If the mark of a successful landscape is that it looks as though it’s been in place forever, then Scott Brinitzer’s recent project in McLean, Virginia, fits the bill. The landscape architect organized a quarter-acre of empty front and back lawns into a lush retreat with inviting living areas, colorful beds and secret gardens connected by stone pathways.
Brinitzer had several challenges to overcome. One was blending the house—newly built on a teardown lot—into its neighborhood of 1940s-era homes. An “intermediate bed” in the front yard planted with liriope, Miami crape myrtle and Endless Summer hydrangea softens the façade and affords privacy; it shields a lawn where the owners’ two children play volleyball and badminton.
Another goal was to mediate a steep slope from the front entryway walk to the driveway, which leads to a lower-level garage. Indiana limestone steppers now connect the driveway to a new front walk. “The children love to run up and down the steps,” says Brinitzer.
In the backyard, a spacious terrace encompasses an outdoor kitchen and dining area, a fireplace and a seating area. A custom iron trellis enveloped in wisteria defines the space and, as Brinitzer explains, “gives overhead ‘protection’ to the big, open area.”
Adjacent to the terrace, a laurel hedge conceals a vegetable patch where the kids experiment with new crops every spring. In addition to this “special hidden nook,” says Brinitzer, a pea gravel walk leads through beds of ornamental grasses to a 30-foot-square play lawn “large enough for a good soccer game.”
Brinitzer, who carefully planned the project to evolve for generations to come, takes pride in how much joy the kids derive from it. “This garden is meant for roasting s’mores in the fireplace and digging in the dirt,” he says. “It’s meant to be enjoyed and not just looked at.”
Photographer Roger Foley is based in Arlington.
LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE: SCOTT BRINITZER, Scott Brinitzer Design Associates, Arlington, Virginia.
Golfers looking to combine a few rounds with a relaxing holiday might consider the Golf Escape package at the Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Golf Resort, Spa, and Marina in Cambridge, Maryland. The package includes unlimited golf for two on the resort’s 18-hole, waterfront course designed by Keith Foster, cart rental, club storage and rental and discounted golf lessons. After hitting the links, golfers can unwind in the spa or Water’s Edge Grill—one of seven dining spots on the property. The package starts at $289 through December 31. 410-901-1234; chesapeakebay.hyatt.com
Chef Robert Wiedmaier (Marcel’s, Brasserie Beck) has opened an outpost of his Mussel Bar & Grille in Baltimore’s Harbor East. Recalling nightspots of the chef’s native Brussels, the new restaurant features a bar serving a wide selection of craft and Belgian beers. General manager Pete Stalla presides over the restaurant that dishes up fresh Cove mussels from Washington State prepared in a variety of ways, along with appetizers such as pepper- and coriander-grilled rare ahi tuna, soups, salads and entrées. 1350 Lancaster Street; 410-946-6726. musselbar.com
For more than a century, the Baltimore Harbor Light has served as a beacon for ships entering Maryland’s largest port. More recently, the historic lighthouse guided DC architect Cynthia Shoup Schiffrin in the design of a weekend getaway on the nearby shore. In 2011, Schiffrin and her husband discovered a waterfront property near Annapolis and fell in love with its views of the Magothy River at its confluence with the Chesapeake Bay. A fisherman’s cottage on the lot posed too many problems to be a candidate for renovation, so they decided to tear it down and build anew.
The modern home Schiffrin designed pays homage to the lighthouse—as well as its estuary habitat—in more ways than one. “My goal was to build something simple that didn’t put any more strain on the environment than was necessary,” she says.
Based on county regulations, the size of the new house was limited to 2,500 square feet. Despite its compact footprint, Schiffrin managed to create an open, airy structure, completed last year. A central, two-story volume houses a living, dining and kitchen space, while a lofted area above forms a raised section in the roof that echoes the lighthouse shape. “I love looking at the lighthouse,” Schiffrin explains. “The house is oriented to acknowledge it and capture the warmth of the winter sun. Meanwhile, the center section is a gesture towards our own lighthouse.”
Schiffrin and her husband, who have a teenage son, purchased the property jointly with her brother and sister-in-law, who have two kids in their 20s. So her design needed to accommodate all seven family members comfortably. She created two identical master suites with private baths for the couples—one on the ground floor and the other directly above. Two additional bedrooms include one shared by Schiffrin’s son and nephew and another for her niece. A TV room on the main level with a sleep sofa welcomes guests.
Getaways to the house revolve around the outdoors, especially in balmy weather. A screened porch off the kitchen with a sundeck above and an expansive rear deck overlooking the pool provide plenty of al fresco options. “We spend as much time outside as possible,” affirms the architect. “In the summer, we eat most meals on the screened porch. And we also like to sit down on the dock.”
Committed to designing a sustainable home, Schiffrin adhered to the principles of Passivhaus, a German building standard she discovered at a recent American Institute of Architects conference. “The concept is to build a house that is highly insulated, airtight and makes use of passive heating and cooling,” she explains. Before construction began, Schiffrin hired Baltimore-based salvage company Second Chance to dismantle the cottage and recycle as much material as possible. Wood was used instead of steel in every support beam and roof truss in the new home since steel can cause condensation that leads to mold. The house is oriented for passive solar heating, with large, operable windows taking advantage of natural ventilation. In addition to a highly insulated roof and walls, Schiffrin employed an exterior layer of mineral wool insulation. “Almost like a jacket,” she says, “it cuts down on heat gain and loss.” The white rubber roof reflects heat and triple-glazed Intus windows provide airtight seals.
Outdoors, Schiffrin converted the existing pool from chlorine to saltwater to minimize the use of chemicals and selected native plants in the landscape. A rain garden filters runoff before it flows into the bay.
The families now enjoy the house in all seasons. Whether she’s relaxing in the loft space or the hot tub, Schiffrin loves watching vessels passing on the water. “We get cruise ships, container ships and sailboats coming by,” she says. “We’ve all been captivated by the ever-changing moods of the water and the sun. The colors of the house were chosen to reflect those various moods.”
Schiffrin, whose architecture practice has focused primarily on non-residential work, had never designed a house before this one. Despite what she describes as a “learning curve” during the design phase, the outcome was familiar. “I really enjoyed coming out here during construction and our contractor, Rich Lang, was a terrific collaborator,” she recalls. “It was so exciting seeing the house come to life. That’s one of the things I enjoy most about being an architect—seeing something you’ve done on paper become reality.”
Judy Davis is a principal at Hoachlander Davis Photography in DC.
ARCHITECTURE: CYNTHIA SHOUP SCHIFFRIN, AIA, Washington, DC. STRUCTURAL ENGINEER: Keast & Hood Co., Washington, DC. CONTRACTOR: RICH LANG, Lang, and Company, Arnold, Maryland.
There’s nothing more relaxing than a day spent cruising the Chesapeake. Watermark offers a variety of motorized cruises and private charters on a fleet of 13 vessels embarking in Annapolis and Baltimore, from early spring to fall. Its flagship, 95-foot Catherine Marie, accommodates up to 240 guests in style for private catered events. Scheduled public cruises include a jaunt to watch Annapolis’s Wednesday evening regattas and a trip to view a Blue Angels show. cruisesonthebay.com; yachtchartersonthebay.com
1. FRONTGATE'S CAPTAIN'S TABLE
Yacht Entertaining Collection sets a classic nautical tone. Its beverage tub ($399), ice bucket with lid ($299) and serving tray ($279) boast exterior wood panels and stainless-steel handles reminiscent of boat cleats. frontgate.com
2. TOUCH OF THE SEA
Sur La Table’s Seaside Starfish Servers ($9.95) conjure up a day on the sand. The melamine pieces are durable and dishwasher-proof, making them ideal for easy meals all season long. surlatable.com
3. MARINE SCENE
Pottery Barn’s Playa Sea Life napkins ($28 for a mixed set of four) celebrate denizens of the deep. Made of a cotton-linen blend, the 20-inch squares are the perfect complement to a seafood feast. potterybarn.com
4. LIGHT MY FIRE
The Starfish ($14.95) and Sea Urchin ($10.95) tea-light candleholders from Crate & Barrel create a romantic touch on any tabletop. Made of textured aluminum, they accommodate a standard votive or tea-light candle. crateandbarrel.com
5. BOWLED OVER
Jonathan Adler’s Large Fish Bowl ($198), made of high-fired stoneware, doubles as a playful serving piece or accessory. Other members of the school include its Small ($98) and Medium ($148) siblings. jonathanadler.com
Built in the 1770s in the heart of Annapolis’s historic district near the Naval Academy, The Annapolis Inn coddles guests in period style. Its three stately guest rooms are appointed with European linens, tapestries and antiques. They also boast luxurious bathrooms, including the bath in the Murray Suite featuring a whirlpool tub, vanity topped with Botticino marble and imported gilded mirrors. Three-course breakfasts served in the elegant dining room may include homemade scones with clotted cream, fresh fruit and entrées of your choice. 144 Prince George Street; 410- 295-5200. Rates from $259. annapolisinn.com
The owner of a new custom home on the Magothy River wanted a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces—and the master bathroom was no exception. Architect Scarlett Breeding and the design team created a spa-like retreat where the stone and glass-tile shower opens directly to a matching outdoor shower and a hot tub with an expansive water view.
Inside the bath, two identical vanity areas are separated by a hall leading to facing master closets. In addition to the glass-enclosed shower, there is also a glass-enclosed water closet. Strategically placed glass panels and high windows provide light, air, and privacy. Fixtures by Holly Hunt add dimension.
Casework made by Premier Custom-Built is seamlessly integrated into the architecture—plinths of German raked-oak that soften planes of stone, glass, and steel employed throughout the home. Vanities in Macassar ebony cleverly eliminate clutter as do mirrored medicine cabinets that swivel open to reveal storage shelves.
ARCHITECTURE: Scarlett Breeding, AIA, Alt Breeding Schwarz Architects, Annapolis, Maryland. INTERIOR DESIGN: Helen Sullivan, Helen Sullivan Interiors, Washington, DC. BUILDER: Pyramid Builders, Annapolis, Maryland. CABINETS: Premier Custom-Built, New Holland, Pennsylvania. STONE: R. Bratti, Alexandria, Virginia. TILE: Sonoma Tilemakers. FIXTURES: Alape and Frattini.
During the refurbishment of their client’s 165-foot, Dutch-made Feadship yacht, architect Scarlett Breeding, and project manager Richard Anuszkiewicz were presented with a design challenge: to create a striking centerpiece in the main salon featuring a media center on one side and a refrigerated wine display and serving station on the other. At its core, the unit would need to house electronic and mechanical systems, including custom-designed marine refrigeration and media controls. If that weren’t challenging enough, the team also had to engineer a way to secure 150 bottles of wine in high seas.
The finished project packages technology with materials that complement the yacht’s elegant interiors. On the media side, the unit boasts a fumed eucalyptus chest trimmed in polished stainless steel. A screen can be raised for viewing TV and movies or lowered to expose an antiqued-glass mirror backdrop. On the dining side, bottles are secured on mirrored, floor-to-ceiling shelves. Drawers in the piece’s side panels stow away table settings, linens, and serving pieces.
CUSTOM CASEWORK: Scarlett Breeding, AIA, and Richard Anuszkiewicz, Alt Breeding Schwarz Architects, Annapolis, Maryland. INTERIOR DESIGN: Patrick Knowles, Patrick Knowles Designs, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. CABINETS: Premier Custom-Built, New Holland, Pennsylvania. TILE: Ann Sacks. PHOTOS: Billy Black.
Homeowners with an inefficient builder-grade kitchen hired designer Davida Rodriguez to renovate the space. The clients’ primary goals were to upgrade the cabinetry, create a clean-lined aesthetic that would still blend well with their home’s traditional interiors and add an area for wine storage.
Rodriguez reconfigured the layout, moving the cooktop from the center island onto an L-shaped wall also housing the sink, dishwasher, and cabinetry. The opposite wall features dual ovens, a large stainless-steel refrigerator, and a separate wine refrigerator, above which cabinets with glass doors store glasses in easy view. A new island with a Taj Mahal quartzite top is now dedicated to food prep.
Rodriguez created a focal point with a backsplash of Encore custom-blended mosaic tile in a fence pattern above the cooktop. The rest of the L-shaped wall is covered in smoky-hued handmade tile. The countertops and backsplash on the dry bar, clad in the same quartzite as the island, beautifully complete the kitchen’s new look.
KITCHEN DESIGN: Davida Rodriguez, Davida’s Kitchen & Tiles, Gaithersburg, Maryland. STONE FABRICATOR: The Paradise Stone, Elkridge, Maryland. TILE: Encore Ceramics, Rockville, Maryland. CABINETRY: Brookhaven. Appliances: Thermador. HOOD: Zephyr. WINE COOLER: Perlick.
On a visit to Davida’s Kitchen & Tiles, a homeowner and her interior designer, Mindy Tarzy, were drawn to a display juxtaposing two styles of cabinetry: Brookhaven cabinets in an off-white glaze and modern Wood-Mode cabinets in a charcoal finish. “The owner had requested a ‘California contemporary’ look,” recalls kitchen designer Davida Rodriguez. “I knew that the combination would give her exactly what she desired.”
Using the complementary shades and styles of cabinets as a starting point, Rodriguez and Tarzy selected porcelain floor tiles resembling travertine, Taj Mahal quartzite countertops and a subtle ceramic backsplash tile to complete the material palette.
The finished plan functions well for the owners’ large, busy family. Keeping clutter at bay was a priority, so full-height tambour doors conceal small appliances. On the free-form island with a waterfall edge, a raised bar top serves meals on the go. The island is also equipped with pop-up outlets for charging laptops and phones. Stainless-steel appliances add an industrial element to the mix.
KITCHEN DESIGN: Davida Rodriguez, Davida’s Kitchen & Tiles, Gaithersburg, Maryland. INTERIOR DESIGN: Mindy Tarzy, Donley’s Design, Rockville, Maryland. CABINETS: Brookhaven and Wood-Mode. TILES: Encore Ceramics. PENDANTS & APPLIANCES: Existing.
In the design of his modern home on the Magothy River near Annapolis, the owner envisioned a kitchen as clean-lined and precise in design as the rest of the house. Architect Scarlett Breeding heeded his request for a minimalist, European-style kitchen in which all of the appliances, millwork, and surfaces would be seamlessly integrated. Working closely with interior designer Helen Sullivan, Premier Custom-Built cabinet-makers and Pyramid Builders, Breeding succeeded in realizing the client’s vision. Along one side of the kitchen, appliances are built into a massive fireplace wall. On the other side, the Gaggenau cooktop virtually disappears as it’s built flush into stainless-steel counters. A thick slab of solid quartzite covers the center island and wine chills in an adjacent butler’s pantry.
The kitchen celebrates the waterfront scenery in many ways, from its easy access to the indoor-outdoor dining pavilion and patio to the window that swivels open as a pass-through
to an al fresco grill.
ARCHITECTURAL CASEWORK: Scarlett Breeding, AIA, Alt Breeding Schwarz Architects, Annapolis, Maryland. INTERIOR DESIGN: Helen Sullivan, Helen Sullivan Interiors, Washington, DC. BUILDER: Pyramid Builders, Annapolis, Maryland. CABINETS: Premier Custom-Built, New Holland, Pennsylvania. STONE: R. Bratti, Alexandria, Virginia. TILE: Walker Zanger. STOVE & OVENS: Gaggenau. REFRIGERATION: Sub-Zero. ESPRESSO MACHINE: Miele.
Spa Day
Varnish Lane nail salon in Friendship Heights offers manis and pedis minus the foot baths. Dry treatments with all-natural creams and hot towels avoid possible infections from germs linked to traditional pedicure tubs. Light, airy interiors by local designer Lauren Liess create a serene atmosphere. 202-506-5308; varnishlane.com
FaceTime
Ferragamo’s special-edition buckle watch is embellished with four diamond markers and enclosed in a gold ion-plated steel case. The leather strap comes in fuchsia and orange ($1,395) or orange only ($995). bloomingdales.com
Stepping Out
Strike a bold pose in Valentino’s Rockstud sandal. These calfskin leather heels measure in at 3.5 inches high; platinum-finished studs add attitude. $1,045 at Hu’s Shoes in Georgetown. 3005 M Street, NW; 202-342-0202. husonline.com
Star Gazing
Paula Cademartori’s Fall/Winter collection of Italian leather goods captures the imagination with a playful mix of materials and whimsical motifs. The Kate bag is personalized with mosaics of laser-cut perforations and inlays of stars. $1,965; paulacademartori.com
English Country Style
Travelers exploring the Cotswolds will find luxury and plenty of charm at the Dormy House Hotel, where guest rooms and suites were designed by Todhunter Earle. The restored 17th-century farmhouse pampers guests in a Scandinavian-style spa with an open-air lounge, a fine-dining restaurant, and a pub. Guests can order a picnic hamper for a jaunt through the countryside, stroll into the nearby village of Broadway or take in a play in Stratford-on-Avon. Rates, including breakfast, from $375. slh.com/hotels/dormy-house-hotel
Holiday on the Sea
Perched on a cliff overlooking the Adriatic, Villa Dubrovnik offers breathtaking views of the Croatian port’s Old City, from its entrance to its 56 guest rooms and seven suites. The Romance Suite features its own terrace. Guests can enjoy the hotel’s private beach, indoor pool and fitness center, along with three restaurants on the premises. Rates from $350; villa-dubrovnik.hr
Miami Beach Revival
Ian Schrager of The Delano fame is back in Miami with the recent opening of the Miami Beach EDITION. Schrager touts this joint venture with Marriott as the “next-generation urban resort.” Designed by Yabu Pushelberg/I.S.C. Design Studio, the 3.5-acre enclave is a bold remake of the 1955 Seville Hotel. It boasts a lobby sheathed in white pearl Venetian plaster walls and Tropicale, a beachfront playground landscaped by Madison Cox. Accommodations are outfitted in a soothing beach-house vibe. Rates from $349. editionhotels.com/miami-beach
Cinema Experience
Bang & Olufsen’s new BeoVision Avant 85 delivers impressive video and surround-sound quality in the comfort of home. The company’s 85-inch flagship TV displays an “Ultra High-Definition” (4K) picture and a three-channel speaker system. A single remote seamlessly integrates the unit with consumers’ other systems, including game consoles and Apple TV. From $24,495; bang-olufsen.com
Speed + Style
Jaguar’s 2017 XE will be the company’s most aerodynamic model ever. Offering lightweight construction and streamlined style, the XE features an aluminum-intensive monocoque and an Ingenium diesel engine. It is capable of speeds from 0 to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds. The interior boasts a cockpit-like feel and an eight-inch touchscreen control. Coming to the U.S. in 2016. jaguar.com
Wireless sound
The world’s first in-ear Bluetooth headphones with motion-sensor technology, the new JBL Reflect Response headphones enable users to control audio with the wave of a hand. This feature is especially handy when listeners are driving or working out and trying to change music tracks or answer a call. Ergonomically designed for comfort, the headphones offer up to eight hours of wireless use at a time. Available in red, blue, green and black. $149; jbl.com
After a major renovation, the Waterworks showroom in Cady’s Alley opened its doors on March 26 to celebrate a new era. The company launched Waterworks Kitchen—a comprehensive collection crafted with the same quality and attention to detail as the bath lines for which Waterworks is known. “Creating a new kind of kitchen experience is a natural development,” said CEO Peter Sallick. “Our approach to the kitchen is the same as our approach to the bath: We provide a complete range of exceptional items that allow you to fully design and customize your space.”
Stunning kitchen vignettes show off American-made cabinetry, available in natural and richly painted finishes; an array of sinks in stainless steel, copper, stone and fireclay; iconic faucets and fittings; and myriad surfaces, from cement tile to stone, glass, wood, and terracotta. Fine linens, heirloom-quality pots and Lazy Susans crafted from reclaimed wine barrels are icing on the cake. 3314 M Street, NW; 202-333-7180. waterworks.com
