She and her husband—lawyers living in DC’s Logan Circle—bought the 5,000-square-foot, 1980s-era abode early in the pandemic, then scrambled to get it ready for sheltering in place with their two young teenagers. Designer Kate Ballou, who had worked with the couple before, updated stodgy, traditional interiors in a hurry, with her clients’ spare, mid-century sensibility in mind. “They love Danish furniture and are real collectors,” Ballou recounts. “We completed the job over an eight-week period, mainly with beautiful pieces that were in stock at Furniture from Scandinavia by Annette Rachlin in DC.”

Streamlined, mid-century Nordic furnishings such as a RadioHus sofa and &Tradition chairs in the living room quickly modernized and simplified the rooms—despite a backdrop of heavy trim and dark cherry wood floors and millwork. Subtly patterned and textured rugs from Matt Camron add softness and woven Roman shades by Woodnotes let in the light. Ballou elevated the dining room with grass-cloth wall covering in deep blue tones and hung beloved, modern artworks from the couple’s collection.

Within the year, the owners were ready to embark on a more thorough makeover that would upgrade finishes and impart contemporary character to the interiors. Remodeling the kitchen and bathrooms was also on the list. “We wanted the house to be comfortable and not overly formal, with clean lines and open spaces,” says the wife. Ballou introduced the couple to architect Colleen Healey, who shares her—and her clients’—affinity for Mid-Century Modern design.

As it turned out, Ballou’s original vision was instrumental to the project’s next phase. “They wanted what we did to relate to the beautiful furniture Kate had already selected,” Healey notes.

The front entrance facing Eastern Bay opens to a two-story foyer dominated by a graceful, open stair; straight ahead, glass rear doors capture the Wye River expanse. Living and dining rooms lie to the left of the front door, with the kitchen and the home’s utility areas—laundry, garage and back stairs—beyond. The foyer opens on the right to a wood-paneled library and, down a short hall, the main-floor primary suite. At the top of the stairs, a communal space with facing banks of windows takes in both views; it leads to the kids’ ensuite bedrooms.

The architect masterminded small alterations that retained the home’s structure and scale, yet made a dramatic impact. Simplifying trim and lightening the cherry floors in a matte finish created a modern shift. Bronze elements add interest—from inserts in the built-in living room shelving to integrated wardrobes with bronze frames in the primary bedroom closet. A coat of white paint freshened up the interiors of the floor-to-ceiling library bookcases.

On the airy foyer’s staircase, iron balusters mimicking sea grass made way for a glass railing anchored by curved iron pickets (the original railing was repurposed as a fence outside). A soffit over the doorway between the living and dining rooms was softened into an archway “that has its roots in modern architecture,” Healey says. She played up the living room’s fireplace in slabs of veneered stone and lined the hearth and firebox in bronze.

Faux-wood ceiling beams were removed to “allow the focus to be on the windows,” she explains. “Those small tweaks made a huge difference in the feel of the house.”

The kitchen underwent a major transformation though its layout didn’t change. Healey collaborated on the update with Julia Jensen of Boffi | DePadova in Georgetown. Dark cabinetry is lacquered in a soft, metallic finish; the bronze-clad island is topped with Corian while the peripheral countertops are made of thin, almost-black porcelain slabs. A textured-limestone backsplash anchors the BlueStar range and white Corian covers the sink wall.

Bathrooms were also revamped. The two ground-floor powder rooms now sport custom vanities and textural tile or wallpaper. And the primary bath was elevated with walnut vanities, a sculptural soaking tub and bronze-framed shower and water-closet enclosures.

Since buying the house, the owners have added a pool, a screened porch, a patio with a built-in grill and outdoor furniture groupings curated by Ballou. “The house is functional and beautiful at the same time,” enthuses the wife. “I love the details.”

Healey concurs. “The project was a study in how to change a space without destroying or modifying its utilities and structure,” she notes. “We kept those things yet completely transformed the home.”

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.

She devised a plan that extensively reimagined the interiors within the existing footprint. Reconfiguring the kitchen and borrowing square footage from the garage to accommodate a mudroom/laundry added functionality. Razing a wall between the sunroom and undersized family room created an airy space for entertaining and watching sports. The existing, rarely used dining room became a tasting room. The basement was revamped as a sports pub with an Old World feel; it features a bar and pool table. Two upstairs bathrooms have been remodeled.

Embracing an updated, transitional aesthetic, Tullai swapped out doors, modified window and door headers and installed a new iron-and-oak stair railing. A coffered ceiling in the family room and board-and-batten siding in the entryway add dimension. The new kitchen, which flows into a casual dining area, embraces clean lines with Shaker-style cabinets and a glazed-subway tile backsplash. Against neutral beige and white walls, furnishings, fixtures and rugs bring in subtle pops of color and warmth.

Renovation & Interior Design: Lisa Bagbey Tullai, ASID, Annapolis Interiors, Annapolis, Maryland. Renovation Contractor: Aaron Drummond, TailorCraft Builders, Severna Park, Maryland. Kitchen Design: Joe Wilde, Kitchen Concepts, Annapolis, Maryland. 

The owners wished to embrace a coastal vibe to reflect their waterfront locale, so the designer kept that thought uppermost while creating breezy interior spaces in a combination of mid-century and traditional styles that mirror her clients’ aesthetic. Situated at the back of the house, the breakfast room (above) occupies a central spot beside the bustling, revamped kitchen. Scenic views of the creek are visible through French doors, so Carlin conjured a crisp-white backdrop to accentuate the vista. A vintage-style pendant hangs above a glass-topped Villa & House pedestal table made of whitewashed rope wrapped in resin and surrounded by woven wicker chairs from Century.

Interior Design: Katie Carlin, Katie Carlin Interiors, Annapolis, Maryland. 

Keeping the scenic locale in mind, Purple Cherry tucked a small, screened porch (above) to one side off the main living area, beyond which a watery panorama unfolds. “It’s a destination room,” the architect notes. “The clients requested that it support seating, not dining, so it’s smaller in scale and has a cozy atmosphere.” A stacked-stone-look tile fireplace anchors the space, where trim details on columns and ceiling reflect the home’s aesthetic. Comfortable Kingsley Bate furniture sits atop an ipe floor and an all-weather rug. A set of stairs leads down to the pool terrace, creating easy indoor-outdoor connectivity.

Architecture & Interior Design: Cathy Purple Cherry, AIA, LEED AP, Purple Cherry Architects, Annapolis, Maryland. Builder: Bayview Builders, Annapolis, Maryland. Landscape Architecture: Campion Hruby Landscape Architects, Annapolis, Maryland.

“We were transitioning to being less than full-time professionals,” says the wife, a technology executive and college professor (her husband is a lawyer). “Our focus was living on one level for aging in place while having enough space to be comfortable. We also wanted a walkable neighborhood with easy access to public transport.”

The 2,700-square-foot apartment in Woodley Park checked all the right boxes. But the unit had not been renovated since the late ’90s. Shortly after purchasing it in 2021, the wife began assembling her ideal design team for an overhaul. First on the list: architect Jeff Hains, who had already completed eight renovations in the complex. “I am very familiar with this building, its nuances and infrastructure,” he explains. “I also knew how to navigate the process with the board of directors.”

Next, interior designer Barbara Noguera came on board. She and Hains clicked—and their professional chemistry was very important to the owners. “Our synergy was dynamic, and we were able to collaborate on transforming this home into something very clean, fresh and modern,” the designer says. Builder Ted Peterson of Peterson and Collins also joined the team.

The mandate was to improve the overall footprint with an airy, more open plan, and to create a clean, modern sensibility in formerly dated spaces. Though the co-op—a corner unit with ample windows—had the potential for strong, natural light, it didn’t take advantage of its attributes. The kitchen was enclosed and a massive, built-in TV cabinet blocked off the family room. Nine-foot tray ceilings with deep bulkheads felt heavy.

The architect and designer devised a T-shaped layout where everything formal—foyer, dining and living rooms—runs along a main axis flanked by informal areas—breakfast and family rooms—that take advantage of natural light and views. The plan demolished the TV cabinet and opened up the kitchen. “New, shallow tray ceilings define spaces on the floor plan while allowing for six additional inches of height, and they have much narrower bulkheads,” Hains notes. The kitchen was renovated in sleek style with help from Jan Goldman of Kitchen Elements, LLC; it’s now separated from the dining area by a breakfast bar.

The design team reinforced the modern aesthetic by eliminating trim, which made for a lighter feel. “We replaced it with just a reveal in the plaster walls, creating a shadow line to imply a reference to baseboards and casings for doors and windows,” Hains relates. Outdated built-ins, including the family room bookcases, were reimagined as cantilevered, floating shelves and clean-lined cabinets. Floors went from light-maple planks to variable-width white oak, stained dark. A new lighting plan by DKT Lighting & Design includes LEDs in the bulkheads.

When the time came to furnish the unit, Noguera considered spatial planning as well as how the couple wished to live. The ability to entertain with ease was important—but they also specified intimate spots for everyday use. And they wanted to ditch the old furniture from their suburban home and start fresh.

Curated global furnishings such as molded Italian leather dining chairs define various zones in the open plan. “The dining room is the first thing you see when you enter the home, so we used it to set the tone for the décor with strong, sculptural furniture that is comfortable and inviting,” the designer says.

The wife, whose taste leans bold and eclectic, hoped the home would reflect her vibrant sensibility. “She wanted elements of surprise that spark curiosity and conversation,” Noguera recounts. “Often, designers have to convince clients to go big; here, part of my job was reining things in and creating overall cohesion.”

The homeowner’s love of primary colors (she jokes that the blue sofa in the family room is her take on beige) led to the selection of a playful Pierre Frey printed textile that upholsters the large sectional in the living room. Its palette, which includes blue, red, pink and chartreuse, became the springboard for the home’s overall scheme. The angular, modern sectional faces a curvy pair of French-style chairs upholstered in cut velvet. A lacquered waterfall cocktail table is centered between them.

Low furniture profiles keep sight lines clear, and special details add interest—from the eye-catching sectional to Christian Lacroix drapes festooned with colorful birds in the bedroom. Says Noguera, “Everything was deeply considered to ensure it would come together as varied yet whole.”

“It was so much fun taking a blank sheet and creating a space,” the wife enthuses. “We truly love our home. I believe the planning and collaboration made all the difference.”

Renovation Architecture: Jeffrey Hains, AIA, Hains Architects, Bethesda, Maryland. Interior Design: Barbara Noguera, principal; Karla Rivera, project manager, Barbara Noguera Interiors, Washington, DC. Kitchen Design: Jan Goldman, Kitchen Elements, LLC, Olney, Maryland. Renovation Contractor: Ted Peterson, Peterson and Collins, Inc., Bethesda, Maryland. Styling: Kristi Hunter.

RESOURCES

FOYER
Wallpaper: phillipjeffries.com. Bench: us.julianchichester.com. Bench Fabric: romo.com.

DINING ROOM
Art: huntslonem.com through merrittgallery.com. Table & Chairs: alfonsomarina.com. Server: jimeco.com. Chandelier: visualcomfort.com.

LIVING ROOM
Sofa Fabric: pierrefrey.com. Sectional: thayercoggin.com. Coffee Table: bakerfurniture.com. Chair Fabric: manuelcanovas.com. Art: merrittgallery.com. Rug: starkcarpet.com.

POWDER ROOM
Wallpaper: abnormalsanonymous.com. Sink: gramaco.com. Sink Fabrication: unitedstatesmarbleandgranite.com. Plumbing: brizo.com through fergusonshowrooms.com. Lighting: visualcomfort.com. Floor Tile: architessa.com.

KITCHEN
Cabinetry: showplacecabinetry.com. Backsplash & Countertop: gramaco.com. Hardware: pushpullhardware.com. Hood: Custom through rangecraft.com. Appliances: fergusonshowrooms.com.

BREAKFAST ROOM
Server: Custom by icdwoodwork.com. Table & Chairs: tonincasausa.com. Pendant: visualcomfort.com.

FAMILY ROOM
Server: Custom by icdwoodwork.com. Sofa: leeindustries.com. Sofa Fabric: romo.com. Swivel Chairs: thayercoggin.com. Coffee Table: jimeco.com. Rug: starkcarpet.com. End Table & Desk Chairs: us.julianchichester.com.

PRIMARY BEDROOM
Wallpaper: phillipjeffries.com. Bed: bakerfurniture.com. Drapery: Christian Lacroix through designersguild.com. Carpet: starkcarpet.com. Sofa: Owners’ Collection. Sofa Fabric: designersguild.com.

The owners, two busy professionals, called on Carter and architect Donald Lococo when it was time to renovate their builder-grade abode. Years earlier, the design duo had remodeled the wife’s parents’ house to much acclaim and the couple hoped to recreate that magic in their own home. They teamed with Horizon Builders, the firm that had collaborated on the previous remodel as well. “They wanted to reassemble the dream team,” jokes Lococo.

Frequent partners in design, Lococo and Carter are both renowned for their aesthetic restraint and their ability to synthesize classical architectural motifs and modern elements—an approach that proved useful for this project. Built in 1965, the 13,216-square-foot manse has a sprawling layout featuring a central hall entry flanked by the library and the dining room; the kitchen is on the opposite side of the dining area. Seven bedrooms are spread over three levels, with most situated on the second floor.

An exaggerated French façade was exemplified by overly ornamental limestone details and an oeil-de-boeuf window. To refine the exterior, Lococo streamlined the limestone trim and swapped out the ovoid window for something more understated. He then skimmed the brick with a creamy, stucco-like finish that “allows the brick to ghost through so you see its texture but not its color,” he says. Steel-framed windows and doors replaced the old ones to give the home a more European flavor. “Darryl suggested the house skewed Belgian modern, and that spearheaded the direction of the details,” Lococo explains.

“What Donald did was return the house to a purer state,” Carter adds. “Doing away with some of the decorative elements lends it a more modern sensibility.”

A similar mindset prevailed inside, where Lococo and Carter embraced the existing segmental arch openings throughout the home but nixed many of the interior’s fussier flourishes. Out went elaborate fireplace mantels in favor of sleek stone surrounds, and overdone crown molding was replaced by inset ceiling trim that evokes artisanal plasterwork of yore, but rendered in a fresh way. Walls received a mottled finish that lends a sense of age but still feels contemporary. “The thought was to elevate the interior trim details by reducing them,” observes Lococo. “I think the success lay in making the interior architecture traditional but questioning those details that we see time and time again.”

One exception was the primary bedroom, where embellishments were added: Lococo raised the ceiling to create a barrel vault which subtly echoes the segmental arches that appear throughout the home. “That arc helps transition from the public spaces to the most private and brings cohesiveness,” he says.

To further unify the rooms, Carter finished the oak floors in a blond hue that established a quiet ground for layering furnishings and art. “We had a shared design language and sense of palette,” he says of himself and the clients. “I am prone to environments that are relatively neutral, but I always like to use a splash of color in the art.” Here, he chose a bold saffron painting that unfolds like origami over three walls of the dining room. Other notable pieces include artworks by Edward Finnegan and Purvis Young, as well as a wide range of heirloom furnishings. “When you bring antiques into a more modern setting, their patina alone makes the environment more tactile and approachable,” the designer notes.

Alongside such rarefied finds, Carter incorporated durable indoor-outdoor fabrics throughout the home to stand up to the kids’ wear and tear. And to ensure there would be places to stash toys, snacks and other necessities, Lococo hid storage in plain sight: The living room paneling conceals built-ins and the primary suite features a wall of stealth drawers. In the kitchen, cabinets were so cleverly concealed as paneling that the wife called Lococo after moving in, panicked that there wasn’t enough storage. The architect showed up and started pulling open hidden drawers.

More visual sleight of hand occurred outside in the form of a living sculptural element. Landscape architect Jennifer Horn created a courtyard terrace of reclaimed French limestone selected by Carter, then planted four mature hornbeam trees that appear to burst forth from the stone, which actually cantilevers above the soil. Horn also leveled out the sloped lot and relocated the swimming pool to improve its sight lines. At the property’s edge, she devised a wall cloaked by a row of arborvitae to frame the woods beyond the house. “We really wanted to distill the landscape down to its purest elements: water, grass, trees, stone,” says Horn. “I think that’s in accordance with what Donald and Darryl were doing with the house.”

With that kind of synchronicity among the design team, it’s no wonder the collaboration rendered such harmonious results. Lococo and Carter have often said they’re so in tune that they finish one another’s sentences. “When we work together it’s a very fluid process, like there’s one brain doing it,” avers Lococo.

Carter concurs. “It’s great to work with an architect who shares a similar sensibility because it makes the collaboration a lot easier. It’s to the betterment of the project at large.”

Renovation Architecture: Donald Lococo, AIA, NCARB, Donald Lococo Architects, Washington, DC. Interior Design: Darryl Carter, Darryl Carter, Inc., Washington, DC. Renovation Contractor: Horizon Builders, Annapolis, Maryland. Landscape Architecture: Jennifer Horn, RLA, Horn & Co. Landscape Architecture, Arlington, Virginia. Home Automation: A.B.E. Networks, Rockville, Maryland.

RESOURCES

LIBRARY
Sofa & Fabric: hollyhunt.com. Wood-Framed Chairs: newel.com. Wood-Framed Chair Fabric: hollyhunt.com. Coffee Table: Custom through darrylcarter.com. Rug: starkcarpet.com. Sculpture: Stephanie Bachiero through peterblakegallery.com. Music Stand & Clawfoot Stool: 1stdibs.com.

ENTRY
Console: Custom by darrylcarter.com. Sculpture: Senufo through trocadero.com. Artwork: Edward Finnegan. Floor Runner: dorisleslieblau.com. Stair Runner: starkcarpet.com. Stair Railing: donaldlococoarchitects.com. Ceiling Fixtures: vaughandesigns.com.

DINING ROOM
Ceiling Fixture: illuminc.com. Table & Chairs: Custom through darrylcarter.com. Chair Fabric: brentanofabrics.com through hollyhunt.com. Drapery: metaphors.com. Artwork: Custom through darrylcarter.com.

KITCHEN
Cabinetry: donaldlococoarchitects.com. Backsplash, Countertop & Island: caesarstoneus.com. Faucet: jaclo.com. Island Lighting: illuminc.com.

BEDROOM
Bedstead & Bedding: Custom through darrylcarter.com. Table Lamps: shop.thedpages.com. Reading Lights on Wall: illuminc.com. Overhead Lighting: remains.com. Pedestal Table & Chest: 1stdibs.com. Art in Window: Purvis Young. Rug: starkcarpet.com.

BATHROOM
Clawfoot Tub: kohler.com. Ceiling Fixture, Mirror & Foot Stool: 1stdibs.com. Tub Filler: newportbrass.com.

EXTERIOR
Wall Lanterns: vintage. Yellow Sculpture: donaldlococoarchitects.com. Chaise Lounges: knoll.com.

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.

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.

STICKLEY FURNITURE’S MARTINE COLLECTION recasts mid-century lines with soft curves and graceful arcs. The assemblage includes a bar cabinet/armoire, a solid-cherry vanity/desk and an upholstered accent chair. At Belfort Furniture. belfortfurniture.com

HOLLY HUNT’S EON DRAWER CABINET is part of the new HH40 line, which marks the brand’s 40th birthday. Made in the U.S. in an oak, walnut or lacquered (pictured) finish, the piece boasts four or six soft-close doors and solid-brass hardware. hollyhunt.com

ROCHE BOBOIS’ ACCOLADE ARMCHAIR, designed by Antoine Fritsch and Vivien Durisotti, delivers comfort in a sculptural silhouette. Upholstered seats and backs in bi-density polyurethane foam embrace users atop a metal base; available in four color pairings. roche-bobois.com

POLTRONA FRAU’S DUO CABINET reinterprets a classic 1950s sideboard. Spacers between the base and top lend a sleek, modern feel. Configured as a high chest or low credenza (pictured above), the solid-wood piece comes in ebony, natural walnut or inlaid walnut, with a contrasting maple interior. poltronafrau.com

LIGNE ROSET’S BISCOTTO PEDESTAL TABLES marry contrasting hues of cut and polished marble. A 16-inch-tall model combines white and beige stones while a 13-inch-tall version mixes gray and beige. Finished with a water-repellant treatment. ligne-roset.com

MERIDIANI’S PLINTO TABLE pays homage to the architectural plinth. Its monolithic base and light metal frame support a minimalist top. Find in an array of shapes, sizes and finishes—from marble (pictured above) to lacquer and wood—at the new Meridiani showroom in Glover Park. meridiani.it/en

GREEN FRONT NOVA in Manassas showcases Lane Venture furniture that revolves around entertaining indoors and out. Charlotte Dining Chairs, offered in multiple upholstery options, are pictured above with the faux-stone-topped Palisades Dining Table. greenfront.com

Zapatka agrees, explaining that he “creates classic, timeless structures that integrate both site and interior design.” In this case, his renovation—a three-year adventure that included extensive negotiations with DC government agencies, neighborhood groups and historic preservation societies—informed Baty’s vision, which the designer diplomatically describes as “an identity that favored a disconnect from DC style.”
Before finding its inner glamour, the home was treated to a total gut job that reconfigured the interior spaces, adding rooms, functionality and a more organic flow. At the back, recalls Zapatka, “we replaced a goofy, bright-orange, two-story addition” with a lighter, more spacious three-story extension featuring skylights and clerestory windows. Post-reno, the 2,420-square-foot residence includes three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths and a wealth of artfully disguised storage areas and closets.

Homeowners Gary Jankowski and Michael Schaeffer, both real estate agents, came to the project prepared with vision boards and ideas that were more European classic than American traditional. The couple, who’ve traveled extensively in France and Italy, wanted to create a refuge where they could live comfortably but entertain grandly—one that would reflect their sophisticated aesthetic and love of art. To achieve their vision, Baty, who hails from France, modeled their home on hôtel particulier, an architectural vernacular dating from the 16th century and popular among well-heeled Parisians ever since. Combining a wide variety of styles and periods, it’s a hybrid of the most elegant examples of European and American art and design.

The transatlantic journey begins at the front entry, where a refined gray, black and white palette is established through a limestone tile floor with black diamond inlay. Artwork, an Italian fringed stool and bold purple objets atop an antique-mirrored table enliven the graphic scheme. A graceful switchback staircase leads up to the second-level primary bedroom and a third-floor guest room.

A narrow gallery flows from the foyer back to the salon—an airy, open space spanning the rear of the house and encompassing both living and dining areas. The passageway is offset by graphic, arboreal-patterned grisaille (gray-toned) wall covering with a pastoral theme; it creates a bucolic backdrop for an ebonized, antique bar cabinet and a brass-and-leather director’s chair.

For all its grandeur, the salon is an intimate space that equally enriches everyday life and more formal gatherings. Cool blues and grays, luscious textiles and decorative marble and metallic elements all invite the visitor to relax and take in the French-inspired courtyard outside three tall French doors. Baty adhered to his vision of eclectic elegance with Italian and French side tables and pedestals that serve as plant stands while a Louis XV-style settee, exuberantly cloaked in sunburst silk, is flanked by marble-topped side tables and marble-and-brass lamps. Contemporary acrylic stools play harmoniously with two gray velvet lounge chairs and an armless banquette in jewel tones; all three are trimmed with bullion fringe.

Between the two chairs rests an ebonized Napoleon III-style table that opens to seat six when needed (very rarely, the owners confess). This flexibility, Baty explains, reduces volume and clutter and keeps the sight lines to the garden clear. Large-scale grisaille paintings and a photo triptych of Versailles display classic scenes in modern mediums.

Outside the French doors, a picturesque courtyard was landscaped by Oehme, van Sweden to evoke the parks of Paris, planted with fragrant linden trees set in a sweep of pea gravel. At the far end is a loggia designed to hide a two-car parking space. Both the trees and re-built, Moroccan-inspired masonry walls contribute to a cool-and-calm oasis vibe.

To the left off the gallery, the U-shaped kitchen is a study in glossy gray, glass and warm wood. Snaidero cabinets line the walls while creamy Caesarstone counters and glazed tiles are a soft counterpoint to the sleek cabinetry, La Cornue range and custom-designed steel hood. A marble-topped bronze island—crafted by Baty from an antique bank counter—is the couple’s preferred dining table, whether it’s just à deux or for larger groups. “It’s where we do most of our entertaining,” Jankowski admits.

Upstairs—past a cozy media room and a dressing area with built-in storage and a deep walk-in closet—is the primary bedroom, a serene and spare retreat arrayed in the colors of Parisian weather: gray, white and blue. Like the salon, metallic accents are everywhere, adorning the Neoclassical night tables, a Chinese Chippendale headboard and an Art Deco screen. Soft textures prevail, from the bed linens and curtains to the rug.

It’s been nearly seven years since the owners moved back to this recreated corner of Paris and every day they appreciate anew the joy it provides. From the moment you enter, Jankowski avers, “you feel transported to another world. It’s unlike anything we’ve seen on Capitol Hill.”

RESOURCES

THROUGHOUT: Paint & Trim: farrow-ball.com.

LIVING & DINING AREA
Sofa & Sofa Fabric: kravet.com. Rug: moooicarpets.com. Chair Fabric: jab.de/us. Chair Trim: Stroheim for kravet.com. Coffee Table, Chandelier, Large Round Table & Console Flanking Fireplace: Antique. Art Flanking Fireplace: Custom. Bust: Antique. Art above Stands: fornasetti.com. Bench: Owners’ collection. Tables Flanking Bench: alfonsomarina.com. Art above Bench: Brice Chatenoud. Lucite Stools: Vintage. Bench Fabric: jimthompsonhomefurnishings.com. Mirror: Owners’ collection. Dining Table &  Chairs: Owners’ collection. Chair Fabric: Vintage.

FOYER & HALLWAY
Art: mishaillin.com. Runner: pattersonflynn.com. Stool: lorenzabozzoli.com. Mural: ananbo.com/en. Director's Chair: valenti.es/en. Sideboard: antique, Neoclassical.

KITCHEN
Cabinetry: snaiderodcmetro.com.

BEDROOM
Bedding: ralphlauren.com. Wall Covering: phillipjeffries.com. Rug: nourison.com. Desk Lamp: Vintage. Drapery Fabric: dedar.com. Drapery Fabrication: greatdreamsinteriors.com. Stool: lorenzabozzoli.com. Screen: Antique. Bench: Vintage. Bench Fabric: jab.de./us. Blue Chair Fabric: kravet

Set back from the road, the 5,200-square-foot, five-bedroom residence fits seamlessly into its lush landscape. While it reflects a streamlined take on cottage style in front, a wall of windows in back lets nature in. The entry door opens into an airy, two-story front gallery spanning the width of the main floor; wide openings lead into the spacious living/dining room straight ahead and the kitchen to the right. These rear-facing spaces access an expansive deck perfect for al fresco lounging and dining while taking in the sweeping vista. At one end of the gallery, a short, perpendicular wing comprises a home office, laundry, powder room, mudroom and passage to the garage. At the other end, a staircase enclosed in a rounded volume leads up to the primary suite and kids’ ensuite bedrooms.

After purchasing the house, the owner enlisted architect Christian Zapatka to finish the basement; an extensive redo created more livable space comprising a family room, kitchenette, game room, guest suite and luxe gym. Marvels the owner, “We added a wing to the house without having to touch the exterior or change its character.”

Designer Laura Hur of Lorla Studio was tapped to update the interiors with new furniture and finishes. However, the assignment soon snowballed to include structural changes, from bathroom renovations and millwork updates to interior door replacements and a kitchen facelift. Hur also spearheaded the basement finishes and furnishings. Throughout the house, her client “wanted a feeling of casual, sophisticated elegance, chic for entertaining but comfortable for family living,” she recounts. “We also wanted nature to take center stage.”

Together, they homed in on a warm, modern aesthetic. Against a palette of brown, black, gray, tan and cream, the design took shape—spare and modern with a subtly masculine vibe. The color scheme reflects the world outside those expansive windows, as do subdued materials, including custom travertine that replaced a polished, black-marble fireplace surround in the living room; it crops up again above a new, built-in dry bar in the same room. Maple closet doors gave way to walnut versions embellished by sculptural, integrated wood handles. Clay finishes by Portola Paints add richness to the walls of the deep-green home office, the nearly black first-floor bathroom, the primary bedroom and a deep-taupe basement game room. The owner’s bath is clad in custom, hand-applied clay lime plaster. White walls keep the living areas bright—and ensure all eyes are on the panorama outside.

Furnishing the main-floor rooms, Hur opted for selections that would prioritize the view. Low-slung, sculptural seating with curved profiles imparts softness to the home’s innately spare lines. Leather and textural fabrics such as velvet, bouclé and linen convey a luxe feel, paired with aged brass and warm wood frames. “These elements play an important role in keeping the interiors from becoming too modern or cold,” notes the designer.

A new lighting plan replaced clunky recessed lights with less intrusive versions. Apparatus Studio chandeliers introduce an industrial edge to the living/dining area, primary bedroom and lower-level game room. Large-scale abstract canvases throughout the house complement its simple palette.

The kitchen layout stayed the same, but light maple cabinetry was refaced with a richly grained walnut veneer. Integrated handles contribute to an uncluttered sensibility. Black granite countertops were replaced with honed quartz; a waterfall top was introduced on the island to update the look.

The bathrooms throughout the house underwent more thorough makeovers. Hur selected timeless hues of green and pink for the son’s and daughter’s baths, respectively, to ensure staying power. The primary bath showcases a sculptural tub against a wall of creamy zellige tile, conjuring a luxurious, spa-like feel.

The owner and his kids are thrilled with the results of the redo. “It’s a perfect expression of me and what I wanted,” he observes. “Laura created a family home for us. We jelled and she made it a real partnership.”

Hur adds, “Though the house was very much still in the ’90s when we began, it had strong bones and a great layout. It was fun to reimagine it for today.”

The plan maintained the original layout, with four bedrooms and an exercise room on the ground floor and public spaces above. A primary suite and deck were added at the front of the house. A new, second-level screened porch on the rear overlooks a recently installed plunge pool beside a shed that contains changing rooms.

Denise Perkins of Jamie Merida Interiors spearheaded the interiors. Working in tandem with principal Jamie Merida, she conjured a fresh, modern take on beach cottage style. “It was a gut job,” notes Perkins. “We were able to turn a dated house into a little jewel box.” A Q&A with the designers about the process follows.

How does the reimagined front entrance set the tone?
Jamie: It’s an amazing space, a solid glass volume that’s like a lighthouse at night. It contains an open staircase that replaced the original enclosed one, which was in a different spot in the house. When you arrive, all you see is glass and stair.

Share the story behind the white neon sign over the staircase.
Jamie: During the project, we were looking for quotes to reflect the philosophy of the house. That one kept coming up, so we had it custom-made in neon for the space.

Discuss how the main level evolved.
Denise: The vaulted shiplap ceiling is just about the only thing we kept from the original cottage. There was already an open plan on the main floor, but the space is used completely differently now. We relocated the kitchen because it was cramped and faced the street. We added built-ins along the fireplace wall and on one wall of the game room, where we incorporated a desk and shelving. The floor is a driftwood-look luxury vinyl tile that disguises any sand that gets tracked in.

What inspired the color scheme, which is such a defining element?
Denise: The owners like clean, crisp and contemporary. They requested all-white interiors with pops of bold, saturated color. We chose a Marmoleum floor for the entry in bright orange, turquoise, yellow and green. We added red to that palette and then ran with it on fabrics, decorative objects and art.

What role does art play in the décor?
Jamie: The colors in this house are like a Mondrian painting: clear, strong, saturated and true. We looked for art to reflect that palette and had fun with it. Denise found a light fixture for the entrance hall that looks like a Calder mobile. And there’s a fabulous piece on the landing made of crunched, recycled paint cans. In the eating area, there’s a kind of totem pole piece that reminds me of the London Underground signs.

Talk about the evolution of the two-tone countertop.
Denise: The kitchen is mainly white with black accents. The island’s countertop is both black and white. The owner didn’t want a seam in it but the size of the island would have required one. So we leaned into it with slabs of quartz in contrasting colors.

How did you achieve a connection to the outdoors?
Jamie: The screened porch in back is comfortably located under the trees so you always feel a breeze. It holds a big dining table that seats eight—custom-made in white quartz with a black stripe to echo the island countertop—and outdoor furniture for lounging.

How did you differentiate each of the tiny bedrooms?
Denise: I used bold colors and patterns in the three guest rooms. I do that to make rooms look bigger. I designed custom headboards for each bedroom; they're attached to the walls and bedframes to save space. There are two guest baths that play off the bedrooms in terms of color. The primary bedroom is black and white with a strong tree-motif wallpaper on an accent wall behind the bed and matching drapery; the ensuite bath is white and gold with black accents.

What was the secret to fitting four bedrooms into the original footprint?
Denise: They’re like staterooms, with not an inch of wasted space. The owners wanted king-sized beds in all but the bunkroom, mainly because their families like their dogs to sleep with them. We put in California king beds; you can hardly turn sideways, but we made it work! No room for dressers so we outfitted the closets with built-ins for storage.

What is special about the new pool and its surroundings?
Jamie: It’s a plunge pool—very small. It’s located at the back of the house where an existing shed was repurposed and now contains outdoor showers and changing rooms. They’re protected by an overhang. A live roof was planted over the shed, so you see that beautiful expanse of green instead of just an ugly rooftop when you look out from the porch above. It’s a really nice touch.

Renovation Architecture: Jonathon Selway, AIA, Jona- thon Selway Architects, Selbyville, Delaware. Interior Design: Jamie Merida, principal; Denise Perkins, lead designer, Jamie Merida Interiors, Easton, Maryland. Renovation Contractor: Boardwalk Builders, Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. Landscape Architecture: Topio Landscape Architecture, Selbyville, Delaware. Styling: Charlotte Safavi.

ASK JAMIE + DENISE

How do you make a coastal look feel fresh?
Jamie: It’s tricky. We’ve been trying to get away from typical navy and white with colors like sea glass. And this house is like a beach ball with all its colors, which is a fresh take in itself.

Share tips on integrating lots of color.
Denise: A base of white helps ensure a space doesn’t end up looking like a carnival. Here, I stuck to four or five colors in the same hue and intensity and repeated them.

Name a trend you’ve had enough of?
Jamie: I hope I’ll never see another gray kitchen with a blue island.

What beloved possession would you never part with?
Denise: My dad was an artist; I would never give up his paintings.
Jamie: I would sell just about anything! But I do have a baby grand piano that I love because my under-graduate degree is in piano.

She and her husband (a mortgage broker and retiree, respectively) hail from Vienna, Virginia. They enlisted Charleston-based Great Southern Builders to construct their vacation perch on a pristine, half-plus-acre lot in 2021, then tapped their long-time Virginia designers Charlene Kennerknecht and Arch Williams and builder Jim Kennerknecht to customize it.  The design team dove in with an extensive reimagining of the structure that completely altered it both aesthetically and functionally. “On Seabrook Island, there are no limitations between indoor and outdoor living. Our aim was to create synergy with all the elements of Lowcountry life, inside and out,” says Williams.

The three-story abode with southern exposure features a ground-level garage and storage. Public spaces, a porch and a primary suite unfold on the main floor while two bedrooms occupy the third level. The recent upgrade replaced the main-level windows with large picture ones from Andersen and removed six of nine porch columns to take better advantage of lush, garden views. A 400-square-foot addition delivered a sitting area off the primary bedroom and expanded the porch. The team vaulted the kitchen ceiling and added a porthole window above the range hood. A narrow window beside the range became a strip of backsplash, while behind the sink, a large window now slides open to the porch for indoor-outdoor connectivity.

When it came time to decorate, “all the choices we made inside referenced and complemented the outside,” notes Charlene Kennerknecht. “Our palette reflects the warm, neutral colors of the surroundings: the silver Spanish moss, the golden marsh grass, the leafy greens—even the sky on a cloudy day. We kept the furniture low-profile for unobstructed garden views and upholstered it in performance fabrics. We were always inspired by nature, whether selecting an iron sofa table with a base reminiscent of tree trunks or the textured, mossy green of the mohair armchair and ottoman.”

From coastal-themed artwork in the foyer by artist Adam Hall (based on a sunset beach photo taken by the wife) to light fixtures sourced through Charleston-based Urban Electric, muted nods to Lowcountry prevail.
“We live in a world where chaos is prevalent. Some thrive in it; others seek a state of serenity,” remarks Williams. “This house delivers calm from the outside in.”

They decided to build a getaway on Deep Creek Lake in Western Maryland. “We bought an off-the-shelf design online; we were that eager to get started,” recounts T.J., a former ER doctor whose husband, Will, is a corporate attorney. They hired local contractor Eric Paugh to implement the plans. “We were already building the house when we first met Pascale,” continues T.J. “At the time, we were just seeking advice on adding another bedroom. But after talking with us and reviewing the plans, she had just one thing to say: ‘Non!’”

“The interior plan felt more coastal than lakeside cabin and it was not harmonious with the surrounding landscape,” de Fouchier explains. “From the outside, it was a generic, new-build farmhouse without the rusticity and sense of history the owners had envisioned. Ultimately, it made sense to reimagine and customize the interiors to reflect what they loved about the property—the expansive views of rolling farmland, the lake and colors that change with the seasons.”

The designer and her clients treated the original concept as a blank slate that they could reconfigure and build upon during construction. For example, the bedrooms were huge while the baths were small, some with awkwardly placed fixtures. De Fouchier repositioned the sink, tub and commode in the boys’ shared bathroom to give them a better view while maintaining privacy. And in another twist, she turned a planned wine cellar under the stairs into a cozy nook where the entire family can be found assembling puzzles and playing games. (“I’m from Paris and can find space where there is none,” jokes de Fouchier.)

Working in stages, she developed a coherent plan—implemented by Paugh and his team—with more intentional and organic flow from room to room. The completed, 4,000-square-foot getaway includes a family room, kitchen, mudroom, dining room, living room, office and ensuite guest room on the main level. Upstairs are a media room and four bedrooms, including the primary suite.

The heart of the home is clearly the family room, which is part of a great room also encompassing the kitchen and dining area. Tall windows are topped with triangular transoms that draw the eye up to the stained-pine ceiling and beams. Though beams were not a part of the original plan, they became a unifying motif, lending a woodsy vibe to every room. Weathered leather chairs and a woven linen/cotton sofa are accentuated by pillows and throws in contrasting kilim patterns and colors. For a touch of whimsy, a custom Calder-inspired mobile in front of the wood-burning stone fireplace is a companion in shape and color to canoe paddles that adorn the wall nearby.

Wood posts and beams, oak floors, brass accents and an array of earthy greens carry throughout the main level. In the kitchen, Mykonos quartzite tops the generous island as well as the cabinetry. A custom-made wood table with hand-turned legs anchors the adjacent dining area and is big enough to host large family gatherings. Nestled in a niche on a back wall is a dry bar with a vintage mirror (a family heirloom) reflecting views of the lake beyond.

The living room, which opens to a lakefront deck, continues the palette of honey-stained pine and green. Beadboard-fronted built-ins and pine shelving frame the fireplace, above which a painting of sailboats highlights the owners’ love of water sports. A subtly patterned rug grounds the space. Will’s office (“an amazing place to work,” he boasts) showcases sage-toned custom cabinetry and oversized windows with expansive lake views.

Creative touches by de Fouchier elevate the interiors, from the game nook outfitted with brass sconces and banquette seating around a bespoke table to the entry hall dressed in a rich green that sets off the kilim bench and water skis decorating the wall. The main-floor guest bath is clad in green tile and matching green paint, with a quartz-topped double vanity and white tile floor for contrast.

Upstairs, the primary suite—a refuge within a refuge, the owners say—is a study in neutrals selected to capture the colors of the sunrise. A creamy rug and folk-art baskets on the wall add textural interest. Behind the bouclé-upholstered armchair sits a low bench backed by wall-to-wall shelving. A black-and-white wall hanging depicting a saffron sun brightens the second-floor landing while the boys’ bedrooms display crisp, graphic rugs and bed linens.

As de Fouchier opines, “A vacation house needn’t be serious.”

T.J. agrees. “From the moment we walk in the door, we exhale,” she says. “We wanted a home that is gracious, livable and lovely. Every element has been chosen with care and adds to the story we want our house to tell.”

RESOURCES

FAMILY ROOM
Sofa: potterybarn.com. Pillows: surya.com. Leather Chairs: article.com. Stools: haussmanninc.com. Rug: rh.com. Coffee Table: westelm.com. Stone: stonecraft.com through mandsstone.com. Mobile: floatingartmobiles.com. Paddles: etsy.com. Floor Lamp: crateandbarrel.com. Painting: Owners’ Collection. Paint: Extra White by sherwin-williams.com.

LIVING ROOM
Sofa: cb2.com. Orange Pillow: oyoy.us. Armchair: ciscohome.net. Ottoman Coffee Table & Side Tables: fourhands.com. Painting: wendoverart.com. Floor Lamp: visualcomfort.com. Rug: rejuvenation.com. Wood Chair: Vintage. Millwork Fabrication: ericpaughcontracting.com. Cabinet Doors: schrock.com. Cabinetry & Paint Color: Evergreen Fog by sherwin-williams.com.

KITCHEN
Pendant: chapmanandmyers.com through visualcomfort.com. Sconce: savoyhouse.com. Stools: crateandbarrel.com. Hardware: topknobs.com. Fixtures: deltafaucet.com through ferguson.com. Cabinetry Design: decoracabinets.com. Cabinetry Paint: Dried Thyme by sherwin-williams.com. Paint: Extra White by sherwin-williams.com. Countertop & Backsplash: granitecountertopsolutions.com. Cooktop: bosch-home.com/us.

DINING ROOM/ DRY BAR
Pendant: lightcookie.com. Table: Custom through bcwoodworks.myshopify.com. Chairs: crateandbarrel.com. Countertop: granitecountertopsolutions.com. Fixtures: deltafaucet.com through ferguson.com. Mirror: Vintage. Cabinetry & Paint Color: Dried Thyme by sherwin-williams.com.

GAME NOOK
Table: Custom through hardwoodreflections.com. Pillows: surya.com. Cushion Fabric: regalfabrics.com. Cushion & Lumbar Pillows Fabrication: ncpatiocushions.com. Lumbar Pillow Fabric: pindler.com. Stool & Side Table: haussmanninc.com. Sconces: savoyhouse.com. Masks: umasqu.com.

HALLWAY
Skis: etsy.com. Pendants: cb2.com. Bench: bedbathandbeyond.com. Paint: Pewter Green by sherwin-williams.com.

GREEN BATHROOM
Tile & Shower Floor Tile: bedroasians.com. Floor Tile Bath: wowdesigneu.com through chesapeaketileandmarble.com. Sconce: westelm.com. Hardware: ashleynorton.com. Fixture: deltafaucet.com through ferguson.com. Paint: Retreat by sherwin-williams.com. Countertop: granitecountertopsolutions.com.

PRIMARY BEDROOM
Rug: loloirugs.com. Chair: safavieh.com. Bench Fabric: pindler.com. Sconces: matteolighting.com. Baskets: potterybarn.com. Paint: Modern Gray by sherwin-williams.com. Ceiling Fan: kichler.com. Bedding: potterybarn.com.

PRIMARY BATH
Pendant: hinkley.com. Fixtures: deltafaucet.com through ferguson.com. Floor Tile: wowdesigneu.com through chesapeaketileandmarble.com. Shower Tile: bedrosians.com. Hardware: topknobs.com. Countertop: granitecountertopsolutions.com.

BOY'S ROOM
Striped Rug: rejuvenation.com. Chair: Vintage through 1stdibs.com. Sconce: safavieh.com. Bedding: crateandbarrel.com. Pillows: surya.com. Print: etsy.com.

BOY'S BATH
Sconce: build.com. Tile: tileshop.com. Vanity: hometure.com.

LEDGE ROOM
Quilt: etsy.com. Sconce; savoyhouse.com. Rug: seekandswoon.com. Paint: Extra White by sherwin-williams.com.

OFFICE
Leather Chairs: mercana.com. Rug: nuloom.com. Hardware: ashleynorton.com. Desk: hardwoodreflections.com. Millwork Fabrication: ericpaughcontracting.com. Paint: Crushed Ice by sherwin-williams.com. Adirondack Chairs: polywood.com.

The now-empty-nest owners bought their ’80s-era, center-hall Colonial in 2000, when the wife’s two daughters were still at home. Years later, they were ready to address the functional gaps, character deficiency and decades-old décor that had become sore points. The duo started outside, hiring McHale Landscape Design to create a resort-like backyard oasis.

Enhancing the exterior, however, brought the interior’s shortcomings into sharper focus. “I was very frustrated with the house,” reveals the wife, a retired telecom exec whose husband recently hung up his hat from a career in technology. “It had little charm and didn’t reflect me.” She first enlisted Ireland in 2008 to overhaul the 8,500-square-foot abode, upgrade its original builder-grade detailing and finishes and remodel the kitchen.

The wife, who loves to cook for family gatherings, meticulously drafted the dual-island kitchen layout herself. An inspiration image torn from a catalog captured the clean, two-tone look she was after. Taking his cues from it, the designer wrapped white-painted perimeter cabinetry in dark-stained, quarter-sawn oak and repeated the charcoal-colored finish on the footed island bases, which are outlined in stainless steel.

Furniture planning came next. The wife sought to take the interiors in a “more contemporary but also warm and inviting” direction. She was eager to jettison the period reproductions she had picked out earlier. “When we bought this Colonial house, I thought I should buy Colonial things,” she discloses. “It really wasn’t about what I liked.”

A handful of pieces the owners had collected while living overseas, including the large living room sofa, made the cut. To supplement those, Ireland sourced new selections, designed several custom pieces to fit the spaces and scoured 1stDibs and antiques stores for special finds—many of which remain today. “The upgraded envelope pays homage to the home’s architecture, but everything else is a mix of styles,” he notes. “And it’s constantly evolving.”

Since the 2008 redo, Ireland and the owners have gradually added newfound treasures, particularly artwork. On a buying trip to Paris, for instance, he and the wife stumbled upon a century-old, gilded-plaster relief that now hangs over the dining room sideboard. The woodland scene it depicts is based on a drawing by Armand Albert Rateau, the late French interior designer who conjured the celebrated Parisian apartment of couturier Jeanne Lanvin, where a nearly identical tableau adorned a bathroom alcove.

By 2020, though, a larger-scale refresh was in order. The goal: to heighten the energy of the spaces. “With the first [design] round, there was a stopping point, a certain budget,” explains the designer. “This round was about taking some elements to the next level.”

The music room offers a prime example. Its original cherry millwork had never suited the wife’s fancy; lacquering it in a salmon hue proved just the answer. “We lacquered the room to give it a new life,” Ireland explains. “We wanted it to be livelier and become a destination.” Four vintage, floral chandeliers lend the space what he calls “a bit of a ballroom feel,” while a vivid, painterly rug provides an edgy counterpoint.

The bold combination expresses the owner’s newfound style assurance. “When I first started working with Joe, I was much more timid about how far to go,” she admits. “Over the years, I’ve become less afraid of color and pattern.”

The dining room bears witness to her burgeoning confidence as well. Initially, the walls were painted top to bottom in dark amethyst. “We started talking about how we could make this room feel even cozier,” recounts Ireland. “It was pretty before, but it needed more personality.” He remedied that shortcoming with flora-and-fauna wall covering from The Vale London, which now wraps around the upper portion. A glamorous, 1950s glass-and-brass chandelier ousted a conventional, candelabra-style fixture.

Spirited prints replaced more staid upholstery choices in places. For proof, look no further than the sunny Sanderson botanical fabric that now emboldens the living room’s Ebanista settee. “From the beginning, we’ve tried—and I think we’ve been successful—to purchase things that would remain relevant, then we tweaked them in this update,” says Ireland. “I really aim for longevity. That’s good design.”

The wife appreciates the element of surprise too. “When people see the house from the outside, they don’t expect to walk in and find something so fresh inside,” she says. “The interiors are a little more playful, not so conservative now. They reflect the evolution of my tastes.”

Describe the overall aesthetic you were after.
We leaned into the stateliness of the house, but also kept it fresh and cool by mixing traditional pieces with contemporary furniture and art. I replaced dingy-looking checkerboard tile in the entry and added a Barbara Barry chest to create an elevated, Park Avenue sort of vibe. And in the living room, we offset a gilded Dennis & Leen chair with a modern coffee table and painting.
I like to throw in something unexpected whenever I can. For example,
the living room sheers are a funky material, but they’re trimmed in velvet for a bit of elegance.

What inspired you to turn the empty landing into a cozy hangout?
It’s the first thing you see as you walk up the stairs and I wanted to make it really pretty. I laid it out with two Lee Industries chairs, thinking it could function as a space to read or have a cup of coffee. My client asked if we could do yellow drapes, and this Fadini Borghi fabric was the perfect shade. We had fun with the ottoman, covering it in a Vervain print with Houlès fringe to keep it playful.

Why are window treatments important to you?
To me, window treatments are the most transformative thing in a room. I love layering drapes and shades. Some clients worry about drapes blocking the view but I think they actually enhance it. Nicely done custom drapes in a beautiful fabric elevate any space.

How do you create drama with lighting?
Light fixtures have become such a focal point. They create an opportunity to add something cool and oftentimes sculptural to a space. Given the opportunity, I love to introduce sconces like we did on the landing. Whether you choose something like the Circa Lighting chandelier that picks up brass accents in the kitchen or the Currey & Co. lamp with a textural woven shade in the owners’ bedroom, light fixtures are like pieces of jewelry.

What drove the primary bedroom décor?
We kept it simple but luxurious. I mixed a variety of interesting textures, from the bed upholstered in silky Nobilis fabric to Made Goods nightstands clad in leather. I designed the shams and the ikat is an antique pillow. Phillip Jeffries faux-suede wall covering gives the room a luscious softness.

Tell the story behind the glass-enclosed fourth-floor bath.
It was a claustrophobic little space with no windows. We added French doors to open it up and mimic doors off the landing below.
I wanted to do something dramatic for the back wall so I covered it in hand-painted Pratt + Larson tile. I love how the wall tile blends with the patterned marble floor. People have said the vibe feels kind of Moroccan.
I enclosed the bathroom in glass so it would look like a lightbox—something very unexpected. The glass also saved us six inches (the depth of a wall), making the space that much larger.

Share your philosophy on original art.
I find art to be incredibly important. It can elevate and enhance décor, but unfortunately it can also bring down the look and feel if it’s not well-curated. In most of my work, I am involved in art selection. On this project, it was a very collaborative process with quite a bit of back-and-forth before we landed on the majority of pieces you see.

How did the primary bath evolve?
After the upper bath was done, the owners decided to redo their bathroom and wanted something fabulous. I had an idea of vines coming down from the ceiling and worked with New Ravenna to design a mosaic for the main wall. It makes a huge statement when you walk in.
A rectangular vanity would have felt too heavy, so I designed a curved one with Lacava and they built it for us; it’s topped with white Dolomite marble that has a beautifully detailed edge.

Why is it important to support artisanal makers?
Mosaics have been around for thousands of years and I’ve always loved them. New Ravenna, one of the world’s premiere workshops, is located right on Virginia's Eastern Shore. If designers aren’t showing this kind of craft to our clients and incorporating it into our work, it will go away. And that would be a shame because these beautiful creations stand the test of time.

ASK NICK

Name a design pet peeve.
I see a lot of super-minimal, modern bathrooms, even in really stately homes that have been beautifully renovated. To me, it seems like a missed opportunity to do something a lot more interesting, specific and fun.

What products are you excited to try?
I’m dying to use one of Lala Curio’s incredible hand-painted, -beaded and -embroidered wall coverings, available at Rue IV. I’m also in love with the cool and unique wallpaper by UK-based Timorous Beasties, now at Hines & Co.

What’s your most cherished piece of furniture?
An 18th-century Italian cabinet that’s stunning and beautifully inlaid. I keep all my treasures in it and will probably be buried with it.

What color do you predict will be big in 2024?
Cornflower blue is definitely having a moment. It works in many spaces and gives you color but is still kind of subdued. I’m doing a guest room in it right now.

What are the secrets to creating a successful closet?
Take stock to account for your needs and the needs of your clothes—remember space for full-length hanging, drawers and jewelry storage. Incorporate a mirror, which will enlarge the room visually and reflect light. Shelves should be adjustable and deep enough for folded sweaters; they should have several height options (boots need more clearance than sandals). Be sure you have enough good lighting. And add easily accessible outlets for charging. —Katherine Crosby, Jenkins Baer Associates

How do you make a pantry both stylish and functional?
When designing a pantry, I look for opportunities to hide and organize what I call the “uglies” (items we need that aren’t attractive to display) while also creating visual interest. Visibility is key. Deep drawers or cabinets are good for kitchen appliances. Baskets or bins are great for quick grabs. I include a tall, narrow storage space for brooms, mops and hand-vacs. For households with pets, I create storage and even built-in food/water bowls. —Juli Brocato, Brocato Design + Co.

Begin by making sure there’s a place for everything. Wire baskets, pull-out trays and adjustable shelving maximize storage. A pantry becomes more than a closet when it is an extension of your kitchen, incorporating lighting, countertops, hardware and specialty molding. —Pam Hausamann, Closet Factory

How do you assess a client’s home office needs?
We ask questions: Will it be a primary office or just a spot for a desk and chair? Is it for multiple users? How much storage is required? Ergonomic seating can be critical, along with a Zoom-ready background. Do they want a coffee station? Additional seating for visitors? Where in the house will it be located? To elevate the aesthetic, look for interesting art, wallpaper or a plush rug. Efficient recessed lighting is a must, while a chandelier will complement a space. Budget cabinets can be finished to look custom. Freestanding bookshelves made with metal, wood or glass add texture and interest. —Priya Gupta, Associate ASID, NKBA, Priya Design & Decor LLC

What are creative ways to organize a family entry?
Consider what you want to store there. I like to design in a way that can evolve as needs change: adjustable shelves and extra-deep drawers that are multi-purpose; doors that hide clutter and keep everything contained. Maximizing cabinet height provides opportunities for stashing out-of-season items. —Charlotte Jarrett, California Closets, Washington, DC

Devise dedicated storage areas for each family member. Consider labeled cubbies or baskets, wall-mounted hooks and a pet station with room for toys, leashes and treats. We also recommend some type of bench seating; it can be a built-in bench with hidden storage or an antique found online. A place to sit while removing belongings will help an entryway stay organized. —Scott North, Case Architects & Remodelers

How do you elevate a mundane mudroom?
Because they’re small, mudrooms are great for colorful or unique floor tile. Thin brick pavers or porcelain pavers that look like flagstone provide style without the need to upgrade for the added weight and depth of real brick or stone. We use shiplap or paneling for durability in a space where we anticipate heavier use. Lockers and cubbies are good for a pop of color, and metal mesh, caning or a custom vent pattern will add texture to a scheme.  —Luke Olson, Jessica Parker Wachtel, GTM Architects

RIGHT ANGLE Portuguese furniture maker Dooq’s sculptural, three-legged L’Unité Armchair is dressed in contrasting fabrics. Pictured in Velvet Mediterranee and Velvet Lapis with polished-brass feet. dooqdetails.com

BED TIME Toan Nguyen’s Totu bed for Fendi Casa marries a tubular metal base and a leather shell cradling a padded headboard and frame. Find in deep-blue velvet. fendicasa.com

PILLOW TALK Artist Gordon Hull’s Vol de Nuit, a fanciful pattern for Eskayel, comes in five colorways; Nuit (above) combines navy, denim and slate. eskayel.com

TAILORED LOOK Bassett McNab’s Woodlands fabric collection anchors floral prints with tailored stripes and geometrics. Eleven motifs come in eight colorways; Ginter Lake is shown. bassettmcnab.com

SURFACE STYLE On offer from Artistic Tile: Blue Sea, a polished-quartzite slab quarried in Brazil. Swirls of blue, violet, gray and black conjure a turbulent ocean. artistictile.com

PERFECT PERCH The Grasmere Ottoman by Ginny Macdonald for Lulu and Georgia comprises a wood frame and a tufted seat. Pictured in Harbor, a cotton velvet fabric. luluandgeorgia.com

MATT CAMRON RUGS & TEXTILES
The high-end carpet atelier has expanded its original second-story Georgetown location, taking over the former Marston Luce storefront below. The updated, 3,000-square-foot showroom boasts a calm, minimalist backdrop perfect for showcasing textiles, antique rugs and signature custom carpets woven by artisan-partners around the world. Fabric and lighting by UK-based Rose Uniacke and fabric by Design of the Times are on offer in the DC area exclusively through Matt Camron. 1651 Wisconsin Avenue, NW; mattcamron.com

THEODORES BY CANTONI
When Theodores, a contemporary-furniture mainstay in Upper Georgetown, recently closed its doors, Cantoni stepped in. The modern furniture and interior design company headquartered in Dallas took over the 10,000-square-foot showroom in August 2023. Renamed Theodores by Cantoni, the location proffers a wide range of furnishings and accessories by brands including Cattelan Italia, BDI Furniture, Malerba and American Leather. In-house design services encompass space-planning, interior finishes, furniture customization, fine art consulting and closet and kitchen design. 2233 Wisconsin Avenue, NW; cantoni.com

B&B Italia
In October 2023, B&B Italia debuted a new flagship—its first DC showroom—in Georgetown’s Cady’s Alley. Italian architect Piero Lissoni, the company’s creative director, designed the store, juxtaposing streamlined interiors with the building’s historic envelope. The 12,809-square-foot space (the brand’s fifth brick-and-mortar location in the U.S.) spans three floors and features luxe contemporary furnishings from B&B Italia, Maxalto and Azucena; Arclinea kitchens and lighting by Flos and Louis Poulsen are also on display. 3330 M Street, NW; bebitalia.com