A Personal Visit to the Design Studio: Matthews House & Garden

Yesterday was a dreamy day, full of beautiful design, incredible food and interesting people. Honestly, I felt like I should pinch myself. Do you remember the post on the 175 yr old renovated church in Upperville, VA that is home to Matthews House and Garden? Well, yesterday two friends and I had a chance to visit, tour the store and design studio, and enjoy lunch and conversation with three very creative people! Thank you Wanda, Sharon and Kevin! Wanda Crossley, the proprietor, was kind enough to let me take photos of her design studio/cottage located next to the church. Check out the reflection in this mirror and you'll get a sense of the light, ethereal feel of the space.This large window anchors one end of the cottage and looks out onto the pea gravel entry to the store. I think the contrast in scales between the urn and the bureau is perfection - pushing it to the limit and creating a dramatic focal point in this window.
To the right is the sitting area, with shelves from Staples built-in for a custom look. The floors have a pale, white washed finish and have a very interesting back story. Wanda had them made from all the old wood church pews that didn't sell - planing down the wood and creating floor boards!
A view from the sitting area toward the entry door that is located past the dining table. I believe this is Mr. Timothy (you can see his brother in the distance), who, by the way, are so well matched to the decor. The coffee table is antiqued mirror. I love the button detailing on the skirt of this sofa.
When you enter the studio you immediately notice this beautiful cabinet to your left and this incredible Moira clock ahead of you to the right.
You can see the full picture of the clock reflected in the mirror in the first picture. So beautiful with its aging painted face.
Double chandeliers hang from the peaked ceiling. All the ceiling and walls have been white washed as well, creating a seamless envelope with the pale flooring.
The studio is filled with beautiful arwork. I was really so enamored with everything that I didn't take enough photos, including missing an opportunity to take a picture of an oversized 18th century painting!

Here are some close-ups of the shelves, full of personal items that make this space so special.

A vignette of white located atop a stainless steel cabinet. Below, a beautiful light filled corner with an antique, oval mirror.

Here's the outside from earlier in the year when they were in the midst of landscaping. The window in the front is the one with the urn.
My next post will be all about the store and the incredible things you'll find at Matthews House & Garden. I was thrilled to purchase this piece - an original design from Kevin Chadwick. Kevin is a former DC based illustrator who has now ventured into fabric and furniture design and has launched a series of plates and trays featuring horses. Looking forward to the next post and sharing more from our wonderful visit!