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When Washington, DC-based lawyers Rachel Rosenfeld and John Marsh moved from a condo in the city to a 1990s brick colonial in Bethesda, Maryland, they were craving more than just extra square footage—they wanted a place that felt like home. They enlisted the help of interior designer Liz Potarazu of LP & Co. to help them transform the outdated 5,300-square-foot home into a space that balances peace and play. “When Rachel envisioned her family’s home, she knew exactly what she wanted: a space that felt peaceful, but never dull—a haven where kids could be kids, and grown-ups could still find calm,” Potarazu shares.With two small children, safety and durability were non-negotiable. “I wanted it to be kid-friendly without sacrificing serenity,” Rosenfeld says. “A place where laughter echoes, but there’s still room to breathe.” Potarazu took a neuroaesthetic approach to the home’s design, which she describes as being intentional about how a space makes you feel. “We think about color, texture, and light the same way we think about furniture—they all play a role in how you function in a space,” the designer says. Here, that meant creating a calming and restorative primary bedroom, a lively and social dining room, and everyday spaces that help life flow more smoothly. “It’s design that supports how you live, not just how it looks,” Potarazu says.Take a tour through this beautiful yet deeply livable Maryland home where every design decision supports wellness, connection, and functionality for the family of four.Living RoomEric Tate of Peak VisualsThe living room is long and narrow, so Potarazu divided it into two zones: one main seating area and a secondary space with deep orange wingback chairs. The addition of ottomans keeps the room flexible so it can shift depending on how it’s being used. “The clients wanted a space that felt special enough for entertaining but not off-limits for everyday use,” Potarazu says of the living room. Throughout the design process, she uncovered the homeowners’ love for bold color, playful art, and layered texture. “The clients have a strong point of view with art, which I always appreciate,” Potarazu says. “They love modern, colorful, abstract pieces and that contrast against the traditional bones of the house really works.” To allow the art and materials to stand out in the living room and throughout the rest of the home, Potarazu used Benjamin Moore’s Classic Gray as the main wall color.Dining RoomEric Tate of Peak VisualsSince the dining room is one of the first spaces you see when you enter the home, Potarazu wanted it to make an impression without feeling overly formal. “We mixed traditional moldings with a more modern chandelier and bold artwork, then grounded everything with a natural sisal rug,” the designer shares. With small children in the mix, she says everything had to be family-friendly, no “look-but-don’t-touch” pieces. The result is a space that blends dramatic modern artwork with clean-lined furnishings and layered textures for a visually appealing yet fully functional effect. “It’s beautiful, but you can still serve pizza there without panicking,” Potarazu says.KitchenEric Tate of Peak VisualsThe biggest challenge when it came to the kitchen renovation was the layout. “It’s surprisingly narrow for a home this size, so creating an island that allowed for seating and still felt open took some work,” Potarazu says. She optimized the layout to improve the kitchen’s flow and functionality, and anchored the space with an island that seats four. For a timeless backdrop, the designer selected custom cabinetry in warm wood and soft neutrals, and to add depth and visual interest without overwhelming the space, she chose stone countertops with subtle veining and sculptural pendant lights. “I wanted the whole home to feel calm—no visual clutter, no chaos,” Rosenfeld says. Thoughtful design choices such as a soft color palette and smart storage solutions transformed the outdated kitchen into equal parts functional workhorse and design showpiece. “Now it feels light, clean, and intentional: true livable luxury, not ‘pretty but impractical’,” Potarazu says. SunroomEric Tate of Peak VisualsThe sunroom is one of the most relaxing rooms in the house, and Rosenfeld’s personal favorite. “It’s where I go to recharge, read, or just watch the light shift throughout the day,” she says. Made up of three walls of windows, the sunroom is light, bright, and peaceful. “When the sheers are drawn, the light is filtered just enough that it feels so inviting, perfect for an afternoon nap or coffee break,” Potarazu says. She incorporated biophilic design through a tall plant that connects the interior with the lush greenery outside. “The clients are both busy professionals with demanding jobs, and they wanted their home to feel calm and organized, a place to actually relax,” Potarazu explains. They liked the idea of an “organic modern” look, even though the house itself is a very traditional brick colonial. “We didn’t want to fight that, so we found ways to layer in the organic textures and neutrals they loved without losing the home’s character,” the designer says. In the sunroom, that meant creating a layered look with a rug, plenty of upholstered seating options, a sculptural coffee table, and sheer floor-to-ceiling curtain panels that frame the views. “It’s a space that perfectly captures the home’s essence: tranquil, yet full of life,” Rosenfeld says. Powder RoomEric Tate of Peak Visuals”The powder room was our chance to have fun,” Potarazu says. The designer leaned into color and selected York’s Impressionist Floral Wallpaper, whose abstract print is juxtaposed with a clean-lined wood vanity and oval mirror. The statement powder room makes for an element of surprise and a memorable design moment. “It’s small but bold, one of those spaces that makes people stop and smile,” Potarazu says.Family RoomEric Tate of Peak VisualsThe goal for the family room was a comfortable space to watch TV that still looks elevated. When the homeowners purchased the property, the family room had an old wood-burning fireplace that felt heavy and dated, not to mention a safety concern given their two young children. “We rebuilt it using fluted tile and converted it to an electric insert,” Potarazu says. What was once a forgettable stone fireplace is now a stunning focal point whose textural makeover puts a contemporary twist on a classic hearth. In addition to the space being safe and kid-friendly, durability was a high priority. “Everything in the room is made with performance fabrics and durable finishes so it can handle daily life,” Potarazu shares. Primary Bedroom and BathroomEric Tate of Peak VisualsThe primary bedroom has a large footprint and is filled with natural light that streams in through arched windows, which Potarazu says is beautiful, but tricky when it comes to window treatments. “It took several tries to find the right solution, but we landed on motorized sheers and blackout drapery that layer perfectly,” she shares. Eric Tate of Peak VisualsAs for the primary bathroom, Potarazu says the original layout didn’t make sense: “A ’90s massive sunken tub and a tiny shower.” The solution? Flipping the two. “Now it feels like a spa, with a freestanding tub and large shower lined in textured tile that brings in that organic feel,” Potarazu says.Kids’ BedroomsEric Tate of Peak VisualsEric Tate of Peak VisualsThe two kids’ bedrooms were designed to grow with them. “The daughter’s room was designed before she was even born, so flexibility was key,” Potarazu shares. Pops of pattern appear in both of the kids’ rooms and add a playful dose of personality, through checkered bedding in one, and a floral wallpaper in the other. “They’re sweet and age-appropriate, but not babyish,” Potarazu says. More Inspiring HomesMaria Sabella is a lifestyle writer with a passion for home and interiors — from paint colors and holiday decor to the latest design trends. Her work has appeared in outlets including Better Homes & Gardens, The Spruce, BuzzFeed and Bustle. More
1All-White Kitchens Joe Hendrickson//Getty Images“All-white kitchens are on their way out in 2026. Design is moving toward more layered, atmospheric spaces that embrace depth and warmth—think deep greens, inky blues, and soft taupes.” — Corinne Ekle, C2 Design2Scallop HeadboardsDeekens//Getty Images”Scallop-top beds will start to feel less relevant. Their playful, romantic profile suited the post-pandemic craving for softness, but the pendulum is swinging back toward tailored, architectural headboards with stronger lines and natural materials.” — Christopher Boutlier, Christopher Boutlier InteriorsAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below3Waterfall Kitchen Islandssheilasay//Getty Images”One design element we’re seeing phase out heading into 2026 is the waterfall island. While it once signaled a sleek, modern look, it’s become overdone and, depending on the material, can feel cold or one-dimensional. Today’s homeowners are looking for more warmth, personality, and visual interest in their spaces. We’re seeing a shift toward mixing materials like wood, metal, or natural stone to create depth and a more custom, personal feel. Ultimately, the heart of the home should reflect who you are—not just the latest trend.” — Colleen Lettich Hyde, ODE DesignRELATED: 10 Kitchen Design Upgrades Realtors Say Are Worth the Investment4Millennial GrayWestend61//Getty Images”Interiors are feeling more warm as people are abandoning the millennial gray era for warmer neutrals, saturated colors, and bolder design.” — Amber Guyton, Blessed Little BungalowAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below5Oversized, Statement Pendants jodiejohnson//Getty Images”Lighting is becoming more refined: smaller, thoughtfully scaled fixtures that complement the room’s architecture and craftsmanship rather than overpower it.” — Corinne Ekle, C2 Design6Traditional Dining RoomsJoe Schmelzer//Getty Images”As hosting has become more relaxed and informal, the traditional dining room is getting less attention. Many clients now prioritize expanding their eat-in kitchen areas while finding new purposes for the formal dining room. The hyper-stylized dining room that once hosted just a few gatherings a year is evolving into something more useful—home offices, cozy movie rooms, or intimate libraries designed for adult entertaining and quiet moments in a busy household.” — Jamie Lyn Smith, Smith Home StudiosRELATED: 90 Gorgeous Dining Rooms Guaranteed to Strike up ConversationAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below7Understated CraftsmanshipJohn keeble//Getty Images”Understated craftsmanship is a thing of the past! We are hearing more and more requests for detailed woodwork. We are seeing a desire for “comfort” in homes and expect trends like ceiling treatments, paneling, and detailed crown molding to make a comeback. People miss having something that is tailored and unique to them versus the fatigue of every home looking the same and lacking character.” — Liz Fraser Wooten, Ashdown Studio8All-Neutral RoomsJohn keeble//Getty Images”We have noticed our 2026 clients craving more depth in colors and natural materials. Requests for crisp white walls and fabrics like bouclé are staying in the past! We expect to see a lot of limewash, stone tables, and fabrics with pattern in 2026.” — Liz Fraser Wooten, Ashdown StudioAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below9Modern Farmhouse StyleJoe Hendrickson//Getty Images”The modern farmhouse style will hopefully be officially out in 2026. Interiors and exteriors that are primarily in white and black are boring and look builder grade. Finishes and fixtures in black metal draw the eye to them, making them stand out as opposed to coordinate with the rest of the design elements in the home. The look doesn’t feel intentional. It feels lazy, and the result is a home that is beginning to look very dated.” — Liz Potarazu, LP & Co.10BoucléKristen Prahl//Getty Images”As for bouclé, it has been the darling of design for nearly a decade, but its ubiquity has dulled its impact. Designers are rediscovering depth through other tactile materials such as brushed wool, slub linen, and matte chenille that offer the same sense of comfort but with more dimension and less déjà vu.” — Christopher Boutlier, Christopher Boutlier InteriorsAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below11Minimalism Saiful Islam//Getty Images”Maximalism is back, and it’s here to stay. We’re seeing a bold embrace of color, pattern, and layered design and when done well, it creates a space that truly stands out. Clients are craving that balance; they want their homes to feel calm and livable, but they’re also not willing to sacrifice the ‘wow’ factor. Maximalism gives them permission to be expressive and personal — and that energy is resonating.” — Eleanor Tate Trepte, Dekay & Tate Interiors12Matching Wood TonesProCreators//Getty Images”We’re seeing more and more clients embrace the beauty of mixing wood tones throughout their homes, from architectural finishes to furniture pieces. In the past, many preferred a more uniform look, where floors, cabinets, and furniture all matched. Now, there’s a growing appreciation for a layered, more natural feel that brings warmth and depth to a space. Designers have embraced this for years, but I sense clients are catching up.” — Sierra Schmitt, S-SquaredAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below13Flat Drywall sheilasay//Getty Images”Textured walls and ceilings are defining the year. Flat drywall is giving way to plaster finishes, fluted details, and fabulous wallpapers and murals that add warmth and dimension.” — Rosa Stantiago Zimmerman, RSZ Design + Development14Catalog-Inspired RoomsJoe Hendrickson//Getty Images”Clients want homes that feel like them—not like a catalog or a showhouse, but like a reflection of their story. They’re asking for spaces that show confidence and a bit of restraint at the same time—rooms with personality, but not cluttered chaos.” — Cheryl Stauffer, Crimson Design GroupAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below15Café CurtainsWlad74//Getty Images”By 2026, a few beloved details will quietly step aside as interiors evolve toward cleaner lines and more authentic materials. Café curtains have had a long run, offering charm and privacy, but they tend to interrupt the architecture and break up natural light. The movement now is toward fuller, floor-length drapery or simple linen shades that feel intentional rather than nostalgic.” — Christopher Boutlier, Christopher Boutlier InteriorsMonique Valeris is the home design director for Good Housekeeping, where she oversees the brand’s home decorating coverage across print and digital. Prior to joining GH in 2020, she was the digital editor at Elle Decor. In her current role, she explores everything from design trends and home tours to lifestyle product recommendations, including writing her monthly column, “What’s in My Cart.”Watch Next Advertisement – Continue Reading BelowReaders Also ReadAdvertisement – Continue Reading BelowAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below More
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