Each year ChesapeakeHome and ASID Maryland recognize some of the best interior design projects and concepts in the state through an annual design competition. This year, winning projects include residences, offices, kitchens, baths, health care facilities, and public spaces as well as a special category for window treatment design. Winners were selected from among professional working interior designers and students training to become the design stars of the next generation. Featured here are a select group of inspired residential projects. For a list of all winners Click Here.
Photo by Alan Gilbert
RESIDENTIAL 1st PLACE
Hall & Co., Inc
Designer: Michael R. Hall, ASID
To accommodate a newly blended family of nine, this home needed major renovations and additions. To help infuse the new spaces with functionality and beauty, Hall & Co. worked with their clients on all of the millwork, custom cabinetry, lighting, finishes, furnishings, and accessories. Because so much cabinetry was used, Hall & Co. chose a variety of finishes including glazed cream, sage green, and character grade alder wood to define distinct functional areas. The random patterned limestone floor, chosen for its practicality and texture, complements the Jerusalem stone fireplace. Given the scale of the great room, the ceiling became one of the most important design elements—rough hewn beams, brackets, and planking add visual and textural interest to the space.
photo by Erik Kvalsvik
HISTORIC COMMERCIAL 1st PLACE
Johnson Berman
Designer: Henry Johnson, Allied Member ASID
The Maryland Club building required a complete restoration after a blazing fire devastated the 1892 Romanesque Revival Maryland masterpiece. The original late 19th century aesthetics were achieved through the use of historically correct furniture, furnishings, and finishes blended with new and modern building systems. The original grand staircase in the main hall miraculously survived and required a thorough cleaning and expert polishing that returned it to its 1892 finish. Period paint colors, carpets, furniture, and light fixtures returned the interior spaces to their original grandeur.
photo by Erik Kvalsvik
RESIDENTIAL HONORABLE MENTION
Johnson Berman
Designer: Bob Berman
Renovations to this apartment, located in a Mies van der Rohe condominium building, were extensive. The 1,200 square foot space, having never been updated since 1964, was completely gutted and reconfigured to open it up as much as possible and take advantage of the magnificent views and natural light. The solution was inspired by Mies’ principles and in particular, the design of his glass Farnsworth House. A limited material and color palette was used throughout—cork flooring, cherry cabinetry, Corian countertops, white painted walls, llama wool rugs, and motorized mesh solar window shades. Exceptions are a Venetian plaster focal point wall and stainless steel kitchen cabinets. Furnishings were selected specifically for this space and include classic pieces designed by Mies van der Rohe and his contemporaries as well as newer Italian seating and storage units. Artwork is displayed on stainless steel ledges to provide for flexibility and change.
SHOW HOUSE/MODEL HOME 1st PLACE
Karen Renee Interior Design, Inc.
Designer: Karen Osborne, ASID, CID
The design of this model home interior is intended to appeal to move up and relocation buyers with a sophisticated, upscale sense of style. Karen Renee Interior Design managed all aspects of the interior design including trim details on walls and ceilings, built-ins, furniture layout, finish specifications, furnishing selection, and window treatment design.
KITCHEN & BATH HONORABLE MENTION
Inside & Out
Designers: Laura Cochran and Laura Cochran with Melissa Duncan
Inside & Out garnered three honorable mentions for two kitchens and one bath. A spa-like bathroom by designer Laura Cochran features warm tones and luxurious materials that create a calming retreat for guests. An “indoor/outdoor” kitchen also by Cochran provides a family of six with a stylish kitchen connected to an adjacent pool area via out-swing French doors. Inside & Out’s third honorable mention project was a design collaboration between Laura Cochran and Melissa Duncan. This contemporary kitchen provides the homeowners with a sophisticated, uncluttered space that features iridescent glass tile, elegant cabinetry, and custom lighting.
SHOW HOUSE/MODEL HOME HONORABLE MENTION
LCK Interiors
Designer: Laura Kimball, ASID, CID
Function with style was the main goal for updating the 2007 Symphony Decorators’ Show House “Butler’s Pantry.” A granite-topped island was added for storage and existing cabinetry was updated with new finishes, molding, and shelving solutions. Wall and trim finishes, flooring, window treatments, and lighting fixtures were updated to enhance the overall aesthetics of the space.
