Marvel at This Decked-Out Space in the South End

The great room within the Tahoe Pines project showcases an impressive design featuring vaulted, wood-clad ceilings and steel-frame windows on three sides, creating a significant and visually striking space. The initial architectural design of the room included a wood ceiling with steel I-beams and large window systems, which provided a foundation for a modern aesthetic. Despite the grandeur of the high ceilings, the design objective was to infuse a sense of coziness and invitation into the space, encouraging occupants to linger. To achieve a more inviting atmosphere, subtle modifications were made to the room's elements. The previously contemporary limestone fireplace, characterized by straight lines, was softened with the addition of gentle curves. This alteration aimed to make the focal point of the room feel less stark and more harmonious with a relaxed interior. A challenge arose with the scale of the space, particularly concerning the window seats flanking the fireplace. Standard sconces appeared disproportionately small in the expansive environment. To address this, the built-in benches for the window seats were designed to be slightly higher than typical, which helped to balance the oversized nature of the room's architecture and window systems. The furniture selection process focused on combining classic foundational pieces with items that introduce visual interest. A classic main sofa was chosen to provide a timeless base, while side pieces were incorporated to add character. Notably, a plaid sofa was introduced to bring a pattern into the room, reflecting a deliberate choice to be bolder in a vacation home setting. The plaid pattern was selected for its classic appeal, ensuring it would remain stylish over time. The design team also ensured the room's paint scheme complemented the overall aesthetic, using Westhighland White by Sherwin Williams throughout the majority of the home, including the great room. This creamy white color contributes to the desired hominess, effectively integrating with the modern structural elements. Additional design elements enhance the room's functionality and style. A pair of Beck Leather Stools from McGee & Co. are positioned in front of the fireplace, their slender and structured form offering a subtle nod to mid-century design. The choice of specific furniture pieces like the Pattinson Sofa and Florence Floor Lamp further define the room's character and provide both comfort and illumination. The design philosophy behind the Tahoe Pines great room underscores the importance of balancing modern architecture with inviting elements, demonstrating how a vast space can be made to feel both impressive and comfortable through thoughtful design choices and careful consideration of scale, texture, and pattern. #HomeDesign #InteriorDesign #GreatRoom #TahoePinesProject #ModernArchitecture #CozyInteriors #LimestoneFireplace #WindowSeats #FurnitureSelection #PlaidSofa #WesthighlandWhite #BeckLeatherStools

The Designer Show House, a biennial event sponsored by the Village Improvement Association in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, showcases diverse interior and exterior design inspirations across its 6,000 square feet of space and nearly an acre of outdoor areas. This event serves as a platform for regional designers to present their expertise and offers visitors a wealth of ideas for their own homes. One featured space is a sunken living room, designed by Kate FitzGerald-Wilks of Timeless Design in Landenberg, Pennsylvania. This room embodies a West Indies aesthetic, characterized by bold lines, soft sandy hues, and rich textures. Key elements include vintage stick bamboo chairs painted black, adorned with Kuba cloth and Ralph Lauren zebra-stripe pillows on a slipcovered camel-backed sofa. A mid-century hutch is repurposed as a cocktail bar, complemented by sculptural metal and glass console tables flanking the fireplace. Wood mirrors with faux tortoise shell lean against textured wallpaper, while modern sculptures and art blend with antique books and global treasures. FitzGerald-Wilks also designed the dining room, aiming for a dramatic effect with a backdrop of 200 wine bottles and a striking Dolcetti chandelier crafted from shells and crystals, evoking sea glass. An 8-foot-long reclaimed wine rack sits atop a buffet. The room's color palette consists of soft creams and tans, punctuated by emerald green accents in the chandelier and wine bottles. Windows are framed with woven ikat print panels. An airy sunroom, conceived by Alfred Wolf Home (a new venture from Design Center of Rehoboth or DCOR), was designed to create a light-filled, contemporary transition between the house and garden. This involved removing existing French doors and window grills, painting the room in various shades of white and French gray-green, and incorporating textural elements of white canvas, iron, and marble. The family room, also by DCOR, maintained the warmth of its original paneling and fireplace stone, setting the foundation for a soft khaki and cream palette. The room is furnished with herringbone, tweed, and leather fabrics, offset by tortoise shell wood finishes and local tidal scene artwork. Mary Stewart of M. Stewart Interiors in Bear designed the upstairs hobby room, named "Just Us," intended as a shared family space for various pastimes like painting, photography, reading, chess, and Lego building. The room features updated cherished family heirlooms and is painted simply white to highlight paintings by Nadia Zychal. Nile Johnson of Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, designed the second-floor paneled library, drawing inspiration from Rehoboth's laid-back yet cosmopolitan atmosphere. This space offers an updated interpretation of a classic library, decorated in layers of sandy tans. Cyndi and Ron Oronzio and Cathie Sheetz of Dreamweaver Interiors of Rehoboth Beach decorated a bedroom and bath, inspired by vibrantly patterned fabrics. They utilized Robert Allen fabrics as wallpaper for an accent wall, building the room's design around this print. The team selected fabrics for their depth, crisp patterns, contrasting textures, and detailed embroidery, incorporating a bright coral pink accent color and rhinestone embellishments for a feminine touch. Brenda Carder of blcINTERIORS of Rehoboth Beach designed a small guest bedroom, combining natural cotton and linen fabrics with metal and reclaimed wood. Crown moldings add formality. To compensate for limited sunlight, the room was kept light and bright, with a deep navy blue accent wall and touches of bright yellow for warmth. The second floor features art by Libby Zando of Zando Designs and Art Affects in Milton, alongside works by award-winning regional artists. Boardwalk Builders of Rehoboth transformed a hallway into a gallery space by adding wainscot paneling, creating an updated cottage aesthetic that visually broadened the hallway. Mark A. Polo of The Urban Dweller in Boonton, New Jersey, designed the master suite, aiming for comfort with soft textural colors ranging from taupe to blue. The furniture is upholstered to enhance the room's softness, featuring taupe draperies of embroidered sheer linen and silk edged in leather and freshwater pearls. Blonde floors are softened by a long-fiber rug. Outdoors, Erin Walls and Justin Bartels of Bella Terra Landscaping in Lincoln repurposed existing flagstone patios and walkways, adding new stones to create a Celtic-inspired design. The layout divides the space into a grand area for social gatherings and secluded nooks for quiet retreats. Creative Concepts Furniture of Lewes and Ocean View furnished the patios as outdoor rooms with bright coastal colors, including a sectional, loveseat, dining area for six, and lounge chairs, inviting visitors to envision themselves in the setting. #DesignerShowHouse #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #RehobothBeach #DelawareDesign #LuxuryInteriors #OutdoorLiving #DesignInspiration

This article highlights an interior design project by Gainesville-based designer Maggie Griffin, who transformed a sunroom into a functional and comforting space for her grandfather, Harris Hardin. The redesign was conceived as a Christmas gift, focusing on creating an environment conducive to Hardin's interests in painting, drawing, and reading. The primary goal was to provide a serene and inspiring area within his master bedroom suite. The project centered around an attached sunroom, which Griffin repurposed into a small art studio and reading nook. The previous bright colors and outdated fabrics were replaced with a neutral palette to establish a soothing backdrop. This foundational change was crucial in setting the desired tranquil atmosphere for creative and contemplative activities. Practicality was a key consideration in the design. A small table was incorporated to hold art supplies, ensuring the space remained organized and inviting for artistic endeavors. To manage natural light, Griffin installed woven sisal blinds alongside double-width draperies. The floral fabric chosen for the draperies featured a subtle combination of oatmeal, brown, and a touch of salmon, contributing to the overall gentle color scheme. Adding a touch of sentimental value, a convertible drafting table/desk, originally discovered by Griffin's late grandmother, Barbara, was integrated into the space. This piece now serves as an easel for Hardin's painting and drawing. The existing flooring, composed of terra cotta and ceramic tiles, was practical for potential paint spills. To enhance comfort and warmth, Griffin introduced an inexpensive, oatmeal-toned rug. This choice allowed for easy replacement in case of spills, maintaining the room's inviting feel without high maintenance concerns. Further enhancing comfort and aesthetics, Hardin’s existing club chair and ottoman were reupholstered in an antelope-inspired fabric. Griffin noted that animal prints often function as neutrals, seamlessly blending into the redesigned space. This subtle pattern added texture and visual interest while adhering to the overall neutral theme. The transformation successfully created a multi-functional space that supports Hardin's hobbies, offering both practical utility and a comforting ambiance. #Gainsville #InteriorDesign #MaggieGriffin #RoomRedo #CreativeSpace #SunroomDesign #NeutralPalette #HomeDecoration

The Washington D.C. area is experiencing a notable expansion in its home decor and furniture retail landscape, with nine new establishments recently opened or slated to open soon. This surge in new stores offers residents a diverse range of options to refresh their living spaces, catering to various aesthetic preferences from traditional French and Italian influences to modern minimalism and vibrant maximalism. Among the recently opened stores, Crème de la Crème in Old Town Alexandria, which launched in June, draws inspiration from French and Italian styles, subtly blended with Southern accents. It features items like bistro tables, patterned linens, and unique decorative pieces such as an absinthe fountain, adding a touch of European elegance to local homes. Meanwhile, Libby & My, located in Union Market, caters to those with a preference for maximalist interiors. This store, which is moving to a new space at 1256 4th St., NE in early September, offers an eclectic assortment of vintage home accessories, colorful glassware, and whimsical disco ball decor. For vintage furniture enthusiasts, Miss Pixie’s has relocated its long-standing institution from 14th Street to a new home in Adams Morgan at 1830 Columbia Rd., NW. The store continues its tradition of weekly additions of auction-sourced furniture, including wardrobes, curio cabinets, and chairs, maintaining its appeal to those seeking unique, pre-loved pieces. For consumers seeking modern and minimalist designs, two Italian furniture brands have established a presence in Georgetown. Poliform, which opened a two-level showroom on M Street in June, showcases neutral Nordic-style furnishings and Japanese-inspired designs, emphasizing clean lines and understated sophistication. Right next door, Molteni &C, a 90-year-old Italian brand, launched its DC flagship in March, specializing in modern, architectural pieces. Salt & Sundry, a local favorite, has also expanded its footprint by moving to a larger location at 1301 4th St., NE, just down the street from its original spot in Union Market. This boutique continues to offer its curated selection of chic dinnerware and home decor, now complemented by furniture items, providing a broader range of options for its clientele. In McLean, Patrick’s Elegant Living, a luxury furniture and fine linens store, moved into the former Crate & Barrel space on International Drive in March. This store functions as a comprehensive home goods destination, featuring everything from backyard fire pits to vanities and offering interior design services. The expansion continues with upcoming openings planned for later in the year. Ornare, a high-end Brazilian furniture brand, is set to open in Georgetown at 3340 Cady’s Aly., NW. The brand is known for its custom-built wall systems and contemporary designs for closets, bathrooms, and kitchens, bringing a touch of South American luxury to the area. Additionally, Ernesta, a custom rug company, will open a new store in Bethesda at 4816 Bethesda Ave. this fall. Ernesta specializes in custom-sized rugs, allowing customers to find the perfect fit and style for their specific living spaces. These new and expanding businesses collectively contribute to a vibrant and diverse home furnishing market in the DC metropolitan area, offering residents a wealth of choices to enhance their homes. #HomeDecor #FurnitureShopping #DCShopping #InteriorDesign #RetailOpenings #VintageFurniture #ModernDesign #LuxuryHome #Georgetown

The Salt & Sundry team, recognized for its home goods stores and the plant shop Little Leaf, has inaugurated a new event space named The Sun Room in a historical Eckington warehouse. This 3,000-square-foot facility, which also functions as the group's headquarters, officially opened its doors this week. The space is available for various types of rentals, including weddings, corporate gatherings, private parties, and professional photoshoots. Salt & Sundry founder Amanda McClements highlighted that The Sun Room has already successfully hosted a range of events, such as a baby shower, a Sofar Sounds concert, and several nonprofit functions. The design aesthetic of The Sun Room aligns with Salt & Sundry's established brand identity, characterized by a mid-century, California-cool style. This design choice is reflected throughout the entire space, aiming to create an inviting and trendy atmosphere for all events. Prospective clients and interested individuals are invited to explore the newly opened venue to experience its distinctive ambiance and offerings. The integration of the group's headquarters within the same location suggests a centralized hub for Salt & Sundry's operations, reinforcing its brand presence in the community. The careful curation of the space's design elements is intended to appeal to a diverse clientele seeking a stylish and versatile venue for their occasions. The Sun Room's establishment represents an expansion of Salt & Sundry's creative endeavors, moving beyond retail to offer experiential services. This new venture not only provides a unique event setting but also solidifies the brand's commitment to delivering a cohesive aesthetic across all its business fronts. The choice of a former Eckington warehouse for the location capitalizes on the historical character of the building while infusing it with modern design sensibilities, making it a notable addition to the local event scene. #SaltAndSundry #TheSunRoom #Eckington #EventSpace #WarehouseVenue #MidCenturyDesign #CaliforniaCool #HomeGoods