DC Studio | Architectural Details that Speak Volumes

12/16/2024

Cherry Grove Residence

Nestled within a quiet grove and framed by seasonal light, Cherry Grove is a study in balance between new and old, refined and rustic, connected and distinct. What began as a modest 760-square-foot cut has evolved into a tailored residence, rich with texture, craft, and a sense of rhythm that unfolds room by room.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The approach to the home is anchored by a one-car garage, thoughtfully scaled to maintain proportion while allowing the architecture to remain grounded in its setting. Upon entry, a checkerboard-tiled mudroom offers a welcoming moment of pattern and utility, leading into a warm walnut-centered kitchen and living space. Here, natural light becomes a design material of its own, casting movement across the limestone hearth and inviting guests to settle in.

The layout follows an elegant evolution. A paneled dining room framed by expansive windows becomes a place of gathering, the millwork providing both warmth and architectural continuity. Adjacent, a butler’s pantry links function with elegance, bridging everyday use and moments of hosting.

Connectivity is key in this residence. A limestone-paved connector stretches from the gathering spaces to the back of the home, framed by both a screened porch and patio on either side. The transition is intentionally marked by a shift in material, nickel gap siding introduces a secondary architectural language, allowing this passage to feel like a hinge between volumes. The porch equipped with a retractable screen that dissolves the threshold between interior and exterior, emphasizing the home’s indoor-outdoor sensibility.

Throughout the residence, quiet details speak volumes. A custom vanity and Neolith stone walls define the primary bath, where three walls and the counter echo a singular stone expression. A pocket door tucks away the primary suite, preserving privacy without interrupting the flow.

 

 

 

The stair, sculptural in form, serves as both a focal point and a spine for the home. At its base, a built-in workspace offers a moment of productivity, while above, a small reading nook and desk create opportunities for pause, creativity, and retreat. Upstairs, there are two guest rooms, while the basement is home to an exercise room complete the program. Each facet of the home is private, considered, and wholly attuned to the lives it supports.

Cherry Grove is a home that reflects layers of living. From the subtle arc of a walnut barrel to the interplay of siding, stone, and screen. Every material and decision reinforces the idea that design is not about grand gestures, but about considered moments, each one building toward a sense of place, purpose, and permanence.

The interior highlights a natural palette of oak wood, plush rugs, and shearling furniture, fostering a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The most notable features of the residence include contrasting elements, like the dark millwork in the dining area and the black powder room, which provide a balanced visual interest. The interiors focus on durability without sacrificing comfort, ensuring the home remains both functional and welcoming as the family grows.