Last weekend, our team attended the annual gala and awards ceremony for the Professional Remodeling Organization (PRO). These awards are like the Grammys for remodelers–winning one is an achievement all of us in our industry aspire to! So when it was announced that we won five awards, we were at a loss for words. (Thank goodness acceptance speeches were not required!)

We are so honored by this achievement and I am, personally, so very proud of our entire team at Marks-Woods. Their stunning design and precise construction are the reason we won. I could write this entire article about how amazing they are, but instead, I’d like to introduce you to this year's award winning projects.

Our designers refer to this project’s aesthetic as elevated simplicity. And you can see why! The winner of two PRO awards, this historic Rosemont home was given new life through additional square footage and a thoughtfully reconfigured existing floor plan. We relocated both the kitchen and living room (see photographs above) into the new addition space. To create a light and bright feel, we left the space open concept and added an entire back wall of oversized windows. The kitchen features Braemar cabinetry and shines with Taj Mahal quartzite on the countertop and as bookmatched slabs for the backsplash. Upstairs, the new square footage allows for a stunning primary suite, including a chic bathroom with double vanities, a soaking tub and an oversized walk-in shower.

Inspired by West Coast living, this award-winning project was designed by architectural superstar Clare A. McCaffrey, AIA and features two separate additions connected by an indoor/outdoor living space. The living room addition features a cathedral ceiling and double door entry from the new mudroom into the space. To draw attention to the cathedral ceiling and add visual interest, our design team added a teardrop chandelier. On the opposite side of the house, a second addition was created to allow for the new primary suite. The suite includes a new primary bath featuring a double vanity from Braemar Cabinetry, a soaking tub, and a walk-in shower.

Creating two separate additions provided a natural open space in which we built a new indoor/outdoor area. To make the area feel part of the original home, we installed a 15-foot folding glass door that transitioned the existing family room into the new screened-in porch. In the porch area, we installed an outdoor kitchen, TV area, recessed lighting, and a motorized retractable screen to provide light while keeping the insects out.

The homeowners of this Northwest DC row home wanted to honor the historic character of the home while still making bold design decisions. Our interior designers were challenged to highlight the history while modernizing the space; I think we knocked this one out of the park. For example, we kept the original fireplace but gave it character by painting the entire surround and wall a deep black. Separating the living room and dining room are hidden pocket doors, which were restored and then reinstalled. In the kitchen, we went with two tone cabinetry and open shelving to add storage. Upstairs, we remodeled both bathrooms and the primary suite. The winning bathroom (pictured above) showcases how you can incorporate dramatic design and a bold color palette into a home that may lean more traditional.

Could your home use a makeover or added space? You could be our next award-winner! Contact me at khill@markswoods.com or fill out a form on our website to get started!

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