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McLean Connection ❖ Local Media Connection LLC

HomeLifeStyleHomeLifeStyleHomeLifeStyleSpring 2013Spring 2013

McLean kitchen by BOWA.

2 ❖ McLean Connection ❖ HomeLifeStyle Spring 2013 Local Media Connection LLC ❖ www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

McLean Connection ❖ HomeLifeStyle Spring 2013 ❖ 3www.ConnectionNewspapers.com ❖ Local Media Connection LLC

HomeLifeStyle

See Designs, Page 4

By Marilyn Campbell

The Connection

From designing a kitchen with aconcave glass tile backsplash tocreating a backyard with a fireplace and pool, some local home

remodelers were honored recently with theNational Association of the RemodelingIndustry’s (NARI) 2013 Regional Contrac-tor of the Year awards for design acumen.Winning projects ran the gamut from his-toric preservation projects to environmen-tally conscious conceptions.

A MCLEAN KITCHEN by BOWA took tophonors in the “Residential Kitchen Over$120,000” category. The homeowners werelooking to create a free-flowing, light-filledspace.

“Their kitchen was not as open as theywould have liked,” said Josh Baker, founderand co-chairman of BOWA. “They wantedto make it more integrated and useful forthe family.”

To accommodate a larger kitchen, thedesign team, which included BOWA’sGeorge Hodges-Fulton, built an additionand added a sitting room, screened porch

and additional windows to allow an abun-dance of natural light to stream into thespace. The new kitchen also included abutler’s pantry and a family dining area.

What is the key to turning one’s home intoan award-winning, showcase house? Baker,who founded BOWA with his college friendLarry Weinberg, says an open dialogue isessential to a successful remodeling project.“The key is finding a person or companythat you communicate very, very well withand whose process is in line with how youlike to do business,” he said. “This is a cus-tomer service business. It is not just a con-struction business. The entire process is im-portant, not just the end result.”

FAIRFAX-BASED FIRM RJK Construction,Inc. received top honors in the category of“Residential Addition $100,000 to$250,000” for a home in the Mantua areaof Fairfax County. Company president Rob-ert Kalmin says the homeowners’ goal wasto blend their interior and exterior spaces.“They wanted to make their exterior land-scaping a visual point because they enter-tain a lot,” he said. “The windows act asmurals to the exterior landscaping bring theoutdoors in and the indoors out.”

The owners requested an open floor planthat allowed guests to move freely betweenthe kitchen and the backyard. “They werevery specific about how they wanted peopleto meander from the outside to the inside,”Kalmin said. “We had to relocate the pow-der room so that people are able to use the

restroom without having to go anywhereelse.”

An abundance of windows allows natu-ral light to flow throughout the home. “Thekitchen has red oak flooring and other col-ors and finishes that compliment the natu-ral scenery outside,” said Kalmin.

HARRY BRASWELL of Harry Braswell,Inc. in Alexandria, was named Contractorof the Year in the “Entire House $500,001to $1,000,000” category for the renovationof a home that had not been updated sincethe 1950s. “The house was outdated, toosmall for the family’s needs,” he said.

The renovation included a kitchen out-fitted with cabinet-front appliances andporcelain sinks including an apron farm sinkand an island sink in a pale aqua. “Thatcolor is carried throughout the house,” saidproject manager Gretchen Brown.

A concave glass tile backsplash surroundsthe durable, brown-toned quartzite counter.“Quartzite doesn’t stain easily,” said Brown.“It is strong like granite, but is more expen-sive.”

The Braswell team also got a nod for en-ergy efficiency for this project, which wasnamed “NARI Green Project.” Brown notedthat the team installed energy efficiencylighting and energy star appliances.

“The homeowners had specific criteriaabout wanting to meet [Leadership in En-ergy and Environmental Design] certifica

Local contractorsget top honors forremodeling projects.

The Region’s Best Home DesignsThis McLean kitchen by BOWA took top honors in the “Residential Kitchen Over $120,000” category. Thehomeowners wanted to create a free-flowing, light-filled space.

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Historic Garden Week 2013 willfeature approximately 200 private homes and gardens open on

32 separate tours throughout the state ofVirginia over eight consecutive days. It isthe largest ongoing volunteer effort in Vir-ginia and represents the coordinated effortsof 3,400 club members. One hundred per-cent of tour proceeds are used to enhanceVirginia’s landscape. For 80 years, thegrounds of the Commonwealth’s most cher-ished historic landmarks have been restoredor preserved with help from proceeds fromHistoric Garden Week including MountVernon, Monticello and the grounds of theExecutive Mansion in Richmond. In addi-tion to the amazing interiors and gardenson display, Garden Club of Virginia volun-teers will create more than 2,000 spectacu-lar floral arrangements to decorate therooms. Visit www.vagardenweek.org.

SATURDAY APRIL 20, 2013Old Town AlexandriaSponsored by the Hunting Creek Garden Club and

the Garden Club of Alexandria10 a.m to 4 p.m.

All eight private properties on the historicOld Town Alexandria tour are within aneasy walk of each other, allowing visitorsto enjoy strolling the quaint streets linedwith charming townhouses and intimatewalled gardens. The full tour ticket includesfree admission to George Washington’sMount Vernon Estate (entrance is normally$15 per person), as well as six other no-table historic sites in Alexandria on the dayof the tour. ºRefreshments are offered from11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the historic Lloyd House

80th HistoricGarden Week,April 20-27

See Virginia Garden, Page 5

This home in the Vienna/Oaktonarea is featured on Virginia’s 80th

annual Historic Garden Week tourin Fairfax County.

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HomeLifeStyle

tion because they are dedicated to pro-tecting the environment,” said Braswell.

CABIN JOHN, MD., BASED firm AnthonyWilder Design/Build, Inc. received kudos inthe “Residential Exterior, $100,000 andOver” category for a backyard space thatincludes a pool and fireplace. “The home-owner wanted four separate living spacesin the backyard,” said company spokes-woman Danielle Frye. “He wanted a diningroom, a living room with a heat source, aplace to sunbathe near his pool and a placeto play cricket on his lawn.”

Frye said the Wilder team, which includedarchitect George R. Bott and lead designerAnthony Wilder, developed a backyard planthat replaced overgrown grass with flag-stone and a badly worn fence with foliageto create a sense of privacy. “There is asundeck and spaces for a sofa and diningtable, but the fireplace is the focal point,”said Frye. “We used really tall bamboo toshield the view from the hotel across thestreet.”

A BETHESDA HOME ADDITION gar-nered a top prize in the “Residential Addi-tion Over $250,000” category for A.R.TDesign Build Inc. with team memberGrossmueller’s Design Consultants, Inc.

“The client wanted to expand their onestory house to have a separate area for [bed-rooms] and create a more functional firstfloor with more communal spaces, thekitchen, family room [and] dining room,”said Cindy G. McClure of Grossmueller’sDesign Consultants, Inc.

The design team added a new secondfloor to the home, which accommodates alaundry room, a master suite, two addi-tional bedrooms and a bathroom. A stairtower and cathedral foyer cre-

The Region’s Best Home DesignsFrom Page 3

This backyard oasis, designed by Anthony Wilder Design/Build, Inc., won a Contractor of the Year Award inthe “Residential Exterior, $100,000 and Over” category. The homeowner wanted a backyard space with aplace to sunbathe near the pool, a dining room, a living room with a heat source and a place to play cricket.

This kitchen, designed by Grossmueller’s Design Consult-ants, Inc. and A.R.T Design Build in Bethesda, Md., waspart of a remodeling project that earned a 2013 Contractorof the Year award. The homeowner’s goal was to create afree-flowing kitchen, dining and family room space.

Harry Brawell of Harry Braswell, Inc. in Alexandria, wasnamed Contractor of the Year in the “Entire House$500,001 to $1,000,000” category for renovating a homethat had not been updated since the 1950s. Braswell andhis team installed cabinet-front appliances and a concaveglass tile backsplash that surrounds the durable, brown-toned quartzite counter. The kitchen also features porce-lain sinks, including an apron farm sink.

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“The key to asuccessful projectis finding a personor company thatyou communicatevery, very well withand whoseprocess is in linewith how you liketo do business.”— Josh Baker, founder and

co-chairman of BOWA

ate an open floor plan and connect the firstand second levels.

“Elements of the old house, like the wide

chimney on the front and the contempo-rary 1960 style were played upon and ac-centuated,” said McClure. “The result is a

functional home that meets the needs oftoday’s family, remained within budget andwas completed on time.”


Sotheby’s International Realty

Swann Daingerfield Penthouse $725,000A rare opportunity to live in the heart of Old Town, Alexandria.The elegant, historic Swann Daingerfield condominium has a spacious20 ft x 13 ft living room with 111⁄2-foot ceilings and marble fireplace,dining room with 2nd fireplace, kitchen with sunny breakfast area,spacious 2nd bedroom. Large Master Bedroom, Master Bathroom andDressing Room. Balcony overlooking courtyard garden. Elevator,private parking and large storage area. This sought-after location atthe corner of Prince Street and S. Columbus Street is only two blocksaway from King Street and Washington Street. Perfect for graciousliving and convenient to all amenities of Old Town, Alexandria.

For private showings, please contactCindy Byrnes Golubin 202-437-3861

Proud TWIG member since 1978

KarenMartins

703-568-6268www.karensproperties.com

1320 Old Chain Bridge Rd.McLean, VA 22101

Serving VA • DC • MD

MCLEAN $2,400A classic in McLean andavailable now! FX#7950828

YOU HAVE MANY OPTIONS—FOR RENT IN MCLEAN

MCLEAN $4,100Walk to parks, schools andthe Potomac! FX#7971779

MCLEAN $5,200An outdoor oasis! 5 bed and 4 bath, pool andLANGLEY schools! FX#8012058

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Virginia GardenWeek to FeatureNoVa GardensFrom Page 3

and garden. Adding further con-venience for tour visitors is the freeKing Street Trolley that travelsfrom the Metro station down ourmain commercial street to thePotomac River every 15 minutes.

Tickets are $40 and available atthe Ramsey House Visitors Centerat the corner of King Street andNorth Fairfax Street on the day ofthe tour. For advance tickets con-tact Mrs. Donald [email protected] 703-684-3876. For more information,please contact Tour ChairmenMason Bavin [email protected], TwigMurray [email protected] orCatherine Bolton [email protected]

TUESDAY APRIL 23, 2013Fairfax: Oakton/ViennaSponsored by The Garden Club of

Fairfax10 a.m. to 4 p.m

The Fairfax County communitiesof Oakton and Vienna haveemerged from small rural townsinto thriving family-orientedneighborhoods with homes andgardens reflecting a wide range ofarchitectural and personal style.Ticket price includes admission tothe Cosby Home, the Unger Homeand Garden, the Buster Home andGarden, the Kampa Home andGarden, the Rosenthal Home andGarden and Meadowlark Botani-cal Gardens.

Advance tickets are $20 throughApril 9. Contact Marty Whipple [email protected]. For moreinformation about the tour, con-tact Bonnie Rekemeyer [email protected].

ALL AROUND VIRGINIASaturday, April 20Ashland/Elmont – The Ashland Garden

ClubOld Town Alexandria – The Hunting

Creek Garden Club and The GardenClub of Alexandria

Smithfield – Elizabeth River andNansemond River Garden Clubs

Augusta County/Staunton – AugustaGarden Club

Orange County/Somerset – DolleyMadison Garden Club

Sunday, April 21Nelson County/Albemarle – The

Charlottesville, Albemarle andRivanna Garden Clubs

Chatham – Chatham Garden ClubMonday, April 22Nelson County/Albemarle – The

Charlottesville, Albemarle andRivanna Garden Clubs

Waterford – The Leesburg Garden Cluband the Fauquier-Loudoun GardenClub

Home

For full schedule through

April 27. Visit

www.vagardenweek.org

6 ❖ McLean Connection ❖ HomeLifeStyle Spring 2013 McLean Connection ❖ HomeLifeStyle Spring 2013 ❖ 7Local Media Connection LLC ❖ www.ConnectionNewspapers.com www.ConnectionNewspapers.com ❖ Local Media Connection LLC

HomeLifeStyle

By John Byrd

If you compare the currenthome remodeling market to2007, it’s clear thathomeowners are less likely

to execute a top-to-bottommakeover in a single stroke thanthey were five years ago.

Home resales are rising again,but the belief that every dollarspent on a Northern Virginia homewill be quickly recovered has beensuspended — if only temporarily— as homeowners reassess.

For most local homeowners, ahouse is an asset of enormous per-sonal appeal: an expression ofidentity and aspiration, periodi-cally adapted to life’s changes.

While the scale of the averageproject may be smaller, it’s evidentthat many homeowners middle ageor older have come to see the homeas a long-term — even lifelong —work in progress, one that theytake up passionately, and at regu-lar intervals.

Veteran remodeler David Fostercalls these homeowners “incremen-tal” improvers, and has come to see

them them as the primary focus ofa home improvement enterprise hestarted 30 years ago.

As president of Foster Remodel-ing Solutions in Lorton, Fosterregularly coaches his team on theimportance of understanding whatthese homeowners need, what theyare expecting and how to articu-late their best options with clarity.

“Providing an experience thatthe homeowner will value un-equivocally is probably our mostimportant marketing activity,” Fos-ter said. “Our core belief is thatthere are many homeowners whowill make a notable home improve-ment every two to five years, so weplace a high priority on earningthat person’s trust. In this sense,there is nothing more importantthan outperforming expectation.”

WHILE THERE MAY BE manyreasons why a homeowner will re-model in stages, Foster said thatthe typical incremental improverhas a pay-as-you-go orientation —often driven by evolving family re-quirements.

Vienna resident Kelly Grems, for

instance, has executed four remod-eling projects with Foster startingwith a kitchen addition in 2003.

“We bought the house in 1995when I was pregnant,” Grems ex-

plains. “My husband [Ed] and Ihad been living in a muchsmaller house in Maryland, butenvisioned a traditional homethat would offer our growingfamily lots of useful activity ar-eas.”

A kitchen with a sizablebreakfast room was the firstitem on the “wish list,” an as-signment complicated by thefact that home’s rear elevationbacks into a woodland set-asideand a precipitous drop.

“The ground level deckingwas already in place,” Gremssaid. “But David showed us aplan for an elevated breakfastroom extension built on pilings

that wouldn’t requirea ground level foun-dation. Turns out,this solution createda welcome canopyfor the ground levelpatio. And it was alsoa more sensible, eco-nomical choice for usat the time.”

Grems said her firststep was handingFoster a file of articleson kitchen interiorsshe had clipped fromSouthern Living; the

See Demand, Page 8

Foster Remodeling design staffthen took over, helping the couplevisualize design ideas with the aidof a CAD computer program. Theteam also provided an array of rel-evant finish work choices, mostlypointing to readily available con-siderations on display in thecompany’s showroom.

“The selection and pricing pro-cess was transparent, and really an-ticipated what we needed,” Gremssaid. “When you’re as busy as weare, you appreciate this quality ofsupport.”

Apart from budget consider-ations, Grems said taking a pausebetween projects allowed thecouple to pay more attention tohow the family is actually using thehouse, and to develop ideas thatwork for everyone.

The recently completed familyroom upgrade didn’t become animmediate action plan, for in-stance, because the family designprocess was fomenting slowly —again starting with magazine ar-ticles and other sources.

“We’re particular; we let the look

come to us piece by piece,” shesaid.

In the end, Foster RemodelingSolutions designers created inte-rior elevations that bear no resem-blance to the original.

The half-brick floor-to-ceilingbackwall was replaced by perfectlysymmetrical built-ins, crown mold-ing and an elevated hearth with amarble surround and Edwardian-style mantle.

“It’s an entirely different moodfrom the sun room,” Grems said,“and perfectly satisfies another di-

mension of our lifestyle.”

ON A SIMILAR NOTE, south Al-exandria resident Sandy Nusbaumattributes her periodic home up-grade inclinations to a gradual butdecisive recognition that the fourbedroom colonial she has occupiedfor 28 years with husband Mike isthe last single family residence thecouple will ever own.

“We raised three children here,and when the last of them movedaway, we looked at other housesin the area and even a retirementvillage in North Carolina,”Nusbaum said.”That’s when I re-newed my appreciation for themany advantages of this house. I

Demand for Incremental ImprovementsOver time, some ownersmakeover the entire house —one phase at a time.

The Pipers’ new powder room in-cludes a Mediterranean-style foot bathringed in glass and mosaic tiling. Avessel basin with exposed copperpiping, marble floors and a cofferedceiling with concealed lights completethe portrait.

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before

The plans for a kitchen remodel were complicated by the fact that the home’s rear elevation backs into awoodland set-aside and a notably precipitous drop.

The existing half-brickfloor-to-ceilingbackwall was replacedby perfectly symmetri-cal built-ins, crownmolding and an el-evated hearth with amarble surround andEdwardian-stylemantle.

after


From erator allows for additional stor-age. Maple cabinets with a Bartondoor style and honey-spice stainevoke a clean linear look within asoftly lit ambiance. Likewise, theSilestone quartz surfaces in ebonypearl provide a tonal and texturalcontrast.

With a better rationalizedkitchen in place, a few years onthe Nusbaums began planning afollow-on phase: an extension ofthe rear family room, an open-airgrilling deck and a layout that per-mits children, grandchildren andmany guests to circulate freelythrough a now wide-ranging en-tertainment suite.

Then, just last year, the largelyunused lower level was convertedinto a multi-purpose suite thatserves as both an exercise roomand guest accommodation.

“The built-ins include closets oneither side of a new Murphy bed— one exclusively for guest use, “

Nusbaum said. “We also made thelaundry room more functional andadded a full bath with handi-capped access.”

Meanwhile, Nusbaum uses theremade lower level for her dailytreadmill workouts: “It’s a luxuryhaving so many useful things ex-actly where you want them.”

OF COURSE, CONSIDER-ATIONS to functional and aes-thetic improvements aside, thelong term remodeler also may ven-ture into non-essential, even quitepersonal, “tweaks” to the existingproperty from time to time.

After comprehensive upgradesto their kitchen and master bath,for instance, Alexandrians Steveand Diane Piper decided that theireclectically re-designed powderroom should include a Mediterra-nean-style foot bath ringed in glassand mosaic tiling.

The artfully-executed first floor

facility — planned with an assistfrom Foster designer Sarah Wolf— includes a vessel basin with ex-posed copper piping, marble floorsand a coffered ceiling with con-cealed lights.

The Pipers — who often travelinternationally — say the foot bathis a pleasant convenience in thesummer when they are often wear-ing sandals.

“I wouldn’t say a footbath addsanything to re-sale value,” DianePiper said, “But we do plan to bein this house for at least anotherten years.”

AND SPEAKING OF PER-SONAL vision: after re-doing thefront elevation — and before re-modeling the kitchen — theBaldinos of Springfield had Fosterdesign a screen porch with a floor-to-ceiling stone hearth. The porchis closed on three sides and fea-tures a 15-foot cathedral ceiling

with an overhead rotating fan. Theproject included an extensive flag-stone patio, a privacy fence, a re-taining wall and landscaping.

“We wanted space that brings usinto the outdoors, and the fire-place keeps the porch surprisinglycomfortable in cooler weather,”said Nancy Baldino. “It’s a greatplace to watch the game.”

The Baldinos, who have lived intheir circa 1970s split-level for 24years, say that their four remodel-ing projects have always been fo-cused and budgetable.

“We love the neighborhood, sothe improvements are just a natu-ral result of efforts to make thehouse feel even more like home.”

Staff at Foster RemodelingSolutions periodically offerworkshops on home improvementtopics at the Lorton showroom.Call 703-550-1371 or visitwww.FosterRemodeling.com.

recognized that everything wewanted was already here; we justneeded a few pointed improve-ments to take us into the foresee-able future.”

Initially that meant introducingan open, “kitchen-centric” plan inthe back half of the house, and cre-ating an outdoor component — inthe form of a 16-by-16-foot backscreen porch — that allows foreasy warm-weather circulation.

Replacing a wall betweenkitchen and dining room with athree-stool dining counter provedan effective starting point to de-lineating a more interactive enter-tainment space . The new surfaceis also well-positioned as a serv-ing station for al fresco porch din-ing.

Although the needed structuralchanges were relatively minor, anew shelled-in niche for the refrig-

Demand for Incremental Improvements

Home LifeStyle

By John Byrd

For The Gazette

Challenging times demand cre-ative thinking — so you don’thave to look far to findhomeowners executing remod-

eling projects with far-reaching objectives.Take, for instance, the case of Mary and

Harry Warren of Mount Vernon, both intheir mid-70s.

Scrolling back a few years, the Warrenswhere weighing various retirement optionswhen they learned that their daughter andthree grandchildren would be moving backto Virginia from the midwest and might beamenable to participating in a three-gen-eration household.

“There was really a lot for us to consider,”said Mary Warren. “Harry and I thought thatif we expanded the house to incorporate theextended family, we could eventually passit on to the next generation. We could alsomake some changes that would help us tomove around as we get older.”

On the other hand: the more the Warrensscrutinized the existing property, the morethey wondered if their vision was even fea-sible.

FOR STARTERS, at 1,500 square feet , thethree-bedroom split-level the couple had oc-cupied since 1994 was neatly centered ona small lot in a neighborhood with strictlyobserved set-back requirements.

To provide all three generations with thenecessary space and privacy, the Warrensfigured they would have to increase usableliving space by 40 percent or more.

A carefully planned addition along theproperty’s western side offered promising

By extension, Meg and the grandchildreninherit sleeping quarters in the existing bed-room wing — a configuration of rooms thataffords everyone with the sufficient conve-nience and living space. Both families sharethe newly upgraded kitchen.

The makeover also allowed the Warrensto introduce a number of Universal Designfeatures. Hallway widths in the new winghave been expanded to 44 inches; doors are34 inches wide — compliant with Ameri-can Disabilities Act requirements. The rearentrance has, likewise, been designed to ac-commodate a ramp, should a wheelchair berequired in the future.

“We’re just thinking ahead,” Mary War-ren said.

More recently, Mindy Mitchell — SunDesign’s certified Aging-In-Place Specialist— followed Universal Design principals inrenovating the original circa 1960s kitchen.Revisions included removing unneededwalls, widening doors and hallways andintroducing roll-out cabinets with drawerpulls. There’s also task lighting, easily ma-neuvered faucets and a multi-level islandsuitable for standing or sitting.

“The new kitchen feels significantly ex-panded, yet it’s very efficiently designed —a great solution for a family like ours,” saidMary Warren. “The changes have made lifeeasier for everyone.”

All in the Family With solid planning and skillful remodeling,seniors convert personal residence into amulti-generational household.

The multi-generational solution introduced by Sun Design Remodelingincludes a one level seniors wing supplemented by a sitting area thatexits through French doors to the newly formed courtyard. Hallways anddoors in the new section are wheelchair friendly.

possibilities. But even if you could find theneeded lot space, the floorplan configura-tion that would satisfy everyone’s privacyrequirements remained elusive.

It was at this juncture that the Warrensturned to Craig Durosko, founder and prin-cipal of Sun Design Remodeling.

“The program was certainly tricky,”Durosko said. “The Warrens wanted a func-tionally independent suite that would in-clude a luxury bath, lots of custom built-ins and interior design improvements. Ourthought was: if we could satisfy this require-ment from the ground up, Meg and thegrandchildren could take over half of theexisting house as their own wing.”

“We particularly liked the considerationto everyone’s privacy needs,” Mary Warren

said. “Their plan allows for independencewhere you want it.”

Thus, stripped to its essentials, Durosko’ssolution called for converting the three-bed-room split-level into a five bedroom two-level structure that provides the Warrenswith private quarters, yet also incorporatestransitional zones suitable for easy every-day interaction.

TO ACCOMMODATE the elder Warrens,Durosko and team designed a 650-square-foot wing adjacent to a newly formed rearcourtyard. The perfectly-integrated one-level addition features two large bedrooms,a master bath and large reach-in closets. Aformer family room now serves as thecouple’s sitting room.

MoreSun Design Remodeling frequently sponsors

workshops on specific remodeling topics as wellas tours of recently remodeled homes. Headquar-tered in Burke, the firm recently opened asecond office in McLean. Call 703-425-5588 orvisit .www.SunDesignInc.com.

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My Great GardenCustom Garden Solutions cultivated and delivered especially for you.

703-969-4966www.MyGreatGarden.com

Our garden masters come to you, by appointment and set up everything you needto enjoy your own My Great Garden. MY GREAT GARDEN staff will deliverand prepare a garden plot with an assortment of seeds and plants. You takepleasure in watering and picking the fruits and vegetables your garden will bear.We estimate you will benefit from 90-150 lbs. of FRESH healthy home grownfruits and vegetables. Fruit and Vegetable seed and seedling varieties vary andare dependent upon delivery date, soiland temperature.

Enjoy healthy fresh homegrown fruits, herbs, and

vegetables.

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PLANT IT! YOUPICK IT!

By Joshua Baker

BOWA

Remodeling often affords anopportunity tore-purpose ex-

isting materials by donat-ing to those less fortunate.Ask your remodeler ifthere is a plan or policy forsaving materials for re-userather than sending it to aland fill. Every project isdifferent. And some mate-rials are more easily re-moved and saved than others. Here are acouple of organizations that accepted usedmaterials.

A Wider CircleThis organization provides basic-need

items to families transitioning out of shel-ters and those living without life’s necessi-ties. A Wider Circle furnishes the homes ofmore than 1,000 children and adults eachmonth. If you wish to donate furniture andother home essentials that are in good con-dition (no rips or stains), you can drop offitems at their Center for Community Ser-vice in Silver Spring, Md. You can alsoschedule a pickup in most areas through-out greater Washington, D.C. Refer to theirwebsite for a full list of accepted items andtheir “wish list” of the most needed itemsat www.awidercircle.org. Some impressive2011 stats:

❖ 13,000: Number of homes furnished❖ 1,500,000: Pounds of furniture and

home goods recycled❖ 10,000: Number of volunteers who as-

sisted

Habitat for Humanity– ReStore

ReStore is a resale business that sells newand used building materials and home itemsto the general public. All donations are taxdeductible and donated by individuals, lo-cal retailers, building contractors and sup-pliers. Donated items are then sold at 50-90 percent off the retail price, with all pro-ceeds benefiting Habitat for Humanity, anorganization that provides safe and afford-able housing to low-income families.ReStore accepts appliances, furniture, cabi-nets, roofing and flooring materials, exer-cise equipment, countertops, electronics,lighting and plumbing fixtures, amongmany others. All materials and items mustbe in good and working condition. Itemsmay be dropped off at ReStore locationsduring their business hours or for largerdonations you may schedule a pickup. Forstore hours and locations and for the com-plete list of acceptable items you can checkout the following websites:

❖ Northern Virginia: Stores in Alexandria

and Chantilly -www.restorenova.org

❖ Montgomery County:Store location inGaithersburg - www.habitat-mc.org

❖ Loudoun County: Storein Purcellville -www.loudounhabitat.org/restore

❖ Fauquier County: Storein Warrenton –www.fauquierhabitat.org

GoodwillFounded in 1902, Goodwill accepts gen-

tly used clothing, furniture, housewares,working electronics, and other householditems. These items are then sold at theirretail locations, with the proceeds used tofund employment, job training, and place-ment services for the disadvantaged andthose with disabilities. To view their full listof goods accepted, and for the list of dona-tion centers and stores, visitwww.dcgoodwill.org. You may also sched-ule a pick up online for larger items ormultiple items you don’t have the resourcesto transport.

Salvation ArmyAlthough the Salvation Army is involved

in many community programs, proceedsfrom items donated to their stores will ben-efit their Adult Rehabilitation Centers,which help those who have lost the abilityto cope with their problems and are unableto provide for themselves. Each rehabilita-tion center offers residential housing andwork, along with individual and grouptherapy. This enables many to be reunitedwith their families and resume a normal life.Items commonly donated include appli-ances, clothing, furniture, and householdgoods. For more information on their do-nation program, please visitwww.satruck.org.

BOWA HomeCleanup Days

As a thank you to the neighbors in thecommunities in which we work, from timeto time BOWA hosts Home Cleanup Days.Home Cleanup Day is a great opportunityto donate and recycle gently used house-hold items, toys and clothing, and disposeof any debris or other unwanted clutter. ABOWA employee will help folks unload theiritems and a Goodwill representative will beon hand to accept donations and providereceipts.

To find a BOWA Home Cleanup Day inyour area, please visit our http://info.bowa.com/communityblog/.

Josh Baker is founder of BOWA, learnmore at www.bowa.com.

Home LifeStyle

Recycle, Reuse, Remodel


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January, 2013Top Sales inGreat Falls,McLean, Reston,Oak Hill, Oaktonand Vienna

Photos by Craig Sterbutzel/The Connection

Address .................................. BR FB HB ... Postal City ... Sold Price .... Type ....... Lot AC PostalCode .......... Subdivision ............ Date Sold

1 1036 AZIZA CT ...................... 5 .. 5 .. 3 ... GREAT FALLS .. $5,115,693 .... Detached .... 0.84 ...... 22066 ...... PUTNAM FARM ESTATES ..... 01/04/13

2 710 BULLS NECK RD .............. 6 .. 6 .. 1 ...... MCLEAN ..... $5,000,000 .... Detached .... 5.00 ...... 22102 ....... BULLS NECK HUNDRED ...... 01/16/13

3 8305 FOX HAVEN DR .............. 5 .. 6 .. 2 ...... MCLEAN ..... $3,125,000 .... Detached .... 0.83 ...... 22102 ........ FOXHALL OF MCLEAN ....... 01/04/13

4 845 CANAL DR ...................... 5 .. 5 .. 2 ...... MCLEAN ..... $1,900,000 .... Detached .... 1.18 ...... 22102 ... OLD GEORGETOWN ESTATES .. 01/25/13

5 9720 ARNON CHAPEL RD ....... 6 .. 6 .. 3 ... GREAT FALLS .. $1,800,000 .... Detached .... 2.46 ...... 22066 ............ HARMON FARM ........... 01/15/13

6 11301 LANDY LN ................... 5 .. 5 .. 1 ... GREAT FALLS .. $1,734,604 .... Detached .... 1.47 ...... 22066 ........... CHANEL ESTATES .......... 01/04/13

7 400 BERRY ST SE ................... 5 .. 4 .. 1 ....... VIENNA ..... $1,402,735 .... Detached .... 0.51 ...... 22180 ......... MURMURING PINES ........ 01/29/13

8 11580 GREENWICH POINT RD 4 .. 2 .. 1 ...... RESTON ..... $1,000,000 .... Detached .... 0.31 ...... 20194 .................. RESTON ................. 01/02/13

9 12705 AUTUMN CREST DR ..... 5 .. 4 .. 1 ...... OAK HILL ...... $965,000 .... Detached .... 0.30 ...... 20171 .......... FRANKLINS TRUST ......... 01/04/13

Copyright 2013 RealEstate Business Intelligence. Source: MRIS as of February 18, 2013.

Local REAL ESTATELocal REAL ESTATE1 1036 Aziza Court, Great Falls — $5,115,693

3 8305 Fox Haven Drive,McLean — $3,125,000

5 9720 ArnonChapel Road,Great Falls —$1,800,000

7 400 Berry Street SE,Vienna — $1,402,735

8 11580 Greenwich Point Road,Reston — $1,000,000

9 12705 Autumn Crest Drive,Oak Hill — $965,000


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Home LifeStyle

By Marilyn Campbell

The Connection

From floral arrangements that burst withpastel blooms to candles that fill one’s homewith scents reminiscent of warm weather,local style experts offer suggestions for ac-

cents that welcome spring.Turn simple twigs and greenery into a harbinger

of Easter. “Welcome guests into your home with aspring wreath on the front door decorated with

greenery, flowers or eggs,” said Ann O’Shields of TheNest Egg in Fairfax. “Scents of spring are a sure wayto alleviate the end of winter.”

Laura Smith of The Dandelion Patch in Vienna,Reston and Georgetown recommends filling air withcrisp, fresh aromas. “There are candles with reallynice spring scents, like jasmine or gardenia and lem-ongrass. Citrus scents are also very big in spring andsummer.”

Smith suggests setting one’s table with servewareimprinted with spring produce like lettuces that her-ald the new season. “You can use cutting boards withartichoke prints or platters with asparagus prints.They are entertaining and fun accessories,” Smithsaid.

Festive baskets filled with paper grass, woodeneggs, bunnies and flowers make ideal home accents.“Using seasonal blooms are a great way to welcomespring,” said O’Shields.

A floral arrangement displayed in baskets coveredwith spring flower petals make a chic centerpiecefor one’s dining table. “When it comes to floral ar-rangements, people are often driven by what theirhome décor is,” said Potomac, Md., based floral de-signer Evelyn Kinville. “The most popular flowers forEaster are hydrangeas in white or soft green, daffo-dils, tulips in yellow, hyacinths in pink or blue,Esperance roses, which are large pink and cream two-toned in color, and White or pink hybrid lilies.”

O’Shields said, “Pick one flower style and repeat itin various places throughout the room for the mostimpact.”

Decorating for EasterEasy ideas to welcomespring into your ahome.

Local design experts suggest usingserveware imprinted with produce likelettuces that herald the new season.

“Welcome guests into yourhome with a spring wreath onthe front door decorated withgreenery, flowers or eggs.”

— Ann O’Shields

Photos by Marilyn Campbell/The Connection

Hydrangeas in white or soft green, daffo-dils, tulips in yellow, hyacinths in pink orblue, Esperance roses and white or pinkhybrid lilies are popular for Easter.

Welcome guests into one’s home withwreaths made of twigs, greenery, springflowers and wooden eggs in colors likebright green and lavender.

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