Give Your Home a Spring Makeover

Posted by Rebekah Lowe / Monday, May 9th, 2011

Color Trends

TUESDAY, MAY 10  *  RESTON LOCATION  *  11-12 pm

Find out what’s hot and what’s not. Hear from Patti Frasier, Liz Gouldin and Amelia Logan, some of Northern Virginia’s interior design experts, about what colors are working for spring and summer 2011. They will share before-and-after photos with examples and ideas to help make your home ‘in’ for 2011.

RSVP to reston@thedandelionpatch.com

11923 Market Street   |   Reston, VA 20190   |   703.689.2240

How Do I Work With a Decorator?  

TUESDAY, MAY 17  *  VIENNA LOCATION  *  11-12 pm

Are you looking to spruce up your home for summer guests? Maybe replace that sofa or the window treatments that haven’t changed in 10 years, or just add some accessories? Learn from award-winning decorators Rachel Bauer, Doni Kanka, and Jane Sams how to use their expertise to enhance your style.

RSVP to vienna@thedandelionpatch.com

111 Church Street NW, Suite 101   |   Vienna, VA 22180   |   703.319.9099

Window Decorations 

TUESDAY, MAY 31  *  GEORGETOWN LOCATION  *  11-12 pm

Similar to clothing, window treatments can be fashionable or completely out of date. Traditional, Contemporary, Modern, Eclectic… Learn from experts Jan Bertin, Lorin Jones, Amelia Logan, and Jackie Moyer about window fashions in the 21st century—what works today, what’s functional, and what’s not.

RSVP to georgetown@thedandelionpatch.com

3222 M Street NW, 2nd Floor   |   Washington, DC 20007   |   202.333.8803

All About Accents

TUESDAY, JUNE 7  *  LEESBURG LOCATION  *  11-12 pm

Does your home need a little extra sparkle? Come and learn how to add jewelry to your home to complete your decorating ensemble. Award winning interior decorator, Lauren Riddiough Clement will show you how accessories make all the difference in finishing a room.

RSVP to leesburg@thedandelionpatch.com 

1603 Village Market Blvd. SE, Suite #114   |   Leesburg, VA 20175   |   703.443.8810

Room for Retreat

Posted by The Editorial Desk / Monday, December 15th, 2008

From Fine Wines to Surround Sound

By Jennifer Shapira

Courtesy of Baltic Leisure Wine Storage

With a little effort and a lot of vision, potential-laden spaces can be transformed into individual home sanctuaries. In a promising abode, locally designed wine cellars and media centers make for the most relaxing of respites.

People love wine. It’s something that reminds them of their travels. It’s kind of hip. And then to have a wine cellar—there’s a little bit of a cachet to that,” said Joe Duffus, owner of Vintage Wine Rooms in Great Falls.
In higher-end homes throughout the area, there is almost an expectation that there will be a space devoted to wine storage, he said. But that “wow” factor is not restricted to large homes—condos and townhouses are putting them in, too.

When it comes to wine cellars, experts are quick to say, if you build it, the bottles will come. All it takes is a little bit of interest before inventory starts stacking up, bottle by bottle, case by case.
“In the first year that a person owns a wine cellar, their wine purchases go up 60 to 70 percent, because you have wine storage that needs to be filled,” Duffus said. So people join clubs and have bottles shipped back from wineries.

Courtesy of eSommelier

Cellar to Cellar
Doug Rosen, owner of the Arlington wine shop Arrowine, agrees. “What people need to bear in mind is, it’s not where you are now, it’s where you’ll be in 10 years.”

In a short time, Edwin Penick’s collecting changed. “You’d be surprised how much wine you could start buying,” said the principal of Silver Hammer Design Plus Construction LLC. “I started with wines that were good now. But I’ve gotten to the point where … I see why people hold on to these French Bordeaux for so long. They become incredibly good after 20 years.”

And in that respect, building a cellar is all about investing in the future. For Penick, what began as an interest in reds and whites spilled into tasting more on travels, on visits to wineries, at social gatherings. He read up, got to know his grapes. Fast-forward to today, and close to 300 bottles rest on their sides in his Arlington home’s half-basement. His advice? “Always make a cellar bigger than you need it—because you will start buying more.”

Duffus recalls one local client whose son was born in 2003. A serious collector, he bought case upon case from Bordeaux and beyond. When his son turns 21, he’ll present him with one heck of an aged collection.
Now a bona fide collector, Penick and his wife won’t uncork some of their purchases for years. “You buy it before it’s even available.” But he says that’s all part of the excitement.

Getting Wired
Years ago, when Peter Christensen and his wife had their home built, they had already begun to envision their wine cellar.

Courtesy of Vintage Wine Rooms

“We carved out a section of the basement which we had the builder build to wine-cellar specifications in that it’s got the vapor barriers and it’s all framed in,” he said. “They left us, essentially, with a room that was insulated.”

From there, Christensen installed a cooling and humidity system to keep the 8-by-11-foot subterranean space at precisely 55 F. He knew he wanted the cellar to be wired, but at the time wasn’t quite sure what he had in mind. So earlier this year when he hired owner of Sterling-based Home Network Solutions Lew Little to connect the rest of his Mount Vernon home, the oenophile was edging closer to having his laptop take up residence in what would become an 1,800-bottle showpiece.

After researching companies that sell modular wine racking, however, Christensen, a skilled woodworker, decided he could do it cheaper and made fast friends at the local lumber yard. He chose Honduran mahogany because it was attractive and durable and wouldn’t impart anything on the wine.

Keeping Track
Christensen inventories his domain using CellarTracker.com. Buying wine begets more wine, and the bottles can tally up faster than you can drink it. He started when he found some bottles whose prime drinking dates had passed. To make sure that didn’t happen again, he’s been using the Internet-based filing system ever since and now makes note of suggested drinking window dates so that his wine is always at its best.
That system, and others like it, link to wine-review sites like eRobertParker.com. Another option is eSommelier’s touch-screen that allows users to search their stashes by country, region, winery, drink date and beyond, eSommelier partner Joe Hageman said.

Some also have barcoding capabilities—Christensen’s next task. When he’s not inside making a selection, he’s content to peer through the window of his tightly sealed mahogany door. An angled display rack showcases some of his picks, and he can swap out those prime spots when it suits his mood. That way, he and his wife can enjoy the cellar without bundling up.

When it comes to cellar management, “Some are very fastidious about what’s in their cellar,” Rosen said. “Some are just plain disorganized. Others simply run out of room.”

Rosen believes that a basement is the best place to store varietals, but concedes that in older homes, that’s not always possible. And here, where the climate fluctuates rapidly, “It’s really about how fast the swing of the temperature is that’s really damaging. The cork can contract; oxygen can get into the wine.”
But with the right temperature and humidity, cellars can be built into almost any space. When Penick redoes basements, he advises his clients that if there’s any interest in proper wine storage, even a tiny cellar just might be a good idea.

“It doesn’t have to be anything extravagant, it’s a good selling point to your house, and it’s really what you need to take care of your wine.”

The location of cellars can get creative—the space beneath a staircase or unused closets can be transformed. “Lots of people just take unwanted space and convert it,” Penick said.

Getting It Right
Americans drink their reds too warm and their whites too cold, Rosen said. His is an echo of a common complaint among experts, who recommend 15 minutes in the fridge for red, 15 minutes out for whites before serving them.

Still, it’s all a matter of enjoyment, he said, and putting forth the effort to be sure that bottles are stored properly. These days, kitchens in new homes are equipped—at least—with an under-the-counter 48-bottle cooler, but that’s strictly for short-term storage. “You’re not going to be aging in one of those … You want wine at 55 degrees and at least 60-percent humidity. You’re not going to get that in the kitchen, where most people have ornamental racks,” Rosen said. “The kitchen is the worst place to store wine because it’s so hot.”

But even small coolers that hold six, 12 or 24 bottles are perfect for people who like to entertain, said Jennifer Keegan, spokesperson for California-based Vinotemp.

“The fact that wine coolers have become much more available and affordable, there’s no reason to not have one,” she said. It’s the perfect antidote for someone who likes to have wines at the ready.

For hardcore collectors, Vinotemp makes biometric locks, requiring a certain fingerprint to gain access into the cellar. Others may warrant an alarm system. In that case, if the temperature in the cellar rises above or drops below a certain degree, the owner will be alerted via multiple phone calls.

Boom Rooms
After you’ve uncorked that Burgundy, kick back for a favorite flick in the privacy of your own home theater. The recessed lighting dims to almost black, the surround sound transports you, and the front projector beams onto the high-performance 103-inch screen. There are no big hairdos to dodge, and reading the subtitles of that foreign film is no challenge. You just sit back in roomy leather seats, relax and prepare for a true cinematic experience.

People are spending more time at home, said Lisa Ladsen, architect and senior project manager at Lowe’s in Fairfax. And technology has become so much more accessible and sophisticated that it’s come to belong in the home. After all, in this day and age, kids are light-years ahead of their parents when it comes to programming remotes, Ladsen said. Fortunately, for the serious stuff, consultants abound to be sure you get just the right setup for your home theater.

Courtesy of MyerEmco

Putting It Together
Two things you’ll find in any high-end home theater are the perfect pair: a huge flat-screen and a ceiling-mounted projector. Next up, and just important, are the components stacked neatly into their cubbyhole spaces: the receiver, the DVD player, the DVR, the CD changer, maybe the PlayStation, the Wii, an old VHS recorder and at least a half-dozen speakers placed strategically throughout the room.

“Because we have a large-screen display, we have a multi-speaker sound system. You want to have sound coming at you from the front, left and right, from the center front and also from the sides and rear,” said Gary Yacoubian, president of MyerEmco AudioVideo.

Home theaters consist of two types: dedicated and non-dedicated. In a dedicated space, the family or household has identified a certain room as its home theater whose exclusive purpose it is to tune into the near-requisite 100-inch mini-movie-theater screen. The non-dedicated option is a multipurpose room where other activities might take place, and where there might be a bar, a pool table, a yoga studio. In a shared space, a pinhole is a creative lighting approach that allows for reading, Small Bernal, Inc.’s Adrian Small said. Here, a retractable flat-screen TV might best suit the room’s function, so as not to subtract from the living space.

Courtesy Integrated Media Systems

All About Aesthetics
A dedicated room maximizes the cinematic experience: “The touch of one button means the lights go very dim, the projector lowers into position, the screen lowers into position, the projector turns on,” Yacoubian said. “It’s really sexy. It’s fun.”

While the days of the big ugly boxes seem to have all but vanished, Yacoubian said prospective buyers are now considering the aesthetic of the TV when it’s powered off. That’s sometimes even more important than what it looks like when it’s on. “We are literally selling TVs because of the finish in some cases,” he said. His customers have been known to say, “I’m purchasing it because it’s got a really attractive high-gloss black finish … It will look good where my piano is.”

And then, of course, there’s the issue of remote. As universal remotes come down in price, they’re becoming a hotter item, Little said. “It’s addressing the issue of command and control. Everybody hates having four or five remote controls sitting on the coffee table. To me personally, one of the most important parts of any media room is to be able to pick up a single device and press a couple buttons and have it function. And then use that same device to change the channel, pause the DVD—just general day-in, day-out usage of it.”
A universal remote can be a “marriage-saver,” according to Little, who favors one manufactured by Logitech. People get “tired going out and having the babysitter call them and say, ‘I can’t turn the TV on,’ or, ‘I don’t have sound.’”

Although remotes can be a source of stress and clutter, Little says they are not hard to program. “If you know your system and how to operate a computer fairly well then you can program it yourself.” The end result? “You hit one button that says ‘Watch TV.’ And it turns on the TV and turns on the cable box. It turns on the surround sound … It’s a pretty cool setup.”

Such are the benefits of these “wow” factors. Still, at the end of the day, people just want to come home and unwind. Be it with a glass of red, or the remote. Maybe even both.

Tips for Designing a Great Home Theater
Gary Yacoubian, MyerEmco AudioVideo

If possible, the TV should be front and center of your viewing position and as close to eye level as possible. Corners are a no-no unless they simply can’t be avoided.

The larger the display, the better! You want to occupy your field of vision as much as possible to almost fool yourself into believing you are right there with the action.

If you hang your flat-panel TV on the wall, or if you hang a projector from the ceiling, you need to use a licensed electrician to run the AC power behind the wall to the TV. Some companies (like ours) have licensed electricians on staff and can do this as a part of the TV installation.

If you have a dedicated room, you want to control outdoor ambient light completely so you can darken the room to enjoy programming.

All HDTV is broadcast in Dolby Digital surround sound. At least half of the emotional impact of the theater experience comes from the sound. Even the best TVs do not come with good sound systems, so you want to make sure to dedicate part of your budget to a home theater that delivers sound to you from all directions, so you can really feel a part of the action!

Speakers no longer need to be boxy. If your home theater is in a living room, family room, den or bedroom, you can use speakers that install directly into your walls or ceiling so they disappear into the room.

If you are remodeling or building a new home, always run wires prior to when the drywall is installed. It is extremely affordable to run wires at this time. Even if you have no specific plans for the room right away, you will have great options down the road!

How to Properly Serve Wines
India Hynes, VINOTEMP

Storing wines at the proper temperature is important. To preserve them as long as possible, wine should be stored at approximately 55 F. However, the chart below suggests the optimal drinking temperature for the different styles of wine.

19 ºC (66 ºF) Armagnac, Brandy, Cognac
18 ºC (64.5 ºF) Full-Bodied Red Wines, Shiraz
17 ºC (62 ºF) Tawny Port
15 ºC (59 ºF) Medium-Bodied Red Wines
14 ºC (57 ºF) Amontillado Sherry
13 ºC (55.5 ºF) Light-Bodied Red Wines
12 ºC (53.5 ºF) Full-Bodied White Wines

7 ºC (44.5 ºF) Non-Vintage Sparkling
8 ºC (53.5 ºF) Fino Sherry
9 ºC (48 ºF) Vintage Sparkling
10 ºC (50 ºF) Rose, Light-Bodied White Wines
11 ºC (52 ºF) Medium-Bodied White Wines

(November 2008)

Building Reputations

Posted by The Editorial Desk / Monday, December 15th, 2008

Spotlight on Award-Winning Remodelers and Their Most Lauded Projects

By Cathy Cruise

Do you ever wish your home was more functional, or dream of roomier rooms? Long for light, ache for ambiance? You’re not alone. With fewer people buying new homes these days, more are considering remodeling.

“When there’s no easy sale or trade-up option, it makes sense to improve upon what you have,” says John Byrd, president of Home Fronts News Service. “There’s a sense today of people settling in and making a house into one that works for them.”

But how to choose a contractor? Take a look at their achievements—like these 10 area builders, most of which received the National Association of the Remodeling Industry’s (NARI) Contractor of the Year (CotY) awards (national and regional). Others took home the big-name Chrysalis and American Institute of Architects (AIA) awards.

Eagle Home Design, LLC
11738 Indian Ridge Road, Reston; 703-476-5550; www.eagleprojects.us
NARI 2008 Regional CotY Award, Residential Kitchen $60K to $100K, Region II
Home in Sterling

Courtesy of Eagle Home Design

This kitchen had very little counter space, and not enough room for entertaining friends and family. While the owners wanted a contemporary look, they wanted it to match the traditional decor found in the rest of the home.

By removing one wall section, Eagle Home Design nearly doubled the size of the kitchen, freeing up traffic flow in and around the area, and providing a space that can now comfortably fit up to 20 people. More counter space was supplied as well, with the use of black, natural stone countertops. All new cabinetry and appliances were installed. Bisazza tile and prefinished hardwoods were placed on the floors, giving the room a contemporary, upscale design that blends well with the adjoining rooms and decor.

“Today’s clients are more willing to take risks in their remodels,” says John W. Thompson, principal at Eagle. “That means they’re becoming open to more minimal contemporary design. They are also very interested in rooms that use space more efficiently than the original design allowed.”

Sun Design Remodeling Specialists, Inc.
5795 B Burke Centre Parkway, Burke; 703-425-5588; www.sundesigninc.com
NARI 2007 CotY Grand Contractor of the Year Award, Residential Addition Under $250K
Home in Fairfax

Courtesy of Greg Hadley/Sun Design Remodeling Specialists

This home was dark inside, with one small picture window to light up the living and family room areas. The owners also wanted better curb appeal—an attractive entryway and better access to upper and lower floors.
Sun Design opened up the front of the house by building a two-story addition with a split-level foyer, creating new entries to both levels of the structure. Contemporary vertical windows were installed, along with skylights in a truss roof and frosted glass ceilings, to flood the house with natural light.

The rich wood siding on the home was made from a mixture of cedar, redwood and brick with a stucco finish. New flooring was achieved with porcelain tile and oak hardwoods.

The result is a much brighter, more inviting area, inside and out. The spacious foyer now allows for direct access to the lower level and provides a much-improved flow of space.

Bob Gallagher, vice president of Sun Design, says innovative projects like this are becoming the norm. “We have been seeing more of a desire for a creative design,” he says, “that will result in strong value for what homeowners spend.”

Fisher Group, LLC
4119 Chatelain Road, Annandale; 703-750-1151; www.designbuildrenovate.com
NARI 2007 CotY Finalist Award, Residential Bath $30K to $60K, Metro DC Chapter
Home in Falls Church

Courtesy of Lydia Cutter/Fisher Group

This homeowner didn’t want a big bathroom, just “big enough to not bang my elbows,” she says. She desired not only more space, but a contemporary style with warm finishes—particularly wood, clean lines, lightness of scale and neutrals with jewel-toned accents. She requested a spacious grooming area, plenty of storage, a shower with a seat, more light and, since she’s a gardener, as much connection to the outdoors as possible.

In lieu of the usual mirrored wall over the vanity, Fisher Group placed vanity cabinets in front of the windows, allowing for a fresh and spacious look. For grooming needs, a mirrored medicine cabinet and lighted, standup makeup mirror were provided on the vanity. A frameless shower enclosure with a curbless entry was added to visually enlarge the space, and the toilet was partially hidden from view by a linen closet.
Large windows were installed to let in the garden view and as much light as possible, and a raised ceiling provided a sense of volume and a contemporary line to the space. Cabinetry was chosen to complement the new red-oak doors installed throughout the home, and natural reed shades were mounted to complete the indoor/outdoor theme.

The Gallick Corporation
111-C Carpenter Drive, Sterling; 703-787-0313; www.gallickcorp.com
NARI 2008 National CotY Award for Residential Exterior $100K and Over, Region II Southeast; NARI Region II Grand Award; NARI Chapter Merit Award
Home in Great Falls

Courtesy of The Gallick Corporation

This outdoor space wasn’t always so spectacular, with an original porch consisting of aging pressure-treated wood and a concrete slab. The homeowners wanted a more versatile, inviting area for their outdoor gatherings.

When it was discovered that the home’s existing well and septic fields were not located where the property plat indicated, the initial project scope had to change. The existing deck was demolished, and feasibility tests for relocation and reconstruction of new systems had to be conducted. Once this was done, The Gallick Corporation used weather-resilient materials such as synthetic stucco, composition decking and polymer sheet cabinets to build the new structure. Just off the home’s kitchen sitting room, a full outdoor kitchen was created, complete with stainless-steel appliances and granite countertops. On the upper left patio, steps away from the living room, stands a handsome new fireplace of faux cultured stone.

This versatile new deck is now accented with ceiling fans, coffered ceilings, recessed and spot lighting, and metal rails with gated spiral stairs. The space blends well with the upbeat character of the home, and serves as the ultimate spot for get-togethers and outdoor entertaining.

Little River Carpentry, LLC
14 Little River Road, Laurel, Md.; 301-775-4276; www.littlerivercarpentry.com
NARI 2008 Regional CotY Award for Residential Bath $30K to $60K, Region II
Home in Washington, DC

Courtesy of Randy Hill/R.B. Hill Photography, LLC / Little River Carpentry

A 1950s bathroom in this Embassy Row home was typical for its time—small, with black and white tile, pedestal sink and a small closet nearby. Since this cramped room had to serve as the main master bath for the owners and their children, Little River Carpentry set out to make a functional, yet kid-friendly space.
After removing the closet, they set the wall two feet into the bedroom to make one large master suite. They added a bathtub with a hand shower and fashioned a step for the children and for the parents to sit on at bath time. While they made the vanities 36 inches high, they also created pull-out rolling stools so the kids could reach the sink.

Since one child was potty training, heated floors were installed to help with late-night trips to the toilet. The wall between the bathroom and nursery was framed out in 2-by-6 instead of 2-by-4, allowing for deeper insulation and a sound-isolation panel.

“The owners knew they had a tall order,” says Little River owner, Andy Ault. “We asked them to make a wish list in order of priority. They said they’d be happy with 50 percent of it. We basically gave them every item on it.”

Anthony Wilder Design/Build, Inc.
7913 MacArthur Blvd., Cabin John, Md.; 301-907-0100; www.anthonywilder.com
NARI 2008 Regional CotY Award for Residential Exterior Specialty, Region II
Home in Great Falls

Courtesy of Paul Burk / Anthony Wilder Design/Build

After living with an unattractive deck that couldn’t hold much more than a grill and some chairs, the owners longed for a bigger space, as well as a hot tub and screened porch. “I told them, ‘Let’s make it a big courtyard,’” says Anthony Wilder, who envisioned an environment unto itself outside their door.

Using mostly maintenance-free synthetic decking for the rails, columns and groupings, the company built a dazzling, mutlilayered outdoor retreat. To keep the view from being disrupted, the screened porch was placed to one side, and a covered walkway was constructed to reach the bell-shaped, gazebo-style enclosure. The structure itself rests on top of an ivy-covered base with unique arched doorways. Vertical, transparent screens made of synthetic wire cloth were installed right into columns of the porch, which can be opened or closed as needed. A glass rail around the hot tub again keeps the view in plain sight.

“People want exposure to the outside,” Wilder says. “Anytime you build a structure like this, you should consider it your outdoor living space.”

Bowers Design Build, Inc.
6715 Whittier Ave., Suite 200, McLean; 703-506-0845; www.bowersdesignbuild.com
NARI 2007 Grand CotY Award for Historic Home Renovation, Metro DC Chapter
Home in Arlington

Courtesy of Anne Gummerson/Bowers Design Build

Designers call it a four-square farmhouse—one square each for the living room, dining room, kitchen and foyer. The owners of this 1920s-era home knew it could be improved, especially its limited space, but wanted to maintain its historic appeal.

Bowers Design Build added a fifth square—a three-story one—out back. This provided a basement with a guest room and full bath, a mid-level family room and mud room, and a third story master bath, closet and exercise room. Hardiplank siding helped maintain the original wood look of the exterior, and windows were made to copy the originals. Since the garage was nearly falling down, a new, almost identical one was built. The owners now love that the house is not only updated, fully functional and beautiful, but still looks authentic enough to belong in the neighborhood.

“People want the same things they’ve always wanted,” says Wilma Bowers, company co-owner. “They want open floor plans so they can have more of a great room effect. Master bedrooms and baths are big and have been for years. We ask people to think about how they can utilize existing space first. Not only is that cost effective, but it’s a green approach as well.”

Glass Construction, Inc.
3307 Connecticut Ave., N.W., Washington, DC; 202-362-6012; www.glassconstruction.biz
2007 Chrysalis Award, Regional Best Project, Whole House Remodel Over $500K
Home in Washington, DC

Courtesy of Hoachlander Davis Photography, LLC./Glass Construction

This 1891 residence, the oldest house on record in Cleveland Park, had been in general decline for years. The floors needed leveling, staircases had to be brought up to code, and framing needed to be made structurally sound. The owners also wanted an addition with an enlarged basement and an exterior renovation that would retain the home’s Victorian style.

Glass Construction began by installing a full-depth, 9-foot basement, requiring development of a shoring and stabilizing system throughout the existing structure. A 2,500-square-foot addition was then constructed, a procedure that required all the mechanicals to be rerouted and one side of the house to be raised 3 inches to level the floors. New staircases were built, the kitchen and bathrooms received high-end fixtures and appliances, and custom-milled casework, built-ins and trim were installed throughout. Air and plumbing systems were replaced, and the electrical system was upgraded to feature speaker and audio visual systems and modern security features. Exterior repairs replicated the old porch as much as possible to match the details of the original front.

Fifteen months later, this once-neglected home was transformed. It now retains its full historic charm while meeting the needs of its presentday family.

Michael Nash Custom Kitchens & Homes
8630-C Lee Highway, Suite B, Fairfax; 703-641-9800; www.michaelnashkitchens.com
NARI 2008 Regional CotY Award for Residential Kitchen $30,000 to $60,000, Region II
Home in Springfield

Courtesy of Michael Nash Custom Kitchens & Homes

This kitchen had a single door to the family room—a tight squeeze for normal traffic—and an alcove that took away valuable space. The homeowners wanted to widen the opening between the two rooms, but still be able to close it off when guests stayed in the family room. They envisioned a huge, sliding barn door to serve that purpose.

“This was a challenge we had never encountered before,” says Sonny Nazemian, president and CEO of Michael Nash. “But we researched it and decided it would work.”

As the owners also wanted the kitchen enlarged, a load-bearing wall was moved 18 inches deeper into the family room. To hang the heavy barn door, the wall was reinforced and made into one straight line. The door was suspended by wheels that moved across a solid-iron bar above the doorway.

To create the French-country kitchen the homeowners wanted, beadboard was installed on the center island, along with dark granite countertops, decorative backsplash tiles, wood floors and angled lower cabinets. The kitchen is now eye-catching and efficient, and prominently features a distinctive door that not only functions well, but serves as an interesting conversation piece.

“People today want more open kitchens,” Nazemian says. “Lighter, airier and accessible from all corners of the house.”

David Jameson Architect Inc.
113 South Patrick St., Alexandria; 703-703-3840; www.davidjamesonarchitect.com
2006 Virginia Society AIA Design Award; 2007 Northern Virginia Chapter AIA Design Award; 2008 Washingtonian Magazine/Washington, DC Chapter AIA Design Award
Home in Arlington

Courtesy of David Jameson Architect Inc.

The owners of this 1970s home wanted a more open, unified space that would appear firmly connected to its outdoor surroundings. With its labyrinth of tiny spaces beneath a mass of unrelated roofs, the original footprint was functional, but needed to be spatially reordered. Additionally, the exterior required updates and simplification.

Using Spanish-cedar siding, heavy stucco walls and glass, David Jameson Architect, along with its contractor, Added Dimensions (Takoma Park, Md.), created a much more spatially elegant, ultramodern home that flawlessly draws in elements of nature. Incisions were made in the floor plates to create open, multi-story areas that weave the surrounding forest backdrop into the living spaces. The contemporary, rectangular exterior, carved into a steep site, uses an L-shaped base of stucco to root the house into the sloped area. A wood-and-glass tent-like structure tops out the garage and offers a unique outdoor terrace with a hot tub and skylight.

The result is a striking, innovative dwelling that has a true connection to its environment. “More and more clients come to us asking for lots of natural light,” says Ron Southwick, project architect. “They want open spaces and want their homes to have a true connection with the landscape.”

Tips on Hiring a Contractor
Although you’ll want to check out any potential builder with the Better Business Bureau and do some research on the Internet, here are some basics to ask before you sign on. For more tips, visit www.nari.org.

How long have you been in business?
How many projects like mine have you completed in the last year?
Can I obtain references from these homeowners?
Who will work on my project—employees or subcontractors? Who will supervise it?
When can you start/finish?
What is your work schedule like? (What time do they begin and end each day?)
Lastly, ask yourself: Do I feel comfortable with this company? Do they respond promptly to inquiries? Am I being heard?

What If You Don’t Have a Lot to Spend?
Remodeling doesn’t have to blow your budget. For custom-built results at modest prices, consider these tips from J. Michael Belle, managing member at New Century Homes in Fairfax, and Andrew Moore, president of Arlington Designer Homes.

Should you consider first?
Begin by shopping smart, Belle says. “Minimize and narrow your focus. Go to a vendor’s showroom, and get the builder’s sales reps involved early on.” And note that, when comparing bids, “the lowest bidder is not always the lowest priced. Compare apples to apples. Sometimes the true value is in the service.”
Moore says to consider upgrading unused space before adding on, and to try recycling from a source like Habitat for Humanity’s Re-Store, which offers donated household items. Or check out manufacturers’ ‘remainders’—such as kitchen cabinets originally designed for another house. “It takes some flexibility,” Moore says, “but the value can be worth it.”

You can only afford one upgrade, what should it be?
“Kitchen and master bath,” Belle says. “You get almost a full return, a ‘wow’ factor in resale and the pleasure of use until you sell.”
Moore agrees that kitchens, baths and master bedrooms are generally the way to go, but says “if something sticks out like a sore thumb, consider addressing that. Or if most people see your house from the outside, maybe you should paint, buy shutters or landscape.”

Can you cut corners—and where should you not?
Belle says it’s OK to curtail finish work, “like interior finishes, trim sizes or door sizes,” but not in the kitchen or outside. “Never cut back in brick or exterior finish, exterior detail or landscaping. Always finish the exterior to make it water-tight.”

“Don’t cut back where safety or high-traffic areas are involved,” Moore says. “If you use your family room a lot, don’t get cheap carpet there, because it will need to be replaced in a year or two. Don’t save on plumbing fixtures, either. It costs a lot to have a plumber fix a leaky faucet.”

About DIY painting, wallpapering, etc.?
“If you’re good, you can finish up,” Belle says. “But I think that is risky and would not recommend it.”
“If you can apply wallpaper,” Moore says, “and not make it look like a second-grader did it, there’s no need to pay someone else. But is it worth a weekend of work for you to save $200? If so, have at it.”

(October 2008)

Garage Mahals

Posted by The Editorial Desk / Monday, December 15th, 2008

Zoom Rooms Race Into the New Frontier

By Jennifer Shapira

Courtesy Maytag

On a sparkling spring day, the businessman’s home was transformed into a showcase for two dozen Ferraris. Positioned artfully around his circular driveway and situated in just the right positions on his stamped concrete motor court, the exhibition was one of sheer horsepower.

It was the Ferrari Club’s annual get-together. As if in hushed museum corridors, the owners walked amongst their works of art, discussing their super cars at the best local garage outside NASCAR, the appropriately nicknamed Garage Mahal (a reference to the late Dale Earnhardt’s space extraordinaire).
What places this garage amongst the region’s top? The host, Peter, owns 11 cars and more than 3,000 square feet of personal play space. A self-proclaimed hobbyist since youth, it had always been his dream to have a room to restore cars—presently, he’s working on a ‘65 Mustang—as well as a place to park his vintage beauties.

There are the exotics—the Porsche, the Ferrari, the luxe Bentley and the Rolls-Royce—as well as the antiques—a 1966 mini Woody wagon and a rare 1957 BMW Isetta Microcar.
“My taste in cars is eclectic,” Peter said. “There’s no rhyme or reason.”

And, like an exhibition’s retrospective, a walk among them is a journey through time. It was during his years overseas in the service that Peter fell in love with the tiny, one-door Isetta. He and his now-grown daughter once raced Porsches at Watkins Glen in upstate New York. Today, while he still loves convertibles—he owns five—he drives sedans around town for their unbeatable practicality.

Courtesy of Maytag

The concept of his luxury garage, equal parts museum and auto body shop, was a dream that materialized over a number of years. Peter and his wife bought their sprawling lot in 1989 and began building their house, whose original, built-in, two-car garage served its purpose briefly. The two both had cars, but the first extra set of wheels called for the build outwards. As the collection grew, the attached space became an office; an extension served as a new three-car garage.

Today, an adjacent English-style motor court leads admirers to the piece de resistance: 3,100 square feet of garage perfection.

It took assistance from friends, some very specific visionaries, discussions with local architects and the exacting guidance of a team of contractors to make these digs what they are today. On one side, there’s another three-car garage, but thanks to two lifts, two more cars can be elevated overhead, essentially transforming the space into a six-car garage with a 12-foot ceiling. Framed keepsakes adorn a tiled hallway that leads to a full bathroom, complete with shower and urinal—“my wife wouldn’t let me put one in the house, so I put one in here.” One area of the garage is for storage exclusively, for “everything that makes noise and smells bad.”

Finally, everything is meticulously labeled, and tools are always returned to their correct spot in the workshop-lounge, which hosts the blue hydraulic car lift, the beams of which bolts and screws are magnetically attached for easy access. The lift rises some 6 feet, so it’s possible to stand while working beneath a car. The concrete floor is heated, so it’s also comfortable to work flat on your back.

The lift rises some 6 feet, so it’s possible to stand while working beneath a car. The concrete floor is heated, so it’s also comfortable to work flat on your back. Courtesy Premier Garage

Here, the floor slopes slightly, so when the cars are washed, water drains into the built-in trench. Peter also installed a double sink with foot pedals in the workspace to keep hands from greasing up the faucet; a motion-activated soap dispenser and automatic paper towel machine also hover close at hand. The ample cabinetry is that of Home Depot, and the mirror sports a Ferrari logo.

At the far end of the room sits a wooden bar, complete with functioning tap and several stools salvaged from a local pub. The lengthy countertops are two halves of a bowling lane, donated by a friend. Coffee table books on automotives are strewn along the counter, along with a mix of DVDs of the BBC’s fan favorite “Top Gear.” A stereo system pipes in tunes from the radio.

Couches situated in front of the big-screen LCD TV invite evening gatherings of sports, beers and cigars. Birghtly colored, round, metal posters line the perimeter above, advertising obscure British makes and classic American hot rods. Bookshelves are chockfull of guides and manuals; tomes are displayed artfully across magazine racks. MSRP window stickers hang, matted and framed for quick and easy specs-checking purposes.

Truly, this is a grown-up playground for the most passionate of car lovers.

Coutesy of Michael Rhodig/GarageMahals

High Art
That’s the idea, said Michael Rhodig. Founder of the Arizona-based Garage Mahals, Rhodig has made a career out of building extravagant, multicar garages. He made over his own garage-studio-office to showcase his black Harley, and the space now serves as the idea factory for projects all over North America.
Homeowners have been redoing kitchens and bathrooms for years, Rhodig said. Until now, though, garages have been largely ignored. “The garage is the final frontier of home improvement … It’s a showroom for your automobiles. It’s a gathering place for your friends; it’s a party room for yourself or your kids. It can even double as a home theater or a lounge area.”

Rhodig is currently at work on a three-level, 18,000-square-foot garage for a home in Canada. The job, which is likely to total $3.1 million when complete, is a family affair, according to collector Jacqueline Laniuk. Each car purchase she, her husband and two teenage sons make is a collective decision, including her husband’s series-one editions, Lamborghini and others.

Project specs include a freight elevator and a glass-enclosed shop “that looks and functions more like a hospital operating room,” according to Rhodig. The main level is slated to feature the car collection, which includes the family’s “toys” (snowmobiles and ATVs), as well as an entertainment lounge complete with full bar for cocktail parties.

Vrooms With a View
Kurt Mickelwait, Porsche owner and facilities manager at HBL of Tysons Corner, knows a thing or two about showrooms, professionally and recreationally. Of his own garage, he said, “I’ve done a lot of unique things with it. I’ve got painted floors, nice lighting, a 60-inch TV and a working shop.”

But when it comes to specialized spaces, he calls to mind that of a friend. All done in black lacquer, the garage is so slick that it’s reminiscent of an art gallery. “The cars look like they’re perfectly angled in his living room.”

Local collector, enthusiast and Porsche racer Gary Church can relate. “Car people love cars. They love to work on them, fool around and fix them.”

Church and his wife, who also races, converted their garage from a two- to a three-car space when they added a lift and raised half the ceiling. Fully heated and air-conditioned, the 25-by-25-foot area is tricked out with a workbench, cabinets from Gladiator Garageworks and a flat-screen computer monitor that doubles as a satellite TV, perfect for tuning into the Speed Channel while at work on the cars. And should Church have a specific question, all his manuals are stored on the computer, so he can easily look up the answer. “It’s a nice little space,” said Church of his home-based hobby shop and showroom. “So if my wife ever kicks me out, I’ll have a place to live.”

Tim Wallace, an Arlington-based architect and homeowner, is a self-described “car buff.” Higher ceilings and the installation of a car lift gave him more space for his ’35 Ford Slantback, a ‘38 Chevrolet Sedan and his 2003 Harley-Davidson Fat Boy. Task lighting allows him to tinker at night; black-and-gray checkerboard tiling is anti-skid and easy to clean. Though he admitted his space is unusual for Arlington, Wallace’s firm focuses on the construction of major home additions, leaving the specific outfitting tasks to garage specialty companies.

Getting Organized
And that’s where PremierGarage fits in, said Scott Ditto, owner and operator of the Sterling franchise. Upon request, a team of his consultants will visit your garage, write up a proposal and suggest fixes, from sturdy shelving to high-gloss or textured, slip-proof flooring. Storage solutions are creative, such as warehousing such seasonal items as Christmas ornaments on the ceiling, or putting in lifts to hoist bicycles up and out of the way, Ditto said.

Organization is one of the most important things to consider when it comes to the garage, said Lou Ann Schafer, marketing manager at Whirlpool’s Gladiator GarageWorks. The Michigan-based company, whose products are distributed and installed on the East Coast by Potomac Garage Solutions, offers these suggestions for a redo: Rent storage space if you have to, but get your stuff out and sort through it decide to what to keep and what to toss.

“We know that 40 percent of Americans don’t park their car in the garage,” Schafer said. “Some of that is because they’re cluttered, and some it is because they use their garage for other things like a workshop or a living space.”

Gopal Ahluwalia, vice president of research at the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), in Washington, D.C., said that, in 1993, 78 percent of homes nationwide had a garage or a carport. In 2006, 91 percent had garages, and the trend now is that they’re getting bigger. As SUVs grow, so too do garages. The average size of a two-car garage is 20 feet by 20 feet. But the NAHB estimates that by 2015, the average will become 22 by 22.

And when it comes to high-end garages, people are spending more money on building new spaces, Ahluwalia said. Whether it’s geared toward renovations or add-ons, Americans are currently spending approximately $2 billion a year for garage upgrades.

Garage envy can be grounded in as simple an appeal as the notion that everything has a place. It may be the ease with which your neighbor pulls his SUV into his multi-vehicle room, or a certain snazzy floor, LCD TV or workspace. Maybe it’s the overall ambience of a sleek showroom. It might even be the Ferrari.

For the budget-less, a Garage Mahal might be a personal reality. But for those with limited funds, spaces can still be elevated to high art—you’ll just have to admire the masterpieces from a distance.

What Made You Decide to Do the Work?
Northern Virginian Doug Strait details his revamp

What made you decide to make over your garage?
We’d been in our house for 38 years. We and our guests have used the garage as a primary entrance and exit port for our house due to the convenience of its location. We had changed the garage door, hung some of our old kitchen cabinets when we remodeled our kitchen to hide some of the junk that accumulated over the years, added insulation over the ceiling to keep the garage warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer, and replaced all the windows on the house. 

What was the process like?
The cracks that we had in our garage floor had grown from minor fissures when we moved in to much larger cracks that continued to expand, and when (Scott Ditto of Sterling-based PremierGarage) told us he wouldn’t put his finish on the floor because the floor had active cracks, I feared the gap under the garage floor could be even larger than the gap under the basement slab. I envisioned coming out to get in my car one morning and finding it in a 2-foot hole.

Did it go the way you thought it would?
Our garage was not a pretty site and certainly not the place you were proud to use as an entrance to your home. It would not be a stretch to say that we had, by far, the ugliest garage in our community.

Our original intent was to clean out the garage, throw at least half the junk away, have the floor coated with an attractive coating, patch the walls and give them a coat of paint, and replace the old kitchen cabinets with an attractive set of garage cabinets.

How did you get started?
We rented a POD and, with my son’s assistance, we put what was worth keeping in the POD while the renovation was taking place. We hauled truckloads of junk to the local landfill, hired a concrete contractor to tear out the old floor and replace it, hired a contractor to redo the walls, ceiling and paint the garage door, hired PremierGarage to coat the floor and hang garage cabinets.

Are you pleased with the outcome?
My wife jokes that she has never had to mop a garage floor before, and we tease our guests that they need to take their shoes off before they enter the garage.

I had wanted to remodel the garage for many years but the kitchen, family room, living room, foyer, dining room, roof, siding, new windows and basement remodeling were far higher on my wife’s list, so it never got done. Now we are both thrilled that we can bring our guests through the garage without apologizing for the neglect we heaped on it for those 38 years.

(August 2008)

The Green Living Room

Posted by The Editorial Desk / Friday, December 12th, 2008

Eye-catching Curb Appeal

By Jennifer Shapira

Outwardly expanding spaces encourage relaxation by weather-proofing pieces traditionally found indoors. Courtesy of Charles Luck Stone Center

Experts say there’s a developing trend in outwardly expanding living space. The comforts of home now extend to both front and backyards, in an effort to maximize and enjoy surroundings.

Northern Virginians are embracing lush landscapes, in part because outdoor living encourages togetherness and relaxation and appeals to those seeking to spend quality time with their families and friends.

The home’s exterior is now viewed as a popular space for entertaining, said Abby Buford, spokesperson at Lowe’s Home Improvement. “We’re seeing more furnished courtyards and decks instead of bare or neglected decks. And backyards that are gardens, instead of wide, open spaces.”

Outdoor living has become much more elaborate, said Lisa Ladson, project designer at EXPO Design Center in Fairfax. “With Virginia being fairly temperate, you can extend the time you spend outdoors,” she said. “When we go about designing these spaces, it’s typically based on the family’s lifestyle.”

A broad rainbow of hues can be incorporated into stonework to personalize a yard’s appearance. Courtesy of Larry Ruggeri/Petro

The pace of life today is generally a busy one, Alexandria interior designer Karen Luria said. Even when people take vacations they want to relax. And they often want to recreate that feeling at home, inside and out, with plush furnishings and eye-catching landscapes.

Front yards in particular are enjoying a renaissance, said Luria, who’s happy to report the revisit. There’s a sense of return to the community in chatting with neighbors and taking the time to breathe in fresh air. In the 1950s, she noted, “people used to take walks after dinner or have a drink on their front porches.” After all, a morning coffee or evening cocktail becomes infinitely more interesting on a hand-crafted stone or wooden bench.

Chalk it up to curb appeal, but there’s no doubt homeowners are now investing more in such features as manicured entryways, paved stepping stones and artistic brick walkways. The result? More spaces, small and large, to feel at home.

Mitch Picciano and Karen Sandburg of Oakton know a thing or two about decor. The two have always prided themselves on the interior of their 1970s contemporary home. But Sandburg always hated the drab exterior. On a trip to Venice, she was inspired to send an email to the eponymous home makeover show on HGTV.
“The good news is, they picked our house,” Sandburg said. “The bad news is, they picked our house because it was so ugly!”

Decks, which can place parameters on space, are being replaced with open eating and seating areas. Courtesy of Merrifield Garden Center

Because of her interest in mosaics, Sandburg commissioned an artist friend to cover the home’s lamppost and front steps with pieces of the hand-painted tiles. To keep the theme going, they chose durable flagstone and flecked the walkway, as well. Her neighborhood’s integrity in mind, Sandburg wanted something new and different that could also be seen from the street. “They are just little jewels! It looks so cool!” she said.

Sandburg exhibits the enthusiasm feeding the current surge in outdoors interest, said Kathleen Litchfield, president of Petro Design/Build. “Curb appeal (makes) people want to get out of their cars and into the front yard.”

When it comes to a home’s entryway, it’s not just about the traditional tall evergreens greeting you at the front door, she said. “You know them; they look like soldiers,” she observed of the trees, pointing to their branches as breeding grounds for her biggest pet peeve: spider webs. Overgrown or uncared-for shrubs can be equally burdensome, as well as dangerous. They’re an obvious hiding spot for people and bugs alike, and can automatically drop a home’s resale value. “Checking the energy and the flow into the front door, it has to be exciting. It’s not just about shade or privacy.”

Litchfield recalled one home where the client requested a patio but already had a walkway that was 50 feet long. A patio can be a front-door hub, she said, but an attractive portico can serve as a guide, offering protection from rain and other outside elements. She also recently completed the transformation of a non-functional driveway into a useable one. And Alexandria resident Omar Abdul-Baki had no idea his home’s surroundings were so rich in annuals and other mature plants and trees before Litchfield hauled 50 azaleas out of the ground, swaddled them in burlap and watered them as needed throughout the eight-week job. They were transplanted and now thrive in their new landscape.

Courtesy of Merrifield Garden Center

Patio Push
People are moving away from decks, and there is a shift now toward patios and walkways, said Steve Rosko, project sales manager at EXPO Design. “We’re seeing that decks confine space. People want to open up their whole backyard with an eating area, a sitting area,” he said, adding that patios are now spilling naturally into walkways and flower beds.

Mark Whitfield, senior product manager at Richmond-based Luck Stone Corp., said when it comes to foundations, there are loads of new colors and new finishes. He pointed to a limestone product called Scabos that is “practical and unique in its color.”

The spectrum, which used to focus on traditional browns, tans and golds, has further expanded to include charcoal gray, brick red and vibrant gold. Such bold colors provide the perfect transition from outdoors to in, serving as a few seamless steps from the patio to the sunroom.

In addition, cobblestones can create a nice effect as a patio border or an accent surrounding the landscape, Whitfield said. For do-it-yourselfers, there’s patterned flagstone. Cut on five sides, it offers the look of solid stone, but makes for an easy installation.

Slip resistance is often the finishing touch to the perfect patio built of stone or material that is durable and not likely to chip. Rubberized mulch is another alternative, said Doug Brock, manager of Betty’s Azalea Ranch in Fairfax. Made from recycled tires, it’s a good play surface for children.

Gone are the days of rigid plastic passing as patio furniture; today’s outdoor furnishings are bringing cushions and an emphasis on comfort. Courtesy of EXPO Design Center

Take A Seat
Accent benches have found their way into front yards. For a formal look, try bluestone, sandstone or limestone, Whitfield said. In the market for something more natural in appearance? Select weathered fieldstone for its patina, covered in moss or lichen. Or go one step further and choose boulder from a quarry. Stone slabs can serve as garden features that are just as eye-catching as some of summer’s brightest blooms.

But if plush seating is your fancy, you’re in luck. “Outdoor furniture now has the look of indoor furniture, but with weatherproof materials,” Buford said.

Outdoor living spaces are being finished with couches, chairs, coffee tables, dining sets and outdoor rugs. In keeping with comfy interior couches and pillows, the pieces often include details like piping, cording and fringe trim. Loveseats and sofas puffed up 4 inches thick can entice just about anyone to slink off to a garden hideaway.

From stainless steel to wrought iron or classic wicker, outdoor furnishings now exist to create any look and feel homeowners seek. According to Doug Peppler, furniture company Agio’s vice president of sales, “Five, 10, 15 years ago people bought five- or seven-piece dining sets, stuck in an umbrella, and that was it. Before that, there were $10 white resin chairs. That sufficed as patio furniture.”

From the concept of outdoor chat areas have emerged spaces of “bold, deep seating,” and “wonderfully comfortable cushions,” Peppler said. But you don’t have to break the bank to create such settings. Even today’s mass market tables and chairs consist of better materials, he said.

Thought, time and consideration are also being put into small-space pieces by the design industry. Condos with micro-balconies have different needs than mansions with several acres of estate. “We make these enormous seats with deep seating,” Peppler said, but settees and small dining sets are also important.

Designer trends are now seeing both patios and walkways spilling into and amongst flower beds and garden arrangements. Courtesy of Merrifield Garden Center

How Does Your Garden Grow?
Everyone wants four-season appeal when it comes to plants, said Robert Woodman, landscape designer at Merrifield Garden Center. While the effect can’t be achieved with one plant, the possibilities are endless with mixed planting. “I often use evergreens like supporting actors,” Woodman said. “Their job is not to be front-liners, but rather to show off their companions.

“One expression I have heard is a ‘living calendar,’ where you get excited because in the middle of February your witch hazel is getting ready to flower.”

Popular tree choices in Northern Virginia include crisp white or magenta crape myrtles for their summer flowering, bark coloration and overall shape. Virginia’s state tree, the dogwood, is a favorite for its shape, hues of soft pink and white and resistance to disease.

Experts agree that landscapes have to be low-maintenance. Even if you love plants and love to garden, it’s not realistic to put in plantings that require a team of round-the-clock workers.

And even low-maintenance greenery takes work, Brock warned. The first year for any plant, tree, shrub or lawn requires constant maintenance until it’s established, he said. There’s no way to tell if a plant is drought-tolerant until it’s experienced its first year and its first full weather cycle. Constant care is required: “People want to go on vacation and leave their plants,” Brock said, but for that first year, “it’s just like going on vacation and leaving the kid at home.”

Creating an area of seclusion with plants can be difficult, but is often what’s desired in this population-dense region. Renatta Holt, a second Merrifield Garden Center landscape designer, said if homeowners don’t have the property to screen out neighbors with plantings, they should put in something pleasant-looking. The human eye will see what it wants to, and stop there.

It’s another good argument for mixed planting. Should a storm fell a tree or a disease take its toll, it’s easy to plant something else in that spot. And from a general design point of view, Woodman said, one should think of the landscape like scribbles on a heart monitor. “In the medical world a flat line isn’t good … It’s the same in planting design.”

Recessed, low-voltage watts serve as a practical improvement to appearance when illuminating a walkway. Courtesy of Larry Ruggeri/Petro

Outdoors Aglow
Nightfall can be the best time to highlight a landscape. Spotlighting a front stoop’s container garden of culinary herbs, or illuminating a koi pond from below lets homeowners show off their favorite outdoor features. At once a gorgeous addition and conversation piece, a soothing, backlit water fountain can cast a radiant glow onto guests mingling at a cocktail party.

“Dramatic outdoor lighting can create magic when specimen plants or architectural features of the home are accented,” said McLean interior designer Barbara Hawthorn. And then there are the added benefits of safety and security.

Consider going green with solar-powered, low-voltage lights and motion sensors. Light the stone walkway to the front door, the backyard garden path, or dine under an umbrella’s solar bulbs. More playful touches that are party-perfect include tiki torches, candles and decorative strings of lights.

Lighting is aesthetically essential, Buford said. “It not only offers functionality and improves the safety of the home at night, but it can add depth and beauty to the landscape.”

Overall, the best advice experts are able to offer is to retain the home’s original environment. The style and the materials should complement the home, not contrast. If you live in woodlands, respect their integrity and consider embellishing with stones and boulders. Think about your home’s inner and outer workings. Creating an outdoor life and design is important, and the feel has to be right for you, Litchfield said. After all, it’s home.

What Made You Decide to Do the Work?
Oakton homeowner Karen Sandburg describes the process

What made you do the job?
The trees we started out with 13 years ago were not thriving. We had a front walk of pavers, and the ants had burrowed into the sand. The roots of the trees had come through, so the front walk was dangerous. We knew we had to do that.

What was your overall vision, drive and reasoning behind the project?
I wanted to have a front yard that invited me to go into the house, and I wanted to incorporate mosaics into the whole project.

Why and how did you want to take part in the process?
I’m a hands-on person. We took out all the old landscaping, and my daughter and her friends created the mosaic inserts on the walkway. We used the techniques that Bonnie Fitzgerald (of Maverick Mosaics) taught us. I’ve never seen a custom lamppost that’s been mosaic-ed!

How do you feel about the finished product?
Merrifield’s Robert Woodman listened continuously. I told him I wanted year-round color and low maintenance. I wanted plants that seemed very natural to the woodland setting, as well as having some pizzazz. We couldn’t be happier with the end result.

What suggestions do you have for others?
The design landscape doesn’t just have to be about plants. When people redo their front yard, they put in a bench, or a pot. Instead of that, we actually incorporated artwork into the landscaping. It’s another way of creating interest and distinctiveness.

Resources

Lowe’s Home Improvement www.lowes.com

EXPO Design 703-691-2433; www.expo.com

Merrifield Garden Center
Merrifield 703-560-6222; Fair Oaks 703-968-9600; Gainesville 703-368-1919; www.merrifieldgardencenter.com

Betty’s Azalea Ranch 703-830-8687; www.bettysazalearanch.com

Petro Design/Build 301-249-9000; www.petrodesignbuild.com

Luck Stone 1-800-898-LUCK; www.luckstone.com; www.charlesluck.com

Barbara Hawthorn 703-241-5588; www.barbarahawthorninteriors.com

Karen Luria Interior Identity Inc. 703-329-6262; www.interioridentity.com

Bonnie Fitzgerald Maverick Mosaics www.maverickmosaics.com

(May 2008)

What’s Cooking?

Posted by The Editorial Desk / Friday, December 12th, 2008

Recipe for a Tasteful Custom Kitchen

By Ashley Nichols

Granite countertops, strategic lighting and hardwood floors are three popular components to today’s most contemporary, yet still comforting, kitchens. Courtesy of Andrew Clements

Even the best home chefs can get a little heated when it comes to the layout of their kitchens. Oftentimes, the ingredients and appliances needed to create a meal are worlds apart. And a lack of counter space can limit one’s efficiency when trying to feed a large family. Why couldn’t the builder or previous owner of your home have designed the space where you spend hours slaving over a hot stove in a way that works for you? The answer, of course, just may be bringing in an expert to help you customize your kitchen. While it’s a pricey investment, the kitchen is one of the smartest rooms in a house to renovate. Before the recent drop in the housing market, most kitchen remodels were bringing in 125 percent returns.

We’ve sought out some local kitchen installation firms and spoken with their designers to find out which ingredients combine well to create a great custom kitchen. Read on to find out what aesthetically appealing elements can help you cut down on your prep time.

Integrating appliances to look like cabinetry is one approach homeowners are taking to create a streamlined space. Courtesy of Maytag

One Set Custom Cabinets
Are you the type who haphazardly piles pots and pan in the cabinet, twisting them until the handles no longer block the door? Chances are glass-front cabinetry is not for you. And that’s not really an issue, since most of today’s clients lean towards traditional over contemporary. Karen Barnette, of Harvey’s Kitchens and Baths in Sterling, says most Northern Virginians want a French country look and notes that clients looking for a modern approach are mostly from the Reston area.

There are many options in cabinetry today, with wood with raised paneling as the most popular choice. Two important things to keep in mind when making selections are to opt for something you’ll be happy to look at on a daily basis (nothing too dramatic or flashy) and to devote consideration to where you want extra tall and deep shelving. A professional can help you determine where everything should go so your design is built for your inventory of products—a welcome change from resigning yourself to a space that doesn’t work with what you’ve got.

Bob Clements, of Bath and Kitchen Creations, also in Sterling, says that at the core, what his clients are looking to do is create more storage. He says that on occasion, this means giving up storage elsewhere. In a recent project, the homeowners were set on adding an island, but their floor plan didn’t allow for one. Clement’s team ended up knocking out two pantries and a coat closet to give them what they wanted.

Barnette says one of the trends she’s seen growing in popularity is the idea of totally integrating appliances to look like cabinetry. “It could be a trash compactor or a dishwasher. You really don’t know what’s underneath,” she explains. Hiding everything can create a seamless look and appeals to the traditionalist who likes a cohesive feel.

While selecting cabinetry and hardware can be fun, it can also be daunting. A plethora of choices awaits you, and once you’ve picked a wood you’ll have to pick a finish. It may be tempting to remain indecisive until you feel like you’ve seen everything, but a good designer will recommend a handful of options that fit your taste. Choosing one of them will save you the time of exploring all of the options. It’s a little like picking out a wedding dress: You should stop when you really like one.

A variety of shading in finishes wards off the threat of monotony in one of the home’s most-used rooms.

A Few Slices of Stone Countertop
Unless you’ve been in hiding, you’re probably aware that granite countertops are the hot topic right now in kitchen remodeling. Clements says that about 80 percent of the 20 to 25 kitchens his firm completes each year use granite. “We do very little these days with solid surfaces. It’s turned completely into natural stone or quartz,” he says.

Like cabinetry, the choices in stone countertops may sometimes seem limitless. And clients are eager to select something that has a little wow factor, says Barnette. “They want the more exotic granites. They’re looking for something that’s different and not like their neighbors’,” she says. Barnette recently renovated her own kitchen and used a dark granite for her countertops. Working in the industry, she knew when she saw something unique. “I used honed granite to create a soft look on the perimeter and a breathtaking, textured granite countertop on the island,” she says.

Clement says that, whereas in years past countertop color has been about using off-whites, creams and other light tones, today’s kitchens bring in rich, dark colors. Stone allows you to choose something that occurs naturally, rather than the more forced color schemes in Corian. Swirls of dark blacks and browns can create an intense and custom look.

A Heaping Serving of Fine Flooring
Say goodbye to linoleum if you want your kitchen to look updated and contemporary. Though a bit pricier, clients are opting for real tile (try heated tile for those chilly winter mornings) or hardwood flooring. Both up the ante in creating a luxurious look for a space that has always been part utilitarian and part personally comforting. Be sure when you make selections to ask about finishes that keep what’s underfoot from staining. A good firm will keep you realistic and guide you to choices that work well in a kitchen that sees lots of traffic and the spills that come with it.

Warming drawer / Courtesy of Maytag

A Delivery Truck-Full of Modern Appliances
Unless you’ve got a cool, retro oven that really works, you’ll want to order a new set of appliances that coordinate well and serve your cooking needs. “You can tell if they cook by the type of range they get,” Barnette says. The cook top area is a new topic of focus these days. “Before it was the sink area,” Barnette says. “Now it’s a cook top with a nice backsplash.” She notes that detailed hoods are one of the main ways to personalize a kitchen.

In terms of ovens, Clements says he typically uses Jenn-Air and sometimes Sub-Zero/Wolf, and both Clements and Barnette recommend KitchenAid. Barnette personally uses a refrigerator with a pull-out freezer drawer at the bottom. She says it makes sense in terms of using space.

Today’s appliances come in a standard variety of finishes, but stainless steel is the most popular. “It’s really hot here,” Barnette says. “And they’re expanding on that idea. Now they’re using it everywhere throughout the house.”

Courtesy of Maytag

In addition, cooks who want a customized space may opt for refrigerated vegetable drawers in their islands or heating drawers for their bread. When it comes to placement of these smaller, specialty appliances, as well as larger ones, make sure you do many walk-throughs with your designer to create a space that will function well for you. Think about where you’ll have your bowls and silverware in relation to your refrigerator to see if preparing a bowl of cereal is going to be a relay around the kitchen or a more stationary event. Do the same with your spice cabinet, the countertop space where you’ll prepare your food, your pots and pans, and your cook top and range. Try different combinations until it feels like it fits your style.

Add Accessories to Taste
When you think about what you want your kitchen to look like, you probably imagine some of the larger details (previously mentioned ingredients) and not as much about the smaller ones. But for a really custom look, it’s all about the details. Try envisioning a backsplash that will evoke a calming mood, like aqua glass tile. Is this something you’d prefer over painted Italian tiles? And which grout color will you be able to keep clean and look at years later and appreciate?

Take the time to consider your family’s needs. Will children need a space to do their homework at a counter on the island? If so, maybe it should be a height they can reach on a short bar stool instead of a taller one. Is there a space that’s easy to hide a coffee maker so that it’s not continually on the countertop but always easily accessible for that morning cup of joe?

Courtesy of Andrew Clements

Envisioning these types of scenarios can help you achieve what you really want: a truly custom kitchen where you are happy to spend time. Maybe you already have artwork that you want on the walls. If so, be sure to leave adequate space and to paint the walls in a color that will complement your pieces. Write yourself a checklist of all the things you really want to have, then work with your designer to see how they can be done. And don’t be surprised if your designer comes up with some stellar ideas that rival your own. It’s totally OK to change your mind. Otherwise, why did you hire someone in the first place?

Prep and Cook Time
Depending on how available the products you select for your own kitchen are, a remodel with a local design firm will typically take two to three months. You’ll first meet with a designer who will generate plans and have you sign a contract. A few weeks will be spent ordering the cabinetry, floors, countertops and other major elements. You’ll make a few trips to a firm’s showroom to make selections and decide on all of the details. From there, it will take a few weeks for pieces to arrive to the company.

Once enough elements have arrived so that the remodel can begin, a crew will start the installation. Prepare for noisy workers. Walls don’t just knock down themselves. You’ll need to ask about how long you’ll be without use of some of your appliances, but never fear—when it’s all over and done with, chances are you won’t be eating fast food very often. You’ll see a team of carpenters, electricians and the like for a few weeks or even a month or two, depending on how much it takes to make your dream kitchen a reality. Be patient. It’s worth the wait. And your designer should be able to estimate a timeframe for you that’s pretty close to accurate so you’re not in the dark, waiting for the new chandelier to turn on. This recipe might call for simmering, but a tasty space is in your future.

Serve & Enjoy
When your kitchen is complete, you’ll be elated. Plan on preparing a favorite recipe the first night you are able to get in there and use it. Invite a few people over for a kitchen warming party to celebrate. You’ll be an even better hostess than before now that everything’s exactly as you want it.

(April 2008)

Spring Style Source

Posted by The Editorial Desk / Friday, December 12th, 2008

These days, it doesn’t matter if you lean toward shabby chic or city sleek—or both. Satisfy all your decor dispositions without looking overdone. Fuse your fashion tastes without squandering your savings. Why hold back? Spring forward!

Fusion, Fabric, Flair and Frill

By Ashley Nichols / Portrait Photography by Hana Jung

What if we told you that you don’t have to choose between your passion for Guatemalan prints and French fabrics? What if you discovered a place for both your Antony Todd coffee table AND your Victorian chandelier? In this fabulous age of daring decor, it’s true … you really can have it all.

Fusion Design Combines the Best of Both Worlds
Most homeowners find themselves intimidated when they hear the expression “fusion design.” Maybe the word “fusion” conjures memories of junior high science lessons. Or maybe it’s a fear of not knowing how to balance anything outside of traditional decor. Combining decorative pieces pulled from different parts of the globe is a delicate art form, but the outcome can be absolutely spectacular. We turned to local designers who know their stuff when it comes to using fusion in design to see what tips they have to offer. Read on to see how they achieve great looks, and learn how you too can transform a drab space into an eclectic convergence. It’s not as difficult as it seems. And we promise—no protons. Once you let go of your fears, you just might be in for a cultural awakening.

Maureen McGough

Southwestern Contemporary
Maureen McGough of Maureen McGough Interior Design recently completed her vacation home in Scottsdale, Ariz. She couldn’t resist incorporating some subtle southwestern and American Indian details into her contemporary two-bedroom, two-bath house. McGough selected most of the furniture from Kravet’s contemporary collection, created with clean lines and soothing hues. In contrast, she incorporated pops of rust, turquoise and gold in pillows and other accent pieces. On her sectional sofa, she used pillows with Navajo-type beading and leather fringe, as well as rust-colored pillows with silver studs. In addition, she brought in a coffee table from French company Art Concept Design. The table is metal and has etchings of arrows and curvy lines that remind her of cave drawings.

The breakfast area also combines contemporary and southwestern styles by pairing a pedestal table and rustic chairs with a Navajo rug. McGough carefully selected her pieces to create a space that has southwestern inspirations but could just as easily be found in Northern Virginia. As advice to those wishing to use fusion in their design, she says to “let your environment be your inspiration, and always try to do something different.”

Carolin Schebish of Design Exchange Inc.

Asian American
Perhaps the most recognizable and popular fusion design today is found in rooms that include Chinese- and Japanese-inspired pieces. “Influence from the Orient is everywhere these days,” says Carolin Schebish of Design Exchange Inc. in Fairfax. She credits the trend to the serenity Asian design invokes. “Rooms also become less cluttered when we infuse this type of design.” People want to come home from their hectic days at work to more calming environments.

For one client, Schebish helped incorporate an obi (Japanese sash worn with a kimono) into a contemporary American room by having it stitched so that it hung evenly (and safely) over a rustic wooden rod above the fireplace. The walls of this family room were painted a Chinese red with a gold over-layer. These accents were grounded with contemporary furniture by Baker with soft, comfortable upholstery. A custom area rug with a minimal pattern and a black and gold table with curvy legs also proved to pair well; a Buddha statue served to complete the look.

For Schebish, fusing an American look with Oriental accents requires a fine balance. One of her favorite looks is a table with just two unevenly shaped planks that join together to make a Japanese-style table.

Smart Travel
How to Purchase Souvenirs with Design Savvy

By Cathy Cruise / Photography by Jonathan Timmes

McLean native Vern Yip of HGTV fame suggests making these considerations when fusing multi-cultural influences in the home: stature, passion and color scheme.

Planning an exotic summer trip? If you’re like most people, you’ll lug home an assortment of beloved souvenirs. Like that Chilean mask gazing down on the Grecian urn resting on the Guatemalan tapestry…

Hmm. Perhaps a few photos would suffice?

Don’t sweat it. It’s not hard to merge eclectic elements into stylish presentations. Designer Vern Yip of Trading Spaces fame (now on HGTV’s “Deserving Design” and “Design Star”) says successful fusion decor begins with preplanning.

When traveling, “keep basic color cues in mind,” Yip recommends. “The more disparate the elements in your room, the more you have to find a common thread, like color, pattern, sheen. I love finding things in white or neutral that will work with my color palette.”

And, he urges, think big. “People buy small items because they don’t want to carry large ones home. But little things never make a statement, and end up being just a bunch of things on your table.” Instead, the former McLean resident advised, purchase one larger, meaningful piece, and have it shipped.

Buying things designed for the tourist industry is another mistake to avoid. “Too many people shop at the airport,” he says. “Buy something that showcases the artisans of a region—silver work or embroidery, wood carvings, whatever. You may not make that journey again, so buy something great.”

Most importantly, choose with passion. “Only bring home things you absolutely love. There should be a story behind any memento.”

Rebecca Hubler of Designed Interiors

Euro Eclectic
For Rebecca Hubler of Designed Interiors in Annandale, a client’s taste is the most important element in the process. Most of her designs are what she considers eclectic and incorporate items that are significant to her clients. Whether that means a particular piece of furniture or a child’s craft project, she finds a way to create a room where the client’s favorite finds are at home.

Many European designs on the market are statement pieces. A white plaster bust of an Italian artist or a handheld Spanish fan can find its way into the mix and bring in European appeal when paired with a contemporary American look. As long as you follow the basic rules of design—a substantial piece here to balance out a lighter look there and a good room flow—the actual style or medium (antique wood, glass, brass) doesn’t matter in an eclectic room, Hubler says. What matters is how much you like each piece. And if you’re inspired by the new wave of European designs, there’s no harm adding them to the mix.

Turkish Hungarian
Last summer, Janet Browne of Janet Brown Interiors in Richmond traveled to Budapest and fell in love (with their designs, of course). She toured palaces where she saw gorgeous turquoise tile work. What took her breath away was the intensity of the tone. She had always thought of turquoise as an accent color, but in this case it worked as the primary color, with red as an accent.

The combination has been a hit in the design market. Ann Sacks completed a collection of tiles for Kohler based on it. Called Iznik after the Turkish town where they originated in the 16th century, they are hand-painted in rich colors and create a dramatic backsplash or bathroom wall when laid.

For a Hungarian fusion, these colors alone can inspire a room. Balance their richness with more neutral pieces of furniture, then add in accent pieces that repeat the turquoise and red, such as pretty pillows with intricate beading or Hungarian artwork.

June Shea of Shea Studio

African Western
When Springfield designer June Shea of Shea Studio Interiors worked with a gentleman client from Mongolia, the two strove to bring elements of his heritage into his new western abode. For his fireplace, they painted images of traditional African tools, utensils and musical instruments onto the surrounding tiles. In his kitchen, they did the same for his backsplash with an image of a cooking vessel. For his powder room, which would be seen by several of his international business guests when he entertained, they combined a traditional wallpaper and border with a cheetah print ceiling, a wrought iron sink base resembling a tree, and locally bought African-inspired artifacts. “I try to use an eclectic mix in everything,” Shea says. “In this case, fusion was about including things that were personal to my client.”

Shea also works for clients who travel frequently and come home with objects of inspiration. In both types of cases, she aims to balance homeowners’ interests and create a signature look. For Shea, fusion is a way to make design personal for a client. Setting something striking against traditional decor allows the conversation element, say a cheetah ceiling, to stand out.

Be Smart About Art
Investing in art can be a daunting experience. Will you still like it in 10 years? How should it be framed? Before you dip into your savings, keep a few of these tidbits from designer Carolin Schebish in mind.

It isn’t always art that’s pricey. Sometimes framing can run a pretty penny. Never buy a cheap piece of art just to make it look better with an expensive frame.

Try seeking out local art. Look for originals or limited editions.

Don’t buy inexpensive reproductions of famous paintings. Everyone knows they’re not originals.

At the end of the day, it really comes down to whether you love something. Don’t buy it if you can’t say that you absolutely do. If you really love it now, then you’ll still love it when you’ve had it for 20 years.

Another good idea is to shop around on www.etsy.com. Several new artists and craftsters sell their wares through stores on the sites, and some offer very unique pieces for fair prices.

Invest in one good piece that you really like, then hang other accessories to complement it. Try Oriental screens or antique plates that add character to the wall without breaking the bank.

Defining Decor
Understanding a New Era of Design

Just what does “modern fusion” mean anyway? What, exactly, qualifies a room as “contemporary”? Before you call the interior design help line, improve your vogue vocab with our nifty glossary.

Modern
Think modern and contemporary are synonymous? Think again. Modern is for those who like bare, striking decor, like stark white walls with industrial ceilings and minimalist furniture. Peggy Golden of Golden Interiors in Fairfax Station says polished, stainless steel furniture made of unexpected materials like Lucite is common in modern decor, and recommends it for commercial over residential spaces. Modern design is often found in New York, whereas Northern Virginians tend to soften it by mixing hues of softer white with ivory throws, or using tone-on-tone fabrics.

Traditional
Susan Ashley Donelson of Cleveland Hall Design in Alexandria says her clients want “elegant but not stuffy.” They continue to use Oriental rugs and wood-framed furniture with detailed legs, antique casegoods and reproductions, but with more functional updates. Furniture is slightly distressed, not “antiqued,” a quality that is more forgiving to scratches. Upholstery fabrics like chenille and ultrasuede are more resistant to spills. Floors are protected with custom sisal or seagrass rugs and carpeting. The lines are soft, but the feel is not old-English stiff.

Contemporary
As builders construct larger and larger homes, a need for designs that look good in oversize rooms is rising. Golden notes that a contemporary look offers clean lines and comfortable seating. Technological advancements like flat-screen plasma televisions call for sectionals and sofas with low arms that allow for relaxed reclining. In the kitchen, granite countertops and stainless steel rule the roost. On walls, contemporary designs lean toward faux finishes.

Art Deco-Inspired
Art deco, which has origins in France, often uses clean, architectural lines and repeat geometric shapes in fabric. Characteristically, the look calls for accents like sunbursts and dramatic use of glass. Kathy Alexander of Alexander Interiors in McLean says the look is now done with a more limited palette. Very popular today are mirrored pieces of furniture, which work best with blacks and neutrals. Alexander advises clients not to overdo it. “Oftentimes people will just keep buying more stuff to try to achieve a look,” she says. “I go in and have to remove almost 50 percent of the accessories.”

Get That Look
Dabble in Design with a Few DIY Tips
Don’t let the thought of redecorating send you weeping into your faded drapes. Consider a few pro tips for do-it-yourself tricks.

Modernize
Whether you want to go a little more modern in your design, or you just love white, be sure to pick a shade that will be pleasing, not harsh, to the eye. One trick Peggy Golden preaches is trying to aim for a peachy-pink white. People tend to look good against it, and you want to feel like you look good in your own home.

Customize
For a cohesive feel in a large contemporary home with hardwood floors, have custom area rugs made. Repeating the same medium, like seagrass or sisal, with a thick border can give your home a styled appeal and create a flow from one room to the next.

Downsize
Take the size of your room into consideration, and never shop without a measuring tape. Kathy Alexander says that she often sees clients who have fallen in love with a sofa that is simply too large for their living room. Likewise, for a house with high ceilings and large windows, have curtains made to completely cover the frames.

Room to Grow

Posted by The Editorial Desk / Friday, December 12th, 2008

The ABCs of Underage Decor

By Ashley Nichols

Courtesy of Flor

Children’s rooms can be a blast to decorate. But the cute-as-a-button puppy dog motif Junior begged for at age 3 might not be his idea of cool when he brings home his high school crush. Or your little girl may suddenly decide her ballerina theme is more demi plié than grand jeté when she hits puberty. So where’s the balance between of-the-moment trends and blah looks that are too neutral for self-expression? Unless you’re willing to shell out the bucks for a redesign every two or three years, the idea of creating a special space for a rapidly changing child can be as headache-inducing as long division is now (and as algebra will be later!).

We turned to local interior designers to find out not only what the kids are asking for these days, but also which strategies they employ to create child-chic decor. As it turns out, thanks in part to moms watching HGTV design shows and ABC’s “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition,” children are much more opinionated about what they want. The tough step, our designer friends say, is to work with them to translate what they want right now into something they’ll also like later.

Your Assignment
Check out these clever tips to achieving harmonious design in your child’s space. They’re alphabetized for your reading convenience. And, yes, there will be a test: It’s called real life. So study up and get to decorating.

Blik makes removable wall decals for room themes without the permanent commitment.

Adhesives
If you’re looking for something thematic or juvenile but not ready to commission a custom mural or paint stencils, wall decals may be just the thing. Several companies, like WallCandy Arts (available at Cradle & Crayon in Reston Town Center, Whimsies in Charlottesville and Zazu in Ashburn) and Blik make removable decals in bright colors and fun borders that you can toss when they outgrow them. “It adds a quick little wow factor,” said Cristina Depina, president at Alexandria’s CDM & Associates. She designs a lot of model rooms and loves using Wallies (www.wallies.com), a brand that makes wallpaper cutouts available in Jo-Ann Fabrics, Lowe’s and Michaels.

Bedding
Susan Jamieson of Bridget Beari Designs frequently designs rooms for children and teens, including nurseries. She’s noticed a trend toward more modern and less fussy bedding for babies in the past few years. “I’m using very clean lines from Matouk or Sferra, usually in white,” she said.

Canopies
When recently designing a little girl’s room in Oakton, Jennifer Parker of Patera Home ran into a challenge. Katerina, the 9-year-old for whom she was decorating, wanted a built-in space for her bed that felt like she was tucked away in her own world. There wasn’t enough room to close off an area for this purpose, so they settled on a canopy instead. “It addressed the feeling, but in a way that could grow with her and later be lovely as a guest room,” Parker said. Plus, Katerina is able to use her bed as a couch so her friends can enjoy the canopy experience as well. Depina agreed that little girls love the canopy look. “It makes them feel like princesses,” she said.

Room designer Cristina Depina creates thematic spaces with flexibility. Courtesy of Cristina Depina

Dad
While designers said they usually work most closely with mother and child when deciding on decor, a dad’s opinion can also add a personal touch. “I had a dad who wanted to be part of the process, and his gift to the room was that he painted the faux stripes in the nursery we were working on,” Jamieson said. “They turned out great.”

Existing Pieces
One of the first things a designer will do is ask what pieces you want to keep in the room. There’s nothing wrong with having more adult-looking furniture in a child’s room. A good designer will be able to advise you on fabrics to rejuvenate a chair or new purchases to complement your current collection.

Flooring
While carpet may be soft, it’s not always the best thing to have underfoot when little ones are involved and spills are twice-a-day events. If you can install hardwood or cork, this might be a good place to invest money. It will also help minimize dust mites and allergens. That said, a child needs a soft spot to play on, so an area rug that can be easily washed will be necessary. Parker loves using carpet tiles by FLOR (www.flor.com) to create unique crawl spaces. “They’re great in kids’ rooms because of spills,” she said. “You can just clean that one piece or replace it.” The tiles can be used to create a wall-to-wall carpet look or area rugs and come in basic and fun patterns. Anyone up for hopscotch?

Green
Although the color green is wildly popular, the environmentally responsible meaning of the word is just as prevalent in children’s room decor as it is the adult design world. Eco-friendly living is a hot topic in schools today, and conversations in the classroom are beginning to result in children implementing what they’ve learned at home. “I think they’re going to start coming home and saying, ‘You know, Mom, if we’re going to redo my room, I want low-VOC paint and bamboo flooring,’” Parker said. Researching sustainable woods and organic fabrics can be a great learning—and bonding—experience for a family as they redecorate.

High-tech
Speaking of research, chances are your children are almost as Internet-savvy as you are these days—if not more so. Creating a space for tech trends, including substantial desk space and plenty of hideaway outlets, is most likely a necessity. In addition, fun speakers and docking stations for an iPod allow for self-expression through music. “In our model homes, we usually set up a desk with a prop computer,” Depina said.

Inspiration
Every room starts with a different inspiration piece. If you’re working alone or with a designer, it’s important to define one before jumping in. Even if you make more decisions than your child, it’s nice to let him or her feel included and to see if he or she has something particular in mind. Sometimes it’s working around existing furniture you love. Sometimes it’s a piece of art. Oftentimes, it may be a swatch of fabric your designer suggests. Whatever it is, teach your children what it means to start with inspiration, and it will follow them through life.

Juxtaposition
We know, we know. This is a pretty big word for a children’s decor tip list, but we’re pretty sure you’re going to want to use it just the same. In essence, make sure not all elements of the room are perfectly matching. Using different textures and style variations, such as an iron bed paired with a soft canopy and a fuzzy rug, gives a room depth and a cozy feel. Even ultra-modern looks should have some items to soften them up. “If I’m working with antique furniture, I usually advise not using everything in the set,” Jamieson explained. “Sometimes I’ll take an antique chest and have it refinished, then use a painted bed.”

Lighting
While task lighting is important, one of Jamieson’s favorite decorative elements to bring into a girl’s room is a fun chandelier. It adds a little glamour and can usually fit well with the princess look they like when they’re young and the more Hollywood look they want in their teen years. Elegant sconces can also add a nice custom touch.

Monograms
When it’s a clean and simple yet personalized look you’re going for, try having a few things custom monogrammed. Jamieson likes to do fabric headboards for little ones that can later be slip-covered with a plain monogram for a more adult look. Parker used her client’s initials recently in the center of custom cornices.

Nostalgia
While you may have the urge to frame every artistic endeavor your little one attempts, it’s better to create spaces where their artwork can be replaced as they age. Using frames that are easy to change or even mounting their work on a custom bulletin board will allow you to save it when it comes down and later decide what to frame permanently.

Paint
In terms of color, bright and bold seems to be the current trend. For girls, pink and green are a classic combo, and the mix of hot pink and chocolate brown is gaining popularity. Bright purples, oranges, greens and yellows are also fair game. On the boys’ end, standard navy, red and white are popular for the all-American look, while fun tones like turquoises and greens are hot for a surfer feel. Along with bright colors, another trend for the younger set is to use chalk-friendly paint that allows children to draw on their own walls. Jamieson recommends Crayola.

Fat Boy in Marimekko patterns. Courtesy of Fat Boy

Quiet
Never underestimate how far ample play space can go. If you’re looking for a little more downtime in your family room, it’s important to create space not only for your children, but also for a couple of friends to come over and play in their room comfortably. This may mean using the closet more efficiently for storage or adding a play table at which they can sit. In addition, plush ottomans and soft, oversize seats from companies such as Fat Boy (www.fatboy.nl), which carries solid colors and Marimekko patterns, make for additions a step up from beanbags.

Research
To ultimately achieve a look you and your child can agree upon, do your homework. Reading this article is step one. Flipping through magazines and catalogues is another. Encourage your child to tear out things he or she likes and create a collage. The more each of you knows about what you like, the more likely you (or a designer) can find a compromise that fits both your tastes.

Self-expression
You may want a streamlined look, but that’s no reason to keep youngsters from expressing themselves. If a “High School Musical” poster is what they really want, figure out a way to make it work. You don’t want your kids looking back on their childhood and thinking they weren’t allowed to be themselves.

Courtesy of Cristina Depina

Themes
While the idea of using a theme can be fun, our trusted designers agree that the risk with using one is that the child will not like it after a few years. Before going overboard, scale back and figure out ways to subtly incorporate a theme in a way that won’t be a burden later. Pillows and cheap artwork are easier to replace than paint treatments and custom furniture. For instance, if your little boy is into NASCAR, try bedding with the same colors as his favorite racer and removable wall decals of cars, instead of a bed shaped like a car and a desk with a steering wheel sticking out of it.

Unify
Sure, a child’s room should have personality, but if you want a cohesive feel throughout the house, be sure to edit your choices to reflect it. New parents often run into this problem if they anticipate a move in the future. A house may sell better without a child’s room painted a bright color, so it’s probably best to save going all out for a house you plan on living in for a relatively long period of time.

Zzzz’s
While transforming a room’s decor is thrilling, the most important thing to remember is that this is the place where your child lays his or her head at night. It should be a relaxing space that envelops your young one and gives off a comfy feel. While you’re trying to balance between a look that is neither too juvenile nor too grown-up, it’s important to remember what it will look and feel like when the lights are out (whether a night light is glowing or not). Check for sharp corners and provide enough storage so that they’re not getting banged up on the way to the bathroom.

(February 2008)

Closet Couture

Posted by The Editorial Desk / Friday, December 12th, 2008

Custom installations can put the kibosh on clutter, but which features will best suit your needs? We turned to companies whose designers take clothes storage spaces from humdrum to spectacular.

By Ashley Nichols

Courtesy of Studio Becker

“Don’t agonize, get organized,” said David Mora, manager of Capitol Closet Design in Vienna. His mantra rings true, especially as we face a new year. The fact is, most people spend as little time in their closets as possible, often cringing when they open the door to a disastrous display of dirty and clean laundry heaped in piles and shoes and handbags scattered on the floor. Getting dressed in such a space tends to add to the misery of an early Monday morning.

Enter the custom closet installation industry. Companies who make it their mission to help you find everything you need with ease. Designers who count—yes, count—your shoes and create a nook for each pair, plus room to grow. While materials and designs run the gamut from double racks that hang twice as much clothing to sliding tie and belt racks, their purpose remains the same. We’re not saying a do-it-yourself job from Home Depot or an Ikea A-fits-into-B prefab system won’t suffice. With today’s variety of choices, customizing your closet is about what you want and how much you’re willing to spend. Sure, it may sound like an added expense now, but think how smart installing a simple, slanted shoe shelf could have been the next time you trip over your new platforms and fall into a stack of clean (or was it dirty?) laundry.

While not every state-of-the-art feature may be on your list of priorities, society’s current obsession with organization has driven designers to create some pretty fantastic thingamabobs. Take a walk through these three hypothetical closets—from low-end basic systems to knock-your-socks-off (and into special compartments!) luxury wardrobes—to find the elements that will work for you.

Simply stated spaces bring a sense of tranquility to a room. Courtesy of California Closets

Door Number 1: You want the basics, and nothing extra
“Northern Virginians require a lot of wardrobe, yet builders aren’t increasing closet space, even when they build McMansions,” said Karen Sylvestre, sales manager at Closets by Design in Manassas. She said that installing a custom system, even a $3,000 nuts-and-bolts look, can yield a 100-percent return during a good housing market and will certainly make a home more attractive to buyers than the house down the street without one.

For simple installations, you’ll find similar choices from most closet specialty companies. For Mora, the first feature to address is the hanging rod. Most closets he sees have a single, long rod. Mora said that isolating longer clothes into one section, then adding a second rod to accommodate twice the amount of shorter hang-ups frees space for shoe shelves, mirrors and laundry baskets.

At the lowest end of the spectrum, white melamine shelving and cabinetry are staples. They create a clean look without much fuss and give order to a once-messy space.

Courtesy of California Closets

Door Number 2: You want organization, but would like It to look pretty
With the popularity of HGTV and Internet research, today’s consumer is increasingly savvy, said Randall Fry, manager of sales and marketing at California Closets in Fairfax. “People ask less about what the product is and does. They’re more design-oriented these days,” said Fry. He’s recognized a trend towards minimalist furniture in the master bedroom, which means less dressers and wardrobes to hold a couple’s clothing and a larger strain on their closet.

In the mid-range spectrum, there are plenty of veneers with a variety of stains (think maple, cognac, cherry) to choose from for cabinetry and shelving. Since closet design trends tend to follow building trends, brushed nickel and oil-rubbed brass hardware are in vogue right now. For a little glam, add clear Lucite doors to cabinetry. They actually reinforce neat stacking since you can see what’s behind them (an added benefit when trying to locate a coordinating piece).

Courtesy of California Closets

One standout accessory is the valet rod (a groovy sliding rod that allows you to hang tomorrow’s outfit for quick dressing or a traveler to keep the suits he or she needs handy). “At a minimum, you’ve got to have a valet rod,” urged Sylvestre. “I wouldn’t let my clients go without one.”

Slide-out pant racks provide bars for pant hanging and minimize the time it takes to neatly hang pants on hangers. They come in 18- to 30-inch sizes and keep trousers from wrinkling.

For sorting out the dirty clothes, try tilt-out hampers so that dirty clothes are discretely hidden from view. If you want to really get organized, have multiples installed: one for lights, one for darks and a final third for dry cleaning.

For men, slide-out belt and tie racks are a preferred alternative to standard back-of-the-door systems or the delicate balance of using hangers. They shave minutes off finding the right accessories for a suit. Slanted shoe racks are another nice mid-range installation feature. They clear the floor and often increase awareness of what you own so that you don’t yourself resorting to the same pair repeatedly.

Wood cabinetry and backed shelves are among the high-end features that will produce luxe looks. Courtesy of Studio Becker

luxury closet makeover
“We may not go into our kitchens every day, but we walk into our closets every day,” Mora said. And a luxe closet upgrade is becoming nearly as popular as installing a desirable granite countertop. High-end features can make a huge aesthetic impact. And more people are spending the $20,000 to $150,000 to turn their closets into a wardrobe oasis than you’d think. Though many firms average a stream of customers with basic to mid-range interests, they’re also seeing a growing number of clients who hardly flinch at the top price tags.

“At this point, it’s no longer just a closet,” Sylvestre explained. “People want to feel like they’ve just walked into their own dressing room.”

For the ultimate look, there’s wood cabinetry and shelving with backing so that the actual wall is hidden. Glass panels and raised trim give depth and add drama. To top it off, clients can opt for crown molding on built-in pieces, as well as in the room itself. “To me, the look of floor-to-ceiling crown molding and back paneling makes the biggest impact of any install feature,” Sylvestre said.

In addition to the normal bells and whistles, luxury closets can incorporate added pieces of furniture for more usage and a boutique-like feel. Many clients are eager for a storage island. A designer can tell if the space allotted will accommodate one. For some, seating is appealing. Large ottomans or upholstered chairs allow homeowners to feel relaxed while preparing for the day. Specialty storage elements can also add to the look. Jewelry drawers are gaining popularity, along with safes.

Some clients ask for task lighting and chandeliers. Others want decorative mirrors placed throughout. The list of specialty custom designs goes on and on.

Designers at Studio Becker, a high-end international firm with American headquarters in California that’s branching out nationally but has not yet opened a showroom or boutique in the D.C. area, can attest to the fact that buyers want more and more customized luxury in their closets. Lasha Sawenyn, design director, said the brand has recently launched a line of Italian leather luggage to match their designs.

Fry said his firm has done luxury upgrades for professional basketball players (the challenges are their very tall clothes and plethora of shoes), yacht owners and even the East Wing of the White House. He said that, lately, closets are spreading to different rooms in the house. For some, it’s a hobby room that needs additional storage, but for others, it’s completely converting a child’s room into a closet space so each spouse has a walk-in (it’s safest to wait until Junior is past the moving-back-home-after-college phase).
Despite the add-ons, even the most luxurious of closets take shape from the same standard dedigns. “The basics haven’t changed: Hang space is maximized,” explained Fry. “That’s what a system does. The best ideas are the simplest ones. Materials change. Install methods have changed. And form follows function.”

How long until you’re organized?
Generally, if you call a closet design firm, a scheduler will assign your designer and book them for a time slot sometime in the following week. The designer will spend anywhere from 45 to 90 minutes assessing your space. If the project is a simple one, they may sketch a design on the spot. Or they may send one electronically or return to talk you through what they’ve come up with at a later date.

After you’ve seen the design, you’ll want to work out any kinks and then decide if you’re ready to sign a contract. For small jobs, you might expect to see laborers within two weeks. For larger or more intricate jobs that require ordering special components, it could be a month.

In most cases, a team of two will take a day to assemble and install your unit. For larger jobs, it could take two days. Be sure to ask if you should remove your clothing first. Different companies have different preferences. Most will remove your existing system and patch holes, but you may want to do that beforehand if you want to paint before they install. As your first step towards an organized 2008, why not make a checklist?

So you still want to do it yourself?
While we certainly admire your commitment, may we suggest you choose a self-install system that comes with a designer’s approval? At EasyClosets.com, you can create a custom design based on the dimensions of your space and the variety of products offered. But you can talk to a designer if you’re having difficulties. Or even have them work something up for you remotely. If you do place an order without requesting design services, you’ll still receive a call before shipping if there are concerns. Becky Newman, vice president of Internet sales and business development, is a stickler for good design. “We don’t ship until we’re sure it will work for you.”

Regardless of which route you take, conquering clutter has satisfying rewards. You’ll be pleased when you have a closet that reflects your style.

What You Should/Could Do Before A Consultation

1. Although your ultimate goal is organization, don’t go overboard trying to cover up clutter for the designer’s visit. “It’s like going to the doctor,” Mora suggested. “Why call if you’ve hidden everything?” Make sure every item you want to be stored in the closet is visible. Consultants will complete a wardrobe analysis in which they count the numbers of each type of item. Be sure to let them know if access to certain items is a priority.
2. Stay open to the idea of downsizing if you haven’t worn something in years. Being realistic about usage can clear up space for high-use items.
3.  Ask for references when you schedule an appointment. “Find out how quick a company will fix a mistake,” Sylvestre recommended. “You can’t always tell that out front. You might be better off talking to someone who had a problem.”
4. Be particular. This is your closet. Designers are there to work for you, and you’re paying for that service. Don’t sign a contract until you’re completely satisfied with the design. Take as much time to consider upgrades as you’d like.

Can An Organized Closet Change Your Life?
Springfield Resident Tanya Burton Shares the Skinny on Her Installation Experience

Why Did You Use A Custom Closet Installation Company?
We’ve been restoring our 26-year-old home, and my closet was just the standard, single bar reach-in that the builder put in. I had a lot of folded stuff just piled up in there. We had a company come in a few years ago and do my husband’s closet, but I wanted something different. I had a couple of companies come in and do estimates before I decided on California Closets.

What Features Did You Go With?
We used white melamine that’s rounded. I incorporated some sliding wire baskets that pull out and you can put whatever you want in there. And we created double hanging on the ends. I was able to gain 4 feet of space. I also added some shelves that look like a piece of furniture. I really like the fact that they hang everything on the wall. My husband’s installation goes all the way to the floor, but I have more floor space. When you have limited space, every inch is important.

How Long  Did It Take?
After having my designer come out and sketch, then going to the showroom to look at what they have and finalize the order, they were able to come out and do it in a week.

Are You Satisfied with the Result?
I love it. I can see what’s there and know where everything is. It makes it look like it’s three or four times bigger. It was the least stressful of all of the renovations.

What Would You Recommend to Someone Considering A Custom Installation?
I was so glad I went to the showroom because I made some slight changes. Originally we were going with more shoe cubbies and shelving, but then I saw the pull-out baskets. Seeing it really made a difference. And I’m glad I shopped around.

(January 2008)

The Map of Luxury

Posted by The Editorial Desk / Friday, December 12th, 2008

The ultimate guide to adding Oomph & Ahhh to your spaces

By Ashley Nichols

Homeowners often seek to achieve a boutique hotel feel with their decor. And why not? Who doesn’t want a little luxury to come home to? But when it comes to creating opulent spaces, it’s sometimes tough  to draw the line between tasteful and tacky.

Courtesy of Thibaut

We convinced a few local designers
to dish on their favorite looks and the brands they use to pull it all together. We’re not saying their suggestions are the only ways to go, just that they know a thing or two about design, so the map we’ve created is a pretty good start on the road to elegant interiors. They tipped us off on the latest trends, as well as traditional looks that will never go out of style. And they emphasized one very important idea: the more customized a space is, the more luxurious it can feel. Read on to find out which oven range will look amazing and fit your cooking needs, which paint treatments will pamper your powder room, and why you should consider upholstering your bedroom walls.

What’s underfoot?
Flooring options that treat your feet (and eyes!)
The first step toward luxurious design includes well-laid flooring. While hardwood floors and wall-to-wall carpeting have been staples for years, there are some new twists and alternative options to consider.

André Sabbagh, designer for The Absolute Splendor Interiors in Falls Church, emphasizes the importance of considering a room’s predicted traffic and usage when selecting flooring. “I wouldn’t want to do stone in a kitchen,” he says. “It will stain fast.” He suggests opting instead for a ceramic tile that mimics natural stone.
Faye Seigert of Faye Seigert Design in Chantilly explains that tile size and wood types can be major considerations when going for a luxurious look in flooring. When she uses actual stone, she says she tends to do larger scales, like 15-by-15-inch or 18-by-18-inch squares. The trick, she says, is to make sure the scale complements, rather than overwhelms, the room.

Wide-plank wood has a similar effect. Seigert recommends ProSource (showrooms in Alexandria and Dulles) as a supplier. Shanon Munn of Ambi Design Studio in Springfield likes to use natural flooring and strives for environmentally friendly designs whenever possible. One of her favorite flooring options is antique wood floor made from reclaimed wood found in old barns or homes. At first glance, they appear to be simply gorgeous wood floors, she says, but a closer look reveals historical appeal.

Choose the drama of wall treatments over a bucket of paint for a real luxurious room feel.

“It’s been used and loved over time, and it takes on more and more character,” Munn explains. She says using wood with an actual history is better than attempting to fake character. Although it may be pricey, it makes a huge impact, she says. In a recent project, she wanted to use the antique wood floor throughout, but her client’s budget prohibited it. She ended up using it on the main floor, where it could make the most impact. Locally, Munn suggests trying the Amicus Green Building Center (www.amicusgreen.com) in

Maryland, a treasure-trove of Earth-friendly products, which carries a line of reclaimed wood.
In addition to using wide planks and reclaimed woods, giving a little thought to the way your floors will be laid can result in a unique custom look. “I like a custom herringbone design using cherry,” Sabbagh says. For your not-so-grand rooms, high-quality carpet is a good option. Both Sabbagh and Seigert recommend custom carpeting by Masland Carpets. “They offer intricate designs that other sources are not able to do,” Sabbagh says. “And they have a huge variety of fiber types.”

Can your walls talk?
Treatments to make them sing
While simply changing a paint color can transform a room, when it’s pure opulence you’re going for, some pretty fabulous wall treatments can add a signature appeal. For those who aren’t afraid of a room with a little individuality, try hand-mixed lime paints to produce a rich, velvety look. Le Décor (see www.transmineral.com) customizes a pigment for your room that creates a highly textured, somewhat porous look. “You have to be open to not exactly know what the color will be like in the end,” advises Munn, who loves the washes that result after layers of paint are applied. In addition to paint, there is also lime plaster for even more dimension on a wall. Another popular approach is Venetian plaster, which has little bits of marble in it. Munn recently completed a dining room ceiling that layered Venetian plaster and was hand-waxed to give it luster and depth. American Clay, carried at Amicus Green, is a go-to brand for earth plasters in standard colors.

While there has been resurgence in wallpaper in recent years, designers warn that you’ve got to really love the design if you’re going to commit to it. Sabbagh and his firm tend to stay away from wallpaper, opting instead for faux paint finishes that can be easily repaired if damaged and also allow for changes over time. “If a client is traveling and they see something they like, they can add a mural,” he says.

In wallpaper, Munn and Seigert prefer brands like Donghia, Thibaut and Osborne & Little. Munn also raves about a product from Innovations, which uses sand-sized pieces of Murano glass on a woven backing for a wall application with a little sparkle. She says she thinks it would look great in a powder room. But her absolute favorite is upholstering walls with batting and fabric. “It really gives you a super luxurious look,” she says. “If you can afford to do the entire room, that’s awesome. Or you could just do one wall and use a complimentary paint color for the others. That would really give tons of presence to that wall.”

Similarly, Sabbagh recently completed a room where he used straw on the walls to create the look and feel of a winery in Southern France. With so many options, it’s good to take the time to find something you really like, since it will be staring back at you for years to come.

When choosing furniture for your luxe living space, consider each room a piece of a puzzle. Courtesy of Q Collection

Missing pieces?
Furniture that lasts
What’s a room with beautiful flooring and gorgeous walls to do without some special furniture to define the spaces? From sofas to china cabinets, choosing furniture that looks like it belongs in your signature space and nowhere else is a little daunting, especially when you’re not sure how things will look together. Don’t make rash decisions. Consider each room a piece of a puzzle that must be carefully placed together to really fit and look good.

For eco-friendly pieces, Munn tends to turn to Q Collection. “It’s absolutely top-notch as far as detailing,” she says. She also likes Holly Hunt, and both Munn and Sabbagh say Baker has been a long-time favorite. Sabbagh also notes a preference for Shirrell, MotionCraft, Leathercraft and Century. He and Seigert agree that custom upholstery can really make a piece. “Look for people who know how to put the fabric together without wrinkles or pleats that are not necessary,” says Sabbagh. Seigert, whose designs are often contemporary, points out that furniture is sometimes an area where you can reign in the budget. “Even at a luxe price point, people don’t want to spend money across the board,” she says. “Don’t rule out putting a distinctive fabric on a chair from Crate and Barrel.”

Courtesy of Kravet

Ready for your curtain call?
Window treatments that do more than keep the sun out
Well-edited draperies can do for a window what a matte and frame do for a lackluster photograph. Finding the right fabric types and patterns to accompany the other features of your room is a must if you want a luxurious, pulled-together look.

“Cotton is becoming super sophisticated,” Munn suggests. “And linen is always great for casually sophisticated interiors.” She promotes using custom drapery in every room and bases length choices on a room’s height and architectural details. “For a short room, floor-to-ceiling can make it seem taller. But don’t hide moldings. And try to keep them lower in really tall rooms,” she offers. She also only recommends puddling (allowing excess material to puddle on the floor) when looking to achieve a romantic feel.

For Seigert, who likes a more contemporary look, simple, sheer draperies are a great way to add subtle softness. Some of her favorite fabric design brands are Robert Allen, Donghia, Pindler and Pindler, and Kravet. Sabbagh shares a preference for these suppliers and also mentions some newer lines to which he is drawn. “Beacon Hill has some beautiful stuff, it’s gorgeous. And there’s a new one I like called Tapestria,” he says.

Barefoot much?
Rugs that feel as good as they look
When you use wood, tile or stone flooring, an area rug can help eliminate that bare feeling. And even the most luxurious of homes should take crawling babies into consideration. “With rugs, it depends on where you’re putting it,” Seigert explains. “When I do a dining area I like wool and silk combinations.”

The hot name on the market right now is Odegard. Munn loves the company because it looks great and is very Earth-friendly. “A lot of the dyes are natural plant-based,” Munn says. The D.C.-based company is headed up by Stephanie Odegard, who has received much press and major accolades for her commitment to using artisans for her hand-knotted rugs. Her philanthropic philosophy and the divine designs she brings to life are highly praised.

Ready to accessorize?
Hardware options like jewelry for your cabinetry
Though it may seem trivial, using nice hardware can add that custom touch that takes a room from simply nice to really special. Unless you want a seriously streamlined look, forget plain old pulls and handles.
Sabbagh recommends Expo Design Center in Fairfax and Le Petit Chateau in Falls Church. One of his favorites is Van Dyke’s, an Italian line. Seigert prefers Union Hardware, also in Falls Church. “They’re almost like an art studio where you can get cabinetry knobs,” she says. Seigert also looks to Reico and the Mockett catalogue.

Munn says the brand Emtek has a high-end feel, as well as Rejuvenation. And she finds good options at Restoration Hardware if the budget is a little tighter. “You still get an upscale look,” she says.

Are you turned on?
High-tech and good-looking electronics and appliances
Anyone who’s ever decked out a kitchen with appliances knows that it can get expensive. “It’s not a small investment,” says Sabbagh. “It can be equally as expensive as your cabinets.” That’s why, unless you’re looking to cook at an almost professional level, he recommends upper-middle of the line brands, like KitchenAide and General Electric. For those who want more, there’s Sub-Zero and specialty brands like Boffi. The only problem, he says, is that the specialty brands aren’t as readily available, so it’s tough to encourage a big purchase when he hasn’t seen much of the product and isn’t able to show it to his clients.

Munn agrees, although she has found a brand that makes what she claims to be a sensational range. Lacanche is a French line with a vendor in Seattle. Luckily, Munn was able to have the vendor connect her with someone in the area who already had the range and who was willing to let her client take a look. You can give them a look at www.frenchranges.com. For most high-end projects, Munn is fond of using Bosch, Wolf and Viking. And she highly encourages Energy Star appliances for their energy efficiency.

Pay careful attention to lighting, which can be an integral part of pulling together a high-end look. Courtesy of Lutron Electronics

Are you finished?
One detail that adds drama
It’s always a little tough to decide when a room is complete. You might want to step back and, instead of analyzing whether or not you need more accessories or throw pillows, ask yourself if the lighting is optimal for different occasions. One sign of a luxurious, custom-decorated room is well-placed lighting.

“Lighting is the most important element in an interior space,” Seigert says. One of the sources she likes to use is Illuminations, which has showrooms in downtown D.C. and Georgetown. “You have to find the correct sources of light,” she recommends. “A really distinctive chandelier in a dining room can define the space.” She turns to Dominion power company, which works in conjunction with Lutron Electronics to create lighting systems.

Munn also talks about programmed lighting, saying that the best programs give you options for daytime, nighttime, parties and any other mood you’d like to create.

Pulling together a high-end look is a tremendous task. For minor changes, you may feel comfortable going it alone, but for larger projects, turn to the American Society of Interior Designers to find someone who’ll put your wants and needs on a pedestal while also ensuring your roof doesn’t cave in.

(December 2007)