Chevy Chase Residence II

When our clients moved from the West Coast to Chevy Chase, D.C., they immediately connected with the neighborhood but not with the aesthetics of the 1940s faux‑Tudor they purchased. The home felt out of sync with their contemporary style and the way they lived with their two young daughters.

We approached the exterior renovation intentionally, retaining elements of the house’s original character while refreshing materials, reorganizing the windows, and introducing a front porch to bring order to the façade. From the street, the house feels both at home in the neighborhood and aligned with the family’s design sensibilities. From the backyard, the house features a more contemporary vertical organization.

The home’s interior offers a clear contrast from the exterior with warm white oak, expressive black accents, and bold interior design. A custom vertical trim motif throughout the living areas helps clearly define spaces while adding visual rhythm and continuity. The central stairs are a sculptural anchor, crafted in steel for a nod to the family’s love of industrial design. The parents and daughters all contributed ideas for layout and design of their bedrooms, bathrooms, and offices to ensure they reflected their personalities and needs. New family spaces — including a third‑floor playroom and gym filled with natural light and a dedicated movie room in the basement — support their daily routines and the way they spend time together.

The completed home respects its historic neighborhood while giving the family a place that feels unmistakably their own.