful.”
Photographer Jeff Wolfram is based in Washington, DC.
RENOVATION ARCHITECTURE: CARMEL GREER, AIA, LEED AP, District Design, Washington, DC. RENOVATION CONTRACTOR: OSCAR TELLEZ, H.I. Contractors LLC, Bethesda, Maryland.
Jim Holderbaum had been serving friends al fresco meals for more than 20 years when he decided to make his passion a full-time vocation. He launched Range and Reef, a catering company for outdoor events serving residences from DC to Maryland’s Eastern Shore and Chesapeake Bay areas. Typical fare includes rotisserie-grilled prime rib; oak-fired top sirloin; and grilled oysters over cherry and peach wood. Clambakes with Maine lobster and seafood boils with wild-caught Gulf shrimp are also on the menu. rangeandreef.com
1. Ship Shape
The Circle Shower from Oborain creates a nautical vibe with deck-like stained-îpe flooring and a crisp blue-and-white striped curtain that hangs like a sail from around, floating stainless-steel frame. A stainless-steel showerhead by the Outdoor Shower Co. finishes the look. $7,200. oborain.com
2. Clean & Simple
Atelier Tradewinds’ minimalist Cascade outdoor shower for terraces and gardens is made of sun-and rust-proof hot galvanized steel with acacia-wood planks at its base. It connects to any garden hose; two small nylon gliders hidden at the back of the frame make it easy to transport. Price on request. trade-winds.be
3. Sculptural Style
The sculptural curve of the Odalo teak shower by Les Jardins lends a distinctive design element to any pool area or garden. A six-and-a-half-gallon tank makes multiple consecutive showers possible. Sold separately, a solar kit at the back captures the heat of the sun to warm the water. From $932. openroomfurniture.com
4. Weather-wise
The Richmond outdoor garden shower by Danish design company Cane-line shelters bathers in a stall made of a durable polyethylene weave. Designed to withstand the elements, it can be left out year-round; stakes attached to the legs may be sunken into the ground or set into concrete for extra stability. Price on request. cane-line.com
The new Chesapeake Bay Foundation Brock Environmental Center sprawls across half an acre of Virginia Beach shoreline—the only major structure on a 118-acre tract of land preserved by the Trust for Public Land and the City of Virginia Beach for open space and environmental education.
The role of the Brock Center is to spearhead environmental advocacy, restoration, and education. Its design, by SmithGroupJJR, protects, preserves and celebrates its setting. A curved building form hugs the shoreline while rounded rooflines mimic the wings of gulls and oyster shells. The material palette references the site’s colors and textures: Zinc shingles recall fish scales while cypress cladding echoes the hues of the land. Metal accents pick up the glistening water nearby.
The design team carefully preserved local ecology and water quality during construction, retaining old-growth forests and wetlands that are reestablishing along the shoreline. The sustainable design contributes to net-zero energy, water, and waste: The long, narrow, one-story structure maximizes daylighting and natural ventilation and the exterior envelope was optimized to reduce heating demand. A porch along the south façade shelters the interiors, while large clerestory windows bring in natural light. Interiors are loft-like, with 20-foot ceilings at their peak. The design anticipates hurricanes and rising sea levels; set 200 feet back from the shore on 14-foot pylons, the structure is built to resist 120-mile-per-hour winds.
The Brock Center will host 2,500 area students and teachers a year and serve as a meeting place for local conservation partners.
ARCHITECTURE & ENGINEERING: SmithGroupJJR, Washington, DC. CONSTRUCTION: Hourigan Construction, Virginia Beach, Virginia. SITE DESIGN: WPL, Virginia Beach, Virginia. PHOTOGRAPHY: DAVE CHANCE, courtesy of SmithGroupJJR.
