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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ASK JAMIE + DENISE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

RESOURCES

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Baltimore designer Patrick Sutton was enlisted to enhance and complete the interiors, gracing the home with custom cabinetry and millwork, stylish furniture and refined finishes throughout. No doubt, the iconic maritime setting inspired his approach. “The whole idea of being surrounded by water and boats made us feel like we wanted a nod to a nautical, yachty kind of vibe,” remarks Sutton. “My client likes things that have clean lines but are comfortable. You can put your feet up on the coffee table without having to worry about it. The best way to describe it is ‘warm modern.’”

The resident’s admiration for impeccable men’s apparel also swayed the aesthetic. Tailored details—from upholstered walls to leather trim—elevate every room.

Visitors arrive via a private elevator, which whisks them into the foyer of the second-level apartment. From here, an open, airy living/dining area and kitchen unfold. Neutral furnishings and a textural rug reminiscent of velvety sand let marina views steal the show, though splashes of blue—the owner’s favorite color—enliven the palette. Plush sofas in Romo fabric and woven RH chairs embrace a sculptural cocktail table of Sutton’s design; its bronze base supports a square top of chiseled limestone. Quartz table lamps add a luminous touch.

“Light, bright and happy was the goal in this particular space,” notes the designer. Wide doors on two sides of the living area open to breezy balconies—one of which features a built-in fireplace for cooler weather.

Decked out in navy blue, a six-burner La Cornue range and matching hood anchor the kitchen. Sutton designed the hood, as well as all of the cabinetry and millwork in the kitchen, dressing room and primary bath. “I made refinements and customized the apartment while the building was going up,” he explains.

The kitchen’s ship-shape cabinetry, luxe marble countertops and backsplash and beadboard ceiling create a richly layered effect. Near the island, two handcrafted Wendell Castle stools appear to float atop their bases of steam-bent wood.

Another conversation piece awaits in the adjacent dining area: a bespoke bar of Sutton’s design, dressed in blue embossed leather and fitted with brass hardware. “My client loves the ritual of making drinks for guests,” observes the designer. “When you open its doors, the beautiful, wood-appointed bar inside is very James Bond.”

The glassy chandelier suspended above the dining table, he adds, “makes you think of sparkles on the water.” A corridor off the dining area leads to a guest room, den and two baths, while a hall on the opposite side of the kitchen accesses the primary suite.

The bedroom décor was inspired by Brunello Cucinelli menswear. As Sutton recalls, “When we’re trying to drive a material and color palette for a project, we ask a lot of questions. In this case, the client mentioned he was a fan of the Italian fashion designer. So we leaned in on recent Cucinelli collections, and fully upholstered the walls in a wool herringbone that feels like men’s suiting.” Drapes made in the same fabric achieve a tone-on-tone look.

“The nice thing about an upholstered room is it absorbs sound so there’s dead silence. It’s like a cocoon,” notes Sutton. A velvet headboard, leather bench and braided-leather trim on the walls complete the understated tableau.

A made-to-order sensibility also prevails in the primary bath and dressing room. In the latter, rosewood cabinets—including a generous island complete with copious drawers and a marble countertop—neatly stow belongings.

In addition to the ensuite guest room, an intimate den accommodates visitors on a pull-out sofa. Wallpaper in a subtle stripe, a Tibetano rug with a linear pattern and a circular chandelier forge a geometric interplay. The nearby hall bath doubles as a powder room; its bespoke walnut vanity is topped with a thick slab of creamy quartzite.

Ocean scenes and a dreamy blue palette are common threads unifying the owner’s artwork. Not surprising when you consider that both his primary home in Florida and his getaway in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware—now in the process of a makeover by Sutton—also enjoy waterfront locations.

Delighted with the finished project, the resident frequently hosts weekend guests in his new Annapolis retreat. “Everything is tidy and in its place,” reflects Patrick Sutton, “but it still feels welcoming and comfortable.”

Interior Design: Patrick Sutton, Patrick Sutton, Baltimore, Maryland. Building Architecture: Jay Schwarz, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP; Sarah Favrao, project architect; David Ferara, project architect; Peter Tokar, project architect, ABS Architects, Annapolis, Maryland. Builder & Developer: Bret Anderson, Pyramid Builders, Annapolis, Maryland.

At almost 2,900 square feet with four bedrooms and four baths, the home feels quite spacious due to the judicious use of mirrors, metallics and light-reflective finishes—all in keeping with Art Deco style. Decorative ceiling treatments, wall coverings, moldings and trim “draw the eye up, creating a complete visual experience,” Jackson notes. “The patterns and the colors are almost kaleidoscopic and change with every viewing.”

Fortunately, the floor plan on the main level lent itself—with a few modifications—to the homeowner’s dream of recreating a bespoke train car. A narrow entry hall travels past a double parlor-turned-living room to the left and opens into a dining area and kitchen, which overlooks a rear courtyard.

“The kitchen and dining area were very boxy. We wanted to open them up so that, as soon as you entered, you saw all the way through to the back,” Gross explains. By removing one wall and opening another, she expanded the space while bringing in more light, thanks to the kitchen’s new period-faithful, glass-paned doors.

A staple of Victorian homes, the double parlor presented another challenge: How to unify the long and narrow room, which includes two fireplaces, into one cohesive space where guests could circulate easily or gather in smaller groups. (This was especially important—visually and functionally—since Jackson frequently entertains.) The solution was a massive, one-of-a-kind wool-and-silk-blend rug from Stark; its subtle, repetitive geometric pattern plays up the original wood flooring and draws attention to the molding, fireplaces and hearths.

An opulent palette of furnishings and other design elements ensures the continuity of the Orient Express look and feel throughout the residence. Art Deco-inspired porcelain floor tile, some with burnished, cast-metal borders; shimmering, textured wallpaper in jewel or pale tones shot through with metallics; and antiques from the 1920s and ’30s bring the past vibrantly to life.

You’d expect a home with so much history to have a story or two. In the living room, twin antique chandeliers hide a mystery worthy of Hercule Poirot. As Gross tells it, “All the Art Deco pairs of chandeliers I came across were too fussy. I kept returning to this phenomenal single French fixture that, in duplicate, would have been perfect. So I decided to have it replicated. The new one looks so much like the original that it’s difficult to tell the difference without a magnifying glass!”

In the dining room, a patinated bronze credenza etched with Kanji script was almost overlooked in a New York showroom. “It was a serendipitous find, covered in fabrics and hidden by chairs,” Gross confides. Now, it is an elegant companion to the mirror above as well as the hammered-brass-topped dining table.

The moody ambience continues into the kitchen with its black cabinetry, Deco hardware and a marble-and-brass-mosaic backsplash. The directional pattern in the tile flooring runs to the glass doors and the view outside, where a spacious porcelain-tiled patio with a columned pergola holds court. It is the perfect spot, Jackson says, to host large parties and get-togethers.

From the vestibule, a staircase leads up to the primary bedroom, den and second office space that does double duty as a guest room. The latter features a blond-wood Phillip Jeffries wallcovering (a great Zoom background) and 1930s cocktail table.

Jackson’s favorite room in the house is the den, a quintessential gentleman’s retreat. An original brick wall sets off a leather Chesterfield sofa framed by gold-painted concrete slabs sourced from a former speakeasy in New York. Two basket-weave club chairs in vegan leather and velvet and a vintage cocktail table complete the scene. Walls are covered in vegan leather enhanced by custom brass trim.

Like the rest of the house, the bedroom uses wallpaper as an anchoring device, adding visual interest and serving as art. “With so many windows and doors, wall space was at a premium,” Gross admits. Here, a red and gold Chinoiserie-patterned accent wall contrasts with streamlined wood furnishings.

“We usually think of modernism as a stripped-down aesthetic,” muses Jackson, a writer and historian. “But Art Deco, the modernism of its era, is also influenced by the elegance and grandeur of antiquity—specifically Greek and Egyptian revival, which were big movements in the 19th century. For this house, we chose elements that are emblematic of the past but still hold timeless appeal.”

Interior Design: Lorna Gross, ASID, NCIDQ, Lorna Gross Interior Design, North Bethesda, Maryland. Renovation Contractor: Glass Construction, Washington, DC.

RESOURCES

EXTERIOR
Lighting: bevolo.com. Paint: Roycroft Bronze Green by benjaminmoore.com; Rockwood Red by sherwin-williams.com.

STUDY
Light Fixture: Owners’ collection. Art: Owners’ collection. Art Deco Panels & Coffee Table: 1stdibs.com. Tufted Leather Sofa: centuryfurniture.com. Rug: mastourgalleries.com. Chairs: burtonjames.com. Vegan Leather on Walls: innovationsusa.com. Acrylic Table: johnrichard.com.

ENTRY
Wallpaper: zoffany.sandersondesigngroup.com. Light Fixture & Demilune: 1stdibs.com.

DINING ROOM
Wall Covering: weitznerlimited.com. Chandelier: Owners’ collection. Table: us.julianchichester.com. Chairs & Sideboard: 1stdibs.com. Chair Fabric: pollackassociates.com. Mirror: mirrorhome.com. Ceiling Paint: Northern Cliffs by benjaminmoore.com. Flooring: annsacks.com.

PARLOR
Rug: starkcarpet.com. Wall Covering: romo.com. Blue Sofa: chaddock.com. Blue Sofa Fabric: S. Harris for fabricut.com. Pillow Fabrics: pollackassociates.com. Acrylic Tables: highlandhousefurniture.com. Corner Chair by Fireplace: 1stdibs.com. Corner Chair Fabric: romo.com. Mirror: mirrorhome.com. Chandeliers: 1stdibs.com. Gray Sofa: centuryfurniture.com. Gray Sofa Fabric: stouttextiles.com. Sconces & Chairs by French Doors: 1stdibs.com. Chair Fabric: fabricut.com. French Doors: dynamicfenestration.com.

TERRACE
Furniture & Outdoor Fabric: rh.com. Sconces: bevolo.com.

KITCHEN
Cabinetry: KS Builders. Island Countertop: gramaco.com. Backsplash: tilebar.com. Pendants: hvlgroup.com. Range & Hood: us.bertazzoni.com. Refrigerator: kitchenaid.com. Flooring: annsacks.com. Windows & Doors: dynamicfenestration.com. Hardware: houseofantiquehardware.com.

PRIMARY BEDROOM
Wall Treatment: osborneandlittle.com. Chandelier: dominionelectric.com. Rug: safavieh.com. Bedding: macys.com.

GUEST ROOM
Sofa: vanguardfurniture.com. Sofa Fabric: pollackassociates.com. Pillow Fabrics: hollyhunt.com. Armchair: burtonjames.com. Armchair Fabric: kravet.com. Ceiling Fixture: 1stdibs.com. Rug: Paragon through prosourcewholesale.com. Tufted Ottoman: Owners’ collection. Coffee Table: 1stdibs.com. Shutters: hunterdouglas.com. Wall Covering: phillipjeffries.com. Desk: madegoods.com. Desk & Table Lamp: arteriorshome.com. Side Table: highlandhousefurniture.com. Side Chair: centuryfurniture.com. Side Chair Fabric: Lee Jofa for kravet.com. Sunset Painting: Owners’ collection.

“We wanted to build a destination home that would continue to be a focal point in our family—a place where we could do most of the entertaining,” reveals the wife, who recently hung up her hat from the e-commerce industry. “But there were also things that really mattered to us, and there was a certain way we wanted to live.” They hired Hammond Wilson to conjure up their permanent dream digs. Interior designer Erin Paige Pitts, Focus Construction and Campion Hruby Landscape Architects soon joined the team.

Architects Leo Wilson and Marshall Harris devised a plan that caters to owners and guests alike. They sited the house along the water to capitalize on the spectacular Stevensville setting. The main living spaces flow in a linear, one-room-deep fashion via a spine that runs from end to end across the front. On the first floor, the foyer gives way to open living and dining spaces. The kitchen/breakfast area sits to the right; a wine room lies to the left. The second floor—accessed by two sets of stairs and an elevator—houses the primary suite and an office for the husband, who’s newly retired from a career in IT, at one end, followed by two guest suites and a bunk room. A gym and theater rest above the three-car garage, positioned at a right angle to the main volume.

“The arrangement allowed us to orient almost every room along that axis to the water views,” Wilson explains. “Then we opened up the waterfront side with a lot of windows and doors.” Transom windows above those swaths of glass invite additional sunlight into the spaces.

A tower was among the owners’ requests. The architects responded with a three-and-a-half-story element that houses the main stair and leads up to an all-weather observation room as well as an outdoor platform. Wilson points out that the couple “wanted to take advantage of the long view out to the bay, so the tower provides that.”

For the two oenophiles who came to the Eastern Shore by way of Napa Valley, a wine storage and tasting room was non-negotiable. They sought both a cave-like aura and a sightline to the creek. A domed ceiling and Venetian plaster walls capture the desired feel. Meanwhile, double doors frame a picturesque view and open onto an al fresco seating area, also accessible from the living room.

Several other spaces strengthen the indoor-outdoor connection. A patio off the dining room steps down to the lawn and water beyond. Adjacent to the kitchen, a screened porch links to the main outdoor-entertainment area, which features a new swimming pool and stone fireplace plus a terrace with zones for gathering, lounging and dining. The owners’ bedroom boasts a private balcony offering an impressive panorama.

Campion Hruby’s planting plan enhances and preserves the bay landscape. “We used a palette of mostly native trees, shrubs, perennials and grasses,” says principal Bob Hruby. “It’s ornamental, but it also fulfills our mitigation requirements in terms of construction disturbance.”

Embodying a coastal Shingle style, the home’s exterior meshes with its surroundings too. Engineered NuCedar shingles replicate traditional cedar shakes. Detailing—such as the series of gabled dormers across the back—“is intended to make you think about historic architecture, things of the past,” Wilson suggests.

Inside, Pitts answered her clients’ call for comfort and approachability without sacrificing style. “They asked for a hybrid look, California-meets-the-Chesapeake,” the designer recounts. Her translation: a gray-and-taupe color scheme with a smattering of blue and just enough interest. “It’s tonal, soothing and quiet, which feels good,” she notes. “At the same time, I wanted it to have a lot of depth, so I brought in texture and some pattern.”

Her schemes combine upholstery clad in nubby indoor-outdoor fabrics, woven goods, natural-fiber rugs and tactile wallpaper. Lighting selections bring the drama. The dining room, for instance, showcases a chevron-inlay wall covering made from genuine wood veneer and a statement chandelier featuring abaca rope.

Pitts threw “a wild card” into her design proposal: two platform swings that would hang from the living room ceiling to savor the view. Her clients were all in. “I presented two options—one with settees in front of the window and the other with swings,” she recalls. “They wanted the swings, no hesitation.”

A pizza oven and a large island topped the kitchen’s must-haves list. “We both love to cook, but like to keep it really casual,” discloses the wife. “That’s how we entertain.” A pizza-sauce-proof quartz from Cambria tops the cabinetry.

In the primary suite, Pitts created what she describes as “a restful retreat,” again marrying neutrals with texture; the fireplace’s silver-travertine surround is a shining example. The luxurious bathroom teems with marble, from its flooring to its shower tile.

The completed 7,200-square-foot abode works well for two—or a crowd. “While it’s a large house, it doesn’t feel overwhelming,” notes the wife. “We use and enjoy all the spaces.”

Drysdale’s clients—he’s a CEO and she’s a retired business executive—purchased the residence brand new in 2015. Crediting her Dutch heritage, the wife says she was drawn to the “clean, sleek and modern European” model conceived by the Netherlands-based Studio Piet Boon and developed by K. Hovnanian Homes. Their lot backs up to protected woodlands within Willowsford, a farm-to-table community or agrihood. 

Back then, the couple had recently wed (a second marriage for each) and combined households. Their blended furniture, along with bare walls, left much to be desired. “Our space lacked personality and didn’t feel well-utilized, and our furnishings were not of the right scale or really suited for the home,” recounts the wife. “We wanted an interior that would be synergistic with the design of the house itself and integrated across each room.” 

They enlisted Drysdale after the wife observed her talent at a 2020 show house. Early on, the designer decided to preserve the home’s black-painted door and window frames. “I started by asking, ‘What have we got here, what can we work with,’” she recalls. “The black trim was a jumping-off point for me.”

Taking cues from that trim, she transformed the fireplace wall in the living room. Before, the television had been mounted over the linear firebox, where it stood out in stark relief against an expanse of white-washed drywall. Drysdale clad the area in dark-stained, rift-sawn oak and recessed the TV within, attaining a chic, integrated look. “I think about creating useful beauty,” reveals the design doyenne. “That wall is so dramatic now and grounds everything.”

Drysdale then drafted furniture and decorative plans with the goal of establishing a “soft, modern” aesthetic throughout. She sourced transitional-style furnishings and conjured several bespoke pieces, including a dining table, for the project. Airy glass lighting bows to the scenery outside. The breakfast area and kitchen, which join the living room at the home’s rear, feature prime examples.

A cohesive palette of black and white prevails. “I like there to be relationships between the rooms,” the designer says. “As you go through these spaces, you’re still connected.”

That simple scheme allows the creativity of numerous artists and artisans to shine. And it dovetails nicely with the wife’s affinity for elements that express a tribal quality. Take the dining room, for instance, where a graphic rug woven in Afghanistan lays the foundation. Black-and-white pottery by Oregon-based ceramist Sam Scott graces the tabletop. Drysdale notes, “The primitive, the handmade are a strong subtext in the story that’s being told here.”

Bold artwork also delivers a resounding message; it was part of the plan from the get-go. “Exploring the house, I felt immediately that colorful modern art on a grand scale would bring enormous interest and excitement to the experience of each room and the views from room to room,” says the designer. A trip with her clients to Washington’s Hemphill Artworks yielded the first three pieces in what is now a goodly trove. 

Those selections received prominent placements. A painting by DC artist Steven Cushner commands the wide hall linking the front and back of the house. An abstract work by the late Jacob Kainen adds verve to the dining room and offers the wife an inspiring vista from her office across the foyer. Likewise, dinner guests enjoy a clear sightline to the vibrant, multi-media creation of another local artist, Julie Wolfe, positioned behind the desk. 

Later additions include photographs by Anna Beeke and John Cole, which animate the main-floor primary bedroom. “I feel that one of the great obligations of a home is to delight and engage the viewer,” Drysdale offers. “Everywhere you turn or sit or gaze, there’s something interesting to see in this house. It’s a living museum, a stimulating—but not over-stimulating—visual experience that is comfortable.” 

Not only do the well-appointed spaces please the eye, they also support the couple’s relaxed yet social lifestyle. For example, the main hall is no longer just a utilitarian passageway; it now functions as “another beautiful room where they entertain,” says Drysdale. “They’re using their house in better and more complete ways.”

The wife concurs, sharing that the covered porch off the living room has become a destination too. “This area was nothing more than a transition to the backyard. With Mary’s redesign, the space is now used for intimate dinners with friends, as a gathering spot when hosting large groups—or merely for having a cool drink on a hot summer afternoon.”

Interior Design: Mary Douglas Drysdale, Drysdale Design Associates, Washington, DC.

RESOURCES
THROUGHOUT
Drapery & Upholstery Fabrication: myatelierva.com.

LIVING ROOM
Fireplace: kossaridesign.com. Diptych Art: ruriyi.com. Sofas: Owners’ collection. Sofa Fabric: kravet.com. Small Stool: jomofurniture.com. Side Tables: janusetcie.com. Coffee Table: marydouglasdrysdaleinteriordesign.com. Armchair & Ottoman: leeindustries.com. Armchair Fabric: kravet.com. Rug: starkcarpet.com. Leather Chair: allmodern.com. Pillow Fabric: williams-sonoma.com. Paint: sherwin-williams.com.

COVERED PORCH
Table & Sofa: janusetcie.com. Art: Kaiser Suidan. Pillow Fabrics: aliciaadamsalpaca.com.

ENTRANCE HALL
Art: Steven Cushner through hemphillfinearts.com. Photographs: annabeeke.com. Small Paintings: juliewolfe.net through hemphillfinearts.com. Chandelier: julieneill.com. Rug: pattersonflynn.com. Paint: sherwin-williams.com.

DINING ROOM
Painting: jacobkainen.com through hemphillfinearts.com. Table: marydouglasdrysdaleinteriordesign.com. Chairs & Chair Fabric: bakerfurniture.com. Pottery: samscottpottery.com. Rug: amadicarpets.com. Lighting: ochre.net. Drapery Fabric: larsenfabrics.com. Drapery Banding & Pouf: marydouglasdrysdaleinteriordesign.com.

KITCHEN
Rug: loloirugs.com. Island Pendants: kellywearstler.com through visualcomfort.com.

CASUAL DINING AREA
Table: Owners’ collection. Striped Chair Fabric: perennialsfabrics.com. Chandelier: reginaandrew.com. Artwork: Owners’ collection. Chairs: rh.com.

WIFE’S OFFICE
Painting: juliewolfe.net through hemphillfinearts.com. Table: Owners’ collection. Desk Chair & Poufs: marydouglasdrysdaleinteriordesign.com. Glass Orb: nickleonoff.com. Rug: carpetcreationsandflooring.com. Paint: sherwin-williams.com.

OWNERS’ BEDROOM
Photographs over Bed: johncolephoto.com. Grouping of Photos: annabeeke.com. Art on Left Wall & Poufs: marydouglasdrysdaleinteriordesign.com. Bed: roveconcepts.com. Coverlet & Bolster Fabric: fabricut.com. Rug: carpetcreationsandflooring.com. Drapery Fabric: larsenfabrics.com. Paint: sherwin-williams.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.

The 20,000-square-foot residence is surrounded by one-and-a-half acres of manicured grounds intended to evoke the spirit of Versailles. Mature trees and plantings accentuate a reflecting pool, a swimming pool and a pool house, all easily accessible from the many floor-to-ceiling French doors on the residence’s main level. Inside, there are seven bedrooms and seven full and five half-baths. Built in 2005, the house is clad in Texas limestone with a clay roof that Jason Evans, owner of Acadia Renovations, went to great lengths to protect when a new elevator was installed. “That roof was a unique element that I didn’t want to ruin by poking a hole in it!” he recalls.

From the very beginning, the owners had a vision for the interiors. “We wanted to keep the original architectural intent but with a more modern sensibility,” Tracey explains. “And because I love fashion, we added a little bit of color, texture and ‘jewelry,’ especially in the lighting, wherever we could.” The couple also wanted to showcase their meticulously curated art collection while giving every member of their family—which includes four children aged six to 14—space to pursue their individual and collective passions.

To bring this vision to exuberant life, they selected San Francisco-based HBA, a global firm known for distinctive high-end hotel, restaurant and residential design. It was an easy decision for Tracey, a real estate developer and the project’s “visionary in chief,” who had collaborated with HBA professionally for more than 20 years. 

“Tracey and I share the same design shorthand and we already had an idea of what she wanted to achieve,” reveals designer Meghann Day of HBA San Francisco. “There was nothing wrong with the house; it was just a little dated and ornate. We brought out its beautiful bones and gave it a lighter, more refined look.”

HBA’s hospitality pedigree is evident throughout the home, from the oversized sconces in the entry foyer to seating areas that invite conversation and furnishings that balance formality with family life. The drama begins in the entryway where a cool palette of limestone flooring and white walls prevails, lit by a shimmery chandelier whose design suggests fish fins (a tribute to the couple’s children, all of whom are swimmers). There are two curtained reading nooks and a sleek, gray settee offset by gold-tone sconces.

In the sumptuous living room, art takes center stage. Above the stone fireplace hangs a chromogenic piece by photographer Dave LaChapelle titled Couture Consumption. A grand piano anchors the space while curvaceous furnishings lend Art Deco volupté to the room.

An antique table with seating for 10 serves as the centerpiece of the formal dining room, where a champagne-gold colorway is enlivened by pops of blue. Jewel-like Murano glass chandeliers hang over the table, highlighting the coffered barrel ceiling. Walls upholstered in padded silk add another layer of texture and visual interest. 

A caramel-hued leather bar with an onyx countertop marks the transition from the living room to husband Tim’s office, which opens into the garden. Built-in bookcases, a long, modular sofa, an antique gold-leaf chandelier and game tables create an elegant yet playful space befitting the creative tech entrepreneur. 

By contrast, Tracey’s office is a cozy, feminine retreat attired in high-gloss blush pink and accessorized with a two-tiered gold chandelier, a bold wallpapered ceiling and a Peter Chase painting expressly commissioned for the room. 

The more private side of the house—sitting rooms, breakfast area and TV room—boast beautiful garden views along with equally refined furnishings, though on a more intimate scale. Here, function informs design to encourage family activities, from secluded reading nooks and homework spaces to game tables and TV monitors hidden behind gallery walls or custom-built cabinetry. Art, too, plays a role. Over the fireplace in the main-floor family room is the work that launched the couple’s collection—a Cubist painting by Marcel Mouly. 

Each bedroom on the second level reflects its inhabitant’s taste and interests. The primary suite is a study in white, light blue, celadon—and serenity. An antique sunburst mirror rises above the four-poster bed while floor-to-ceiling draperies and richly upholstered furniture envelop the room in tranquil warmth. 

HBA mostly preserved the original footprint; an elevator replaced a spiral staircase in the mudroom and Tim’s bathroom became his son’s bedroom. However, the architectural details that so captivated the owners all received enhancing makeovers. Acadia Renovations painstakingly hand-sanded and repainted elaborately faux-painted walls; ditto the columns and decorative-plaster detailing. Covid added another complication, delaying delivery of certain pieces and forcing the designers and homeowners to get creative with sourcing. All told, it took about three years to transform this ornate château into a dynamic, modern-day dwelling. 

“It’s a large house,” Tracey admits. “But every space was designed to have a function and purpose, so it all feels intentional. We use and enjoy every inch of our home."

The project marked a new beginning for the house—and its owners. Lee and Mark Miller were both widowed following decades of marriage. After meeting online, the two began a courtship and in 2020, they wed. 

Intent on creating a home that celebrated their union, the Millers decided to overhaul the Annapolis bi-level that Mark, a retired business executive, had acquired in 2012 as weekend getaway. “I think it dates back to the ’50s,” says Lee, a former real estate agent. “It was a little fishing shack that was added onto over time.” 

The home suffered from low ceilings, run-of-the-mill finishes and choppy interiors that failed to capitalize on expansive views out to the Chesapeake Bay. Recognizing a diamond in the rough, the couple wanted to transform the main level into a haven for single-story living while reserving the lower floor for a steady stream of visitors—including their four adult children and eight grandkids. 

Mark proposed taking the residence in a modern direction. Lee, whose prior homes leaned traditional, took a leap of faith. “I’m all in,” she responded, “but we have to find the right team first.” Following conversations with a handful of architects, they landed on Peter Miles of The Drawing Board, who in turn introduced them to Katalin Farnady of Farnady Interiors. The owners then tapped Lynbrook of Annapolis for construction and McHale Landscape Design for an upgrade of the one-third-acre site. 

Miles completely reimagined the exterior and the 2,850-square foot main level. “The home had been expanded with multiple roof slopes colliding at awkward angles,” he explains. “The renovation simplified the roofline with a low slope, except for a shed roof that lifts up the family room wall and opens it to the water.”

A foyer wrapped in slatted-mahogany panels leads into an open space combining the kitchen, dining and family room. Accordion doors afford seamless passage to a screened porch, backyard and dock. Hidden doors in the foyer paneling lead to a functional core where Miles consolidated a powder room and mudroom off the garage. A home office for two is reached from here or the kitchen. 

Eliminating two small main-floor bedrooms made way for a generous primary suite. Accessed near the foyer stairway, it features a large bedroom and separate baths and dressing rooms for each newlywed—along with infinite bay vistas.

The interior plan took shape at weekly design meetings, which began during covid and continued through the 18-month construction phase. “Katalin and I worked together closely to make sure interior materials warmed up and helped define each of the spaces,” says Miles. 

Taking cues from the exterior, Farnady developed a nuanced tableau, focusing on a monochromatic palette enlivened by rich textures, patterns and hints of the unexpected. “When an architect gives you floor-to-ceiling windows and they’re focused on the view, you have to keep the interiors somewhat minimal,” she notes. 

In the family room, she offset pale oak floors and creamy upholstered seating and rugs with a dramatic fireplace wall of Black Diamond granite. Meanwhile, the open kitchen boasts a waterfall island, counters and even a range hood sheathed in Calacatta Cremo marble. “For me, the secret to keeping a monochromatic interior interesting is paying close attention to details—both architecturally and decoratively,” explains the designer. “I played with sizes, shapes and textures, adding different materials and finishes to keep each room unique.”

The open layout and clever kitchen design foster easy entertaining. Collaborating with Jonas Carnemark of Konst SieMatic, the team avoided upper cabinetry near the island in favor of unobstructed views. Around the corner from the oven wall, additional cabinetry, workspace and appliances await.  

The Millers joined Farnady on field trips to High Point Market and local showrooms in search of the right mix of furniture, finishes and lighting. “It was clear that they wanted comfortable furniture with fluid lines,” the designer says. In the family room, custom seating, bespoke tables from her eponymous collection and a wet bar cater to gatherings large and small. 

“Giving the team free rein” was key to the project’s success, says Lee Miller, “because you don’t know what you don’t know.” 

Lavishing attention on every detail elevated spaces beyond the ordinary. Miles traded conventional baseboard molding for reglets with a precise, grooved reveal and installed acoustical ceiling panels to absorb sound. Farnady played up the home’s minimal backdrop with dramatic textures and glamorous lighting—from the office’s geometric Lee Jofa wall covering to the bedroom’s freeform chandelier. 

Executing the plan was no easy feat for the builder. “Contemporary trim details are clean and crisp, but at the same time can be involved and time-consuming,” says Lynbrook’s Meredith Hillyer. “Unlike a traditional home, there are no extra layers that can disguise an out-of-true condition. It’s one and done.”

McHale landscape architect Matthew Rhoderick echoed the architecture in his innovative exterior plan. “We jumped in with a palette of materials that is often underutilized in waterfront properties,” he says. “Evoking an industrial feel with Corten steel, dark-stained concrete and trimmed architectural plantings, we were able to make the entryway the star of the show.” Corten steel carries through to the backyard, where it edges pathways to the pier.

Embarking on married life together, the Millers couldn’t be happier with their finished home. “As a realtor, I’m jaded—but this is my favorite house ever,” reflects Lee. “We watch the sun rise every morning and the place sparkles like a diamond. And every evening we get the most incredible sky—it’s on fire. Thanks to our expert team, we were able to translate our wishes into a stunning home.”

Enter designer Erika Bonnell, tapped by the owners to mastermind a makeover that would enhance both form and function. A collaboration with building contractor SugarOak Corporation, the project overhauled the kitchen, butler’s pantry and six bathrooms, among many other improvements. “We gave the interiors an updated-traditional vibe,” says Bonnell. “Our goal was to honor the home’s traditional bones but keep everything very approachable. We also made some functional changes to support their lifestyle.”

While most of the floor plan remained intact, the designer repurposed existing spaces to better suit her clients’ needs. For example, the husband, retired from the insurance industry, wanted a place to read and display his books. So Bonnell transformed the rarely used living room off the foyer into what she describes as “a cool, masculine, English library that looks like it’s been there forever.” Floor-to-ceiling, built-in shelves now line the back wall and wrap around the corner to join the right side of the fireplace. 

For the kitchen redo, a layout that would accommodate multiple cooks topped the owners’ wish list. Although some of the kids have flown the nest, the brood prepares and enjoys meals together whenever they can. “We’re a family of bakers and cooks,” the wife reveals. “We needed the kitchen to work for all of us. Cooking together is a part of our family culture, and it’s so much more fun to do that in a nice environment.”

Before, a cooktop located in the island limited prep space. Bonnell reconfigured the plan, installing a professional-style Thermador range along one wall. Aesthetics in the previously dark, uninspiring space vastly improved too, thanks in large part to white-painted custom cabinetry from Cornerstone Kitchen & Bath.

Since increasing the kitchen’s footprint wasn’t an option, the designer further eased congestion by establishing a separate, bistro-style baking station in what she characterized as a weird pass-through space that connects the butler’s pantry and breakfast room. She also added a walk-in pantry, accessed through a hidden door in the butler’s pantry, by borrowing 50 square feet from the garage. 

Bonnell then cast her designer’s eye on the interior architecture. In the entry hall, she complemented the existing plaster crown molding by applying trim to the drywall below. “We had this beautiful, heavy plaster molding, but then the walls fell flat,” she recalls. “We really wanted to elevate the space by adding more architectural detail with the applied molding.” The existing marble floors stayed put but the previously deep-gold walls were repainted an off-white hue.

When it came to defining a new look, as Bonnell relates, the wife requested “something happy and fresh.” The reimagined dining room certainly fits the bill. There, a scenic paper from Schumacher replaced red paint on the walls. And tasseled swags made way for simple, raw-silk draperies at the windows. 

Bonnell sourced new furnishings with the aim of establishing “a collected, lived-in, comfortable feel,” she says. For the family room, she designed an outsized sectional, as well as a coffee table that allows two leather-covered ottomans to tuck under opposite corners when not in use. As she explains, “This is the family hangout, so we wanted to create a central seating area that would accommodate everybody.”

Thoughtfully chosen touches make her schemes sing without overpowering, as the first-floor primary suite illustrates. Painterly Schumacher wallpaper graces the bedroom, while floral mosaic tile embellishes the bathroom’s two arched vanity niches. “We enjoy contrast and interest, but always in a supportive, non-competing way,” states Bonnell. “The layers of details come together to create pleasing, non-jarring spaces.” 

The wife marvels at her designer’s creative flair—and at the completed project. “It really is artistry,” she enthuses. “There’s no way we could have done it on our own. Erika changed our life for the better.”

“In my last house, we were thinking about resale and didn’t take risks,” the wife recounts. “This time, I decided not to worry about that. I didn’t go safe and instead just picked what I liked.”

Kaplan concurs. “Even before the house was done, it was clear that she had a different vision from what we were seeing on the plans. Her ideas pushed the boundaries more than we’re used to, which really made the collaboration fun.” 

Establishing an overall aesthetic was the first order of business for interiors that are distinguished by their cohesiveness. The owner “has a sophisticated, industrial sensibility; also, she and her husband travel regularly to Paris and are drawn to a vintage European look,” notes the designer. Kaplan artfully blended both influences, conjuring what she calls “an aged patina” throughout. “We had this tension where I would try to soften things a bit and she would say ‘no, I want it edgier, more industrial.’”

Working with senior designer Becky Wetzler and their client, Kaplan landed on a palette of smoky lavender, cobalt and gray “to balance and connect the spaces through color,” she says. They also clad the ceilings on the two lower floors in rustic reclaimed wood, which the owner had her heart set on. The layers of deep color and strong texture make a dramatic statement throughout the dwelling.

From the first floor entrance, a foyer opens on one side to the wife’s library/home office with the staircase up to the second level ahead. “The walls were just plain drywall, so the main challenge was how to make the foyer feel custom,” recounts Kaplan. “We aimed to create interest and also draw visitors up the stairs.” 

Decorative millwork on the stair wall solved the dilemma, adding character and dimension. “I wanted something more creative than the traditional squares,” the owner says—so Kaplan devised an unexpected geometric motif. Iron-gray paint coats the foyer and stair. 

The office also underwent an upgrade. Built-in shelves on every wall accommodate the owners’ considerable collection of books; an integrated desk provides plenty of space for the wife to work. “We narrowed the doorway to a deep, cased opening to accommodate all the books,” relates Kaplan, who designed the built-ins and had them fabricated by Jack Rosen Custom Kitchens. Smoky lavender clads walls not covered by midnight-blue shelving.

Kaplan established a similar “soft-industrial” vibe upstairs, where the open-plan second floor encompasses the kitchen and dining and sitting areas. The designers found ingenious ways to differentiate zones in the large space. “We knew we wanted some separation,” Kaplan says. “It all came together as the furniture layout took shape.” 

Color was an important tool: lavender for the kitchen, gray in the dining area and cobalt in the living area. Black-painted wood beams run vertically above the kitchen and dining area and horizontally over the sitting area; the ceiling planks also switch directions. And one of the client’s favorite features separates the sitting and dining zones: a custom, three-foot-wide divider made of glass and iron that creates a subtle visual barrier. 

The homeowners kept the existing all-white kitchen, which allowed them to invest in other design elements—including many new furnishings. During furniture selection, Kaplan largely avoided wood, already dominant on the ceiling. Among other pieces, an eye-catching iron-and-stone sideboard anchors the dining area while industrial-style iron bookcases, repurposed from couple’s former house, cover a wall in the sitting area. They face an acid-washed mirror with a Parisian vibe flanked by custom sofas Kaplan designed for the Kensington home. 

Over-scaled chandeliers make a major statement. The wife “loves dramatic lighting,” Kaplan notes. “It was a challenge to find interesting fixtures for the main room that would work together without being duplicative.” A moody horsehair-and-horn chandelier hovers over the coffee table, while a sculptural Hubbardton Forge fixture in hand-forged steel hangs above the dining table. Blown-glass pendants, also by Hubbardton Forge, dress up the kitchen island.

Kaplan put her imprint on the primary bedroom as well, with an accent wall in Cole & Son wallpaper and dramatic lighting—including oversized teardrop pendants that flank the bed and an industrial-chic Ultralights ceiling fixture that measures 36 inches in diameter. 

As happy as she is with her stylish new digs, the wife admits that she loves to move—and expects to do so again, in time. “I think her creativity needs a new outlet about every five years,” Kaplan observes with a laugh. “It’s been lucky for me!” 

Renovation Architectural & Interior Design: Kirsten Kaplan, principal; Becky Wetzler, senior designer, Haus Interior Design, Rockville, Maryland. Renovation Contractor: David Costopoulos, Dynamic Renovation Contractors, Inc., Silver Spring, Maryland.

RESOURCES

THROUGHOUT
Artwork: Owners’ collection. Ceiling Beam Paint: Mopboard Black through benjaminmoore.com.

LIVINING AREA
Wall Paint: Hague Blue by farrow-ball.com. Pendant: ochre.us. Mirror & Cocktail table: fourhands.com. Chairs: bernhardt.com. Chair Fabric: janechurchill.com. Sofa Side Tables: uttermost.com. Floor Lamps: curreyandcompany.com. Sofas: Custom through Jonathan Wesley; 828-632-6800. Sofa Fabric: pindler.com. Ottoman: crateandbarrel.com. Oak-and-Steel Console: rh.com. Vase: vintage through greatstuffbypaul.com.

DINING AREA
Wall Paint: Street Chic by benjaminmoore.com. Pendant: hubbardtonforge.com. Buffet: bernhardt.com. Dining Chairs: rousehome.com. Dining Table: rh.com.

KITCHEN
Wall Paint: Calluna by farrow-ball.com. Island Light Fixture: Custom through hubbardtonforge.com. Stools: Owners’ collection.PRIMARY BEDROOM
Wall Paint: Cement Gray by benjaminmoore.com. Bed & Nightstands: bernhardt.com. Pendant: ultralightslighting.com. Lamps: rh.com. Wallpaper: cole-and-son.com.

POWDER ROOM
Sink & Faucet: kingstonbrass.com. Countertop: Custom through fernandosmarbleshop.com. Vanity Light: visualcomfort.com. Tile: architessa.com. Wallpaper:
cole-and-son.com. Mirror: uttermost.com.

OFFICE
Wall Paint: Calluna by farrow-ball.com. Drum Fixture & Wall Sconces: hinkley.com. Built-ins: Custom through jackrosen.com. Reading Chair: Owners’ collection.

ENTRY
Wall Sconces: rh.com. Console Table: fourhands.com.

The DC makeover, a one-bedroom condo, is the latest stop on a journey that began in 2008 when the owners purchased a two-bedroom unit in the same building with the idea of downsizing (they ended up keeping their McLean home as well). When another unit down the hall came on the market in 2019, the couple—he’s in technology and she’s retired from the telecom industry—jumped at it. “It was an incredible opportunity to create a private suite for out-of-town guests,” the wife recounts. “And we love having an independent environment where we can work or relax.”

Odd angles and a concrete ceiling punctuated by exposed ductwork imparted a quirky, industrial-chic vibe—but that’s where the allure of the builder-grade flat ended. “I knew I wanted to demo the interior when we bought the place,” the wife says. “I needed Joe’s talent to design the layout and architectural elements.”

The 835-square-foot apartment opens into a short hall with a spare room to the right. Straight ahead lies the living/dining area, with the kitchen on one side and doors to the bedroom and bathroom on the other. “Everything in the unit was touched,” Ireland relates. “We gutted the space and reimagined it in soft-modern style with industrial flair.” 

He enlisted Winchester for the job, which included moving a wall in the spare room to widen the galley kitchen; installing eight-foot-tall pocket doors in lieu of the standard ones; and adding a wide panel of decorative frosted glass that admits light to the bedroom from the main area. A niche with a built-in bench turned the nondescript entry hall into a charming foyer that hints at sophisticated finishes to come. 

Ireland embraced the off-kilter window wall. Stone-look, ceramic-tile floors are laid at a diagonal and bespoke furniture follows the same irregular lines. The obtrusive ductwork has been upgraded to a custom, flattened-oval shape. “We covered the ceilings and trim in high-gloss paint to bounce as much light as possible through the unit,” says the designer. The color palette complements powder-coated gray aluminum window frames as well as views of the concrete-and-brick cityscape. 

The prefab kitchen got a glam makeover with Premier Custom-Built cabinets in a gleaming, metallic finish; a swirling Fantasy Brown quartzite countertop; and a wall clad in an antiqued-mirror panel over which a bold, colorful painting is showcased. The original kitchen was open to the living/dining area, but glass upper cabinetry now separates the spaces while still letting in light. 

Throughout the home, an opulent, layered sensibility prevails. Innovations grass-cloth wall coverings in purple and gold hues embellish both the living area and bedroom, while the spare room is clad in a tactile Arte wall covering made of banana bark woven with delicate metal wire. Extravagant patterns crop up on pictorial Pierre Frey wallpaper that makes a sumptuous statement in the bathroom and on a playful Hermès pattern that dresses up the niche by the front door. 

In the bedroom, a richly hued tapestry adorns the wall behind a spare Poliform bed; the designer hung a gilt sunburst atop the fabric, creating a dazzling visual moment. He also designed the bedding, which combines luxurious textiles from Misia Paris, Zak+Fox and Jiun Ho to lavish effect. 

Sleek, custom furniture keeps the vibe light and modern. “Almost everything is artisanal or vintage, with some pieces by local artists and craftspeople,” Ireland notes. In the dining area, a banquette of his design, clad in Holly Hunt velvet, is positioned in front of the window wall; its slender legs channel natural light beneath the seat. An asymmetrical table of sand-blasted, bleached walnut with a concrete base, also designed by Ireland, was fabricated by Michael James Furniture. In the adjacent sitting area, a bespoke sofa angles around a coffee table that doubles as art; its hexagonal glass surface displays a verre églomisé treatment by New York artist Miriam Ellner that glimmers with precious metals, iridescent flakes of mica and crushed abalone. 

Exuberant modern artworks share wall space with a carved-wood panel created on commission by artisanal woodworker Caleb Woodard and chic sconces that provide just the right ambiance. 

The owners are thrilled with their second pied à terre. “It’s fantastic,” enthuses the wife. “I knew Joe could elevate the space into something exceptional. I still get goosebumps when I walk through the door.”

Also appealing was the clean-lined architecture of the center-hall abode. “This is a well-done update of a traditional style,” observes the husband, who works in real-estate investment. But the interior, while beautifully finished with imposing marble accents, felt stark. 

“There’s a lot of black and white and big slabs of stone,” notes the wife. “We wanted to warm it up.”

Envisioning what the husband calls “contemporary, colorful and comfortable” spaces, the owners enlisted designer Catherine Ebert to bring them to life. The brief was clear: Don’t play it too safe. 

“They wanted something bold, with a little bit of drama,” recounts Ebert. “The architecture is sort of substantial—with high ceilings and chunky moldings. The house has a strong personality, so I sought out elements that would meet that moment.”

First, the designer addressed “a sea of drywall.” A plaster-like, decorative-paint finish awakens the living room walls while wall coverings animate several other spaces. A textured-vinyl selection from Phillip Jeffries, for instance, lends the powder room off the foyer a “glam-pow” presence, says Ebert. “Wallpaper is a wonderful way to differentiate spaces and add personality. It takes walls from blah to fabulous really quickly.”

New furniture was a must, given that few of the owners’ existing pieces measured up in scale. Ebert sourced unusual finds to amplify the interest. For evidence, look no further than the foyer’s black-and-gray console, which sports a malachite faux finish. The designer explains, “I was looking for a wide variety of ways to introduce special materials, textures and finishes throughout to give the house the substance and richness that it needed.” 

When Ebert had trouble finding the perfect piece for a space, she designed one herself. The living room’s sculptural coffee tables—with lacquered bases and smoked-glass tops—serve as illustration. “That room is really rectilinear,” she notes. “I wanted to add a layer of movement and organic shape.” For the husband’s home office, which lies just off the living room, she conjured a desk that cleverly conceals electrical outlets and wires in its base cabinet.

The owners’ preference for vivid hues dictated many selections. Take, for example, the green-velvet chaise resting on a custom-colored, splatter-print rug in the living room. “Whenever there was a choice between a safer option and a stronger option,” the designer reveals, “they always went for the stronger one.”

Ebert also curated a collection of art to bring in more color. “We had some big walls to fill,” she says. “I helped identify those places that needed robust artwork.” Hanging in the dining room, a powerful abstract painting by April Midkiff “energizes the vista down the entry hall.” The family room’s happy Hunt Slonem piece, depicting multi-hued finches, “provides a perfect segue to the outdoors,” accessible through steel-framed sliding doors.

In that family hangout space, which opens to the kitchen and breakfast nook, the designer balanced the couple’s request for a grown-up feel with practical considerations. A teal-toned performance fabric from Lark Fontaine clads the sofa. The Tulip table and indestructible chairs in the casual dining area can be wiped with a sponge. “We plan on raising our kids here,” states the husband. “We didn’t want stuff that we would feel uncomfortable having a two-year-old sit on.”

Upstairs, the primary suite serves as a soothing escape for the parents. Ebert encased the bedroom in monochromatic shades of dusty blue, starting with faux-silk wall covering from Phillip
Jeffries. “The clients are very well-traveled,” says the designer. “I was trying to call up that luxurious hotel-bedroom vibe.” 

Wallpaper bedecks the en-suite kids’ bedrooms too. The quirky Shattered pattern by Abnormals Anonymous enlivens the daughter’s pad. And a starry covering lines the ceiling of the son’s nursery. As fun as these spaces are, the lower level is, perhaps, the ultimate kids’ zone; its rope swing and climbing wall are popular neighborhood attractions. The basement also comprises a TV-viewing area, kitchenette and guest suite.

The owners appreciated the parental point of view that Ebert, who has children a little older than theirs, brought to the project. “I really wanted a home that felt elegant but was functional,” reveals the wife. “Without Catherine’s perspective, we might have ended up with a house that was really beautiful but hard to live in. This house strikes the right balance and works for our daily living.”

RESOURCES

THROUGHOUT
Windows & Exterior Doors: marvin.com.

FOYER
Flooring: petradevelopment.co. Stairs & Railing Fabrication: Century Stair Company; 703-754-4163. Stool: kravet.com. Console: bradleyusa.com. Paint: Snowbound Vases by sherwin-wiliams.com.

LIVING ROOM
Fireplace Surround: petrastonegallery.com. Chaise: modshop1.com. Chase Fabric: Sahco through kvadrat.dk/en. Coffee tables: Custom by catherineebertinteriors.com. Rug: artandloom.com. Game Chairs: arteriorshome.com. Lounge Chairs: vintage Marco Zanuso. Game Chair fabric: larsenfabrics.com. Lounge Chair Fabric: zimmer-rohde.com. Center Table: m2l.com. Roman Shades: conradshades.com. Art: Owners’ collection. Wall Treatment: twindiamonds.com.

KITCHEN
Cabinets: binovamilano.com through petradevelopment.co. Island & Backsplash: petrastonegallery.com. Pendants: rh.com. Range & Refrigerator: mieleusa.com. Pot Filler: waterworks.com. Countertop & Sink: petrastonegallery.com. Bar Stools: m2l.com.

BREAKFAST ROOM
Chandelier: rh.com. Table: dwr.com. Chairs: m2l.com. Art: Owners’ collection.

DINING ROOM
Art: April Midkiff through merrittgallery.com. Table: hellman-chang.com. Chairs: gubi.com. Rug: galleriacarpets.com. Wall Covering: phillipjeffries.com. Chandelier: gabriel-scott.com. Sideboard: bethanygray.com. Mirror: arteriorshome.com.

FAMILY ROOM
Sofa: hickorychair.com. Sofa Fabric: larkfontaine.com. Rug: carpetimpressions.com. Coffee Table: Owners’ collection. Pedestal Table: westelm.com. Leather Chair & Ottoman: hermanmiller.com. Frame TV Art: Hunt Slonem through merrittgallery.com. Paint: Snowbound by sherwin-williams.com.

POWDER ROOM
Sconce & Vanity: rh.com. Wall Covering: phillipjeffries.com. Fixtures: waterworks.com.

OFFICE
Desk: Custom by catherineebertinteriors.com. Chair: dwr.com. Desk Lamp: circalighting.com. Shades: conradshades.com. Drapery Fabric: larsenfabrics.com. Drapery Fabrication: rockvilleinteriors.com. Paint: Snowbound by sherwin-williams.com.

OWNERS’ BEDROOM
Bed: aneesupholstery.com. Bedding: matouk.com. Night Table: madegoods.com. Table Lamp: kravet.com. Drapery Fabric: romo.com. Drapery Fabrication: rockvilleinteriors.com. Rug: galleriacarpets.com. Chair & Ottoman: dwr.com. Pedestal: westelm.com. Wall Covering: phillipjeffries.com. Bureau: centuryfurniture.com. Art by Bureau: Owners’ collection. Art above Bed: Amy Donaldson through  merrittgallery.com.

CHILD’S ROOM
Bed, Night Table & Hutch: newportcottages.com. Bedding: craneandcanopy.com. Chair: vintage. Chair Fabric: janechurchill.com. Table Lamp: westelm.com. Wallpaper: abnormalsanonymous.com. Rug: carpetimpressions.com. Shade Fabric: larkfontaine.com; samuelandsons.com. Shade Fabrication: rockvilleinteriors.com.

NURSERY
Crib & Chair: Owners’ collection. Rug: romo.com. Shade Fabric: fschumacher.com; samuelandsons.com. Shade Fabrication: rockvilleinteriors.com. Wall Paint: Pale Smoke by benjaminmoore.com. Wallpaper: hyggeandwest.com. Shelf: newportcottages.com.

BASEMENT
Storage Unit: us.usm.com through m2l.com. Art: Amber Goldhammer through merrittgallery.com. Paint: Snowbound by sherwin-williams.com.

“We had a sense of good design from living with Frank’s work for three decades,” says the husband, a DC-area dentist. “And we knew from taking part in his process how much potential this place had when we first saw it.”

The wife, whose career in advertising and marketing now informs her philanthropy work, had set her sights on a single-level condo in beautiful, walkable Kalorama when the couple decided to downsize once their son left for college. “We were empty nesters,” she says, “and this place was perfect.”

When they invited Randolph to see the 2,400-square-foot, two-bedroom abode in 2019, his reaction was definitive: “If you don’t buy it, I will!” The large, open spaces, airy proportions and even the silky quiet of the partially below-level elevation sparked the designer’s imagination. But the floor plan was chopped up—especially the primary suite, which had to be accessed via the library. The finishes were dated and broad, flat wall expanses throughout lacked soul. In the living area, a prefab fireplace begged to be replaced.

Randolph turned to Christian Zapatka, his go-to choice for architectural projects, to devise a plan that would indulge his vision: A classic New York or Paris apartment. “We introduced clarity and definition to the jumble of spaces with an enfilade plan featuring defined rooms with proper cased openings,” Zapatka explains. “And we gave the blank walls substance with paneling and well-articulated trim.” The renovation also solved the dilemma of the primary suite’s awkward access, creating a convenient, direct entrance from the reimagined front hallway.

Zapatka’s plan established a 140-foot grand axis that allows the rooms to unfold in a sequence—each subtly framed by doorways. “I delineated a progression of spaces that I call zones,” notes the architect, who built them up using chunky cased moldings, cabinets and shelving that deliver character. He also adorned the walls with classically styled paneling that he describes as “true paneling, not applied.” Three plywood layers per panel, including a molding inset, create subtle shadow lines.

With four coats of Benjamin Moore’s Super White in high gloss, the wall panels convey the look of boiserie, a style found in 18th-century France and often imitated in preWar New York apartments. The same glossy paint on the ceilings reflects natural light from windows and terraces adjoining the rooms. “Painting everything one light-enhancing white ties the entire unit together,” Randolph avers.

A clean-lined, contemporary fireplace in Indiana limestone replaced the flimsy prior model; its low profile is a Randolph hallmark. Wide-plank, bleached white oak flooring in a chevron pattern throughout the dwelling emphasizes the flow between the rooms. “We ruled out carpets, which would only dimension the spaces to be smaller,” says the designer. Finishes on the door and cabinet hardware, picture frames, lamps and lanterns are light-reflective nickel.

A sleek Snaidero kitchen is open to the dining room, but its functions are discreetly hidden. Distressed-wood cabinetry echoes the hue of the foyer’s honed-marble floor. Randolph repurposed much of the furniture he’d used in his clients’ prior home. Inside the bright-white envelope, bespoke Niermann Weeks creations, pieces designed by Randolph and antiques mined from Marston Luce and David Bell are gorgeously sculpturesque. Refreshed upholstery mirrors the greenery on terraces off the living and dining rooms and autumn-orange accents reference Fortuny pillows purchased in Venice on the couple’s honeymoon.

The collaboration wrapped up in the best possible way. As Zapatka comments, “Clients who requested the feel of a New York apartment in Washington now say they can’t wait to return to DC when they’re in New York!”

RESOURCES

THROUGHOUT
White Oak Flooring: royaloakflooring.com

LIVING ROOM
Paint: benjaminmoore.com. Painting Over Mantel: Owners’ collection. Fireplace: Custom by christianzapatka.com. Club Chairs: Frank Babb Randolph; 202-944-2120. Ottoman: michaelclearyllc.com. Ottoman Fabric: elizabethbenefields.com. Sofa & Sofa Fabric: barbarabarry.com. Round Occasional Table: David Bell Antiques; 202-965-2355. Demi-lune Table: marstonluce.com. Mirror: davidiatesta.com. Flooring: classicfloordesigns.info. Club Chairs: Frank Babb Randolph; 202-944-2120. Club Chair Fabric: cowtan.com. Pedestal Table: dessinfournir.com. Drawers: niermannweeks.com. Pictures above Chest: antique. Neoclassical Chairs: David Bell Antiques; 202-965-2355.

HALLWAY
Console Table in Nook: Grand Tour Sculpture: Antique. Light Fixture: vaughandesigns.com.

KITCHEN
Cabinetry: snaiderodcmetro.com.

FAMILY ROOM
Club Chairs & Upholstery Fabric: Frank Babb Randolph; 202-944-2120. Sofa: barbarabarry.com. Sofa Fabric: hinescompany.com. Coffee Table: davidiatesta.com. Console & Chairs: niermannweeks.com.

BEDROOM
Headboard: Custom. Art on Wall: lesliearcher.com. Sconces: vaughandesigns.com.

BATH
Vanity: Custom. Flooring: porcelanosa-usa.com.

BEDROOM
Bed: Custom. Painting above Bed: Jennifer Grinnell. Bedding: matouk.com. Chair: David Bell Antiques; 202-965-2355. Nightstands: vaughandesigns.com.

Meyer proves the point beyond doubt in her own Bethesda digs. She and husband Michael, who works in commercial real estate, purchased the post-War Colonial in 2009 just before their first child, Grayson, arrived; Colin came along three years later. Over time, Meyer has crafted an environment that showcases her design prowess, while surviving what she calls, “the chaos of life.”

The living room welcomes visitors to the home. Nuanced neutrals set a sophisticated tone, but durability rules the day. A performance fabric from Perennials covers the custom sofa; its contrasting trim elevates the look. A “very forgiving” velvet covers two armchairs. “Nothing in the house is too formal,” the designer notes. “I like things that feel refined, but I don’t want people to be afraid to sit down anywhere.”

Vintage furnishings, found objects and family heirlooms fill the home. The living room’s cocktail table, for example, was signed by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, a prominent furniture maker until his death in 1976. An antique chinoiserie mirror hangs over the living room sofa and beside it sits a child’s chair that Meyer’s great-grandfather had made for her grandfather more than 100 years ago. Books that once belonged to that same grandfather fill the library’s bespoke, black-painted shelves.

“I prefer a space that feels collected,” says Meyer. “That summarizes my aesthetic perfectly. It is more organic and authentic, and fundamentally reflects the people who live there. This house is very reflective of us.”

Opposite the living room, an “impactful” Farrow & Ball wallpaper envelops the dining room, where guests often gather. “Michael loves to cook, and I love to dress kind of a ridiculous table, so we both get to express ourselves,” the designer reveals. “Grayson says that I put more plants and objects on the table than food.”

Those creative inclinations led Meyer to study fine arts at the University of Maryland and, in 2007, to start her namesake firm. While handling a range of projects, Marika Meyer Interiors also specializes in consulting on construction. That expertise came in handy two years ago as the designer reimagined her own kitchen/breakfast area and improved other spaces.

The casual-dining zone, family room and part of the kitchen sit in an “unusual” 1970s addition at the back. One of the first steps in Meyer’s redo was to remove a dropped ceiling in the breakfast area, which gained nearly five feet of height in the process and now mirrors the family room’s vaulted effect. Freshly installed, V-groove ceiling panels bring vintage charm to both spaces. The dining area’s bay window boasts a new bench seat with concealed storage under its flip-top.

In the kitchen, an upper cabinet that obstructed the view into the adjacent family room came down. The remaining dark-wood cabinets received a coat of off-white paint. As Meyer explains, “The main objective was to make the space feel more open and expansive.” Softly veined granite countertops and a glazed-subway-tile backsplash “bring the aesthetic forward a little bit.” White oak flooring with an ebony stain replaced white tiles throughout the addition (the original hardwood floors in other spaces were refinished to match).

Meyer dialed up the color and pattern in the family room’s recently refreshed scheme. She reupholstered a Lee Industries sofa in a spritely, green-hued indoor-outdoor fabric from Thibaut. “This side of the house definitely goes bolder,” she notes. “I wanted it to be more playful, more fun. It matches the energy of our family.”

The chair and pillow fabrics, as well as the rug, are from the designer’s own collection, Marika Meyer Textiles, which launched in 2016. The impetus for the customizable line was twofold: to solve sourcing challenges for tricky color combinations; and to feed Meyer’s craving for “a new creative outlet.” Fabric options expanded last September with the introduction of the Dumbarton Collection, which draws its name from Georgetown’s historic property and offers three gardenesque designs.

“For me, inspiration is everywhere,” the maker reveals. “I’m always looking at things with a critical eye toward pattern. That’s the blessing and the curse.”

Meyer sought “visual quiet” in the upstairs owners’ suite, where she bathed the walls in warm-gray paint. A cherished portrait that depicts the designer’s great-grandmother, grandmother and mother—all of whom shared the name Marika—hangs in the space. The boys’ rooms, on the other hand, brim with exuberance. For proof, look no further than the wallpaper lining Colin’s pad.

The word “fun” pops up often as Meyer describes both her handiwork and approach. The designer’s sage advice for those embarking on a new build or renovation serves as illustration. “Have fun,” she encourages. “It’s a luxury to be able to do it, so there is no reason that the process shouldn’t be as enjoyable as the end result.”

Renovation & Interior Design: Marika Meyer, Marika Meyer Interiors, Bethesda, Maryland.

RESOURCES

LIVING ROOM
Front Door Paint: finepaintsofeurope.com. Rug: mattcamron.com. Sofa: custom by meyerinteriors.com. Sofa Fabric: perennialsfabrics.com. Pillow Fabric: kravet.com. Drapery Fabric: marikameyertextiles.com. Drapery Fabrication: gretcheneverett.com. Round Table: vintage. Table Lamps: vintage through misspixies.com. Wall Paint: Manchester Tan by benjaminmoore.com. Mirror Over Mantel: johnrosselli.com. Mirror Over Sofa: meyerinteriors.com. Side Chair: vintage through hickorychair.com. Side Chair Fabric: marikameyertextiles.com. Arm Chairs: vintage. Arm Chair Fabric: cowtan.com. Chest: vintage.

DINING ROOM
Table & Chairs: vintage. Chair Seat Fabric: perennialsfabrics.com. Chair Back Fabric: fschumacher.com. Rug: starkcarpet.com. Chandelier: circalighting.com. Wallpaper: farrow-ball.com. Drapery Fabric: fschumacher.com. Drapery Fabrication: gretcheneverett.com. Ceiling Paint: Iceberg by benjaminmoore.com. China Closet: vintage. China Closet Paint: billetcollins.com.

KITCHEN
Cabinet Paint: White Dove by benjaminmoore.com. Countertops: unitedstatesmarbleandgranite.com. Backsplash: mosaictileco.com. Stove: kitchenaid.com. Lamp: vintage. Sink Fixture: perrinandrowe.co.uk through fergusonshowrooms.com. Runner: vintage.

BREAKFAST AREA
Table: allmodern.com. Chairs: serenaandlily.com. Chandelier: vintage. Window Seat Fabric: thibautdesign.com. Window Seat Pillow Fabrics: clarencehouse.com; galbraithandpaul.com. Roman Shade Fabric: China Seas through quadrillefabrics.com. Roman Shade Fabrication: gretcheneverett.com. Wall Paint: Pale Oak by benjaminmoore.com.

LIBRARY
Wall Paint: Manchester Tan by benjaminmoore.com. Bookshelves: custom by meyerinteriors.com. Card Table & Chairs: vintage. Chair Fabric: China Seas through quadrillefabrics.com. Rug: starkcarpet.com. Light Fixture: circalighting.com.

FAMILY ROOM
Wall Paint: Pale Oak by benjaminmoore.com. Rug: marikameyertextiles.com. Pink Table & Table Lamp: vintage. Sofa: leeindustries.com. Sofa Fabric: thibautdesign.com. Lucite Table: ballarddesigns.com. Photograph: Slim Arons. Sculpture on Wall: custom.

BOY’S ROOM
Animal Wallpaper: scionliving.com. Desk: westelm.com. Desk Chair: amazon.com. Desk Lamp: vintage. Blue Dresser: vintage through misspixies.com. Dresser Lamp: homegoods.com. Bed: crateandbarrel.com. Pillow Fabric: kravet.com. Mirror: vintage. Roman Shade Fabric: lucyrosedesign.com.

OWNERS’ BEDROOM

Wall Paint: Pale Oak by benjaminmoore.com. Bed: custom. Headboard Fabric: fabricut.com. Bedding: matouk.com. Pillow: marikameyertextiles.com. Armchair & Drink Table: vintage. Rug: coecarpetandrug.com. Roman Shade Fabric: Lee Jofa through kravet.com. Art & Night Table: vintage. Table Lamp: circalighting.com.