HIGH TIDE
A low-lying property on the Severn River in Crownsville, Maryland, faced challenges caused by the frequent influx of brackish water. While replacing and updating a pool and pool cabana, respectively—and installing decks, pergolas, gates and hardscape—McHale Landscape Design tackled the landscaping too. First on the agenda: Meeting critical area regulations, which required salt-tolerant native plants to withstand inundation from high tides. “We planted gardens on the entire one-and-a-quarter-acre lot,” says McHale’s Emily Pike, who oversees maintenance on the property. “They range from rain gardens that become submerged to finely manicured perennial beds.” Ornamental grasses, bayberry, juncus, carex, cypress trees and hibiscus are among the chosen plantings. A powder-coated aluminum fence around the pool keeps the deer out while black string lines along the bulkhead deter geese from coming ashore. Hardy ipe decking weathers the salty water. Tides, in fact, are among the most challenging considerations when it comes to maintaining landscapes on the bay. Notes Pike, “High tides bring up debris and on this property, shift the wood decking. Choosing the right materials and plantings to withstand them is key.”

Landscape Design & Installation: McHale Landscape Design. Landscape Maintenance: Emily Pike, McHale Landscape Design. 

SCENIC SETTING
A couple building a home on tranquil Old Woman’s Cove in Annapolis asked J&G Landscape Design to tame their three-and-a-half-acre parcel. They envisioned an outdoor living space with open views of the water and privacy from neighbors. “The work was within the critical waterfront area so there were requirements from the city,” recounts landscape architect Paul Jester. “They specified restoration plantings on the site—more plantings than the homeowners wanted. With creative placement and selection, we were able to make all parties happy.” Jester and his team designed and installed a Pennsylvania flagstone patio overlooking the creek; stone steps lead down the newly graded slope to a private dock. Strategically placed evergreens along the property lines provide privacy without obstructing the view, and flowering shrubs and perennials soften the home’s foundation and the patio while creating year-round interest. When landscaping on the water, avers Jester, it’s important to remember that “views are always a primary goal for the homeowner. Trying to meet the requirements of the city while also meeting that goal can be tricky, but clever solutions will typically present themselves.”

Landscape Design & Contracting: Paul Jester, PLA, ASLA; Jeff Potter, PLA, ASLA, J&G Landscape Design. 

FARM TO TABLE
Clients on the Eastern Shore initially contacted McHale Landscape Design to remedy a drainage issue in the front yard of their Chesapeake Bay property. The project eventually grew into an overhaul of their 27-acre site, encompassing the hardscaping, tennis court and swimming pool. Also on the wish list was a kitchen garden where the family could cultivate vegetables and herbs in summer. McHale landscape designer Ryan Davis regraded the problematic front yard with low berms, subsurface drainage and catch basins to redistribute standing water and minimize runoff into the bay. With water views as a backdrop, he devised a series of raised beds for a plethora of produce. The beds are contained by stone, obviating concerns about chemicals in pressure-treated wood leaching into the soil. Wood-and-wire fencing keeps feasting wildlife out. “Raised beds have become more important with the increasing frequency of higher tides, which raise sodium and magnesium levels in the soil and can prohibit plant growth,” Davis notes. “These raised beds were prepared with organic mushroom compost, which is the perfect medium for vegetables.” For those who want to garden in a salty, waterfront locale, he advises, “Raise your beds and invest in your soil.”

Landscape Design & Installation: Ryan Davis, McHale Landscape Design.

Previously, a dysfunctional traffic circle dominated the home’s approach. “The owners have a lot of cars and they wanted to be able to park them all and still get around,” Talton says. “The goal was to make the front more usable as well as more beautiful.” Replacing the circle with a paver courtyard solved the issue; a bluestone path leads to the front door while the side-facing garage anchors a spacious parking area. Stone columns and lights flank the driveway entrance. Strategically lit crape myrtles frame the house, scaling down the front façade to conjure that cottage feel.

Beside the garage, a cedar gate set within a stone wall leads to the backyard, which initially presented its own challenges. “There was a constant slope toward the house, and the septic field had to be moved to accommodate the pool,” Talton explains. Stone retaining walls now terrace the property above a rectangular pool surrounded by travertine and thermal bluestone. A cedar-and-stone pavilion with a standing-seam, aluminum roof houses a fireplace and lounge area, while an attached pergola shelters a built-in outdoor kitchen. An existing elevated deck has been upgraded with trim and a repositioned stair leads to the pool area. Water features—one delineated by vegetable and cutting gardens—are set apart to create destinations on the property.

Eagle Ridge building stone crops up throughout the landscape, mimicking the home’s stone accents. A simple planting palette features deer-resistant drift roses, nepeta and Lacecap hydrangea, as well as gingko and cedar trees and evergreen cryptomeria.

Landscape Architecture & Contracting: Chad Talton, PLA, Surrounds Landscape Architecture + Construction, Sterling, Virginia. 

The couple’s Mediterranean-inspired manse dictated a European aesthetic characterized by symmetry, formality and the use of stucco and limestone, which clad the house. In front, a scenic approach terminates in a new forecourt framed by 24-foot-tall Thuja nigra arborvitae that replaced the defunct cypress trees “for instant effect,” says Groft. A limestone veranda now enhances the front façade, where a series of French doors formerly opened out to nothing; piers support large bowls of colorful annuals.

A linear series of gardens follows axes emanating from the house. In back, a bluestone dining terrace lined with crape myrtle leads to an existing swimming pool that was revamped with a limestone surround; a fountain anchors the far end. To one side, Groft conceived a walled garden festooned in white perennials, with stepped walkways culminating in a limestone fountain imported from France. An adjacent roundel defined by cherry trees and limestone ingots surrounds a fire pit nestled in pea gravel. Further out, a woodland garden carpeted with purple phlox and native plants abuts a wide swath of lawn where the wedding took place.

Groft enlisted Walnut Hill Landscape Company to install and build out the project. They ultimately added 150 trees, 2,500 shrubs, 21,000 perennials and thousands of bulbs to the property. Says Walnut Hill principal Michael Prokopchak, “The planting combinations are beautiful. There’s something happening in this garden year-round.”

Landscape Architecture: Eric Groft, FASLA, Oehme, van Sweden | OvS, Washington, DC. Landscape Contracting: Michael Prokopchak, ASLA, Walnut Hill Landscape Company, Annapolis, Maryland.

A rectangular pool and spa are anchored by a dark-wood custom pergola with an integrated tile fireplace. Travertine surrounds the pool, which boasts a sun shelf; Fiberon decking on the pergola floor and at the opposite end of the pool unify the poolscape.

A second-story deck and pavilion extend from the back of the house. The pavilion—complete with a marble-veneer fireplace and vaulted, stained-fir ceiling—offers indoor-outdoor connectivity via a folding window wall that opens to the family room. Below the deck, an outdoor kitchen and poolside dining space beckon. A workout room is tucked beneath the pavilion.

The owners specified clean, modern lines and an airy feel—and the meadow around the property lent itself to that vision. “We wanted to package that sense of space in our design,” Kurdziolek observes. “There is something very calming about watching the grasses sway.”

PIE DAY
XO Appliance’s XOPIZZA2FS pizza oven serves up authentic, wood-fired pies. Made in Italy, the portable appliance has a refractory ceramic floor and dome-shaped interior that retain heat evenly. Available at ABW—Appliances A Better Way showrooms. xoappliance.com; abwappliances.com

ON THE GRIDDLE
The Evo Affinity 25G flat-top gas griddle measures 25 inches in diameter with two temperature zones; it can sauté, pan fry, roast and more. An electric version will debut later this year. Find at AjMadison in Tysons. evoamerica.com; ajmadison.com

CHILL OUT
The 24-inch refrigerators and freezers in True Residential’s 300 Series come as undercounter and drawer units. Multiple hardware options and a host of finishes are available; pictured below in matte white with pewter hardware. Find through Ferguson. true-residential.com; build.com

BOTH WORLDS
The Coyote 50” Hybrid Built-In Grill is powered by charcoal on one side and gas on the other. Two burners and 1,200 square inches of grilling surface are illuminated by LEDs. Find at Appliance Distributors Unlimited locations. adu.com; coyotegrill.com

SMOKIN’ HOT
The lightweight Caliber Pro Kamado combines a charcoal grill and smoker in an egg-shaped shell. The Japanese-style cooker can grill, smoke and bake, and offers a rotisserie system. Available at Town Appliance in Owings Mills. townappliance.com; caliberappliances.com

Originally conceived by Connecticut-based landscape architecture firm James Doyle Design Associates, the grounds today are luxuriant yet structured. In front, a distinctive checkerboard surface of brown and beige precast tile forms an entry path flanked by azalea and boxwood. The wide side yard, protected by a tall privacy hedge, beckons with a row of fountains framed in low boxwood and festooned first by yellow tulips and then feathery astilbe. A bench is posed for contemplation on a gravel path surrounding the feature. The other side of the house connects the front and rear yards via a flagstone walk trimmed with manicured shrubbery and grass; another bench heralds the transition to the backyard.

Complete with a built-in grill and shaded by pleached catalpa trees, a flagstone terrace in back is spacious enough for dining and lounging. In 2021, McHale and James Doyle Design Associates collaborated on a swimming pool, installed beyond the terrace (shown on previous pages). The pool is accessed via rough-hewn granite steppers; manicured lawn frames the pool’s narrow, thermal-finish Pennsylvania flagstone coping. Says Kelly, “Green is the clients’ favorite color and the landscape’s many shades create a sense of relaxation and peace.”

Award: Distinction, Residential Maintenance (McHale). Landscape Design: James Doyle Design Associates, Greenwich, Connecticut. Landscape Installation & Maintenance: Phil Kelly, McHale Landscape Design, Upper Marlboro, Maryland. Photography: Erin Bogan. 

Landscape architect Jennifer Horn balanced old and new in the team’s five-acre master plan. Phase one, a clean-lined pool and terrace, was completed just before the pandemic.

As they sheltered at home with young kids, the owners welcomed new dogs, then chickens. Eventually, Horn and landscape contractor Justin Spittal of Planted Earth were called back to outfit the backyard with a fenced-in garden complete with raised beds, a greenhouse and a stucco-clad pavilion designed by BarnesVanze. As the menagerie expanded, CarrMichael Construction built not only a chicken coop but also a reclaimed-wood barn to house alpacas, miniature sheep and cows.

Throughout the three-year project, recalls Spittal, “not a square inch was an afterthought; everything was coordinated with the entire team. The result is a magical place that’s a regular stop for garden tours and family holidays.”

The owners spend more time than ever outdoors, tending their garden and animals. “The project has given them an education in horticulture, botany and environmental awareness,” notes Horn. “It fostered a passion that will give the family joy for the rest of their lives.”

Award: Grand, Outdoor Living Area (Planted Earth). Landscape Architecture: Jennifer Horn, RLA, Horn & Co., Arlington, Virginia. Landscape Contractor: Justin Spittal, Planted Earth, Sykesville, Maryland. Architecture: BarnesVanze Architects, Washington, DC. Builder: CarrMichael Construction, Oakton, Virginia.

At the clients’ request, the design team homed in on a modern sensibility reflected in crisp hardscape, strong angles and structured plantings. The large, rectangular pool is bordered on one side by a three-scupper water feature built into a limestone retaining wall; the feature faces the house, providing an appealing focal point and peaceful sound. The same stone envelops the spa, which boasts a granite spill on one side that empties water into the shallow end of the pool. A sun shelf provides easy pool access.

Imported Jerusalem limestone was used liberally as a connecting element to achieve a unified aesthetic. It clads the pool deck and forms stair treads and pavers in neat geometric patterns that navigate the property. A border of river rock delineates planting beds from hardscape. Hydrangea, Green Giant arborvitae and ornamental grasses soften the tableau.
The 450-square-foot porch “was designed to feel like an extension of the home,” Peter says. Double roller screens with mesh and vinyl, as well as ceiling fans and heaters, ensure comfort and use all year round.

Award: Distinction, Craftsmanship (Design/Build). Landscape Design & Contracting: J.R. Peter, partner; Dave D’Amato, landscape architect; William Woodburn, project manager, Colao & Peter—Luxury Outdoor Living, Sterling, Virginia. Photography: Jimi Smith.

Existing conditions were less than optimal. “The 1980s, kidney-shaped pool, brick patio and circular spa were old and tired,” he recalls. “They didn’t fit the architecture of the home. And everything was boxed in by fencing, with no sight lines of the beautiful property.”

Potter and his team retrofitted and enlarged the existing pool into a clean-lined rectangle and equipped it with a shallow sun shelf complete with bubblers. An expansive travertine terrace grounds the pool area and joins a covered patio completed during the renovation. An outdoor kitchen with a built-in grill makes al fresco entertaining a breeze. 

Topiary and colorful beds brimming with boxwood and hydrangea—the wife’s favorite shrubs—soften the hardscape. “We kept the plant palette fairly simple because the space carries itself,” says Potter. 

Terrace seating overlooks a verdant lawn planted with Steeplechase arborvitae; a gentle slope extends to bucolic farmland. With the fence now gone, notes the designer, “you can appreciate and experience longer views of rolling hills opening up to a larger landscape.” 

Award: Heritage, Outdoor Living Area. Landscape Architecture & Contracting: Jeff Potter, PLA, ASLA, CPH; Matt Purdy, PLA, ASLA; Paul Jester, PLA, ASLA, LEED GA, J&G Landscape Design, Inc., Spencerville, Maryland. Pool: Keith Robbins, Pires Construction, Gaithersburg, Maryland. Masonry: J&G Landscape Design, Inc., and Matt Cocozzella, Stoneworks, Inc., Gaithersburg, Maryland.

WONDER WEAVE
A dome woven out of faux rattan creates a classic silhouette for Troy Lighting’s Huxley pendant designed for outdoor use. The fixture uses three candelabra bulbs and measures 24 or 34 inches in diameter. hvlgroup.com

VERY VERSATILE
Linea Light Group’s Alba is a crescent-shaped, indoor-outdoor sconce that can be rotated to direct light up, down or sideways. The outdoor version (pictured above) comes in aluminum with a gray or dark-brown finish. linealight.com

GIMME SHELTER
The MX-4 retractable cassette awning by Markilux provides shade by day and illumination at night. Integrated LEDs and recessed- and surface-mounted spotlights come in warm, ambient or colored light; the awning is available in a variety of colors. Controlled via an app. markilux.com

OLD WORLD
The Terrace Candelabra Lantern from Hammerton Studio delivers timeless, traditional style. Made of corrosion-resistant aluminum in a powder-coated bronze, gray or black finish, the fixture is enclosed in seeded glass. studio.hammerton.com

CHIC GLOBE
Minimalist in style, the Liila Wall Outdoor by Nuura combines a backplate and slender arm with a mouth-blown glass globe. Available in a black or bronze finish with optic clear or opal white glass. nuura.com

HERITAGE AWARDS
J&G Landscape Design—Country Casual in Clarksville, Outdoor Living Area.

McHale Landscape Design—Hunting Crest Residence, Front Residential Planting and Entranceway; Peninsula Point, Residential Maintenance.

GRAND AWARDS
Colao & Peter, Luxury Outdoor Living—Contemporary Arlington Farmhouse, Craftsmanship (Design/Build); DC Resort-Style Sanctuary, Outdoor Living Area (Design/Build); Great Falls Freeform Hideout, Craftsmanship.

D.A. Dunlevy—Sea La Vie, Outdoor Living Area (Design/Build).Garden Gate Landscaping—Seeking Respite in a Ravine Garden, Outdoor Living Area (Design/Build) + Judge’s Choice.

Kane Landscapes, Inc.—Hidden Haven, Outdoor Living Area (Design/Build); Poolside Soiree, Outdoor Living Area (Design/Build).

McHale Landscape Design—An Alexandria Residence, Residential Maintenance; Cleveland Park, Total Residential Contracting; Dividing Creek Residence, Total

Residential Contracting; Easton Kitchen/Cutting Garden, Outdoor Living Area; Georgetown Residence, Outdoor Living Area; Rugby Cove Residence, Outdoor

Living Area; Severn River Residence, Front Residential Planting and Entranceway; Turkey Run Farm, Residential Maintenance; Woodley Park Residence, Outdoor Living Area.

Planted Earth Landscaping, Inc.—Caves Residence, Residential Maintenance; House on Willow Hill, Outdoor Living Area.

Rolling Acres Landscaping—Berkley Residence, Outdoor Living Area (Design/Build).

Rossen Landscape—Chevy Chase Escape, Outdoor Living Area (Design/Build).

Surrounds Landscape Architecture & Construction—36th Street North, Outdoor Living Area (Design/Build); Classic Style Landscape and Hardscape, Total

Residential Contracting (Design/Build); Elmview, Outdoor Living Area (Design/Build) + Judge’s Choice.

DISTINCTION AWARDS
Colao & Peter, Luxury Outdoor Living—Arlington French Villa, Craftsmanship (Design/Build); Modern Rustic Retreat, Craftsmanship (Design/Build); Warrenton Natural Retreat, Total Residential Contracting (Design/Build).

East Coast Landscape Design—Resort Living in Your Own Backyard, Outdoor Living Area (Design/Build).

Ed Ball Landscape Architecture—McLean Residence, Front Residential Planting and Entranceway (Design/Build); Outdoor Living in Alexandria, Outdoor Living Area (Design/Build).

Fine Earth Landscape, Inc.—A Lovely Pastoral Setting, Outdoor Living Area; Keppler Residence, Residential Maintenance; Moorland Lane Residence, Residential Maintenance.

Hometown Landscape & Lawn, Inc.—Backyard Oasis in Clarksville, Craftsmanship.

J&G Landscape Design—Outdoor Living in Rockville, Maryland, Total Residential Contracting; Waterfront Residence in Annapolis, Outdoor
Living Area.

Kane Landscapes, Inc.—Lakeview Retreat, Pool, and Patio, Total Residential Contracting (Design/Build).

Live Green Landscape Associates—Towson Residence, Craftsmanship.

McHale Landscape Design, Inc.—Marengo Farm, Total Residential Contracting; Traditional Elegance, Residential Maintenance.

Planted Earth Landscaping, Inc.—Northwest DC Residence, Residential Maintenance; Spring Valley Residence, Total Residential Contracting.

Rossen Landscape—Border Property Pool Space, Outdoor Living Area (Design/Build).

Shorb Landscaping—DC Patio Redesign and Installation, Outdoor Living Area (Design/Build).

HONORABLE MENTION AWARDS
Fine Earth Landscape, Inc.—Antezana Residence, Residential Maintenance.

Lenhoff’s Landscaping—Kingsville Residence, Outdoor Living Area (Design/Build).

Live Green Landscape Associates—Ellin Residence, Total Residential Contracting (Design/Build).

Past Award-Winning Firms:

Walnut Hill Landscape

Wheat's Landscaping

“We were all in lockstep from the beginning,” agrees landscape architect Bob Hruby.

“A dream team is what it was,” echoes interior designer Lauren Liess.

When designing a second home for a young family, “practical doesn’t always win the day,” says Ehrman, adding that the final design might be “more fun and experiential.” In this case, the challenge was to conjure a retreat that would be both a comfortable getaway for the parents, who live and work in Washington, DC, and a functional space for a family with young kids. “We spent a lot of time in their DC house listening to them talk about how they live with their children,” the architect recalls.

The solution turned out to be four linked volumes on the one-and-a-half-acre lot. “It’s one house,” notes Ehrman of the design that weaves the landscape in around it, “but each part has its own special character. We were enamored by the idea of moving between sections of the building.”

The idea was sparked, in part, by the former house on the lot, which occupied the same spot on a cliff 30 feet above the water but was hampered by architecture that blocked the views. Ehrman envisioned the opposite for his clients. No matter the arrival—whether by bike, car or sailboat—and no matter if one is indoors or out, unique and ever-changing views of the water, land and home itself should be visible.

The completed, 6,500-square-foot abode is anchored by a central, flat-roofed glass pavilion. “Located between the gabled and shingled volumes, it accommodates all the circulation into and out of the home,” Ehrman explains. In addition to the pavilion which contains the dining room, other structures house a great room with a cathedral ceiling; a kitchen with a primary suite above and basement space below; a family room with three bedrooms above; and a barn-style garage and bunk room. Three staircases also connect the disparate zones.

Ehrman’s clean-lined architecture is reflected in airy interior spaces. Exterior shingles clad the dining room walls and exposed structural steel is present where there are large expanses of glass. “By using exterior materials and details in the interior, we blur the line between the inside and the outside,” the architect notes.

In her plan, Lauren Liess worked off the minimalist architecture to create tension between “simplicity and a happy, bohemian vibe,” the designer says. She selected a color palette that evokes the greens and tans of grasses and the blues of the water to connect with the scenery, then sprinkled in “unexpected patterns in unexpected places,” such as vintage tile in the powder room that adds a playful element. The concrete floor in the dining room became a link to surrounding structures such as the kitchen’s concrete island.

The kitchen also illustrates Liess’ approach in other ways. The cabinets and refrigerator are recessed unobtrusively into one wall, while the range occupies a niche with the vent hood concealed above it. “I wanted the kitchen design to feel really understated so that when you walk in, you’re focused on the views,” she explains. A single open shelf in the island for storage represents “a relaxed, more European way of doing things,” which reflects the owners’ carefree, down-to-earth vibe, she adds.

The large great room is “both a family hangout and an entertaining space when there are guests,” Liess says, referencing salon-style seating that can host multiple conversation groups. “I love doing rooms like that when the floor plan isn’t typical.” She furnished this room and the other social spaces with a mix of playful, colorful fabrics; natural textures like rattan and raw wood; and layered woven and patterned rugs. “Materials like wood, jute and rattan ground the brighter colors and keep colorful spaces from feeling too sweet,” the designer notes.

The project’s vision is reflected in a landscape that “both supports and softens the house, like walking through a sculpture with plantings that reinforce that experience,” observes landscape architect Bob Hruby. He de-emphasized the 30-foot cliff with grasses typically found on a shoreline to convey “a feeling that the landscape goes on forever.” Avoiding the ordered geometry of a typical garden, he created what he calls a “wild, Chesapeake-style garden,” with adaptive native and non-invasive plants that will evolve over time without requiring much maintenance.

A large oak tree became central to the project, even forcing the team to survey the root system and push the front of the house back. In fact, the tree inspired the primary bedroom’s décor. “We pulled that tree into the palette with greens and beiges and tans and browns,” recounts Liess. “When you’re standing in the bedroom, it feels like you’re up in that oak tree.”

Architecture: Gregory Ehrman, AIA, Hutker Architects, Falmouth, Massachusetts. Interior & Kitchen Design: Lauren Liess, Lauren Liess Interiors, Great Falls, Virginia. Builder: Michael Banks, The Banks Development Co., Washington, DC. Landscape Architecture: Bob Hruby, Campion Hruby Landscape Architects, Annapolis, Maryland.

What features and amenities are essential to a comfortable, year-round outdoor retreat?
An ideal zone for entertaining should include a comfy, central seating area that is convenient and easily accessible to the primary residence. Gathering spots with privacy and good views are always nice. Shade is key—either from a well-placed tree, umbrella or roof. Other features that make a space more enjoyable include small fountains, decorative landscaping or a cozy fire. Lastly, low-voltage accent lighting extends the usability of a space into nighttime.

—Howard Cohen, Surrounds, Inc.

Explain your approach to outdoor lighting.
Outdoor lighting depends on the client’s preference. Though some like to light up the façade to spotlight the house, we usually design our lighting according to task. For example, overhead lighting is great when you’re cooking in an outdoor kitchen, but if you’re snuggled by a fire, you may want less light.

We usually go for an ambient glow around an entire landscape. Shining a spotlight on a tree of interest helps with visibility—especially in areas where path lighting may not be highly functional. Moonlighting, or lighting from above, works well for driveways and darker spaces where you don’t want a line of bulbs creating a runway effect.

For us, the glow of a light is more important than the fixture itself. Careful placement is key and should be reconsidered as plant material matures to ensure the lighting plan still functions as designed.

—April Sullivan, Rossen Landscape

When should homeowners begin planning an al fresco gathering space and what steps are involved?
It depends on the complexity of the project, but a year or more in advance is not too early to start. The first step is the design process. Well-thought-out plans take time and vary according to the challenges of the site, the clients’ schedule and their decision-making and communication styles.

The second step is aligning the design with the budget, which can mean deleting portions of the plan, changing materials or installing in phases.

Installation is the next and lengthiest step. Obtaining permits; procuring hardscape and construction supplies; and coping with the weather and season all factor into how much time it will take to complete a successful outdoor space. Consistent communication among the homeowner, designer and production team is crucial so expectations are fulfilled—and hopefully exceeded.

—Phil Kelly, McHale Landscape Design

What materials are most practical and attractive for outdoor kitchen countertops?
There are many factors to consider when making a countertop selection. Granite is a popular option that stands up to the elements, doesn’t absorb stains easily and will not fade in the sun. However, select your color carefully, as darker stones absorb the sun’s heat and can burn your skin in the summer. Another natural stone option with many positives is soapstone—a heat-, stain- and bacteria-resistant option. It’s also nonporous, so regular sealing isn’t required. One drawback to soapstone is that it’s limited to shades of gray and black.

Newer on the market is Dekton—a manmade, highly bonded stone that’s UV-resistant, nonporous and highly resistant to abrasion. It’s quickly becoming the top choice of many designers.

—Josh Kane, Kane Landscapes, Inc.

What drives your selection of hardscape materials and which ones should homeowners avoid?
When selecting hardscape materials, you need to consider durability, lifespan, carbon footprint, beauty and cost. We gravitate towards natural materials with proven, long-term track records in the climate where they’re specified. When logical, we reuse materials found on site or consider salvaged materials. In general, we are hesitant to specify composite decking that is difficult to recycle and hasn’t performed well over longer time frames.

Some materials are right for one spot in a landscape but not another. For example, while Western red cedar may be a great option for a vertical fence, we’ve found it to be too soft for a deck—especially in a high-traffic area. Granite is a favorite paving choice but needs the right surface treatment to ensure slip-resistance. By using the same material in different finishes (honed granite for a countertop, a thermal finish for paving and a rock-face finish for steps), we can showcase the stone’s variability.

Remember that not all materials need to be maintained—some should be allowed to patina over time and change with the seasons. We love the look of natural wood as it silvers.

—Ryan Moody, ASLA, Moody Graham

Explain the guidelines you apply when siting and designing an outdoor fireplace.
Outdoor fireplaces are often used as a focal element or a termination point on a long access. They are generally big-ticket items, so we site them in areas that will make an impact. Before selecting a fireplace, owners need to take into consideration how it’s going to be powered: wood-burning versus gas, or a combination of the two. They should also consider the fireplace’s relationship to the seating spaces around it, as well as its proximity to other structures. The material selected—whether brick, stucco, stone or steel—really drives the aesthetic we choose; we make an effort to complement or contrast fireplaces with other materials on a project.

—Joseph Richardson, PLA, ASLA, Richardson & Associates Landscape Architecture

A sophisticated yet playful vibe prevails in the sleek, lower-level bath, dubbed the Spa, where Leichsenring embraced an aesthetic that is intended to appeal to kids in the nearby playroom, adults in the game room/bar and yoga practitioners in the adjacent exercise room.

“A grand feature wall continues uninterrupted between the shower and toilet enclosures,” explains the designer, who clad the wall in lively, tridimensional porcelain tiles in nine pastel colors, then offset the exuberant palette with charcoal-colored, large-format porcelain floor tiles.

A column separates the shower and WC, both enclosed by glass panels with frosted sections for privacy. The curb-less shower is bordered by a linear drain and features a floating shower bench, an invention created and patented by Leichsenring. “There are adjustable body jets under the bench to massage feet and legs, three wall jets, a 10-inch rain showerhead and a handheld spray, all controlled by a digital valve,” he notes.

Integrated with cubbies, cabinets and a bench, built-in millwork opposite the shower conveys the feel of a spa. Radiant heat warms the floor and a careful lighting plan illuminates the room via a dropped ceiling—with special emphasis on the center-stage statement wall.

Bath Design: Davis Holland Leichsenring, UDCP, Holland Bath & Spa, North Bethesda, Maryland. Architecture: John G. Katinas, AIA, Katinas Bruckwick Architecture, Bethesda, Maryland. Builder: Paul Katinas, General Contractor, Washington, DC. Photography: Austin Meyer.

THE DETAILS
Wall + Floor Tile: architessa.com. Plumbing Fixtures + Mirror: kohler.com through grofusa.com. Vanity: christianacabinetry.com through kitchenandbathstudios.com. Shower Bench: hollspa.com. Toilet: laufen.com through build.com. Glass Panels: riverglassdesigns.com.

“The buyers wanted bold color,” recalls the designer, who accommodated their wishes with vivid-blue, glazed ceramic tile in the shower, which is designed to feel like an alcove. She clad the shower floor, walls and ceiling in the same blue tile—a herringbone pattern on the walls and ceiling paired with mosaic squares on the floor. Then, to allay the owners’ fears that there still wouldn’t be enough color in the room, Vicas painted the custom vanity in a matching blue hue—Gentleman’s Gray by Benjamin Moore—and topped it with Calacatta Lincoln marble.

After that, Vicas laughs, “I encouraged them to keep the rest of the palette calm.” Calacatta Chablis marble covers the floor and walls around a sculptural soaking tub with clean, modern lines. Phillip Jeffries vinyl grass cloth in a serene blue-gray color adorns the walls.

Interior & Bath Design: Martha Vicas, M.S. Vicas Interiors, Washington, DC. Architecture: Nahra Design Group, Washington, DC. Developer: Coba, Washington, DC. Builder: Ox Builders, Washington, DC. 

THE DETAILS
Sinks, Plumbing Fixtures + Tub Filler: kallista.com. Tub: admbathroom.com. Wall Tile: architessa.com. Shower Tile: annsacks.com. Custom Vanity: okawvalleywoodworking.com. Wallpaper: phillipjeffries.com. Sconces: urbanelectric.com.

Partners Arianna Pannoni and Kasey Bedford began by repurposing a small adjacent dressing room as a shower enclosure, which made room for a separate WC and created an airy, open feel. They then homed in on a warm, traditional sensibility, designing an antique-inspired vanity for character and combining it with an ornate clawfoot tub.

“It was intentional to pair those refined features with casual elements like the subway tile in the shower and penny-tile flooring,” recounts Pannoni. “We added a decorative border on the floor and a beaded accent on the shower wall so the tile wouldn’t feel bland.” Rich wood tones, large-format botanical wall covering and antiqued plumbing fixtures completed the space.

“We had the Sandberg wallpaper selected from the very beginning; our clients just fell in love with the imagery in it,” Bedford observes. “We love adding color to trim, so we picked a shade present in the wallpaper and matched it with Farrow & Ball’s Treron on the baseboard, crown molding and windows.”

Brass-and-opaque-glass Visual Comfort light fixtures and Kravet draperies trimmed with Schumacher fringe contribute to the vintage vibe but still feel fresh.

Bath & Interior Design: Arianna Pannoni; Kasey Bedford, Winsome Interior Design, Lutherville, Maryland. Renovation Contracting: Post & Beam Design Build, Phoenixville, Maryland. 

THE DETAILS
Vanity Top: emerstone.com. Sink: kohler.com through build.com. Tub + Tub Filler: signaturehardware.com through build.com. Subway Tile: huntvalleytileandstone.com. Penny Tile: hydeparktiles.co.uk. Wallpaper: sandbergwallpaper.com. Vanity Mirror: rh.com.

FLOATING GARDEN
On a Mount Vernon property, landscape architect Joseph Richardson created a lily pond with three fountains. Aquatic plants, he notes, require ample sunlight. “Foliage should cover only 60 to 65 percent of the surface to shade the water and maintain a suitable environment.”
Architecture: Rill Architects. Landscape Architecture: Joseph Richardson, PLA, ASLA, Richardson & Associates Landscape Architecture. Landscape Contractor: Black Pearl Management.

DC OASIS
An eight-by-16-foot water feature—half spa and half plunge pool—makes the most of its urban footprint in Cleveland Park. The project designed by Blake Dunlevy features a stone wall with a spillway. The wall conceals pool equipment and also displays artwork. “We focus attention on placing pieces within the landscape that complement the surroundings,” Dunlevy notes.
Landscape Design & Contracting: D. Blake Dunlevy, D. A. Dunlevy.

MAKE A SPLASH
Kane Landscapes outfitted a sloped Leesburg poolscape with a waterfall, slide and tiered stone seating. Principal Josh Kane says large boulders are key to creating a natural-looking waterfall. “Also,” he advises, “to make falls look more natural, be sure that water bubbles up rather than shooting out of one area.”
Landscape Architecture: Alan Blalack, RLA; Landscape Contractor: Kane Landscapes, Inc.

AU NATUREL
“Our client in Lothian, Maryland, wanted an oasis with a pool, slide and waterfall,” says Jeff Crandell of Scapes. The designer surrounded the freeform pool in lilac flagstone coping and ivory travertine decking. Balancing natural stone and plantings softens a hardscape, he contends. “When plants are mixed with materials in different colors, textures and sizes, it creates a natural-looking escape.”
Landscape Design & Construction: Scapes, Inc.

SPA ZONE
Pristine Acres conceived a luxurious, 10-by-10-foot spa on a compact Aldie, Virginia, property. Embellished with sandblasted marble and specialty tile, it’s sheltered by an overhead structure and concealed by a fir wall. “Privacy and protection from the elements were at the top of the list,” says landscape architect Kevin Kurdziolek. “The structure above provides a refuge from summer sun and light rain.”
Landscape Architecture & Contracting: Pristine Acres.

PRIVATE SCREENING
An Annapolis refuge boasts an ipe veranda with a fireplace, pavilions and a pool rimmed in bluestone. “Privacy was a major concern,” says Michael Prokopchak of Walnut Hill, the landscape contractor. “To resolve this, cryptomeria, Nellie Stevens hollies and arborvitae were strategically placed along the property line.”
Landscape Architecture: OVS. Landscape Contractor: Walnut Hill Landscape Company. Photo: George E. Brown.

TILE TIME
An anti-slip surface and two-centimeter thickness make AExtra20 porcelain tile pavers suitable for outdoor use. The rectified, 24-by-24-inch tiles come in seven hues replicating quartz, stone, terrazzo and limestone. Pennsylvania Gray is pictured. besttile.com

LOOK OF STONE
Lapitec sintered stone is composed of natural minerals compacted to create a nonporous, weather-resistant surface. Full-body slabs boast a range of colors and thicknesses. Bianco Olimpia (pictured on countertop and backsplash) was introduced in 2023. lapitec.com

PATTERN PLAY
De Marchi Verona, an Italian maker of porcelain surfaces, has debuted its Cross Collection. Designed by Marta Martino, the handcrafted, three-dimensional panels (shown on left) feature a raised motif covered in tiny studs. The material is weatherproof for al fresco living. demarchiverona.it

UNDER WATER
Made from PVC, Fiberon’s Paramount Decking is wood-free, making it a good choice for marine environments such as docks. Resistant to mold, water and warping, the boards come in four colors; Mantel Clay is pictured. fiberondecking.com

By the time the 9,000-square-foot house was finished, three acres no longer seemed like a lot to the couple, who are both professionals (he’s a teacher and she’s a local business owner). “We kept looking at the farm next door. We worried that it would be developed,” relates the wife. She asked the neighbors for first right of refusal if they were ever to sell—and was rewarded with a call a couple of years later that led to her purchase of the land.

Among other features, the newly acquired, 66-acre tract was dotted with outbuildings ranging from barns to an old blacksmith’s cottage and a vintage residence now used as a rental. The couple envisioned hip hangouts for family time as well as large-scale entertaining (think fundraisers, weddings, family reunions and graduation parties).

The first of these projects took shape during covid, when they installed a pool and an adjacent pool house; later, they carved out more entertaining space by overhauling an existing barn. “The family wanted a true at-home retreat where vacation was in their backyard and could be shared with friends and family,” says Lord, who reviewed plans and made material and furniture selections in these additional spaces.

“We wanted the pool house to feel like an extension of the main house but more streamlined and playful,” says the wife, whose son dubbed the swimming area “Octopus’s Garden”—thereby providing a theme for the décor.

They turned to Norris to design the new structure. He conceived an A-framed cabana equipped with an outdoor shower, hidden storage and a luxe bathroom tucked behind it. The interior is clad in shiplap siding while the travertine pool surround extends to form its floor. Working with the wife, Lord chose comfortable seating and a fire table for the space; playful touches include an octopus triptych by Jetty Home flanked by built-in shelving and, adorning the shelf backs, marble mosaic tiles that echo the scales of a mermaid’s tail. A built-in banquette provides additional seating and drapery panels soften the building’s lines.

Over the rise of a rolling hill beyond the pool house, a barn with a shed roof became the next challenge when the owners decided to outfit it for entertaining. One of two barns (the other remains a working structure), the circa-1980s building served as a tractor shed with an attached open area once used for hunting purposes.

Reimagined by Lord as a party barn and guest quarters, the plan was executed by Veritas. The team gutted the interior to create a large main room, a spacious bath, laundry and storage. Garage doors on the front façade were replaced by floor-to-ceiling glass doors and windows. As Lord explains, “It’s designed for gatherings with those views as a backdrop.”

Tall built-ins hold a custom Murphy bed flanked by shelving and a desk; a wide, black-painted brick column frames a linear fireplace nearby. A full kitchen, anchored by a long, quartz-topped island, was designed by Joey Olson of The Kitchen Guru. The open outdoor area is now a covered pavilion for al fresco entertaining.

In the party barn, Lord says, she followed the wife’s mandate “to marry city style and country charm. I wanted it to be clear this is horse country—yet everything feels modern.” Dramatic close-up photographs of horses are showcased against a glam palette of black-painted walls, crisp-white wainscoting and pops of gold in lighting, hardware and other accents. The owner chose Café kitchen appliances in white and gold. A sectional and chairs sit before the window wall to take in the lush tableau.

In fact, the view reveals the family’s first foray into farming: They have acquired a herd of sheep and two affectionate miniature cows; a chicken coop doubles as a picturesque cottage by the pool. On a recent rainy-day visit, those cows—they’re the size of large dogs—were in full view from the party barn, gazing from their pasture with avid interest at the humans cooing over them from a sheltered spot. Says the wife, “We spend lots of time on the farm. We just love it here.” A few years ago, the Middleburg property proved alluring to Lord as well when, in the midst of covid, she and her husband were married on the porch of the residence in a small ceremony. “It was magical,” the designer recalls. “This was truly a beautiful place to get married.”

RESOURCES

POOL HOUSE
Furniture under Cabana: westelm.com. Octopus Art: jettyhome.com. Pendants: serenaandlily.com. Fire Table: wayfair.com. Draperies: sunbrella.com. Pillows & Cushion Fabric for Banquette: fabricut.com through Haute Fabrics; 703-961-9400. Tile inside Built-Ins: mosaictileco.com. Bar Faucet: brizo.com. Dining Table: potterybarn.com. Chairs: essentialsforliving.com. Umbrellas: frontgate.com. Bathroom Sink: potterybarn.com. Bathroom Sink Faucet: deltafaucet.com. Bathroom Lighting: reginaandrew.com. Mirror: uttermost.com. Wall Treatment: fireclaytile.com.

BARN
Sectional, Chairs & Coffee Table: fourhands.com. Rug: safavieh.com. Barrel Side Tables & Stools: tovfurniture.com. Horse Pictures: leftbankart.com. Black and White Sideboard: Owners’ Collection. Chandeliers over Bar: visualcomfort.com. Paint: Tricorn Black by sherwin-williams.com. Backsplash & Countertops: silestoneusa.com. Faucet: brizo.com. Drapes: kasmirfabrics.com. Facing Chairs: westelm.com. Bathroom Wallpaper: yorkwallcoverings.com. Bathroom & Shower Tile: tilebar.com. Vanity & Countertop: bemmadesign.com. Murphy bed System: design by greyhuntinteriors.com; fabricated by Dennis Liwanag of macanson.com.

PROJECT TEAM
Design & Cabinetry: Christina E. Simon, ASID, CKBD; Brittany Gunst, c|s Design Studio LLC. Architecture: Origin Design. Builder: Zimmermann Homes.

GET THE LOOK—Cabinetry: prevocabinetry.com. Countertops: msisurfaces.com. Countertop Fabrication: premiumgraniteva.com. Backsplash: truteam.com. Sconces: visualcomfort.com through dominionlighting.com.