2011 DC Design House: Where to Start?!

This year the 2011 DC Design House is a testament to the fact that a cohesive, flowing home can be comprised of rooms each grounded with their own dose of individuality. Classic, modern and eclectic styles, along with neutral and colorful design schemes, beautifully coexist and make for an exciting and vibrant show house.

With 300+ plus pictures, it's hard to know where to start, so I'll begin with the gorgeous Entry & Stair Hall by Liz Levin and Stuart McCormick of Liz Levin Interiors. Formally a dark space, it's now all about light and openness. Just the right size to make a statement while allowing traffic flow, the center hall table rests upon a strongly patterned Ikat rug from Timothy Paul. Lush flower arrangements will be refreshed each week by H.Bloom.
Here's the view off to the left. Matching glass demilune tables flank the entrance to the library.
Liz collaborated with The Art Registry in selecting a number of pieces, including this one by artist Susan Noyes. Look closely - this pattern is comprised of razor blades! Artistic Wall Paint created the subtle Moroccan tile motif on the walls.
Heading up the stairs, this rock'n-hip chandelier is a stand-out. The alcove with a vase is at the landing on the second floor.
Again this year, Farrow & Ball is the official paint and wallpaper sponsor. Liz chose Whimborne White, Skimming Stone, and Cornforth White.
Nancy Colbert of Design Partners, LLC transformed a formerly dated library into an elegant and restful space. This is the view from the adjoining sun room. The ceiling was papered with a custom covering painted with a random pattern of small gold dots.
Books with neutral coverings keep the space quite and contemplative.

Library paint colors - Skimming Stone and Cornforth White.
The inimitable Camille Saum brought joy and creative whimsy to a dining room she had painted to bring out the classic, architectural features that were visually obscured in its previous form. Spring is ever-present with a moss covered fireplace mantel and painted diamond floors.

Notice the barely 1/2 inch contrasting self-trim on the edge of the curtains. The opposite side of the fabric frames all the sides and is a twist to the typical 1 - 3 inch border we've grown to expect.
What you can't see in my picture are the placecards for the other invited guests, including Matthew McConaughey and Penelope Cruz (love Camille's sense of fun!) Pier 1 and World Market pieces are mixed with high-end plates for a fresh, colorful table.
A custom painted armoire sports a bold and happy green in its interior. Take-Away Tip- notice the matching platform Camille had built to give this existing vintage piece the scale needed for the room.
The Dining Room is painted in Light Gray with Dutch Pink on the ceilings. The patterned floor is in Pointing and Babouche.
A sneak peek from the next post on the first floor in the DC Design House. This cozy corner is from Patrick Sutton's grand Living Room. After that, a post to follow on the upstairs too.

The DC Design House is open from April 9 - May 8 2011 and is a fundraiser for the nonprofit hospital, Children's National Medical Center. Each year Children's provides more than $50 million in uncompensated care. Admission is $20.