From Vision to Reality

This distinctive contemporary home had become a bit blurred and dated over the years—and it was facing serious damage from leaks that had developed in the exterior walls and windows. The exterior remodel provided a solid solution with quality materials and workmanship to restore and secure its unique architecture for the long run.

These homeowners knew it was vital to replace the deteriorating, coral-color stucco on their exterior—leaking from this and many windows was threatening their home’s structural integrity. We introduced them to a new type of stucco that stands up to the Washington-area climate. New roofing, siding, gutters and downspouts, and 70-some window replacements followed. The result: a watertight, safe, efficient home that will retain its luster far into the future.

Viewed from the street, the home’s clean lines and crisp design now speak for themselves through enduring materials such as flagstone, sleek stainless steel, a modern color palette of sophisticated neutrals, and the welcoming energy of strong red at the front door.

A spacious, serene master bath and expansive closet take the place of a dated, cramped space that, worst of all, had a tub but no shower. Now, the bath is fully outfitted with a luxury shower and vanities. A marriage of beiges in natural stone creates a color scheme that’s perfectly balanced between light and dark.

A wake-up call comes in the form of a new shower, with three modes: wall-mount, rain shower, and hand shower. A subtle gradation and smart showerhead placement ensure the toweling area doesn’t get wet.

The dividing wall by the vanity features a striking stone-and-tile arrangement that helps the design hit the sweet spot between blah and busy. The chiseled stone edge is sandwiched between tile layers of lagos azul, a high-quality limestone prized for its ability to harmonize with many types of natural stone.

Redesign with an open plan gave these homeowners organized storage they had not before enjoyed—and dressing space bathed in natural light.

Switch on the light, run the water, no problem—smart design ensures using the master bath won’t disturb anyone in the master bedroom or even in the open-plan closet.

A vertical tile layout and solid wenge wood vanity—as thick as butcher block and treated with natural oils to make it water-resistant—lend contemporary spirit to the powder room. The sink’s refreshing jolt of green glass enlivens the scene.

Glass doors to the dining room are frosted in a pattern of squares, repeated in the home decor. A two-level island directs flow and clearly maps out the cook’s territory: prep work on the lower level, bar and lounge up top.

A two-level island makes a handy place for guests to perch a glass or two as well as answering the eternal question: Where to put the microwave? (Right over the warming drawer.)

Punches to the dining room echo the lines of the framed painted-wood cabinetry and island base. A lively squiggle of track lighting above is also practical for the cook.

For a client who wanted a kitchen that literally shines, textured stainless surrounding windows and brushed aluminum laminate on the island really show their mettle.

For the bath used mostly by youngsters and guests, the homeowners wanted a feeling of fun and lightness that retained some sophistication. The solution? A tile color with plenty of pop, warm maple cabinetry, the creative twist of a big trapezoidal mirror, and overall clean design.

During the first phase of the remodel, a bump-out was added to improve the flow from the new kitchen and add family room space. Of course, the views and natural light are a nice bonus, as well.

The unique geometry of this contemporary home is intact—but its interior space is greatly expanded. So is the useful exterior space, where a pleasant, sheltered deck invites entertaining.

From Vision to Reality

Awarded the 2011 Chrysalis Award: National Winner for Master Bath over $60,000; 2011 Professional Remodeler Design Award: Silver Award for Bath remodel more than $30,000, and Bronze Award for Whole House Remodel more than $750,000; 2010 National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) Capital CotY Award: Grand Award Winner for Whole House over $ 1 million.

Photography by Maxwell MacKenzie