Housed in a 16th-century mansion that once belonged to the noble Borghese family, Hotel Vilòn opened its doors in 2018 after a dramatic makeover. (Still catering to nobility, the getaway reportedly hosted Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, in town for a wedding in September). Rome-based production designer Paolo Bonfini crafted the interiors, which include a glamorous bar and 18 guest rooms, their color schemes inspired by 18th-century English scientist Robert John Thornton’s botanical prints. Rates from $630; hotelvilon.com
A software executive seeking a new home knew he’d spotted a gem in DC’s coveted Foxhall neighborhood. Though its formal interiors were not his cup of tea, he saw potential in the Georgian-style home’s good bones, generous size and leafy backyard. He acquired the six-bedroom property, built in 2008, with an all-out renovation in mind.
Assembling a seasoned design team to take on the challenge was a no-brainer: Architect Scarlett Breeding, landscape architect Kevin Campion, interior designers Helen Sullivan and Nancy Twomey and builder Bret Anderson had completed five previous residences for him. With these pros on board, the project took off in early 2017 with the ambitious goal of finishing before the owner’s young son would start school that September.
The team set out to foster easy living, whether their client was hosting a grown-up soiree or a movie night for kids; to freshen up what he called “fussy” architecture while respecting the home’s classical roots; and to create custom finishes and built-in features to elevate form and function.
The main volume of the house squarely faces the street, with the dining room to the right of the foyer and the living room to the left. Set on an angle near the dining room, a separate wing contains the kitchen and family room on the ground floor and the master suite above.
“Part of our program was to work with the geometry of the house,” says Breeding. “We realigned the angled interior portions and instilled the home with the classical order it was crying for.” For example, in the master suite, tiny his-and-her bathrooms and closets made way for an expansive master bath and dressing room. The plan also removed walls dividing the original mudroom, kitchen, breakfast room and family room, creating one large space that embraces light and the outdoors.
Reapportioning spaces not only introduced symmetry to awkward rooms, but allowed the team to install an elevator, which was on the owner’s wish list. “Scarlett made so much sense of the existing real estate,” he says. Breeding and associate Richard Anuszkiewicz (who has since moved to Nashville) created a gourmet kitchen and butler’s pantry where streamlined built-ins eliminate clutter.
Sliding doors seamlessly open the family room to a rear terrace. In the backyard, landscape architect Kevin Campion traded a large play set dominating the far end of the existing pool for a fireplace and terrace that were “strategically located to create a dynamic view across the pool,” he says. “It’s a nice, warm place to sit on summer evenings and in the fall.” A row of Emerald Green arborvitae screens the scene from neighbors; hydrangea, Russian sage and coneflowers add seasonal color.
While the renovation plans took shape, the team orchestrated new interior finishes and furnishings, following the owner’s call for a transitional, unfussy aesthetic. Crisp millwork and bold, oversized light fixtures got the ball rolling. “We wanted to update the look without making it incongruent with the traditional bones of the house,” explains Twomey. She and Sullivan sourced sophisticated yet durable textiles to accommodate guests of all ages.
A serene palette of blues and grays carries through the home. In the dining room, a bold, modern seascape contrasts with the pale walls and glazed-linen upholstery; a bouclé brings texture to armchairs in the adjacent living room. “There’s a menswear quality to the fabrics, from wool plaids to cashmere, checks and stripes,” says Twomey. “It all came together like a nice suit.” The team also introduced a new vibe in the study off the living room, painting its faux-blond wood cabinets a rich taupe and removing Gothic-style trim.
Though the homeowner gave the designers a mandate to avoid precious materials, explaining, “I don’t want to freak out if my son or his friends spill something,” one-of-a-kind casework and architectural details certainly came into play. For example: the butler’s pantry where brass detailing and metallic Zoffany wallpaper dress up custom cabinetry. Or the spa-like master bath where hand-cut strips of marble and brass are inlaid into the vanity drawer fronts.
The staircase leading to the lower level is clad in walnut millwork; its builder-grade handrail was replaced with brass and its balusters wrapped in leather. The former basement now features a custom wine cellar, state-of-the-art media room and gym. “The rest of the house is so light and airy, I wanted the lower level to be an homage to an old yacht club in New York or San Francisco where it’s okay to ‘live dark,’” says the owner. “We wanted a little history; that’s really, in some ways, what we were striving for all over the house.”
Despite this high level of craftsmanship, the renovation was completed on time. “We did 12 to 14 months of work in about six and a half months,” says Pyramid’s Bret Anderson. “It’s one thing to do that in a house with baseline finishes. But this project, with its sophisticated cabinetry and integration of materials and details, was far from that. We had to order parts that were in fabrication before we even completed demolition.”
Reflecting on the finished home, the owner is glad his team took it that extra mile. “In a house so new, we wanted to ground it with some gravitas. It needed to feel its foundation and place,” he remarks. “Good design and quality construction hold up—they’re not just frosting.”
Architecture: Scarlett Breeding, AIA, pricipal in charge; Richard T. Anuszkiewicz, casework and interior architecture design, Alt Breeding Schwarz Architects, Annapolis, Maryland. Interior Design: Nancy Twomey, Finnian Interiors + Finnian’s Moon, Alexandria, Virginia; and Helen Sullivan, Helen Sullivan Design, Washington, DC. Builder: Bret Anderson, Pyramid Builders, Annapolis, Maryland. Landscape Architecture: Kevin Campion, ASLA, Campion Hruby Landscape Architecture, Annapolis, Maryland.
RESOURCES
OUTDOOR
Landscape installation: fineearth.com. Outdoor Lighting: outdoorillumination.com. Lounge Seating & Fabric: janusetcie.com.
KITCHEN/BUTLER’S PANTRY
Cabinetry: premiercb.com. Range: lacornue.com. Appliances: subzero-wolf.com; mieleusa.com. Backsplash & Counters: neolith.com. Backsplash & Counter Installation: rbratti.com. Island Countertop: caesarstoneus.com. Cabinetry: premiercb.com. Plumbing & Hardware: waterworks.com. Custom Bar Stool Design: finnianinteriors.com. Bar Stool Upholstery: hollyhunt.com. Paint Color: benjaminmoore.com. Butler’s Pantry Wall Covering: stylelibrary.com/zoffany. Butler’s Pantry Lighting: bakerfurniture.com. Sink: officinegullo.com/us.
GREAT ROOM
Window Wall: marvin.com. Sofa: Custom through Helen Sullivan Design. Sofa Fabric: jimthompsonfabrics.com. Gray Chairs: finnianinteriors.com. Gray Chair Fabric: robertallendesign.com. Blue Chairs & Fabric: hollyhunt.com. Coffee Table: Vintage through through finnianinteriors.com. Drapery Fabric: jab.de/us/en. Rug: galleriacarpets.com. Gray Throw Pillows: fabricut.com/stroheim. White Throw Pillows: zimmer-rohde.com. Paint: benjaminmoore.com. Fireplace Stone: waterworks.com. Fireplace Installation: rbratti.com.
BREAKFAST NOOK
Chairs: Custom through finnianinteriors.com. Bench & Chair Upholstery: hollyhunt.com. Blue Armchair: hickorywhite.com. Blue Armchair fabric: hollyhunt.com. Table: Custom through finnianinteriors.com. Paint: benjaminmoore.com.
DINING ROOM
Rug: galleriacarpets.com. Dining Table: Custom through Helen Sullivan Design. Dining Chairs: hollyhunt.com. Dining Chair Fabric: rogersandgoffigon.com. Light Fixture: hudsonfurnitureinc.com. Drapery Fabric: cowtan.com. Wall Covering: zimmer-rohde.com.
LIVING ROOM
Sofa & Coffee Table: Custom through Helen Sullivan Design. Sofa & Throw Pillow Fabric: markalexander.com. Armchairs, Ottomans, Rug & Throw Pillows: Custom through finnianinteriors.com. Floor & Table Lamps: curreyandcompany.com. Armchair Fabric: romo.com. Drapery Fabric: rogersandgoffigon.com. Fireplace Surround: chesneys.com. Consoles: madegoods.com. Ottoman Fabric: duralee.com. Paint: benjaminmoore.com.
MASTER BEDROOM
Drapery Fabric: robertallan.com. Paint Color: benjaminmoore.com.
STUDY
Armchairs & Ottoman: through finnianinteriors.com. Armchair Fabric: ralphlaurenhome.com. Drapery Fabric: fabricut.com/stroheim. Vintage Rug: galleriacarpets.com. Paint: benjaminmoore.com.
WINE TASTING ROOM
Brass, Leather & Lacquered Cabinetry: premiercb.com. Hardware: waterworks.com. Pendants: robinsonlightingandbath.com.
WINE CELLAR
Flooring: waterworks.com. Light Fixture: visualcomfort.com. Millwork Design: absarchitects.com.
MASTER BATH
Vanity & Cabinet Design: absarchitects.com. Marble on Floor & Walls: waterworks.com. Cabinetry Fabrication: premiercb.com. Stone Installation & Marble Inlay on Vanities: rbratti.com.
Designers go au naturel, transforming the following five dated bathrooms with organic materials and sleek style.
Modern LuxeJennifer Wagner Schmidt revives a dated bath with a sleek, minimalist vibe.
Organic PaletteA design team pays homage to nature in a spa-like master bath.
Bold StatementCase Design overhauls a dull bath with vibrant colors and textures.
Double FantasyJonas Carnemark creates his-and-her baths in a Palisades bungalow.
Asian FlairIn their remake of a DC bath, designers tap into Japanese tradition.
Homeowners whose master bath was stuck in the 1980s were ready for a redo. Tired of its rarely used corner whirlpool tub and uninspiring beige tile, the Ashburn, Virginia, couple tapped designer Jennifer Wagner Schmidt to mastermind an overhaul. “They wanted to make it modern and functional,” recalls the designer, whose first strategy was to optimize real estate in the narrow, 11-foot-wide space.
A debate ensued over whether to include a tub in the new plan or to go solely with an oversized shower. When the tub won, Schmidt proposed a novel idea: create an open-concept, shower-and-bath area enclosed by a simple panel of glass on one side in lieu of a standard shower door. A niche for bath & skincare products is centered between dual matte-black rain-shower heads. A tiny dip in the floor contains water in the shower, where it disappears into a linear drain along the back wall.
A black-and-white palette reinforces the minimalist ideal. Applying the same large-format marble tile on the floor and walls created a uniform aesthetic; Schmidt installed it in a brick pattern on the walls and a chevron pattern on the floors for subtle contrast.
A floating vanity with a black wooden base and thick porcelain top provides plenty of storage; Schmidt selected the floating piece to preserve a sense of airiness. The new plan also tucked in a separate toilet room near the entry.
The owners love their luxe, modern bathroom. “They took the risk and it paid off,” says Schmidt. “It’s the kind of bathroom you’d see in a penthouse or high-end hotel.”
GET THE LOOK:
Floor & Wall Tile: tileshop.com. Tub: badeloftusa.com. Linen Roman Shade: rh.com. Matte-Black Plumbing Fixtures: brizo.com. Vanity: MOB through houzz.com. Medicine Cabinets: robern.com. Glass Fabricator: dullesglass.com. Stool: potterybarn.com.
Interior Design: Jennifer Wagner Schmidt, JWS Interiors, Ashburn, Virginia.
After she updated a client’s DC kitchen in sleek Japanese style, it was no surprise that designer Jennifer Gilmer went in a similar direction when asked to overhaul the couple’s cramped, inefficient master bath.
Working in the existing footprint, the first move was to reorganize a tight layout dominated by an oversized whirlpool tub. Its removal left Gilmer and associate Meghan Browne with enough square footage to create a wider vanity suitable for two and a larger, open shower positioned beside a teak ofuro soaking tub. “When I was in Japan,” explains Gilmer, “I learned that it’s customary to take a shower and then soak in one of these traditional Japanese tubs, so the shower and tub are always located close to each other.” A linear shower drain eliminated the need for an enclosure, which helped make the space look larger.
As the architect project took shape, the designers honed in on organic materials and textures. “Part of the principle in this type of design is to bring the outdoors in using natural products like stone and wood,” explains Gilmer. Accordingly, she and Browne sourced a sculptural limestone sink resembling a smooth rock, applied dramatic slate tile on an accent wall and echoed the soaking tub with a teak countertop, wainscoting and crown molding. “We also found the perfect plumbing fixtures. They look like they could be made out of bamboo, but in a metal finish that feels ancient,” Gilmer adds. An inlay of river rock delineates a step-up to the tub.
The owners love to unwind in their reimagined bathroom, says Gilmer. “It was incredible how this concept made the entire room seem like it was twice as large.”
GET THE LOOK
Vanity: decorcabinets.com. Countertop: glumber.com. Stone Fabrication: rbratti.com. Sink: stoneforest.com through ferguson.com. Plumbing Fixtures: sonomaforge.com through ferguson.com. Hardware: hidatool.com. Tub: zenbathworks.com. Floor & Wall Tile: architecturalceramics.com. Mirror: hutchisonglassandmirror.com.
Bath Design: Jennifer Gilmer, CKD; Meghan Browne, CKD, Jennifer Gilmer Kitchen & Bath, Chevy Chase, Maryland. Contractor: Lappas Contracting, Bethesda, Maryland.
After moving into a DC home that had previously been remodeled, a young couple started dreaming up new ideas for a bath renovation to reflect their personal style. While the wife conjured a bright and airy retreat, her husband imagined a dark, masculine spa with a steam shower.
Rather than duking it out, the duo decided to make both visions a reality with help from designer Jonas Carnemark.
First, Carnemark transformed the master bath for the wife, removing its “bulbous” pickled vanity and dated corner tub to create a streamlined layout. Eliminating a small linen closet made way for an oversized shower, centered under an enlarged skylight. A vanity with three drawer columns and cubby recesses provides efficient storage. “We made the mirror frames from the cabinet material so it ties together nicely,” says the designer. “She wanted it to feel natural but also care-free. Quartz countertops and porcelain tile that resembles marble on the walls fit the bill perfectly.”
In his redo of the husband’s basement lair, the designer also sourced organic-looking material—namely anthracite porcelain on the floor and walls. By borrowing square footage from an adjacent utility room, he created space for a luxurious glass enclosure featuring a rain shower, hand shower, steam system and built-in bench. A corner sink with built-in shelving and chrome details completes the picture. “For him, the bath was about relaxing in the steam shower after work or weekend sports,” explains Carnemark.
The yin and yang of their disparate bath styles was not lost on the homeowners. “They played with that aspect,” Carnemark relates. “They thought it was cool.”
GET THE LOOK
White Bath: Vanity: artcraftkitchens.com. Countertop: silestoneusa.com. Sink & Shower Fixtures: us.kohler.com. Flooring: mosaictileco.com. Light Fixtures: pureedgelighting.com. Toilet: totousa.com. Dark Bath: Floor, Wall & Shower Tile: architecturalceramics.com. Steam Shower: us.kohler.com. Sink & Shower Fixtures: brizo.com. Sink: duravit.com.
Bath Design: Jonas Carnemark, CKD, CLIPP, KONST Union, Bethesda, Maryland. Contractor: CARNEMARK design + build, Bethesda, Maryland.
In an age when gray and white bathrooms are all the rage, Arlington clients asked Case Design to saturate theirs with color. As part of a major overhaul of a 1950s rambler, designers Allie Mann and Elle Hunter expanded both the tiny master bath used by the husband and an outdated hall bath (pictured on these pages) that’s the domain of the wife.
“She is a color enthusiast and we wanted something that spoke to her,” says Mann. Texture, balance and scale also came into play as Mann and Hunter created a refuge for this well-traveled client, who collects art from around the globe. The designers widened the space by two feet to accommodate a generous vanity and linen cabinet; a sizable shower took the place of a tub and a new toilet is tucked away opposite the vanity.
At first glance, the combination of glossy-blue ceramic tile, matte-cement floor tile in a geometric motif, and a vanity in richly veined teak might appear haphazard—though it was anything but. Says Mann, “We went through countless iterations, honing in on that blue with different ceramics and layering textures and warm and cool tones. It took time to make the tiles work together.” Though initial plans called for the blue tiles to be installed on a diagonal, she recalls, “at the eleventh hour we decided that a vertical grid would really make the space. The accent wall ties everything together.”
For the benefit of like-minded color enthusiasts, Mann insists, “Don’t be afraid to go for it. It’s nice when someone wants to step outside the box.”
GET THE LOOK
Floor Tile: merolatile.com. Wall Tile: tilebar.com. Shower Floor Tile & Source: mosaictileco.com. Vanity: crystalcabinets.com. Countertop: caesarstoneus.com. Sink & Shower Fixtures: brizo.com through ferguson.com. Sink: us.kohler.com through ferguson.com. Sconces: visualcomfort.com through ferguson.com. Glass Enclosure: steelcityglass.net. Vanity Hardware: atlashomewaresdirect.com. Stool: homegoods.com.
Interior & Bath Design: Allie Mann and Elle Hunter, Case Design/Remodeling, Inc., Washington, DC. Contractor: Case Design/Remodeling, Inc.
A Chevy Chase couple tapped designers Lauren Levant and Paul Bentham to revamp their master suite into a restful retreat. “They spend a lot of time traveling for business, so in a sense the goal was to create a world-class ‘hotel’ at home where they could recharge,” says Levant. After gutting the outdated master bath, the team implemented an aesthetic that would celebrate nature since the space overlooks lush park land.
“We tried to make it feel open while incorporating as much storage as possible,” Levant explains. A floating vanity with generous drawers lines one wall, opposite built-in linen cabinets and a copper Japanese soaking tub. The tub was chosen for its minimal footprint as well as its therapeutic benefits. “It allows water to come up over your shoulders and soothe achy joints,” notes Levant. On the far wall, a shower and separate water closet await behind glass panels partially frosted for privacy.
An organic material palette reinforces the designers’ vision. Cast-concrete bamboo tile on the long walls is a subtle nod to the East and the owners’ collection of Asian artifacts. Natural-slate mosaic tile embellishes a shower column and the tub platform, which doubles as a bench that seamlessly extends into the shower. The designers also incorporated plants and a dried Manzanita tree—a sculpture shaped by desert winds.
Dark ceramic tile on the shower wall lends depth to the room. And, reflects Levant, “We chose a glass enclosure—rather than drywall—for the shower and water closet because it allows light and the views to continue into even the most private spaces.”
GET THE LOOK
Tub: signaturehardware.com. Floor Tile: porcelanosa-usa.com. Custom Vanity: crystalcabinets.com. Concrete Wall Tile: islandstone.com. Silestone Countertop: cosentino.com. Stone Fabrication: stoneandtileworld.com. Plumbing Fixtures: jaclo.com through tsomerville.com. Hardware: jaclo.com. Shower Tile: ceramichelea.it/en. Glass Enclosure: hutchisonglassandmirror.com.
Design: Lauren Levant, interior design; Paul Bentham, bath design, Lauren Levant Interior, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Contractor: M. R. Thornton & Sons, Woodbine, Maryland.
After purchasing a builder-grade, 1990s condo in Reston, the owner approached designer Alison Giese to give it an overhaul with an eye on sophistication. As Giese recalls, the newly single client said, “This is going to be my forever home; I want it to be my haven.”
The two-bedroom corner unit was blessed with high ceilings and plenty of natural light, but lacked character. “She wanted it to be feminine but not ‘grandma,’” the designer explains. “Once or twice, she mentioned the feel of a Parisian apartment—that became our jumping-off point.”
To set the scene, Giese replaced bland wall-to-wall carpet with low-maintenance, pre-finished wood floors and created gravitas with upgraded doors and millwork.
She revamped the kitchen, evoking a timeless look with pale-gray cabinetry and subway tile. An enlarged pass-through opens to the dining area, where a niche lined with bookshelves acts as a “walk-through library.” In the reworked master bath, an outdated corner tub and second sink were traded for a soaking tub and enlarged shower clad in marble. Eclectic furnishings and accessories—from the live-edge dining table with a metal base to a hand-knotted Stark rug that riffs on ancient Persian motifs—were carefully curated to suggest they’d been collected over a lifetime. “I wanted it to be cool without looking like we were trying to be cool,” Giese remarks. “Isn’t that the essence of a French woman? Her style seems effortless.”
Is there a secret to creating a cohesive look in an open floor plan?
Your eye should carry through the space in a way that isn’t jarring; in this home, I wanted to blur the lines between the different zones. I didn’t think too many patterns were appropriate because they would stop your eye. The fact that the window treatments are the same in each zone makes you focus on pieces that have more interest.
What drove the millwork designs?
Ceilings in the apartment are at least nine feet high, which allowed us to add substantial trim and give it some body. We wanted a stronger profile on the crown molding and baseboards, but knew we couldn’t go over the top. We didn’t want anything too heavy or colonial-style, so we chose clean and tailored profiles that felt special without being overly ornate.
Explain the color palette you were going for.
The taupey-linen color of the client’s original sofa drove a lot of our selections. We were looking for softness, adding blush tones in the pillows and rugs. But we didn’t want it to look sweet, which is why the media cabinet is black. Anything else might have started looking “syrupy” with the pink elements. Because it’s not a really big space, it was important that the coffee table be clear. Visually, it doesn’t take up a lot of real estate and feels more ethereal.
How do you combine styles and eras in a furniture scheme?
I think it’s easier to mix periods when selecting iconic, classic pieces. We use a lot of Tulip tables because they work with almost any kind of chair. As long as you’re not picking the most obscure things from each period, it works.
Name a strategy that keeps a client’s budget in check.
A client may not have thousands of dollars to spend on an original, one-of-a-kind rug. One solution is to buy a neutral, base-layer rug that’s not quite as expensive, then layer a smaller, one-of-a-kind rug on top.
What is your philosophy on mixing metals?
It’s always a bit of a dance to convince clients that it’s okay to mix metals. Sometimes brass tones are hard to match if they’re not true brass. In the kitchen, we offset brass and stainless-steel accents with a faucet in polished nickel, which has a little more warmth and plays nicely with brass.
What role does lighting take on in the apartment?
We chose lighting that adds to the home’s eclecticism. Even though none of the lighting is actually vintage, we made it look like it was collected over time, that she had just found things she loved and brought them into her apartment. There’s nothing that really “matches,” and that’s on purpose.
How do you create an authentic, personalized look with accessories?
It’s not about me coming in and saying, “You have to have this; it’s the new hot thing.” It’s about finding what’s best for the design and putting those things together. We didn’t want the home to look like it was newly furnished. I try to gather objects over time to avoid a mad dash to the store to fill a space. Accessories should feel very thoughtful and be pieces the client thinks are cool and unique. The final layer finishes the picture and lets the vision come to life.
How do you create drama in a space?
By painting elements black. Like putting on eyeliner, it dresses everything up.
Design trend past its time?
If there’s trend I’m tired of, gray would be it. But that’s not to say I don’t love gray—I have it in my home.
What's your take on timeless design?
When clients say they want timeless, they’re speaking my language. It’s not about what’s flying off the shelves; it’s what they love and what we can put together cohesively.
Favorite go-to furnishings?
I’m excited about handmade items. Consumers are seeking out something that looks original and not like everybody else’s.
Classic look making a comeback?
Cane detailing and wicker. I love seeing these elements back again.
Interior Design: Alison Giese, Alison Giese Interiors, Burke, Virginia. Contractor: Robert Hoaren Licensed Contractor, Inc., Haymarket, Virginia. Styling: Stylish Productions.
For a uniquely buoyant lodging experience, consider Fingal, a 23-room boutique hotel that opened this year in a refurbished Scottish lighthouse tender. Permanently berthed in Edinburgh’s fashionable Port of Leith, Fingal offers deluxe digs within walking distance of the city’s hot spots. Well-appointed cabins, including luxury duplexes, feature polished woods, rich leathers and heated bathroom floors. Guests can enjoy a full Scottish breakfast, afternoon tea and events in the elegant ballroom. Rates from $265. fingal.co.uk
On October 4 and 5, cutting-edge couture takes over DC’s National Building Museum during the annual Smithsonian Craft2Wear show. Sixty-seven artisans from around the U. S. will showcase their handmade, limited-edition clothing, jewelry and accessories for men, women and children at this curated event. Among treasures on display will be Andrea Geer’s hand-loomed knitwear (left) and Francesca Vitali’s intricate paper jewelry (above). An opening-night benefit kicks off the action on October 3. Craft2Wear proceeds support Smithsonian outreach, research and education programs. smithsoniancraft2wear.org
The AIA Northern Virginia chapter gathered on June 13 for its annual Design Awards celebration at the new Marymount University Ballston Center, designed by Gensler. A jury of Nashville-area architects judged the competition, which included 125 entries. Photos of winning single-family residential projects are shown above; a full gallery showing all 37 winners can be found online at aianova.org/DA19.
RESIDENTIAL ARCHITECTURE
AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
David Jameson Architect. Wildcat Mountain Residence, The Plains, Virginia. Builder: PureForm Builders.
Robert M. Gurney, FAIA, Architect. Mohican Hills House, Bethesda, Maryland. Builder: CBD Custom Homes LLC.
Robert M. Gurney, FAIA Architect. Renovation on Cox’s Row, Washington, DC. Builder: Peterson & Collins.
AWARD OF MERIT
Robert M. Gurney, FAIA Architect. Gallery House, Lewes, Delaware. Builder: Dewson Construction Company.
Robert M. Gurney, FAIA, Architect. 44SR Renovation, Washington, DC. Builder: Peterson & Collins.
JURORS’ CITATION
KUBE architecture. Sky Loft, , Washington, DC. Builder: Metrix Construction.
HISTORIC ARCHITECTURE
AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
Davis Buckley Architects and Planners. The Lockkeeper’s House, Washington, DC.
JURORS’ CITATION
Barnes Vanze Architects. Beaux-Arts Beautification, Washington, DC. Builder: Alliance Builders.
Twenty years ago, a couple tapped David Jameson to put a modern spin on a 1960s colonial they’d purchased in the Palisades. The architect, who had recently launched his own firm, took on the job despite some “eccentric” requests. If his clients wanted a two-story aviary dedicated to their pet macaw, a greenhouse for their prolific orchid collection and two wet bars, then so be it, Jameson reasoned. His plan would also deliver a floating, glass-and-steel staircase; an open kitchen and living room with a window wall overlooking forested parkland; and a backyard pond and waterfall that further perfected the impossibly perfect view.
From its exotic lacewood floors to its tower addition clad in patinaed copper, the owners spared no expense on the redo. They spent two decades enjoying the home before they put it on the market in 2017 and moved to California, macaw in tow.
As potential buyers, a couple living in Georgetown fell in love with the setting and timeless aesthetic of Jameson’s renovation, but had no clue how to resolve the structure’s quirks to suit their lifestyle. They asked him to take on the challenge and when he agreed, they bought the property. “We were really lucky to have David,” says the husband, an attorney. “I didn’t want anybody else but him to work on it.”
As they planned a renovation, their wish list included an elevator and indoor stairs to the basement—solely accessed until then via an outdoor entry. They wanted a more private master bath, since a tall window in the existing one exposed the shower to the park. And they wanted to upgrade the aviary—essentially a raw space with the best views in the house. As Jameson relates, “There were drains in the floor so you could hose it down.”
After retrieving his old hand-drawn plans, the architect developed a program that would largely preserve his earlier design—the layout would barely change—while propelling the home into the 21st century. By reconfiguring a powder room and disused fireplace near the entry, he created stairs to the basement and installed an elevator that accesses all four levels. On the second floor, he converted the orchid room into a loft office overlooking the former aviary; it leads to two guest rooms and a revamped Jack-and-Jill bath.
The project called for what Jameson dubs “major outpatient surgery.” Crews underpinned the house, reframed interior walls, installed LED lighting and added radiant heat under new schist floors paving an airy new sunroom and library (formerly the aviary). During the job, they discovered a steel beam left over from the original foyer staircase that was repurposed 20 years ago into a support column. In the latest iteration, Jameson decided to build the library’s floating bookshelves around the column in an act of “opportunistic architecture.”
“When you’re in the space, it feels completely effortless,” he observes. “But the amount of effort made to achieve it was extraordinary.”
In the midst of construction, happy news hastened another change. “The clients found out they were pregnant,” reveals Jameson, who quickly carved out space for a nursery on the top floor, replacing the former master bath. The baby’s room is near the master bedroom, which occupies the top floor of the copper-clad tower with its own deck overlooking the park. A new, spa-like master bath with a soaking tub and stone floor provides a calming retreat in a converted closet space.
The couple wanted to update and simplify most of the home’s finishes, such as heavily veined marble countertops and sycamore cabinets in the kitchen. “We wanted it to be minimalistic and to bring in nature,” recounts the husband.
Today, planes of bleached larch extend from floor to ceiling, hiding appliances, dishes and other essentials. The clean-lined aesthetic extends to a simple black Japanese oak island topped by granite and the iconic Tulip table and chairs by Eero Saarinen.
“The kitchen has the same layout as 20 years ago,” says Jameson. “The difference is the deftness with which the appliances ‘disappear’ so the space becomes more of an art component rather than a pragmatic one.”
The owners and their baby girl are constantly delighted by the natural world unfolding outside Jameson’s existing window walls in the living room and sunroom. “The reason we bought the house was this experience and the improvements we’ve made,” says the wife, a writer. “We feel like we’re in the country—it’s a country house in Northwest DC.”
When friends visit, the husband relates, they assume the window walls are new. “We say, ‘No, they’re 20 years old.’ It’s almost like living in a New York loft, but with nature all around us,” he marvels. “I can’t imagine living anywhere else.”
With the “reincarnation” now complete, Jameson reflects on the home’s evolution—and his own. “When I got the first job, I was 30. The clients thought they were going to push this kid around,” he remembers. “Now I’m 50, I have some gray hair and people are willing to trust me.”
Throughout this project, the architect reevaluated decisions he made 20 years ago. “While my thought process has certainly evolved, it’s still aligned to the same principles of spatial experience and material authenticity,” he comments. “All of my projects celebrate craft, the hand of the artisan and the refined and the raw. Whether it’s modernist architecture or architecture in general, that’s where a timeless, elegant quality comes from. It transcends style.”
RENOVATION ARCHITECTURE & CONTRACTING: David Jameson, FAIA, David Jameson Architect Inc., Bethesda, Maryland. Renovation Contractor: Ally DC, Bethesda, Maryland.
RESOURCES
SUNROOM
Art: paulreedart.com. Art: hemphillfinearts.com. Finn Juhl Sofa, Pelican Chairs & Table: furniturefromscandinavia.com. Rocking Horse: furniturefromscandinavia.com. Fireplace: sparkmodern.com. Floors: stonesource.com. Ceiling Fan: boffi.com. Shelving/Metalwork: metalspecialties.biz. Shelving/Woodwork: potomacwoodwork.com.
LIVING ROOM
Arne Jacobsen Chair: furniturefromscandinavia.com. Sofa: bebitalia.com. Poul Kjærholm Coffee Table: furniturefromscandinavia.com. Eero Saarinen Dining Chairs & Table: knoll.com. Shelf Design: davidjamesonarchitect.com. Shelf Fabrication: metalspecialties.biz.
KITCHEN
Casework Design: davidjamesonarchitect.com. Casework Fabrication: potomacwoodwork.com. Countertops: usamarbleandgranite.com. Faucet: boffi.com. Floors: br111.es/en/.
DECK
Chair: studiomoe.com.
MASTER BATH
Tub/Tub Filler: boffi.com.. Vanity & Plumbin: konstunion.com. Window Coverings: rockvilleinteriors.com. Floor Tile: stonesource.com.
NURSERY
Dresser: roomandboard.com.
At first glance, a couple who grew up on a Caribbean island lapped by warm, turquoise seas didn’t think of the Delaware shore as a real beach destination. “The water is too cold for me,” laments the wife. But after spending many a summer vacation in Bethany and Rehoboth rental homes with their son, the tranquil Atlantic resort area grew on the two Bethesda-based technology execs—so much so that they decided to purchase an oceanfront lot in North Bethany and build a beach escape of their own.
Their goals eclipsed the standard beach cottage. Sure, they wanted a carefree refuge where they could de-stress within driving distance of home. But they also wanted a house large enough to host multiple families and friends—including teammates of their son, now a college-age soccer player. A deck with a pool (for warm swims) was a must, as was a nice office where, the husband says, “we could work remotely in peace and quiet—even if we had visitors—and not feel like we’re in a ‘time-out.’”
The duo envisioned an airy, modern abode that would play well with its traditional neighbors. A friend’s referral led them to architect Mark McInturff. “When we met Mark and saw his work, his focus on symmetry and clean lines spoke to us,” says the husband. McInturff joined the team that already included builder Tim O’Hare—whom the wife encountered when walking by one of his Rehoboth projects—and interior designer Sharon Kleinman.
McInturff got to work on an effective web design concept that instantly resonated with the owners. His three-story plan encompasses two gabled forms connected by an open, glass-enclosed volume. The ground level houses a gym, office, game room and guest accommodations—including a six-bed “dorm” for the owners’ son and his buddies. On the second floor, the voluminous kitchen and breakfast room, dining room, living room and screened porch capture lofty beach views—as do the son’s junior suite and the master suite, perched on the third floors of the north and south volumes, respectively. Additional guest rooms and a media room are situated on the second level, facing the street. Connecting the three floors are a floating staircase and a glass elevator, which ascends to a roof deck complete with hot tub, outdoor TV and fire feature.
With neighboring homes only 20 feet away, establishing privacy on the tight lot was a challenge. “My approach is always to screen the neighbors,” notes McInturff, who bumped out the southern wing of the home to hide the adjacent property. This shift created the perfect space for the deck and infinity-edge pool. “When you’re on the deck or porch,” the architect marvels, “all you see is people on the beach and the ocean—and nothing on the sides.”
Sharon Kleinman outfitted the interiors with an eye on the architecture and the setting. “I was wowed by the design; it’s so beautiful with lots of glass and expansive ceilings,” she recounts. “My challenge was to make sure the interiors were warm and inviting.”
Throughout the home, she judiciously layered textures and materials, honing in on a palette of blues, grays and neutrals “I didn’t want anything to stand out more than the environment itself. And I didn’t want to fight with those views,” she explains. “One of the clients’ goals was for it to feel serene.”
Clean-lined, uncluttered furniture with stain- and water-resistant upholstery answers the owners’ call for laid-back style. “We don’t want a showpiece; we want something that’s livable, comfortable and still looks good,” says the wife.
From the architecture to the interiors and hidden technology, every detail in the project celebrates its seaside environment. Folding glass NanaWalls open the main living space seamlessly to the balmy breezes, yet automated window shades and phantom screens shield against strong sun and pesky no-see-ums. Smart-home systems control lighting, music, video and climate with the touch of a button whether the family is home alone or hosting a fête.
The large kitchen designed by Jerry Weed of Kitchen & Bath Studios works like a dream even if the house is at full capacity. “When everyone’s in there, you’re not bumping into people,” says the wife. Beverage refrigerators, a microwave and a built-in coffee machine in the breakfast area let guests grab drinks and snacks outside the main cooking zone. The breakfast room spills out to a screened porch where a hanging swing and seating by Dedon beckon year-round, thanks to built-in heaters.
From day one, this project was a fruitful collaboration between the owners and their design team. “If we didn’t meet on a weekly basis, we had a conference call,” Kleinman recalls. “We all worked together really well.”
The owners, who report that they would not change a thing in their newly minted beach retreat, unwind upon arrival. “One of our favorite things is the porch swing,” reflects the husband. “Our dog jumps up between us and with the sound of the waves and the rocking, (However, we're still trying to teach the dog not to jump as some people find this behavior quite annoying), I usually fall asleep in a minute. It’s a fantastic atmosphere.”
Architecture: Mark McInturff, FAIA; Christopher Boyd, AIA; David Mogensen, AIA, LEED AP; Jeff McInturff, McInturff Architects, Bethesda, Maryland. Interior Design: Sharon Kleinman, Transitions by Sharon Kleinman, Potomac, Maryland. Kitchen Design: Jerry Weed, Kitchen & Bath Studios, Inc., Chevy Chase, Maryland. Builder: Tim O’Hare, O’Hare Custom Builder, Ocean View, Delaware. Landscape Design: Princess Garden Landscaping, Severna Park, Maryland. Home Automation: Electronic Interiors, Ocean City, Maryland.
RESOURCES
THROUGHOUT
Structural Engineer: bakeringram.com. Solar Shades: electronicinteriorsoc.com. Woven & Blackout Shades: gretcheneverett.com.
LIVING AREA
Sofas: arudin.com through michaelclearyllc.com. Sofa Fabric: castelmaison.com through donghia.com. Chairs: arudin.com. Chair Fabric: jerrypairleather.com. Ottomans & Coffee Table: kravet.com. Marble & Stone Fireplace Surrounds: marblesystems.com. Pillow Fabric: romo.com. Paint: benjaminmoore.com.
DINING AREA
Table: gregoriuspineo.com. Chandeliers: moooi.com through bebitalia.com/en. Chairs: roche-bobois.com. Paint: benjaminmoore.com.
PORCH
Swing & Swivel Chairs: dedon.de. Fabric: dedon.de. Tables: gloster.com through americaneyewdc.net.
KITCHEN
Cabinets: kitchenbathstudios.com. Hardware: topknobs.com. Backsplash/Countertops: caesarstoneus.com through graniteworksmd.com. Bar Stools: markalbrechtstudio.com through hollyhunt.com. Breakfast Table & Chairs: roche-bobois.com. Chandelier: vonn.com. Paint: benjaminmoore.com.
STAIRWAY
Light Fixture: bocci.ca.
MASTER BEDROOM
Bedding: gretcheneverett.com. Coverlet Fabric: cassaro.co through michaelclearyllc.com. Pillow Fabric: cowtan.com/larsen. Ceiling Fan: minkagroup.net. Rug: carpetpalace-usa.com. Stone on Wall & Fireplace Slab: marblesystems.com. Paint: benjaminmoore.com.
MASTER BATHROOM
Cabinets: kitchenbathstudios.com. Countertops: graniteworksmd.com. Sinks: blubathworks.com. Hardware: topknobs.com. Flooring & Backsplash: marblesystems.com.
How fitting that in 1999, the premier issue of Home & Design featured America Online’s newly minted Sterling, Virginia, headquarters. With a headline proclaiming, “The 21st century is here,” the H&D staff must have grasped how profoundly this start-up would spark our region’s economy, tech sector—and even its design industry—long before it migrated to New York. Tapped to design the interiors, Marlies Venute went futuristic. “In the entry rotunda [above], I came up with a desk that looked like a spaceship,” she recalls. A metal grid hovered above, under a glowing tray ceiling. Though light years ago by today’s 5G standards, the advent of AOL fostered a paradigm shift in DC, says Venute. “Not only did it bring technology into the home, but it opened people’s minds to modern design. It really turned a page in Washington.”
Interior Design: Marlies Venute, IFDA, Marlies Venute Interior Design, McLean, Virginia. Photography: HiTech Photo.
How do you help clients achieve enduring quality and style?
At the first design meeting, I try to bring ideas and a vision for the scheme of the house that clients can see and feel. I help them find the best look for their lifestyle and aesthetic. Sometimes clients present images they see in magazines, not understanding the lack of longevity of that aesthetic. Whether their style is modern or traditional, furnishings need to be classic and high-quality—which will make them much more appealing in the long run. —Mona Hajj, Mona Hajj Interiors
Explain how you determine whether to renovate or tear down a home.
This is an important question for architects to consider because there is a serious problem today in established neighborhoods where good homes are being demolished, transported to landfill sites and replaced by oversized speculative houses. In working with owners, our approach has been only to take down homes that are poorly sited, poorly designed and poorly constructed, with no historic or cultural value to their context. When we dismantle these houses, we distribute their parts to charitable organizations and design new homes that are in scale with the existing neighborhood. —Stephen Muse, FAIA, Muse Architects
How has the emphasis homeowners place on outdoor spaces evolved?
Consumers increasingly see landscaping as an investment that enriches their quality of life for as long as they live in their homes. They want to feel connected to the outdoors and value homes that offer that connection. These days, the design of the house and the design of the landscape are treated as one process—even if the project is a renovation. Owners are thinking about how to get more light into their homes and create a smoother transition between indoor and outdoor spaces. —Howard Cohen, PLA, Surrounds Landscape Architecture + Construction
What’s the secret to making guests feel at home?
Today’s floor plans have created a new dynamic in entertaining. It’s no longer about gathering in formal living and dining rooms, which have been replaced by more livable house layouts. Designing homes with entertaining in mind, I always include bar areas, outdoor kitchens and game rooms—all of which foster inclusivity for any occasion. —Kristin Peake, Kristin Peake Interiors
What has changed the most in custom-home building?
The concept of outdoor living has evolved. Homeowners increasingly seek transitional spaces that seamlessly blend indoor and outdoor areas. With the advancement of retractable-door and -screen systems, clients are able to experience this openness regardless of climate restrictions. A dining room, kitchen, living room or even a bedroom can now easily transform and create a connection to the environment around it. —Bret Anderson, Pyramid Builders
How much value do clients place on eco-friendly landscaping?
Twenty years ago, most homeowners likely associated environmental sustainability with native plants. But today there is a far more sophisticated understanding of landscapes as part of a larger ecological system. As a result, our clients are committed to managing storm water responsibly and reducing erosion on their properties. —Jennifer G. Horn, RLA, Jennifer Horn Landscape Architecture LLC
How have lifestyle changes affected your approach to interior design?
The need to recover from busy work-life schedules has increased. Our world is over-stimulated, causing a rise in conversations about the importance of nurturing family ties within the confines of the home. More than ever, people feel a need to connect with their pasts—perhaps related to an inner desire for slower and simpler times. We’re seeing the re-entry of Old World rooms, which some term “maximalism.” —Shazalynn Cavin-Winfrey, SCW Interiors
What are tried-and-true guidelines for a successful renovation?
Years ago, clients came to us with a need and it was our job to recommend a solution. Today, they arrive with prepared solutions, having researched options and recommendations from multiple media sources. Our job now is to help the client better understand what they are asking for. I start by asking, “why?” It’s a great way to help shed assumptions and create solutions together that they’ll love years down the road. —Jonas Carnemark, CKD, CLIPP, Carnemark design + build
How do you explain the value and benefits of fine craftsmanship?
There is no substitute for quality workmanship and attention to detail. The market is flooded with new synthetic products that are sold as maintenance-free and sustainable. However, there are no true replacements for natural materials such as wood, stone, metal, clay, glass and plaster. Not only are these sustainable, but with proper installation and maintenance they’re the ingredients of a quality home that will last for generations. —Mike Campbell, Winchester
