BEFORE AFTER

Keeping the historic elements of a home while modernizing it for today’s living is a challenge — but with inspiration from a contemporary magazine and historic salvaged wood, a Del Ray couple managed to pull it off.

Tony Cerveny and Amy Marino worked with Aiden Design, taking some inspiration from another another Aidan Design kitchen in the Barnaby Woods (D.C.) neighborhood they saw in a local magazine.

The couple had been living in Old Town for years, but they sought a bit more space without sacrificing their pedestrian lifestyle. They’d made an offer on an Old Town North property, but it wasn’t meant to be. Not long after their disappointment, they were introduced to a charming 100-year-old cottage in cozy Del Ray. It was love at first sight, even before they discovered the 2012 addition in the back with floor-to-ceiling windows and a loft-like feel.

The house officially became theirs in October 2019, and began a series of weekend projects that gradually made it feel like home, including new paint, new windows, a new front porch and extensive landscaping with 21 new trees. By January 2019, the owners were ready to tackle the orange kitchen and tapped Aidan Design to help transform the space in the 1921 home.

The couple was drawn to the architectural grills used in the dining space of Aidan Design’s Barnaby Woods project. But rather than a separate dining room, a cocktail lounge most suited the couple. The moody space conveys a speakeasy vibe and offers an optimal place for an after-work libation and conversation.

In the renovated kitchen, the couple called upon their new friends – the previous owners – to provide more salvaged wood to match the open staircase, a rescued relic of George Washington’s family warehouse in Old Town. The hand-hewn open shelving complements the roughly textured glazed tile that adorns the kitchen walls and breakfast bar.

“We were able to honor the spirit of this home by making small but significant changes that focused on simplicity and craftsmanship,” Amy said.

“The spaces are much more inviting and integrated, thanks to Aidan’s help,” Tony added. “We enjoy each historic room rather than pass through them to get to the modern living area.”

The cabinets feature a Wood-Mode Colony full-overlay door style in Matte Eclipse on maple in the kitchen and Navy in the lounge area. The counters are Primordia from Caesarstone. The renovated kitchen also includes a farmhouse-style sink and plenty of storage to stash kitchen essentials.

There are two original bedrooms and a bathroom in the historic part of the home. A cozy sitting area and fireplace greet visitors and frequent overnight guests.

The couple’s primary bedroom and bath, which they plan to renovate this year, span the top floor with views of their green roof and the Masonic Temple. A lower level with high ceilings, abundant light, and polished concrete floors offers two separate office spaces for the couple who work from home many days.

Tony and Amy adopted the previous owners’ vintage Shasta trailer, parked in the lush backyard. It serves as an outdoor party accessory and a favorite spot for their dog Feta and her canine pals to gather.

The couple, who love to entertain, look forward to the pandemic-belated 100-yearanniversary party for their home once their many trees begin to bloom.

Having started at the original Blackwall Hitch location, he has a deep understanding of the restaurant’s history and its clientele. But it’s his own origins that made him the ideal chef to lead the restaurant in the first place.

A Chef’s Journey From Nonna’s House To Blackwall Hitch

Chef Hlusak’s culinary education began at an early age. Before any formal training, he would work with his grandmother in his Italian American household.

"I've been making pasta and stirring sauce since I was knee high to a grasshopper," he reminisces. Often labeled as the family troublemaker, he spent his Sundays standing on a milk crate and stirring sauce with his Nonna.

From Sunday afternoon “punishments”, Chef Hlusak soon started working in restaurants at the age of 13 as a busser and dishwasher, and he hasn’t looked back since. I liked the pajamas. I liked knives. I liked the fire," he says with a laugh.

After continuing to work in various restaurants throughout college, he grew his career at Galileo with Roberto Donna where he stayed for many years.

Hlusak’s next chapter kicked off during the pandemic when he came in contact with James King, the founder of Titan Hospitality, and began to develop the menu at Blackwall Hitch Alexandria.

Come Enjoy Casual Elegance On The Waterfront

While the atmosphere — what Chef Hlusak calls casual elegant – may be what draws people in, it’s the menu that keeps them coming back, one that celebrates local producers and coastal delicacies alike.

Blackwall Hitch Alexandria has become the welldeserved center of the Alexandria Waterfront’s emerging culinary scene, and with its enviable location, relaxed atmosphere, and Chef Hlusak’s ever-evolving menu, it’s well worth a visit.