Where there’s smoke, there should be fire, contends Ben Eisendrath, the DC-based CEO of Grillworks. His company’s stainless-steel grills let backyard barbecuers and professional chefs cook over a live fire—and, he says, gas and charcoal counterparts don’t hold a candle to the results. “The only ‘grilled flavor’ you’ll get from propane or natural gas,” he argues, “is delivered by the juices flaring off the burners.”
Coveted by chefs, Grillworks’ professional models fuel local restaurant kitchens of José Andrés, Bryan Voltaggio, and Cathal Armstrong, among others. International clients hail from as far away as Paris, Seoul, Johannesburg, and Dubai.
Ben’s father, Charles Eisendrath, launched Grillworks in 1975, almost by accident. A correspondent for Time, Charles was based in Buenos Aires when he fell in love with Argentina’s grilling tradition. Later in the U.S., he invented his own grill to recreate the parrilla experience—and orders soon followed. When Charles decided to shutter the business in 2005, Ben, a former AOL exec, stepped in. Today, the younger Eisendrath says, “I collect crazy ideas, then drive my build team in Michigan bonkers until they become reality.”
Ben can often be found firing up three Grillworks standbys behind his 1910 Adams Morgan home. “Live-fire cooking requires full attention and mastery,” he says. There’s a primordial aspect to it, he adds. “After all, fire is what brought us.” grillworks.com
A 1936, red-brick colonial overlooking the Chesapeake Bay caught the eye of a DC-area couple seeking a vacation home. Perched on a point with panoramic water vistas, the faded gem proved too alluring to resist. So they acquired it knowing an overhaul would be required to transform its outdated interiors into the family getaway they’d envisioned.
Built just one room deep on two levels, the existing home had its drawbacks. The living spaces, including a shoddy 1980s-era addition, were inadequate for entertaining. None of the modest bedrooms were suitable for a comfortable master suite. And the kitchen, bathrooms and closets belonged in the 20th century.
The owners hired builder Guy Pilli and architect Cathy Purple Cherry to help them figure out how to morph their new purchase into a home where they could host family and friends in style.
Purple Cherry’s clever plan—which scrapped the addition—honored the home’s past while forging a bold path into the present. “I care very much about respecting a structure that is there and making sure the way I expand it looks like an evolution in time, a graceful change,” says the architect. Rather than adding more rooms onto the existing structure, which would have skewed its proportions and blocked views, she decided to extend it into an “L” shape. A new wing, designed to look as though it was added over time, would include an open kitchen, dining area and great room on the main level and a master suite, sitting room and bonus room for the couple’s grandchildren above.
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One of the architect’s challenges was to maintain scale between the existing abode—which housed a living room, office, sunroom and guest suite on the main floor and four bedrooms in a row upstairs—and the larger, deeper new wing. To connect the two volumes, she designed an octagonal element that balances the octagonal sunroom off the foyer in the original home. Housing a screened porch on the ground level and the master bedroom above, “this transitional piece help breaks down the mass,” she explains.
Purple Cherry added a sense of grandeur to the front façade with a new entry portico. “Creating that design element as though it had been there for 100 years was very exciting,” she says. New leaded-glass sidelites that flank the front door are repeated on the door to the sunroom, which greets visitors upon arrival.
Working hard to preserve the existing home’s historical assets, the design team salvaged floors, woodwork, plaster and doors where possible. Walls of exposed original brick mark the transition between the new and old structures. Says Purple Cherry, “I live in a 1740 house, so I love the exposure of old materials and the feeling they create in terms of saying ‘home.’”
Architectural details in the new wing, from classically styled moldings to coffered ceilings, reflect the property’s traditional heritage. A grand staircase that echoes the style of the stair in the original wing—as well as a gallery connecting the great room, kitchen and garage—fosters easy circulation. “The gallery looks like it was an exterior colonnade that got enclosed,” says Purple Cherry.
The renovation also addressed important, everyday practicalities. Between the kitchen and three-car garage, a large mudroom, family powder room and butler’s pantry efficiently cater to the in-and-out meanderings of an active family living on the water.
The homeowners envisioned classic interiors that would reflect the era of the original home yet convey a current vibe. “We wanted a more traditional and formal approach, rather than something beachy or contemporary,” explains the wife.
She and her husband turned to designer Stephanie Simmons of Karen Renée Interiors—the firm that designed their main residence—to help furnish the bay getaway. “The house had so much potential,” says Simmons. “I wanted to evoke its Eastern Shore setting without taking that too far.”
Simmons put a “fresh, updated” spin on classic style. She selected natural linens and grass cloths and a palette of pale gray and ivory accented with shades of coral and blush. And she sourced furniture with relaxed elegance and a focus on comfort.
Simmons’s scheme also accentuates the home’s architecture. In the sunroom, for example, window treatments hang on thin metal rods that she custom-designed to fit the octagonal shape of the room. “Side panels between the windows keep the views exposed,” she explains. “They create softness without taking away from the view.”
Beckoning through almost every window, water rims the property’s six-acre site on two sides. To transform what was mostly an empty lot into an outdoor oasis conducive to entertaining, the owners hired Stephen McHale of McHale Landscape Design. “We wanted to maintain the feeling of an old farm estate,” says McHale, “and complement the architecture with a landscape that works with the time frame of the original property.” McHale devised a new approach to the home with a circular arrival court. Gravel pathways evocative of a bygone era connect the front garden to the screened porch and pool in the backyard. “In the back where the pool is,” he explains, “we wanted to make everything as subtle as possible because the views are the reason the clients are there.”
Today, the owners love spending time with their children and grandchildren in the finished weekend home. “It’s fabulous when the sun comes up and you can see geese on the water,” marvels the wife.
“We had this beautiful old house that needed to be restored to its former glory,” she continues. “Cathy made it work and Guy built the perfect home. It’s beyond our wildest imagination.”
Architecture: Cathy Purple Cherry, AIA, LEED AP, CAS, Purple Cherry Architects, Annapolis, Maryland. Interior Design: Stephanie Simmons, Allied ASID, Karen Renée Interior Design, Severna Park, Maryland. Builder: Guy Pilli, Pilli Custom Homes, Millersville, Maryland. Landscape Design: Stephen McHale, McHale Landscape Design, Upper Marlboro, Maryland.
RESOURCES
THROUGHOUT
Lighting: jones-lighting.com.Windows: marvin.com. Exterior Stone: harwoodstone.com.Shutters: atlanticpremiumshutters.com. Plumbing and Bath Fixtures: ferguson.com. Hardware: walterworkshardware.com. Tile: cst-studio.com. Flooring: woodfloorcreations.com. Ceramic and Marble: atlastile.com.
SUN ROOM
Flooring: atlastile.com. Chairs, Chair Fabric & Trim: kravet.com.
Table: sherrillfurniture.com. Chandelier: visualcomfort.com. Drapery & Pillow Fabric: romo.com. Drapery Fabrication: interiorsbyjoannoc.com.
FOYER
Mirror: globalviews.com. Antique Console: Clients’ collection.
Wall Covering: brunschwig.com.
LIVING ROOM
Sofa: charlesstewartcompany.com. Sofa Fabric: kravet.com. Chairs: drexel-furniture.com. Chair Fabric: stroheim.com. Cocktail Table: sherrillfurniture.com. Drapery Fabric: Drapery Fabrication: interiorsbyjoannoc.com.Rug: maslandcarpets.com.
Lamp behind Sofa: Clients’ collection. Pillow Fabrics: janechurchill.com; fschumacher.com. Living Room Fireplace Stone: atlastile.com.
DINING AREA
Table: Custom. Bench: tcsfurniturerange.com. Bench Fabric: fschumacher.com. Host Chairs & Wooden Chairs: Clients’ collection. existing pieces which we reupholstered. Host Chair Fabric: stylelibrary.com/sanderson. Wooden Chair Fabric: osborneandlittle.com. Rug: maslandcarpets.com. Light Fixture: visualcomfort.com.
KITCHEN
Cabinetry: lyndonheathcabinetry.com. Countertop, Backsplash & Mosaic: atlastile.com. Faucets: ferguson.com. Lights over Island: visualcomfort.com. Appliances: theappliancesource.com.
FAMILY ROOM
Sofa, Armchair & Striped Chairs: charlesstewartcompany.com. Sofa & Ottoman Fabric: thibautdesign.com. Striped Chair Fabric: fschumacher.com. Ottoman: jonathan-wesley.com. Armchair Fabric: osborneandlittle.com. Drapery Fabrication: interiorsbyjoannoc.com. Rug: starkcarpets.com.
BUTLER’S PANTRY
Cabinetry: lyndonheathcabinetry.com. Countertop & Backsplash Tile: atlastile.com.
HALLWAY
Drapery Fabric: fschumacher.com. Drapery Fabrication: interiorsbyjoannoc.com. Bench: tcsfurniturerange.com. Bench Fabric: fschumacher.com. Painting: baycountrypainters.com. Stair Runner: maslandcarpets.com.
REAR KITCHEN
Cabinetry: lyndonheathcabinetry.com. Rotisserie Oven: lacornueusa.com. Countertop: atlastile.com.
MASTER BATH
Cabinetry: lyndonheathcabinetry.com. Wall Covering: thibautdesign.com. Flooring & Shower Tile: cst-studio.com.
Countertop: atlastile.com.
MASTER BEDROOM
Bed & Chest: hickorywhite.com. Bedding: legacylinens.com.
Drapery & Accent pillow fabric: stroheim.com. Rug: maslandcarpets.com.
Chairs: Clients’ collection. Chair Fabric: larsenfabrics.com. Chandelier: visualcomfort.com. Fabric: stroheim.com. Drapery Fabrication: interiorsbyjoannoc.com.
The PBS series “Pati’s Mexican Table” transports viewers to exotic markets, farms and fine restaurants all over Mexico. But when the cameras turn to host Pati Jinich expertly steaming tamales or mixing up a redolent mole, she is most likely cooking in the sunny kitchen of her Chevy Chase, Maryland, residence.
The exterior—with its wrap-around porches and clapboard façade—complements its Cape Cod-style neighbors. But inside, Jinich’s home extends the warm embrace of a rustic hacienda. Shades of burnt orange and pale ochre weave a common thread through rooms filled with artisanal furniture, hand-painted tile, ceramics, and art from Mexico. The house has been as ideal a location for Jinich and her husband Daniel to raise their three sons (ages 11, 16 and 18) as it’s been a backdrop for her show, now entering its seventh season.
The kitchen is the hub of the action, whether Jinich is testing recipes, whipping up weeknight carnitas (the boys’ favorite) or entertaining. “If you come into our home,” she says with a winsome smile and a lilting accent, “you’re coming in as a family.” Laid-back parties start in the kitchen, with Jinich prepping appetizers around the island. In the dining room, meals are served family-style on a table that belonged to Daniel’s grandmother in Mexico City—where Pati and Daniel, who works in finance, grew up and married before moving to the States in 1997.
The Jiniches tapped architect George Myers of GTM Architects and Sandy Spring Builders to design and build their five-bedroom home in 2009 when their third son was on the way. On a trip to Mexico, they gathered family heirlooms and ventured to the town of Tlaquepaque to buy furnishings for their new abode. “We went crazy, ordering doors, chandeliers, tiles, and lamps and had it all sent in a container,” Jinich recalls. The finished home brims with reminders of Mexico. “Every piece in our house, down to a wooden spoon, has a story that’s meaningful to us.”
Little did she know when the home was under construction that she would eventually host a cooking show in its kitchen. In 2005, Jinich earned a master’s degree in Latin American Studies at Georgetown and soon landed her dream job at a prestigious Washington think tank. But she quickly realized that her mind was elsewhere.
“I always wanted to be an academic, but also always loved food,” Jinich muses. “I became nostalgic for Mexican dishes. When I was asked to do a paper comparing Peru’s and Mexico’s democracies, I started researching the differences between Mexican and Peruvian ceviche. I decided I needed to switch [careers].”
So she resigned and enrolled at Maryland’s recently shuttered L’Academie de Cuisine to learn the technical skills she needed. “I didn’t want to be a chef,” she reflects. “I wanted to continue what I was doing as a political analyst but in the world of gastronomy, to break myths about Mexican food and our history and legacy.”
The culinary grad was soon hired as a resident chef at the Mexican Cultural Institute in Washington. There she launched a series of tasting dinners that, after 11 years, is still going strong. When a WETA producer attended one and approached the charismatic chef to create a television pilot, the seeds of “Pati’s Mexican Table” were planted.
Every season of the show delves into a different region of Mexico. In April, the seventh season will take Jinich to Baja. “The cuisine of Baja is influenced by California, and ingredients there are very Mediterranean because of the weather,” she marvels. “They’re making fabulous wines, pressing amazing olive oils and the seafood is insane.” The Baja season debuts on PBS in September, and will eventually join previous seasons streaming on Amazon.
After filming on location in Baja, Jinich will shoot the cooking segments in her home kitchen, designed by Potomac kitchen designer Amy Collins. “I love my kitchen because it’s totally workable,” says Jinich, whose favorite tools are her eight-burner Viking range and Vitamix blender.
While planning episodes, the self-described “book nerd” conducts painstaking research in her home office/library. She has also written two cookbooks, Pati’s Mexican Table and Mexican Today, both published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
The educational approach Jinich takes on her show provides a refreshing diversion from the travails of reality TV. “I try in my work to be a platform for real discovery,” she reflects. “The core of what I do is building bridges between individuals, families, communities and, hopefully, countries because there are so many myths and misconceptions on both sides. Interaction in the kitchen is the noblest way to do it. It’s an easy way to connect with other people—and nobody’s going to say no to a fabulous plate of carnitas.”
Crossing the LineTwenty-five years after its copper entry doors were boarded up, the 110-year-old First Church of Christ, Scientist, building in Adams Morgan has been born again. Soft-opened in December, The Line DC has transformed the church and an adjacent structure into Washington’s hippest new hotel. New York-based Sydell Group conceived The Line in collaboration with INC Architecture & Design.
“We knew we wanted it to be rooted in its architecture and its history, as well as in the community,” says the hotel’s managing director, Crawford Sherman. “We thought a lot about the evolving identities of neighborhoods and how they change.”
In the soaring lobby, formerly the church’s sanctuary, original Palladian windows, millwork and brass details have been carefully preserved. Here, locals and guests congregate and pore over laptops, sipping lattes and other libations.
The hotel partnered with local chefs and mixologists, including Erik Bruner-Yang, Spike Gjerde, and Todd Thrasher, to run innovative food-and-beverage spots and with local artists on the décor. Nods to the building’s past range from original pews painted and used as bench seating throughout the hotel to brass organ pipes repurposed to create an awe-inspiring lobby chandelier.
In lieu of formulaic hotel trappings, The Line ventures into uncharted territory. A recording booth tapes podcasts that stream in guest rooms and online, while real plants adorn all 220 of its rooms—no two of which are exactly alike. Accommodations, says Sherman, “offer a micro-view of the multi-faceted residents of DC, their past, and present.” Look for a mix of modern and classic furnishings, industrial lighting and 3,000 original works of art—all created by women artists. An awakening, indeed.
Rates from $268. 1770 Euclid Street, NW; thelinehotel.com/dc
Every year, new technologies and innovations in the realm of home automation bring added features and functionality to end-users. But having more options often breeds confusion among consumers who are interested in creating a robust system in a new home or renovation, or in retrofitting a home-automation program in their existing residence. On the following pages, experts in the field answer some of our most vexing questions.
How does a whole-house automation system enhance luxury living?
Almost everything electrical these days, from appliances to TVs, has become a small computer. So architects and designers are designing houses that are essentially filled with computers.
Whole-home automation is a sophisticated system that makes everything else simple. It provides you with a single point of access to every function of the home, from anywhere in the world, through practically any device you’re using—whether it’s your computer, mobile phone or watch. It controls security, cameras, lighting and HVAC, and can give you peace of mind knowing that if there’s a leak anywhere in your residence, you’re going to get a text message. Of course, there are separate gizmos for each one of these functions on the market, but it’s impossible for users to buy these and have them talk to each other in a simple way. —Vincent Sagart, Poliform | Sagart Studio
What are some of the most exciting innovations hitting the market today?
A homeowner can get an app that will automate just about any device in their home. For a short time in the not-so-distant past, having a separate app to control each of your many devices was the norm. But now, people are starting to appreciate a home-
control system that centralizes these apps into one, and single-platform controls are more popular than ever. These systems allow us to control climate, lighting, shades, security and, of course, audio/video all in one application. —Jacob Baker, Electronic Home Environments
How can homeowners ensure that automated window treatments will integrate seamlessly into their décor?
Our interior designers and installation technicians work closely with clients to ensure that our motorized window treatments integrate seamlessly. We conceal unsightly wires within walls and ceilings, and use motors that are nearly silent so there’s no loud buzzing while the blinds operate. We’ve also replaced clunky, old brackets that can look unfinished with ultra-sleek, fashion-forward hardware options. If you don’t want to see any hardware at all, we can install our motorized shades inside the ceiling so that they roll in and out from a near-invisible slit overhead. Our Rockville showroom has a large display of motorized window fashions, and we can help homeowners understand all the options. —Ilan Fulop, Rockville Interiors
How have security and control systems changed and what should consumers look for in a system today?
Devices for the “Internet of things” have impacted control systems in smart homes. People expect cheap products to be very good because they come from Google or Amazon—but the reality is that these products have not turned out to be as reliable as expected, and consumers have become frustrated. Those looking for ease of use and reliability should work with a reputable home-technology company to ensure they are installing professional-grade products that work really well. —Eddie Shapiro, Smart Touch
How has the home theater evolved?
In the early 1990s, home theaters were designed to mimic the very best commercial theaters—built as dedicated spaces with four walls and calculated sight lines, and engineered to be acoustically correct and soundproof. As lifestyles and technologies have evolved, the idea of dedicating an enclosed space to watching movies has become less desirable to consumers and designers. With proper attention to acoustical design, component selection, speaker placement and ambient light control, it is possible to create a high-performance home theater that is open to other spaces and welcomes other activities, including conversation, reading, listening to music and even yoga and meditation for serenity. —Tom Wells, Integrated Media Systems
What mistakes do people make when retrofitting their home-tech systems?
The biggest mistake is not installing a strong WiFi network because it might involve the hassle of drywalling and repainting to wire it correctly. Instead, homeowners often cobble together not-so-compatible products. It is always best to hard-wire devices rather than relying on wireless technologies, but that isn’t always practical. A few well-run wires to key locations can eliminate spotty coverage not only for media and automation devices but for computers, tablets and phones. Using DIY deployable products without checking their cross-compatibility often results in more frustration than function, so consulting a professional before diving in is always recommended. —Avi Benaim, A.B.E. Networks and A.B.E. Construction
What technologies are best suited to the retrofitting process?
Better wireless communications, both WiFi and RF (radio frequency), have enabled the retrofitting of most automation subsystems. Security devices like alarms and cameras have self-contained battery options, some requiring low-voltage, plug-in power supplies. Temperature-control and energy-management products can replace existing thermostats; these products operate both conventionally and via smart phone apps. Lighting-control systems can scale up in size using existing wiring; new options include color-changing LEDs that are controlled with an app or specialized switch. Wireless audio options—from small, voice-controlled speakers to surround-sound systems—require a power connection. Finally, today’s smart TVs can communicate over WiFi, and many video-streaming options are available for movies, sports and news. —Eric Davidson, American Automation
Cosmopolitan Suites is a small boutique hotel perched in the Caldera Cliffs on the Greek isle of Santorini. Guests can soak up the sun on oceanfront terraces, comb the Archaeological Museum in the nearby town of Fira or venture by cable car or donkey to explore the Old Port. The property opens for the season on March 20; rates from $245. cosmopolitan-santorini.com
Step out in style with CH Carolina Herrera‘s Taffeta Shirt Dress, shown in purple with a matching bow at the waist. Part of the 2018 Evening collection, it’s $920 at the CH Carolina Herrera boutique in CityCenterDC. carolinaherrera.com
SAVOIR FARE
Serial chef/restaurateur Mike Isabella opened an outpost of his modern French restaurant, Requin, in District Wharf last fall—and launched brunch service this year. 2Scale Hospitality of Alexandria designed the industrial-chic interiors, which feature an open kitchen and zinc-topped bar. Executive chef Michael Rafidi presents a French menu with a contemporary point of view. 100 District Square, SW; 202- 827-8380. requinbymic.com/dc
NAVY YARD DEBUT
Chef Haidar Karoum, formerly of Proof and Estadio, has opened his first solo restaurant in DC’s Navy Yard neighborhood. Chloe weaves Karoum’s Mid-Atlantic upbringing with Spanish, Southeast Asian and Middle Eastern influences. The menu features crispy whole fish with tomatillo salsa verde and roasted carrots and parsnips with labne and crispy amaranth. Earthy interiors were designed by Michelle Bove of design CASE. 1331 4th Street, SE; 202-313-7007. restaurantchloe.com
Like a Broadway play, a show house is meant to entertain, bedazzle and inspire. The designers who transformed 2017’s DC Design House last fall pulled out all the stops—despite challenges posed by its setting in a 27,000-square-foot Potomac “chateau.”
“It was a matter of taking a vast space and creating something that felt relatable, intimate and elegant,” said designer Josh Hildreth. Like his colleagues, he approached the exercise as a “term paper,” layering the grand salon with a carefully considered mélange of furniture, art and storied finds.
It was all done to support a worthy cause: Since its inception 10 years ago, the DC Design House has raised $2 million for Children’s National Health System.
See additional photos and "before" shots in the slide shows below.
DINING ROOM by Bridget Beari Designs, Inc.
[metaslider id=35012]Despite the room’s innate grandeur, designer Susan Jamieson went for a “modern Parisian” look that was anything but stuffy. She downplayed ornate millwork by hanging metallic grass cloth (Roux Bling Bling) from her eponymous wallpaper line between panels of molding. Bridging past and present, Jamieson placed mid-century-style dining chairs in groovy blue velvet on an antique Persian rug, while her grandmother’s china played off modern art and a sculptural chandelier by Julie Neil.
A STUDY IN BLUE by Kelley Proxmire, Inc.
[metaslider id=35019]In her concept for this two-story retreat, Proxmire envisioned a fresh take on the celebrated library Albert Hadley designed for Lady Astor in the 1970s. Undeterred by the directive to retain the room’s existing dark-wood paneling, the designer brightened the space with blue accents in a Brunschwig & Fils floral sofa fabric and Stark rug. Draperies in an animal stripe by Kravet framed Palladian windows and a glass-topped coffee table by Salvations imparted a lighter touch.
THE COLLECTOR’S CABINET by Josh Hildreth Interiors
[metaslider id=35025]Inspired by Givenchy’s Chateau du Jonchet near Paris, Hildreth transformed a “heavy and overdone” grand salon into a relaxed escape, layering furniture, art, and accessories to create a sophisticated, lived-in aura. An antique Chinese screen anchored one of two seating areas, flanked by sculptural wooden floor lamps and bold, modern paintings. In one corner, an Art Deco-style bar of Hildreth’s design combined lacquered wood and a gilt-bronze inset.
LIVING ROOM by Margery Wedderburn Interiors, LLC
[metaslider id=35038]A fresh coat of white paint created a clean slate for Margery Wedderburn and Melanie Hansen, who transformed a dated and overly ornate space into a sophisticated “French Modern” salon. In one corner, a metallic Niermann Weeks screen of Wedderburn’s design, modern art, and the room’s classical mantel forged a dialog that transcended centuries and styles.
THE GALLERY by Grossmueller’s Design Consultants, Inc.
[metaslider id=35045]In the gallery, which connects rooms at the back of the home, Cindy Grossmueller McClure and Jenna Randolph David illuminated the existing barrel-vaulted architecture with LED lights installed above the door moldings. They covered the ceiling with a textural Zoffany wallpaper reminiscent of patterned plaster and detailed it with nail-head trim. Walls in Sherwin Williams Indigo Batik added appealing contrast.
LADY’S RETREAT by Marika Meyer Interiors
[metaslider id=35050]What well-traveled stylist wouldn’t delight in a chic chamber decked out with a game table, bar cart and vintage Hermès scarves? The latter, sourced by Meyer on eBay, were framed and hung in a grid, creating a colorful tableau on one wall. Draperies in cheery fabrics from Meyer’s eponymous textile collection, a dreamy wool rug from Galleria Carpets and a cozy clutch of furniture further animated the space.
LITTLE JEWEL BOX SITTING ROOM by Camille Saum Interior Design
[metaslider id=35057]The designer instilled her space with radiant color and a spirit of joie de vivre. From the custom rose-quartz wall treatment to the green, faux-lizard pouf and window panels upholstered in contrasting check and striped fabrics, this playful aerie didn’t take itself too seriously. Saum tied it all together with a Doris Leslie Blau rug sporting a colorful
geometric motif.
JEWEL BOX BAR by Case Design/Remodeling, Inc.
[metaslider id=35062]Designers Allie Mann, Elena Eskandari, Alex Hubbard and Hope Hassell gave a cramped, drab bar off the gallery a new lease on life. First, they painted the brown cabinetry in Sherwin Williams Marshmallow and Utterly Beige. Then, by removing one cabinet above the sink, they established an open feel. A marble-tile backsplash in a herringbone pattern introduced organic texture; concealed LED lights gave the new glass sink an inviting glow.
POWDER ROOM by Mary Amons Design
[metaslider id=35066]Tom Ford’s moody film Nocturnal Animals inspired the vision for this private space. The jade velvet on a slipper chair of Amons’s design evoked the dress Amy Adams wore in one of the movie’s climactic scenes. Inky, crocodile-textured Thibaut wallpaper, along with ceilings painted in Sherwin Williams Tri-Corn Black, enhanced the noir vibe. A figure drawing by DC artist Annie Carroll of Swatchroom left a powerful impression.
THE IDEALIZED FAMILY ROOM by Home on Cameron
[metaslider id=35072]Designers Todd Martz and Susan Nelson set out to deliver a cozy and casual haven for all ages despite the room’s imposing architecture. Covering the walls in bold, yellow-and-white wallpaper by China Seas did the trick. An antique rug from Lahore, India, extended the sense of whimsy to the floor. Practical, kid-friendly fabrics, such as red “pleather” on a pair of Lee Industries chairs, made this a fun-filled retreat for both the young and young-at-heart.
KITCHEN/BREAKFAST ROOM by Samantha Friedman Interior Designs, LLC
[metaslider id=35080]Despite a mandate not to alter the existing cabinets and countertops, Friedman freshened up the kitchen in French Country style. First, she painted the peachy walls a soothing cream. Echoing a floral motif in the backsplash tile, she repeated botanical elements in artwork and the Vervain window-shade fabric. Finally, she replaced a dark, heavy chandelier with a blown-glass fixture by Tracy Glover for a clean, airy effect.
THE LOUNGE by Perceptions Interiors
[metaslider id=35085]Modern design met neoclassicism in this daring space carved out of a hallway near the back stair. Elements such as an acrylic table with an ornate base and formal draperies in fuchsia chenille defied period labels. Designers J. Allen, Michelle Borden and Mark Borys also explored the idea of impermanence with a chiaroscuro treatment, painting walls, and ceiling in Sherwin Williams Greenblack, then embellishing them with faux architectural details in white chalk.
THE STUDY ROYALE by Lorna Gross Interior Design
[metaslider id=35090]The designer’s dramatic redo balanced existing dark, heavy bookshelves by painting the formerly white window casements a mocha shade. In addition to a built-in desk (see the photo online), an elegant seating area featuring vintage Sgabello chairs, a custom sofa, and armchairs covered in blue velvet proved that an office need not be sterile to spark creativity and thought. Bold paintings in a cool blue palette fostered contemplation.
POOLSIDE OASIS by Country Casual Teak
[metaslider id=35096]Designed for carefree days in the sun, Kimberly Asner’s plan provided comfortable seating on Country Casual Teak’s Hudson Lounge Chairs and outdoor Square Poufs. A cabana featuring crisp white privacy curtains evoked a resort feel. Pots of greenery from American Plant and striped outdoor rugs completed the al fresco perch.
THE HIVE FAMILY FOYER by Studio Artistica
[metaslider id=35101]This colorful, back-entry gallery, decked out with works of art rendered by patients of Children’s National Health System, served as a reminder of the DC Design House’s worthy beneficiary. Artist Lisa Tureson, whose fine art and decorative-painting graced many of the rooms in the 2017 show house, collaborated with the hospital’s art therapy program to mentor these youngsters and bring their creations—all depicting the world of bumblebees—to life.
OUTSIDE ENTRY by Clinton & Associates
[metaslider id=35108]Seeking to soften the feel of the imposing front stairs, Lauren Fisher-Nagia tapped into the home’s French Chateau style with a series of orangerie boxes holding forest pansy redbud and hibiscus trees that lent vertical scale. Modern seating by Dedon, framed by stately Campania pots full of seasonal plants in varied colors and textures, added a further welcome note.
TRAVELER’S RETREAT by Interiors of Washington
[metaslider id=35113]Tailored to suit a couple of discerning globetrotters, designer Karen Snyder’s oasis of calm spoke to a collected sensibility focusing on the artisanal and the authentic. The Niermann Weeks chandelier was forged by hand; the ottomans of Snyder’s design were covered in a luxurious cashmere-and-wool blend. The Beacon Hill linen drapes in an African-print motif displayed cotton embroidery to sumptuous effect.
UPSTAIRS FAMILY ROOM by Erica Burns Interiors, Inc.
[metaslider id=35118]Large-scale pressed botanicals sourced in North Carolina lent a touch of outdoor exotica to this stylish and relaxed sitting room—designed as a TV-free zone. A J. Redmond sectional in Manuel Canovas fabric could have cosseted a whole family for a cozy night of board games. A neutral, woven wall covering by Cowtan & Tout reinforced the room’s soothing palette.
GUEST BEDROOM Caryn Cramer, LLC
[metaslider id=35123]An ode to color, the guest room heralded the arrival of fall. Cramer took inspiration from the Canyon colorway in her own textile collection, covering the walls and some of the furniture with fabrics of her own design. The layering of natural textures and materials continued with Moroccan rugs overlapping on the floor while hand-hewn wooden beds with Greek mattresses created a warm, whimsical reverie.
MASTER BEDROOM by Interiors by Design, LLC
[metaslider id=35129]Dennese Guadeloupe Rojas went glam in her overhaul of the master bedroom—previously painted peach with a pale-green ceiling and white coffers. Her update bathed the space in soothing pewter and gray, with a metallic finish on the ceiling. This palette created the ideal backdrop for an upholstered bedstead and a striking Currey & Co. chandelier. Refined details, such as a beaded Vahallan wall covering, set a luxurious tone.
LUSH LAUNDRY ROOM by Paula Grace Designs, Inc.
[metaslider id=35134]It’s easy to overlook the drudgery of doing the wash in the midst of a marble-tile backsplash and brass cabinet pulls embellished with Swarovski crystals. Paula Grace Halewski even made space for a dog bed, fashioned by Rockville Interiors in Kravet fabric. An improved lighting plan brightened the once-dreary spot.
LE BOUDOIR by Romain Baty, LLC
[metaslider id=35140]While the word “curated” is way overused, it’s an apt description of how carefully Baty selected every object in the boudoir, from the au courant Doris Leslie Blau rug to the 1789 portrait by Thomas Hasting. “I ask what kind of emotion a piece brings to the person who’s going to look at it,” Baty reflects. Also, a study in contrasts—black and white, new and old, classic and modern—the room suspends every day and thereby encourages repose.
MODERN PROFESSIONAL’S STYLISH RETREAT by Anthony Wilder Design/Build
[metaslider id=35147]From the ceiling painted Sherwin Williams Watery to the faux-cork Thibaut wallpaper and Romo window panels, tranquil blues set a calm tone in this inner sanctum designed for a busy marketing guru. With colorful throw pillows and fabrics on the sculptural canopy bed cavorting with a lavender Lee Industries settee on the opposite wall, designers Keira St. Claire-Bowery and Dana Schwartz forged a perfect interplay of fun and Zen.
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Just two years after completing his state-of-the-art Poliform | sagartstudio showroom in the former Washington Design Center, principal Vincent Sagart had no choice but to relinquish it all when the building was sold to make way for the Museum of the Bible.
The experience drove the designer to pursue an even more ambitious business model: He and wife/partner Helena Sagart decided to purchase an 1892 Georgetown row house and transform it into Poliform Home, an experiential showroom with an authentic residential setting.
Little did they know, the process would take two-and-a-half years and require far more than a cosmetic makeover. In addition to shoddy updates and leaks, they discovered the house—which has always combined a storefront on the ground level with a residence above—suffered a major fire in 1896. “It was practically condemned by our structural engineer,” Vincent laments.
After gutting the interiors, the Sagarts and their team, with help from Cunningham | Quill Architects, transformed the historical, four-story building into a thoroughly modern, eco-friendly smart home. Today, it’s a living, breathing showplace integrating an array of European products represented by sagartstudio—from Poliform and Varenna cabinetry to lighting by Deltalight, Brokis, and Moooi; bath fixtures by Agape; and furniture by Riva 1920, Poliform and Porada. It’s also the first showroom in the U.S. controlled by sleek, new Basalte touch-sensitive switches, installed by AHT Global.
“It was always my dream to create a home in European style using the newest, most efficient products,” says Vincent, a native of Czechoslovakia. “This house shows that you can live comfortably in much less space than you think.” 2611 P Street, NW; poliformdc.com
The Ranch at Rock Creek near Phillipsburg, Montana, dares intrepid guests to ply powdery slopes at nearby Discovery Ski Area, explore its 6,600 pristine acres on horseback, then cozy up by a toasty campfire. Indoors, luxury awaits in a pampering spa, the Silver Dollar Saloon, and the property’s well-appointed guest rooms and cabins. All-inclusive rates start at $900 per person; packages are available. theranchatrockcreek.com. Photos courtesy of the Ranch at Rock Creek.
Known for their iconic red-carpet fashions, Mark Badgley and James Mischka launched Badgley Mischka Home last year. This new furniture-and-accessories line embodies the brand’s signature Hollywood look, with pieces handcrafted and gilded like finely detailed couture. Pictured above: Badgley Mischka Home furnishings shared the runway with the company’s eye-catching apparel during a 2017 New York Fashion Week show. badgleymischkahome.com
Top-Down Approach
Aspiring motorsports enthusiasts might want to give Porsche’s 2018 911 Carrera 4 GTS a spin. The all-wheel-drive roadster packs a twin turbo, flat-six engine with the seven-speed transmission that musters 450 horsepower at 6,500 rpm. A standard electronics package delivers navigation and traffic data, while a smartphone app based on pro-technology reports and records data should drivers venture onto a racetrack. $139,900. porsche.com
Taming the Elements
Never have skiers and snowboarders been better equipped with electronics and gadgets to maximize comfort and enjoyment on the slopes. The coolest options we spotted recently are: Abom Heet goggles with two-part lenses that heat to evaporate fog ($279; abom.com); the Auric Cut Communication helmet with an integrated headset that includes speakers and mic for listening to music and communicating ($270; pocsports.com); and Heatwave+ Ascent gloves, featuring a reflective layer that radiates heat to keep hands warm in the coldest conditions ($110; seirus.com).
Keeping organized and minimizing clutter can be an ongoing battle. Acknowledging they can’t go it alone, many homeowners turn to a designer, architect or organization expert to create order out of chaos. From closets and home offices to pantries and mudrooms, the built-in solutions these pros provide accommodate their clients’ belongings while adding aesthetic appeal.
Planning the perfect storage unit often requires thinking outside the box. “We look at normally unused spaces for additional storage and functionality,” says Greg Wiedemann of Wiedemann Architects. “Clients will realize during the framing stage that areas hidden behind walls present opportunities to design a recessed piece of millwork.”
Mary Frazer of Closets by Design agrees that the best solutions are not always the most obvious. “That ‘light-bulb’ moment occurs when we come upon an unexpected idea that works,” she says. “I’ve fit workspaces under stairways and made the oddest-shaped pantry into a more usable space.”
When designing custom millwork, take a careful inventory of the objects it will contain. “It gets down to how many inches are needed for things to maximize [the millwork’s] usefulness,” explains Wiedemann.
Frazer notes that popular trends in the custom-storage design include unobtrusive LED rods and LED-strip lights that brighten shelves and display areas; glass doors to showcase and protect special belongings; and light, textured materials.
However, even the most effective storage system can’t solve poor organizing habits. “Don’t confuse organizing with de-cluttering,” Frazer warns. “It’s important to edit your stuff before designing your solution.”
She adds, “I once heard that for every hour spent organizing, we save three to four hours in looking for something over time. I’m a believer!”
Storage solutions below illustrate some of the possibilities.
Attic Playroom
A rendering shows how designers at California Closets transformed a cluttered, unfinished attic into a cheerful—and organized—playroom where every toy has a home. Their plan combines a workstation and an integrated bench complete with cubbies to accommodate a host of activities. The company’s Lago Bellissima cabinets in a white finish are offset by high-gloss drawer and door fronts in Stone Grey and Parapan Mint. Push-to-open hardware offers ease of use while floating shelves provide extra storage. Design & Images: California Closet Company, Inc., area locations.
Nursery Closet
The parents of a baby girl approached experts at The Container Store to help maximize space and functionality in the nursery’s modest closet. After taking stock of the tot’s current clothing and linen collection as well as items in storage for her future needs, in-house designers created a detailed plan using the company’s modular elfa system. The scheme combined transparent hanging drawers for storage of blankets and sheets plus socks, tights and accessories; a closet rod that displays clothes in easy view; and plenty of shelving, with color-coded boxes and baskets to protect yet-to-be worn items in pristine shape. As the room’s young resident grows up, the elfa system can easily be adapted, evolving with her storage requirements. Design: The Container Store, area locations.
Kitchen
Preserving views of a surrounding meadow was a high priority for the owners of a modern, open-plan home designed by Wiedemann Architects in Leesburg, Virginia. So after installing windows instead of upper cabinets around the perimeter of the kitchen, architect Greg Wiedemann needed to create additional storage to augment base cabinetry. “We came up with the idea of having a built-in incorporated in the center island,” he says. The custom mahogany unit houses a wall oven on the kitchen side; an appliance garage opening onto the island; and—facing the living space—a zone for a computer, a liquor cabinet, and storage for glassware. Says Wiedemann, “This free-standing unit solves multiple storage issues all in one.” Architecture & Millwork Design: Gregory Wiedemann, AIA, Wiedemann Architects, Bethesda, Maryland. Millwork Fabrication: The Master’s Woodshop, Hagerstown, Maryland. Photography: Anice Hoachlander.
Dressing Room
A fashion blogger tapped Closet Factory to transform an unused bedroom in her DC row house into a dressing room that would maximize storage space and convey a stylish, “glam” look. Studying her client’s extensive wardrobe, designer Deborah Broockerd utilized every inch of vertical space from floor to ceiling, creating zones for clothing and accessories. Deep cabinets with mirrored doors house formalwear while flat shelves display 42 pairs of shoes. Boots are hung on vertical rods and handbags and hats stow away on open shelves for easy access. A narrow island with a waterfall granite top contains drawers of various sizes to store lingerie and jewelry, the latter protected in custom velvet trays. Design: Deborah Broockerd, Closet Factory, Tysons Corner, Virginia. Photography: Chicville USA.
Sewing Room
Starting with a cramped and disorganized craft room, Mary Frazer set out to create a highly functional and inviting sewing room for a Warrenton, Virginia, client. Her plan organized the long, narrow area as a workspace on the right side with dual-height installations. A lower L-shaped countertop features a sewing area that accommodates her client’s two high-tech machines and a computer for intricate embroidery synchronization. The higher surface, used for laying out fabrics and pinning patterns, features storage below. The left side is reserved for more storage, along with a wrapping station. Frazer also addressed lighting, wire management, and workspace heights to create optimal ergonomics. Now that the homeowner can easily find the materials she needs, she can focus on work and creativity. Design: Mary Frazer, Closets by Design, Manassas, Virginia. Photography: Bob Narod.
On the Waterfront
James Beard Award-winning chef Fabio Trabocchi and Maria Trabocchi (Fiola, Fiola Mare) have set their sights on Maria’s native Spain at Del Mar, their new venture in District Wharf. Designed by Barcelona-based Lazaro Rosa Violan, the 11,900-square-foot restaurant features millwork, furnishings, and fixtures produced in Spain. Menu highlights include a raw bar, tapas, paella and dorade baked in a salt crust. 791 Wharf Street, SW; 202-525-1402. delmardc.com
Foggy Bottom Debut
Restaurateur Ashok Bajaj (Rasika) recently unveiled a larger version of Bindaas, his Cleveland Park hot spot, in DC’s Foggy Bottom. Like its little sister, the outpost focuses on Indian street fare with a menu by chef Vikram Sunderam including savory chaat, kebabs, curries, and wraps. With custom murals, graffiti and pendants resembling baskets, interiors by Projects Design Associates evoke the outdoor markets and alleyways of India. 2000 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW; 202-516-4326. bindaasdc.com
While on a shoot in her hometown of Oxford, Maryland, last October, photographer Karena Dixon paused to watch the sunset over the Tred Avon Yacht Club, and couldn’t resist capturing the spectacle as an osprey took flight. “This is one of my favorite locations for photos in Talbot County,” she says. “No matter the time of year, you can always count on a gorgeous sunset—and on lucky days, a sailboat race or two.”
