Photographer Ian Michelman captured the striking transformation of a longtime family home in Rockville, Maryland, designed by Erika Jayne Design & Build. From the moody, overcast tones of day one to the sunlit drama of an impromptu reshoot, the process was as dynamic as the design itself. Blending bold modernity with timeless charm, the home’s layered textures, curated vintage finds, and thoughtful architectural updates create a space that feels both deeply familiar and entirely new—a story of evolution, beautifully told through the lens. Keep reading for a deeper look at this project from both Ian and Erika.

From Ian Michelman…Collaborating with Erika during the final stages of her projects is always a thrill, and the Rockshire project was no exception. From the initial scouting and planning stages to the photoshoot itself, I knew this one was going to be special. Erika has an unparalleled ability to blend textures and materials effortlessly, creating harmonious spaces with remarkable intentionality. I tell Erika this all the time, but I feel most at home in the spaces I photograph for her.

The photoshoot spanned a day and a half, though that wasn’t the original plan. By the end of day one, we had fully executed our shot list and called it a wrap. But the next morning, Erika called me and said, “We need to reshoot this family room… we’ve got this massive coffee table anchoring the space, and I don’t think we gave it enough styling love. My gut is just telling me that we need to go back and reshoot this family room.” At first, I didn’t see the problem—the original styling was clean, simple, and minimal, which tends to be a safe bet. But I agreed to the partial reshoot anyway, and I’m so glad I did. I’m so glad Erika listened to her gut and didn’t play it safe.

Day two brought with it a dramatic shift in weather. While day one was overcast and rainy, lending a moody and atmospheric quality to the kitchen shots, day two greeted us with harsh, direct afternoon sunlight flooding the family room. From a technical standpoint, this was a challenge—I strive to maintain a consistent mood across a project’s final gallery, so I knew I would have to adapt as I worked through the reshoot. With a bit of photography magic—silks, flags, and strobes—I was able to tame the sunlight, keeping just enough to add drama without overpowering the space.

By the end of the photoshoot, Erika and I felt accomplished, and we even had time for a stunner designer portrait of Erika in her element. As for the behind-the-scenes moments? Let’s just say there were plenty of laughs—from Snoop Dogg serenading us on Spotify, to Erika aggressively fluffing throw pillows for the perfect shot, to the two of us bribing the homeowners’ Bernedoodle with treats in an effort to capture a glamor shot of her lounging in the family room. The fun, the teamwork, and the final results made this project a total standout!

From Erika Jayne Design & Build…The Rockshire project was all about giving our clients a fresh start in a home they’ve loved for over 30 years. As empty nesters, they wanted a transformation that felt both stylish and functional, evolving with their lifestyle while keeping the warmth of home.

In the kitchen, we created distinct zones tailored to their kosher needs while weaving in personal touches. A floating shelf above the range proudly displays art from their travels, adding character and warmth. Flanking the sink, custom pocket door cabinets provide dedicated spaces for their morning routines—one for him, one for her. They say the secret to a happy marriage is having separate bathrooms, but we think separate personalized kitchen cabinets might be the real game changer! These custom alcoves were designed with their individual needs in mind, ensuring an organized and efficient way to start the day—without getting in each other’s way.

The family room got a sleek upgrade by converting the original wood-trimmed, wood-burning fireplace into a modern gas version with black ceramic fireballs, framed by a custom-cast stone surround. This new focal point adds warmth and contemporary style. One of the challenges in this space was the off-centered fireplace, which made the furniture layout tricky. To create a sense of balance and intention, we centered an extra large coffee table on the fireplace, making it the room’s anchor. Task lighting was adjusted to align with this arrangement, including a spotlight to highlight the coffee table. Additional furnishings, like the sofa table and a tall wooden storage cabinet, did double duty—offering storage and display space while also filling the leftover asymmetrical areas to maintain a balanced feel.

A vintage wooden horse, discovered at a local antique store and cherished for years, became the inspiration for the entire design. Its timeless character and sentimental value guided the aesthetic, balancing sophistication with comfort. This treasured piece now holds a place of honor atop the spacious coffee table, surrounded by a mix of modern and vintage elements. The design embraces the couple’s love for meaningful, collected pieces, creating a home that feels curated yet deeply personal. A washable slipcovered sofa ensures effortless livability, making it easy to welcome grandkids and cuddle up with their beloved Bernedoodle. The Rockshire project is all about balance—elegant but effortless, stylish yet livable, and filled with personality at every turn.

Discover the talent behind the story… Interior Design & General Contractor: Erika Jayne Design & Build · Photography: Ian Michelman