A black-and-cream Jasmine Dots print emboldens the Crepe Bomber Jacket ($730) and matching Straight Leg Pants ($535), part of CH Carolina Herrera’s Fall 2022 collection.The Charro Insignia Hobo ($1,915), handcrafted in Sequoia leather, completes the ensemble. Shown in red, the bag comes in six other colors and patterns. Find at the brand’s CityCenterDC boutique at 995 H Street, NW. chcarolinaherrera.com

GENTLE CURVE
During a recent Logan Circle redo, MV Architects designed a graceful new staircase and stair rail with painted-steel pickets that sit on a curved plaster skirt. Metal Specialties fabricated the steel handrail. Installation: Haigh DeCastro.

THIN LINE
In Fowlkes Studio’s renovation of an Adams Morgan home, space was at a premium. Conventional railings can take up to six inches away from a staircase’s width, so the architects devised a streamlined alternative: a railing made of half-inch-thick steel plates with welded corners, fabricated by Metal Specialties.

IN THE ROUND
Saienni Stairs crafted a two-story, floating double staircase as part of a Georgetown renovation. Custom-turned wood balusters combine with a mahogany handrail and quarter-sawn pine treads to elegant and dramatic effect.

SAFE PASSAGE
While planning an Arlington renovation, EL Studio prototyped and fabricated a two-story, painted-plywood handrail using a 3D printer to meet ergonomic and safety requirements—namely to smooth out sharp turns and protect kids traveling at high speeds.

LIGHT RAIL
Chuck Cregger of Cregger Construction recently revamped a staircase in a Maryland home. The one-story installation combines an oak rail, side skirt and baseplates with powder-coated aluminum posts and stainless-steel cables and hardware, giving the interior a clean, modern update.

Following a 45-year stint in Washington, Suman Sorg set her sights on New York. After most of the assets of her eponymous, 45-person architecture firm were sold, she was about to launch a nonprofit and the big city seemed like fertile ground for growth. So she moved into an apartment on Central Park—and then the pandemic hit.

“I went downstairs, rented a car and came here automatically,” recalls Sorg from the light-filled living room of her summer home in Sherwood, Maryland, overlooking the shimmery Chesapeake Bay. “I thought I’d be here for two or three weeks, but spent 18 months here full-time.”

Little did she know, her instinctive decision to take shelter on the Eastern Shore would have ripple effects on her future.

Sorg had conceived the home near St. Michaels in the early 2000s as a spot where she, her then-husband and their daughter could enjoy quick getaways from DC. It was one of several adjacent properties she’d designed with the late landscape architect James van Sweden, co-founder of Washington-based OvS. In a barter deal the friends worked out, she designed his house and he designed her seven-acre parcel for free. “At first I thought that wasn’t an even trade, but then my garden cost as much as the house,” she laughs.

In 2002, the duo also collaborated on an HGTV Dream Home next to Sorg’s; it was given away in a raffle, then sold immediately to a savvy New York buyer for $1.3 million. “Theses three are the only super-modern houses in the area, and became quite a tourist attraction—especially after the HGTV house,” notes Sorg.

In the design of her own residence, the architect took inspiration from a nearby 17th-century farm, its manor house surrounded by agrarian outbuildings. Her compound consists of three structures shaped like abstract barns. The main, central hub contains the kitchen, a living and dining area with 22-foot-high ceilings and a loft where Sorg works when on site. Two identical offshoots house bedroom suites—one for the homeowner and another for guests. Decks and elevated wooden walkways connect the buildings—surrounded by lawn, meadow and billowing seagrasses. A round swimming pool, enveloped in greenery and a flagstone terrace, awaits on the arrival side of the home.

The layout proved ideal during covid, as city friends dropped in while Sorg sequestered on the bay. “People would visit and never have to enter the main house,” she explains. “I’d cook in the kitchen and serve on one of the decks.”

Those 18 months marked the first time Sorg experienced the property and its estuary environment year-round. “A friend of mine says nothing happens here during the winter. But lots happens,” she says. “You just have to notice it.

“The leaves change, the insects disappear,” she continues. “Different kinds of birds come through. The bay freezes up—it’s actually lovely. Then butterflies arrive in March.”

During that time, Sorg befriended neighbors, joined a local book club and discovered more community in the area than she’d ever imagined. “I was super-busy before covid and can’t say I used the house enough to make it worthwhile,” she recalls. “There came a time when I said, ‘it’s too much work—let’s tear it down.’ But I’m so glad I didn’t.”

Ultimately, the architect abandoned her move to New York. “It wasn’t meant to be,” she explains. “I’ve begun to think Washington is city enough.” She decided to establish her nonprofit in DC (where she has a primary home near Rock Creek Park) and now spends more time on the Eastern Shore. And instead of a demolition, her 2,800-square-foot bay escape was recently treated to a complete overhaul.

“The major systems were not working well,” she says. “The bay is a pretty punishing environment, weather-wise.” Insulated metal cladding replaced rotting plywood siding on all three buildings. Sorg reappointed the kitchen and baths and installed a new roof, a new A/C system and energy-efficient Marvin windows and doors.

Respect for the environment has always guided Sorg’s approach, from the many multi-use, government and multi-family projects Sorg Architects has completed around the world to her intimate bay habitat. “This house has a small footprint, but it’s enough,” she asserts. “I didn’t want to heat and cool something unnecessarily. And because there are three buildings, I can live in one and shut the others down completely.”

The interiors remained the same. Finishes riff on materials prevalent in local farm buildings, juxtaposed with iconic modern furnishings. Refined panels of veneer-finished marine plywood flank the living room’s working cinderblock chimney. Concrete floors painted a pale gray reflect daylight and help keep the interiors cool. The architect designed platform beds and cabinetry for the sleeping suites, also using marine-grade plywood—a natural foil that doesn’t distract from ever-changing views out the windows.

Sorg spent the entire past summer in the bay house with her grown daughter, son-in-law and five-year-old grandson, who were on holiday from Scotland. Her lofty office, she reports, is an inspiring spot to work on her nonprofit. Called A Complete Unknown, the startup now employs 21 design pros around the globe dedicated to developing innovative solutions to empower underserved populations—people and animals alike.

Sorg’s humble Maryland abode has played a surprisingly oversized role as her next chapter unfolds. Reflecting on recent years, she says,“The renovation project in these strange times not only saved the house, but opened my heart to the real architecture of our lives, the nature around us and all the creatures that live in it, including us humans.”

A  couple with a bustling orthodontics practice was in the midst of planning a new custom home north of Baltimore when they called designer Stephanie Gamble for help. The parents of three young boys—she is the lead doctor and he manages the business side—needed someone to shepherd them through myriad decisions as their six-bedroom, 5,000-square-foot project took shape.

Gamble joined the team just as builder Danleigh Homes was putting the finishing touches on the modern farmhouse-style plan. She not only guided them through myriad selections—from windows to lighting and tile—but also designed built-ins, millwork and fireplace surrounds.

“My clients were looking for classic comfort—nothing too precious. And with three boys, we knew durability would be key,” Gamble explains. “But having kids doesn’t mean you have to skimp on quality. You can have nice things; you just need to make smart decisions.”

On the following pages, a Q&A with Gamble sheds light on the process.

Why hire a designer in the early stages of a custom build?
We catch things that builders don’t. Designers consider factors like where the king-size bed will go and if the island is big enough for the whole family. Whether it’s a small change like flipping a toilet and a vanity or making sure every space is going to accommodate a family’s needs, we come in with a different perspective.

How did you elevate the foyer?
Adding board and batten to the walls made the foyer much more interesting architecturally. And I love the Noir chest we chose. The wood tones are very “farmhouse,” but the style of the piece is modern. And the Visual Comfort chandelier is in keeping with the warm, modern-but-classic feeling we extended throughout the house.

What choices enabled you to marry elegance and durability in the kitchen?
We selected quartz countertops because my client didn’t want to worry about stains. We incorporated durable materials but made sure they have a really lovely appearance. For example, the kitchen stool-backs look like a natural woven fiber, but they’re made of synthetic cord and can be easily wiped down, as can the chairs in the dining room.

How did you warm up the white kitchen?
Beadboard on the ceiling and brushed-brass and gold accents help. We also brought in warmth with the darker stain on the island.

Explain your theory on blending textures.
A mistake people sometimes make when they go with neutrals is not realizing that you need texture. It helps layer a space. In the dining room, the first thing we selected was the chandelier by Made Goods, made of coco beads. The drapery is a modern linen damask by Fabricut. The Dash & Albert rug is wool and the Four Hands chairs have all-weather wicker seats. Adding these varied elements together created a great, welcoming environment.

Why was achieving proper scale in the great room a challenge?
The ceilings in that space are almost 25 feet high. So getting the size of the built-ins right was key. When we first had them drawn out, the clients insisted they were too big. I rarely use the phrase “trust me,” but I knew the room would be off if the built-ins were not tall enough. Once the framing was done, the owners emailed me and said, “You were right; the scale is perfect and it looks great.”

How did you create a luxurious vibe in the primary bedroom?
The owners wanted it to be their sanctuary, a refuge for peace and quiet and a bit of luxury. It also has very high ceilings, so we knew it could easily handle the canopy bed by Vanguard. We chose a rug with a mix of light blues and creams, awesome chairs by Lee Industries and a pouf for them to put their feet on while reading. The cashmere throw and lovely linen drapes were the room’s final touches.

What strategies protect interiors from adventurous little ones?
Focus on performance fabrics such as Crypton that clean well, and pay attention to rub counts. Counts of 50,000 and above are great while 100,000 is pretty much commercial-grade. In homes like this one, we stay away from 100-percent cotton or linen except for the drapes because we wouldn’t expect anyone to dirty them.

What drove your window selection?
We went with black windows from Marvin’s Elevate collection. They’re simple and don’t have too many grids.

Why splurge on lighting?
I always tell clients, especially if they have children, to go all out on lighting. It’s very rare that a child is going to ruin a light fixture—you don’t have to worry about little fingerprints on them. There’s really nothing holding you back.

Discuss why trust is so crucial to a project’s success?
The owners and I were a hundred percent in sync on this project. They listened to advice and understood that when you hire a professional, you should let them do their job. And they wanted to be pushed a little. When there’s such a great, synergistic relationship between client and designer, 75 percent of the work is done.

ASK STEPHANIE

NAME YOUR GO-TO SOURCE FOR ACCESSORIES.
Great Finds & Design in Timonium, Maryland, is my favorite spot for unexpected objects like trays, planters and huge baskets. You may discover pieces from the 1940s, the ’70s or something super-current.

SHARE A TREND YOU’VE SPOTTED.
I see a resurgence of dark, moody paint colors. We’re finishing a kitchen in deep hunter green and another client is doing a room in all black. It’s going to be spectacular.

DO YOU HAVE A DESIGN PET PEEVE?
Word-based wall art. I much prefer a gorgeous, abstract piece that brings interest and color into a space.

PRODUCT YOU CAN’T WAIT TO TRY?
I’m intrigued by induction cooking, especially products by Wolf. They seem to offer several advantages along with a clean, sleek look.

WHAT’S A PIECE IN YOUR HOME THAT YOU CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT?
An original floral painting by the late artist Alice Pritchard. I cherish the work for its large scale and striking use of color—it will go wherever I do!

Interior Design: Stephanie Gamble, Stephanie Gamble Interiors, Towson, Maryland. Builder: Danleigh Homes, Kingsville, Maryland.

Relaxation outdoors is a balm for weary souls. “Time in gardens and exposure to the non-rhythmic movement of water, clouds and grasses decreases stress, improves cognitive ability, restores attention—and generally makes us healthier and happier humans,” contends landscape architect Ryan Moody of Moody Graham. He and other landscape architects and designers are working hard to meet rising client demand for outdoor upgrades.

Below, we cover 10 great ideas for inspiration.

DINING UNDER THE STARS
Reserving space for a generous table makes hosting outdoor soirées a breeze. The courtyard of a new Arlington home is defined by a cedar-slat fence and a poured-concrete wall. Lush shrubs and perennials soften the hardscape. Architecture: Resolution: 4 Architecture. Landscape Architecture: Ryan Moody, Moody Graham. Landscape Contractor: Oldetowne Landscape Architects. Builder: MK Development. 

IN FULL SWING
A swing arbor creates a serene spot for unwinding on a one-acre McLean property overhauled by Anthony Cusat, PLA, of McHale Landscape Design. As he asserts, “There are many therapeutic benefits to using a swing. Slow, rocking motion can reduce stress, calm one’s breathing and bring the heart rate down.”

SHOWER POWER
Outdoor showers let bathers forge a strong connection with nature. Architect Mark Kaufman, AIA, of GTM Architects integrated an outdoor shower into his design of a modern Bethesda pool house. Stone walls and sapele mahogany panels reinforce the organic vibe. Builder: JEFFCO Development. Landscape Contractor: Landscape Projects. 

LIGHT A FIRE
“Gathering around a fire provides the chance to disconnect from the world with those who care about you,” says landscape architect Jordan Loch Crabtree, ASLA, of LOCH Collective. On the grounds of a custom waterfront property he designed near Easton, Maryland, Loch installed a fire pit on a bluestone pool terrace enveloped in native grasses. Architecture: Martins Grehl Architects. Builder: ThinkMakeBuild. 

TAKE A DIVE
Today’s home-fitness craze has fueled a demand for lap pools. McLean clients tapped Kevin Kurdziolek, PLA, ASLA, and Steve Waldron of Pristine Acres to integrate a 73-foot-long, three-sided infinity-edge pool into a slope in their backyard. Their design includes a lounge deck, multiple retaining walls and lush garden areas. Architecture: WCRA. Builder: Brush Arbor Homes.

MOVIE NIGHT
An outdoor screen is front and center in the covered, stone-and-ipe structure that landscape architect Chad Talton, PLA, of Surrounds, Inc., designed in a client’s compact DC yard. “Almost every space we build contains an outdoor TV because people love to gather and watch with friends,” he reports.

REAP A HARVEST
Tending a vegetable garden not only supplies healthy ingredients, but also “a great sense of accomplishment in growing your own food from seed to table,” says Kate Mitchell of Love & Carrots. The DC company, which helps residential and business clients nurture their own crops, maintains a Vienna garden where tomatoes, eggplant, beans, peas and carrots thrive.

FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH
“Seeing or hearing the soothing sound of water induces relaxation,” says Don Gwiz of Lewis Aquatech, who updated a client’s Potomac property with a stone water feature that overflows into a pool. A profusion of flowers and greenery adds color and texture.

UP ON THE ROOF
Roof gardens take advantage of surplus outdoor space—often with a view. A DC homeowner created a private aerie complete with teak decking; planters full of  seagrass conceal speakers for music. It’s the perfect haven for yoga, meditation and entertaining. Builder: Gibson Homes, LLC. 

COOK OUT
Bringing a kitchen with all the bells and whistles outside is the ultimate backyard luxury (aside from hiring a caterer). In a Vienna home, Michael Winn and Jimmy Finn, AIA, of Winn Design + Build created a screened-porch kitchen that boasts a grill and hood, two refrigerators, an icemaker and stainless-steel Danver cabinetry.

Sprouting up all over DC, murals project bold color and meaningful messages. Many are sponsored by groups promoting the arts or timely causes. The new creations covered here are a few of many murals around town worth a visit in person.

ZEROING IN ON HUNGER
Lula Goce’s mural portrays a female farmer harvesting her crop. As the artist wrote on Instagram, “It is an ode to women fighting every day to provide quality food for their communities.” Goce’s work is one of six murals to be completed across the U.S. this year as part of the Zero Hunger project. Sponsored by World Food Program USA, Street Art for Mankind and Kellogg, the program raises awareness about rising food insecurity and injustice.

MENTORING CITY YOUTH
MuralsDC engages young artists, teaching them the right techniques to create murals and replace unsightly graffiti. In the past 15 years, the program has fostered 150 new murals throughout the District. One of these, "The Wailin’ Mailman," is a nine-story portrait of the late Buck Hill, a renowned saxophonist who moonlighted as a mail carrier. Artist Joe Pagac painted the tribute, located at 1925 14th Street, NW.

WOMEN EMPOWERED
In June, Mayor Muriel Bowser attended the dedication of two new murals celebrating women at Seventh Street and Rhode Island Avenue, NW, in DC’s Shaw neighborhood. One of these, "She Got We," is by Cita Sadeli, better known as MISS CHELOVE; it portrays strong, multi-ethnic, multi-generational women. Sadeli also completed a four-story mural on view until recently at the National Museum of Women in the Arts that addressed the role of women in ecological activism.

Chic apparel and accessories appear to float in the sleek interiors of Akris’ first Washington boutique.. Milan-based architect David Chipperfield aimed to “reflect the integrity” of the Swiss brand in his design, outfitting the shop with white-painted maple paneling and see-through, stainless-steel mesh partitions suspended from the ceiling. Highlights of the Fall 2022 collection: the Drei Teile Intarsia Print knit dress ($2,990) and a messenger bag ($2,690)—both inspired by the work of German artist Reinhard Voigt—and a camelhair parka with quilted insert ($5,990). 965 I Street, NW; 202-601-4212. us.akris.com

The first luxury resort to open on Italy’s Amalfi Coast in 15 years, Borgo Santandrea is built into a cliff overlooking a private pebble beach (top)—accessible by lift or walkways lined with lemon and olive trees. Architect Rino Gambardella worked with a team of designers to transform an existing 1960s-era hotel on the property. The 29 finished rooms and 16 suites (a premium pool suite is pictured above) are outfitted with Molteni&C furniture, vintage Italian textiles and bespoke, hand-painted tile inspired by nearby Pompeii. Three restaurants include the Beach Restaurant & Bar, serving local Mediterranean fare and fresh-caught seafood. Starting rates from $820 a night. borgosantandrea.it

Family heirlooms, art and antiques filled Whitney Wood’s childhood home in Charlottesville. “Thinking back,” he recalls, “I was always rearranging my room.” So it wasn’t a stretch when, right out of high school, he landed a job with Middleburg interior designer Shoshana Datlow.

“She taught me the intricacies” of the business, Wood affirms. Four years later, he moved to Washington, DC, where he worked for a special-events design company before launching his own firm in 2018.

Wood likes to channel tradition while bringing a fresh, modern sensibility to his work. “I grew up surrounded by items that were passed down in my family,” he explains. “So I love using things from a client’s past in their home—it’s basically like telling a story.”

The designer is currently finishing up a Charlottesville abode and orchestrating interiors for another residence breaking ground in Gainesville, Virginia, this summer. And he recently wrapped up the chic apartment he and his fiancé share in DC’s West End. “This project was fun because I incorporated more neutrals and modern elements than in our prior home, which was very traditional,” he notes. “I wanted to challenge myself by going outside my comfort zone—and not overdoing it.”

Interior Design: Whitney R. Wood, WRW Interiors, Washington, DC. 

A business degree propelled Anne Pulliam into a marketing career, but she felt unfulfilled. “I’m a creative person and it didn’t feel like the right fit,” she admits.

Pulliam loved décor and “house-stalking”—peering into the windows of beautiful homes—but never considered the passion a career option until an interior designer friend invited her to a lunch for creative women in DC. “I met designer Erica Burns, who was looking to hire someone,” recalls Pulliam. “Erica took a total risk and gave me a job.”

The novice spent almost five years learning the ropes from Burns and falling in love with the industry. When covid hit in 2020, Pulliam decided to move back to her hometown of Richmond with her husband and their baby girl and launch her own firm.

With seven projects underway near DC, Pulliam finds herself in Washington often, but enjoys the quieter pace of Virginia’s capital. She and her husband, who welcomed a son last fall, are renting and “looking for that perfect historic gem in need of renovation,” she says.

Richmond has influenced Pulliam’s approach. “Its historic architecture first triggered my obsession with design,” she reflects. “I love the contrast of modern and traditional and in my designs, I think that shows.”

Interior Design: Anne Pulliam, Anne Pulliam Interiors, Richmond, Virginia. 

Perfect Balance A Georgetown bath makeover pays homage to history. See More...

Serene Statement Jonas Carnemark transforms an outdated relic into a calm oasis. See More...

Vintage Vibe A design team crafts a posh bath with Old Wold soul. See More...

Fresh Flair Kate Abt and Chris Snowber create a spa-like oasis in a DC gem. See More...

During their complete overhaul of a 1912 Mount Pleasant row house, architect Christopher Snowber and interior designer Kate Abt bridged old and new in its reimagined primary bath.

They gutted and slightly expanded the cramped existing lavatory (which had a combination bathtub/shower), making way for a more efficient layout that includes a soaking tub, a walk-in shower and a water closet opposite the vanity. Dual skylights more than compensate for the room’s lack of windows. “The goal was to create a bright and clean oasis, accentuated by a carefully detailed mix of modern components,” says Snowber.

Walnut millwork and Dolomite marble on the floor and tub surround nod to tradition but are applied in a modern way. “It’s very much streamlined, without a lot of fuss,” says Abt. “And the wood vanity warms up the marble.”

A countertop in stain-resistant quartz was selected as a matching but practical alternative to stone. Black metal accents in the form of Visual Comfort sconces, a heated towel warmer and the steel frame of the custom shower enclosure convey a crisp, industrial edge. “The steel-framed partition became a driver of the design,” explains Snowber. “It serves as a way to separate the spaces while bringing a surprisingly sensuous feel to the room.”

CREDITS + DETAILS—Renovation Architecture: Christopher R. Snowber, AIA, Hamilton Snowber Architects. Interior Design: Kate Abt, Kate Abt Design. Renovation Contractor: AllenBuilt, Inc. Dolomite Marble Tile: architessa.com. Tub: ferguson.com. Plumbing Fixtures: brizo.com. Shower Door Fabrication: wellbornwright.com. Sconces: visualcomfort lightinglights.com. Quartz Countertop: rbratti.com.

Sometimes a project’s greatest challenge is to create a sense of character where there isn’t much. Such was the case when a client called on Thomson & Cooke Architects and interior designer Zoë Feldman to revamp her ’90s-era townhouse in DC’s Foxhall enclave.

“It was a nice blank space, but underwhelming in architectural value,” Feldman recalls.

The owner, who’d just returned from a stint in California, sought a Spanish Mediterranean vibe. Another jumping-off point for the primary bath was the Greenwich Hotel, her favorite destination in New York, which boasts luxe, marble-and-brass-appointed bathrooms.

The team took the interiors down to the studs. Armed with inspiration, Feldman conjured an Old World-style bathroom complete with a tub for two, a large shower with an arched opening, a water closet, Carrara marble surfaces and unlacquered-brass fittings that will patina over time. Built-in cabinets keep clutter at bay.

A marble ledge by the tub is a resting spot for wine, candles or bath salts, says the designer, who had the walls coated in blush-colored plaster. “When done properly,” she avers, “plaster is even more waterproof than tile or stone. It also adds texture and really softens a bathroom.

“It is amazing,” Feldman concludes, “how a few architectural tweaks and treatments can make a room feel timeless and give it soul.”

CREDITS + DETAILS—Interior Design: Zoë Feldman, Zoë Feldman Design. Renovation Architecture: Neal Thomson, AIA, and Patrick Cooke, AIA, Thomson & Cooke Architects. Contractor: Hyp Renovations. Tub, Plumbing Fixtures & Flooring: waterworks.com. Marble Backsplash & Counter: atlasstonefabricators.com. Tub Sconces: urbanelectric.com. Mirror: mirrorlot.com. Vanity Sconces: circalighting.com. Vanity: sinklegs.com through weaverhardware.com. Rug: districtloom.com.

Soon after a couple moved into a Kalorama apartment, they asked Jonas Carnemark to replace their bulky whirlpool tub with a new shower. But as they discussed taking the 1990s-era primary bath in a fresh, modern direction, the project quickly morphed into a total overhaul.

First, Carnemark made a clean sweep, removing everything to arrive at an open space housing a large shower, a double vanity and a toilet screened by a partition. He proposed displaying an oversized stone slab as an organic work of art in the shower. A hunt ensued until his clients fell in love with a quartzite specimen at Gramaco. “It has some really cool richness and picks up the trees outside,” says Carnemark. “We tried to minimize everything else in the room.”

A sleek Artelinea vanity fit the bill. Made entirely of glass, it combines matte, back-painted-glass door fronts and an undulating “frosted-glass top that flows into polished glass in the bowls themselves,” explains the designer. Completing the minimalist picture are heated and slip-proof porcelain-tile floors, touch-latch shower niches to stow away toiletries and a linear shower drain.

“This kind of bath is so peaceful to me,” reflects Carnemark. “Some might say there’s not enough going on, but I like it when there are just a couple of points that really draw your attention.”

CREDITS + DETAILS—Bath Design & Contracting: Jonas Carnemark, CR, CKD, CLIPP, CARNEMARK design + build. Floor & Wall Tile: architessa.com. Quartzite Slab: gramaco.com. Slab Fabrication: eurostonecraft.com. Plumbing Fixtures: fantini.it through konstunion.com. Vanity & Mirror: artelinea.it through konstunion.com. Custom Glass Panel: proshowerdoors.com.

Preserving history was a priority in the recent renovation of a couple’s 1815 manse on Smith Row in Georgetown. Architects Dale Overmyer and Laura Rowland and interior designer Tracy Morris balanced the husband’s classicist aesthetic with the wife’s penchant for modern glam. “This was not a small undertaking,” says Morris about the project, which included the transformation of a sitting room off the primary bedroom into a new owners’ bath.

The architects drew up a plan for a large, open space housing a tub and custom vanity as well as a separate shower and WC. Determined to salvage the room’s existing fireplace, the owners decided to cover its original brick with a new material. When they discovered book-matched slabs of Aurora Blue quartzite on a shopping trip with Morris, “Their eyes lit up and I knew it would be a stunner,” the designer recalls.

Overmyer and Rowland detailed the protruding fireplace wall to integrate seamlessly with the room’s architecture. Crown molding pays homage to Greek Revival style while contemporary touches—from the vanity’s tapered legs to the sculptural tub—place the project firmly in the 21st century. “Tracy wove a real compromise between the clients,” says Rowland. “They were very adventurous and open-minded in a lot of ways.”

CREDITS + DETAILS—Renovation Architecture: Dale Overmyer, AIA; Laura Rowland, Overmyer Architects. Interior Design: Tracy Morris, Tracy Morris Design. Contractor: Goldsborough Design Build. Marble Floor Tile: architessa.com. Quartzite Fireplace Slab & Marble Countertop: marblesystems.com. Tub: vandabaths.com. Tub & Sink Fixtures: kallista.com. Custom Vanity: jtdylaninc.com. Mirror: riverglassdesigns.com. Sconces: circalighting.com.

McLean and Tircuit
Inspired to offer consumers high-end furniture, art and accessories typically available to the trade only, designer Sheryl McLean recently launched a boutique within the new studio of her firm, McLean and Tircuit, in Laurel’s historic district. “I gravitate towards pieces that are colorful, artisan-made and ethnically diverse,” she says. “I picked up many of these products at international markets.” Pop-ups will take place in the shop every month; the next ones happen on July 30 and August 27. By appointment only. 617 Main Street, Laurel; 301-430-0723. mcleanandtircuit.com

Architessa
Marking its seventh location, Architessa has unveiled a 3,200-square-foot showroom in Georgetown. Look for a curated collection of tile, natural stone, luxury vinyl tile and wood flooring. “Our vision for the future includes supporting DC’s thriving design community,” notes CEO Betty Sullivan. The shop offers the city’s widest selection of porcelain slabs and is its only authorized dealer for Walker Zanger and Artistic Tile brands. An array of outdoor surfaces is also available. 2212 Wisconsin Avenue, NW; 301-718-8343. architessa.com

Tyler Whitmore Interiors
Home-staging experts Tyler Whitmore and Debbie Labonski opened a 2,000-square-foot furnishings showroom in Kensington’s West Howard Antiques District where wares are displayed in stylish vignettes.The duo culls estate and private sales, East Coast flea markets and consignment shops to find their inventory of furniture, lighting and art—then refurbishes many pieces onsite. Says Labonski, “We hunt for items with good bones and great lines and transform them into treasures that become statement pieces.” Inventory is also sold online. 4208 Howard Avenue, Kensington; 202-746-2537. tylerwhitmoreinteriors.com