SipaBoards' self-inflatable standup paddleboards are equipped with an electric jet motor providing four optional knots of extra propulsion—a smart safety feature in the event of high winds, strong currents or user fatigue. Newly released models are lighter and quieter than the first generation; built-in LEDs illuminate adventures after dark. From $1,990. sipaboards.com

With daily nonstop flights between DC and Athens, getting to Greece has never been easier. Island-hoppers may want to drop anchor at Kalesma Mykonos. Opened last year, it’s home to Pere Ubu restaurant, where chef Costas Tsingas spotlights his native fare with aplomb. One-bedroom suites feature private patios and heated pools. Interiors by Studio ​Bonarchi​ and K-Studio sport custom furnishings in cool earth tones that play off whitewashed surfaces. A grand villa boasts a full outdoor kitchen. And bougainvillea envelops the pool bar with a view. Rates from $1,600 a night for a suite and $3,800 a night for a villa. kalesmamykonos.com

A visual and culinary feast awaits at Shoto—a Japanese eatery designed by Noriyoshi Muramatsu of Tokyo-based Studio Glitt. Precious lava stones from a volcano in Japan are suspended from the dining room’s traditional basketweave ceiling. A private gathering space (right) seats up to 40; Shoto also boasts a landscaped terrace facing L Street. Browsing the menu of innovative sushi and izakaya-style fare, guests can choose delicacies such as salmon and tuna tartare with nori rice crackers and caviar and a dessert platter of exotic fruit, ice cream and sorbet. 1100 15th Street, NW; 202-796-0011

Though it’s a quick drive or motorboat jaunt from the heart of Annapolis, a three-and-a-half-acre wooded parcel with its own strip of beach on the South River feels far removed from the bustle of Maryland’s capital. Tami and Rick Matson discovered the gem on their search for a new home near the bay. For years, they’d spent laid-back weekends in a small getaway they’d owned in Edgewater, less than an hour’s drive from their Gaithersburg residence. When the youngest of their four kids went off to college, the Matsons decided to trade both homes for permanent digs on the shore.

“You hit the point when you’re ready for the next journey,” says Tami, a homemaker. “We loved coming to the Annapolis area on weekends and thought it would make a great spot to live.” She and Rick, who owns a commercial-construction company, envisioned a retreat large enough to host the kids and their future families with ease.

Both were “blown away” at first sight by the Saunders Point property, complete with swaths of woods and lawn, a pool and views of the South River and Crab Creek. “I could see one of our kids getting married on the lawn someday,” muses Tami.

There was also a 1970s Acorn Deck house on-site. Initially, the couple spent time in the “cool” but outdated prefab, getting to know the lay of the land. But it soon became clear that to create the retreat they wanted, they’d have to start from scratch. So the owners tapped architects Leo Wilson and Sandie Martino of Hammond Wilson, interior designer Erin Paige Pitts and Gate One Builders to make their dream a reality.

The Matsons have long admired the Shingle-style dwellings of Rhode Island, where Rick’s sister lives. After detailed discussions, the architects homed in on timeless New England vernacular. “We were aware that this is not a beach house or even a bay house,” notes Tami. “Instead, we wanted to capture the feeling of a river house with a darker exterior—not stark white.”
Factoring in critical-area setbacks and the pool (which was staying put), the architects situated the new house on nearly the same footprint as its predecessor. This move not only took advantage of the best vistas, but also preserved mature trees and gardens during construction. Once the existing house came down, materials were donated for reuse.

The completed residence is organized as two separate structures—a main house and a three-car garage—connected by an open breezeway. “I’m so happy with the way the house landed,” says Martino, the project architect. “When you come around the drive, the breezeway frames views of the pool and the water.”

The foyer opens to a double-height great room—one of Tami Matson’s must-haves—with a dining room, kitchen and screened porch to the left and the owners’ suite and an office on the right. There is a bedroom for their youngest daughter plus two guest bedrooms on the second floor, while a full apartment over the garage is ready for extended stays. The above-ground lower level revolves around play time with a billiards table and bar, a gym and an inviting lounge.

Careful massing downplays the size of the 7,565-square-foot dwelling from the front. “We took advantage of space under the roof for the second floor,” say Martino. “This allows the home to come down in scale and makes it warmer and more approachable.”

Warmth and approachability, along with a dash of casual elegance, drove the interior plan—starting in the great room, dining area and kitchen, all aligned along the rear. The palette was inspired by St. Moritz marble that rims the great room fireplace and tops the kitchen island. “With its soft grays and blues, the stone looks like the sky with floating clouds,” designer Erin Paige Pitts observes.

An oversized hearth grounds the airy great room. “We typically sway clients away from double-height volumes because they take up square footage, but there’s something beautiful about this one,” says Martino. “Erin added the wood-beamed ceiling, which makes the room feel so comfortable.” Custom sofas dressed in nubby fabrics encourage guests to linger.

With its curvy, blue-gray island and tall walnut cabinets, there is nothing cookie-cutter about the kitchen. Pitts carefully detailed the space, from the Lunada Bay backsplash tile to the diamond motif on the cabinet fronts. “We tried to make it feel less like a brand new, all-white kitchen with a mix of cabinetry and furniture pieces,” she says.

Wilson and Martino ensured that residents and guests could gaze out to the river from practically every room; myriad window seats, also favored by the family dog, offer intimate vantage points.

During warmer months, everyone heads outdoors. The garage doubles as a pool house, harboring a guest bath and an al fresco kitchen; parties can also meander down to the beach and dock or to a woodsy fire pit for gatherings after dark. ”This is one of those projects that has all the pieces everyone wants—trees, a beach, a pier, a front lawn,” marvels Martino. ”With its existing gardens and mature trees, it feels like the house has been here forever.”

The Matsons, who moved in during the summer of 2020, couldn’t be happier. ”I feel very connected to nature here,” reflects Tami, ”and we have an amazing sunset every day.

“I wanted a home that would age well,” she continues. ”We’d like to see this house be here for years and years past us.”

Architecture: Leo Wilson, AIA, LEED AP, principal; Sandie Martino, project architect, Hammond Wilson, Annapolis, Maryland. Interior Design: Erin Paige Pitts, Erin Paige Pitts Interiors, Annapolis, Maryland. Builder: Matt Long and Todd Soroka, Gate One Builders, Annapolis, Maryland. Landscape Contractor: Mark Childs,Exterior Image, Lothian, Maryland.

Since the world stopped in early 2020 and remote work and study became the norm, the concept of home has shifted. As families’ priorities changed during the pandemic, sales of second homes skyrocketed. With historically low interest rates and a limited number of homes on the market, buying a new property—especially in a coveted waterfront area—became a fast-moving, ultracompetitive sport.

“The realization over the past two years that time is our most valuable commodity has fueled drastic lifestyle changes. The importance of how and where we spend our time has become paramount,” says Stacy Kendall of Cross Street Realtors in Chestertown. “Finding a retreat that provides a sense of place has spurred a surge in housing demand, particularly in less congested communities. Many have found the unspoiled landscape of the Eastern Shore to be one of rest and relaxation.”

Supply and demand
Though interest rates have begun to climb, it remains a seller’s market in communities on and around the Chesapeake Bay. “We’ve never experienced anything quite like today’s real estate market,” Kendall continues. “It’s not uncommon for buyers to forgo inspections, appraisals and financing to strengthen their position. This is by far the strongest seller’s market we’ve experienced in our 20-plus years serving Maryland’s Eastern Shore.”

According to Long & Foster, the median sale price of homes in Anne Arundel County increased seven percent from February 2021 to February 2022. And the number of homes on the market in the county was down 44 percent during the same period. Talbot and Kent Counties have seen similar declines in inventory.
“People are leaving the metro areas and cities in droves and coming to the bay, so multiple bids are prevalent,” says Martha Witte Suss, who manages several Long & Foster branches on the Eastern Shore. “Inventory is lower than ever.”

Bidding wars
In this tight market, it’s not uncommon for sellers to receive at least five competitive bids. “My average listing sale is $2.3 million and waterfront homes in this price range are in high demand,” says Brad Kappel of TTR Sotheby’s International Realty in Annapolis. “Offers start at list price or higher, and homes often end up selling at five to 10 percent over list price.”

Many buyers are compelled to go much higher. Local real estate pros advise clients to act quickly, submit cash offers if possible and throw contingencies to the wind. “This means you should have a strategy ready before you look at a house,” recommends Suss. “Remember that many are buying sight unseen and buyers often lose out on properties because they are too slow to react.”

During a property’s “coming soon” period, Kendall advises buyers to “submit a non-contingent, cash offer approximately 10 percent higher than the asking price and agree to all other terms and conditions the seller might have.” If a property’s status is active, she suggests making a non-contingent cash offer 25 percent above list price.

Kappel agrees that non-contingent cash offers are essential nowadays. ”Make sure that you have a proof-of-funds letter ready so you can pounce on a new opportunity when it arises,” he says, adding that in the current market, low bids won’t fly. “Most sellers will only counter the highest initial offer; if you start with a low-ball offer, you’ll likely get a call that they selected another party.”

Stay the course
Whether or not inflation or rising mortgage rates will spark a slowdown is anyone’s guess. “I expect that we will continue to
see record low levels of homes for sale, so scarcity will continue to drive our local market,” Kappel contends. “Interest rates have gone up significantly and prices remain high, which could eventually cause the market to soften if demand diminishes.”

Though the ball is still in the seller’s court, pros encourage clients to stay the course and play their best hand. “Hire a trusted real estate advisor and keep your finger on the pulse of the market,” says Kappel. “Great properties hit the market often but are quickly snatched up, so make sure you remain focused throughout the search process.”

Suss sounds a reassuring note: “I know it sounds idealistic. But in real estate, if it’s meant to be, it will happen.”

Many homes in DC’s desirable neighborhoods meet the wrecking ball when buyers opt for a fresh start instead of a renovation. But sometimes owners with a keen eye see potential where others do not. With pluck and imagination, they can turn a faded relic into a rare gem.

Such was the case when a couple with a young child happened upon a 1970 brick dwelling on a Forest Hills street dotted with Cape Cods and Colonials. Beyond the stark, window-less façade, skylights bathed the simple, orderly interiors in light; in back, a deck overlooked a woodsy yard.

“We were looking for a no-frills, functional house where we could raise our kid,” explains the husband. “It was apparent from the beginning that this was absolutely workable—modest, responsible, restrained and exactly what we needed.”

They made an offer, planning to update the building down the line. But after an inspection revealed deteriorating asbestos in the ductwork, the duo decided to buy the property and renovate before moving in.

Most architects they interviewed were of the opinion that no matter how it was altered, the abode would always be “ugly.” One exception was Donald Lococo. “I fawned over this house, which I don’t usually do,” he recalls. “Its faceless façade referenced Brutalism, but it really spoke to me. Seventies architecture tends to be very rational and mathematical. This home, an almost perfect one-story square, communicated that.” Making the project more intriguing were outdoor sculptures left behind by the home’s original owner, whose parents are said to have run an art gallery in DC.

Once hired, Lococo sketched out a program to overhaul the house, meeting the family’s modern-day needs while respecting the mid-century aesthetic. “I didn’t want to turn it into something else,” he notes. George Papaheraklis, principal of FineCraft Contractors, Inc., later joined the team to make the plans a reality.

In the original layout, an entry hall ran straight through the structure. The garage and three small bedrooms were arranged on the left while on the right, closed-in spaces—an office, kitchen and dining room—progressed to a rear family room.

During the design phase, the owners decided to expand the 2,315-square-foot structure to create a guest room and library. Intent on preserving its horizontal, one-story profile, Lococo landed on a daring alternative to the typical pop-up. He conceived a freestanding volume evoking the iconic curved lines of a spaceship or an Airstream to be built atop the home, perpendicular to the street. “I wanted something complementary yet different. From the front, it’s a stucco curve that’s non-competitive,” the architect explains. “But from the side, it has its own voice.”

The streamlined add-on houses an upper foyer, a library, a guest room with a custom Murphy bed and a bath. Its wall of windows overlooks a rooftop sculpture garden. “The idea was that this would be just enough,” says Lococo. “It carved out spaces the owners needed versus filling a bigger box with more stuff.”

The makeover also transformed the main floor. Tall glass doors and windows brighten the foyer, where a floating staircase rises to the addition above; opening the foyer ceiling created a dramatic, double-height entryway. The kitchen and dining room traded places and the walls separating them from the hallway were discarded, giving the spaces room to breathe. Two small bedrooms made way for a generous owners’ suite and the home’s two-and-a-half baths were upgraded. The team also installed new HVAC, electrical and lighting systems.

Custom creations—driven by ’70s iconography and curvilinear forms—abound. Figured-walnut paneling in the dining room evokes the wood veneer on vintage station wagons. Surfboards inspired the elliptical kitchen island, which stands on legs reminiscent of those on an old-school stereo console. “Donald took 1970 and married it with 2030,” jokes Papaheraklis.

During the collaborative project, he, Lococo and the owners dreamed up new features on the fly. The builder (who’s also an architect) and his team went to extremes to solve challenges and deliver a high level of craftsmanship, from fabricating a full-size prototype of the stair rail onsite to integrating the library’s curved cabinets into curved drywall. “We all did our part to create a visual symphony,” says Papaheraklis. “Every detail was done—and sometimes redone—until the product became more and more aesthetic.”

Even the mid-century sculptures play a role. One of the works that conveyed with the home animates a garden off the kitchen; another holds court at the front door. And a new sculpture the architect found in Virginia Beach perches above the entry.

Lococo sees the completed project as a pure, more refined version of the home’s 1970 self. “Removing distracting plan elements, extraneous interior walls and even the front brick recess let the intention of the design shine through,” he says.

And the owners couldn’t be happier. The wife loves both working and relaxing in the light-filled addition. “It’s such a cool space to hang out in,” she says. “We listen to records while our child plays.”

Her husband concurs, “The house is intimate and warm—and everything that we wanted it to be.”

DRAWING BOARD

The design team at work.

How do you help clients determine whether to tear down or remodel?
Donald Lococo: It’s not necessarily a binary decision. Sometimes it’s a matter of keeping just a few things; once you begin to highlight certain notable characteristics of a home that are worth saving, you have the advantage of authenticity. Older homes have inherent mistakes and often, tragic flaws. You need to be honest and discerning; not everything in an existing home is sacred.

In renovations, how do you select materials that are current yet speak to the period of the home?
DL: I always make it a point to inherit a few emblematic elements from the existing home, surrounded by current yet quieter present-day materials. The trick is to calibrate this correctly. If you use too many materials, a renovation can feel overbearing. On the other hand,by not saving anything, it loses the character it once had.

What qualities should homeowners look for in a renovation contractor?
George Papaheraklis: A contractor has to be thoroughly grounded in the technical aspects of construction and have an ability to envision the ideas that the architect is trying to convey. A contractor should not only be able to duplicate an architect’s idea, but also to enhance it.

Renovation Architecture: Donald Lococo, AIA, Donald Lococo Architects, Washington, DC. Renovation Contractor: George Papaheraklis, FineCraft Contractors, Inc., Gaithersburg, Maryland. Landscape Architecture: Jennifer Horn, RLA, Jennifer Horn Landscape Architecture, Arlington, Virginia.

No landscape-lover’s tour of the Mid-Atlantic is complete without a visit to Ladew Topiary Gardens, 20 miles north of Baltimore. This 22-acre refuge boasts 15 garden rooms, an historic manor residence, a native butterfly house, a mile-long nature trail—and more than 100 topiaries, from swan hedges to pirate ships afloat in a koi pond.

Harvey S. Ladew, an avid fox-hunter and world traveler, purchased the farm estate in 1929. He renovated the property’s 18th-century residence with help from renowned interior designer Billy Baldwin. Later, taking inspiration from the gardens of Europe, he landscaped the grounds in opulent style.

Today, visitors can take in docent-led tours of the manor, which still displays Ladew’s collections of English antiques and equestrian-themed art. Outside, the Rose, White, Yellow, Sculpture and Iris gardens are among the outdoor rooms waiting to be explored on the manicured grounds.

Open from April 1 to October 31, Ladew hosts a number of special events this year. During the Garden Festival on May 7, an array of small trees, exotics, specialty containers, decorative garden furniture and architectural treasures goes on sale. The Butterfly House is open from July 5 through late September. The 2022 season also features workshops, walks, yoga and Nature Therapy wellness classes. ladewgardens.com

Mirror, Mirror, on the Wall
Equipped with a voice-activated smart speaker, the Sound Mirror by ICON.AI talks back to you. Users can stream content on the device via Bluetooth or connect to Amazon Alexa. The integrated speaker is waterproof, so the mirror is suitable for bathroom installation. Available in gold, chrome, matte-black and matte-white finishes. icon.ai

Smart Watch
Garmin ups the intelligence quotient of its lineup with the new Venu 2 Plus GPS smartwatch. The timepiece lets users take calls and connect to a compatible smartphone’s voice assistant for a host of functions. It not only monitors health and fitness but also includes more than 25 built-in sports apps, from running and yoga to indoor climbing. garmin.com

Take Charge
Performance, luxury and sustainability unite in Mercedes’ new electric EQS sedan. Its coupe-like silhouette hints at an impressive powertrain; the vehicle boasts a range of 487 miles and an output of up to 516 horsepower. Standard features include leather upholstery, a Burmester 3D sound system and 64-color ambient lighting. From $102,310. mercedes-benz.com

Known for Italian cuisine at Masseria and Officina, chef Nicholas Stefanelli celebrates his Greek heritage at Philotimo, a new restaurant in downtown DC. Grupo 7 designed the interiors, where handcrafted rope chandeliers glow above linen banquettes and wooden tables overlooking an open kitchen. 1100 15th Street, NW; 202-390-1300. philotimodc.com

TABLE TALK  Bluepoint Hospitality Group commissioned Nymphenburg to create a set of china for Benjamin, its Easton boutique. Hand-painted great blue herons festoon the German maker’s 24-carat gold-rimmed porcelain plates in tribute to wildlife of the Eastern Shore. $450 per plate. benjamineaston.com

SWEET DREAMS  Sea denizens animate Annie Selke’s Happy Fish sheet set in a pattern that also embellishes pillows, shower curtains and pajamas. The 200-count, all-cotton sheets start at $198. annieselke.com

SITTING PRETTY  McKinnon and Harris’ sculptural Chesapeake Dining Arm Chair is handcrafted of high-performance aluminum. Seats come in synthetic rush or a range of outdoor fabrics; Barefoot Navy is shown. $4,540. mckinnonharris.com

SURF’S UP  Best Tile’s Ocean Blue porcelain collection mimics natural marble, but with marine-blue veining. Matte and polished finishes come in multiple sizes and formats. Price on request. besttile.com.

SIGNS OF LIFE  Created in collaboration with artist Olivia Provey, Eskayel’s Water Signs pattern embraces the power of the ocean. Available on wallpaper and fabric in five colorways. $375 per roll. eskayel.com

When a couple called Simon Jacobsen about reviving an aged Maine home and casually mentioned, “it’s 1663,” the architect assumed they were talking about the address—not the year it was built. To his surprise, the structure not only turned out to be the state’s oldest existing home, but it was also unprotected by a single building regulation.

Jacobsen crafted a plan to realize his clients’ dream for a vacation retreat on-site while preserving the 17th-century gem in the process. “The objective was to save and stabilize the structure, refine it back to its prime of life with a twist and build a sleek, modernist compound around it to protect it like the arms of St. Peter,” he relates.

Outdated additions were removed to make way for a series of pavilions around the original dwelling. They house a great room and kitchen, the primary bedroom, the owners’ bath, guest quarters,
a study and more—adding 7,000 square feet of living space.

The architecture reduced the scale of the new innerconnected structures so they wouldn’t dwarf the existing relic. The completed assemblage recalls historic local vernacular. “Many early New England houses are a collection of building forms that were added on as necessity dictated,” Jacobsen explains. “The structures we added are direct descendants of that idea.”

Architecture: Simon Jacobsen, Jacobsen Architecture, LLC, Washington, DC, and Middleburg, Virginia. Builder: Wright-Ryan Construction, Portland, Maine. 

Hewn from rough-cut lumber, concrete, steel and stone, a mountain escape minutes from the ski slopes in Park City, Utah, captivated a Bethesda bachelor. He acquired it, then hired Interior Concepts to outfit his 4,200-square-foot second home in a rich, masculine style.

Designers Arlene Critzos and Samantha Sopp-Wittwer honed in on organic materials but applied them in contemporary ways. “We were trying to find textures, little nods to the wildlife and surroundings to make a point that we are in the mountains without being too obvious,” explains Sopp-Wittwer.

In the foyer, an oversized photograph of a bighorn sheep sets the tone for the project, where over-scaled furnishings and art stand up to the voluminous rooms and heady views. Living areas in the main-level great room and lower-level bar offer plenty of seating for guests. The designers sought textiles “with a lot of depth,” says Critzos, “from mohair and high-quality chenille to leather that is cowboy-esque.”

Bespoke creations and vintage finds impart character. For example, an antique wooden trough cleverly converted into a bench was installed on the lower level. “We combined new items with found objects for a more authentic feel,” remarks Sopp-Wittwer, “with a bit of whimsy sprinkled in.”

Architecture: Upwall Design Architects, Salt Lake City, Utah. Interior Design: Arlene Critzos, principal, Samantha Sopp-Wittwer and Kelly Reese, Interior Concepts, Inc., Annapolis, Maryland. Builder: Douglas Knight Construction, Salt Lake City, Utah.

DC architect Andreas Charalambous, who frequently visits family in Cyprus, hopes to live part-time near the Mediterranean when he retires. A step in that direction was his recent purchase of an Athens pied-à-terre.

A friend who’s a local developer discovered the 1,500-square-foot corner apartment and shared photos with Charalambous. Located in a 1979 mixed-use building, it was an empty shell boasting original terrazzo floors, concrete waffle ceilings and terraces on two sides. Intrigued, the architect eventually decided to make it his own.

Working remotely, Charalambous devised a plan to transform the former office into a two-bedroom, two-bath dwelling. “I celebrated the space,” he says, “by keeping the living/dining/kitchen area wide open. We brought the floors back to life and exposed the ceiling slabs, which we painted white.” Drop ceilings were added where overhead recessed lighting was needed; new doors, windows, plumbing and electrical systems were installed.

Mod furniture pays tribute to the building’s mid-20th-century provenance. “The floors, speckled with earthy shades and green and gold, inspired the color scheme,” Charalambous notes.

The architect loves the apartment’s neighborhood of Kerameikos, which is buzzing with cafés and restaurants and close to ancient monuments. “Athens is full of culture and life,” he remarks. “That made it easy to pull the trigger—and I’ve never looked back.”

Architecture & Interior Design: Andreas Charalambous, AIA, IIDA, Forma Design, Inc., Washington, DC. Developer & Contracting: Maher Akkam.

It was a life-full-circle moment. Designer Diana Lombard got a call from a couple she’s known since her high school days, when she babysat for their kids. Now grandparents, the duo had recently purchased a four-story townhouse in Old Town Alexandria and hired Lombard to tackle the interiors.

The residence was still under construction in Robinson Landing, a new community on the Potomac, so they asked Lombard to help them select finishes and color palettes along with furnishings. The 3,012-square-foot abode features a foyer and study on the ground floor; a kitchen and living, dining and family rooms on the second floor; a third-story owners’ suite and guest room; and a top-level loft and additional bedroom. “The bones of the structure are really beautiful,” says Lombard. “We had a good foundation to work with.”

The couple requested a departure from the beiges and browns of their former, traditional home. “They wanted to go fresh and modern—clean lines, bright and airy spaces and nothing too heavy or formal,” explains Lombard.

Now that it’s complete, the residents are thrilled with their city retreat. “They enjoy living right on the water,” the designer relates. “The interiors are very functional and tailored to them. The look is sophisticated but also warm, inviting and approachable.”

Why involve an interior designer before construction?
A designer can help clients navigate the process, which is often overwhelming, and create a more cohesive space in terms of materials, finishes and overall vision. It also lets us address the many details that come up, from where to place electrical outlets and light switches to making sure there’s clearance for draperies.

What were your first steps in the project?
The clients’ previous furniture was too big for the townhouse, so we started from scratch. One of the challenges was figuring out the appropriate scale and how to maximize seating, given that the new home is smaller yet they want to be able to host their kids and grandchildren. We studied how big the sofas in the living and family rooms could be and still have clearances for walkways.

What role does lighting play in the home?
I love statement lighting; it’s sort of like jewelry in a space. In this project, choosing the dining room chandelier was a big decision. When you walk up the stairs, it’s the first view you have and we needed something that would be a focal point. The crystal RH chandelier is a touch of glam without being flashy.

Describe your favorite custom details.
The fireplace wall became an accent in the living room. The three-dimensional tile we selected creates depth and serves as abstract art. And the upgraded backsplash tile we chose really changed the look in the kitchen. It’s an elongated hexagon in glazed ceramic from Architessa.

In the family room, what practical elements add functionality?
When the owners are entertaining, the gray leather swivel chairs let guests talk to people in the kitchen and dining area. The coffee table has some hidden storage, which is nice because there’s not a lot of storage in the home. The TV is hung on the wall but can swing out. And in the back corner, we created a workstation; it’s a desk that folds up into a cabinet that is really pretty.

How do you mix textures with success?
Balance is always key. You don’t want so much texture or pattern that elements fight one another. For instance, a velvet sofa might not need a fur pillow on it—their textures are too similar. But if you pair a smooth linen sofa with a chunky throw, they will complement each other well.

What inspired the color palette?
The clients told me they wanted bold, rich, saturated colors, which I love. I developed two color schemes and we ended up deciding on one inspired by jewel tones like blue, dark teal and, in the primary bedroom, purple. I love that the blues echo the home’s proximity to the river. We tempered these shades with more subtle tones. For example, we chose a white rug in the living room, and the kitchen as a whole is very neutral.

How do you guide clients who are downsizing?
You have to look at everything and almost “Marie Kondo” it. Ask yourself, “Do I love it, do I use it and is it going to be valuable in my new space—or is it something I can live without?” It’s about deciding which items you actually need and letting go of those you don’t.

Interior Design: Diana Lombard, Diana Lombard Interiors, Fairfax Station, Virginia. Kitchen Design: Studio Snaidero DC Metro, Alexandria, Virginia. Styling: Kristen Alcorta.

ASK DIANA

PHOTO: ANGELA NEWTON ROY

What drew you to design?
Design is a second career for me; I was a professional singer before I knew I wanted a change. I discovered design is a perfect fit. It provides a creative outlet and I really enjoy the people aspect as well.

What color inspires you?
I’m really into green. I’d love to try a chartreuse velvet sofa—maybe even in my own house.

Trend you love?
I love that wallpaper is in right now. I’m a huge fan of bold wallpaper.

Name a treasured furniture piece.
I am lucky enough to have inherited vintage mid-century furniture from my grandparents. One of my favorites is a gorgeous walnut dining table.

How has the pandemic shifted the notion of home?
The pandemic helped people realize the impact an aesthetically pleasing, functionally sound home can have on their mental and physical health.

Little did Georgia Hoyler know that a quest to find 
carpets for her DC row house would eventually lead 
to the launch of her own rug emporium. It all started when she discovered a brown-and-blue Persian Shiraz at an estate sale and was smitten by its worn texture and soft color palette. She began seeking out similar creations.

“I wanted rugs in earth tones with simpler patterns 
and evidence of their age,” recalls Hoyler, a healthcare products strategist. “But what I found were either old rugs that looked new, or new rugs that were designed to look old. I knew there was a niche I could fill.”

After researching merchants through a web of referrals and working with a certified appraiser to hone her knowledge, Hoyler had amassed more handmade vintage rugs than her row house could possibly accommodate. “My husband joked that it wouldn’t be considered hoarding if I called it a business,” she recalls. “I thought, ‘why not?’”

In 2019, she founded Passerine, an online boutique focusing on heirloom-quality Persian, Turkish and Middle Eastern tribal rugs. They range in price from $1,000 to $7,000, depending on size and age; most are almost 100 years old. A sampling is displayed at Sanabria & Co. The Shop on Capitol Hill.

Hoyler contends that Passerine’s curated rugs are not only a sustainable and less formal alternative to new carpets, but also convey lasting appeal. “We embrace and source old rugs that look their age—and ensure the durability needed for the next hundred years,” she says. passerinehome.com

CINEMA AT HOME
Setting up and viewing movies is a breeze with Samsung’s Premiere LSP7T Smart Laser Projector. The new model delivers laser-powered 4K resolution and revolutionary contrast from bright to dark scenes. Designed for small spaces, the compact device can be placed directly in front of a wall or a screen and includes built-in woofers and surround sound. From $3,500; samsung.com

POWER BAG
The lightweight MV2 GOLF BAG elevates a player’s experience with a few handy features. Options include a solar panel for charging devices on the course and a Bluetooth speaker that adds music to the mix. A filming pocket lets athletes record their swings. The five-pound microsuede bag also comes with a built-in stand, magnetic closures and a pouch that keeps drinks and snacks cool. From $249; minimalgolf.com

LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION
Last year, GoPro released its latest flagship camera, the HERO10 Black, which delivers unprecedented image quality and performance thanks to a new GP2 processor. The camera captures lifelike 5.3K video at 60 frames per second and 4K video at 120 frames per second. It also features video stabilization to eliminate shaky footage. From $400 with a GoPro subscription; gopro.com