Interior Design Blog

Tips, trends, and inspiration from our designers in Bethesda, MD.

Screened Porch vs. Covered Patio in Maryland: Cost, Mosquito Protection, Rain, and Resale Value

Covered patio or screened porch? Real 2026 Maryland cost ranges, why the Asian tiger mosquito decides it for most Montgomery County homeowners, what wind-driven rain does to each one, the DPS permit line between a patio and a roofed structure, and what each does for resale.

David Thompson

September 4, 2026

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Custom Entertainment Center in Washington, DC: Costs, Wall Types, and How to Get It Right

August 16, 2026

14 min read

Custom Entertainment Center in Washington, DC: Costs, Wall Types, and How to Get It Right

What a custom entertainment center really costs in Washington, DC in 2026, plus the TV height and sight-line math, what a row house masonry party wall changes about the build, when a DC permit is actually required, and the condo access rules that decide your schedule.

By Michael JohnsonRead More

Screen Porch Enclosure vs. Sunroom in Maryland: Costs, Permits, and Which One to Build

August 14, 2026

14 min read

Screen Porch Enclosure vs. Sunroom in Maryland: Costs, Permits, and Which One to Build

Screened porch, three-season room, or four-season sunroom? Real 2026 Maryland cost ranges, the Montgomery County permit and zoning path, the two structural surprises that blow up porch conversions, and how each option affects your assessment and appraised square footage.

By David ThompsonRead More

My Bethesda Condo Kitchen Is Tiny: Who Specializes in Small Space Renovations?

August 13, 2026

13 min read

My Bethesda Condo Kitchen Is Tiny: Who Specializes in Small Space Renovations?

How to choose a remodeler for a tiny Bethesda condo kitchen, plus the NKBA clearances that decide your layout, real 2026 cost ranges, condo board and WSSC permit steps, and how to find 30% more storage without moving a wall.

By Jessica RodriguezRead More

Durable Modern Bathroom Design: Materials and Details That Last Decades

August 8, 2026

12 min read

Durable Modern Bathroom Design: Materials and Details That Last Decades

How to build a modern bathroom that still works in twenty years: ANSI A118.10 waterproofing, DCOF-rated tile, ASHRAE 62.2 ventilation, humidity-proof cabinetry, and the spec checklist to hand your contractor.

By Sarah WilliamsRead More

Quartz vs. Granite Countertops in Maryland: Price, Heat Resistance, and Design

July 30, 2026

11 min read

Quartz vs. Granite Countertops in Maryland: Price, Heat Resistance, and Design

Compare quartz vs. granite countertops for your Maryland kitchen remodel, including price per square foot, heat resistance, maintenance, colors, and local planning tips.

By Thomas WilsonRead More

Tub to Shower Conversion in Bethesda, MD: Real Costs, Permits, and Local Advice

July 27, 2026

12 min read

Tub to Shower Conversion in Bethesda, MD: Real Costs, Permits, and Local Advice

What a tub to shower conversion really costs in Bethesda and Montgomery County, with a line-item price breakdown, the WSSC and DPS permit path, the Design for Life tax credit, and a realistic day-by-day schedule.

By Sarah WilliamsRead More

September 20, 2025

4 min read

What is the NACA Program? NACA101

There is a lot of talk about the NACA program funding renovation projects, but what is it and do I qualify?

By James BrownRead More

April 5, 2025

7 min read

Modern Bathroom Design Ideas for 2025

Discover the latest trends and innovations in bathroom design that will define luxury and comfort in 2025.

By Sarah WilliamsRead More

Choosing the Perfect Color Palette for Your Home

March 28, 2025

7 min read

Choosing the Perfect Color Palette for Your Home

A step-by-step guide to picking a home color palette that fits your light, your furniture, and your fixed surfaces. Includes the 60-30-10 rule and DMV-specific lighting tips.

By Michael JohnsonRead More

March 15, 2025

8 min read

Space-Saving Ideas for Small Kitchens

Plan a small kitchen that fits the work triangle, stretches vertical storage, and right-sizes the appliances. Includes layout tips for DMV row houses, condos, and 1940s colonials.

By Jessica RodriguezRead More

Sustainable Interior Design: Eco-Friendly Home Solutions

March 10, 2025

9 min read

Sustainable Interior Design: Eco-Friendly Home Solutions

A practical guide to sustainable remodels: low-VOC finishes, FSC-certified materials, ENERGY STAR appliances, WaterSense plumbing, and waste reduction. Includes DMV rebate and lead-paint notes.

By David ThompsonRead More

Open Concept Living: Design Tips and Considerations

February 28, 2025

9 min read

Open Concept Living: Design Tips and Considerations

A practical guide to planning an open floor plan: structure, zoning, lighting, sound, HVAC, and finishes. Includes notes for Bethesda and DMV homes built between 1925 and 1965.

By Emily ChangRead More

Kitchen Countertop Materials: A Comprehensive Guide

February 20, 2025

10 min read

Kitchen Countertop Materials: A Comprehensive Guide

Compare quartz, granite, quartzite, marble, soapstone, butcher block, solid surface, concrete, and laminate. Side-by-side cost, heat, stain, and sealing data plus DMV-specific notes.

By Thomas WilsonRead More

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