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 entrance. This newly renovated 1920s center-hall colonial – dubbed the Ginko House – has undergone a major transformation, breathing new life into its historic bones while retaining some of its original charm. The 4,875-square-foot home had a large addition located at the rear, consisting of a kitchen, great room, and primary suite, that was flooded with natural light. Colleen Healey, of Colleen Healey Architecture, was tasked with bringing that same open, brightness to the original part of the house 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 new windows and wooden louvers for a modernized look. In addition to the front, the back was included in the scope with a new garden, pool, and patio. A small sunroom featuring sliding pocket doors and roll screens was added to connect the interior with the updated backyard for an indoor/outdoor lifestyle.

Modern living room with expansive glass walls overlooking a tranquil backyard.

By opening up the center of the home, sight lines were formed to the pool and patio, while inviting natural light into the main living spaces. Two gray Bubble sofas from Roche Bobois add a playful touch to the living room, which is located adjacent to the wall of windows by the patio.

Modern kitchen with dark cabinetry and a central island featuring bar stools and a view of an outdoor garden through a large window.

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

Modern kitchen interior with dark cabinetry and a central island featuring a stone countertop and wooden stools.

A modern living room with a herringbone-patterned fireplace surround, plush blue and green furniture, and built-in bookshelves.

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

Modern living room with a dark marble fireplace, teal sofa, circular coffee tables, and built-in bookshelf.

Modern interior with high ceiling, floating wooden staircase leading to an upper landing with minimalist railing, and artistic light fixtures.

A person ascends a modern staircase with wooden steps in a bright, minimalistic interior.

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

Modern wooden staircase with white balustrade on a hardwood floor.

Modern home entrance with large glass door and wooden ceiling beams, opening to a garden.

An architectural view of a modern building entrance featuring wooden slatted doors and lush greenery.

Modern interior showcasing wooden stairs with metal railing, leading to an upper floor in a bright, open-plan house.

A staircase with glass railings and colorful pillows on the wall.

Modern interior with clean lines featuring wooden steps and a glass balustrade leading to an adjoining room.

Modern living room with a fireplace, eames lounge chair, and art on the wall.

Modern bathroom with a freestanding bathtub and artistic glass lighting installation.

angled view of modern bathroom with double sink vanity with grey and white marble tops and dark wood cabinets

side view of a modern children's bedroom with colorful bed and bookshelf

corner view of modern child's bedroom with large giraffe stuffed animal in front of window

Dark, black bathroom with solid cylindrical black and white marble sink

partial exterior view of modern wood paneled extension with eating area. Exterior features patio furniture with a pool and hot tub.

Modern backyard with a stylish patio, wooden deck, and landscaped garden.

Photography by Jennifer Hughes.

Caroline Williamson is Editor-in-Chief of Design Milk. She has a BFA in photography from SCAD and can usually be found searching for vintage wares, doing New York Times crossword puzzles in pen, or reworking playlists on Spotify.





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