June 29th, 2010 in Baltimore
After running across a shingle-style house that sat perched on a Ruxton hilltop in Baltimore, Bruce and Polly Behrens knew they had found their dream home. Unfortunately, there was a large group of potential buyers, so it took the couple a bit of schmoozing to claim it as their own. But after years of waiting and a few more years in renovations, the couple has finally settled into the home they’ll "have to be carried out of."
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June 28th, 2010 in Baltimore
When a Washington, DC couple inherited a home on the Delaware seashore, it appeared to be more trash than a treasure. But after doing away with the dingy 1970s wall paneling and letting a some light in, they had the perfect family place to keep for generations to come.
With two other vacation homes that had already gone under the remodeling knife, the couple knew just the team they wanted to do the job: architect Wayne Good and interior designer Mona Hajj. The pair worked together to draw up a plan for a contemporary beachside cottage with an old-fashioned feel.
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June 15th, 2010 in Baltimore
Like many homeowners looking to remodel, this Texas couple had only a few renovation plans for their second home in Canton Cove, Baltimore. Architect and designer Patrick Sutton, however, was convinced that the place could benefit greatly from a complete overhaul. In the end, Sutton won, and the couple allowed a small remodeling job to turn into a top-to-bottom makeover.
The harbor views made this condo a prime spot to buy, but the industrial warehouse-turned-residence was in dire need of an update. To take advantage of the views, Sutton began the remodel by knocking down the wall separating the kitchen from the entrance hallway. This allowed the space to feel expansive immediately upon entering.
The flooring of choice was chocolate travertine tile, which provides contrast with the light color palette offered by the views and decorative touches in the living room. While much of the inspiration came from the environment, it was essential to provide the option of blocking out the light if rising temperatures or intense sunlight required it. This came in the form of remote-controlled blinds made from beige wool.
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June 11th, 2010 in Baltimore
When Stacey and Harry Halpert began house-hunting some 16 years ago, they had half a thought on the future and the other on their meager present-day budget. Buying a fixer-upper seemed to be the only possible option, so they snatched up this home outside Baltimore and began a long series of renovations.
Given their limited amount of expendable cash, the couple knew that this would have to be tackled in small and manageable chunks. The first order of business: do away with the closed-off feel of the entryway by enlarging the doorway between the foyer and living room. Then, they removed a 1970s solarium that had been added to the exterior and created a wraparound porch that pays homage to the home’s old farmhouse feel.
The bigger structural changes were put on hold as the couple turned their attention to interior design. They enlisted the help of Catherine Bitter Interiors to help them slowly piece together this traditional design with a youthful vibe.
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After 40 years of marriage and a long history of homes shared together, Susan, a recently retired graphic designer for the Smithsonian, and Rich, a soon-to-be retired human resource manager, were ready for something different. With three homes under their belt – an 1890s Victorian, 1920s Tudor and 1960s retro pad – they wanted something for the 21st century with smart green touches to boot.
They found the 1,800-square-foot home in Baltimore’s Charles Village, but knew immediately that a fair amount of work would have to be done. Instead of jumping right in, the couple made only the necessary changes and rented it out. Then, they waited for the perfect architect to come along.
This happened a few years later, when they met Charles Alexander of Alexander Design. With the help of Prescott Gaylord of Baltimore Green Construction, they were able to tackle the monumental feat of integrating green technology into a beautifully designed home – all while sticking to the budget. A key part of his design: amping up the natural light in the traditional row home with a curved roof and three walls of vertical clerestory windows.
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