DC Design House Room- Before & After- Finally!

So I know I've been going on & on & ON about the Design House and now I finally have some 'after' photos taken by my good friend Helen Norman with her assistant F.J. Hughes.

Here's a reminder of what it looked like when we first started work on it:


And here's what it looks like now:

{The Hideaway}

I envisioned this room as a place to escape to...  to read a book, relax, take a nap, hang out... Really just  get away from it all.  (I have been explaining this over & over for the past few days so I think I have that memorized! ;)  The room feels sort of tucked away from the rest of the house so I wanted to accentuate that.  We removed the existing paper and Michael DiGuiseppe hung grasscloth by Seabrooke on the walls and ceiling for a warm enveloping feel.  We used a custom Stark diamond-patterned sisal rug for more texture and a warm cream on the trim called "Dimity" by Farrow & Ball.

Artist John Matthew Moore painted this insanely gorgeous grisaille "The Secret Garden" especially for the room.  We wanted a piece that brought what was going on outside (boxwood gardens & a pool) to the inside.  The croc leather parsons table was a lucky last-minute find from Edelman to replace the planned concrete parsons table and I love it! I wish the antique desk chair was mine:
 


I didn't want the space to feel overly serious so I injected some happier elements like this glass lamp with green metal chade from Stray Dog Designs:


{I found the antique parrots at John Rosselli in DC}

The Mad Hatter Chairs from my new line are covered in a taupe velvet in front and a Michael Smith/ Jasper linen floral in back.  They flank the antique dropleaf table we found at German Favorite Antiques and make a nice little reading/ sitting area for hanging out.  (If you come to visit, this is where you'll find me;)  You probably remember the crazy awesome lamp by Rick Singleton too.  The painting in the window was sent to me by my good friends Brooke & Steve Giannetti and it's #37  of Steve's Water series.  The other pieces on the wall are from John Rosselli Antiques, Spurgeon Lewis Antiques and German Favorite Antiques:



Window seats instantly put me at ease so I really wanted to add one to the room.  The bay of windows is massive so two people can really lounge on here without getting in each others' ways.  I layered the very small window seat built by CarrMichael Construction with custom mattresses in various Peter Dunham fabrics.  (Available thorugh John Rosselli in DC.)  You might recognize samarkand as the pattern on the top mattress.  (looooove!!) 

{Pillows form left to right:  Small blockprinted floral by Peter Dunham, Magnolia by LL Texxtiles (me), stripe by Kravet, Fig leaf by Peter Dunham, Wild Chicory by LL Textiles, Black Velvet, Green Paisley by Peter Dunham...  Thank you to Peter Dunham for your generous contribution to the room!!  All Peter Dunham fabrics are available through John Rosselli.}

Here's a close-up of the window seat with a great view of Porta Romana's llama sconce:


{I love the llamas because they're slightly smiling }

And here's a little vignette of the teapot my husband gave me along with a little froggy and some books including Alice in Wonderland.  The gorgeous throw blanket is by D.Bryant Archie and it's so insanely soft. 


And here are a few last shots of the Mad hatters.  Helen took these photos so I could use them in my online store (coming soon.. I promise!!)



I loooooove this Michael Smith floral  called Grace in the color Willow, available through John Rosselli:


If you're in the area and can make it, the DC Design House is open from Saturday, April 9th- Sunday May 9th every day of the week.  Proceeds go to Children's Hospital and most items int he home are for sale with a percentage of proceeds going to Children's Hospital.  I'ce really enjoyed the Design House process and getting to know so many great new people- both committee members & designers. 

Also, head on over to the Washington Post to vote for your favorite room!  There are so many beautiful ones! { Click here to see & vote.}

xoxo, Lauren

If you'd like help creating a home you absolutely love, contact me about our design services.

THANK YOU TO THESE AMAZING PEOPLE & BUSINESSES WHO GENEROUSLY DONATED THEIR TIME.  I use these businesses & people on most of my projects and stand by their work & appreciate being able to do business with them.  I cannot say enough good things.  They're THE BEST so if you need any local recommendations, here are mine:

Carpet Installation & Custom Carpet fabrication:  The Carpet Customizer:  (410)299-4380 
              They can really do anything & are adept with installing/ working with natural fiber rugs & do beautiful seagrass installations.  They are on top of their jobs, are super-friendly, and keep in great contact with you.

Workroom for curtains & pillows & other soft goods:  Paul David Designs
               Paul & Nancy will take care of you and are amazing to work with.   Their work is beautiful & fast.

Builder/ Contractor/ Electrical:  CarrMichael Construction:  They do it all from building beautiful homes to managing smaller projects & electrical work.  Mike at CarrMichael Construction is friendly, dependable, organized and does exactly what he says he will do. 

Wallpaper Installation:  Michael DiGuiseppe.  Everyone says he's the best in the area and after this insane segrass install, I definitely agree!

Painters: Blue Door Painters       They're on-time, dependable and fair.  (And I went to high school with the owner! :)

110 comments:

Red Door Home said...

I love everything about this room! I can only imagine how lovely it would be to curl up with a book on one of your chairs or the pretty built-in. You have created a unique space which exudes your unique style. I only wish I could see it in person.

Danielle Oakey Interiors said...

It looks incredible! I can't think of one detail in the room that I don't like. Those wingbacks are fantastic!

White Lacquer said...

I can't even begin to tell you how amazing this room is! You did such an amazing job putting the items together. Can you tell me where the glass lamp can be purchased? fingers crossed online.

thanks a bunch!

whitelacquer@gmail.com

http://whitelacquer.blogspot.com/

Valencia C. said...

all I can say os wow! :)

Linda@ Lime in the Coconut said...

Perfect hideaway...so full of character!

Carol@6WilsonBlog.com said...

Lauren!! It's take-your-breath-away beautiful. Really. I just voted for it and it was easy -- it really is stellar, above the others. I love the layers of texture, the dark drapes and the pops of green. Your chairs are bold and feel vintage and now at the same time. I am completely inspired by your talent. Does this sound stupidly gushy? Don't care, I mean it. I just love watching what you're doing.

Unknown said...

I am utterly in love with every single detail of this space. Your mad hatter chairs literally took my breath away- the design is beyond gorgeous and that Willow fabric is insanely pretty- love love. Adore the grassloth and little whimisical touches. Brilliant work and an absolutely beautiful room!!!

Melissa said...

OH! Those chairs! swoon!

Loretta Fontaine (EcoHappy Blog) said...

Lauren- This is one of the BEST before and afters I have ever seen.

This room left the junior prom, toured Versailles, fell down a deep rabbit hole and then came up looking absolutely AMAZING!

Loretta

Laurel-Dawn McBurney said...

This space is amazing! You must be so proud! I love all of the beautiful textures and patterns in this room! I also still think that those wingbacks that you designed are the best part of the space!

abodelove.blogspot.com

Forever Lovely said...

Everything turned out beautifully! The little pops of green make the room feel so fresh and happy. The mixture of patterns in the window seat are fabulous. Love it!

-Forever Lovely
http://foreverlovelydesign.blogspot.com/

Unknown said...

The room is absolutely gorgeous! Congratulations, Lauren!
Swapna

Anonymous said...

Wow what a transformation. It is truly beautiful. I love all the textures and details. I hope you win for the best room

Elisa @ What the Vita said...

So gorgeous, so fresh, so YOU! Nobody does green and natural like you. I really love it.

Fiona said...

The room is very charming. I love the textures and all the little details. Great work! I knew you were talented, but I'm really impressed.

The Sister Sophisticate said...

This is just stunning! Now I want me happikat fabric even more! Its like a serene oasis!

Mariette VandenMunckhof-Vedder said...

Dearest Lauren,

That home looks quite different! Your room was such a smart way of adding the windowseats to that roomy bay window area! Love the winged chairs with the floral backs, very unique and not disturbing at all, like you said you worked with the theme of bringing the outside in.
My favorite is also the living room that was designed after Dutch painter Vermeer. Very cleverly done! Love the beams the way they are now.
Hope the fund raiser goes well for this year and that the weather is cooperating to draw in more visitors.

Have a lovely weekend after all your hard work!

Mariette

Pine Tree Home said...

You did a fabulous job. Truly stunning. The green is really different and makes me feel like I am relaxing with a good book in an English Garden. I LUVVVVV the rug and the lamp. My two favorites.

Emily A. Clark said...

Congrats on a stunning room! I loved getting a peak at LL Textiles :)

Vanessa@decor happy said...

I love everything about this room! Your Mad Hatter chairs with the two fabrics are beautiful. Love the three mattress idea - very Princess and the Pea! Great work Lauren!

Ronnetta @ Carolina Chic said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Ronnetta @ Carolina Chic said...

Thank you for sharing your fabulous before and after for those of us who are not nearby. Two words: WINDOW SEAT! What a brilliant thing to do with that space! You are so very talented. Yours is so much more beautiful than all of the other rooms...it's fresh, surprising and a hideaway you actually want to LIVE in and not just stand back and admire. Good luck! ;-D

Maran said...

I just want to say that you have OUTDONE yourself with this room!! I've followed your blog for over a year now and I always love what you do... but this room took it to a whole other level! I seriously got goosebumps looking at the pictures and only wish it was in MY home! BRAVO!

Anonymous said...

You know how I awkwardly told you that I wanted to move into your house? How much of a problem would it before you to put an addition on your house that is this room? This is the room I am moving into :)

Anonymous said...

Incredible! Instantly relaxing - the window seat has to be my favorite part, but I also love the custom art, and the chairs paired with the table and those yummy drapes. Amazing on its own, even more so next to the "before"!

Amy said...

This room makes me swoon! I was so inspired by your room that I immediately sat down to write a post about it for my own blog. It will post in the morning. Thanks for letting me daydream for awhile. It is a stunning accomplishment!
Amy, Swoon-Interiors.blogspot.com

Abby M. Interiors said...

I love EVERY detail! Fantastic job. The more I look at it more details I discover!
abby

Amy C said...

I LOVE what you did with this room. It is amazing. Seriously want to curl up in there with a book!!! Great work.

Kristen | Cottage Modern said...

Lauren--This space is completely inspiring. I've followed you for over a year now, and think you are talented and gifted beyond your years, with a signature look and style that I haven't seen anywhere before. Brilliant job, and congratulations on this amazing accomplishment. Mad hats off to you :)
Kristen

rindy said...

Great room! So original! Can you tell me the name/pattern of your window shades and where you purchased them? Thanks!

lvchriesman@msncom

Holly said...

Looks awesome! I would love to curl up with a good book on that day bed.

Allison Hasel said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Allison Hasel said...

BEAUTIFUL! It looks very lively, and still relaxing. I want to move in right away. ;) Your room has layer upon layer of details that really pull it all together. Showhouse rooms should blow you away and this one does just that!!

The enchanted home said...

Wow..what a makeover! Love how you brought the colors and textures together..what a gorgeous combination! I love the earthy colors....so inviting and soothing. Beautifully done..thanks for sharing!

Acquired Objects said...

The makeover is amazing, you did a fabulous job!!! I wish you could come up here and design a happy place for me like that, love the shots of greens, it's beautiful!

Janell @ House of Fifty said...

Oh, when I saw the thumbnail of this room on my dashboard I was so excited to hop over and see the entire room! It is a delight, you must be so proud of the outcome. The grasscloth over the walls AND the ceiling creates such a sense of warmth and coziness. Adore your beautiful and slightly funky chairs, and that lamp with the bright green shade! LOVE. A job fabulously done, I know this will open many doors for you, all the best! Janell

debra @ 5th and state said...

lauren
congratulations! i am nearly speechless.....every aspect of your room is sheer perfection. what i particularly like is that i can imagine living in this room, the mad hatter chairs, custom window seat mattress(!), the layers, patterns.....ok, now i am just cataloguing the room.
PURE LOVE!
xx
debra

Olivia said...

Gorgeous, Lauren! I love that you wallpapered the ceiling!

Jessica @ Decor Adventures said...

This space is just amazing. Modern, comfortable, classy, interesting, it's everything! A total transformation, it's so inspiring.

Best of luck with the voting (I picked this room of course!) and with the show.

Amy said...

What a beautiful room, my favorite part is the daybed and all those gorgeous fabrics. The llama sconce is too perfect for the space. Congratulations! you must be so proud.

Melissa Marie Head said...

Amazing. What a fun cool space. You did great!!!

Jen said...

Absolutely stunning, Lauren! You really outdid yourself.

Cailan said...

Those chairs and that fabric is out of control wonderful. Love all the details. Such a unique, cozy feel - like something out of a story book.

Anonymous said...

Gorgeous! My favorite room in the house and one that I would escape to daily if I lived there.

Maria Killam said...

Wow Lauren you seriously need to hire a team of people now that you will be in hot demand, that is such a fabulous space, and the chairs are so you!! The fabrics you've designed, simply stunning!
Awesome, awesome job!!
xo
Maria

A Perfect Gray said...

lauren, I think I have been back here three times. I don't want to be all gushy, gushy, so I will point out the things I like best. The grasscloth, green lamp shade, and curtains MAKE that room. It really is special. I'm gonna take a lot of ideas from it. donna

Flavia @ Estilo Home said...

You did such an incredible job! After having seen it in person, it is so crazy to look at the before photo!! I seriously love everything about this room.
(PS: it was so nice meeting you!)

kayce hughes said...

so beautiful! Did I spy a pillow with your flower on it?

Tawna said...

Lauren...I just agree with everyone! Thanks for letting us see. Oh, how I would love to see it in real life! All the different fabrics look so wonderful together!
Have a lovely weekend!
Tawna

Karen said...

Lauren,
Wow! How beautiful and relaxing this room feels. I want to curl up with tea and a book and spend hours there. The Mad Hatter chairs are truly inviting and the fabrics you selected are inspired. Congratulations on such a lovely accomplishment!
Karen at gardenhomeandparty dot com

Unknown said...

when I can move into this beautiful home. I love the loft bed, great all the details of decoration.

Linda in AZ * said...

* This is SOOOO COMFY... SOOOO CHARMING... SOOO WELCOMING and SOOO Y*O*U, yet I DO believe that ANY & EVERYONE will feel this would "fit like a glove" for them, Lauren! I just L*O*V*E it!!!

How many ways can one spell F*A*B*U*L*O*U*S?!?!?!?!?!?!

I think someone needs to say welcome to the "BIG LEAGUE", Sweets! So happy & proud for you!

Warmest,
Linda in AZ *
bellesmom1234@comcast.net

The Buzz Blog @ Diane James Home said...

WOW - This room oozes personality and fabulosity! Immediately headed over to vote for you. I love everything, especially the John Matthew Moore painting - is it for sale too??

Ms.JayQue said...

This room is so inviting: it says 'come and relax'. I love it and it says 'LAUREN'. I've been reading your blog for some time and am happy that the room has come together. Congrats!!!

EDYTA & CO. INTERIOR DESIGN said...

Lauren, this is wonderful. Your room looks so peaceful, natural and beautiful. You did a wonderful job. Bravo!
Hope all is well!
xo ~Edyta

EDYTA & CO. INTERIOR DESIGN said...

Oh yes and you got my vote! :)

Stephanie Sabbe said...

looks fantastic! great job!

Unknown said...

Gorgeous room! I can't wait to see it in person. Even mentioned you on my little blog. Great work. :)

Haven and Home said...

Looks outrageously good!!!! You did such an amazing job Lauren, you are truly an inspiration!!!

R. said...

Would you provide the source for those shades?!? I have been on the lookout for some just like those for over a year now.

Awesome room.

Christen said...

Bravo!! I love the way you hung the artwork, what were you worried about?! It looks great, and I love the Moore painting, just beautiful. Now treat yourself.

Holly Irwin Fine Art said...

Lauren, This room is amazing......my favorite thing about it is the window seat with all those glorious pillows and mattress fabrics.......they all are different yet go together perfectly......also the large painting looks great above the desk. Love it all! You got my vote!

Mahala said...

I am in love with this room. You are seriously talented. I see huge success in your future! Conratulations!

diane@onlinefabricstore said...

Lauren..It all came together perfectly. Love that green lamp shade and recognize the fat ball finials from stray dog, love the croc desk even though we didnt see the concrete one--this one is so warm and inviting, love, love your chairs (the floor lamp still scares me though) and love the fabrics and textures you chose. I visit many showhouses and my friends and I always critique each room but this one would walk away with nothing but glowing reviews, I am sure.

I keep, saying, you are on your way, girl!!

D. Bryant Archie said...

I'm in love with your color composition! ...the way you work magic with green. I'm so excited and honored to have one of my blankets in this amazing room. Thank you Lauren!

Jess said...

it looks just beautiful lauren, a room i would definitely want to escape to on any day:) congratulations on all your success!

pannucci said...

I have never before left a comment (actually, on any blog) but, I LOVE THIS ROOM!!

Between The Boxwood said...

Amazing! I love it! I LOVE the John Matthew Moore painting of the boxwood gardens!!!!

LiveLikeYou said...

Looks fantastic!! Beautiful colors, serene and classic and modern all at once!!

Anne said...

Your room got my ENTHUSIASTIC vote!!! I love your vision for the space and you so successfully accomplished it! Thanks for sharing it with me in Indiana... :) My daughter lives in Silver Spring-- I'd love to go visit her AND see your design in person... Regretfully that will not be happening, but I CAN daydream about it! All the best!

p.s. I'm a native of Hickory, NC ;)

Velvet and Linen said...

If you could see me now...jumping up and down, clapping and cheering. Amazing transformation, Lauren! It's so you... fresh, comfortable, relaxed, inviting and beautiful!
Bravo my friend.

xo
Brooke

Katie @ katieboothinteriors said...

Lauren,
You are honestly AMAZING and insanely TALENTED!! Thank you for being so inspiring, you truly are one of my favorite designers.

Rhoda @ Southern Hospitality said...

Lauren, it is all just gorgeous, truly inspirational. So happy for your success. This is one beautiful space! You have such great taste! xoxo

Jill @ Craft in a Northern Town said...

I want that room in my house! Great job!

Betty said...

Your post makes me more excited about my visit to my daughter in DC....and our visit to the show house! Voted for your room because IT IS THE BEST.

Kim @ keller-creative said...

I feel like Brick from Anchorman but oh man, "I love lamp".

Room is gorgeous and that the lamp is my favorite thing ever.

kandace said...

Well the wait was worth it for us blog watchers.. I LOVE THAT ROOM! love it for the details the three stacked mattress window seat is simply amazing! great job - look forward to more!

My Little Bungalow said...

Beautiful work, Lauren. I love the window seat, and wish I could curl up on it right now and take a nap!
Claudia

Donna Benedetto said...

Your room is perfection, every last detail taken into consideration. Favorite elements in the room, fabrics...all of them, the way the combination of the fabrics all work together to create a neutral room but yet not neutral at all, that punch of bight green,the edelman leather parsons desk over the top. The whole balance of the space is stunning and a room I wouldn't want to leave...my vote is for you my friend!!

Miss SJ Albany said...

Lauren, this room is fantastical!!! All the elements came together so perfectly. I am so in love with the pops of fresh green, the feeling of eclectic and whimsy without being over the top. I must say the other rooms were nice but yours is really stunning.

Cecilia said...

Lauren, I love the way you took classic traditional pieces and modernized the room: the juxtaposition of the Ikat curtains with the Michael Smith floral on the wing backs; and then the green and black accents amongst all of the natural fibers. Just beautiful! My favorite - the llama sconces!

Cecilia said...

Oh gosh, and I forgot...the John Matthew Moore painting! Love the scale! Will be sure to put in my vote for the Hideaway!

Lauren said...

Beautiful! I love those mad hatter chairs!

Ange Vanderheide said...

I love this room, but my absolutely love what you've done with the stacked mattresses! Gorgeous. So inspiring.

Barbara Bussey {The Treasured Home} said...

Love with desk with green accents. Almost looks like a sepia photograph with bits of gorgeous color. Congratulations!

Anonymous said...

wow!!!!! what a room with beautiful colors and creativity.. i had just loved your bedroom and bed sheets it just look wonderful i don't have words to comment you i really fill crazy for your house.
Outstanding work.........

Unknown said...

Oh my goodness, this room is a stunner and so reflects everything you were attempting to convey. Love the textiles and finishes and especially your Mad Hatter chair. Thanks for sharing with those of us who cannot go to the show home. Great job Lauren!
Cathy

Unknown said...

I am so in love with this room!

Marcy said...

Lauren, I've loved seeing how you've put all of these details together. You've done a terrific job with your 'hideaway'!

I've featured your site today at stylesson.com.

Alcira Molina-Ali said...

Congratulations Lauren!

You have done such an amazing job on this space -- truly stunning -- I'd love nothing more than to move in right away.
Absolutely impressive, thoroughly beautiful.
Cheers, Alcira

nerochronicles.com

Me! said...

Your stacked mattresses are positively inspired! They are so whimsical and fairytale, but you treated it seriously enough that it doesn't run away from the room's purpose, but they do cause the corners of one's mouth to turn up.
I bookmarked the photo of your gorgeous mad hatter to save for the feeling that I want to create in the family room that we're planning to add this Summer. {Knocking out a wall, really, to an unused bedroom.} Thank you for sharing your vision with us. I hope it was a smashing success and made all of the effort worth it. :)
~Debbi

Windlost said...

Lauren, it is insanely beautiful. I just love everything and don't know where to begin. GORGEOUS, all of it. I love the teapot from Dave, that crazy frog, the parrots. Very Lauren. And those Mad Hatters. Mad! And the sconces are gorgeous and the samarkand fabric I have loved from afar. You have access to some beautiful things where you live, but it is truly your vision to put it all together so eloquently! It is like an upscale treehouse. This room should be in House Beautiful.

Wish I could see it in person. Hugs, and congrats.

Terri xo

Windlost said...

Oh, and that Secret Garden boxwood grisaille. That is to die for. I have been dreaming about it. Wish I could buy a print of it...
!

xox Terri

Bethany [at] Powell Brower Home said...

I am so proud of you! This room is so completely "you" from what I read and see in your blog over the last year and a half. LOVE LOVE LOVE and can't wait to see in person next Sunday. Go GURL!

Nicole @ one half world said...

What a great room! I love how you took the weird ceiling angles and made them into a cozy window cove. It seems like such a livable room, which is not always the case with showhouse rooms!

My Dog-Eared Pages said...

It looks great Lauren!! I LOVE the stacking custom mattresses, and the mix of fabrics, too. Fantastic!

Pink Wallpaper said...

such a beautiful space lauren!! you did an amazing job!

Market Decor said...

I have been waiting to see this room - just smashing! Outstanding work, Lauren, really. I adore the Madhatter chairs and the way you did the upholstery - fabrics, wonderful. Good mix, totally transformed this room - good accessories - I am impressed!

Cristin // Simplified Bee said...

Um... this room is blowing me away! The trio of mattresses in the bay window is brilliant. Love the fabrics you selected {swoon}.

Congrats my friend!

xo,
cristin

Unknown said...

I love every single aspect of this room. Those chairs are to die for!

LindsB said...

I'm at a loss for words- I LOVE everything you did here, the whole room is amazing, beautiful and just about every positive word I can think of- you are so talented!!!

cotedetexas said...

to die for. those chairs! that window seat! the curtains! the rug! and the green lamp - perfection. love this soooo much!!!!

Anonymous said...

Amazing!! You are SO good!! Love the window seat and all the fabric- yummy greens! You should be very proud. Wish I was in town to come see... xo

Living a Pretty Good Life said...

Beautiful Wing Chairs!

Anonymous said...

Lauren, it looks amaaaaaazing!!!

alison giese Interiors said...

Absolutely gorgeous, Lauren! SO WELL DONE!

tessa said...

please transport this space to the attic room my husband is finishing up. i adore it all. you do lovely work. : )

Unknown said...

Truly fantastic Lauren!! I would never want to leave that space!!

Unknown said...

I love this space! Its just gorgeous! Every little bit of it!! Its serene and relaxing and yet vivacious and thought-provoking at the same time. and whimsical and sweet and still grown-up. and fun. love. love. love.
Smriti

mizrachfaith said...

Wow! It's amazing how you turned that room into a homey and a place for a hide out and comfort. Love the antique collection and furniture and also the painting, eh.

Cheers,
Mizrachfaith@embroidery digitizer