Home & Design

Bygone Ways Artist Andrew Wyeth once said, “Pick a subject and go deep.” Washington-based photographer Maxwell MacKenzie has done just that with his images depicting abandoned barns and homesteads in his native Minnesota, created over a period of 35 years.

“Go Deep,” a current show at Cross MacKenzie Gallery in Georgetown, presents dozens of these photographs, including “Everts Township with Bird” (pictured), revealing the stark, faded beauty of these relics of the past amid swathes of empty fields and sweeping prairie. On view through March 30. 1675 Wisconsin Avenue, NW, DC. crossmackenzie.com

Poetry in Wood Tom Moser, the founder of Thos. Moser, Handmade American Furniture, will sign copies of his fifth book, Legacy in Wood (Down East Books, Lanham, Maryland; 2015), at the company’s Georgetown showroom on April 23 from 1 to 4 p.m.

Moser will also unveil his newest creation, the Auburn Chair, inspired by a simple cafeteria chair he spotted on a ferry from Maine to Nova Scotia. The Auburn—available in walnut or cherry and as a chair or stool—features a curved back that supports the lumbar in two directions. “It’s my most comfortable solid-wood chair yet,” says the designer. 1028 33rd Street, NW; thosmoser.com.

Out of the Ruins Long before the recent decades of war and destruction, Kabul’s Old City was a hub on the ancient Silk Road, blending artistic traditions from India, Persia and Central Asia. In 2006, Turquoise Mountain, a charity formed by Britain’s Prince Charles and then-Afghan president Hamid Karzai, rescued the historic arts district in Afghanistan’s capital from the brink of destruction. After restoring centuries-old buildings and rebuilding infrastructure, the group now provides vocational training in woodwork, calligraphy, ceramics, jewelry-making, and gem-cutting for a new generation of Afghan artisans. Crafts produced in the district are sold online and in partnerships with style icons such as Kate Spade and British jewelry designer Pippa Small.

From March 5 to January 29, 2017, DC-area residents can experience Kabul’s Old City vicariously through “Turquoise Mountain: Artists Transforming Afghanistan,” an exhibit at the Freer Gallery of Art and Arthur M. Sackler Gallery. The show is centered on a mock caravanserai—a courtyard-style gathering place for Silk Road travelers—built on site with more than three tons of hand-carved Himalayan cedar. In addition to interactive displays, visiting Afghan artisans will highlight the exhibit by leading demonstrations and family-focused workshops. Their wares will be sold in the gift shop.

The show “demonstrates the power of art and culture to tell the story of artistic creativity, resilience, and hope,” said gallery director Julian Raby. “This is a powerful moment meant to transcend the headlines of war and conflict.”

For information and an exhibit schedule, visit asia.si.edu. turquoisemountain.org

Paradigm Shift The 25 multi-family projects architect Suzane Reatig has designed in Shaw—until recently, one of DC’s most disenfranchised neighborhoods—affirm the notion that affordability and design excellence can go hand in hand. Reatig’s new monograph, A Clear View: How Glass Buildings in the Inner City Transformed a Neighborhood (available at reatig.com), documents her paradigm-shifting work. Here, Reatig reflects on the trail she has blazed.

How has your work influenced Shaw’s renaissance?
We started 25 years ago, when buildings were boarded up and had bars on the windows, giving a message: “This is a rough area; stay away.” By creating open and inviting buildings while also addressing safety and security, we took an active role in improving the neighborhood and presenting a new image to the community.

Regardless of budget, what common threads run through your work?
We design spaces we would want to live in ourselves, building from our experiences but constantly challenging the existing and testing the limits. Where possible, we explore the relationship between art, architecture and design. Our practice emphasizes the use of natural light and the blurring of lines between inside and outside to bring nature in. Quality of life and functionality are key, as are all aspects of sustainability.

What has been your greatest obstacle in Shaw?
Historic preservation is about preserving and respecting authenticity; it should be democratic and not restrict innovation and creativity in new construction. It has been a challenge to convey to the public and to municipal boards that a building revolves around how people want to live today—that it’s not just an architectural shape or style.

What excites you most about architectural changes underway in DC?
It’s exciting to see young, creative people and businesses moving to the city, contributing to its transformation as a global cultural center. While growth and change are important, social context, diversity and affordable housing must be considered to maintain Washington’s unique cultural history and identity. Designing for the future, to include both new and existing residents, will make DC one of the most desirable, energetic and creative hubs in the U.S.

Rooms With a View Ship-Shape Finish A 1950s cottage on the Severn River near Annapolis had undergone several renovations before its current owners tapped Hammond Wilson to orchestrate a complete makeover and better showcase the property’s dramatic views. Designed with kitchen designer Sandy Payne, the new kitchen does just that. Double islands are oriented toward a wall of windows overlooking the river. The design team painted Tedd Wood cabinetry in two custom colors; Caesarstone tops the working island while walnut on the island bar evokes the interior of a yacht.

Renovation Architecture: Leo Wilson, AIA, LEED AP, and Marshall Harris, project designer, Hammond Wilson, Annapolis, Maryland. Kitchen Design: Sandy Payne Design, Annapolis, Maryland. Renovation Contractor: Pyramid Builders, Annapolis, Maryland. 

Eternal Style When it comes to art and design, there’s no underestimating the power of a strong image.

Designer Raji Radhakrishnan underscored this notion on several occasions while decorating a client’s new two-bedroom apartment in DC’s stately Kalorama neighborhood. A public health advisor for a non-profit agency who frequently travels to developing countries, the owner had a few simple goals in mind. She wanted a soothing retreat where she could recharge after months on the road. And she needed help combining the beloved paintings, sculptures, and photographs she’d collected all over the world.

“My client has a lot of great pieces but was never able to display them,” the designer explains. “She had them packed in the same boxes she bought them in years ago.”

In her approach to the décor, Radhakrishnan bridged styles, centuries and continents, creating interiors that respect the past in boldly modern ways. Though the condo has an open plan that combines living, dining and kitchen areas in one space, its sleek new building is surrounded by Federal-style and Beaux Arts architecture. “I wanted to bridge the gap between the historical district and the fact that it’s a contemporary space,” the designer says.

The designer also studied her client’s art collection, which ranges from ancient to modern. “She’s got sculptures from India, Cambodia, Africa, Indonesia and many other places,” Radhakrishnan notes. “To complete the story, what was missing was Europe—and that’s how the mural came into the picture.”

Poring over hundreds of photographs she’s taken on her own global journeys, Radhakrishnan zeroed in on one of an 18th-century painting by French artist Louis-Léopold Boilly entitled “Young Woman Ironing.” The image would become what Radhakrishnan describes as her “linchpin to Europe,” as she and her client decided to make it a focal point in the living room.

But rather than displaying the work in a classical way, Radhakrishnan applied her own techniques: enlarging, cropping and color-correcting the photograph to achieve a fresh, timeless look. Later printed in a lab and hung like wallpaper, the mural is now the first thing guests see when they enter the residence. Says Radhakrishnan, “We needed something like that to draw you in and soften the contemporary side a bit.”

Throughout the apartment, she combined new, old and vintage pieces while emphasizing the property’s simple, modern architecture to avoid clutter. “I wanted the shell to be quiet, which allows you to do whatever you want on top of it,” she explains. Pale cream walls and drapery, greige floors and a carpet from Radhakrishnan’s newly launched rug collection provide the simple backdrop needed to set the stage for a carefully edited selection of furniture and art.

Vintage sofas from Spain cohabitate with a sculptural Hans Wegner chair in the living room. “All of these pieces were very thoughtfully picked out,” says the designer. “Brass tables soften other contemporary pieces with a golden glow.” An oblong dining table of Radhakrishnan’s design is large enough to accommodate family gatherings.

She selected artwork sparingly, suggesting that her client rotate pieces rather than showcase too much at a time. “I had to set the pieces apart in a way that gives them space to breathe,” she explains as she points out a bronze replica of a 16th-century sculpture of the Indian goddess Uma, mounted on a modern pedestal beside the living room mural. “There’s just enough negative space between them so that they actually can have a good conversation.”

In the master bedroom, comfort was first and foremost. “I wanted her to sleep in a bed that feels like a cloud,” says Radhakrishnan, who suggested luxurious, all-white bedding offset by a calm gray palette.

Tapping into the travel theme again to find a statement piece for the room, she honed in on an etching of fountains at Versailles in one of her many art books. The designer enlarged and colored the bookplate image to create a large mural with a silver gelatin effect. A third mural depicting ancient cave drawings in India adorns the powder room.

Such powerful images helped designer and client weave together past and present and East and West. Peaceful and alluring, the now-completed residence pays homage to modern and classical beauty.

As she reflects on how it all played out, Radhakrishnan concludes, “The vision was quite simple to me: It’s a travel story. If you can find the heart of that story, the vision comes automatically.”

Photographer Rikki Snyder is based in New York City. 

INTERIOR DESIGN: RAJI RADHAKRISHNAN, Raji RM & Associates, Washington, DC, and New York, New York.

RESOURCES

LIVING AREA—Sofas: Client’s collection. Rug: rajirm.com/rugs (coming in January 2016). Jean Prouvé Chair: vitra.com through yliving.com. Hans Wegner Chair: 1stdibs.com. Drapery Fabric: robertallendesign.com. Brass Tables: controlbrand.com. Floor Lamps: sergemouilleusa.com. Mural: rajirm.com.

DINING AREA—Custom Table: rajirm.com. Vintage Chairs: andreuworld.com. Console: Client’s collection.

KITCHEN—Cabinetry: Custom. Corian Countertops: dupont.com. Backsplash: Carrara marble. Refrigerator: subzero-wolf.com. Hood: bosch-home.com/us.

MASTER BEDROOM—Bedding: scandiahome.com; sferra.comMural: rajirm.com. Credenza & Rug: Client’s collection. Drapery Fabric: robertallendesign.com. Vintage Chair: 1stdibs.com. Table Lamps: controlbrand.com.

Sleek + Contemporary Tired of their traditional builder-grade kitchen, a Chevy Chase couple approached interior designer Craig Embrey for help. They wanted additional storage and counter space and a sleek, modern look.

Working with kitchen designer Larry Rosen, whose firm supplied the cabinetry, Embrey devised a plan that would transform the space from bland to bold.

A new palette offsets dark espresso cabinetry with white Caesarstone countertops. Embrey bleached the original maple floors to blend with the new look. A large island provides plenty of workspace and room for informal meals. “I didn’t want to line the seats up like a diner,” says Rosen, so he created seating space on both sides of the island.

Streamlined cabinetry, extending from floor to ceiling, conceals storage and pantry space. “My client wanted to clean up the clutter,” says Embrey. “They have a clever cabinet with all their small appliances in it.”

A large Thermador hood creates a focal point. Equipped with an external box mounted on the side of the house, it barely makes a sound. Low-voltage recessed lighting illuminates the finished space.

The designers removed a knee wall separating the kitchen and an adjacent breakfast room (not pictured), which opens to a rear terrace through new glass doors. “I opened it up and made it all glass,” says Embrey. “In the morning, it’s gorgeous.”

INTERIOR DESIGN: CRAIG EMBREY, Joseph Craig Embrey Design, Chevy Chase, Maryland. KITCHEN DESIGN: LARRY ROSEN, Jack Rosen Custom Kitchens, Chevy Chase, Maryland. Contractor: ACD Remodeling, Rockville, Maryland.

All the Details
Cabinetry: Elmwood. Countertops: Caesarstone. Appliances: Thermador through Ferguson. Stools: Crate & Barrel. Faucet & Hardware: Union Hardware.

Going Organic Washington-based interior designer Vivian Braunohler has collaborated with kitchen designer Jennifer Gilmer so frequently over the years that there was no question the two would team up to create the kitchen in Braunohler’s vacation house on Nantucket. Though she loves her new home’s sleek, clean-lined interiors, Braunohler says, “I wanted the kitchen finishes to be warmer.”

The airy kitchen visually connects to the adjacent breakfast room, family room, and living room through large openings that emphasize the main level’s 18-foot cathedral ceilings. A functional layout places cabinetry and appliances in a U shape surrounding a large island clad in dark gray, hot-rolled steel. “It adds a soft, industrial look,” Gilmer explains, “and ties in with the oil-rubbed bronze sconces and cabinet hardware.”

White cabinets on the perimeter “keep it open and bright,” says Gilmer, who offset the cooktop cabinetry in wood so it resembles a piece of furniture. Under the cooktop, sliding doors open to pot-and-pan storage without blocking the passageway.

The designers integrated the hood into the design by covering it in drywall and commissioning a Nantucket artisan to coat it in a pale gray, waxed finish created using lime and pigments. A backsplash made of glazed tile from Morocco adds a touch of shimmer.

ARCHITECTURE: ANDREW KITCHEN, Workshop/apd, New York, New York. INTERIOR DESIGN: VIVIAN C. BRAUNOHLER, ASID, Braunohler Design Associates, LLC, Washington, DC. KITCHEN DESIGN: JENNIFER GILMER, CKD, Jennifer Gilmer Kitchen & Bath, Chevy Chase, Maryland.

All the Details
Cabinets: Premier Custom Built. Backsplash Tile: Renaissance Tile. Limestone Countertops: Stone Source. Ovens, Cooktop: Dacor. Pendants: Holly Hunt. Sconces: Palmer Hargrave. Custom Trough Sink: AK Metal. Custom Table: Balsamo Antiques. Chairs: Contemporary. Faucets: Waterworks.

 

Sense of Symmetry The distinctive X motif adorning the bespoke kitchen is just one example of the many custom details lavished on the renovation of an Alexandria home. Designer Chris Cahill orchestrated its kitchen/family room addition to provide the owners with plenty of room for entertaining and “an immense amount of storage.”

A strong sense of symmetry drove Cahill’s kitchen plan. A cook wall centers on a 48-inch Wolf range, flanked by cabinets and an integrated refrigerator and freezer on either end.

On the opposite wall, five doors replicate the design of the refrigerator/freezer panels. Four conceal pantry storage for everything from dishes and appliances to dry goods. Meanwhile, the center door opens to a butler’s pantry where the doors on antiqued-mirror china cabinets repeat the X motif. “Antiqued mirrors,” observes Cahill, “give brightness to space without showing everything that’s in a cabinet.”

In the center of the kitchen, the owners enjoy plenty of workspace on a long island with quartzite countertops. The custom cabinet color, Saturday Putty, was originally conceived by Cahill for the husband’s home office; the owners decided to carry the subtle, earthy shade into the kitchen as well.

A backsplash made of glazed tile installed in a herringbone pattern adds a final grace note. Says Cahill, the tile “lends sparkle and makes the kitchen come alive.”

KITCHEN DESIGN/BUILD & CABINETRY: CHRIS CAHILL, Cahill Design Build, Olney, Maryland. INTERIOR DESIGN: MARIKA MEYER, Marika Meyer Interiors, Bethesda, Maryland.

All the Details
Countertops: R. Bratti. Pendant Lights: Urban Electric. Chandelier: Avrett LightingFlooring: Select Floors. Tile: Renaissance Tile. Stools: Woodbridge Furniture. Dining
Chairs:
Century Furniture.

 

Miami On the Bay An Annapolis couple embarked on a kitchen makeover as part of a renovation by interior designer Katalin Farnady. “Their mission was to have a house that could easily be placed in Miami,” Farnady explains. They also requested an oversized island for casual meals and lounge seating.

By gutting and bumping out the kitchen, which overlooks the South River, Farnady and kitchen designer Tracy McGuinness started with a large, blank slate. “The flexibility was a luxury, but also a challenge,” McGuinness recalls. They devised a T-shaped island that combines workspace with a custom dining table. Along with a sculptural light fixture, the island delineates cooking, dining and seating zones without blocking views.

High-gloss white cabinetry and marble floors convey a Miami vibe, while dark wood cabinets anchored by a wine tower on one side and a refrigerator on the other provide contrast. The cabinetry wraps around to a pantry in a passageway to the dining room.

“The charcoal, taupe and white are reminiscent of the colors you see out the window on a cloudy day,” says McGuinness. “And they’re a neutral foil to the owner’s modern art.”

Farnady warmed the space with textural backsplash tile and crushed velvet-covered chairs in the seating area. Thrilled with the new look, the owners recently threw a party in the kitchen to celebrate its debut. The theme, of course, was “Miami white.”

INTERIOR DESIGN: KATALIN FARNADY, Allied ASID, Farnady Interiors, Annapolis, Maryland. KITCHEN DESIGN: TRACY MCGUINNESS, AKBD, Kitchen Encounters, Annapolis, Maryland. CONTRACTOR: CitySpace Solutions, Annapolis, Maryland.

All the Details
Cabinetry: Elmwood Fine Custom Cabinetry. Corian & Cambria Countertops: In-Home Stone. Wolf Cooktop, Z-Line Hood, Miele Ovens, Thermador Wine Tower: The Appliance Source. Sofa & Lounge Chairs: Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams. Flooring: Porcelanosa. Backsplash: Daltile.

 

Indulgences Fashion Shades of Gray  

Steven Alan’s latest men’s collection takes inspiration from humble handmade ceramics and home furnishings. Highlights include the Hans Oversized Sweater ($345), the Oliver Pant ($295) and the Copper Scarf ($198). In Georgetown at 3319 Cady’s Alley, NW; 202-333-0250. stevenalan.com

Big City Scent  

Bond No. 9’s New York Oud blends the resin of the tropical agar tree (also known as oud) with hints of saffron, orange zest and patchouli. It’s one of the company’s many unisex fragrances. $370 for a 100 ml bottle. bondno9.com

Eye Candy  

These polycarbonate sunglasses by Porsche Design fold down to pocket size. Shown in Titan, the anti-reflection shades offer complete UV protection. $550; porsche-design.us

Test of Time
Worn by Steve McQueen in the 1971 classic Le Mans, the Monaco automatic chronograph by Tag Heuer looks just as current today. Fitted with a durable sapphire crystal, it is water-resistant to depths of 100 meters. $8,700. bloomingdales.com

Indulgences Toys Italian Style
A highlight of Alfa Romeo’s return to the U.S., the brand’s 2017 Giulia Quadrifoglio combines luxury, performance and sculptural, athletic lines. Equipped with a 505-horsepower bi-turbo V-6 engine, the sedan speeds from 0 to 60 mph in 3.8 seconds. Wrapped in ultra-premium leather, its interior boasts 3-D navigation and a Formula 1-inspired steering wheel. Look for a mid-2016 U.S. debut. $70,000; alfaromeousa.com

Good Vibrations
MSound spherical speakers by Hastings Tile & Bath amplify sound from any smartphone using passive vibration, eliminating the need for wires or electrical input. With its ceramic, water-resistant body, MSound is a perfect solution for bringing music to bathrooms, home spas, and outdoor environments. $895; an optional stainless-steel stand is $795 extra; hastingstilebath.com

Fast Track
Ski-Doo’s two-person Grand Touring SE brings speed, innovation, and comfort to the snowmobiling set. Its rear suspension lets riders negotiate all kinds of terrain, while adjustable skis adapt to a range of conditions. The model’s SilentDrive system reduces noise and vibration. Backrest and handles are adjustable and dual-heated seats keep riders warm. From $13,899; ski-doo.com

Indulgences Food DC DEBUT

Award-winning chef Michael Schlow envisioned a stylish, mid-century cocktail party when he conceived The Riggsby, his new restaurant in the Carlyle Hotel. Interiors by Brian Miller of Edit Lab at Streetsense feature an inviting bar, a dining room with leather booths and brass finishes and American fare with a European twist. Think steak frites. 1731 New Hampshire Avenue, NW; 202-787-1500. theriggsby.com

LOVE NOTES

Chocolates from Artisan Confections are sure to kindle Valentine’s Day romance. Launched by Culinary Institute of America graduate Jason Andelman in 2006, the company creates handmade sweets using Valrhona chocolate and other top-flight ingredients—but no preservatives. Virginia locations in Clarendon and Mosaic District; artisanconfections.com

A NEW LOOK

The Source by Wolfgang Puck recently renovated its lounge and dining room with help from L.A. designer Waldo Fernandez. Custom furniture blends mid-century and Asian styles. To go with the new look, executive chef Scott Drewno introduced new menus, including a hot pot experience served at a special table. 575 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW; 202-637-6100. wolfgangpuck.com

Indulgences Travel Tropical Escape  

Set on French St. Martin’s Baie Longue, Belmond La Samanna caters to sun worshippers and active types alike. Those who can tear themselves away from the beach can play tennis, enjoy a spa treatment or embark on a snorkeling trip. Rates from $595 for a standard room to $3,395 for a three-bedroom cottage with private terrace. belmond.com

Austin Getaway

Hotel Ella in the Texas capital has restored the charm of a century-old Greek Revival home that was decorated in 1925 by Stanley Marcus of Nieman Marcus fame. Among its 47 guest rooms are Mansion Petite Suites featuring custom-designed furniture and French doors opening to a veranda. From $219. hotelella.com

Viva Las Vegas

Chef Alain Ducasse’s recently unveiled Rivea restaurant in the Delano Las Vegas serves modern French-Italian fare. Designed by Paris-based Patrick Jouin and Sanjit Manku, the main dining room boasts mahogany banquettes, a chandelier made with 15,000 spheres of hand-blown Murano glass and an illuminated “wave wall” that evokes the Mediterranean Sea. Rates from $200. delanolasvegas.com

Cachet New Direction A collection designed by Brown Davis Interiors and crafted by Indiana-based artisan Keith Fritz is bucking convention in the world of bespoke wood furniture. Tables, consoles, and nightstands are customized from exotic species that have been infused with color in a proprietary process that preserves the wood’s natural grain. “It’s not painted or stained,” explains Fritz. “It’s much like the way fabrics are dyed.”

The furniture designs fill a void Rob Brown and Todd Davis saw in the marketplace. “It has to do with the juxtaposition of clean lines and attention to detail,” explains Brown. From elegant emerald to sexy aubergine, he says, the palette “adds new energy to a room, whether it’s traditional or contemporary.”

The DC- and Miami-based designers have often collaborated with Fritz since meeting him in 1999. “I showed them pictures of furniture I had made in high school,” recalls Fritz. “Todd said, ‘If you could build a Bombay Chippendale secretary at 16, we’re sure you can build things for our clients.’” Before he knew it, Fritz had landed commissions to create two tables and a console for the Clintons’ DC and New York residences—both of which were designed by Brown Davis. Says Fritz, “Rob and Todd are amazing to work with and bring out the best in me.”

Their collection is available at New York’s John Rosselli & Associates (samples are on view), as well as at Michael-Cleary in DC. browndavis.com; keithfritz.com

Cachet Shop Talk After closing its Georgetown showroom in 2013, Ann Sacks, purveyor of fine tile, stone, plumbing, lighting, and accessories, will open a new location in DC’s Logan Circle on January 11, 2016.

“We consider Washington, DC, to be a key market for our brand because of its internationally diverse population,” says Ann Sacks president Ted Chappell. “Washington celebrates and preserves many different elements of design through its numerous architectural landmarks and beautifully landscaped public spaces.”

The state-of-the-art, 1,944-square-foot showroom will feature a digital media wall with a 65-inch screen that rotates designers’ installation images and videos. Vignettes and 448 tile designs will be showcased in an open floor plan for easy traffic flow. Also available: products by Kallista (left) and Robern which, like Ann Sacks, are divisions of Kohler Co. 1629 14th Street, NW. annsacks.com

HOME&DESIGN, published bi-monthly by Homestyles Media Inc., is the premier magazine of architecture and fine interiors for the Washington, DC, Maryland and Virginia region.

The company also publishes an annual H&D Sourcebook of ideas and resources for homeowners and professionals alike. H&D Chesapeake Views is published bi-annually and showcases fine home design and luxury living in and around the Chesapeake Bay.

The H&D Portfolio of 100 Top Designers spotlights the superior work of selected architects, interior designers and landscape architects in major regions of the US.

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