Monday, April 5, 2010

Upstairs at the DC Design House

Here's more of a preview into the designer rooms upstairs at the soon-to-open DC Design House. Michael Hampton created a refined and restful bedroom that is plush with beautiful details. The walls are covered in Manual Canovas fabric with a narrow trim adding a finishing touch. The graphic, cowhide carpet is a custom design by Michael. The Ming Dynasty carved sculpture and the commissioned gouache by artist John Matthew Moore elevate this space to a whole other level. Imagine this as your view in the morning.
The bed is the focal point of the room and Michael concealed the middle window of three behind the drapery treatment. Love the legs of this upholsted bench!
Next door is Barbara Franceski's sophisticated guest sitting room where every piece adds texture and interest. The criss cross lines of the Condotti table play off the curves in the hair-on cowhide cantilever tub chairs and the custom cut rug. The original screen print is titled "Gaggle" and this fun take on birds brings a bit of humor to the more classic intaglios and medallions featured in the room. When you visit, be sure to peer into the modern ceiling fixture and you'll notice textured, traditional detailing.
I love the curved, silk mini-plaid loveseat (it's off to your left) and the objects Barbara chose for the table. The room is enveloped in Farrow & Ball's Pavilion Gray (walls- estate emulsion, trim and ceilings - full gloss)
Tracy Morris chose to envelop her sunny Artist's Studio in Farrow & Ball's Elephant's Breath and it creates the most beautiful atmosphere. Elephant's Breath was a color I never noticed until Tracy's room - it really sets off the art from Susan Calloway Fine Arts gallery in Georgetown. The lucite desk and carved back chair from Thos. Moser are beautiful standouts - keeping the small, angular space light and open.
The floors are painted and add to the contemplative mood. Love, love this abstract painting.

The artist studio is off of Kelley Proxmire's fabulous family living room. The whole room reads fun relaxation - a place where you could spend a great day with books, magazines and a good movie. (image above from Kelley Proxmire) Farrow & Ball's Mahogony is set off by Wimborne White and a mix of traditional and mod pieces keep it all lively.
Kelley commissioned this custom piece from Grange and the ceiling paint treatment echoes the curved design found on many of the doors throughout the house.
The family living room has french doors that lead out to a terrace. (image above from Kelley Proxmire)
Wanda Crossley of Matthews House & Garden designed the furniture placement, landscape treatments and plantings for the terrace. The seating area is set off by four planters and creates an intimate, cozy mood. The selection of plants are whispy and sculptural and are set to be in bloom during the showhouse.
Sally Steponkus transformed this very large master bedroom into a spacious and serene retreat with a library/reading area to one side and cozy seating on the other. Wrapped in Farrow & Ball's Dragged Wallpaper DR 1205, the ceiling is Borrowed Light and the trim is Wimborne White. Quadrille fabrics for the drapery and upholstery were custom dyed to add to the seamless, flowing feel of the room. The bed isn't showing in these pics but once you see it you may be temped to crawl in for a nap.
Previously the room had no true focal point. Now the bed faces this stone fireplace, with windows on either side. Love the two baskets with wood placed center stage - adds depth to the faux effect.
Celia Welch moved walls to create a roomy and elegant master dressing room. Love the choice of this antique oval table - it's the perfect size and scale for the space. Be sure to visit the showhouse - there's more to see in every room featured here along with:
a boy's bedroom and shared bath by Lisa Adams,
a Girl's bedroom by Page Palmer,
and a study by Rose DiNapoli.
Here's the view from upstairs to the main level - which I'll post more about later in the week. For more info on visiting the DC Design House, go here.

28 comments:

The Shiny Pebble said...

Proxmire's room is by far my favorite. It is also the one that says "designer" all over it. Some people don't care for that, but I love it. Well thoughtout, developed, and balanced. Gorgeous, elegant, and dramatic all wrapped up into one chocolate deliciousness. :)

Anonymous said...

Gorgeous family room!

pve design said...

I can imagine you being a "scout" or some sort of "aide-de-decor" to a royal Queen. I feel honored to see such wonderful things you share!
pve

Unknown said...

This house gets better and better! Elephant's Breath is a color I have used in my own home, and currently using in my vacation condo kitchen renovation. Loved seeing it here in a totally different context!

Sanity Fair said...

Thanks for the sneak peak - especially since I won't make it this year! The Kelley Proxmire room is by far my favorite - just stunning.

Helena - A Diary of Lovely said...

love the bedroom and the balcony, so pretty

Lauren said...

Oh can't wait!!! so excited to see it! (I hope it's open when we go this time!! ;) ;)

Enjoy this weather Michele!!
xoxo,
lauren

Dayka Robinson said...

thanks for the sneak peak!

Tensy said...

Thanks for the beautiful photos, however, the fake fireplace is Sally's design for the bedroom really put me off. You can see that the carpeting goes inside the stone surround and that the floor molding goes straight across. Is this because it was a Showhouse and not a permanent fixture?

My Notting Hill said...

Tensy - Hi, yes I think you're right re: the molding. The house is going to go up for sale after the showhouse so the designer's have to leave it in buyer-ready condition.

You have a great eye - I didn't even notice it.

Thanks for all the comments everyone.

Acanthus and Acorn said...

Wonderful pictures! I especiallly like that you got the staircase area...always one of my favorite features!

Jen of MadeByGirl said...

Love this post! :)

Jen Ramos
madebygirl.blogspot.com

jules @ The Diversion Project said...

Stunning rooms, that cow skin rug is amazing!

My Notting Hill said...

Acanthus and Acorn - Barbara Franceski gave me the idea to take that stair well picture.

Jules - thought Michael Hampton's rug was amazing too. You don't expect to see cowhide in such a mod, graphic pattern. Loved it too.

Jeannine | The Small and Chic Home said...

I wasn't going to go up this year, but now I have to! :)

Eighty-Eight Ideas said...

I LOVE the chocolate desk!! It looks amazing with the room! You have a great blog! I am a new design blogger and have just added you to my blogroll!! Thanks for inspiring! Best, Connie

Jennifer Sergent said...

So interesting how different people hone in on different parts of the rooms -- it was great seeing you there!

Hill Country House Girl said...

Thanks for sharing such beautiful images. My favorites: the graphic cowhide rug, the legs and feet on the upholstered bench by the bed and the baskets of firewood - great details!

Southern Aspirations said...

oh my goodness this is amazing! So much greatness in one house.

Now off to study each room individually. Thanks for the report!

Kwana said...

Thanks for these picture. Beautiful.

Figure5InGold said...

Yours is my favorite interior design blog. Visit daily. Thank you!

Laura@Developing Designs said...

what a great tour, thank you! I also think Proxmire did an amazing job on her space, as did everyone. I am VERY excited to see the house in person. Thanks for sharing great details and information on some of the fabulous spaces.

Grant K. Gibson said...

I had a chance to get a sneak peek of Michael Hampton's room when I was in DC 2 weeks ago- and the level of taste, balance of masculine and feminine and soft layers of colors- make it my favorite room!

Anonymous said...

I would say it's a toss up. Half of the rooms are great and the other half or really horrid. If I'm being honest, I would say that there is nothing in the house that I haven't seen a million times over. Yes, it's pretty but shouldn't it be? Isn't attractive and functional the standard? Shouldn't we aim for more than that?

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mandela said...

That's a wonderful design.i wish i could have a house decorated such beautifully.it is so balanced.will look after for some more updates.
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