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.}
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! :)
As a decorator & a textile designer, this is my place to muse... perfection doesn't interest me; Reality and charm do. Fresh floppy flowers from the garden over long-stemmed roses any day, I love it when things are slightly off and tell a story. 