In Washington, I.M. Pei is most celebrated for designing the National Gallery of Art’s awe-inspiring East Wing. But the late Pritzker Prize-winning architect completed another impressive if less monumental masterpiece in the city. One of only three houses Pei designed in his entire career, the abode was commissioned in 1960 by friend and colleague William Slayton, an urban renewal administrator. With its triple-barrel, vaulted roof, the International Style dwelling piques the curiosity of passersby. Transparent elevations in front and back celebrate the landscape, while brick side walls obscure neighboring homes on the close-knit street.

Slayton and his wife lived in the modern gem for nearly 40 years. When William died, Pei delivered his eulogy on the split-level’s living room stairs.

In the early 2000s, architect Hugh Newell Jacobsen renovated the home for its second owner. This redo upgraded finishes, added a pool and removed a bedroom in the center vault to create an open study, expanding sightlines from front to back. Soon after, Slayton House was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

A few minor improvements were made when the current owners acquired the residence in 2009. Then, more than a decade later, they decided the time had come for a sweeping change. Committed to preserving Pei’s serene zeitgeist, they needed to bring the home’s dated infrastructure into the 21st century. They also wanted to expand its 3,030-square-foot profile with a new guest room, a second office, a media room and a garage—spaces the existing scheme sorely lacked.

They entrusted the project to DC architect Robert M. Gurney. “I’ve been aware of this house since I was in architecture school,” he admits. “The opportunity to work on it was a huge honor. I just didn’t want to screw it up.”

Gurney and project architect Matt Stephens hatched a plan to strip the structure down to its brick walls, wood frame and concrete roof vaults—then recreate it, inch by inch. All new flooring, HVAC, plumbing and electrical systems were installed. The kitchen, baths and overall millwork were designed to embrace a clean, minimalist aesthetic. “The goal was to restore the home, but make it look like we did nothing,” reveals Gurney. “That was kind of the mantra for the whole project.”

As the program took shape, I.M. Pei’s original floor plans, passed down from owner to owner, were at the team’s disposal. “Even though the windows, doors and other elements are brand new, they’re exactly per Pei’s detail,” the architect notes.

From stone and white-lacquered surfaces to walnut and glass, materials were curated with Pei’s intentions in mind and applied with painstaking precision by the builder, Peterson + Collins. Take, for example, the Navona travertine flooring. The client hand-selected the slabs at a quarry near Rome, where they were dry-laid to ensure consistent patterns. “The veining runs from the end of the pool outside through the house onto the back terrace,” marvels Gurney. “It was that kind of cosmic level of detail.”

Designer Therese Baron Gurney, Robert’s wife and frequent collaborator, masterminded the interior refresh. “I balanced respect for the architect and the architecture with making the house comfortable and functional for the clients,” she says. Guided by their appreciation for mid-century modernism, the interiors blend refinished family heirlooms with a curated mix of classic, vintage and new furnishings. “We chose a soft, neutral palette for comfort and durability, supporting the needs of modern life with quiet elegance,” she adds.

To make space for additional rooms the owners desired, the architects went underground. Taking advantage of the sloping lot, a 14-foot-deep excavation below the dining room and rear terrace created space for a light-filled guest suite and a cozy media room. And behind the home, they designed a two-story structure housing an office and bath on the terrace level and a garage below.

The owners enlisted landscape architects Kevin Campion and Steve Makrinos to link the structures and elevate the exteriors. “We created a simple plant palette with subtle Japanese influences,” explains Makrinos. “The goal was to evoke calm and restraint with a limited number of species.”

Brick walls carefully matched to the main home screen the property while concrete and travertine pathways transport visitors from the front courtyard to the rear terrace and down stairs to a lower garden. “We inherited the essence of the Pei garden and tried not to veer from it too much,” Campion reflects. “But I think we sharpened it.”

The owners are elated with their reimagined home and its renewed sense of serenity. Robert Gurney attributes the project’s success to a dream team—and incredible clients. As he notes, “They understand that they’re stewards and caretakers of an iconic piece of architecture that we restored back to museum quality.”

After designer Sara Swabb furnished a couple’s Nantucket getaway, she was called back to tackle their Colonial Revival-style home in Chevy Chase, Maryland. At 8,000 square feet, the newly built, six-bedroom residence conceived by Studio Z Design Concepts boasted gracious proportions and a modern take on traditional style.

Knowing the owners and their two children well, Swabb enhanced the interior architecture to accommodate the family’s lifestyle. “When a client trusts you,” she notes, “it gets the ball rolling very quickly.”

Her plan layered in design elements—from bespoke cabinetry and millwork to furnishings and textiles—in a relaxed, transitional aesthetic that reflects the owners’ fondness for New England style. Awash in soft neutrals and rich blues and greens, interiors feature a mélange of textures that add dimension and personality. “We made sure everything was comfortable, but still really pulled-together,” says Swabb.

The following Q&A sheds light on the project.

Explain the overarching goals of your plan.
My goal for every home is complete cohesion, so you never feel surprised by anything as you walk from one space to another. But there were some fun things that we played with, from unique tile to trim detail.

How did you adapt the kitchen to meet your clients’ needs?
Like many new builds, the plans called for a massive kitchen that didn’t make sense for the way the family lives. Both parents have demanding jobs and their kids have crazy sports schedules. I was afraid that the big, open kitchen would look messy and wanted to give them a place to cook, then close the door. We carved out a catering kitchen and a hidden scullery so when they entertain, the main kitchen looks nice and tidy.

Describe how the custom details you designed lend the home its unique character.
It was exciting for me to bring in elements such as the transoms over the kitchen’s pocket doors. We also created a beautiful alcove enclosing the range, which makes the room feel more sophisticated and collected. In other spaces, we jumped into a lot of crown molding and big, chunky base trim. Trim color can make a space more interesting without impacting budget. For example, we painted the powder room’s base trim in Benjamin Moore’s Sharkskin for an exciting effect.

Explain how textural layers make the home feel timeless and lived-in.
We leaned into woven materials and selected a number of vintage rugs, which instantly add age. Sisals, which are less expensive, create additional texture. And we splurged on café curtains in the breakfast room; without them, the space would fall flat.

What inspired the kids’ office?
The owners want their home to be in a state where they don’t have to clean up and can welcome guests any time. We created a dedicated space for the kids to do homework and take music lessons, outside of the kitchen.

How did the powder room come together?
I fell in love with the vintage sconces with milk-glass rods. The marble sink with its fluted edge plays nicely with them. And I had been eyeing the wallpaper—Scrolling Fern by Soane—for a while. It looks like kelp or seaweed and feels very coastal.

What drove your furniture selections?
We wanted the home to feel super-classic with clean lines. And I think that was accomplished by making sure everything was tailored—down to the slip covers in the living room.

What ingredients make a house feel like home?
Knowing your client’s priorities and understanding how they want to live and feel in their home are key. Asking the right questions is really important. Our initial process sets the foundation for a project to go in the right direction.

Ask Sara

What treasure in your home is most special to you?
An oil lamp that was my grandmother’s. My parents had it electrified and installed in their dining room. Now it’s a fixture in my foyer.

Share a favorite local haunt for vintage finds.
Daphna Peled at Pillar & Post in Georgetown is a great curator. She’s always going on trips to the UK and mostly sources pieces in England, which is lovely.

Reveal a wallpaper that you’re excited to try.
I’m obsessed with Wallflower wallpaper in Woad Blue by Morris & Co. It’s got great, modern movement to it. I’m probably going to hang it in my house.

Name a designer from any period whom you’d like to meet.
Josef Frank, the Austrian-born architect. I love his lighting designs; he really mastered the art of making functional lighting beautiful.

1/ BRING PAVING TO LIFE
Surrounding stepping stones with plant material cleverly blends a hardscape into the natural environment. In his plans for a two-acre Great Falls property, landscape architect Anthony Cusat of McHale Landscape Design installed slabs of weathered fieldstone on individual concrete pads with soil-filled joints, then planted a mix of Mazus, creeping Jenny and creeping thyme. “These low-growing, flowering ground covers weave a floral tapestry through the stonework,” he notes.
Cusat recommends selecting species that can handle moderate foot traffic and withstand radiant heat from stone in full sun. “Make joints wide enough to allow for plant growth, but comfortable for most stride lengths,” he adds. Proper drainage and irrigation are key to long-term plant health.

2/ LIGHT THE NIGHT
Subtle, ambient lighting enhances the beauty of a Vienna, Virginia, landscape. Ed Ball Designs implemented the three-acre project’s low-voltage system in collaboration with Lighthouse Outdoor Lighting and Audio. Uplights enhance mature trees and surrounding woods, while path and accent lights provide elegant wayfinding through beds and hardscape areas. “Outdoor lighting increases usability and safety, but also frames views, highlights textures and introduces depth,” says landscape architect Ed Ball. He recommends soft, layered lighting rather than overly harsh illumination. “Choose warm color temperatures for a natural glow,” he notes, “and keep fixtures discreet. The goal is to showcase the landscape—not the light fixtures themselves.”

3/ RUN A RIVER THROUGH IT
Great Falls residents tapped Pristine Acres to jettison a dated swimming pool in exchange for a custom water feature that would create a tranquil oasis on their five-acre property. Making the most of an existing slope, president Steve Waldron and landscape architect Kevin Kurdziolek conceived a tiered system of waterfalls that flows into a creek-like channel near a bed of river rocks. “Under the rocks,” details Waldron, “there is a reservoir with a pump that filters and recirculates water back to the top.”
To create a successful waterfall feature, they agree that understanding site topography is essential, as is having proper pumps and plumbing in place. Sourcing plenty of small boulders and plants imparts a natural feel—and even attracts wildlife, from dragonflies to frogs.

4/ FORGE NEW PATHWAYS
Splendid parterre gardens grace a 200-acre, Lutherville, Maryland, property designed by Fine Earth Landscape, Inc. Pea-gravel pathways traversing the beds serve as passages to a pavilion, pool and side lawn, as well as mini-destinations for contemplating a profusion of perennials, from late-spring peony and allium to Shasta daisy, hibiscus and coneflower come summer.
“The garden was designed to have certain color schemes throughout the seasons,” remarks president Joel Hafner. When choosing perennials, he says it’s crucial to consider plant height. “Taller plants should be centered, with lower plants surrounding them. Select species that provide long bloom seasons, thrive in our climate, are drought-tolerant and come back year after year.”

5/ REIMAGINE THE DETAILS
In their completion of a small Bethesda property, D. Blake Dunlevy and Tracy Meekins of D. A. Dunlevy conceived and crafted a custom cedar fence with a Moroccan motif. The homeowner, a belly dancing instructor, wanted to establish a private, tranquil space where she could gather with her family and practice dancing with friends. “Fences are generally regarded as necessary for security, privacy or safety,” says Dunlevy. “But in this case, we treated the fence like a wall in a home and adorned it with beauty.” When customizing millwork, he advises, “Know the style and aesthetic you’re going for and don’t overdo it. Provide the right amount of embellishment for the scale and prominence of the feature you’re creating.”

6/ PLAY WITH FIRE
A gas firepit clad in hand-cut Carderock veneer and mitered-granite slabs creates a modern focal point on the terrace of a McLean property designed by J. R. Peter of Colao & Peter. A fire feature, he explains, should harmonize with surrounding materials and be positioned 12 to 24 inches above the floor for a clear sightline. “We use durable, high-end materials that are heat- and weather-resistant,” Peter says.
It’s also important to consider wind direction and include space for fuel or wood storage. Finally, he advises, “Make sure to hire a plumber who specializes in natural gas and propane to guarantee proper installation and code compliance.
“Beyond standard firepits and fireplaces,” he continues, “sculptural fire bowls and fire lanterns can create a resort-like ambiance.”

Vessels & Voids, an experimental exhibit open through September 28 at VisArts in Rockville, examines the connection between fluidity in architecture and the ceramic arts.

New technologies inspired curator Rebecca Cross to put together the show. “Advancements in computer-aided design have given rise to buildings that can take on any form, while livable dwellings can be 3D-printed from clay,” she marvels. “These parallel breakthroughs open up possible new approaches to architecture, while artists who work in clay can offer inspiration to architects to think in a more plastic vocabulary.”

The exhibit presents drawings, sketches and concept studies by 13 local architects: Ankie Barnes, Melinda Becker, Janet Bloomberg, Wouter Boer, Olivia Demetriou, Phil Esocoff, David Jameson, Michael Marshall, Mark McInturff, Robert Sponseller, Dhiru Thadani, Amy Weinstein and Christian Zapatka.

In tandem, a display of clay vessels and sculptural works by a host of ceramic artists mirrors the expressive and structural possibilities of organic architecture. “I’m hoping visitors will see the dialogue between architects’ drawings and the shapes of the ceramic vessels that might inspire new forms in the future,” explains Cross, who collaborated on the exhibit with emerging curator Storm Bookhard. visartscenter.org

1/ AHEAD OF THE CURVE Designed by Giuseppe Bavuso, the Rialto limited-edition collection by Richelieu brings a modern touch to cabinetry. One playful option in the varied line is a square grommet with a half-moon opening that comes in a host of finishes and colors. richelieu.com

2/ AU NATUREL The Ramum door pull evokes the delicate, organic form of a sycamore branch with one splendid leaf at its center. The brass handle is part of the Signature collection, a collaboration between PullCast hardware and Portuguese luxury brand Maeve. pullcast.eu

3/ TIMELESS LINES Top Knobs has rounded out its 2025 Brockwell collection with a trio of handsome new hardware suites that blend fine craftsmanship and classic charm. They include (top to bottom) Cressing, Lambert and Brockwell—all available in six fetching finishes. topknobs.com

4/ PULLS WITH PEDIGREE Conceived in partnership with Robert A.M. Stern Architects, Rocky Mountain’s Oasis collection was inspired by the Arts and Crafts movement. Sculpted like fine jewelry, the bronze pieces come in an array of finishes. rockymountainhardware.com

5/ DOWN-UNDER DESIGN The new Streaks Collection is the brainchild of two Sydney-based firms: Bankston hardware and YSG Studio. The line features eye-catching, handmade pulls and door levers comprised of multi-hued bands of sustainably sourced timber, along with contrasting pieces in bronze. bankston.com

6/ STEM SELL Emtek’s Select cabinet hardware lets homeowners mix and match styles and materials. Options have expanded with the company’s newly unveiled Transitional Stem design, which marries modern simplicity and a dose of elegance, offered in seven finishes. emtek.com

Strolling past ordinary row houses in Washington’s Pleasant Plains neighborhood, it would be easy to overlook the newest home on the block. But turn into an unmarked alley and you’ll glimpse a bold, industrial-style abode. With an exterior of corrugated metal, cinderblock and oxidized steel, it reads more SoHo or Tribeca than buttoned-up DC.

The modern dwelling started out as an unassuming, one-level brick warehouse built in 1900, probably part of an old helicopter factory. It later became a woodshop, then fell into disrepair—until architect and designer Patrick Brian Jones decided to rescue the structure and convert it into his own studio and the home that he now shares with husband Rajeev Ramchand and their Tibetan Terrier, Parker.  

Fate also came into play. Before the pandemic, a developer had hired Jones to design a two-story spec home on the site, using the 1,500-square-foot warehouse as a base. But when covid struck, the developer pulled out of DC. Thinking fast, Jones decided to adapt the project as a personal one. After all, he and Ramchand had outgrown their two-bedroom condo and the carriage house in Shaw where Jones kept an office had been sold. 

“We've always wanted to live in an industrial-type space but that kind of housing stock in DC is rare,” explains the architect. “When this came up, we knew it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity so we had to do it.”

Doing it was easier said than done. One of the walls was about to cave in. Though present, plumbing lines were not connected. And the 12-inch-thick concrete roof would need major reinforcement to support an upper floor. 

But Jones overcame these challenges to make his visionary plan a reality. On the main level of the now-complete, 2,600-square-foot residence, a lofty space with 14-foot ceilings encompasses his studio, living and dining areas and kitchen; a small stair leads to a powder room and garage. Meanwhile, a floating steel-and-white oak staircase leads to the upper floor, housing the primary suite; two guestrooms (one doubles as a home office for Ramchand, a psychiatric epidemiologist), a guest bath, laundry and terrace courtyard. Above it all, a roof deck delivers expansive city views. 

From the street, the original warehouse is barely discernable. On its brick façade, Jones added two windows to echo existing ones. Even larger, black-mullioned windows punctuate other exterior walls. The building’s once-angled corner was squared off with a vestibule clad in patinaed Corten steel. 

“I’m a big fan of artist Richard Serra, who inspired the entry,” says Jones. “My intention was to create something sculptural and intriguing. A lot of people have no idea that there’s a home behind the walls.”

Inside the vestibule, doors lead into the main living area or the studio, which can be closed off by a frosted-glass, pocket-door system from Boffi. An edgy interior palette sets the vibe, from custom-tinted concrete floors to exposed ductwork, black-painted steel beams and the original concrete ceiling. 

However, Jones countered the raw with the refined. “When designing an industrial space, you don't want it to feel too cold,” he avers. “Warmer woods, furniture, artwork and even the use of drywall instead of exposed walls create a polished look to offset the industrial elements.”

Bespoke built-ins crafted in rich walnut outfit the kitchen and dining area. And a 1930s Czechoslovakian chandelier that once graced the Philadelphia homes of Jones’ parents and grandparents now presides over the main seating area. “I like the contrast between new and old,” notes the designer. 

Jones orchestrated the sleek kitchen to revolve around easy entertaining. It stars an oversized island with bar seating; cabinets and a concealed coffee bar keep clutter at bay. The owners selected an induction cooktop since the property has no access to natural gas. A reading nook is built into adjacent millwork. 

Upstairs, a bridge flanked by enormous windows connects the primary suite and guest bedrooms. “Since the first-floor space was existing, we wanted to retain its rawness,” explains the designer. “But I envisioned the upstairs as a cross between Japanese and Scandinavian design—light and airy, with lower ceilings and white oak floors.”

In the primary suite, rather than losing real estate to a walk-in closet, Jones fashioned an open dressing area centered on wide, free-standing wardrobes. Serenity flows in the primary bath housing a soaking tub and shower with a wood-slat floor. 

A courtyard off the bedroom harbors a stairway to the party-ready upper deck. There, a long, narrow green roof not only adds color, but also helps insulate the home and reduces runoff. In addition, solar panels offset the carbon footprint. 

“This is a completely fossil fuel-free home,” declares Jones. In fact, the project was driven in part by sustainability. “It’s very rewarding to repurpose a building rather than demolishing it and sending materials to a landfill,” he adds. “If a structure has good bones, there’s no reason why you can’t retain it and make it beautiful.”

The couple is now enjoying work and life in their hip alley haven. As Ramchand reflects, “It's a new space, but there’s a sense of history and personality to it. People think that you can't bring in older stuff and maintain a sense of modernity, but I think that we’ve been able to do just that.”

“I always was a creative, but never knew how to tap into that,” reflects Jenna Morrow. Though she started out in marketing, she loved decorating her home and attracted an Instagram following as she documented her journey online.

After her first child was born, Morrow had a bout of post-partum anxiety. She found relief in grounding exercises focused on her environment. With encouragement from her husband, she bid farewell to the corporate world and launched Morrow Design Studios in 2021.

“I’ve never looked back,” she marvels. Among other projects, Morrow is currently finishing up an older row house in Old Town and designing a den in the 2025 Hampton Designer Showhouse.

The sensory experience remains integral to her process. She asks every client to describe a place where they thrive. “I try to understand what gives them inspiration or confidence—then incorporate those elements.”

She also weaves storytelling into every space. “The story can be connected to the client, to an experience or to the setting,” she says.

The designer’s home studio pays homage to her great-grandmother, a single mom who raised five kids in a four-room house in Georgia. “For me,” says Morrow, “the office is my vow that all her sacrifices were not in vain. Our stories are so important and I don’t want them to get lost.”

Interior Design: Jenna Morrow, Morrow Design Studios, Gaithersburg, Maryland. Photography: Keyanna Bowen (living room, office); Ian Michelman (dining room).

The daughter of a Boston interior designer, Lauren Carranza grew up poring over fabric samples and visiting job sites with her mom. Though she loved décor, an independent streak sent her down a different path. “I wanted to do my own thing and went into social work,” she says.

Sadly, her mother passed away during the pandemic. The sudden loss coupled with the uncertainty of the moment “gave me time to pause,” she recalls. Carranza, who had long helped friends and colleagues with their interiors as a hobby, decided it was time to shift gears. “My wife and I did a massive renovation of our house and the spark went off again.” In 2023, she launched Seasons for Design, adapting the name of her mother’s firm.

Carranza’s experience drives her approach today. “Home was always at the center of my work, whether I was helping foster children or people experiencing homelessness,” she explains. “I understand the need for a home to conjure a feeling of security and belonging.”

She is presently designing an 1830s Old Town row house. “The client wants bold colors and rich jewel tones,” she enthuses. “And a giant sea mural to bring in a touch of the port’s history.

“It’s rewarding,” she reflects, “that through design, you can transform spaces that are not only inviting but also promote a sense of wellbeing.”

Interior Design: Lauren Carranza, Seasons for Design, Silver Spring, Maryland. Photography: Stacy Zarin Goldberg (foyer); Amanda Archibald (remaining).

As a youngster, Hannah Goldberg took an unusual approach to the “Sims” video game. “I’d design a beautiful house, then abandon the family and start a new house,” she recalls. “I didn’t care about the game at all.”

Though design was clearly her destiny, she began college as an engineering major. But an art history class inspired her to change course and earn an interior design degree in New York.

Goldberg was lured to DC by a job at R2L Architects, where she focused on luxury apartment buildings. “I designed everything from the units to lobbies and rooftop spaces,” she says. Then covid hit and work ground to a halt.

That was the spark Goldberg needed to launch her own firm, Hannah Charlotte Interiors, in 2021. Since then, she has designed a wide range of single-family projects, from the home of a former Commanders player to a Paris pied-à-terre.

Goldberg and two staff members bring a seasoned eye and architectural experience to the fore. “The ability to put together detailed construction plans sets us apart,” she says. “We make sure our vision gets built exactly the way we want.”

She relishes working with homeowners after her stint in commercial design. The ultimate reward, Goldberg concludes, “is getting to know the heart and soul of a family—and tailoring something just for them.”

Interior Design: Hannah Goldberg, Hannah Charlotte Interiors, Washington, DC. Interior Renovation: Victory Renovation Services. 

TAKE THE PLUNGE Interior designer Liz Potarazu of LP & Co recently outfitted her Rockville home with a gym and adjacent wellness room. The latter features a Finnleo sauna and a cold-plunge soaking tub by Plunge (pictured) for après-workout recovery. “The combination creates both calming and stimulating elements that allow me to keep my energy levels up and my mood lifted, even in the dead of winter,” says the busy mother of three. Floor and wall tile from The Tile Shop lends a spa-like ambiance. plunge.com

NORDIC STYLE The Aalto, part of Thermasol’s latest sauna collection, combines natural wood and glass for an open, airy feel. Featuring a powerful Harvia heater and LED color light therapy, it comfortably seats three or four. thermasol.com

GOING GREEN Living walls improve air quality, reduce stress and even boost productivity, says Marc Monroe of US Plants. The Virginia company installs and maintains more than a dozen types of vertical plant-wall systems in homes and commercial settings throughout the DMV. usplants.com

LIGHT MOVES Circadian rhythms, dictated by the body’s internal clock, are influenced by exposure to light. “Because of this, the lights in your home can directly affect your health and wellbeing,” says certified lighting consultant Jennifer Taxson of Illuminations in DC. “Blue light suppresses melatonin, the sleep hormone, so being exposed to blue light at nighttime can prevent you from getting sleepy. Meanwhile, warm, red-toned light closer to bedtime can help encourage melatonin production.” Bridge, an app from Philips Hue, connects any light fixture with bulbs that mimic natural light patterns. The smart lighting system helps users wind down by dimming lights at day’s end. philips-hue.com; illuminc.com

Whether you’re a neophyte or seasoned green thumb, guided tours bring the region’s most luxuriant landscapes to life.

Brookside Gardens, Wheaton
This 50-acre escape nestled in Maryland’s Wheaton Regional Park is home to myriad spoils, from formal gardens to a fragrance garden, woodland walk and a conservatory. Docent-led, 90-minute tours take place from April through November; reservations are required. montgomeryparks.org/parks-and-trails/brookside-gardens/visit

THE GARDENS AT Dumbarton Oaks, DC
Replete with terraced garden rooms, loggia and cutting gardens, this 10-acre, Georgetown gem offers guided 30-minute tours on a first-come basis every Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday year-round (except in August). doaks.org/visit/guided-tours

Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens, DC
Marjorie Merriweather Post’s 13-acre estate hosts a plethora of year-round events celebrating all things botanical. During July, experts will lead weekly tours, one focused on the Japanese-style garden and the other on Hillwood’s summer designs. Guided Forest Bathing Walks and other garden-oriented tours will resume in September. hillwoodmuseum.org/events

Glenstone, Potomac
Glenstone encompasses nearly 300 acres of trails, native meadow and forest, fully integrated with architecture and art. Daily, year-round guided nature walks explore the grounds designed by PWP Landscape Architecture, with a focus on sustainability and organic maintenance. glenstone.org/nature

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Daybreak and dusk are the most magical times at the beach. On an empty shore, infinite spans of sand, sea and sky have hypnotic, soul-calming powers.

A Rehoboth retreat perfectly positions its owners to savor not only Atlantic sunrises, but also to bask in watery sunsets over Silver Lake to the west. The new getaway was a fantasy come true for a Northern Virginia-based couple and their children.

“I’ve been going to Bethany Beach down the road since I was a kid,” says the husband. “We were in awe of properties on Silver Lake. I thought it would be fascinating to have the lake as a front yard and the ocean as a backyard.”

Forty years later, the opportunity arose when he visited the property, which was formerly home to Shell House—a Martha’s Vineyard-esque 1920 manse built by a member of Delaware’s du Pont family. After lingering on the market, the faded grand dame was dismantled in 2020 and its acreage split into three parcels.

Having acquired one, the professional services executive and his wife began to imagine their future getaway. “We were interested in something representative of a coastal environment, but with contemporary flair,” he explains. “We envisioned a home that would support our family and hopefully future generations.”

They turned to Wayne Adams of BarnesVanze Architects to shape their preferences into a cohesive plan. Photos of homes dotting shores as far-flung as Sullivan’s Island near Charleston, Rosemary Beach in Florida, and Bermuda inspired fruitful dialogue. Adams distilled elements of these examples to arrive at a pared-down, Shaker-style dwelling that would pay homage to its predecessor yet forge a modern path.

On the lake side, stucco and shingle siding, gabled roofs and a steep, curved stair lean into a classic vocabulary, while sleek linear forms and glass rule out back. “With the glassy exposure on the beach and traditional face toward the lake, the house fits between these two very different environments—the rough and wild ocean and the calm, freshwater lake,” observes Adams.

Completed by Horizon Builders, the three-story, 8,875-square-foot escape celebrates laid-back, beachy living. Though the open kitchen-dining-living area and party-ready roof deck make entertaining a breeze, cozy nooks throughout happily cosset parties of two. “We added small elements like bays and porches, which play down the mass of the home and create opportunities to see the water,” relates the architect.

Along with ocean breezes wafting through the home’s casement windows and nine bifold doors, a luxe, modern vibe flows through the interiors. From the great room’s decorative tray ceiling to a sculptural staircase framed in glass, architectural details signal that this isn’t your grandma’s beach cottage.

The ground floor is a play zone, complete with TV lounge, bar and golf simulator; a bunk room hosts sleepovers. Sliding doors open to the pool deck; Tundra Gray marble flooring extends out to the terrace, where guests can unwind in the pool and spa.

“Downstairs, the house is more rugged, with people coming from the beach,” says Adams. “But upstairs, it transitions to spaces that are elegant and tailored.”

On the second-floor, the main living area and kitchen flank a central conversation spot—all spill onto an expansive deck. The primary suite, owners’ offices and a private deck occupy the same beachfront footprint on the third story. On the lake side, two ensuite guest rooms on both the second and third levels await visiting family and friends.

The owners tapped designer Chad Alan, who’d completed their primary home, to outfit the second-floor public spaces, primary suite and offices. “We wanted interiors that were clean, modern and sophisticated,” he affirms. “But we also wanted it to be a place where you could put your feet on the furniture.”

Visiting the Washington Design Center with Alan, the owners fell in love with an Ochre chandelier, its blown-glass lights resembling jellyfish, and an acrylic rug in moody blues, both from David Sutherland. Now ensconced in the dining area and conversation area respectively, these pieces were jumping-off points for the décor, marrying practicality and a touch of glam. Performance fabrics were chosen to withstand sun and wet bathing suits, and a color scheme of blues, grays and white prevails.

“Art was also important,” Alan remarks. “We needed showstoppers that could go toe to toe with the architecture.” In the airy foyer, modern works by Moritz Neuhoff and Jill Moser “convey something special is coming when you walk into the house.”

Bob Hruby and Meredith Forney Beach of Campion Hruby Landscape Architects took charge of the grounds. They orchestrated the chic pool terrace and created a welcoming arrival court, where a checkerboard of stones floats in turf and aligns with the front entry. Hydrangea, Russian sage, crape myrtle, Salvia and a profusion of potted plants fringe the house.

The residents love spending time together—and hosting guests—in their Rehoboth retreat. But, insists the wife, nothing beats the sunrise. “We wake up and the first thing you see is the ocean,” she marvels. “It’s breathtaking. Once we’re there, we never want to leave.”

Great Oak Manor, Chestertown

Steeped in local lore, Great Oak Manor harbors a 1938 Georgian residence set on 15 bayfront acres in Kent County. Legend has it that in the 1950s, one of its former owners ran a club and illegal casino on site. Over the years, the manor’s guests have included the likes of Ernest Hemingway and JFK.

Today the property is a 12-room hotel, fresh from a 2024 makeover spearheaded by Annapolis-based Interior Concepts, Inc. “Our goal was to respect the traditional architecture while adding upscale amenities and boutique accommodations,” says designer Andrea Blamphin. All rooms and suites—including the cheerful Marmaduke—boast working fireplaces. A clubby library stocks books and games. Summer guests can loll on the hotel beach or tool around on Trek Cruisers. Rates from $399, including breakfast; greatoakmanor.com

1313 West, Annapolis

Opened last year, 1313 West inhabits a 19th-century farmhouse that bordered a horse-racing circuit back in the day. So it’s only fitting that the hotel’s seven rooms and suites are named for famous racehorses.

Andrea Blamphin and Megan Ligday of Interior Concepts, Inc., outfitted the interiors. “The inn reflects a classic Southern aesthetic with a gentle modern twist,” notes Ligday. “The suites and public spaces offer serene palettes and patterns that are both playful and classic.” Sherwin-Williams Homburg Gray envelops the Secretariat Suite (top, left), furnished with a modern four-poster bed and comfy couch. After a day sail or a stroll through Maryland’s quaint capital, guests can unwind on the wraparound porch or in The Jockey Club Lounge, the hotel’s private speakeasy. Rooms from $499. 1313west.com

When North Potomac homeowners called on Anthony Wilder Design/Build to create a party-ready escape in their barren backyard, the team started by making a wish list with the clients.

“They imagined a retreat that was separate from the house, so we came up with an open-concept space that allowed for entertainment and relaxation all year round,” recalls principal Anthony Wilder, who designed the project with colleague and architect Sean Mullin.

Now complete, the pavilion with a grilling station—dubbed a “gravilion” by the crew—also houses a lounge area and a kitchen with custom cabinetry, a sink and a refrigerator. Hewn from Douglas fir using traditional joinery techniques, the structure is held together without screws or nails. “The mortise-and-tenon joinery adds to the beauty of the project,” Wilder reflects.

One challenge facing the team was how to hide wiring in the exposed timber ceiling. “The solution,” notes Mullin, “was to build up the roof cavity to accommodate the wires.” Four heaters angled down from the main beams warm the space in cooler months.

A raised, seven-person hot tub and a curved sectional centered on a fire pit complete the idyll. Connecting to the main residence, a stone walkway lined with large boulders accentuates the natural aesthetic.

A couple downsizing from a single-family home to a Reston condo decided to take the interiors of their new aerie in a playful direction. Namely, the avid fans of “Only Murders in the Building” wanted to replicate the exuberant, emerald green kitchen belonging to Steve Martin’s character on the popular Hulu show.

The owners tapped BOWA and architect TJ Monahan of Designed Happy to make their vision a reality. “It was great to have clients who wanted to push the boundaries, and I knew that BOWA would be able to execute the design,” notes Monahan. Lacquered cabinets were fabricated in a custom shade of green and trimmed in brushed brass. And BOWA discovered tile by Mirth Studio to match the show’s patchwork mosaic. The team selected Bianco Superiore quartzite for the countertops and backsplash; a built-in hood is concealed above the JennAir cooktop.

BOWA’s Kristin Ikenson spearheaded the makeover, which not only transformed the dated kitchen but also reimagined the apartment’s three bedrooms and upgraded the living area with a dramatic accent wall. Centered on a vapor fireplace, it’s framed in Fuchsite Green quartzite, echoing the adjacent kitchen’s signature palette. Despite the challenges of working in a condo building, she reflects, “the result is a sophisticated and functional home that embodies the homeowners’ style.”