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Inside Maple Adams-Krygier’s Contemporary Classical Home in Washington, D.C.

  • Aug 28
  • 4 min read

Set within one of Washington, D.C.’s most prestigious leafy neighborhoods, this remarkable family home combines timeless architectural tradition with contemporary living. Designed by Des Ewing Architects and brought to life with interiors by homeowner Maple Adams-Krygier of MAK99 Interiors, the residence draws inspiration from the city’s grand neoclassical landmarks while embracing the openness and functionality expected of a modern family home. "The house itself has got a nod to the neoclassical nature of the significant buildings in Washington" explains Des. "It’s almost like a doll’s house with the windows either side, but what’s great about it is this landscape setting." Every decision, from the symmetrical façade to the welcoming limestone steps and glowing portico, was designed to give the home a warm and inviting presence.


ARCHITECT

Des Ewing Residential Architect

TYPE

Family Residence

LOCATION

Washington, DC

SERVICES

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PRESENTED BY

Maple Adams-Krygier and Des Ewing

Elegant entry hall with black front door, ornate mirror and bench; a small dog peeks from under the bench on beige tile floor.
Modern wooden staircase with black railings and glowing pendant lights in a bright home, seen from above with green trees outside.

Creating Drama Through Contrast


A richly layered entrance lobby, finished with traditional wallpaper and concealed storage, creates a moment of intimacy before opening into a soaring double-height hall flooded with natural light. “To emphasize that brightness, we’ve created a little bit of darkness and closure here in the lobby” says Des. Beyond the impressive three-metre doors, the nearly four-metre ceilings establish the size that defines the house, while every room branches naturally from this light-filled central axis.


Cozy living room with beige sofa, coffee table books, dark walls, large window, wall art, and green trees outside.

Rooms Designed for Retreat


Although expansive, the home is carefully broken into spaces that encourage moments of quiet. Maple’s favorite room is the snug, where warm colors, historic architectural pieces and treasured antiques create a personal sanctuary. “This really is my space” she says. “I take a book, I shut the world out.” 

Elegant living room with cream sofas, armchair, fireplace, bookshelf, coffee table, and large windows in soft neutral tones.
Cozy home library with built-in bookshelves, cream armchairs, fireplace, and coffee table in a warm, tidy study.

The neighboring library continues this quieter atmosphere, filled with books, restored English furniture and carefully collected pieces that have travelled with Maple throughout her life. “When you build a new home, you need to blend some restored items into it so it’s not so clinical” she explains, pointing to a fireplace she carefully stored for two decades before finding its perfect home.


Smiling man and woman stand in a doorway of a bright home hallway, wearing black and green tops, with a warm, welcoming mood.

A Collaboration Built on Trust


Throughout the project, the close relationship between architect and client shaped every detail. Design discussions were robust, but always rooted in achieving the best outcome. “We found each other when we were building this house” recalls Maple. “I think we got on like a house on fire. Well… most of the time.” Des laughs before adding, “We always came to a happy medium.” Their collaboration evolved into something beyond architecture, with Maple reflecting that the project resulted in “a long relationship that spans not just architecture and design, but friendship.”


Modern white kitchen with wood island, three brown stools, black pendant lights, and flowers by a bright window.

Open Living with Purpose


At the rear of the house, traditional architecture gives way to a bright contemporary extension centered around family living. Instead of treating the kitchen as a showpiece, every element supports daily living, from the natural flow of the space to the efficient kitchen planning. “The house works. The house lives. It’s not a showplace” says Maple. 


Elegant dining room with long dark wood table, six gray chairs, black hutch, chandelier, and bright windows.

She also rejected the idea of a formal dining room, preferring flexible spaces that adapt to everyday routines and large family gatherings alike. Des complements this practical approach through thoughtful planning, ensuring the living room remains cozy despite the generous scale while the dining area remains connected without interrupting the kitchen’s workflow.

Colorful abstract painting on a beige wall in a bright room beside a window with green trees outside.
Black hutch with red pitcher, glass plate, candles and trailing plant in a cream room beside a colorful abstract painting.

Interiors That Tell a Personal Story


Every object throughout the house reflects a memory, a journey or a meaningful discovery. Artwork recalls travels to Cartagena, antique finds from Kempton Market soften contemporary finishes, and restored furniture sits comfortably alongside bespoke joinery. “What I absolutely love is to look at something and have it transport me into an experience that I’ve had previously” Maple says. This layered approach prevents the home from feeling newly built, instead giving it the richness and personality that only collected interiors can achieve.


Elegant beige bedroom with a large bed, bench, lamps, framed art, and curtains beside a bright window, calm and tidy.
Open double doors reveal a bright luxury bedroom suite with walk-in closet, sitting area, and pale curtains.
Cozy beige living room with sofa, lamp, side table, framed art, cabinet, and sunlit window with curtains.

A Principal Suite Designed for Modern Living


The upper floors continue the home’s emphasis on comfort. Instead of filling the footprint with additional bedrooms, generous suites prioritize space, natural light and functionality. Maple’s primary suite is divided into separate dressing, sitting and sleeping areas to accommodate different daily routines. “I try to fit function and ergonomics” she explains. “How you use a space is huge.” Soft curves, muted colors and tactile materials encourage relaxation, while large windows maintain a constant visual connection to the landscaped garden.

Bright bedroom and walk-in closet with hanging clothes, beige curtains, a rug by the window, and a NEW INTERIORS magazine basket.
Beige lamp at bottom left beside a light textured wall with vertical panel seams, minimalist indoor scene

Architecture That Solves Problems Beautifully


Many of the home’s strongest design moments emerged from practical challenges. The gently curved walls, hidden storage areas and bespoke detailing all demonstrate an approach where architecture enhances everyday living. Maple recalls advice from one of her instructors: “True design starts when you don’t have options.” This approach is evident throughout the house, where constraints become opportunities to introduce softer transitions, improve sightlines and create spaces that are calm and intuitive.

Modern backyard with a narrow pool, lounge chairs, stepping-stone path, and white-and-wood house surrounded by lush trees and lawn
Bright modern living room with marble fireplace, white sofa, red-striped pillow, books on coffee table, and large garden window.
Cozy home office nook with round table and vintage chairs, map wall art, glass wine cabinet, stairs, and treadmill in hallway.
Cozy modern living room with beige sectional, foosball table, fireplace, TV, movie posters, rug, and built-in shelves.

Two Architectural Personalities, One Cohesive Home


Perhaps the home’s most distinctive feature is its dual identity. While the front presents a composed classical façade that respects its Washington surroundings, the rear opens into a contemporary composition of expansive glazing, cedar cladding and seamless indoor-outdoor living. “This house has got two parts to it” says Des. “The front is very classic and then you move to the back of the house and it’s pared-back minimalist.” Maple agrees, but notes that the consistent proportions and repeated materials ensure both architectural languages are still connected.


Modern two-story homes with a backyard pool, lounge chairs, and lush greenery in a calm, upscale setting.
Covered patio with lit fireplace, wooden dining table and chairs, and a backyard pool surrounded by green trees and hedges
Modern covered patio with wooden dining table, cushioned bench, fireplace, and black ceiling fan beside large glass doors and white curtains

A Home Made for Living


From its entertaining level and wellness spaces to its covered outdoor room overlooking the pool, every area has been designed to be used throughout the year. The outdoor living space feels less like a patio and more like another room of the house, complete with fireplace, heating and retractable screens. “It is a room” Maple says simply. This philosophy captures the essence of the project. Every space has purpose, every room encourages connection, and every design decision reflects the lives of the people who call it home. More than creating a house that simply impresses, Des Ewing and Maple Adams-Krygier have created a home that places everyday living at the heart of its design.






 
 
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