Gone are the vestiges of the dated French Country-style kitchen that came before this clean-lined, minimalist renovation. Designer Sarah Kahn Turner kept the narrow space as open as possible for a husband and wife who both love to cook. She anchored the dual ovens and refrigerator/freezer at the far end of the space, making way for a central island with storage and workspace on either side. Double sinks create separate and efficient zones for prep/clean-up and cooking. A coffee station tucked into the pantry next to the ovens keeps the Caesarstone countertops uncluttered.
The material selection started with handmade backsplash tile by Heath Ceramics. Says the wife, a San Francisco native, “Heath Tile has a quintessential mid-century look—and it originated north of San Francisco, so it reminds me of great times with family.”
Kitchen Design: Sarah Kahn Turner, Jennifer Gilmer Kitchen & Bath, Chevy Chase, Maryland. Contractor: Llaveroes Services LLC, Germantown, Maryland. Styling: Charlotte Safavi.
THE DETAILS Cabinets: qualitycabinets.com. Light Fixtures: illuminc.com. Dishwasher, Refrigerator, Freezer & Hood: mieleusa.com. Wolf Range & Double Ovens: fretz.com. Sharp Microwave Drawer: ferguson.com. Caesarstone Countertops: stoneandtileworld.com. Hardware: pushpullhardware.com. Duravit Fixtures: tsomerville.com.
The renovation of a drab and dreary bathroom turned it into a clean-lined oasis. The challenge facing designer Jonas Carnemark was finding a way to accommodate the large shower with multiple fixtures and the design elements his clients wanted without overpowering the modest space, which encompassed a dormer window facing the front yard.
A slender basin sink maintains a low profile over a bamboo towel holder. Above, a mirrored medicine cabinet contains internal lighting and outlets. A separate space to the left houses the WC.
To the right, Carnemark created an oversized shower with a cathedral ceiling and rain-shower fixture. A bench is tucked under the dormer window, which is protected from water by a panel of frosted glass.
A modern material palette prevails, from the quartz sink to the large-format porcelain tile that envelops the entire space and, says Carnemark, “creates congruous warmth throughout.”
Bath Design & Renovation: Jonas Carnemark, CKD, Carnemark design + build, Bethesda, Maryland.
THE DETAILS Floor & Wall Tile: architecturalceramics.com. Sink: silestoneusa.com. Sink, Shower Fixtures, Basin & Towel Rack: kohler.com/us. Medicine Cabinet: maax.com/en.
The redesign of an 1868 Georgetown row house paid homage to the building’s classic origins. Kitchen designer Paul Bentham and architects Ankie Barnes and Matthew Fiehn created a look that would not only reflect the home’s vintage but also make a strong design statement. The cabinetry is finished in black; a matching custom hood above the range creates a focal point under the room’s trio of windows. A white subway-tile backsplash, farmhouse sink and marble countertops lighten the darker tones, as do open shelves that highlight the backsplash behind them.
Bentham designed a large island, also with open shelving at one end, to create a spot for casual meals. Combining brass pendant lights and handcrafted nickel hardware from England, he says, “allowed us to stay up with the trends without being too trendy.”
Architecture: Ankie Barnes, FAIA, LEED AP; Matthew Fiehn, AIA, LEED AP, Barnes Vanze Architects, Washington, DC. Kitchen Design: Paul Bentham, Jennifer Gilmer Kitchen & Bath, Chevy Chase, Maryland. Builder: Falcon Construction, Rockville, Maryland. Stylist: Charlotte Safavi.
THE DETAILS Cabinetry: qualitycabinets.com. Hood: rangecraft.com. Speed Oven & Dishwasher: mieleusa.com. Range & Refrigerator: subzero-wolf.com. Fixtures: rohlhome.com. Hardware: horton-brasses.com.
This glass-enclosed bath suite, conceived as part of a whole-house renovation, is perched in the treetops of a Northwest DC property. The functional and minimalist design by Mary Douglas Drysdale features separate glass enclosures for the shower and WC, along with a soaking tub, dressing room, coffee station, private deck and even a workspace with a white-lacquered wood desk.
Drysdale instilled a sense of calm and order, deftly connecting the various spaces through a simple yet refined material palette of Thassos marble and matching Caesarstone. This clean, white backdrop also allows the outdoor colors to take center stage.
“I was concerned about privacy even though my client wasn’t,” admits Drysdale. “Our compromise was rollover shutters on windows facing the street side of the home.”
This luxurious suite, which replaced a mundane, 1950s-era bathroom, provides the homeowner with a true escape in her own house.
Interior & Bath Design: Mary Douglas Drysdale, Drysdale, Inc., Washington, DC. Builder: Falcon Construction, Rockville, Maryland.
THE DETAILS Thassos Marble: architecturalceramics.com. Glass: Ultra Clear through showerdoorexperts.com. Vanity: robern.com. Vanity Sink & Soaking Tub: dxv.com.
Empty nesters building a custom home in Bethesda envisioned a kitchen that would revolve around entertaining and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Architect Anne Decker and kitchen designer Sarah Kahn Turner crafted a sophisticated space that would meet these needs and more.
The window side of the kitchen focuses on food prep, with a cooktop and downdraft vent on the island. An adjacent wall of tall, white retractable doors conceals the refrigerator and freezer, a smoothie station with its own fruit-and-vegetable fridge and a steam oven. Opposite the window wall, a wet bar features cabinet doors bound in faux leather. A black-and-white color scheme with unlacquered brass accents creates a French industrial vibe. Hot-rolled-steel shelves echo the metal-frame windows.
Says Kahn Turner, “I love how each component completes the whole. Although there’s a lot going on, the finishes work in harmony.”
Kitchen Design: Sarah Kahn Turner, Jennifer Gilmer Kitchen & Bath, Chevy Chase, Maryland. Architecture: Anne Decker, AIA, Anne Decker Architects, Bethesda, Maryland. Builder: Gibson Builders, Washington, DC. Styling: Charlotte Safavi.
THE DETAILS Perimeter & Wet Bar Cabinetry: artcraftkitchens.com. Island Cabinetry: qcci.com. Cooktop, Downdraft Vent, Dishwasher, Steam & Convection Ovens: mieleusa.com. GE Monogram Microwave: ferguson.com. Refrigerators & Freezers: subzero-wolf.com. Countertops: countercollective.com. Metal Shelf Fabrication: akmetalfab.com. Chandelier: lindseyadelman.com. Bar Stools: rhmodern.com. Wallpaper: harlequin.uk.com.
Salsa is blaring and mojitos are flowing on the terrace at Colada Shop, a new DC café where Washingtonians normally on the move trickle in and out as slow as molasses.
This effect is exactly what co-founder Daniella Senior and her partners envisioned when they launched the shop’s first outpost in Sterling, Virginia, last year. “We wanted to create a place where you can hang out all day and have a quick snack, a coffee or a cocktail—not necessarily a whole meal,” explains Senior, who hails from the Dominican Republic. “I miss that so much.”
For inspiration, she and partner Juan Coronado visited Cuba, photographing the faded architecture, the scenery, and the people. Then they worked with Rebecca Bartlett, creative director of San Francisco’s Bartlett Brands, to distill their impressions into a look for the shop.
“Cement tiles were everywhere,” recalls Senior. “We played with all the textures and tried to make it slightly more modern—keeping that sense of nostalgia but in a fun way. We didn’t want to make space look too ‘Disneyland-ish.’”
The finished design incorporates vibrant tiles, weathered wood, and murals of Cuban women who left lasting impressions on the travelers. “They’ve had a harsh life but keep smiling,” says Senior.
The menu takes guests from morning café Cubano and cream-cheese pastelitos to savories such as meat and vegetarian empanadas, croquetas and Cuban sandwiches. Though the bar menus vary by location, DC’s cocktail list includes quenchingly good mojitos, daiquiris and piña coladas.
“The whole goal was to transport people,” says Senior. “We want you to forget you’re in DC.” coladashop.com.
TROPICAL ESCAPE From the beachfront pool to the tranquil spa and yoga for serenity, a soothing vibe prevails at Naman Retreat in Danang, Vietnam. Après swim, guest can hit the links at two neighboring golf courses or explore World Heritage Sites nearby. Accommodations include hotel rooms and private stone-and-bamboo villas. From $265; namanretreat.com
NEW YORK STATE OF MIND As part of a $180 million makeover, a new suite was built atop the InterContinental New York Barclay. Designed by Stonehill & Taylor, the 4,000-square-foot Harold S. Vanderbilt Sky Suite embraces the hotel’s opulent Federalist style throughout its two bedrooms, three baths, sitting area, and private terrace. From $25,000; intercontinentalnybarclay.com
CITY DEBUT The One Barcelona Hotel has opened in the city’s Eixample district. Designer Jaime Beriestain masterminded the interiors of the 89-room property, from public spaces finished in pale marble and oak to luxurious guest rooms featuring electric blinds and original artwork. A gym and rooftop terrace round out the action. From $336; hotelstheone.com
OUT OF MOROCCO Arroz—Mike Isabella’s latest venture, located in the Marriott Marquis Washington, DC—is earning rave reviews for its contemporary spin on the cuisines of Morocco and southern Spain. Interiors by Natalie Park Design Studio evoke Moorish style. Pictured, right, top and bottom: a sherry sour and aged-duck bomba rice. 901 Massachusetts Avenue, NW; 202-869-3300. arrozbymic.com
VIVE LA FRANCE Inspired by French-brasserie style, the new Le DeSales in Dupont Circle features oak beams, custom millwork and a white-stone bar (left). While the décor by Areetoon Jayanan Architecture & Interior Design creates a warm, inviting vibe, the menu focuses on classic French cuisine with a modern twist. Look for foie gras; crudités with anchovy and garlic Hollandaise; and cod with confit turnip, grapes, clams and mustard leaves. The extensive wine list includes nearly 30 options by the glass.1725 DeSales Street, NW; 202-506-6856. ledesales.com
FRESH CATCH An avid fisherman, chef Robert Wiedmaier casts a wide net at Siren (above), his new restaurant in The Darcy hotel near Logan Circle. He and executive chef John Critchley focus on raw-bar offerings, chilled poached seafood, ceviches, sashimi and caviar. With deep-blue leather banquettes (bottom) and mermaid murals, the interiors by StreetSense evoke the mystery of the sea. 1515 Rhode Island Avenue, NW; 202-521-7171. sirenbyrw.com
Kravet has teamed up with the Echo Design Group to create a new line of vibrant fabrics that brings a chic, summery aesthetic to any home near the shore. The Echo Ibiza Indoor/Outdoor Collection includes large-scale suzanis, ikats, paisleys, stripes and whimsical polka dots and mosaics in colorways that range from Tropical Lime, Tangelo and Sea Glass to neutrals such as Beach, Boardwalk, and Gull. The fabrics are designed to withstand heavy use and won’t fade in the sun. Available at the Kravet showroom in the Washington Design Center or via the website curatedkravet.com.
The second edition of Chesapeake Country celebrates the nation’s largest estuary and its environs with stunning images by photographer Lucian Niemeyer and insightful text by journalist Eugene L. Meyer. Brilliantly capturing the Chesapeake’s unique history and scenic towns, architecture, waterman culture, natural beauty and ecology, this volume is sure to inspire both long-time residents and visitors to the region. Abbeville Press, New York, New York, 2015; $49.95.
How do you accentuate a water view in your design projects?
When designing a waterfront home, my general philosophy is less is more. Views should always be the focal point. This is best accomplished in one of two ways.
You can either take your palette from the view beyond the space; incorporating blues, greens and sandy neutrals will lead the eye beyond the room to the outdoor environment. Using neutrals is another effective approach, particularly in a more contemporary design. By keeping the elements of the room simple and color to a minimum, you create a backdrop that allows the views to work as an ever-changing work of art. —Lisa Publicover, Lisa Publicover Interior Design, Annapolis, Maryland
Cabinets: Kitchen Encounters, Annapolis, Maryland. Builder: Riley Custom Homes, Annapolis, Maryland.
Move over, cornhole toss—there’s a new game hitting beaches and backyards. A cross between bocce and horseshoes, Rollors challenges players to roll wooden disks as close as they can to a goal. Air Force veteran Matt Butler, who developed the game between deployments, now consults fellow veterans on how to get their own inventions off the ground. The game, including six discs and two goals, is $49.95. rollors.com
With an eye on sustainability, what do you look for when selecting windows, siding and roof materials?
Building sustainably is made up of many small steps. Windows and doors should keep the conditioned air indoors and the weather outside. We look for U-factor and fenestration ratings to be close to best in class, and then we assess the sustainable materials from which they are built. All of these then need to be weighed against the actual performance of the product over the expected life of the home. Of course, the siding and roofing have the same priority factors.
With all the new products showing up on the market, it is important to be able to understand a product’s claims and, more importantly, its durability. We often end up passing over the newest products for truly environmentally responsible ones. Building sustainably results in a legacy home that will last for generations. —Raymond J. Gauthier, Lynbrook of Annapolis, Inc., Annapolis, Maryland
Architect: Steven Kahle Architects, Annapolis, Maryland.
Discuss the appeal of a beach-entry pool and the pros and cons of a saltwater pool.
Beach-entry pools serve many functions. For young families, having a shallow area for kids is nice. Beach-entry also allows bathers who want to lounge in shallow water to either sit right in the pool or bring in a chair and dangle their feet. In addition, features such as bubblers and jets can add interest to a beach-entry pool.
One of the greatest pros of a saltwater pool is what it does for your body. Swimmers with dry skin find a lot of relief in saltwater pools, which eliminate the hard effects of harsh chemicals in the water. However, salt water does cause certain types of metals and other materials to corrode faster. Typically, anything that is not stainless steel will have to be replaced sooner in a saltwater pool than a conventional one. The upfront costs can also be a deterrent. —James Londot, Vista Pro Landscape & Design, Davidsonville, Maryland
Describe the challenges and rewards of designing homes in the Chesapeake Bay region.
The superlative challenge is creating a unique piece of architecture that is site-specific. Each site is a microcosm of the natural beauty of the Chesapeake Bay: Earth, water, plants and all of life is there. Protecting this environment is an immensely challenging responsibility.
The rewards of the art of architecture are immeasurable and intoxicating. We get to explore the vast world of design with our clients; we indulge in the joy of invention every day. Together we get to create a unique place that balances the sublime power of nature with the comforting beauty of the home. —Chip Bohl, AIA, Bohl Architects, Annapolis, Maryland
Builder: Berliner Construction Company, Annapolis, Maryland.
Entrusted by long-time clients to design the grounds surrounding their new custom home in McLean, Charles Owen faced a dilemma in the backyard. “We started with a 30-foot slope going straight down,” recalls the principal of Fine Landscapes, who had to figure out how to establish a pool and grand outdoor living spaces on what he dubbed “a perfect sledding hill.”
Ultimately, Owen developed a plan to create a series of terraces built by hauling in truckloads of compactable fill. This multi-level scheme detailed an upper terrace containing a covered cabana with an outdoor TV, grill, bar and dining area; an infinity-edge pool faced by a built-in stone banquette with a central fire pit; a private spa below the pool; and an expansive lawn where the owners’ grandchildren can frolic. Each level gently slopes down to the next via steps made of fieldstone boulders from western Pennsylvania. “We tried to make it relatively effortless to go from one area to the next without noticeable changes in grade,” Owen explains. At the lawn level, the pool and terraced gardens are buttressed by curved retaining walls.
A waterfall spills over the pool edge into a spa concealed behind a stone retaining wall. “The spa is tucked into the hillside to afford privacy from the neighbors and to create more of a vista as one looks out over the swimming pool,” says Owen. An underground space beneath the terrace stores cushions and garden tools.
Fine Landscapes installed the two-and-a-half-acre garden while construction of the home—designed by architects Bulent Baydar and Gregory Palmer of Harrison Design—was underway so that the entire project would be completed at once. In his landscape design, Owen took inspiration from the stately, French Country-style stone residence. On the lawn, he created a boxwood parterre surrounding an antique Provençal fountain that he and his clients purchased on a trip to Paris. “I designed the garden to be viewed from the top down so you get to see the classic Palladian pattern from above,” he says. Surrounded by Madagascar vinca, Miss Kim lilacs planted on the four corners of the parterre impart a wonderful fragrance.
Owen’s horticultural palette delivers not only fragrance but also bursts of color throughout the seasons. A dwarf R.J. Montgomery spruces accents one corner of the pool. Descending toward the lawn, guests traverse steps enveloped in Creeping Jenny, Japanese iris and Happy Returns daylilies. Mounds of Rozanne geraniums carpet beds in blue flowers all summer long. And evergreens and crape myrtles screen the lawn from neighboring homes. “Most of the garden, except for the potted plants, is hybrid perennials to reduce upkeep,” says Owen.
Wheat’s Landscape, which maintains the property, plants the annual beds and pots and visits every 10 to 12 days during the summer months. Recently, the company also upgraded the home’s irrigation system. “As the landscape grew in and the plants matured, they were blocking watering heads. And some areas didn’t need as much water as they once did,” says Wheat’s account manager Matthew Gryskevich. “So we changed the nozzles and watering zones. Irrigation technology has advanced so an overhaul makes sense because there are new controllers and a lot of them can even run on WiFi.”
The owners love their outdoor spaces, which blend beautifully with the architecture of their home. The French Country aesthetic resonates with Owen, who sells antique garden elements that he imports from France out of a warehouse in Sterling, Virginia. “I lived in Paris as a kid and have always been fascinated with these items,” he says. “I like to work ornamental pieces into my designs. Whether it’s an antique fountain or a gate from the 1700s, these pieces create a sense of individuality for the client.”
Photographer George Brown is based in Alexandria.
ARCHITECTURE: BULENT BAYDAR, AIA, NCARB, and GREGORY PALMER, AIA, NCARB, Harrison Design, Washington, DC. BUILDER: Artisan Builders, McLean, Virginia. LANDSCAPE DESIGN: CHARLES OWEN, Fine Landscapes, Sterling, Virginia. LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE: MATTHEW GRYSKEVICH, Wheat’s Landscape,
Vienna, Virginia.
