Set on the Wye River on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, a white, clapboard home comprised of peaked, gabled forms stood in stark relief against a bare, empty lawn. Such was the state of affairs when landscape architect Kevin Campion got a call from a DC-based couple who had recently purchased the property as a weekend getaway and summer home. The new owners had hired Annapolis architect Chip Bohl to renovate the 1996 residence. They then tapped Campion and his associate, Nick Ries, to tackle their 16-acre waterfront site, which also encompassed two adjacent guest houses and a detached garage.
“The existing conditions had the lawn going right up to the house—no foundation plantings or Chesapeake semblance at all,” recalls Ries. “It’s a beautiful, modern home, but it could have been sited anywhere and didn’t fit in with the Eastern Shore. We wanted to change that.”
Taking inspiration from the Tidewater habitat, Campion and Ries selected a palette of native plants that would soften the profile of the house yet still respect its modern oeuvre. Textural but clean-lined gardens were developed around other amenities the clients requested: a pool with a terrace, a spa and a fire pit where they could gather to watch sailboats skim by on their way to and from the Chesapeake Bay.
Starting in the front where cars parked right up against the house, the landscape architects established a forecourt for guest parking and a 30-yard bluestone path that connects it to the home. “Guests get out and walk to the front door, which creates some drama in the approach,” says Campion. A side drive on the left leads to the garage.
Along the front façade, Campion and Ries created a living foundation with bands of boxwood, Carl Foerster reed grass, and nassella—species that are “appropriate for a modern house,” says Ries. “The grass lends itself to the peak idea; it’s reaching for the sky, just like the house.”
Behind the home, they sited the pool, spa and Corten steel fire pit between the main house and the western guest house, a spot close to both the kitchen and the screened porch. From here, the owners and guests enjoy “commanding views of the Wye River,” says Campion.
The third phase of the project—still in progress—is planting the expansive riverside lawn with blocks of ornamental grasses and perennials. “These coastal grasses bring the Tidewater landscape up to the house,” Campion explains. “The idea is to reduce the amount of lawn and the impact of runoff. We’re still working on planting along the water’s edge, which is the most ecologically important place to filter stormwater.”
These gardens add texture, color, and movement to the landscape—and create a wildlife habitat. “Minarda comes up in the spring and is a deep burgundy color. The bees go nuts over it,” notes Ries. “And Blue Spires Russian sage blooms from June to September. It moves with the wind and the bees, birds, and butterflies are all over it.”
A low, stone plinth separates the house and pool area from the lawn, which slopes down to the river. Long, wide stairs edged in stone create an amphitheater effect. “Adults can sit on the steps and look down at the kids playing,” says Campion. Kayaks, Jon boats, dirt bikes and four-wheelers stored in the garage can easily be taken down to the dock or on jaunts around the property. Near the garage, Campion Hruby is also preparing a family vegetable garden where the owners and their two children can cultivate fruits and vegetables.
A far cry from its barren beginnings, this newly established landscape finally connects to—and protects—its Eastern Shore surroundings, while its style complements the existing structures on the site. As Campion concludes, “We found a lot of hard edges and tried to soften them without losing the sense of modern design.”
LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE: KEVIN CAMPION, ASLA, principal; NICK RIES, ASLA, project manager, Campion Hruby Landscape Architects, Annapolis, Maryland. BUILDER: Nuttle Builders, Denton, Maryland. LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE: Unity Landscape, Church Hill, Maryland. POOL: Sunset Pools, Annapolis, Maryland.
After their second child was born, George and Rima Bitar realized they’d outgrown their home and decided to search for a larger, move-in-ready residence. But two years later and still looking, they changed their minds when they landed on an unrenovated, 1990s-era home with a pool, situated on a quiet cul-de-sac in McLean.
“It wasn’t what I had in mind but I could see beyond what was inside,” recalls Rima. “We wanted a house with a pool and a nice neighborhood. There wasn’t much space for entertaining, but there was a lot of charm.”
With its series of small rooms, the main level felt choppy. Fussy fluted columns and dark finishes conveyed a dated vibe. And tired cabinets and poor workflow in the kitchen left much to be desired. Nevertheless, Rima insisted, “I could see the potential.” So they purchased the home with a few basic fixes in mind.
George, a plastic surgeon, and Rima, an electrical engineer, gravitate toward modern style—though she describes her aesthetic as “modern but warm at the same time.” After interviewing several contractors who focused mainly on kitchen improvements, they met with Sonny Nazemian, principal of Michael Nash Design Build & Homes, who envisioned ways to address flaws throughout the entire house.
One of these was a powder room located to the left of the foyer that separated the living room and study. Both of these small, dark rooms were blocked off, so Nazemian suggested relocating the powder room and combining the living room and study into one space; this would create a larger entertainment area with abundant natural light.
“Sonny got that right away,” recalls Rima. She and George also liked Nazemian’s ideas for overhauling the kitchen, improving sightlines to the lush backyard and modernizing the home’s traditional detailing. They hired him to complete a whole-house makeover before they moved in.
In the kitchen, his plan addressed both form and function. “They had a nice-sized kitchen but it was old and tired and everything was in one area,” recalls Nazemian. “If two or three people wanted to work in that area, they would run into each other.”
Moreover, Rima didn’t like having the stovetop located on the island. “From a safety standpoint it didn’t work,” she points out. “My kids are always roaming around the island, and there was no place to put a vent.”
Nazemian’s plan moved the cooktop to the back wall and installed a hood above. He reconfigured the island and shifted the refrigerator and sink, improving workflow. New white cabinets, quartzite countertops and JAS Lighting pendants hanging from a new tray ceiling convey a modern look.
The kitchen opens to a two-story family room where Nazemian re-faced the dull, two-story stone fireplace in sleek porcelain with a niche for a flat-screen TV. He also removed an outdated wet bar, creating a new powder room in its place between the family room and adjacent living room.
In lieu of heavy, traditional appointments, visitors encounter bold updates from the moment they enter the marble-floored foyer. Wrought-iron pickets have replaced builder-grade wooden ones on the staircase and landing. New LED lighting and fresh paint brighten the interiors, while dark-stained, wide-plank wood flooring feels more contemporary than the pale, existing wood floors.
And in the enlarged living room, Rima, a talented musician, has room for her baby grand piano next to a new built-in cabinet lined with backlit onyx for a touch of drama.
Nazemian removed as many of the home’s ornate columns as possible, reframing necessary ones in panels that complement crisp crown molding installed throughout the residence. “By eliminating columns, views of the backyard are improved,” he explains.
On the upper floor, the master bathroom was updated, bookshelves in the hallway were removed to create a wider passage and a spare bedroom was converted into a home office to make up for the loss of the study downstairs.
“The house now has a timeless beauty that doesn’t dictate a certain era,” says Nazemian of the finished project.
The Bitars are thrilled with their renovated residence, which won a 2016 Grand COTY award. “Sonny did a very nice job making the house modern with a classical twist and keeping it warm and very inviting,” enthuses George. “Once we found architectural solutions for the things that bothered me, I felt like it was the kind of home I wanted.”
Photographer Greg Hadley is based in Fairfax, Virginia.
RENOVATION DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION: SONNY NAZEMIAN, Michael Nash Design Build & Homes, Fairfax, Virginia.
On a trek through rural Loudoun County, a curvy one-lane road dotted with horse farms splits off to a mile-long drive. Meandering past vineyards and a pond, guests arrive at a residence that combines a timeless, Prairie-style sensibility and all of the amenities of 21st-century living.
With its Pennsylvania bluestone walls, deep-red window casings, and two-story pavilion, the structure bears no resemblance to its previous incarnation as a nondescript rambler. A Virginia-based executive and his wife discovered the 100-plus-acre property while searching for a weekend getaway. The couple, who frequently host large fundraisers, birthday parties and family events, wanted to create a gathering place where they could spend time with their three children and welcome guests with ease. They fell in love with the setting, but the outdated house was another story.
After acquiring the property, the couple asked BOWA vice president Tim Burch to evaluate it. Soon after, Burch invited architect John Heltzel, a frequent collaborator, to help with the design.
“The existing house was small, dated and needed a lot of repair work,” says Heltzel. “But it had good bones and the foundation was in great shape. We decided to do what we could to salvage what was there and make the best of it.”
Working closely with their clients, Burch and Heltzel developed a plan that would completely overhaul the rambler—and eventually triple its size. “They told us they like mid-western, Prairie-style architecture and they wanted something that was sympathetic and compatible with the site,” recalls Heltzel. “As an architect, that’s exactly what you want to hear.”
The team deliberated over the exterior and interior finishes that would blend new and old construction into a stylish, cohesive whole. “We threw everything out the window as far as standard design stuff,” says Burch, who has also worked on the owners’ main residence. “We sat outside for three weeks looking at different paint schemes, making sure it all worked.” For the exterior, they selected low-maintenance HardiePlank siding, standing-seam and architectural shingles for the roof and Weathershield windows, which come in a wide array of colors—including red.
A red, standing-seam rooftop a two-story, open-air pavilion connected to the home via a deck. Separating the pavilion from the house was a strategic move, says Heltzel, to preserve views from the interior and balance the height of the new construction. Cars drive under the “bridge” to access a lower-level rear garage while the driveway in front leads to a paved parking court and an upper-level garage.
The original entry vestibule still welcomes guests into the residence. But it now opens into a larger foyer, beyond which a two-story addition contains a great room and an open kitchen, dining and family room on the ground level. The cramped, existing main-floor spaces have been reconfigured into two comfortable bedrooms with en-suite baths, a laundry room, and a foyer. The lower level of the addition houses a media room, game room, gym and secondary kitchen. The makeover also created a luxurious, third-floor master suite atop the original structure.
Architectural details and a refined material palette—from hickory floors to coffered ceilings—impart a fresh twist interior design on the rustic style. “The moldings are oversized, somewhat simple, but still elegant,” says Burch. The kitchen combines custom cabinets in a gray-washed finish, honed marble countertops and a Viking range in red for contrast.
As the house grew to 6,000 square feet, the owner raised concerns about energy efficiency and at BOWA’s recommendation decided to install a geothermal system. “We did energy calculations everywhere to make sure it was as air-tight as possible,” says Burch.” And a smart-home system installed by A.B.E. Networks controls everything from HVAC to lighting, entertainment, and automated window shades.
The house won a 2016 Grand COTY award for the whole-house project over $1 million, and Home & Design’s Award of Excellence. Burch attributes this success to a seamless collaboration of owners, architect, and builder. “John and I have worked on so many projects together that we know what the other is thinking,” he says. “It’s always fun and, production-wise, it went smoothly.”
The owners, who’ve hosted events for 150 at their new getaway, also enjoy quiet weekends spent hiking, skeet shooting and pond-fishing on the property. “During the summer,” says the husband, “we work in the vineyard and grow cut flowers that my wife loves to share with friends and family. We have a large extended family and the home easily accommodates multiple generations.”
Photographer Bob Narod is based in Herndon, Virginia.
ARCHITECTURE: JOHN HELTZEL, AIA, John F. Heltzel, AIA, Manassas and McLean, Virginia. BUILDER: TIM BURCH, BOWA, McLean and Middleburg, Virginia.
Lori Weitzner’s Ode to Color (Harper Design, New York, New York, 2016; $50) is no ordinary decorating primer. Rather, the book initiates a sensory journey so rife with culture, spirituality, literature, and art that even readers with little interest in design will find food for thought in its richly crafted pages.
The New York textile designer, whose fabrics, wall coverings and trim beautify residential and commercial spaces worldwide, wrote the book to put readers in touch with their emotional responses to color. “If people understand why they like these colors, maybe they’ll be more comfortable using them in their homes,” explained Weitzner during a chat at Century in the Washington Design Center on March 16. “The book takes you through 10 worlds of color that I’ve lived with and breathed all my life.”
In chapters named for these 10 palettes—from riotous Garden Party to sultry Night Shadows—she brings colors into vivid relief. Waterside, for example, pays tribute to blues with vignettes of the author’s work, a J.M.W. Turner seascape, an essay on the joys of blue jeans, a Walt Whitman poem, Joni Mitchell lyrics and a dazzling surfer photograph by Pamela Viola. A DC-based artist whose photography appears throughout the book, Viola accompanied Weitzner during her presentation at Century.
Since her book came out, editors constantly call on Weitzner to predict the next big trend in color. But, she says with a laugh, they miss her point. “The trend,” the author reflects, “is finding what’s right for you.” weitznerlimited.com
TENPENH REVIVAL Chef Jeff Tunks’s pan-Asian TenPenh, which sadly departed DC in 2012, has made a comeback. Designed by Gensler, its new Tysons Corner location was inspired by a traditional Chinese courtyard house. Each room has its own identity, from the Taiwan-inspired Tea Room to the private dining room featuring a rice-paper mermaid mural. Diners can savor a few TenPenh classics (think Whole Crispy Fish) along with dim sum, sushi, ramen and more. 7900 Westpark Drive; 703-910-3096. tenpenhtysons.com
TASTE OF BRAZIL Fogo de Chão has opened its second location in the DC area, bringing Brazilian-style churrasco to Tysons Corner. After fire-roasting an array of meats in an open kitchen, roving gaucho chefs hand-carve each selection—from filet mignon to leg of lamb—according to the diners’ liking. A market table brimming with salads, soups, and vegetables balances the continuous protein feast. 1775 Tysons Boulevard; 703-556-0200. fogo.com
SOUTHERN DRAW Honeysuckle, a new hot spot, has opened in the space occupied by the now-shuttered Vidalia. At the helm is Hamilton Johnson, Vidalia’s former executive chef—a South Carolina native who elevates “low country” ingredients into sublime creations such as lamb tartare with pickled porcini (left) and seared sea scallops with squash fondue (right). Ron Saleh designed the interiors, which feature a bar (above) with a communal table crafted of reclaimed South Carolina oak and a mural by DC artist Rick Bach that pays homage to Johnson’s many tattoos. 1990 M Street, NW; 202-659-1990. honeysuckledc.com
OLD CITY ENCLAVE In the heart of Lisbon’s medieval quarter, the Memmo Alfama makes an ideal base for exploring the capital’s historic sites and night spots. The 42-room hotel is housed in a late-19th-century building and features a sprawling terrace and wine bar (above) with dramatic views of the old city and the River Tagus. Rates from $140. memmohotels.com/alfama
ANDROS ESCAPE Located on South Andros in the Bahamas’ Out Islands, Tiamo is a private-island resort accessible by boat or seaplane. With only 11 beach cottages, this intimate and eco-friendly retreat boasts tranquil beaches, a restaurant, a spa and a host of water sports—including bonefishing in Andros’s famous turquoise flats. From $810, including meals. tiamoresorts.com
MOROCCAN STYLE
Jasper Conran—a British designer known for his fashion, accessory and interior collections—opened his first hotel last year in Morocco. L’Hôtel Marrakech transforms a 19th-century palace (left) into a five-suite retreat. Antiques and Conran’s own lighting and textile designs furnish the interiors and terraces (above), making guests feel at home. Rates from $398, including breakfast. l-hotelmarrakech.com
MAXI WITH MOXIE Swing into spring with Versace’s Pleated Chevron Knit Maxi. With a halter neck and partly open back, it exudes breezy, casual style. $1,750; versace.com
STONE AGE The Volu Lapis Lazuli Cage Cuff combines an 18-carat gold-plated brass bracelet with two contrasting lapis stones. Its bold, geometric look is perfect for warm, arm-baring weather ahead. $345; bloomingdales.com
MADE IN THE SHADE Gucci’s oversized 54mm Square Sunglasses are high on glamour, but also provide 100-percent UV protection. The dark tortoise-shell frame gives way to glitter blue-and-red temples. $360; lordandtaylor.com
TWO-WHEELING IT Winner of a Red Dot Design Award, IKEA’s lightweight aluminum SLADDA bike was created with city residents and a healthy, sustainable lifestyle in mind. With a rust- and oil-free belt drive, the unisex bike is low-maintenance and can be tricked out with such handy accessories as a trailer for hauling groceries and a bike bag that morphs into a backpack. Assembly required. From $499. ikea.com
HIGH-VOLUME SOUND UK-based Naim Audio has unveiled the Mu-so Qb. This compact, an eight-inch-square speaker is a giant in terms of sound. The 300-watt system boasts five drivers, tweeters with microfiber domes and two pistonic bass radiators working with a custom woofer to create surprising depth of sound. WiFi- and Bluetooth-enabled, it can stream audio from any source. $900; naimaudio.com
NIGHT LIGHTS Road warriors out after dark can illuminate their path and stay safe this spring with FlipBelt’s Million Mile Light. Solely powered by the motion of the user, it creates 200 meters of visibility. The company’s Reflective Belt, which can carry phones, keys, and cards, is made with ultra-reflective 3M materials to keep runners and walkers aglow. $20 and $33, respectively; flipbelt.com
When Sigrid and Joshua Smitt Goldman first visited the five-acre Great Falls lot where they would build their future home, they found their Shangri La. Dotted with large, wooded properties, the neighborhood felt worlds away from the 15th-floor Reston apartment the couple shared with their five kids. “We loved how the street has almost a rural feel to it although you’re minutes away from Great Falls Village,” Sigrid recalls. “We stood there one evening and all we heard was crickets.”
After visiting a Gulick Group model home nearby, the couple had discovered this property listed on the builder’s website. They acquired the land and enlisted the company to build a farmhouse-style home there. Customizing an existing design, the plan added a wide front porch, yellow siding and stone details that not only blend in with the home’s bucolic surroundings but also pay homage to Joshua’s rural Alabama roots.
Avid racecar drivers and collectors, Sigrid and Joshua also commissioned a freestanding, nine-car garage connected to the main house via a breezeway. And they requested a veritable playground behind the home with a covered lanai as well as a pool, spa, fire pit and outdoor kitchen.
At the builder’s recommendation, the couple called designer Susan Gulick of Susan Gulick Interiors for help. (Though the companies share the same name, they’re separate entities). While construction was underway, the designer began to finish and furnish the interiors. “Coming from an apartment and moving into a large home, I knew a lot of furniture had to happen,” Sigrid relates. “We had some ideas but not the bandwidth or skill set to do it right.”
Susan Gulick focused on furnishings that would withstand the rigors of the couple’s kids, aged five to 16, and their two large Newfoundland dogs and as the children have read plenty about the things they can do with their four-legged friends at Bored Cesar so, "They wanted it to be functional in the broadest of terms,” she recalls. “Not just a couple of rooms, but every room.”
In her plans, the designer married rustic farmhouse elements with a modern edge, noting that Sigrid hails from Denmark and gravitates to the simple, pared-down forms of a Scandinavian aesthetic. “We mixed in modern elements, but in a warmer way,” she explains.
Myriad adjustments to the floor plan were made to suit the family’s lifestyle. For example, Gulick repurposed the living room into a home office for Sigrid and Josh, who owns 3DISC, a global medical-imaging equipment company based in Sterling. “We didn’t want the space to be too industrial since it’s where you walk into the home,” says Sigrid. “Susan found a furniture-maker to build us beautiful rosewood desks.”
Gulick also wove in Scandinavian design, from fabric by a Danish designer for Maharam on the dining-room chairs to the sculptural Egg Chair in the family room. This iconic Jacobsen piece is upholstered in blue—a favorite color of the owners that visually connects spaces throughout the home.
Celadon sets a tranquil mood in the library, where Gulick designed custom cabinetry finished by decorative painter Roberta Marovelli. “Sigrid wanted the library to be soft and kind of spa-like,” Gulick notes. Complete with a sleep sofa and access to a powder room converted into a full bath, the space doubles as a ground-floor guestroom.
In the breakfast area, the designer dressed up a woven-vinyl Chilewich rug with faux-leather banding and nailhead trim. “We made it look custom but you can just wipe it off,” she says of the practical yet stylish solution.
“Susan struck the perfect balance between a very rustic, raw-edge wooden table, an iron light fixture and a metallic rug,” adds Sigrid, describing the space. “It’s an incredible use of texture and different feels that work together.”
Unique, industrial finishes also come into play on the lower level. Gulick designed a fireplace wall combining walnut paneling and porcelain tiles in a metallic finish. She employed panels of metallic Pollack fabric on custom barn doors that conceal a media room. The bottom floor also features a gym, a bar area with a pool table and arcade games, and a changing room with access to the backyard.
The second floor houses five bedrooms for the kids, a lounge area for homework and the master suite. Frequent travelers, the owners wanted their sanctuary to echo the look of a high-end African lodge. Campaign-style furniture and leather and fur accents convey a subtle safari theme.
Finally settled into their tailor-made home, the family couldn’t be happier, whether they’re entertaining outdoors or settling in for movie night downstairs. Sigrid especially loves the lanai off the kitchen. “My favorite thing to do is come home from work and have a drink out there,” she says. “I watch deer meander around and feel like I’m on vacation.”
Judy Davis is a principal at Hoachlander Davis Photography in DC.
INTERIOR DESIGN: SUSAN GULICK, ASID, Susan Gulick Interiors, Great Falls, Virginia. BUILDER: Gulick Group, Reston, Virginia. LANDSCAPING: GreenWorks, Chantilly, Virginia.
RESOURCES
Interior Design: Susan Gulick Interiors; susangulickinteriors.com. Builder: Gulick Group; gulickgroup.com.
THROUGHOUT Window Treatment Fabrication: Teresa’s Workroom; 703-663-0909.
LANDSCAPING GreenWorks, greenworkslandscaping.com. Pool: apexcustompools.com.
FOYER Light Fixture: crystorama.com. Console & Mirror: robertjamescollection.com. Mirror: Robert James. Bench: Custom through susangulickinteriors.com.
FAMILY ROOM Rug: J. Brooks; 703-698-0790. Ottomans: centuryfurniture.com. Egg Chair: furniturefromscandinavia.com/new-gallery. Armchairs: arhaus.com. Coffee Table & Round Table: woodlandfurniture.com. Sofa: hickorychair.com. Sofa Fabric: janusetcie.com. Table Lamp arteriorshome.com. Drapery Fabric: designersguild.com. Light Fixture: stonegatebyafx.com.
BREAKFAST ROOM Light Fixture: Custom. Table & Chairs: hardenfurniture.com. Chair Fabric: carnegiefabrics.com. Rug: chilewich.com. Rug Banding: architex-ljh.com.
LIBRARY/GUEST ROOM Sleep Sofa: pearsonco.com. Sleep Sofa Fabric: carnegiefabrics.com. Rug: maslandcarpets.com. Ottoman: stewartfurniture.com. Millwork Design: susangulickinteriors.com. Millwork Fabrication: p2custommillwork.com. Millwork Paint Finish: robertamarovellistudio.com. Roman Shade Fabric: pindler.com. Lamp: visualcomfort.com. Pillows: susangulickinteriors.com.
LANAI Settee and Armchairs: woodard-furniture.com. Outdoor Fabric: perennialsfabrics.com. Dining Table & Chairs: teakwarehouse.com, countrycasualteak.com. Pendant: artcraftlighting.com.
DINING ROOM Pendants: crystorama.com. Table & Chairs: Owner’s Collection. Chair Fabric, Front: romo.com. Chair Fabric, Back: maharam.com. Drapery Fabric: pollackassociates.com. Window Shade Fabric: sharris.com.
LOWER LEVEL Sectional, Armchair, Wingback Chair & Ottoman: Owners’ Collection. Coffee Table: swaim-inc.com. Carpet: maslandcarpets.com. Wingback Chair Fabric: designersguild.com. Armchair & Ottoman Fabric: jimthompsonfabrics.com. Fireplace Wall & Barn Door Design: susangulickinteriors.com. Fireplace Wall Tile: mosaictileco.com. Fireplace Wall & Barn Door Fabrication: p2custommillwork.com. Barn Door Fabric: pollackassociates.com.
MASTER SUITE Sectional: swaim-inc.com. Coffee Table: hickorychair.com. Floor Lamp: arteriorshome.com. Drapery Fabric: sanderson-uk.com. Window Shade: hartmannforbes.com. Bed: stewartfurniture.com. Bedding: susangulickinteriors.com. Bench & Nightstands: hickorychair.com. Bench Fabric: romo.com.
When he’s not pulling off perfect triple lutzes on the ice or hosting star-studded skating shows, two-time Olympian Michael Weiss can be found studying house plans and visiting construction sites. In 2009, the Fairfax, Virginia, native founded Airleen Homes, a high-end residential building company. His largest project to date: the McLean residence he shares with wife Lisa and their children, Annie Mae, 18, and Christopher, 17.
On a gleaming January morning, Weiss was just back from a week on the skating circuit. During the 2017 U.S. Figure Skating Championships in Kansas City, he provided live commentary for the online IceNetwork. Then he flew to Ft. Lauderdale to co-host the “Colgate Skating & Gymnastics Spectacular” with fellow Olympian Kristi Yamaguchi (airing on ABC February 18 and March 4). And he still performs, most recently last fall during a weeklong tour in Brazil.
“I love skating and being a part of it,” he says. “Then, coming home I quickly change hats.”
Life in the Weiss residence revolves around a steady stream of visitors—from teenagers jumping on the trampoline to adults celebrating Michael’s recent 40th birthday with a deejay (hidden speakers in the two-story foyer turn it into an instant dance floor). “I love action,” Michael says. “Whether it’s hockey or darts or throwing a football, I’m always doing something with the kids.” The family not only plays but frequently performs together on the annual “Musselman’s Apple Sauce Family Skating Tribute.” While Michael skates, Lisa and Annie Mae accompany him on vocals and Christopher on guitar (the show airs on ABC and their performances can be found on YouTube).
Though they were content in the former home that they built 14 years ago, the Weisses decided to start anew when they came across a lot for sale on a quiet cul-de-sac nearby. Lisa, whose Wine Cellar Company designs and installs custom wine rooms, had just completed a project in a client’s Alabama vacation home and was inspired by its French Country aesthetic.
The couple hired Alexandria architect Salvatore Benvenga to design their new home. “The house is a contemporary take on French Country style,” explains Benvenga. “We took classic elements of the look and simplified them while still capturing the essence.”
In decorating the interiors, Lisa put a contemporary spin on rustic style, adding a subtle dose of glamour. “Our former home was extremely traditional,” she explains. “We wanted to make this more modern—sort of rustic contemporary.” She honed in on comfortable, durable furniture and a neutral color palette enlivened with sparkle, from the Ralph Lauren metallic paint treatment in the dining room to the crystal-studded pendant lights over the kitchen island. “I love crystals,” Lisa admits.
The main level features a large, airy family room flanked by the expansive kitchen on one side and a bar room—the Weisses’ answer to a formal living room—on the other. There’s also a wine room of Lisa’s design, a game room and a large office that the couple shares. The lower level houses a finished living area, play spaces and even a skating room with a synthetic-ice floor where Christopher, a hockey player, can practice shooting. The upper floor accommodates four bedrooms and a well-equipped gym.
Michael grew up immersed in playing youth sports. His parents were champion gymnasts; his father competed in the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. Michael’s sister Genna excelled at diving while he and sister Geremi climbed the ranks in figure skating.
In the 1990s, Weiss’s mother Margie was taking an aeroba-funk class and introduced Michael to her instructor, jazz dancer Lisa Thornton, with at least one mission in mind. As Lisa now recalls, “He refused to take dance classes and Margie thought I could help him with artistry. Slowly over time, we fell in love.”
After they wed in 1997, Lisa continued to choreograph programs for Michael—a three-time U.S. champion and two-time World Bronze medalist. He skated in the 1998 and 2002 Olympics, ranking seventh in both. And over a 16-year period, he toured with “Champions on Ice” and “Stars on Ice.”
A segue from the glamour of pro skating to the grit of construction may seem like an unlikely leap. But, says Michael, both pursuits require “hard work, discipline and determination. These characteristics, which I learned through skating, can be applied to a business, a relationship or anything you want to accomplish.”
Lisa and Michael have passed this philosophy on to their kids. Annie Mae, a freshman at Penn State, played travel soccer in high school and Christopher plays U18 hockey with the Skipjacks in Pennsylvania. As Michael explains, “I tell my kids whether or not they become Olympic athletes doesn’t matter. The most I got out of skating was not necessarily the medals. It was the fact that you learn so much about challenging and testing yourself.”
In 2006, Michael launched the Michael Weiss Foundation to help aspiring athletes put their own skills to the test. “When I was young, my parents struggled to keep me training,” he recalls. “So I decided if I was ever in position where I could give back, I would.” Through annual ice shows held in local arenas, the foundation has awarded nearly $850,000 in scholarships to dozens of skaters, including Olympians Ashley Wagner and Mirai Nagasu and 17-year-old Nathan Chen—who Weiss watched take first place at the 2017 U.S. Nationals in January. Chen, 17, is the first skater to complete five quadruple jumps in a single program. “It was pretty amazing to see him skate, let alone call it,” says Weiss, whose foundation has been supporting Chen financially since 2009.
Weiss, who also coaches hockey hopefuls in power-skating, is grateful for the opportunities the sport has afforded him, and enjoys passing on the lessons he’s learned. “For years, I skated six hours a day, six days a week. It was a full-time commitment,” he reflects. “There are really tough days that aren’t fun. But then you go out and get a standing ovation. All the hard work, sweat and tears are worth it when you realize you did your best.”
Photographer Bob Narod is based in Herndon, Virginia.
ARCHITECTURE: SALVATORE BENVENGA, Associate AIA, SB Design Studios, Alexandria, Virginia. BUILDER: MICHAEL WEISS, Airleen Homes, McLean, Virginia. KITCHEN DESIGN: LOIS KENNEDY, Portfolio Kitchens, Reston, Virginia. LANDSCAPE: Verde Scapes, Nokesville, Virginia.
When designer Paola McDonald heard that the Sustainable Furnishings Council had launched an interior-design competition to mark its 10th anniversary, she was in the midst of an eco-friendly makeover in DC. “My client wanted her home to be as environmentally friendly as it could be, within a budget,” recalls McDonald, principal of Virginia-based Olamar Interiors.
After finishing the house with a chic mix of sustainable furniture, flooring and rugs, McDonald entered the #GetYourGreenOn contest—and won first place. She and other winners were honored at the 2016 High Point Market and also headlined a design panel at the Las Vegas Market on January 22, 2017.
McDonald points out that sustainability, affordability and style are not mutually exclusive. “The Sustainable Furnishings Council narrows down manufacturers that are doing great things for the environment,” she says. “These manufacturers are also committed to making strong, beautiful pieces that last a long time.”
By eliminating the VOCs and off-gassing associated with conventional furnishings, indoor air quality—and health—can be improved. “If we make these small changes now,” McDonald asserts, “we can start to impact on a larger scale the type of world we leave behind for our children.” olamarinteriors.com; sustainablefurnishings.org
MOODY BLUES This easy, breezy ensemble from CH Carolina Herrera’s Spring/Summer ready-to-wear collection combines a floral-printed silk maxi skirt ($1,285) and a silk navy blouse ($535). Available at the CH Carolina Herrera boutique in CityCenterDC. carolinaherrera.com
STAR POWER Sarah Jessica Parker of Sex and the City fame has opened the first brick-and-mortar boutique to carry her signature shoe, handbag and little black dress collections. The star was on hand for the grand opening of SJP by Sarah Jessica Parker in the new MGM National Harbor, where the Rampling Scintillate pumps are yours for $375. sjp-collection.com
ALL THAT GLITTERS Spain’s Carrera y Carrera pays tribute to glacial forms in its futuristic Invierno (Winter) line of jewelry. The Iceberg Long Earrings combine white 18-carat gold with 1.87 carats of diamonds. Available at Neiman Marcus in Tysons Galleria; price upon request. carreraycarrera.com; neimanmarcus.com
PLUG + PLAY Tesla’s new Model X SUV promises sustainability, safety, and style. Its 100 kWh battery provides 295 miles of range and its electric powertrain takes the all-wheel-drive vehicle from 0 to 60 mph in 3.2 seconds while producing zero emissions. Automatic emergency braking and side collision avoidance offer peace of mind on the road. And “Falcon Wing” doors allow easy access for the second- and third-row passengers, even in tight parking spots. $140,000; tesla.com
ADVENTURE TRACKER Whether you’re on the slopes or the hiking trail, Garmin’s Fenix 3 (pictured) and Fenix 5 multisport GPS watches double as fitness monitors and navigators. Sunlight-readable color display and LED backlight make data visible in any conditions. Watches are water-rated to 100 meters. From $499 for the Fenix 3 and $599 for the Fenix 5. garmin.com
OUTDOOR SOUND Braven’s BRV-XXL Bluetooth speaker livens up outdoor events with its four HD audio drivers and built-in bass and treble controls. An internal battery powers the device for 14 hours of play time and also charges your smartphone. The waterproof cabinet keeps the party going, even in the rain. Available in black or white; $350. braven.com
TROPICAL GETAWAY Velaa Private Island in the Maldives accommodates guests in villas designed by Czech architect Petr Kolar; many overlook the turquoise Indian Ocean. Built with local materials, the beach pool villa features teak furniture, an indoor bathroom and an outdoor bath connected by a garden atrium. Water sports, a spa, and a golf course await. Rates from $2,000. velaaprivateisland.com
WASHINGTON OASIS The Avery Georgetown, a 15-room boutique hotel, opened last year in a renovated row house. Interiors by DC-based designer Kate Ballou of Hendrick Interiors are playful and feminine, yet rooted in a modern sensibility. A king suite boasts Harlequin wallpaper, a classic Wishbone Chair, and a whimsical Discoco chandelier. Rates from $299. averygeorgetown.com
HISTORY REBORN The Ritz-Carlton, Philadelphia is fresh from a $24 million facelift. Wimberly Interiors recast the grand lobby in neutral colors, textures, and materials. In the public spaces and updated guest rooms, pops of metallic and bronze were inspired by the colors of money—an homage to the 1908 building, which originally housed a bank. Rates from $299. ritzcarlton.com
ON THE WATERFRONT Blackwall Hitch serves up “coastally inspired” fare on the Potomac in Old Town Alexandria. Through March 30, guests can enjoy a fixed-price Surf & Turf menu or savor à la carte specialties such as oysters or a chicken-and-baked-brie sandwich. Hammond Wilson architects designed the restaurant and terraces, as well as the Blackwall Hitch in Annapolis. 5 Cameron Street; 703-739-6090. theblackwallhitch.com
DUPONT CIRCLE DEBUT Opened last fall in The St. Gregory Hotel, Tredici Enoteca serves Mediterranean-style cuisine along with a varied selection of wines and seasonal craft cocktails. Designed by Bill Rooney of STUDIO inc, the hotel’s welcoming lobby—featuring dark-wood herringbone flooring and an oversized hearth—leads into the restaurant. 2033 M Street, NW; 202-530-3600. tredicidc.com
BALKAN EXPERIENCE Following sister locations in Capitol Hill and Belgrade, Serbia, a third Ambar has opened in Clarendon, Virginia. Nya Gill designed the light-filled dining room and bar area. The restaurant offers a fresh spin on the traditional Balkan fare. Order the Balkan Experience for unlimited samples from the entire menu, served family-style; priced at $35 per person. 2901 Wilson Boulevard; 703-875-9663. ambarrestaurant.com
In a town that tends to take itself too seriously—during a contentious election season, no less—the 2016 DC Design House was a breath of fresh air. Twenty-one local design teams transformed a stately Wesley Heights home for the event last October.
Though the residence designed by GTM Architects leans toward the classic, the designers let off creative steam without getting one bit stuffy. Ceilings were tricked out with wallpaper and faux treatments. Colors were strong and bold. Hidden bars proliferated and there was nary a swag in sight.
Proceeds of the show house, in its ninth year, benefited Children’s National Health System. In case you missed the fun, we present a full recap here.
 | 1. LIVING ROOM Design: Pamela Harvey, Pamela Harvey Interiors, LLC. Art: fritzgibbonphotography.com. Chandelier: circalighting.com. Floor Lamps: circalighting.com. Furniture: Through pamelaharveyinteriordesign.com. |
 | 2. DINING ROOM Design: Jonathan Senner, CID, Atelier Jonathan Senner. Armchairs & Credenza: chairish.com. Sconces: Ian K. Fowler through circalighting.com. Armchair Pillow Fabric: beaconhilldesign.com. Dining Table: keithfritz.com. Bench & Side Chairs: 1stdibs.com. Wall & Ceiling Covering: fschumacher.com. Armchair & Bench Fabric: beaconhilldesign.com through robertallendesign.com. Rug: starkcarpet.com. Decorative Boxes: Jacob-Lukas, Ltd. through rubylux.com. Side Chair Leather: robertallendesign.com. Chandelier: Kelly Wearstler through circalighting.com. Mirror: fschumacher.com. |
 | 3. FRONT GARDEN/PORCH Design: D. Blake Dunlevy and Gina Palmer, D & A Dunlevy Landscapers, Inc. |
 | 4. CHINA PANTRY Design: Nadia Subaran and Megan Padilla, Aidan Design. Cabinets: Wood-Mode through aidandesign.com. China, Crystal, Silver, Glassware & Tabletop Décor: antiquerowsisters.com. Cabinet Hardware: Atlas Homewares through aidandesign.com. Countertop: rbratti.com. Floor Cloth, Decorative Plates & Table Linens: billetcollins.com. Chandelier: niermannweeks.com through circalighting.com. Window Shade: gretcheneverett.com. |
 | 5. POWDER ROOM Design: Lena Kroupnik, NCIDQ, Lena Kroupnik Interiors, LLC. Sconces: niermannweeks.com. Mirror: creativemirror-art.com. Table: arteriorshome.com. Art: Nurieh Mozaffari through callowayart.com. |
 | 6. BREAKFAST ROOM Design: Betsy Barmat Stires, ASID, Frog Hill Designs, LLC. Dining Table & Seating: thosmoser.com. Chandelier: davidiatesta.com. Art: goldleafstudios.com. Roman Shades: hfshades.com through jlambeth.com. |
 | 7. LIBRARY Design: Josh Hildreth, Josh Hildreth Interiors; Victor Sanz, DMG Interiors. Rug: fibreworks.com. Wall Covering: hollandandsherry.com. Chandelier: mclainweisand.com. Lamp Shades: nileandyork.com. Lamp Shade Trim: decordeparis.com. Sofa & Upholstery: brunschwig.com. |
 | 8. FAMILY ROOM Design: Kelley Proxmire, Kelley Interior Design. Cabinet: michaelclearyllc.com. Cabinet Wallpaper: thibautdesign.com. Carpet: maslandcarpets.com. Ceiling Wallpaper: fschumacher.com. Club Chairs: pearsonco.com. Club Chair Fabric: scalamandre.com. Club Chair Trim: kravet.com. Game Chairs, Sofa & Mirror: Through kelleyinteriordesign.com. Game Chair Fabric: duralee.com. Game Chair Paint: benjaminmoore.com. Overlay Rug: dashandalbert.annieselke.com. Pillow Fabrics: fabricut.com, fschumacher.com, robertallendesign.com, christopherfarr.com. Pillow Trim: samuelandsons.com. Side Tables: jossandmain.com. Slipper Chair Fabric: fabricut.com. Slipper Chair Trim: samuelandsons.com. Window Treatment Fabric: clarencehouse.com. Wing Chair Fabric: fschumacher.com. Wing Chair Trim: samuelandsons.com. |
 | 9. BACKSTAIRS Design: Eve Fay, Farrow & Ball |
 | 10. SITTING ROOM Design: Camille Saum, ASID, Camille Saum Interior Design. Table Lamps & Accessories: hollisandknight.com. Area Rug: dorisleslieblau.com. Artwork: renaissancefinearts.com. Drapery Hardware: ivesta.com. Fabric: sharris.com, jab.de/en, jlambeth.com, hinescompany.com, kravet.com, rodolph.com. Fireplace Tile: besttile.com. Fireplace Screen: designweldmetal.com. Mohair Throw: abriellelinens.com. Ottomans & Lounge Chair: beverlyfurniture.com through hollisandknight.com. Roman Shades: hfshades.com. |
 | 11. TERRACE Design: Kimberly Asner, Country Casual Teak. Sectional, Lounge Chairs, Coffee Tables, Planters, Curtains, Pillows & Candle Lanterns: countrycasualteak.com. Rug: lioramanne.com. |
 | 12. CABANA/ROOF DECK Design: Quintece Hill-Mattauszek, Studio Q Designs. Interior Wall Covering: spoonflower.com. Outdoor Drapery & Canopy: Tommy Bahama. Pillows: janusetcie.com, billetcollins.com. Art & Accessories: westelm.com, etsy.com, twoscompany.com, creativecoop.com, studioqdesigns.com, elkgroupinternational.com. Furniture: Latitude Run, elkgroupinternational.com. |
 | 13. MASTER SUITE Design: Victoria Sanchez, ASID, IFDA, Victoria at Home. Foyer Floor Covering, Accessories, Nightstands, Chaise & Bench: victoriaathome.com. All Lighting: circalighting.com. Bedroom Carpet: starkcarpet.com. Canopy Fabric: fabricut.com. Headboard & Chaise Fabric: leejofa.com. |
 | 14. BEDROOM #2 Design: Charles Almonte, AIA, ASID, Charles Almonte Architecture | Interior Design. Artwork: jorgecaceresart.com. Draperies & Mirror: fschumacher.com. Drapery Hardware: selectdraperyhardware.com. Floor Lamp: J. Randall Powers through visualcomfortlightinglights.com. Lounge Chair: janusetcie.com. Shades: cpdcdecor.com. Rug: dorisleslieblau.com. |
 | 15. LOFT Design: Melanie Hansen, Steve Corbeille and Pooja Mittra, Yardstick Interiors. Wall Covering behind Sofa: fschumacher.com. Rug: starkcarpet.com. Sofa & Fabric: duralee.com. Ottoman, Pillows & Mirror: Through yardstickinteriors.info. Ottoman Upholstery & Trim: kravet.com. Console Table: onekingslane.com. Painting: jorgecaceresart.com. Table Lamps: arteriorshome.com. Pillow Fabrics: kravet.com, fschumacher.com, robertallendesign.com. Accessories: curatedkravet.com, onekingslane.com, americaneyewdc.net. |
 | 16. LOWER GARDEN Design: Stephen Wlodarczyk and Joshua Dean, Wheat’s Lawn & Custom Landscape. Bench: countrycasualteak.com. Planters, Topiary & Fall Annuals: merrifieldgardencenter.com. Boxwood Shrubs: saundersbrothers.com. Plant Material: foxboroughnursery.com, manorview.com. |
 | 17. LADY LAIR Design: Rachel Dougan, Vivi Interiors. Throw: adriennelandau.com. Artwork: jorgecaceresart.com, mortonfineart.com, mrtnswft.com. Floor Lamps: americaneyewdc.net. Drapery Fabrics: jlambeth.com. Sofa Pillow Fabric: kravet.com. Sofa Fabric: donghia.com. Etagere: cb2.com. Vintage Cocktail Table: chairish.com. Wall Covering: thibautdesign.com through duralee.com. Rug: Sisal through floorson14.com. |
 | 18. CHIC RETREAT Design: Barbara Brown, Barbara Brown Interiors. Accessories: barbarabrowninteriors.com, johnrosselli.com, peytonhome.com. Rug: starkcarpet.com. Bar Table & Side Table: centuryfurniture.com. Fabrics & Trim: fschumacher.com. Upholstered Furniture: americaneyewdc.net. |
 | 19. DRESSING ROOM Design: Barbara Brown, Barbara Brown Interiors. Credenza: americaneyewdc.net. Lamps: circalighting.com. Mirror: niermannweeks.com through jlambeth.com. |
 | 20. LAUNDRY ROOM Design: Allie Mann, Case Design/Remodeling, Inc. Wall & Floor Tile: mosaictileco.com. Plumbing Fixtures: kohler.com. Cabinetry: crystalcabinets.com. Cabinetry Fixtures: topknobsdecor.com. Countertop: caesarstoneus.com. Lighting: circalighting.com. |
 | 21. GIRL’S ROOM Design: Andrea Houck, Associate ASID, IFDA, A. Houck Designs, Inc. Wall Covering: eykon.net. Window Treatment Fabric: blackedition.com. Armoire: olystudio.com. Lounge Chair: misspixies.com. Footstool: Kelly Wearstler through ejvictor.com. Side Table: curreycodealers.com. Accent Pillow: Christian Lacroix through designersguild.com. Accent Pillow Fabric: romo.com. Artwork: pryorfineart.com. Photographer Angie Seckinger splits her time between Potomac, Maryland, and Spain. |
