Architect Robert Gurney and builder Darren Kornas have seen their fair share of unusual requests, but this was a first: A client asked for a regulation-sized volleyball court in his new custom home. “A volleyball court requires an immense amount of height,” relates Kornas. “I wondered how it would look.”

The client had invited them to tour a site he and his wife had acquired in a Virginia suburb. The three-and-a-half-acre parcel descends gently to mature woods and a sizable pond. While visiting, Gurney had a lightbulb moment. “I had to find ways to minimize the size of the court,” he recalls. “This lot would work because we could bury half the court into grade and visually reduce its volume.”

All agreed that the abandoned 1970s-era house on the property had to go, so the architect began designing a new home in its place. Embracing wellness and sustainability, the couple sought a secluded, modern abode with a strong connection to nature, a layout conducive to easy entertaining, and eco-friendly systems that would minimize their carbon footprint.

Gurney conjured the residence along an axis, in four distinct, interconnected volumes strung like a necklace of vertical and horizontal gems. On the far left side, the 35-foot-high volleyball court nestles in the hillside—as does a nearby 60-foot-long indoor-outdoor pool. A three-story, perpendicular mass houses a garage at ground level, two ensuite guest rooms above and a gym below. Further west, the main entryway and a screened porch support an upper structure containing the primary suite and terrace. The kitchen, living/dining area and wife’s office unfold on the ground level of a fourth volume. The husband’s office occupies its upper floor while downstairs, a party-ready game room awaits.

“I separated spaces and organized them in a logical and functional way,” the architect says. “The idea was to give the owners an environment where they didn’t feel like they were living in a giant house. This also created an interesting sort of architectural piece.”

Interesting, to say the least. At 18,595 square feet (4,152 of which are volleyball court), the home presents a bold interplay of forms and materials, from mahogany details to blackened Shou Sugi Ban panels, Corten steel walls and spans of fiber cement. “It’s a big house with lots of exterior surfaces so I chose materials that wouldn’t require a lot of maintenance,” Gurney explains, adding that they “also felt right in this woodsy environment.”

In the project’s early days, interior designer Therese Baron Gurney and landscape architects Kevin Campion and Steve Makrinos joined forces with Kornas, Gurney and project architect Nicole de Jong. Together, the team seamlessly integrated indoor and outdoor areas and celebrated connections to nature at every turn.

Windows frame views of the ever-changing landscape in living areas and long passageways that connect all volumes on two levels. Outside, stone paths and stairways link the front and back yards, from the volleyball court to the pool and screened porch. Orchestrating “the way you go through a series of outdoor terraces created challenges, but also opportunities,” observes Gurney. “Moving from one space to another creates dynamic and interesting moments.”

There are also moments of wonder—such as the kitchen volume that cantilevers 14 feet over the side lawn. And the primary suite terrace, enveloped in mahogany and perched high in the treetops. And the stream that the landscape architects devised to manage runoff and keep the pond clean.

Today, the home’s flourishing gardens are a far cry from the conditions that Campion and Makrinos initially encountered: Invasive Japanese stiltgrass had overtaken the site and the pond was a brown mess. “Our strategy,” Campion explains, “was to replace the invasive species and develop a manageable plan that connects the home’s modern forms with a modern, environmentally smart landscape.” The hillside harbors drifts of billowing grasses in muted colors that change throughout the seasons.

“It’s a very simple regimen,” Makrinos explains. “You let the grasses grow, then cut them back once a year.”

Except for a side plot reserved for outdoor volleyball, lawn areas were kept to a minimum. Corten steel retaining walls enclose sloping berms that play off the planes of the house and lead guests into the rear yard. A bridge over the stream—created by pumping water from the pond—leads to a half-mile loop through the woods.

This tableau inspired Baron Gurney’s interiors. “We selected furniture appropriate to the scale of the home and also sought comfort and ease of entertaining,” says the designer, a frequent collaborator who happens to be Robert Gurney’s wife. “The owners love color; we also paid respect to natural colors and forms.” Examples of her approach: game room seating upholstered in saturated shades of orange, and the great room’s Enzo Berti side tables pairing “pebble” bases in marble with rounded wooden tops.

Sustainability also drove the designer’s selections. “We chose materials that don’t give off PFAS and VOCs, which was really important to the owners,” she recounts.

From solar panels on the volleyball court roof that fuel a Tesla Powerwall to a geothermal energy system and radiant-heat flooring, the project was conceived to be eco-friendly—including the landscape. “We inherited a property that was almost a monoculture and have probably introduced 30 or 40 pollinator plants and a few thousand grasses and perennials,” Campion reports. “That makes a significant impact on biodiversity.”

Whether working out in the pool or gym, hosting a volleyball match or tending to vegetables and fruit trees they’ve planted, the couple is immersed in health and nature. Even contemplative vistas, says Makrinos, promote a sense of well-being. “On the first floor, you’re met with a 360-degree view of trees, and the owners’ suite looks down on a stream,” he marvels. “Seeing green everywhere you look has a huge meditative quality.”

RESOURCES

THROUGHOUT
Home Automation: casaplex.com. Windows: westernwindowsystems.com.

HALL TO KITCHEN
Flooring: krukowskistone.com. Light Fixtures: 8lighting.com.

DINING AREA
Table: andrejoyau.com. Table Base: tuohyfurniture.com. Leather Chairs: cassina.com. Light Fixture: camerondesignhouse.com through illuminc.com.

LIVING AREA
Sofas: bensen.com through m2l.com. Throw Pillows: maharam.com. Sofa Fabric: carnegiefabrics.com. Lounge Chairs: walterknoll.de/en through m2l.com. Chair Fabric: kvadrat.dk/en. Occasional Table: kreoo.com/en. Rug: silkroadruginc.com. Paint: Pure White by sherwin-williams.com.

KITCHEN
Cabinetry: Custom through lieberknechtdesign.com. Stools: kff.de/en through m2l.com. Sink Fixtures: dornbracht.com. Cooktop, Hood & Ovens: gaggenau.com. Wine Refrigerator: subzero-wolf.com through abwappliances.com.

PRIMARY BEDROOM + TERRACE
Bed: poltronafrau.com. Wall Covering: weitznerlimited.com. Custom Area Rug: silkroadruginc.com. Outdoor Lounge & Ottoman: en.egoparis.com. Cushions: sunbrella.com.

OWNERS’ BATH
Vanity: poliform.it/en-us. Mirror Cabinets: robern.com. Tub: noorth.it/en; fantini.it/en-us through konstunion.com. Glass Panel: riverglassdesigns.com.

GAME ROOM
Modular Sofa, Swivel Chairs & Poufs: bensen.com through m2l.com. Sofa Fabric: carnegiefabrics.com. Swivel Chair & Pouf Fabric: gabrielfabrics.com. Throw Pillows: maharam.com. Coffee Table: andrejoyau.com. Custom Area Rug: silkroadruginc.com. Stools: kff.de/en through m2l.com. Billiards Table: elevatecustoms.com. Pendant Lights: sklo.com through illuminc.com. Basement Bar Countertop: Golden Eagle through marblesystems.com. Flooring: krukowskistone.com. Paint: Pure White by sherwin-williams.com.

POOL
Chaises: royalbotania.com. Pool Deck Flooring: krukowskistone.com.

Restoring an historic 1880s row house in Old Town for a couple with two boys was tricky enough; toss in the fact that the property was a mere 19 feet wide and the stakes became even higher.

Architect Patrick Camus and designer Anne Marie Hauer were hired to take on the challenge. The sweeping overhaul traded choppy, outdated interiors for a more open plan that enlarged the kitchen and created a nearby breakfast/sitting room. Hauer, who joined the project at the get-go, designed loads of built-in storage on all three levels to keep clutter at bay.

But the most drastic change happened in the basement—originally a partial crawl space with a dirt floor. An excavation that spans the full footprint of the house carved out a new lower level with nine-foot ceilings; it encompasses a great room, a guest room and bath, plus a mudroom with access to the rear yard. Today, the 3,000-square-foot home includes five bedrooms and three-and-a-half baths.

Hauer embraced light, bright furnishings with a nod to what she calls classic British design. A Q&A with the designer details the process.

What most excited you about transforming this 1880s gem?
I love old homes and the quirky details that come with them. Considering that the project was so small and contained, it was a challenge to come up with interesting solutions for functionality and storage.

Why did you lean into British design?
My clients wanted things to feel elevated but not super-traditional. I see classic British design as a look with patina and history. Think handmade, quality pieces with a bit of color and whimsy and interesting shapes. It’s décor that will always be in style. In the 1800s, many people were coming over from England and living in Old Town Alexandria. So it makes a lot of sense, right?

Was the large-scale pattern on the living room sofa a hard sell?
Many homeowners are hesitant about doing a big pattern on a big piece of furniture because they may get sick of it. These clients were open to some pattern play. Even though the living room sofa fabric is quiet and tonal, it makes a statement.

What do heirloom pieces accomplish?
I love to incorporate heirloom pieces because they bring depth to a home. We find ways to incorporate them with modern elements to ensure that a space doesn’t feel too dated. In this project, the dining table was passed down by family members.

Discuss the benefits of engaging an interior designer early in the process.
The biggest benefit is budget—ensuring that expectations are set from the beginning. Often clients don’t realize they need help until they’re well into a project, but here we were able to design the space in its entirety before construction even began, thinking through all the details from lighting to storage. We also were able to order furnishings with long lead times.

Describe the role hardware and other metal accents played in this makeover.
All the hardware comes from Armac Martin, a British company that offers multiple finish options. The dining room and kitchen hardware is unlacquered brass. For those rooms, we also selected sconces and pendants in aged brass; and the breakfast room’s tabletop is hammered brass. These finishes will patina over time to reflect the age of the home.

Share the reason for wallpapering the dining room ceiling.
The homeowners wanted to avoid window treatments, which would make the interiors feel too closed-in. But that left us with the view of a fence outside. To draw the eye away from walls and windows, we added Sanderson wallpaper on the ceiling.

What sets the custom dining room cabinetry apart?
My client wanted to store and display china and but also needed a place for serving. We designed cabinets with small trays that pull out to provide an extra serving area. The cabinets are painted taupe for a little bit of warmth; they coordinate with the wallpaper we chose for the ceiling.

Why was salvaging the original pine floors a priority?
The flooring consists of wide, varying planks in a lovely golden color. They’re rustic and dip a bit, revealing how old the home is. But they don’t feel rickety, which I attribute to the contractor and architect creating major reinforcements in the basement below. So you get these incredible, worn floors that still feel secure and safe.

How do modern elements keep the interiors feeling current?
Even though it’s an older home, the owners wanted a few clean-lined, modern pieces. In the breakfast room, the pendant by Workstead mirrors the black fireplace surround and black-metal accordion doors leading out to the patio. This fixture and some of the pieces by Urban Electric have an old feel but also look fresh and current.

In what ways does the newly excavated basement nod to the home’s past?
There was an original built-in cabinet in the kitchen with beautiful, leaded-glass doors. The builder had it sanded, painted and re-installed in the basement. There was also a low, brick arch in the basement. We dropped the floor by four or five feet and turned the arch into a bookshelf to pick up on the history.

ASK ANNE MARIE

The most successful homes marry form and function, reflect today’s lifestyles and embrace the environment. In the following Q&A, local architects share best practices for designing your dream retreat.

Discuss the importance of integrating indoor and outdoor spaces. Many homes are built with small windows that limit views and natural light that could otherwise penetrate interiors. A typical home only offers outdoor access through a single door that’s either solid or partially glass. If we live indoors but at the same time cherish our time outdoors, it makes sense that these two environments should be connected. The outdoors may be seen as another room, an extension of the interior. Sunlight, fresh air, blue skies, storm clouds, rain, vegetation and bird song are all elements that have proven to be beneficial to mental health and well-being. —Richard Loosle-Ortega, RA, KUBE Architecture

How does the selection of natural materials elevate a home? We believe the use of natural materials inside and outside imparts authenticity, familiar warmth and wearability. These spaces often improve with age and tie our homes—and ourselves—to the past. For example, a recent kitchen in a custom Arlington home we designed boasts bespoke, painted-wood cabinets with glass fronts. Sunlight dances off the handmade-tile backsplash. We selected floors and a center island in oak, which adds natural warmth and ages well over time. —Mark Hughes, AIA, Harrison Design

What elements do you employ to suggest a sense of timelessness without getting stodgy? Classical architecture is all about proportion and scale, both in relation to individual design elements and the hierarchy of rooms. Once we’ve decided on the importance of a space, we design accordingly in terms of size and complexity of molding profiles and details. From there, I like to identify a compelling focal point and accentuate it with a unique design detail. We accomplished this in a new bathroom by recessing a drop-in tub within an elliptical cased opening. When utilizing traditional forms and details, a little bit can go a long way. —Luke Olson, GTM Architects

Explain how you create architecture that reads traditional, but in a fresh, modern way. A lot of it involves distilling things a bit and playing games with some of the building parts. For instance, we established a light and airy, modern feel in a Georgian-style home we recently completed in McLean with interior designer Darryl Carter. We “dipped” the whole house in white to make it feel more abstract and clean-lined so it is about the details, proportion and play of sunlight. Rather than a typical staircase attached to a wall with a heavy handrail, we designed a freestanding, twisting stair that interjects energy to the foyer. —Anne Decker, AIA, Anne Decker Architects

What drives your exterior material selections? The approach we use in all our projects is simple. Rather than relying on favorite materials, we draw from a list of options to reinforce our design and work with the local environment. Case in point: a new home in an established Rehoboth Beach neighborhood. The property has distinct orientations, one facing a public street and the other, a canal and parkland. We divided the residence into separate wings. The rear one maximizes water views, leading to a more modern aesthetic, while the front one recalls the smaller scale of older, traditional homes in the neighborhood. —Stephen Muse, FAIA, Muse | Kirwan Architects

How do you instill interior architecture with functionality and aesthetic appeal? I see millwork as both functional—it can contain things—and spatial—it can define things. Good millwork always does both. In a recently renovated Georgetown row house overlooking the Potomac River, we orchestrated painted-wood bookshelves installed parallel to the stairway. So climbing the staircase is to climb the shelves through all three levels of the home. The architecture of the shelving is integrated into the bridge structure and the window patterns. In short, millwork can refine and extend the story of a house. —Mark McInturff, FAIA, McInturff Architects

When designing a modern residence, how do traditional influences come into play? Our firm’s work is always influenced by classical architecture. While an Annapolis home we recently completed presents a clean, modern vernacular, its design is rooted in the classic gable form. The V-shaped, sloping roof always conjures traditional homes and agrarian structures. The clustering of pods further reflects the tight grouping of buildings from the way past. The vertical elongation of the center entry gable was intentional so as to be prominent in the overall massing; the glass following the center form re-emphasizes this stretched gable. —Cathy Purple Cherry, AIA, LEED AP, Purple Cherry Architects

Shed light on how a utilitarian space can transcend the everyday. Secondary spaces are very important in reinforcing the intentions and aesthetics that exist in more prominent rooms. A primary dressing room in a home we renovated on the Eastern Shore (left) illustrates this. Warm, natural materials and textures reflect a sense of serenity that prevails in the residence. Linen-covered doors and wool carpeting lower acoustic noise; overhead lighting and a single wall sconce bathe the room in soft light. The simple cabinetry frames an existing window to allow for an aura of quiet and calm. —Colleen Healey, AIA, Colleen Healey Architecture

Though best known for its Neoclassical and Federal monuments in marble, Washington also harbors many examples of Brutalist architecture. Designed and constructed as part of urban-renewal initiatives in the mid-20th century, these cost-effective buildings are noted for exposed structural elements and expanses of concrete, steel and glass.

“Capital Brutalism,” an exhibit at the National Building Museum, explores the architectural history and cultural significance of these projects—many of which displaced thousands of the city’s businesses and residents when they were constructed. The show presents archival documents, drawings, construction images, architectural models and contemporary photos to document DC’s iconic Metro system as well as seven of the city’s most notable Brutalist buildings. One of these, the FBI Building, has been called “the ugliest in the world.” But the style seems to have as many devotees as detractors.

As the structures age—and face costly updates or even the wrecking ball—the museum tapped notable architecture firms to conjure speculative new lives for these imposing landmarks. The architects’ imaginative solutions are on view in the exhibit, open through February 17, 2025. nbm.org

Filling a void in his longtime neck of the woods, chef David Guas of Bayou Bakery fame has opened Neutral Ground Bar + Kitchen in McLean, a few miles from his home. DC-based //3877 orchestrated the interior architecture while Guas’ wife, Simone Rathlé, fashioned interiors with an airy, coastal vibe inspired by Palm Springs. Warm wood, tropical Spoonflower wallpaper and rattan stools envelop the bar. Cuisine focuses on wood-fired fare sourced from small farmers, heritage growers and fishermen. 6641 Old Dominion Drive; 703-992-9095. neutralgroundbarandkitchen.com

The new St. Regis Chicago, conceived by Jeanne Gang of Studio Gang Architects, animates the city’s skyline. At 101 undulating stories of shimmering glass, it’s the tallest building in the world designed by a woman architect. KTGY Simeone Deary Design Group oversaw the public spaces, including the soaring lobby with a floating chandelier. Among 159 guest rooms and 33 suites, the Presidential Suite offers bespoke furnishings and dramatic views. Nightly rates from $585. stregischicago.com

EASY RIDER
The 2025 Defender OCTA is a powerful upgrade of the popular Land Rover SUV. Its 4.4‑liter, Twin Turbo V8 engine produces a horsepower of 626 and travels from 0 to 60 mph in 3.8 seconds. A network of hydraulically interlinked dampers virtually eliminates pitch and body roll, while a 6D Dynamics system delivers a comfortable ride. Tough underbody protection lets drivers explore the roughest terrain. From $152,000; landrover.com

SAFE AND SOUND
Bose’s Ultra Open Earbuds deliver high-quality audio while enabling users to hear nearby sounds, thanks to an innovative, cuff-shaped design. Listeners also enjoy Bose Immersive Audio technology, which creates a three-dimensional, layered effect, as if music was being played on a stage nearby. Boasting a brushed-metallic finish, the earbuds come in Black or White Smoke (pictured). $299; bose.com

STAR GAZER
Unistellar’s Odyssey smart telescope makes studying the cosmos easy for stargazers in their own homes. Equipped with precision optics and an autofocus feature, it operates without adjustment and can observe nearby planets as well as objects in galaxies millions of light years away. From $2,299; unistellar.com

NATIONAL GALLERY OF ART
Paris 1874: The Impressionist Moment
September 8 to January 19, 2025
A pivotal 1874 exhibition in Paris is considered by many to be the birthplace of modernist painting. Many works that appeared in that historic show—seen as radical at the time—will be on view at the National Gallery in an exhibit exploring political and social shifts that sparked the Impressionist movement. Included are paintings by Cézanne, Degas, Monet and Renoir. nga.gov

Spirit & Strength: Modern Art from Haiti
September 29 to March 9, 2025
This illuminating survey showcases creations by the most prominent artists to have lived or worked in Haiti over the past century, including 21 pieces recently gifted to the museum. Modern-day examples will be shown alongside paintings by such mid-20th-century luminaries as Hector Hyppolite, Rigaud Benoit and Philomé Obin. The exhibit also traces the influences Haitian art has had on African American artists. nga.gov

PHILLIPS COLLECTION
Multiplicity: Blackness in Contemporary American Collage
Through September 22
The first large-scale exhibition dedicated to collage by contemporary African American artists features nearly 60 pieces by 49 individuals. This diverse, intergenerational group employs an array of materials and techniques to create poignant expressions of shared history and memory, cultural hybridity, gender fluidity and notions of beauty. phillipscollection.org

NATIONAL MUSEUM OF WOMEN IN THE ARTS
Suchitra Mattai: Myth from Matter
September 20 to January 12, 2025
Los Angeles-based artist Suchitra Mattai creates layered textile installations, sculptures, collages and paintings by combining richly colored saris, vintage needlepoints, book pages, jewelry, tinsel, beads and other found objects. The NMWA’s spotlight on 40 of her mixed-media and textile installations explores how memory, myth and visual culture can counter colonial and patriarchal narratives. nmwa.org

SMITHSONIAN AMERICAN ART MUSEUM
Tuan Andrew Nguyen: The Island
Through May 4, 2025
Artist Tuan Andrew Nguyen’s multimedia installations blend fact, memory, myth and mysticism. This 42-minute film, running continuously in a dedicated gallery, is set on the tiny Malaysian island of Pulau Bidong, a primary destination for refugees escaping by boat after the collapse of South Vietnam in 1975. Unfolding in an imagined future, the narrative draws parallels to mass migrations of the present day. americanart.si.edu

NATIONAL MUSEUM OF THE AMERICAN INDIAN
Unbound: Narrative Art of the Plains
Through January 20, 2026
The juxtaposition of historical hides, muslins and ledger books with more than 50 contemporary works commissioned by the museum celebrates the genre of narrative art among Native nations of the Great Plains. Items on view range from war deeds and ceremonial depictions to pop culture images.
americanindian.si.edu

NATIONAL BUILDING MUSEUM
Smithsonian Craft2Wear
September 27 to 29
Peruse—and purchase—one-of-a-kind
creations from a curated collection of wearable crafts at this annual event. More than 90 makers display their wares, from jewelry and leather to clothing, accessories and decorative fiber. Proceeds support grants to the Smithsonian for education, outreach and research projects. smithsoniancraftshow.org

HIRSHHORN MUSEUM AND SCULPTURE GARDEN
OSGEMEOS: Endless Story
September 29 to August 3, 2025
Twin brothers Gustavo and Otavio Pandolfo make up the art duo OSGEMEOS, which translates to “the twins” in Portuguese. Born in 1970s São Paulo, they merge elements of Brazilian history and culture with graffiti, hip-hop, music and dreams to create fantastical murals, paintings, sculpture, site-specific installations and videos. Spanning an entire floor, the first U.S. museum survey devoted to OSGEMEOS will document their trajectory with almost 1,000 pieces on display. hirshhorn.si.edu

THE WALTERS ART MUSEUM
Healing the Body, Healing the Soul: Methods of Therapy in Medieval Europe
Through December 15
The Walters explores the intimate link between body and soul as envisioned during the medieval period, demonstrating how art contributed to European perceptions of wellness and even aided in therapeutic practices. Works on display examine medical theories and practices, saints and health, pilgrimmage and spiritual endeavors. thewalters.org

TIMONIUM FAIRGROUNDS
Maryland Fall Home & Garden + Craft Show
October 18 to 20
Exhibitors showcase an array of home-related products and services, from kitchen and bath and building materials to landscaping, storage solutions and more. mdfallhomeandgarden.com

Sharron Braylock’s mom decorated their Baltimore home to the nines. “She had a very opulent, luxe and colorful style—and still does,” attests the daughter, who was drawn to beautiful interiors at a young age. “But at the time,” she admits, “I didn’t know that design was a discipline and that you could decorate for a living.”

It wasn’t until she was in college studying mortuary science that Braylock had an epiphany. “A friend told me she was in an interior design program—and I shifted gears,” she recalls. “That was a drastic change.” After studying design, she landed jobs with a kitchen-and-bath firm and a homebuilder, where she ran a design center and helped clients select finishes for new abodes.

Braylock launched Studio One Design about 10 years ago and hasn’t looked back. Today, the Charles Town, West Virginia, designer runs the firm with a project manager. She recently completed a gut renovation for a family of five in Warrenton, and is now designing an ADA-compliant home for a client’s parents complete with a Peloton room and a basement whiskey bar.

“I approach every project wanting to genuinely make the biggest impact on how clients experience their homes,” Braylock affirms. “No matter where we live, we all want the same thing. And that’s comfort and refuge.”

Interior Design: Sharron Braylock, Studio One Design, Charles Town, West Virginia. Text: Sharon Jaffe Dan. Photography: Markus Wilborn.

After earning a finance degree and spending five years as an investment consultant in Virginia, Emily Vaughan realized her passions lay elsewhere. A lifelong fascination with interiors led her to a job in the Alexandria studio of designer Maria Crosby Pollard, where she learned the business inside and out. “I couldn’t have had a better mentor, and I got to experience every facet of the industry,” Vaughan asserts.

Eventually, the Pennsylvania native decided to take the next step, launching her eponymous firm. “I wanted to work on jobs where I’d have creative ownership,” she notes. Recent projects include a Spring Valley makeover for repeat clients who had outgrown the Petworth row house she’d designed.

Vaughan jump-starts a project by getting to know a client’s personality and aesthetic. “I consider whether they can handle bold pieces, or if they want to pull back,” she explains. “In terms of making a home feel like its owners, I bring in a mix of new and vintage and texture and color. All of those layers come together to represent who a person is.

“I think we are all deeply impacted by our environments,” says the designer. “I want to help clients create spaces where they feel both at home and also inspired.”

Interior Design: Emily Vaughan, Emily Vaughan Interiors, Bethesda, Maryland. Contractor: Monumental Contractors, Washington, DC. Text: Sharon Jaffe Dan. Photography: Stacy Zarin Goldberg (Spring Valley); Laura Metzler (Petworth).

Fresh from a makeover by architect Peter Marino, Chanel’s newly expanded Tysons Galleria greets shoppers with bespoke carpets, gilded antiques, modern art and custom lighting by Goossens, a Parisian goldsmith. Along with jewelry and watches, shoes, handbags and fragrances, the 5,000-square-foot shop displays the brand’s Spring/Summer 2024 ready-to-wear collection, featuring a winsome dress and cape ($6,300; $2,300) pictured with lambskin slingbacks ($2,925). chanel.com

SUMMER FUN
Bote’s Breeze Aero Inflatable Paddle Boards make water excursions easy and safe for any skill level. Made of military-grade, single-layer PVC, the lightweight yet durable boards are 34 inches wide for optimal stability. They’re available in 10.5- and 11.5-foot-long models with a new Rac system of accessories; paddle, removable center fin and hand pump are included. From $594. boteboard.com

UP-CLOSE ADVENTURE
Swarovski-Optik has introduced MY Junior binoculars, designed for kids from six to 14 years old. Weighing about a pound, they magnify objects seven times over what’s visible to the naked eye. The binocs come in a choice of Glacier Blue (pictured) or Jungle Green, with a notebook so explorers can record their findings. $499. swarovskioptik.com

POWER TRIP
Porsche’s first all-electric sports car, the 2024 Taycan is gaining momentum with its streamlined design, lightning acceleration and a 35-percent increase in range. Depending on selected body and engine, the vehicle can travel up to 421 miles on a single charge. Adaptive air suspension and parking assistance with reverse camera are standard on all models. From $92,550; porsche.com

James Beard-nominated chef Mike Friedman of The Red Hen in DC has migrated to Bethesda, opening Aventino to rave reviews. GrizForm Design Architects conceived the 130-seat restaurant sporting a marble-clad bar and murals by Lissy Essman. The menu salutes traditional Roman cuisine with a nod to the city’s Jewish heritage. 4747 Bethesda Avenue; aventinocucina.com

The Patuxent River, Maryland’s longest waterway, meanders through miles of farmland and scenic terrain on its path to the Chesapeake Bay. A DC-area attorney fell for the tributary and its environs during a yacht charter with college pals. “We rented a boat in Annapolis, sailed down to the Patuxent and then went upriver,” he recalls. “I fell in love with the geography—rolling hills line this gorgeous, winding waterway.”

As it turned out, the journey was serendipitous. The lifelong sailor and his wife, a physician, had been toying with the idea of acquiring a waterfront family getaway, so they narrowed their sights on properties fronting the Patuxent. “We were trying to find a place that was close to nature, where we could get away from the city but that was still easy to reach, even for a day trip,” explains the doctor.

A search ultimately led them to Lusby, a pastoral hamlet north of Solomons, where a vacant, one-acre property was on the market offering vast water views at one of the Patuxent’s widest points. “It feels almost like you’re on the sea,” marvels the wife.

The duo acquired the land and set out to design a serene retreat that they could enjoy with their two teenage kids, extended family and friends. “We wanted to focus on the expansive view and also wanted the home to be modern,” she continues. “The idea was to combine those two elements so that even when we were inside, we’d always feel like we were in touch with the water.”

They turned to architect Jacob Weaver, interior designer Darlene Molnar and builder Julian Johnson to make their vision a reality. Weaver situated the now-complete dwelling far enough from the shore to satisfy set-back regulations but close enough to retain towering pine trees that shade the front façade. Low-maintenance Nichiha panels clad the freestanding, three-car garage and 4,000-square-foot main residence. The architect established open, airy interiors where generous glazing forges a strong connection to the site. “We took advantage of opportunities that the views presented to get panoramas of 180 degrees or more,” he avers.

Guests arrive in a bright foyer where tall windows near a floating staircase filter daylight into the home. To the right, a shared home office lets the busy professionals keep up with work while a guest suite awaits on the left, beyond the stairs. The main attraction lies straight ahead: An open great room comprising the kitchen, living and dining areas faces a mesmerizing blue horizon sure to wash away the cares of the day.

Aside from a splashy poster in the foyer, a subdued palette that includes walls painted in Benjamin Moore’s White Dove and pale oak floors gently embraces residents like a perfect, white shell afloat in a dazzling marinescape.

The simple backdrop was born after a careful and deliberate discovery period. Taking inspiration from conversations and photos the couple shared on Pinterest, Molnar embraced an airy, minimalist vibe. “They wanted it to feel like an oasis, an escape. That is what’s behind the calm palette,” reveals the designer. “We were going for an indoor-outdoor feel, but in an elevated way.” She curated furnishings with sculptural lines in organic materials and textures, from a limestone coffee table to leather-bound chairs. The end result leans decidedly Scandinavian.

“Darlene captured a cozy, modern feel that’s not at all cold,” reflects the wife. “She also helped us pick fittings and finishes—cabinetry, hardware and lighting—which created seamless interiors.”

Black accents add gravitas—especially in the kitchen. “Black cabinets anchor the space so that it’s not all white,” says Molnar. “And concrete pendants and stools lend an industrial touch without going overboard.”

The second floor harbors bedrooms and a shared bath for the owners’ son and daughter, plus the primary suite. In the latter, a black four-poster bed and simple nightstands appear to float in a cloud-white aura with river views providing a living art show.

Clearly, Weaver and Molnar heeded their clients’ wishes for a refuge where they could decompress, far from their busy schedules in DC. “Creating situations that reduce stress was an important part of our architectural design,” says Weaver. “In the owners’ room, we tried to get that zero-edge view so that when they’re in bed and look out, they just see water.”

Parents and kids are delighted with their southern Maryland escape, which came with a dock in a protected cove nearby that’s now stocked with kayaks, a Boston whaler and other water toys. “We are constantly being pulled there,” says the dad. “I occasionally sneak away in the middle of the week to work there for a day. It’s such a peaceful place.”

His wife agrees, “With the busy lives we lead, there’s something so lovely about pulling up in just an hour and a half and being able to immediately release all the tensions of the week.”

The Patuxent River, Maryland’s longest waterway, meanders through miles of farmland and scenic terrain on its path to the Chesapeake Bay. A DC-area attorney fell for the tributary and its environs during a yacht charter with college pals. “We rented a boat in Annapolis, sailed down to the Patuxent and then went upriver,” he recalls. “I fell in love with the geography—rolling hills line this gorgeous, winding waterway.”

As it turned out, the journey was serendipitous. The lifelong sailor and his wife, a physician, had been toying with the idea of acquiring a waterfront family getaway, so they narrowed their sights on properties fronting the Patuxent. “We were trying to find a place that was close to nature, where we could get away from the city but that was still easy to reach, even for a day trip,” explains the doctor.

A search ultimately led them to Lusby, a pastoral hamlet north of Solomons, where a vacant, one-acre property was on the market offering vast water views at one of the Patuxent’s widest points. “It feels almost like you’re on the sea,” marvels the wife.

The duo acquired the land and set out to design a serene retreat that they could enjoy with their two teenage kids, extended family and friends. “We wanted to focus on the expansive view and also wanted the home to be modern,” she continues. “The idea was to combine those two elements so that even when we were inside, we’d always feel like we were in touch with the water.”

They turned to architect Jacob Weaver, interior designer Darlene Molnar and builder Julian Johnson to make their vision a reality. Weaver situated the now-complete dwelling far enough from the shore to satisfy set-back regulations but close enough to retain towering pine trees that shade the front façade. Low-maintenance Nichiha panels clad the freestanding, three-car garage and 4,000-square-foot main residence. The architect established open, airy interiors where generous glazing forges a strong connection to the site. “We took advantage of opportunities that the views presented to get panoramas of 180 degrees or more,” he avers.

Guests arrive in a bright foyer where tall windows near a floating staircase filter daylight into the home. To the right, a shared home office lets the busy professionals keep up with work while a guest suite awaits on the left, beyond the stairs. The main attraction lies straight ahead: An open great room comprising the kitchen, living and dining areas faces a mesmerizing blue horizon sure to wash away the cares of the day.

Aside from a splashy poster in the foyer, a subdued palette that includes walls painted in Benjamin Moore’s White Dove and pale oak floors gently embraces residents like a perfect, white shell afloat in a dazzling marinescape.

The simple backdrop was born after a careful and deliberate discovery period. Taking inspiration from conversations and photos the couple shared on Pinterest, Molnar embraced an airy, minimalist vibe. “They wanted it to feel like an oasis, an escape. That is what’s behind the calm palette,” reveals the designer. “We were going for an indoor-outdoor feel, but in an elevated way.” She curated furnishings with sculptural lines in organic materials and textures, from a limestone coffee table to leather-bound chairs. The end result leans decidedly Scandinavian.

“Darlene captured a cozy, modern feel that’s not at all cold,” reflects the wife. “She also helped us pick fittings and finishes—cabinetry, hardware and lighting—which created seamless interiors.”

Black accents add gravitas—especially in the kitchen. “Black cabinets anchor the space so that it’s not all white,” says Molnar. “And concrete pendants and stools lend an industrial touch without going overboard.”

The second floor harbors bedrooms and a shared bath for the owners’ son and daughter, plus the primary suite. In the latter, a black four-poster bed and simple nightstands appear to float in a cloud-white aura with river views providing a living art show.

“The owners wanted it to feel like an oasis, an escape.” —Darlene Molnar

Clearly, Weaver and Molnar heeded their clients’ wishes for a refuge where they could decompress, far from their busy schedules in DC. “Creating situations that reduce stress was an important part of our architectural design,” says Weaver. “In the owners’ room, we tried to get that zero-edge view so that when they’re in bed and look out, they just see water.”

Parents and kids are delighted with their southern Maryland escape, which came with a dock in a protected cove nearby that’s now stocked with kayaks, a Boston whaler and other water toys. “We are constantly being pulled there,” says the dad. “I occasionally sneak away in the middle of the week to work there for a day. It’s such a peaceful place.”

His wife agrees, “With the busy lives we lead, there’s something so lovely about pulling up in just an hour and a half and being able to immediately release all the tensions of the week.”

Architecture: Jacob Weaver, LEED AP, Jacob Weaver Architecture, Harwood, Maryland. Interior Design: Darlene Molnar, NCIDQ, ASID, LEED AP ID+C, Darlene Molnar LLC, Reston, Virginia. Builder: Julian Johnson, J. Johnson Enterprises Inc., Hollywood, Maryland. Styling: Limonata Creative.

After purchasing a modern farmhouse already under construction in Arlington, repeat clients called on designer Andrea Houck to make it feel like home. Once she selected interior finishes and lighting, Houck got to work outfitting the residence with furniture and art, repurposing many pieces from their former residence.

Two busy professionals with one teenager still at home, the owners often host gatherings for their grown children, extended family and friends. “We developed flexible furniture plans to accommodate frequent crowds,” notes Houck. The generous, 7,900-square-foot house designed by architect Warren Ralston includes a living and dining room and an open family room-kitchen on the main level, five bedrooms upstairs and a lower level with a bar, party spaces and a guest room.

Houck’s interior scheme celebrates the home’s woodland views. For example, wall coverings in natural fibers, from cork to linen and abaca, evoke an organic feel.

“My clients wanted inviting, low-key spaces for daily living with enough sophistication to support high-level entertaining,” she reflects. “Comfortable, transitional-style furniture upholstered in luxurious performance fabrics helped us strike the right balance.” The following Q&A details the designer’s approach.

What inspired the look you were after?
We showed the clients three design schemes and they picked one that we called “the natural world.” It was fitting because the house sits on a wooded lot, which is in large part why they were drawn to it. Once they landed on that design, it was easy to start the project. We chose organic elements such as the custom family room cocktail table and consoles, literally made from slices of a tree.

Trace the story behind the cocktail table design.
I dreamed up the table and matching console with help from brothers Shawn and Ryan McCuen at Michael James Furniture in St. Michaels, Maryland. I sent them a sketch, but the tricky part was finding the right piece of wood. We landed on a slab of spalted maple because it had so much character. I specified stainless-steel legs instead of wood since I wanted the table to have an edge; mixing materials is always more interesting when you can pull it off.

How did you nail the home’s color scheme?
I knew blue was a big hit with my client. We picked a family room rug at Galleria Carpets with beautiful blues, grays and a bit of periwinkle, then presented the blue Hickory Chair sectional. Some people wouldn’t have had the nerve to go for that color, but I think it works because it’s a big room and helps connect to the kitchen. Blue also appears on dining room chairs and in the breakfast room wall covering and upholstery.

Tell us how the living room came together.
I found the painting by Ning Lee on a trip to Charleston and the homeowners fell in love with it. The chairs came from their former house and I placed them on a new rug, also from Galleria Carpets. The moody paint colors had already been selected so there was definitely some serendipity there. The room has a smoky elegance; it’s a great spot to enjoy morning coffee or read because it’s a little cocoon.

Why is original art crucial to a successful interior plan?
Art gives you a window into the homeowner’s personality. When a client values art and includes it in their home, it makes the difference between an A and an A++ project. It’s the cherry on top.

How did you elevate the dining room?
We surrounded the new Chaddock Furniture table with existing chairs re-covered in fabrics by Romo. A white-on-white wallpaper by Innovations adds a layer of texture that I think is vital to any project, while the tray ceiling is covered in blue Romo grass cloth with a metallic thread running through it. The crystal chandelier gives the space a bit of bling.

Explain your philosophy on repurposing furniture.
I tell clients to invest in quality because high-end furniture can always be repurposed, especially with the help of a designer. I remember during a presentation by designer Alexa Hampton, she mentioned that her father re-covered a favorite sofa five times. If you start with good bones, you can re-cover anything.

In this Arlington home, we refinished the client’s former dining table and placed it in the foyer where it makes a perfect entry piece. When the owners entertain, they open up the leaves and it becomes a buffet.

Share some examples of spaces in the home that revolve around nature.
In the breakfast room, the matching Romo wall covering and drapery fabric echo the landscape outside. The pattern is very fluid, like a watercolor painting with a lot of texture in it. And the owners’ bath celebrates organic materials with the custom, wood-fronted vanities and accent wall of book-matched porcelain in a Calacatta motif. The architect and builder did an amazing job on that space.

What are the benefits of working with repeat clients?
There’s a comfort level that allows you to take more risks and push the envelope because you already know each other. And there’s a rapport, which speaks volumes.

How do you like to unearth surprising finds?
My favorite time to browse is when I travel. On a trip to Charleston, I discovered a giant basket that looks like a bird’s nest; it ended up in a client’s DC home.

Name a design pet peeve.
Many people say, “I want neutrals with pops of color,” but I’m not sure they know what that means. When done correctly, people can get in a lot more color, so I’d like to see that catchphrase go away.

Share some of your signature moves when hosting a party.
To me as a southerner, it’s not as much about the look as how it makes guests feel. I always buy fresh flowers and arrange them low on the dining table, and I like a mix of plates and flatware—I’m not matchy-matchy.

What hot product are you excited to try?
I’m in love with Aux Abris wall coverings. My favorite patterns are Batik, Floratique and Garden of Eden.

Architecture: Warren C. Ralston, AIA, Ralston Architects, Chantilly, Virginia. Interior Design: Andrea Houck, ASID, A. Houck Designs, Inc., Arlington, Virginia. Builder: Vine Custom Homes, Arlington, Virginia.

Just before a sea of cherry blossoms heralded the arrival of spring, another Japanese sensation created a buzz in downtown Washington. The Arcade, an upscale, membership-based lounge, opened in February next to its glamorous sister restaurant, Shoto. Designed by Noriyoshi Muramatsu of Tokyo-based Studio Glitt, the late-night spot is a study in contrasts, marrying a dizzying array of Japanese electronics with organic elements like bonsai trees and leather-clad booths crafted of cedar from the nation’s Akita forests. A wall of Pachinko slot machines, purchased from a collector in rural Japan, animates one lounge area (above), where the ceiling is adorned with doors salvaged from 1970s-era Japanese dwellings. On the right, Japanese trinkets and good luck charms peek out from built-in shelves.

The Arcade will welcome the world’s top DJs to spin sets on a state-of-the-art DAS Audio sound system. The drinks-only menu focuses on high-end bottle service with an expansive list of Champagnes and premium spirits.

Interior Design: Noriyoshi Muramatsu, Studio Glitt, Tokyo, Japan. Text: Sharon Jaffe Dan. Photography: Rey Lopez.