THE JOHNSON JOURNAL JUNE 2016
Real Estate, Design, Travel, and did we say Real Estate?

               
Summer is officially here! I n this newsletter, we tell you about our participation in KWCP RED Day, interview our clients, the Scott sisters, about their kitchen renovations, reminisce about our favorite Georgetown bistro , and give you a sneak peek at our upcoming listing in Logan Circle. It's also not too late to book a week at the beach! 
REDDAY2016ANNUAL KELLER WILLIAMS VOLUNTEER DAY

Wayne and Kara assembling a side support to the swing set.
RED DAY  is a day each year when KW agents around the world give back to their communities.  All our offices at KWCP were closed on May 12th as we built a playground for a DC child living with cancer.  Selected by staff at Children's Hospital, this year's recipient family lives in Petworth.  Along with volunteers from Roc Solid Foundation, Kara and Wayne and other agents from their office built a two-level play set complete with play house, swings, ladders, and slides in the child's backyard.  Children undergoing cancer treatment often have compromised immune systems and cannot go to public playgrounds and come in contact with other children.  Roc Solid Foundation builds hope for children fighting cancer by providing ways for them to temporarily escape the burdens of their doctors' appointments and treatments through opportunities to do what they do best - play.  


On May 12th KWCP real estate agents built a playground in Petworth for a child living with cancer.
SCOTTSISTERSTHE SCOTT SISTERS TAKE ON KITCHEN RENOVATIONS
 
Lauren's kitchen BEFORE
Lauren's kitchen AFTER

An Interview with the Scott Sisters:
 
Wayne :  When I first met both of you, you were sharing a rental apartment and decided to each buy a condo of your own.  Smart move.  Caroline, you bought in Mt. Vernon Square, and, Lauren, you bought in Georgetown, both in older buildings.  Each of you soon embarked on kitchen renovations.  What were the challenges of your old kitchens?
Caroline :  The kitchen did not feel open.  It is very common in DC to have small, long kitchens but for me, that was not practical.  I like to cook and entertain.  Also, the cabinets were so high I could barely reach them.
Lauren :  I had a lot crammed into a small space. The entry to the kitchen was through a small doorway that closed everything off. The stove was not big enough.   The counter was a green, grouted tile that was difficult to keep clean. 
Wayne :  What made you decide to do them over?
Lauren :  My old kitchen was very dated, not very bright, and didn't match my style.  I spend a lot of time cooking and wanted to enjoy the space more. 
Caroline :  I wanted to design something that was "me".  I am not a designer but the kitchen just did not make sense.  Something needed to change.
Wayne :  I'm sure it was a daunting task for both of you but was there a fun part?
Lauren :  Picking out the granite.  I loved going out to the warehouse and looking at slabs. I could do that all day!
Caroline :  I would say, picking out products.  I loved it.  I loved thinking about what I would cook on this stove, what would be put in this cabinet.  Where my grandmother's tea set will go.  It was a lot of fun.  I love the finished product.  All the in between, however, was a nightmare.
Wayne :  How long did it take from start to finish?
Caroline :  About 8 weeks.
Lauren :  Mine took 11 weeks.
Wayne :  What do you love most about your new kitchens?
Caroline :  The open space and the stove.  I can now see people in the living room from my kitchen.  I can talk with people while cooking.  I love it!
Lauren :  I love that it feels more open, bright, and functional. I'm really glad that I went with a small dishwasher and a skinny European fridge to save space. 
Wayne :  Any advice for others thinking of remodeling?
Caroline :  Be sure you have the right contractor.  When I redid my bathroom, I went with a different contractor who was AMAZING.  He knew what I expected and respected my timelines. 
Lauren :  Have a vision for what you're looking for and get involved in the renovation process to ensure that the end result meets your expectations.  If you have high ceilings like I did then utilize the vertical space with a tall fridge and upper cabinets. If you are in an old building, be prepared for surprises and budget for them!
Wayne :  I think you both did a fantastic job.  Your new kitchens are gorgeous and also add a lot of value to your investments.  Thanks for sharing this w ith us!

Check out Caroline's blog post about her kitchen renovation here. 
Caroline's kitchen BEFORE
Caroline's kitchen AFTER
BISTROBISTRO FRANÇAIS CLOSES AFTER 41 YEARS
    
We still can't believe our favorite restaurant over the past 40 years has closed.  We had been dining at Bistro Français on M Street in Georgetown since executive chef and owner, Gerard Cabrol, first came to DC and opened his authentic French bistro in 1975.  Among our favorite dishes were the signature Poulet Bistro (tarragon rotisserie chicken), steak & pommes frites, classic side salad, and most notably their onion soup.  We loved going there for their "early bird" specials which came with a glass of wine, or on the odd occasion when we felt like eating after midnight, we went there for their "night owl" specials.  The restaurant was open until 3 or 4 am after Washington's chefs closed their kitchens and ended up at Bistro Français as their favorite gathering place.  For one last hurrah, Erika decided we should all go to Bistro for her birthday May 14th.  We had a great time that night but, sadly, all good things must come to an end.  To us it was the end of an era. Read more here.
COMING SOON: 1743 11th St NW
COMINGSOONLOGANin Logan Circle

Quintessential Logan Circle rowhouse in the middle of it all between 14 th  Street's "restaurant row" and all the hot new destinations in Shaw. 2-bedroom, 2.5-bath, 2-level home flooded with light and over 1400 square feet of living space. Large, open kitchen with gas cooking, glass subway tile backsplash, granite counters, breakfast nook, and huge picture window. Sliding glass doors lead to rear stone patio. Exposed brick, high ceilings, crown molding, and real hardwood floors throughout. Vaulted ceiling and custom built-ins in master bedroom. 2 nd  bedroom with en suite bath. Washer/dryer on bedroom level. For more information, contact Kara. 
BeachSUMMER VACATION NOT YET BOOKED?
Check out our new Rehoboth Beach House Weekly Rental

Fabulous 7 bedroom, 4 bath single family home with Private in-ground 20x40 Pool, Decks, Hot Tub, Screened Porch, Great Room with fireplace, Open Gourmet Kitchen, Parking and Carriage House. Welcome to this one-of-a-kind 5000 sq. ft. Rehoboth Beach retreat that has been completely remodeled and updated with hardwood floors, beautiful tile work throughout, a gourmet kitchen with granite countertops, wine fridge and plenty of room for entertaining! The formal dining room will comfortably seat 10-12 people and the center island in the kitchen as well as the great room will each seat 6. Swim in the in-ground pool, take a nice dip in the hot tub, grill on the outdoor gas grill, Approximately 1.8 miles to the beach and downtown Rehoboth. Click here to reserve your vacation. For more information contact Wayne.
Kara Johnson
Keller Williams Capital Properties 
1918 18th St NW
Washington,DC  20009 
202.243.7700 office
202.378.4240 cell
202.315.3889 efax
[email protected]  
Keller Williams Capital Properties        
1918 18th St NW
Washington, DC 20009  
202.243.7700 office
202.494.0714 cell
202.315.3889 efax 

Did you know that we have a network of top KW agents all over North America and many cities worldwide?

Do you have family or friends who are thinking of buying or selling?  If they are in the DC area, we would love to be the ones you call to refer them to us.  However, if they live somewhere else or are moving out of the area, we can make referrals to top KW agents almost anywhere.

We are grateful for your business and for all your referrals - near and far!