SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2011
No other space in the house is more about its owner than the bathroom. Though visitors come and go in the powder room, family bathrooms can be tailored to suit individual likes and dislikes from both an aesthetic and a functional standpoint. Whether you are creating a new master suite or a tiny guest bath, many complex decisions lie ahead, simply because there have never been more options on the market for tile and stone, countertop surfaces, plumbing fixtures, tubs and sinks, finishes and more. With an infinite array of looks and styles to choose from, the process can be daunting. Luckily, bath designers are adept at helping clients hone in on a particular theme—and stick to it in a subtle yet coherent way.
Sonny Nazemian, designer and principal of Michael Nash Design, Build & Homes, Inc., in Fairfax, Virginia, says that he first interviews clients to determine how they plan to use the bath. “Do they want a sanctuary or a spa? Or is it a place to take a shower and get out?” he asks. Once he has a “wish list” in place, he defines a particular look that “follows the footsteps of the rest of the house.”
On a recent project in a modern home in Centreville, Nazemian replaced an outdated, compartmentalized bathroom with a sleek, contemporary space, incorporating glass-block tile, stainless-steel cabinets and a freestanding, sculptural tub. “This client knew exactly what she wanted, but many customers don’t,” he says. “In that case I visit their homes, get to know them and see where they stand.”
When Carol Luke, a designer and principal of KSA Kitchens in Purcellville, Virginia, first meets with clients, she asks them to clip photos of projects they like, which provides an excellent starting point. “Often, a look is triggered from things they’ve said or shown me,” she says.
Luke urges clients to choose a style and then stay with it. “If you go down the road, go all the way. Be consistent with it. Otherwise, you won’t have a finished look,” she says. “You might have a contemporary vanity, but it’s still a traditional room. You don’t want it to be too pat or too ordinary.”
On a recent project, a couple invited Luke to collaborate directly with their teenage daughter on the design of her bath. “Mom and Dad are very traditional, but she is avant-garde,” says the designer, who delighted in her young client’s “edgy” taste. In the finished bath, a wall of vertically hung, black glass tile creates a striking look in the shower; it’s surrounded by walls of “slides” and a leathered-tile floor.
Luke stresses the value of working with a designer because a professional will make sure a homeowner’s choices work well together. By visiting a showroom or design center on their own, consumers may merely scratch the surface in terms of understanding all of their options. “They will see many elements that they like, but there are so many things they won’t know about,” Luke explains, “whether it’s touch-latch closures or medicine cabinets with built-in electrical outlets.”
Luke recently worked with interior designer Alice Busch of Great Falls Distinctive Interiors, Inc., on an elegant bath. Busch helped the clients select everything from the Carrara marble that clads the oversized shower to the crystal chandeliers that hang above the vanities. “Alice did a great job. Without the experience of a designer, people won’t get as much as they can achieve,” says Luke. “Pulling it together is much harder than most people realize.”
Davida Rodriguez, owner of Davida’s Kitchen & Tiles in Gaithersburg, Maryland, would agree. She recently completed a turn-of-the-century-style powder room in a historical cabin located on her client’s Potomac property. She selected design elements in a rustic theme, including a hand-scraped door, a hammered sink and walls covered in pebbles “that could have been gathered in the creek out back.”
Rodriguez believes that when working with a theme it’s important to put all the pieces together to be sure they mesh as a whole, pointing out “I’ve never seen a mistake made when people plan ahead.”
She cautions against being too “matchy-matchy” in terms of color or design elements. “Don’t go overboard, for example, on a beach house tropical theme, using shell lamps, shell towels, etc. That can be very monotonous,” she says. “There are all kinds of different textures and accessories other than the obvious.”
Homeowners should also keep in mind that designing a bathroom is more complex than selecting tiles and cabinets.“If it’s done wrong,” says Carol Luke, “it can ruin your home. For example, you need to know what your plumber is doing. He might be great—but he might not. With a designer, you have access to people who are exceptional.”
**Out of the array of interior design magazines, Home and Design magazine stands out as a primary idea source for luxury home designs. Wonderful visuals of inspired décor and lush landscapes are combined with expert advice to provide a fundamental reference point for bringing amazing home interior design ideas to life.
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2011
SAVOUR FARE
The Phillips Collection celebrates one of its most famous paintings, Renoir’s "Luncheon of the Boating Party," by partnering with the elegant Sofitel Washington DC Lafayette Square (left) on a special weekend package through September. Guests can enjoy a multi-course, Renoir-inspired luncheon and tickets to the gallery. Rates from $330 per night. sofitel.com
MOORISH STYLE
The new Four Seasons Hotel Marrakech is an oasis in the middle of Morocco’s most vibrant city. A modern take on Moorish architecture, its pavilions are surrounded by pools, gardens and pathways. A lavish spa pampers guests
with body scrubs and massage. Rates from $470. fourseasons.com
ROAD TRIP
With a name that means “bend” or “shift” in French, Aston Martin’s Virage fills a niche between the carmaker’s DBS and DB9 models. Virage marries high performance with the comforts of a luxury ride. Its six-liter, V12 engine delivers 490 horsepower while interiors boast hand-stitched Bridge of Weir leather and a fully integrated satellite navigation system. From $209,995 at Aston Martin of Tysons Corner. astonmartin.com
TWO-WHEEL IT
As part of a sponsorship, BMW Group has handed over 400 of its bicycles
(in addition to a fleet of energy-efficient diesel-powered and electric cars) to the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games for use before and during next summer’s Olympics. Stateside, aspiring athletes can tool around on a BMW bike of their own. The BMW Cruise Bike boasts an aluminum frame, concealed cables and a cantilever brake. $1,199; shopbmwusa.com
SUPERIOR SOUND
The D-Premier amplifier by Devialet of Paris has won numerous accolades on both sides of the pond. Employing new hybrid amplification technology, it delivers unadulterated sound. We also like its sleek design. The 32-mm-thick amplifier made from a single aluminum casting can be hung vertically or horizontally and is controlled by a radio-linked remote. About $16,000. devialet.com
**Out of the array of interior design magazines, Home and Design magazine stands out as a primary idea source for luxury home designs and coverage of luxury living. Wonderful visuals of luxury getaways and dining options are combined with inspired decor to provide a fundamental reference point for bringing luxury to life in home interiors and beyond.
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2011
ON THE EDGE
Owner David von Storch describes his new 901 Restaurant & Bar in Penn Quarter as “a wonderfully edgy, urban dining experience that provides a playful vibe.” In the lounge, a seven-foot, wall-encased fireplace offers the perfect backdrop for sampling keg draft beers crafted exclusively for 901. The small-plate menu features Asian and American fare. 901 Ninth Street, NW; 202-524-4433. 901dc.com
ALL FIRED UP
Pizzeria da Marco serves up authentic Neopolitan-style pizza n Bethesda. Chef Dino Santonicola, who learned the craft in his hometown of Naples, turns out chewy-crusted masterpieces using a custom brick oven. GTM Architects outfitted the space with exposed brick, iron chandeliers and mosaics. 8008 Woodmont Avenue; 301-654-6083. pizzeriadamarco.net
CENTER STAGE
James Beard winner RJ Cooper is crafting 16- and 24-course tasting menus in his new DC restaurant, Rogue 24. Diners surround a central, open “stage,” where the chef and his team turn out such creations as heirloom corn, chanterelle, espelette and vanilla. 922 N Street NW; 202-408-9724. rogue24.com
ALL THAT GLITTERS
The Ashlyn Necklace by Elizabeth Cole Jewelry combines pear-shaped, turquoise-colored crystals and faceted, pear-shaped brass baubles with a large curb chain in 24kt gold plate. $185 at Wink in Georgetown. 3109 M Street, NW; 202-338-9465. shopwinkdc.com
ON THE RUNWAY
Style watchers can preview the latest trends for fall and winter at 2011 ALL ACCESS: Fashion at Tysons Galleria from September 22 to 24. Runway shows spotlight Tory Burch, Karen Millen, Elie Tahari and more. Pictured: Tahari’s Marie Skirt, $448; Edita Blouse, $328; and Felicity Belt, $148. Proceeds benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation. allaccessfashion.com
OXFORDS GO GLAM
The Pearlized Oxford Bootie by Alber Elbaz for Lanvin adds a decidedly feminine touch—and a four inch heel—to the traditional staple. A ribbon lace-up tie cinches the deal. Made in Italy of patent leather with grosgrain piping. $1,050. neimanmarcus.com
**Out of the array of interior design magazines, Home and Design magazine stands out as a primary idea source for luxury home designs and coverage of luxury living. Wonderful visuals of luxury getaways and dining options are combined with inspired decor to provide a fundamental reference point for bringing luxury to life in home interiors and beyond.
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2011
When DC architect Andreas Charalambous traveled to Miami to help a client find a retirement condo, he had no intention of buying one himself. But while touring properties, he was drawn to a building on Biscayne Bay with views of the Miami skyline on one side and the Atlantic on the other. Suddenly the “crazy idea” hit him and Charalambous made an offer on a two-bedroom apartment on the eleventh floor; his client bought a property a few blocks away.
“I always enjoy Miami because it’s an international city and I have friends there,” the architect says. “In this apartment, it’s all about the view. You watch the sun set and it’s completely removed from reality.”
This spur-of-the-moment decision rested on a few practicalities. First, the price was right due to the region’s economic slump. Even more compelling was the fact that Charalambous, known for his distinctly modern work, saw potential in eventually developing new business in a city that embraces a vibrant, contemporary aesthetic. In addition, with two renovations underway at once he and his client could save time and resources by working with many of the same vendors and contractors.
His first step was to gut the place. With its wall-to-wall carpet and 1970s-era kitchen and bathrooms gone, Charalambous then constructed a minimalist tableau that would accentuate the views rather than compete with them.
“The plan changes that I made were minor but I think important,” Charalambous says. He shifted the master bedroom door, separating it from the guest bedroom entry and aligning it with the apartment’s main corridor. “The line of vision is much longer and it also gives the bedrooms more privacy.” He replaced a large walk-in closet in the master bedroom with a smaller closet to create more living space. “It allowed me to fit a king-size bed and bigger furniture into the room and let the whole space ‘breathe.’ There’s no reason, at least for me, to have a walk-in closet in a beachfront property; you want to use it for living.”
Charalambous’s design is an exercise in restraint. He sheathed the entire apartment in white, from the walls and ceilings down to the two-by-two-foot porcelain floor tiles throughout. Even the baseboards are made of the same porcelain material. “I had made the decision from the beginning that this is primarily a beach apartment and it’s all about the water,” Charalambous says. “It’s all about the blue outside, so everything inside was going to be white with splashes of color.”
For “relief” from the slick surfaces in the living room, the architect designed a suspended wall of mid-century-style wood panels, backlit with LED lights to create an ambient glow at night. And his own mixed-media art, which he painted on the apartment’s balcony during his first weekend in the home, creates bold strokes of color against the seamless white background in all of the rooms.
Furniture is kept to a minimum to avoid a sense of clutter; Charalambous honed in on clean-lined, modern pieces that he employs almost like sculptures in the space. He also selected low-slung beds to bring a greater sense of volume to both of the bedrooms.
“It was more about making strategic decisions that would have big impact versus doing it all. This was a very restrained solution to the space, but one that I think is powerful in its simplicity,” he says. “You can see the skyline of Miami across the bay from all the rooms—that is the feature.”
He also applied a less-is-more sensibility in the kitchen by avoiding upper-level cabinetry along the two main walls to keep the space open. Under-counter refrigerator, freezer and microwave drawers eliminate the need for tall appliances that would interrupt the symmetry. An ornate white mirror reflects the bay even in this windowless space.
A stone accent wall in the kitchen evokes images of pebbles and sand along the shore. The same organic texture is also applied in the master bath and guest bath in another nod to the outdoors.
Now that his second home is complete, Charalambous takes a break from his busy schedule in DC to visit Miami once a month. He finds that, though brief, his trips to the tropics recharge his batteries, both on a personal and professional level. “Visiting Miami takes me away from the everyday,” he says. “Sometimes we get bogged down by things that in the big picture are really not that significant. It just helps remove you from the situation for a weekend. I think getting away and putting things in perspective and coming back and re-adjusting the issue is really very healthy.
“In Miami, everything that’s being built is very modern; it’s very today,” he continues, pointing out the many resources he now taps in the Miami Design District. “It also helps me get inspired. Going down to Miami and being exposed to a different way of doing things is informing our projects here in Washington as well.”
Photographer Geoffrey Hodgdon is based in Deale, Maryland.
ARCHITECTURE: ANDREAS CHARALAMBOUS, AIA, IIDA, FORMA Design, Inc., Washington, DC.
**Out of the array of interior design magazines, Home and Design magazine stands out as a primary idea source for luxury home design and building/remodeling features. Wonderful visuals of custom homes and eco-friendly resources are combined with expert advice to provide a fundamental reference point for bringing amazing home interior design and remodeling projects to life.
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2011
Design buffs looking to overnight or host a special event near DC should check out the new Renaissance Arlington Capital View Hotel in Crystal City, Virginia. Its sleek interiors designed by ForrestPerkins celebrate motion in homage to its location on a transportation nexus bridging the Potomac River, Reagan National Airport and what was once the capital’s largest rail yard. A bentwood sculpture by Charlie Whinney, made from a single beech tree felled on his rural English property, provides a slowly rotating focal point in the lobby (pictured). Custom lighting, furnishings and finishes abound in the sleek public spaces of this eco-friendly hotel—including a terrazzo floor in the lobby containing recycled glass. LEED certification is pending.
ARCHITECT OF RECORD: Cooper Carry, Alexandria, Virginia. INTERIOR ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN: STEPHEN PERKINS, AIA, ISHC, principal; JOHN CARHART, AIA, vice president, architecture; BROOKE TRAEGER, ASID, lead interior designer; MORRIAH MRYSZUK, ASID, design
associate, ForrestPerkins, Washington, DC. PHOTOGRAPHY: KENNETH M. WYNER.
**Out of the array of interior design magazines, Home and Design magazine stands out as a primary idea source for luxury home designs and coverage of luxury living. Wonderful visuals of luxury getaways and dining options are combined with inspired decor to provide a fundamental reference point for bringing luxury to life in home interiors and beyond.
JULY/AUGUST 2011
The 2011 DC Design House transformed a 1925 English Tudor home in Washington’s stately Forest Hills neighborhood last April. Twenty design teams worked their magic, polishing this faded gem into a showcase of cutting-edge 21st-century style; we feature their work on this spread and the following pages. Proceeds of the month-long event benefit Children’s National Medical Center.
Living Room
Patrick Sutton of Patrick Sutton Associates stripped layer upon layer of white paint from the living room ceiling and beams (above), restoring a sense of grandeur to the dramatic space. Treated with a lime finish, the original wood beams and Farrow & Ball covering on the walls and ceiling now create an elegant backdrop for a well-edited mix of antiques, new furnishings, art and mementoes collected around the globe.
Exterior Front Portico
The renovated portico extends a warm, inviting welcome. Jim Rill and his team from Rill Architects altered the trim above the entry and painted it in contrasting colors to accentuate the home’s Tudor style. A new wrought-iron bracket and lantern at the gable add character. The team removed an existing screen door to show off the details on the home’s original front door; overflowing planters add a finishing touch.
Entry & Stair Hall
Liz Levin of Liz Levin Interiors eliminated the dark wood trim that once obscured the windows in the entry and stair hall, allowing sunlight to pour into the space. Pairing a Bohemian glass chandelier with an Ikat rug, she put a novel spin on the traditional foyer. “It’s elegant,” Levin says, “but kind of edgy.” A metallic motif, hand-stenciled on the walls by Billet Collins, creates a subtle sheen. ”
Dining Room
Camille Saum of Camille Saum Interior Design proves that even in an historical home the dining room need not be taken too seriously. With a painted checkerboard floor, a glamorous taffeta table skirt, patent leather seat cushions and moss growing on the fireplace, Saum’s design boldly serves up style and whimsy. A lantern by Niermann Weeks hangs from the ceiling painted in Farrow & Ball Dutch Pink—another unexpected detail.
Library
Inheriting a library with dark-stained paneling, Nancy Colbert of Design Partners, LLC, created a fresh, updated room with staying power. She painted the bookshelves and millwork in Farrow & Ball Skimming Stone with a glazed finish and covered the ceiling in an iridescent paper by Studio E. A loveseat in tone-on-tone chenille and a pair of conversation chairs make this a perfect spot to enjoy a good book and afternoon tea.
Family Room
Barbara Franceski of Barbara Franceski LLC christened the original family room a “moose lodge” for its 1960s paneling and bar. She tamed the long, narrow space by creating several seating areas that work well together, thanks in part to the curve of the William Yeoward sofa that takes center stage. Quirky elements—from the “modern ancestor portraits” by Dave Peterson to the graphic carpet—create a playful vibe.
Sunroom
Gary Lovejoy of Gary Lovejoy Associates, Inc., selected the sunroom because it was the most “quirky” space in the house. He overcame the challenge posed by openings in every wall by floating the furnishings around a leather-bound cowhide rug. Low-slung M2L chairs and a comfy chaise counter the low ceiling height. A leather screen by Poltrona Frau creates a sense of privacy without blocking the garden view.
Koi Pond
Landscape architect Scott Brinitzer’s design of the koi pond brought the faded original back to life. Once he and Jeff Potter of J&G Landscape Design removed the overgrowth and a poorly designed add-on terrace, “we saw the beauty and elegance of its form,” Brinitzer recalls. Complementing the shape of the pond, Brinitzer designed curved walkways and fluid sweeps of pea gravel to enliven the garden in the early days of spring.
The Pool
The estate’s pool, originally installed in the 1940s or ’50s, has a “hip, cool, martini vibe,” says landscape architect Scott Brinitzer. He and Jeff Potter of J&G Landscape Design redefined its original lines, then reinforced the Hollywood glam look with retro modern chairs and teal umbrellas. They also gave a new identity to the adjacent dance floor, enveloping it with innovative columns of arborvitae and an abundance of rhododendrons.
Pool Kitchen
Nadia Subaran of Aidan Design transformed the pool kitchen, which she believes was part of a 1950s addition to the main house. Rift-cut cabinets by Wood-Mode and a minimal stainless-steel hood provide a modern foil to touches of nostalgia in the soapstone countertops and Rohl farmhouse sink. The color palette of Farrow & Ball Dove Tale gray on the brick wall, light Champagne cabinetry and a charcoal-gray porcelain floor is simply seductive.
Garden Room
A modern-day interpretation of the traditional conservatory, the garden room by Whitney Stewart of Whitney Stewart Interior Design celebrates nature with a potting console designed for flower arranging and indoor gardening, an array of plant life and bold botanical art. A birdcage chandelier by Artisan Lamps adds a whimsical touch. Comfortable seating makes it easy to enjoy the lush environment over a book or casual meal any time of year.
Pool Room
Erin Paige Pitts of Erin Paige Pitts Interiors resolved the home’s lack of a proper porch by creating an open, al fresco ambiance in the pool room. She struck a balance between sophisticated and soothing with a combination of Jim Thompson linens, sisal rugs and David Edward settees, which she had converted into swings. “Everyone in DC is so busy,” says Pitts. “This room is a little vacation from life.”
Powder Room
In the powder room, Denise Willard of Décor by Denise began by covering the exposed plumbing under the home’s existing Greek key sink with a skirt in fabric by Rodolph. She also retained the wall tile, but dressed it up with a multi-layered Venetian plaster treatment above the mosaic trim. Crystal and gold details create a jewel-box effect, and decorative sconces by Fine Art Lamps add a sophisticated touch.
Secret Garden Bath
Jason Hodges of J. Hodges & Associates, LLC, freshened up the secret garden bath adjacent to the teenage girl’s bedroom with crisp wainscoting concealing “unattractive” white tile. A ledge above it provides a spot to store make-up and small accessories. And a sleek new vanity with a glass top and vessel sink and a zebra-striped mirror hand-painted in purple and cream by Avery Studios complete the look.
One for the Guys
Responding to the dearth of rooms designed for men in most show houses these days, David Mitchell of David Mitchell Interior Design infused his One For The Guys bedroom with what he calls a “new masculine” flair. A mix of antiques, found objects and industrial elements creates a rustic, lived-in look. Graphic notes, from the whip-stitched pattern on the cowhide rug to the bold prints by 17th-century Swedish explorer Olof Rudbeck, add a modern sensibility.
Secret Garden Bedroom
Samantha Friedman of Samantha Friedman Interior Designs, LLC, created the secret garden bedroom for a modern teenage girl. The cozy wool rug in a floral motif grounds neutral furnishings that have been livened up with vibrant orange and purple textiles. The Baker bed in ivory can be paired with new fabrics as styles evolve. A wooden swing in the entry nook (not pictured) provides a fun hangout for a lady of any age.
Cerulean Sancturay
Cindy McClure of Grossmueller’s Design Consultants, Inc., updated the Cerulean Sanctuary bath by concealing blue tile walls with white bead board and replacing the existing shower door with a simple glass panel. A custom stained-glass mosaic inspired by a china pattern called “Flow Blue” creates a fabulous mural on the main wall. New vintage-style fixtures, including a water fountain similar to the one found on the original sink, lend period detail.
Master Bedroom
Iantha Carley of Iantha Carley Interiors fell in love with a geometric David Hicks print and used it on the canopy and drapes in the master bedroom. It adds a lively contrast to the walls in Farrow & Ball’s Charleston Gray—selected “because I wanted to consider the male point of view.” But in the adjacent dressing room (not pictured), Carley opted to go glam with a mirrored table and tufted fuchsia chair.
The Hideaway
In the Hideaway, Lauren Liess of Lauren Liess Interiors embraces the “fairytale” feel of the vintage home. She incorporates chic textiles and furnishings of her own design, including the Mad Hatter wing chairs and the black and white Ikat drapery fabric. The window seat piled with heaps of cushions à la The Princess and the Pea makes an idyllic spot for an afternoon nap.
Master Bath
Allie Mann of Case Design/ Remodeling made the most of limited space in the master bath. A sleek new custom vanity combines a marble countertop with sepia cherry cabinetry. Mann converted the bathtub into a luxurious shower (not pictured). Botanical prints and Calcutta Chablis marble floors with a subtle stripe add a touch of classic elegance.
Photographer Gordon Beall is based in Bethesda, Maryland.
RESOURCES
EXTERIOR FRONT PORTICO
James Rill, Linda Gallegos, Richard Rossi, Rill Architects, PC
Resources: Antique brick lattice planter: Loftstyle; Hathaway Tudor pendant: Rejuvenation; Monrovia console table: Salvations Architectural Furnishings; Richmond outdoor hanging lantern: Shades of Light; Tall Wickford urn: Restoration Hardware; Venetian settee bench by Brown Jordan: American Eye.
SPECIALISTS: General Contractor: Wood Haven Contractors; Landscape Design: Cynthia Ferranto of Cynthia Ferranto Landscape Design; Metalwork: Mark Van Duser of Ivy Hill Forge; Outdoor Lighting: Mark Oxley of Outdoor Illumination.
ENTRY & STAIR HALL
Liz Levin, Liz Levin Interiors
Resources: Alexa Hampton Basil Ceiling Light Fixture: Visual Comfort; Andre Arbus Christal Chandelier: Baker; Artwork: The Art Registry; Bohemian Glass Foyer Chandelier: Michael-Cleary; Center Table: Baker; Demi Lune Consoles: Crate and Barrel; Gold Twig Sconces: Vaughan Lighting; Horse Sculptures: Kravet; Ikat Rug: Timothy Paul Carpets; Mirrors: Made Goods; Rock Crystal Lamps: Kravet; Silver Leaf Annecy Arm Chairs: Niermann Weeks; Stair and top floor hall carpet: Stark; Thom Filicia Faux Bois Chair: And Beige.
SPECIALISTS: Artistic Wall Paint: Billet Collins Studio; Carpet Installation: Floor Crafters LTD; Construction and Paint: Medvascar Construction; Electrical: D&P Electric; Floor Refinishing: Classic Floors.
LIVING ROOM
Patrick Sutton, Patrick Sutton Associates
Resources: Accent Chairs: Patrick Sutton Home; Area Rugs: Greenspring Carpet Source; Art and Accessories: Alan Gilbert Photography, Evelyn Avery, Marston Luce Antiques, Patrick Sutton Home; Belgian Commode, Antique: Patrick Sutton Home; Bergere Chairs and Tabouret, French 19th Century: Cote Jardin Antiques; Bookcases: Patrick Sutton Collection; Center Table & Chandeliers: David Iatesta, Holly Hunt; Coffee Table: Patrick Sutton Collection; Decorative Wall Brackets: Patrick Sutton Collection; Fireplace Pedestals and Birch Logs: Patrick Sutton Collection, Slaysman Forge, JN Firewood; Library Table: Patrick Sutton Home; Louis Chair, Antique: Patrick Sutton Home; Loveseat: Patrick Sutton Home; Mirrors: Evelyn Avery; Ottomans: Patrick Sutton Home; Pedestal: Formations, Holly Hunt; Picture Lights: Dorman’s Lighting; Pillows: Patrick Sutton Collection; Settee: Patrick Sutton Collection, Edward Ferrell; Side Tables: Rose Tarlow, Holly Hunt, Dennis and Lean, Holly Hunt; Sofa: Hickory Chair; Swivel Chairs: Lee Industries; Table Lamps: Patrick Sutton Home; Tin Framed Chairs, Antique: Patrick Sutton Home; Upholstered Screens: Patrick Sutton Collection; Wallpaper and Paint: Farrow and Ball; Wing Chair: Hickory Chair.
SPECIALISTS: Art Installation: Kramer Installation; Bookcase Faux Finishing: Baltimore Artstar; Books: Book Escape; Custom Cabinetry: Pyramid Builders, Millwork; Custom Cabinetry Materials: American Cedar; Decorative Wall Brackets: Duncan Cabinetry; Drapery Fabrication: Drapery Contractors; Electrician: Cook Electric; Framing: Furst Bros. Company; General Contractor: Pyramid Builders; Louis Chair Finishing: Mitchell Yanosky; Moving and Delivery: Childs Express; Painting/Beam Finishing: Pyramid Builders; Screen Fabrication: Springwood Construction; Upholstery and Pillow Fabrication: Josh Levin & Associates; Wall Paper Installation: Rob Black.
POOL ROOM
Erin Paige Pitts, Erin Paige Pitts Interiors
Resources: All Fabrics: Jim Thompson Fabrics; Benches: David Edward Furniture; Throws on Swings: Sferra; Murano glass vases and lamp: Otium, NYC; Art: Pamela Phillips – artist; Henredon showroom; Hines Showroom.
SPECIALISTS: Benchmark Painting; Drapery Design and Manufacturing: Stark; Ibello Upholstery; Rugger Electric; Karen Robertson; Painted floor and faux paint detail on doors: Twin Diamonds Studio.
THE POOL
Jeff Potter/Scott Brinitzer, J&G Landscape Design, Inc.
Resources: Plants: Manor View Farm, Monkton, MD; Outdoor Umbrella: Crate and Barrel.
SPECIALISTS: Painting outdoor furniture: Horizon Houseworks.
POOL KITCHEN
Nadia Subaran, Aidan Design
Resources: Cabinetry: Wood-Mode thru Aidan; Appliances: Viking thru HADCO; Farmhouse sink and faucet: Rohl thru Appliance Builders Wholesale (ABW); Countertops: supplied by Marva, fitting and fabrication by Norwood; Stainless Steel Shelves: AK Metal Fabricators; Flooring Tiles: Architectural Ceramics; Lighting Pendants: LucePlan available thru AIDAN; Cabinetry Hardware: HAFELE available thru Aidan; Artwork: Avery Studios; Walnut Butcher Block: Grothouse thru Aidan.
SPECIALISTS: Gruber Renovations (Brian Gruber, Matthew Gruber, Michael Gruber); Keller Design and Build (Steve Schwabb, David Keller, Brian Keller); J.H. Hymiller and Associates (Jack Hymiller, Jim Benchoff); Norwood Marble and Granite; Ak Metal Fabricators (Wade Hall, Eric Rice); Caribbean Remodeling (Brian Arjune); Baldwin’s Furniture Service (Kevin Baldwin).
GARDEN ROOM
Whitney Stewart, Whitney Stewart Interior Design
Resources: Window Treatments and soft furnishings: Fabric Accents by Emily: Furniture: American Eye; Pillow fabric (Beauregard Rose): Pierre Frey, through Hines & Co; White hide Rug: Patterson, Flynn & Martin; Birdcage Chandelier: Artisan Lamps; Paint: Farrow & Ball; Large framed Botanical photograph: Collection of Whitney Stewart.
SPECIALISTS: General Contractor: John Juenemann; Plant Material: Potomac Floral Wholesale; Special thanks to Christina Griffin and Gay Barclay.
SUN ROOM
Gary Lovejoy, Gary Lovejoy Associates, Inc.
Resources: Lounge Chairs: M2L Collection; Gehry Cardboard Table/Stool: M2L Collection; Chaise: Stewart Furniture; Fabric: Pollack fabric & Knoll & Kravet; Arm Chair: Donghia
Leather, Townsend Leather; Metal Screen: Poltrona Frau; Round End Table: A. Rudin through Michael Cleary; Drum Table: Sandback through Willem Smith; Drink Table: Century Furniture; Etagere: Walter’s Wicker; Parentesi suspension Light: Illuminations; Mirror: Architrave through American Eye; Area Rug: Edelman cowhide; Drapery Fabrication: Coleman Interiors; Drapery Fabric: Chella through Michael Cleary; Seat Cushion on Bench: L.P. Oliver & Sons, Inc.; Fabric: Edelman cowhide; Woven Bench: Niedermaier; Stacking Chairs: Donghia; Accessories: JANUS et Cie and Ani Kasten; American Eye Table with Glass Top: Lovejoy Assoc.; Bel Pre Glassworks.
SPECIALISTS: Painting Contractor: Chapin International Wall Designs; Electrical Contractor: Contract Electric; Faux Finisher: Fine Art Finishes; Ceiling Light Fixtures: Patricia Stanley at Dominion Electric, Tech Lighting.
KOI POND
Scott Brinitzer/Jeff Potter, Scott Brinitzer Design Associates
Resources: Larry; Seat Cushions: M.C. Interiors, Kevin Jung; Chairs: Sherwood Design, Marina Simmons.
SPECIALISTS: Koi Pond: Harmony Ponds, Al Short; Lighting: Outdoor Illumination.
LIBRARY
Nancy M. Colbert, Design Partners, LLC
Resources: Paint: Farrow and Ball; Wall Covering: Studio E through Niermann Weeks; Avery Fine Art: Leather Library Books, Go-Home, Ltd., Michael Getz Antiques, Inc., Miller and Arney Antiques; Hickory Chair; Masland Carpets, Inc.; Global Views, personal collection from Nancy Colbert.
SPECIALISTS: Painting Contractor: William Patterson; Custom Millwork: Holleman Contracting; Decorative Painting: Studio 33; Wall Covering Installation: Murphy Decorating; Window Treatment Fabrication: Knightsbridge Interiors; Electrical Services: Contract Electric, Maria Morga.
DINING ROOM
Camille Saum, Camille Saum Interior Design, LLC
Resources: Rendering: Camille Saum Interior Design, LLC, Nicole Hansen; Table Settings: Consider It Done, Timothy Albrecht; Watercolor Artwork: Debra Nicholas Portrait Studio; Back Chair Fabric, Drapery Fabric, Table Skirt Fabric: F. Schumacher & Co; Paint: Farrow and Ball; Custom Art Frames: Framer McGee's, Ginger Hopkins; Napkins: Gore Dean; Accessories: Grants Antiques; Front Chair Fabric, Valtekz: J. Lambeth & Co.; Dining Chairs, and Upholstery: Karges & Caron; Alter Crosses: Michael-Cleary; Breakfront Accessories: Neiman Marcus; Antique Mirror Top, Silver Leafed Mirror, Lantern: Niermann Weeks; Center Piece: Pier 1 Imports; Marble Fireplace: Stone and Tile World, Goran Zukic; Bamboo Heater Cover: Stonehenge Building, Tom Salter; Antique Breakfront: The Great British Pine Mine; Swedish Gustavian Sideboard, Danish Rococo Chest of Drawers and French Brass Wall Lanterns: Tone on Tone, Loi Thai.
SPECIALISTS: Faux Finishing Check Floors, Stenciling Breakfront: Atelier Artists, Ali Nasari; Moss Designer: Carol Inskeep, AIFD; Sand and prepared floor for faux-finisher: Classic Floors; Moss Supplier: David L. Powers, AIFD, Potomac Floral; Drapery Fabrication and Installation, Table Skirt Fabrication: Design Logistics, Inc.; Painting, Paneling, and Wood Repair: Hann & Hann; Fireplace Demolition: Linden Wood Working; Hearth Demolition: Midas Construction; Furniture Delivery: N-Route.
SECRET GARDEN BATH
Jason Hodges, J. Hodges & Associates, LLC
Resources: Custom Art in Entry Area: Nia Stratos; Framed Butterflies and Flower, Custom Mirror in Bathroom: Avery Studios; Carpet/Runner in Hall: Masland Carpets; Paint: Farrow and Ball; Garden Stool at Vanity: Michael-Cleary, The Washington Design Center, To the Trade Only; Shower Curtain Fabric: Pindler - Purchased through Danah Distributors, To the Trade Only.
SPECIALISTS: Painting, remodeling, and custom millwork for wall detail and desk: Xtreme Painting & Remodeling, LLC, Daniel Jasinski; Lighting and Vanity: Ferguson Enterprises, Inc. Margaret Anne Saunders Shower Curtain Fabrication: Danah Distributors, To the Trade Only.
SECRET GARDEN
Samantha Friedman, Samantha Friedman Interior Designs, LLC
Resources: Custom Drapery and Pillows: Rockville Interiors; All fabrics: Duralee; All paint: Farrow and Ball; Bed: Baker Furniture; Mirror: Baker Furniture; Carpet: Carpet Impressions; Wall Sconces: Vaughn featured at Hines and Company; Artwork: Avery Studios; Bedding: Sferra Bedding featured at Timothy Paul Bedding and Home; Dressers: Bungalow 5.
SPECIALISTS: Custom Millwork of trees, nightstands and radiator covers: Linden Woodwork; General Contractor and Painter: XTreme Painting and Remodeling; Electrical: Michael & Son Services.
CERULEAN SANCTUARY
Cindy McClure, Grossmueller’s Design Consultants, Inc.
Resources: Plumbing Fixtures- Newport Brass, Speakman: Atlantic Bath and Brass; Custom Shower Screen: River Glass Designs; Electrical Fixtures: Robert Abbey Tyrone Sconce; Paint: Farrow and Ball.
SPECIALISTS: Custom Carpentry Installation: ART Design Build, Inc.; Tile at the Tub surround- Mixed Up Mosaics from Mosaic Tile; Tile Installation: Galdamez Construction; Plumbing Installation: Mark Brew Plumbing and Heating, Inc.; Sound System Installation: ABE Networks; Electrical Installation: JKJ Electric.
THE HIDEAWAY
Lauren Liess, Lauren Liess Interiors
Resources: Fabrics on chairs and window seat: Peter Dunham and Jasper Michael Smith {can be ordered through John Rosselli}; Curtain fabric by Lauren Liess Textiles; Sisal Rug, Diamond Pattern by Stark; Grisaille and various artwork: Matthew Moore; Grasscloth by Seabrook; Various accessories/antiques: John Rosselli Antiques; Llama sconces by Porta Romana; Glass lamps by Stray Dog Designs; Curtain hardware by Brimar; Bamboo Shades by Horizons.
ONE FOR THE GUYS
David Mitchell, David Mitchell Interior Design
Resources: Bed Reupholstery: JK Drapery; Bedding: Sferra Bedding Provided by Timothy Paul Bedding and Home; TV: Ultraudio, Larry Packer; Desk: David Mitchell for Salvations Architectural Furnishings; Wall Light: Circa Lighting; Rug: David Mitchell Interior Design; Dresser: David Mitchell Interior Design; Mirror: David Mitchell Interior Design; Round Table: David Mitchell Interior Design; Artwork: David Mitchell Interior Design; Bench: David Mitchell Interior Design; Desk Chair: David Mitchell Interior Design; Accessories: David Mitchell Interior Design.
SPECIALISTS: Paint, Construction: John L. Juenemann; Drapery, Upholstery: JK Drapery; Delivery Service: Handle with Care; Art Hanger: Craig Cahoon; Rug Delivery: Normandy Carpet; Audio Visual: Larry Packer; Designer: David Mitchell; Designer: Elizabeth Baebel.
MASTER BEDROOM & DRESSING ROOM
Iantha Carley, Iantha Carley Interiors
Master Bedroom
Resources: Fabricator – Atelier Draperies, Inc.; Bed Canopy/Drapery Fabric: Lee Jofa; Bed Linens: Sferra available through Timothy Paul Bedding & Home; Side Tables/Headboard/Accessories: Century Furniture; Sconces: Niermann Weeks; Desk /Lacquered Tray: Mitchell Gold & Bob Williams; Chair: Lee Jofa; Chair Fabric: Romo Fabrics; Garden Stool: American Eye Showroom; Credenza: The New Traditionalists; Light Switches: Forbes and Lomax available through Iantha Carley Interiors; Shutters: Hunter Douglas available through Iantha Carley Interiors; Original Art: The Art Registry, Holger Griebl; Lamps /Etagere/Accessories: Baker Furniture.
SPECIALISTS: General Contracting/Painting: Lackford Painting; Design Assistant: Beverly Ross.
MASTER BATH
Allie Mann, Case Design/Remodeling
Resources: Specialty Tile: Architectural Ceramics; Vanity Cabinet: Crystal Cabinetry; Counter Top: Norwood Marble and Granite; Glass Enclosure and Mirror: Sterling Mirror; Paint: Farrow and Ball; Specialty Artwork: Avery Art.
SPECIALISTS:
Electrical: Berardi Electrical; Plumbing: GreCo Plumbing; Specialty Plumbing and Lighting Material: Ferguson Enterprises.
POWDER ROOM
Denise Willard, Décor by Denise
Resources: Chandelier and Sconces: Fine Art Lamps; Decorative Accessories and Linens: Valerianne; Mirror: Uttermost; Sink Skirt Fabric: Rodolph; Sink Skirt Trim: Houles; Window Shade Fabric: Highland Court; Window Shade Beaded Trim: Robert Allen; Decorative Wall and Trim Finishes: Beth Goldsmith Creative Works.
SPECIALISTS: Base Painting: Byers Wallpaper & Painting; Wallpaper Removal: Star Painting; Window Shade Installation: Robert Shoemaker; Construction and Electrical: Metro Kitchen and Bath; Custom Fabrication: Leang So; Wall Artwork: Broadway Gallery.
FAMILY ROOM
Barbara Franceski, Barbara Franceski LLC
Resources: Accessories: Barbara Franceski LLC; Acrylic Accent Table: Gus through homebody; Alpaca Bolster: Holland & Sherry; Area Rugs: Patterson, Flynn & Martin; Art (Original Portraits): Dave Peterson, BrandDave; Art (Abstract): Verdigris Antiques; Bench (Leather, on Casters): Lee Industries through American Eye; Ceiling Fixture: JH Lighting & Brassworks, Inc. through Michael-Cleary, LLC; Clam Shell: Century Furniture; Club Chair (Upholstered): Donghia; Club Chairs (Leather, Stainless Steel Base): Donghia; Desk: Edward Ferrell + Lewis Mittman; End Table (Round): Hickory White through American Eye; Fabrics: Clarence House, Designers Guild, Donghia, and Pollack; Fanback Wing Chair: Edward Ferrell + Lewis Mittman; Lamp (Floor): Judco; Lamp (Table): Baker Knapp & Tubbs; Lion Bench: Edward Ferrell + Lewis Mittman; Loveseat: William Yeoward; Lucite Pedestal: Baker Knapp & Tubbs; Ottoman (Large Square): Donghia; Ottomans (Small Square): Lee Industries through American Eye; Paint (Wall & Trim): Farrow & Ball (Oxford Stone No. 264 – Eco Dead Flat); Paint (Ceiling): Farrow & Ball (Dimity No. 2008 – Estate Emulsion); Trim: Fabricut through J. Lambeth; Sofa: Lee Industries through American Eye; Stool (Blue Leather): Erik Jorgensen through Furniture from Scandanavia; Swedish Club Chair: Edward Ferrell + Lewis Mittman.
SPECIALISTS: Artwork Installation: Art and Mirror Hanging, LLC; Contractor: Foxcraft Design Group, Inc.; Custom Roman Shades and Pillow Fabrication: J. K. Drapery, Inc.; Delivery Service: N-Route LLC; Electrical Work: Rugger Electric; Floor Refinishing: Classic Floor Designs; Painting: Washington Wallcovering
JULY/AUGUST 2011
Shortly after launching his own firm, DC-based Renaissance Design, H. Alex Sanchez landed a spot on season five of the HGTV reality show “Design Star.” Though he’s not a fan of reality TV, Sanchez credits the show with giving him validation in the eyes of potential clients. “It opened so many doors,” he says. “Now I can flex my muscles and do the type of work I want to do.”
Ever since the show aired, Sanchez has been in demand, especially among the bachelor crowd. For a condo design, he selected a light palette and upholstery in a “suit-like material” for a crisp, masculine look. In a guest room, he stacked two tufted headboards on a wall and installed them with a custom wood surround; a smoky purple accent wall adds a bit of drama. And he chose low-slung furnishings and an earth tone color scheme in a sophisticated entertainment space.
A native of St. Croix with a degree in architectural design, Sanchez says that a Virgin Islands upbringing has influenced his work. “I think it has made me fearless in my approach to color,” he says. “I always bring in some sort of organic element, and I like things to be a little bit off-centered. Nothing is structured in the islands—everything is kind of free-flowing.”
**Out of the array of interior design magazines, Home and Design magazine stands out as a primary idea source for luxury home designs. Wonderful visuals of inspired décor and lush landscapes are combined with expert advice to provide a fundamental reference point for bringing amazing home interior design ideas to life.
JULY/AUGUST 2011
Marika Meyer launched her Bethesda firm, Marika Meyer Interiors, after earning a degree in fine arts, studying design at the Corcoran—and working at the Corporate Executive Board in DC. “Learning project management and business skills was crucial in enabling me to run a business successfully,” she says.
One early project that tested her mettle was the complete makeover of a Georgetown rowhouse for a client who was downsizing; it involved gutting and renovating the entire house. “I managed the project on my own,” Meyer recalls. “It gave me a lot of confidence. After that, my business just started growing, even in the downturn.”
In the narrow kitchen of that home, Meyer designed banquette seating with storage above and below as a “space-saving maneuver.” The designer prides herself on listening to clients and understanding their likes and dislikes. She recently helped a young, budget-conscious couple furnish their Logan Circle home using vintage furniture and created an elegant living room in Georgetown with built-in millwork for clients bent on displaying their books.
Meyer says that one of her design philosophies is that “there has to be a merging of form and function. The majority of our clients are families, so we make sure there is realistic, approachable space that they can live in.”
**Out of the array of interior design magazines, Home and Design magazine stands out as a primary idea source for luxury home designs. Wonderful visuals of inspired décor and lush landscapes are combined with expert advice to provide a fundamental reference point for bringing amazing home interior design ideas to life.
JULY/AUGUST 2011
Jason Hodges is no stranger to construction sites. He grew up in his family’s Charlotte, North Carolina, real estate and construction business, watching houses take shape and sketching imaginary plans on a drafting table. However, it wasn’t until he was halfway through business school that Hodges discovered interior design. “Business wasn’t working for me. I realized I wanted to be a designer,” he says.
Hodges left business school to earn a master’s degree in fine arts and interior design at George Washington University and founded his own DC firm, J. Hodges & Associates, in 2009 after nine years working for other designers. Today he strives to make every project unique based on a client’s style and needs. To create a cozy TV room in Dupont Circle, he paired an oversized chair with two ottomans from Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams in durable wool upholstery (left, bottom). Stainless-steel tile and appliances lend an edge to the wooden cabinetry and quartz countertops (left, top) in a recent kitchen project. And he juxtaposed modern furnishings and period details in the living room of a historical DC home (above).
“I tailor all my work to the client so my projects look pretty varied overall,” says Hodges. “As a designer, you can make any style beautiful. And if a room is beautiful, it’s beautiful no matter if it’s what [the designer] likes or not.”
**Out of the array of interior design magazines, Home and Design magazine stands out as a primary idea source for luxury home designs. Wonderful visuals of inspired décor and lush landscapes are combined with expert advice to provide a fundamental reference point for bringing amazing home interior design ideas to life.
JULY/AUGUST 2011
After graduating from college and landing a job in PR, Lauren Liess got busy decorating her first apartment. So busy, in fact, that in office meetings she found herself doodling elevations and floor plans instead of paying attention. She took that as a sign that her future belonged to design and left her day job to take design classes and help friends decorate their homes. After a stint working for another designer, Liess debuted her own firm, Lauren Liess Interiors, in 2007 and started a design blog (purestylehome.blogspot.com) in 2008. It now has more than 70,000 readers and this year Liess launched her own line of furniture and fabrics.
Before embarking on a project, Liess gets to know her clients, honing in on an “emotional connection” that will give meaning to a space. The Herndon, Virginia-based designer recently converted a family’s formal living room into a functional space for homework, projects and playing music. She collected leaves on the property with her clients’ kids and had images of them blown up on canvas . A generous worktable stores books and accessories at one end. In the designer’s own home, personal mementoes adorn her ever-changing mantel.
“We like to focus on the feeling that someone is going to have when they’re at home,” she says. “For every mood, a room can still look a million different ways.”
**Out of the array of interior design magazines, Home and Design magazine stands out as a primary idea source for luxury home designs. Wonderful visuals of inspired décor and lush landscapes are combined with expert advice to provide a fundamental reference point for bringing amazing home interior design ideas to life.
JULY/AUGUST 2011
To say that play space takes on a whole new meaning in the Bethesda home of Larry and Warrenetta Baker would be an understatement—it practically takes over the entire house. After settling into the 1980s-era home for a few months, the Bakers decided that the vaulted room off the foyer felt too cold and impersonal for a living or dining room, so they took a leap and converted it into a play space complete with a climbing wall and regulation-height basketball hoop for the enjoyment of sons Henry, 12, and Calvin, 15. The action spills over into a sunroom housing ping-pong, pool and foosball tables. And in fair weather, a swimming pool, trampoline and tennis court retooled into a skateboarding course attract teenage visitors to the backyard like bees to honey.
Since moving in, the Bakers have renovated and enlarged their “unworkable" kitchen and fixed a number of structural problems. They also replaced worn wooden decking around the pool with a flagstone terrace. But with all the fun underway, little thought was given to décor.
Finally tired of boring beige walls, the Bakers called upon interior designer Debbie Wiener to help them choose paint colors and new furniture. Wiener took her cues from the home's bright red front door, which the previous owners had salvaged from a barn. “Warrenetta told me that she loved the barn door but thought the rest of the house was ugly,” Wiener recalls. “I thought to myself, 'This is a really fun young couple,’ and started showing them brighter colors.” She proposed Benjamin Moore's Jalapeño Pepper green for the living room “because I knew that room was all about the outdoors and views to the pool;" Salsa Dancing red in the kitchen, sport court and game room to echo the red front door; and accents of Concorde Ivory as a soothing balm to the bolder shades.
Though her painter was “scared to death” of the combination, Warrenetta Baker instantly fell in love with the bright new look. “My office is battleship gray,” explains the corporate tax attorney. “I wanted to come home to something totally different. The architecture in the house really didn't make sense to us, but Debbie did a fantastic job. We never would have thought of painting the walls in different colors but now the architecture makes sense.”
Wiener took a practical approach in furnishing this home where two boys and two dogs have free reign, seeking low-maintenance, unbreakable items that would not be ruined by an errant football or impromptu wrestling match. "The number-one skill I find myself relying on,” she says, “is my common sense. Will it clean up? Will it hold up? Will it be comfortable? The challenge was to select nothing that was breakable, nothing that couldn't get knocked over—and no glass.”
The designer presented her clients with a number of stylish but sensible options, including pieces from her own line of furniture called Slobproof!, upholstered in “indestructible” fabric by Crypton that can be easily cleaned—even when "decorated” with permanent markers, olive oil and ketchup, as the Bakers can attest. For the open-plan main living space, the Bakers selected a durable sofa by American Leather. A pair of Slobproof! armchairs and chaises on casters in bright accent colors complete the mix. Wiener also designed a custom dining table to be located near the kitchen, and surrounded it with comfortable chairs, also from her furniture line.
Playful pillows add further pops of color. “Color is camouflage,” explains Wiener. “Anyone who would put beige in their homes with kids and pets—it just doesn't make sense. I'm always looking for well-priced items full of color.”
The kitchen was designed as command central for Larry Baker, a former Utah prosecutor who decided in 1999 that he would much rather be a full-time dad. “Our goal is that Larry can work in the kitchen and see the pool and have a view of everything. So the stove and the sink are all facing that way,” Warrenetta explains. An oversized island with bar stools on one side and two 30-inch stoves installed side by side creates an efficient spot for whipping up family meals or throwing a party.
Wiener also revamped the lower-level TV room. Her first order of business was removing the outdated white-painted brick mantel and mauve carpet. Then she created an accent wall of decorative stone. “The emphasis of the house is all outdoors," she says, “so I really wanted to bring the outdoors in there." The Bakers selected comfortable Ultrasuede and leather seating and Wiener created a playful round rug. The cozy space is now perfect for enjoying TV, xBox, Wii and movies on a seven-foot screen.
The Bakers have no regrets about losing a formal living room—or their traditional tennis court—to create play spaces for their sons. “The climbing wall room gets used more than any other space in the house,” says Warrenetta. “The kids get a lot of exercise in the wintertime, and I like that there's nothing breakable nearby so I don't have to stress. It's a bit of a kid party house, which makes it a lot of fun for us too.”
Greg Powers is a photographer based in Arlington, Virginia.
INTERIOR DESIGN: DEBBIE WIENER, Designing Solutions, Silver Spring, Maryland. KITCHEN RENOVATION: DON WRESCHE, Kitchen Engineering, Crownsville, Maryland.
**Out of the array of interior design magazines, Home and Design magazine stands out as a primary idea source for luxury home designs. Wonderful visuals of inspired décor and lush landscapes are combined with expert advice to provide a fundamental reference point for bringing amazing home interior design ideas to life.
July/August 2011
New Wave in NoMa
Todd Gray’s Watershed, a new restaurant from Todd Gray and Ellen Kassoff Gray of Equinox fame (top left) celebrates the bounty of the Eastern seaboard, from Maine to Florida. Think Baltimore seafood stew, Carolina shrimp-and-scallop burgers and sashimi from the raw bar. The cozy patio (above) features live music on Fridays. In the Hilton Garden Inn, 1225 First Street, NE; 202-534-1350. toddgrayswatershed.com
Parisian Patisserie
Paul, a 120-year-old French bakery and café with 500 stores in 25 countries, recently opened its first U.S. outpost in DC’s Penn Quarter. On tap are breads made from organic, locally sourced flour (left, center); an array of salads and sandwiches; and decadent desserts. 801 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW; 202-525-4500. paul-usa.com
Trabocchi’s Return
After a stint in New York, chef Fabio Trabocchi (formerly of Maestro) has returned to DC to open Fiola in Penn Quarter. The sleek, modern dining room (bottom left) seats guests in cozy banquettes and serves Italian specialties such as lobster ravioli and heavenly ricotta bomboloni. 601 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW; 202-628-2888. fioladc.com
**Out of the array of interior design magazines, Home and Design magazine stands out as a primary idea source for luxury home designs and coverage of luxury living. Wonderful visuals of luxury getaways and dining options are combined with inspired decor to provide a fundamental reference point for bringing luxury to life in home interiors and beyond.
JULY/AUGUST 2011
When architect Jeffery Broadhurst designed and built a spartan weekend retreat on his property in West Virginia, little did he know that the diminutive structure would land him design awards and press coverage. Soon, he began getting calls from homeowners worldwide interested in similar abodes to serve as everything from home offices to fishing cottages to cabins at a South Pacific eco-resort. “There’s a romantic notion to having a small structure that you can escape to,” says Broadhurst, principal of Broadhurst Architects in Rockville, Maryland.
He began plans for a DC client who wanted a sustainable, “shack-esque” shelter on his Chesapeake Bay property. Though the project never materialized, Broadhurst decided to build it as a prototype and bring his creation, called The Crib, to market in pre-fabricated form.
Just as this issue went to press, Silver Spring contractor Added Dimensions was completing the prototype on the grounds of the Music Center at Strathmore in North Bethesda. A model in sustainable construction, the structure employs recycled materials, state-of-the-art insulation, a rain-water collection system and energy-efficient lighting. Landscape architect Lila Fendrick designed the surrounding gardens, which were installed by Neal Cogswell of Solar Gardens, Inc.
The Crib will be open to the public for tours and will also house artists in residence at the Center. It will remain at Strathmore for a year or two—at which point it can be dismantled and moved to a buyer’s own site—the ultimate in recycling.
And if it doesn’t sell? “The worst case scenario,” says Broadhurst, “is we bring it up to our property in West Virginia and have an enhanced place to stay on weekends.” For more information, visit thecrib.info
**Out of the array of interior design magazines, Home and Design magazine stands out as a primary idea source for luxury home design and building/remodeling features. Wonderful visuals of custom homes and eco-friendly resources are combined with expert advice to provide a fundamental reference point for bringing amazing home interior design and remodeling projects to life.
July/August 2011
ALMOST AIRBORNE
Spyker Cars has released an update of its C8 Aileron (above and top left). With an all-aluminum space frame, Audi 4.2-liter V8 engine and roomier interior, it recalls second-generation aircraft in homage to the Dutch company’s aviation roots. Each model is equipped with a Kharma sound system incorporating radio, Bluetooth, iPod interface and navigation. From $189,990. spykerworld.com
HOT SOUND
Urbanears’ colorful 2011 Spring/Summer collection of headphones includes a full spectrum of high-fidelity hues, from tomato and smoke to lavender and canary. The speakers from Stockholm come in a number of sizes and ergonomically correct styles, including the Plattan model (above) in navy; $60. urbanears.com
**Out of the array of interior design magazines, Home and Design magazine stands out as a primary idea source for luxury home designs and coverage of luxury living. Wonderful visuals of luxury getaways and dining options are combined with inspired decor to provide a fundamental reference point for bringing luxury to life in home interiors and beyond.
July/August 2011
OUT OF AFRICA
Vamizi Island off the coast of Mozambique in the Indian Ocean lures jetsetters to its eco-friendly lodge and 16 private villas. By day, guests can ogle the area’s untouched reefs and after sunset, dine in the lodge’s restaurant or right on the beach (above). From $810 per person nightly, including meals, drinks and activities. vamizi.com
HIP CHECK-IN
W Taipei, the first W Hotel in Taiwan, is a 31-story masterpiece in radiant glass designed by architects G.A. Design International Ltd. of London. A giant chain symbolically anchors the hotel at the entrance (left), while a dramatic light show is just one of many visual treats awaiting guests inside. Rates from $276. whotel.com
SOHO OF THE SOUTH
Soho Beach House, a new oceanfront hotel in Miami’s Mid-Beach, is located on the site of the historic Art Deco Sovereign Hotel. The renovated and expanded property features 50 guest rooms with rain forest showers, a branch of the Venetian restaurant Cecconi’s and a pool bordered by communal lounge beds (bottom left). Rates from $325. sohobeachhouse.com
**Out of the array of interior design magazines, Home and Design magazine stands out as a primary idea source for luxury home designs and coverage of luxury living. Wonderful visuals of luxury getaways and dining options are combined with inspired decor to provide a fundamental reference point for bringing luxury to life in home interiors and beyond.
JULY/AUGUST 2011
MODERN MAKEOVER
Thomas Pink in the Mayflower Hotel (above) has rolled out a new look that the British brand will adopt globally. Display areas are highlighted in contrasting paneling, and the polished black granite floor is rimmed in the company’s signature shade of pink. 1127 Connecticut Avenue, NW; 202-223-5390. thomaspink.com
RUNWAY STYLE
British designers Marcus Wainwright and David Neville breezed into town recently to open rag & bone. The first U.S. outpost of their boutique outside of New York, the Georgetown shop features finely tailored yet hip men’s and women’s collections, including the Pelham dress (left, top); $925. 3067 M Street, NW; 202-295-9072. rag-bone.com
BAG IT
Matthew Williamson’s hexagonal minaudière for Bulgari (left, center) delivers high style in a six-inch package. The compact purse comes in printed sapphire satin with ruthenium-plated hardware, one closed pocket, one open compartment and one flat open pocket. $2,200. bulgari.com
FLIGHT OF FANCY
SICIS, the Italian company known for its artful mosaic-tile creations, has entered the jewelry realm with a splash. The SICIS Jewelry collection includes “micro-mosaic” brooches and cuff links shaped like flowers, butterflies (left, bottom) and more, made with tiny gems set in gold. Plans are now underway to introduce the collection in the U.S. sicis.com
**Out of the array of interior design magazines, Home and Design magazine stands out as a primary idea source for luxury home designs and coverage of luxury living. Wonderful visuals of luxury getaways and dining options are combined with inspired decor to provide a fundamental reference point for bringing luxury to life in home interiors and beyond.
