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 couple with two young kids was also smitten with the property, located on a wooded, two-and-a-half-acre site overlooking a lake in suburban Maryland. After Williams made a quick study to see if renovating the dated gem was feasible for their budget, they cinched the deal. Originally designed by New York architects Robert Hutchins and William Huntington, the residence embraced the Bauhaus style of its day with a flat roof, strong horizontal lines and minimal exterior detail. Updates in the 1980s and ’90s created a second-level primary suite and, on the western side of the home, added on new living space, a pool cabana and a garage.

Stuck with compartmentalized rooms, lackluster finishes and a convoluted layout, the six-bedroom residence was ripe for improvement. “It was an amazing place that had been abused and misunderstood,” relates Williams, who was hired for the redo. “We needed to get it back to its roots and bring a 21st-century sensibility to this very cool house.” The architect and his team envisioned a makeover that would streamline the floor plan, modernize the interiors and forge stronger connections to the picture-perfect site.

The existing foyer contained a walled-in stairway and two doors, one leading back to the dining room and the other to the main living room on the right. The ’90s-era kitchen and family room awaited on the left, while on the far right, additions contained another family room/library and office.

“It was a bit weird,” observes Williams. “The kitchen was located on the east side and, in our opinion, imbalanced the entire life of the house because on the west side there was a swimming pool, garage and terraces. There were also two living spaces back-to-back,” he adds, “so you couldn’t justify how one was different from the other. It seemed redundant and wasteful.”

Order was restored by shifting the kitchen to the opposite side of the house. Replacing the extra family room and office in the west wing, Williams designed a large new kitchen and family room overlooking the terrace and a side yard where the kids play. His plan also orchestrated a new mudroom, forging a clear path from the kitchen to the garage and pool. “This rebalancing created a whole new center of life,” the architect reports. “In the absence of the former kitchen, we created a new study-hall zone with a media room, library and meeting area.”

Though the home’s 7,600-square-foot footprint remained unchanged, a comprehensive renovation completed with builder Bruce Ottati replaced everything from HVAC systems, roofing and insulation to flooring, bathrooms and fenestration. A minimal material palette, including rift-and-quartered white oak floors, white walls and enlarged windows, simplified the aesthetic and let the views take center stage. Says Williams, “We introduced a new attitude, but one that I think is really in keeping with the original 1936 project.”

Today, guests arrive in a reimagined foyer that opens to the dining room with views of the lake beyond. In lieu of confining walls and doors, a slatted scrim of Douglas fir delineates living and dining areas. Though the original stairway remains intact, Williams traded the drywall side rail for a panel of weathered steel that elevates the entry, along with a ceiling painted in deep, metallic gold. “I thought that the weathered steel, also repeated on the kitchen island, would shake up the restrained nature of the interiors,” explains the architect.

Scaled as a generous hub for family and social life, the kitchen maximizes prime views of the landscape. Custom cabinets in walnut and deep blue echo hues of woods and sky. Threads of blue are woven throughout the interiors, outfitted by interior designer Dieter Thelen with clean-lined furniture and bold, modern art.

The overhaul also revamped the lower level as well as five second-floor bedrooms and all of the baths. The rehabbed primary bathroom, clad in marble tile, now offers some of the best views in the house through one of several porthole windows likely added in the 1980s redo.

In its latest iteration, the residence has come full circle. “By opening the house up, you get a sense of limitless movement, and that’s a pretty great feeling,” Williams reflects. “I suspect the original house was that way too. In general, we tried to make it live up to its potential.”

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.”

The couple called on DC architect Patrick Brian Jones, who had worked with Segal’s family before. His plans detailed the transformation of the dark and formal, two-story brick manse with three bedrooms and two-and-a-half baths into a four-bedroom, three-and-a-half-bath home designed for relaxed living.

Adding a two-story, 16-foot-deep addition to the rear of the 2,500-square-foot dwelling made all the difference. “Originally, we were just going to renovate the existing covered porches,” Jones recalls. “But the clients’ program made it pretty tight; they were trying to squeeze a lot into the house.” A 52-foot-long backyard left room to replace the porches with a light-filled family room off the kitchen that opens to a new porch; a modern primary suite above it features a balcony and spiral staircase leading to a small roof deck.

The vintage dwelling in the Kalorama Triangle Historic District was elegant for its time, with nine-foot ceilings, a baronial crisscross of wood beams on the dining room ceiling and an ornate corner fireplace in the front parlor. The house is only 17-and-a-half feet wide, with minimal east and west exposures making for dark interiors—but the makeover, completed in 2021, produced a bright, airy and thoroughly updated home. Compartmentalized rooms gave way to an open main level, with the kitchen centered between living and dining spaces that flow together.

While extending the foundation, Jones lowered the cellar floor by 18 inches to prepare for a future in-law suite. The first level was cleared to the studs, and all glazing and mechanical, plumbing and electrical systems were replaced. A pantry was demolished and a powder room moved to open up the kitchen, designed by Montgomery Kitchen and Bath. New white oak flooring lightened and modernized the rooms. A straightforward brick fireplace wall with an integrated mantel now anchors the living area; the corner fireplace was discarded. Bordering the rear wall of the extension, French doors framed by sidelites and transoms accentuate light and views. Upstairs, an additional bathroom was installed between secondary bedrooms.

The plan retained the original front door, stair and interior window trim. A long-covered skylight over the stairwell was rediscovered and expanded. “Robyn really liked some aspects of the house,” say Jones, pointing out the staircase. “Where we could preserve those, we did.” Strategically placed built-ins and a mix of new and antique furnishings curated by Segal combine fresh style with utility; she imported a container-load of furnishings, textiles, rugs and curtains from India for use throughout the house.

During covid, the couple insisted on having an office without giving up a guest room. “That was hard to accommodate, given the width of the house,” Jones explains, “but we were able to carve a little space out for the office in front.” The ceiling in the office—formerly the owners’ bedroom—was removed to let in light from an attic dormer.

Segal notes that she and Rifkin took time to “learn the house” before reinventing it. As the daughter of a developer, she was no stranger to construction; in fact, the senior Segal joined his daughter as general contractor on this project, working with Jones. Adam Bechtold Interiors of Vienna, Virginia, collaborated on interior architectural features, layout and more. (Segal has since built on the experience, launching her real estate development firm, Peltrie Place, in 2021.)

The sparkling kitchen-cum-family room has quickly become the owners’ preferred gathering spot—and the architect’s favorite aspect of the project. “I like that it contains both the eat-in and sitting areas,” Jones observes. “We were able to maximize storage, yet it’s still open with a nice, light and airy feel. It is a practical space.”

Segal concurs. “I love to cook,” she says. “We knew we wanted the kitchen to be centered in the house, because we spend more time there. Ultimately, everything goes back to practicality
and function.”

DRAWING BOARD

Q+A with architect Patrick Brian Jones

How has the pandemic and its aftermath influenced what clients want from their homes?
People still want open-plan living, but designated workspaces are critical. I’m working on two new residences, and both sets of clients requested separate offices for each partner—on different floors. My new home has workspaces on different floors, too. While my design studio opens to our living spaces, I ordered sliding pocket doors to give me flexibility to close or open.

How do you managewish lists?
I ask clients to write three lists: “Must haves,” “Would be nice” and “Ultimate dream.” We often take aspects of each to come up with a master plan. Then we price it out.

What if the budget becomes a sticking point?
If budget becomes an issue, clients have to decide what’s most important. I always tell them the three main criteria are time, money and quality. With all the money in the world they could have it all, but usually they need to compromise.

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.

HAND CRAFTED
New Ravenna’s Signature Collection showcases 20 hand-cut stone mosaics that can be customized in less than four weeks. The line is available in any color and finish combination; Double Brick is pictured above in honed Calacatta Tia. newravenna.com

SUPER SURFACE
German kitchen brand Nobilia complements its sleek cabinetry and hardware with countertops made of Xtra Ceramic, a durable, waterproof and heat-resistant surface that layers ceramic material atop recycled glass. New options for 2024 mimic the looks of terrazzo, marble, walnut and oak. nobiliakitchenfurniture.com

COLOR WAYS
A host of custom colors can adorn German maker Häcker Kitchens’ cabinetry now that the brand’s new Natural Color System has added 1,900 lacquered, water-based paint hues to its original 190 options. Kristalweiss is pictured. hackerkitchens.us

FIXTURES + FINISHES
Dornbracht has adapted VAIA, its transitional bath-fixture collection, for the kitchen. Conceived by Sieger Design, the faucet comes in a range of configurations and finishes; a bar tap and pot filler are part of the series. dornbracht.com

COOL SOLUTION
True Residential’s 36” Refrigerator with Bottom Freezer optimizes storage via 22.6 cubic feet of interior space. LED lighting illuminates the fridge’s contents, visible through a glass door. Also available with a solid front and in a range of stylish finishes; Sage is shown. true-residential.com

IN THE HOOD
Bells and whistles abound on Dacor’s 48-Inch Wall Mount Smart Range Hood, from auto-on heat sensors and a noise-dampening system to glass touch controls, strip LEDs and a four-speed blower. Find in Silver or Graphite (pictured above) at AjMadison. ajmadison.com; dacor.com

NEW HUE
Dark-gray interiors are now an option for SieMatic’s sleek cabinet systems. The neutral hue embellishes the insides of cabinets and drawers, anti-slip and cutlery inserts and organizing accessories. Aluminum tracking hardware and dust seals come in a complementary shade. Available at Konst SieMatic. siematic.com

STYLE PROFILE
Three of Wood-Mode’s popular overlaid cabinet designs—Toulon, Cologne and Linear—are now available with inset doors as part of the Moditional Collection. Simplified profiles and beveled moldings are among the alterations that create a smooth, clean look. wood-mode.com

EASY POUR
The HydroTap by Zip Water dispenses filtered boiling, chilled or sparkling water at the press of a button. A range of models and finishes is available at ADU—Your Appliance Source; the Elite Plus model is shown. adu.com; us.zipwater.com

UKB fabricated and installed cabinets designed by Swabb, who partners with the firm on a cabinetry line. “The challenge was to fit everything into this tiny space,” comments UKB’s Tanya Smith-Shiflett. Painted in Benjamin Moore’s Aegean Olive, the cabinets continue a color thread found throughout the residence. Swabb used tile extensively—a hallmark of Portuguese design. Bejmat natural-terracotta tile flooring is laid in stacked and herringbone patterns, while the walls are entirely covered in glazed zellige tiles. Terracotta tiles in a bold motif accent the range niche. Lighting and plumbing fixtures impart a modern vibe.

PROJECT TEAM
Kitchen Design: Sara Swabb, Storie Collective. Cabinetry Design & Fabrication: Tanya Smith-Shiflett, Unique Kitchens & Baths. Renovation Architecture: District Architecture Studio.

KITCHEN DETAILS
CABINETRY: uniquekitchensandbaths.net. COUNTERTOPS: Taj Mahal quartzite through imaginesurfaces.com. WALL & FLOOR TILE: cletile.com. RANGE BACKSPLASH: architessa.com. FAUCET: calfaucets.com. APPLIANCES: fisherpaykel.com, bosch.com, bluestarcooking.com through build.com. PENDANT: vakkerlight.com. CAFE TABLE: chairish.com.

A wall dividing the kitchen and family room was razed to create an open plan with plenty of light. Two islands dominate the space: One for prep houses the main sink and two dishwashers while the other is kid-centered, with room for homework and snacks; an attached band of wenge serves as a table. A column contains wine storage and glassware while a coffee bar and prep sink line a passage to the new mudroom, also part of Parisi’s plan.

A wall of windows overlooks the home’s wooded lot, so Parisi selected sleek cabinetry in a wood-look, gray-and-taupe laminate “that brings the outdoors in,” she explains. Accent cabinets are painted in pale-gray Cumulus Cloud from Benjamin Moore. Countertops in Calacatta Gold Silestone complement both finishes.

The range wall, clad in a stone-look, dimensional porcelain-tile backsplash, showcases a hood designed by Parisi. “It has a traditional form but is made of brushed metal with a polished-strap detail,” she says. “It bridges styles and warms the space.”

PROJECT TEAM
Kitchen Design: Marie-Josée Parisi, Jennifer Gilmer Kitchen & Bath. Renovation Architecture: Paola One Design. Renovation Contractor: Hayes Construction Corp.

KITCHEN DETAILS
CABINETRY: qcci.com. COUNTERTOPS: silestoneusa.com through unitedgranitemd.com. WOOD SURFACES: glumber.com. BACKSPLASH: porcelanosa.com. APPLIANCES: subzero-wolf.com, mieleusa.com through abwappliances.com. HOOD INSERT: amoredesignfactory.com. SINKS: kohler.com. FAUCETS: grohe.com, newportbrass.com. CABINET HARDWARE: pushpullhardware.com, lisa-jarvis.com, omniaindustries.com.

The new plan decluttered the congested, choppy layout, replacing dark tile floors with expanses of glossy-white porcelain and taking over a closet in the adjacent mudroom to recess the fridge, freezer and wine fridge. A range wall creates a focal point, and a large island makes a statement with its swirling Fantasy Macaubas quartzite waterfall countertop. Tucked into the passage to the dining room, a desk area became a butler’s pantry/coffee bar containing a prep sink and storage for glassware.

Design choices throughout add touches of glam. Lower cabinetry in a dark, high-gloss finish elevates the room; matte, taupe-hued upper cabinets provide subtle contrast. A dropped ceiling above the island accommodates an integrated hood and track lighting. And the pièce de résistance: A sleek, custom wine unit—replacing an intrusive column between the kitchen and family room—showcases bottles in graceful rows behind walls of glass.

PROJECT TEAM
Kitchen Design: Stephanie Fried, Jack Rosen Custom Kitchens. Interior & Kitchen Design: Karyn Horn Designs. Contractor: D.H. Veirs Contracting. Photos: Stacy Zarin Goldberg.

KITCHEN DETAILS
CABINETRY: artcraftkitchens.com. PERIPHERAL COUNTERTOP & BACKSPLASH: PentalQuartz through architessa.com. CERAMIC TILE BACKSPLASH: architessa.com. ISLAND COUNTERTOP: fernandosmarbleshop.com. APPLIANCES: subzero-wolf.com, mieleusa.com through adu.com. SINKS: franke.com through plumbingpartsplus.com. FAUCETS: hansgrohe-usa.com through plumbing partsplus.com. STOOLS: rh.com.

“It was such a big room, we decided to create four distinct, task-oriented zones within it” for optimal functionality, recounts Lobkovich’s Emily Neifeld. These zones include primary and catering kitchens and two desk areas—one for kids and one for adults. A wall was constructed to separate the kitchens. One side holds the room’s focal point: a wide niche showcasing the range and a custom, blackened-steel-and-gold hood surrounded by Fantasy Macaubas quartzite. Tucked behind the wall, the catering kitchen boasts glass-fronted cabinetry for display. A breakfast table and bar on the center island offer plenty of seating.

The kitchen strikes a transitional note, with cabinets painted in Benjamin Moore’s Hale Navy offset by an island with a hickory base; hickory also dominates the catering kitchen. “We wanted a rustic element to connect with the more traditional existing house,” explains Morris, who added reclaimed-oak ceiling beams. Wood-veneer wall covering in the catering kitchen, a beveled, ceramic-tile backsplash and understated transitional lighting complete the look.

PROJECT TEAM
Interior & Kitchen Design: Tracy Morris, Tracy Morris Design. Kitchen Design: Emily Neifeld, Lobkovich. Architecture: WCRA. Builder: Thorsen Construction.

KITCHEN DETAILS
CABINETRY: signaturecustomcabinetry.com through lobkovich.com. QUARTZITE: marblesystems.com. COUNTERTOPS: caesarstoneus.com. TILE BACKSPLASH: jeffreycourt.com through marblesystems.com. APPLIANCES: subzero-wolf.com through build.com. HOOD FABRICATION: akmetalfab.com. SINKS: franke.com, kohler.com. FAUCETS: kohler.com. HARDWARE: topknobs.com. PENDANTS: urbanelectric.com. STOOLS: TMD Private Label.
WALL COVERING: phillipjeffries.com.

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

He and his team began by reframing a two-story rear wall to accommodate a combination of French and bi-fold doors leading out from the second-level great room to the new sunroom. A vaulted ceiling in the great room allowed for rows of oversized transom windows between the spaces, aligning with three large skylights on the sunroom side. Sunspace WeatherMaster windows open wide for indoor-outdoor connectivity in the warmer months. Stone columns support the addition, which shelters a patio beneath it. A French door off the sunroom leads to a TimberTech composite deck with cable rails.

A stone fireplace wall anchors the sunroom; the two-sided gas fireplace is glassed in, framing the vista. With the help of two Infratech heaters, it keeps the space cozy all year round. A tongue-and-groove ceiling painted crisp white and a large-format, slate-look porcelain-tile floor convey clean-lined, transitional style.

Renovation Architecture: Benjamin J. Carstoiu, 358 Design Studio, Herndon, Virginia. Renovation Design & Contracting: Jason Denny, Denny + Gardner, Sterling, Virginia.

The amorphous, volatile substance captivates him. “It’s unpredictable and I like that. I believe in accidents,” he explains, adding, “I’ve always found that the best work I make is when I have an idea and while I’m working on it, the process takes over. It just happens.”

The artist also keeps what he calls a “library” of past works, amassed in tall files and piled on the floor and on tables in his sweeping, 100-foot-long studio in an industrial area of Alexandria. The works remain from commissions or experiments leading to a finished piece. “I keep them because something about them interests me. One day I’ll walk in and figure out what that is,” says Mitchell, whose art gives form to that perplexity.

Subtle and sensuous, his drawings may transmit the sense of a breath or a gentle breeze. In others, darkness ripples across and menaces the surface, blasting with the force of a tornado or folding upon itself, as in the velvety depths of a black hole. The impression hints at a natural world—softly soothing, bombarded with energy or combining the two.

Images may open like blossoms bursting onto a six-foot-square sheet of paper, though the artist rejects that prevalent view. “I never made these to be flowers,” he insists, pointing to the huge, circular forms. “I always considered them to be voids—more speculative on the interior than around the edges, a mystery.”

While the process of creation can happen in minutes or in stages, Mitchell has spent a lifetime arriving at this point. The acetylene torch he uses to make smoke is identical to one he employed over his 35-year career as a ceramic sculptor. (One example of earlier pieces lies beneath a worktable, its elongated clay form resembling the textured branch of a birch tree.)

Mitchell started using a torch to short-circuit the multiple steps involved in firing clay. His industrial blowtorch—typically used to weld metal—heats up to 4,000 degrees Fahrenheit and can fuse clay, which has a 3,200-degree melting point.

For decades, he taught ceramic sculpture at Northeastern Illinois University in Chicago—until one day about 10 years ago, when soot from the torch flame chanced to land on a piece of paper. “I loved it right away,” says the artist, who immediately made a series of smoke-tinged drawings. To his surprise, they sold quickly. He has never looked back.

Near the front of Mitchell’s studio stands an enclosed exhaust booth where his monochromatic, black-to-brownish abstractions are created. Donning full-body protective gear, he attaches a sheet of paper to a large metal wheel that turns as smoke passes over the paper. The quicker the motion, the lighter the impression appears.

Colored imagery is handled differently. Standing at a long worktable, he sprinkles powdered pigments onto a paper sheet, lays a clean sheet under it, then heats up the top with a propane torch. “Smoke goes everywhere,” Mitchell explains, “down through the paper and into the sheet below. The image is made in that way.” Wearing a face shield and respirator, the artist demonstrates the instantaneous process. (The powdered pigments were developed by the military to produce colored flares.)

Mitchell also employs colored sticks about the size of chalk. Lighting one end creates a torch that disburses colored smoke directly onto paper or canvas. He generally discards 20 to 40 experimental pieces before deciding on one.

On a recent afternoon, the artist was preparing for two 2024 exhibitions—one in February at the Racine Art Museum in Wisconsin, and another at Chicago’s Zolla/Lieberman Gallery in May. To illustrate a possible new path, Mitchell pulls out a piece made eight months earlier; its glowing colors appear shattered by a lightning bolt, overlaid with cascading black lines. “I really like this one,” he says. “It’s more complex and less circular, still referencing the earlier work but not so clearly.”

Commenting on the work’s ambiguous imagery, he notes, “It’s on that nice edge between something you can recognize right away and something you cannot, that’s more abstract.”

Reflecting on an unconventional career, Mitchell recalls his undergrad days, when his goal was to become a great painter. But painting classes proved too static for him. “The paint just sits there. It doesn’t do anything,” he remarks, adding, “It took me a while to realize that what I really wanted was some kind of a transformation during the act of making.” Attracted by changes that happen to clay in the kiln, he pursued two advanced degrees in ceramics—a master’s from Fort Hays State University in his native Kansas and a master of fine arts from Arizona State University.

Though Mitchell still enjoys the ceramic process, he points out, “it’s also not immediate and not associated with an action.” Asked about the contemporary artist Cai Guo-Qiang, who has used exploded gunpowder as a medium, Mitchell replies enthusiastically, “Of course, I’m interested in that explosive moment when everything transforms right away. That’s when it all happens. Where the risk happens. I love it.”

For more information, visit dennisleemitchell.com.

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

Projects are also on view at aianova.org/DA23 and mdaiaawards.secure-platform.com.

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• R | refuge: Page.
• Farm to Table: McInturff Architects.

• 3 House in a Clearing: McInturff Architects.

• 4 Clerestory House: Colleen Healey Architecture.

FULL AWARDS LISTING: AIA MARYLAND

WINNER

• 504 S Dallas: EastWing Architects.

HONORABLE MENTION

• Tilt House: Place Architecture: Design.

FULL AWARDS LISTING: AIA BALTIMORE

HONORABLE MENTION

• University of Maryland College Park, Yahentamitsi Dining Hall: Ayers Saint Gross, Holder Construction Company
• Ringling College of Art and Design Greensboro Hall: Ayers Saint Gross, Willis A Smith Construction
• Penn State Health Hampden Medical Center: CannonDesign
• Right to Dream Academy + Purpose Labs: Gensler
• New Carrollton Branch Library: GWWO Architects, Tuckman-Barbee Construction Co., Inc.
• Van Ness Elementary School: ISTUDIO Architects, Broughton Construction
• 40Ten: Moseley Architects, Chesapeake Contracting Group
• Bon Secours Community Works: PI.KL Studio, C.L. McCroy Framing Co. Inc.
• The Beacon: PI.KL Studio, MC Dean

DESIGN AWARD

• John Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, Building 201: CannonDesign, Turner Construction

HONORABLE MENTION, RESIDENTIAL AWARD

• 504 S Dallas: EastWing Architects, Guerilla Construction

DESIGN AWARD, SUSTAINABILITY AWARD

• Pikes Peak Summit Visitor Center: GWWO Architects, GE Johnson Construction Company
• Michael J. Trostel, FAIA Preservation Award
• Forum Building: Murphy & Dittenhafer Architects, Wohlsen Construction

DESIGN AWARD, GOOD DESIGN=GOOD BUSINESS AWARD

• Sandtown Furniture Headquarters: PI.KL Studio, Commercial Interior Construction

HONORABLE MENTION, RESIDENTIAL HONORABLE MENTION

• Tilt House: Place Architecture: Design, CLA Homes

DESIGN AWARD

• City House Charles: SM+P Architects, JC Porter Construction

SOCIAL EQUITY HONORABLE MENTION

• Hot Sox Field at Wilson Park: WBCM, NASTOS Construction Inc.

GOOD DESIGN=GOOD BUSINESS HONORABLE MENTION, SOCIAL EQUITY AWARD

• Baltimore Unity Hall: Ziger | Snead Architects, Southway Builders

GRAND DESIGN, DESIGN AWARD, DETAIL AWARD

• Clyburn Arboretum Nature Education Center: Ziger | Snead Architects, Lewis Contractors

PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD

• Lexington Market: BCT Design Group, Southway Builders