Ferris Custom Cabinetry | Chevy Chase Home | Chevy Chase, MD

When an art consultant decides to renovate their home, expectations for design are high. For this Chevy Chase, Maryland colonial home, the client turned to Fowlkes Studio, a Washington D.C.-based architecture and interior design firm known for crafting intimate, carefully considered residential spaces along the East Coast.

“Our client was very sophisticated aesthetically and had a great eye for detail,” said Catherine Fowlkes, principal at Fowlkes Studio. “They had seen a lot when it comes to home design, so they had a high bar in the best way.”

Although the home was relatively new, its design lacked a sense of character. Fowlkes aimed to imbue each space with patina, personality and understated elegance.

Materials were a central element to achieving this vision, particularly the surfaces for the kitchen cabinetry. This led Fowlkes to consult Ted Ferris, owner of Ferris Custom Cabinetry, a millwork and cabinetry shop with more than 20 years of expertise in crafting high-end, European-style custom cabinets.

Ferris recommended RAUVISIO noir monotonic matte surface in Casa Blanca, a choice that blends a refined aesthetic with exceptional durability. “We have been big proponents of RAUVISIO noir,” said Ferris. “When clients want a painted flat-panel surface, we direct them to noir because it’s the most durable— you don’t need to worry about damage or callbacks. It’s easy to clean and care for as well, whereas with painted finishes you have to be more cognizant.”

When the client was introduced to RAUVISIO noir Casa Blanca, the reaction was immediate. “The uniqueness of the finish won them over,” said Fowlkes. “At first glance, it doesn’t stand out as radically different, but when you look at it more closely, it’s something you haven’t seen before.”

Ferris custom-ordered panels from REHAU, complete with zero-joint LaserEdge edgeband for a ready-to-fabricate solution. “The seamless edgeband paired with the laminate creates the look of a perfectly painted flat panel, but with a beautiful low-sheen matte finish,” he noted.

RAUVISIO noir maintains its timeless beauty with resistance to fingerprints, scratches, impact, bacteria, stains and mold. It even offers thermal healing to repair micro-scratches, contributing to lasting sophistication.  

These resilient features gave the team freedom to integrate creative design solutions. One standout feature was a concealed basement door across from the paneled refrigerator, cleverly disguised as cabinetry with matching hardware. Fowlkes said, “This made the space feel quieter and added an unexpected design element.”

Paired with Caesarstone countertops and framed by views of a wooded backyard, the kitchen exudes quiet luxury. This sense of calm continues into the mudroom, where Casa Blanca’s crisp white finish contrasts with rich woodgrain storage for a striking, sophisticated juxtaposition.

Personal touches, including the client’s growing art collection, complete the transformation, making the home uniquely curated, deeply individual and undeniably elegant.  

To learn more about RAUVISIO noir, visit www.na.rehau.com/noir