Maryland’s Ginko House: Where History Meets Modernity

Stepping onto the grounds of this Bethesda, Maryland home, visitors are greeted by the majestic ginkgo trees that frame the doorway. This newly renovated Nineteen Twenties center-hall colonial – dubbed the Ginko House – has undergone a significant transformation, respiration recent life into its historic bones while retaining a few of its original charm. The 4,875-square-foot home had a big addition positioned on the rear, consisting of a kitchen, great room, and first suite, that was flooded with natural light. Colleen Healey, of Colleen Healey Architecture, was tasked with bringing that very same open, brightness to the unique a part of the home and to upgrade the finishes throughout to form a more cohesive aesthetic.

The six bedroom, seven bathroom house kept its stucco exterior, but Healey updated the dramatic entrance with recent windows and wood louvers for a modernized look. Along with the front, the back was included within the scope with a brand new garden, pool, and patio. A small sunroom featuring sliding pocket doors and roll screens was added to attach the inside with the updated backyard for an indoor/outdoor lifestyle.

By opening up the middle of the house, sight lines were formed to the pool and patio, while inviting natural light into the essential living spaces. Two gray Bubble sofas from Roche Bobois add a playful touch to the front room, which is positioned adjoining to the wall of windows by the patio.

Dark textured finishes and blackened steel add depth and drama, lending a touch of modernity throughout

White surfaces surround the jewel toned Soriana sofas from Cassina, which form a seating area across the textured steel fireplace within the den.

The open white metal staircase becomes a focus against a wall of horizontally arranged mahogany wood slats that complement the louvers on the front entrance.