The property, for sale for $4.9 million, was built for George N. Everett, a vice president of the late Washington department store Woodward & Lothrop. (See if you can spot the Woodward & Lothrop name stamped on some window hardware.) It was bought in 1947 by George and Janice Wasserman, noted philanthropists who ran an appliance business. He died in 1975, and she died in 2008, leaving a house reflecting decorating styles from the 1950s on.
The Design House, which will be open through May 8, raises money for Children’s National Medical Center. We asked nine of the designers questions we thought you might have when touring the rooms.
-Designer Iantha Carley: Master bedroom and dressing room-
First thing you picked out: The David Hicks lime green fabric. I’ve always loved this pattern. It’s fresh and fun.
Describe the style: Transitional with an edge.
Favorite element: One of my favorites is the table in the dressing area. I had a carpenter build a six-foot Parsons-style table, and we applied mirror on top of it.
Did the 1920s Tudor architecture influence you? It did. I’m a big sucker for English design. They’re not afraid to mix different colors and patterns, and they don’t strive for perfection.
Biggest design challenge: The nine-foot-long window that doesn’t have a pretty view. It looks out to the HVAC unit. I installed full-length plantation shutters that obscure the view even when they’re open.
Best design tip: In smaller spaces, [such as] a walk-in closet or powder room, you should go crazy with wallpaper. You can use bolder patterns or colors, because you’re not in the space for long periods of time, so it won’t overwhelm you.
Anything eco-friendly in this room? The taupey-gray wall-to-wall carpet is made from recycled water bottles.
Favorite room besides your own: I have two. Patrick Sutton’s [living room] because it feels so cozy and warm, and David Mitchell’s [gentleman’s bedroom] because it’s just perfect.
-Designer Patrick Sutton: Living room-
How did the 1920s Tudor architecture influence you? The physical shape of this room influenced my decision-making. It’s a grand, lofty cathedral-ceilinged, beamed space with four sets of doors. It probably was a ballroom. I had to make it seem less cavernous and make it more comfortable for a family with several furniture groupings. I hate the term “great room.” This is a modern living room.
Favorite element: It’s the concrete fireplace we unearthed under 20 layers of paint. The original fireplace had been painted many times in white, battleship gray and dark gray. We got down to the original concrete and burnished it with steel wool to give it a refined grayish patina, and then waxed it.
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