Designer show house season is here.
The ninth annual D.C. Design House benefiting Children’s National Health System opens Oct. 1 for a month-long run at a five-story house at 2509 Foxhall Rd. NW with three kitchens and an elevator.
[Eight great ideas from the 2015 D.C. Design House ]
And in Richmond, the 2016 Richmond Symphony Orchestra League Designer House is already open for viewing through Oct. 10 in a 1929 Georgian revival house called Pineapple Acre.
Next week, we will be checking out the 2016 D.C. Design House. But before we started our tour, we wanted to look back at some recent design houses. Here are some of my favorite rooms from the past five show houses that still are fun, fresh and full of ideas.
Nursery by Nancy Twomey of Finnian’s Moon: Twomey took what could have been a cliched baby’s room in a huge McLean home and turned it into a sophisticated yet charming kid-friendly space. The whimsical oversize photograph of a deer inspired the spotted taupe rug and faux fur chair.
Nadia Subaran’s wine room/butler’s pantry in the 2014 D.C. Design House. (John McDonnell/The Washington Post)
Wine room/butler’s pantry by Nadia Subaran of Aidan Design: The 1929 stone Colonial home in Forest Hills represented many traditional Washington houses. Subaran decided to create a room dedicated to entertaining, like the old butler’s pantries. The navy finish of the cabinets is an unexpected color. Tapas or wine-tasting parties could also be held at the center table.
Library by David Mitchell of David Mitchell Interior Design: Because this house (which happens to be next door to this year’s show house) was all new construction, designers had to fill some vast spaces. The anchor of Mitchell’s space, which is done in creams, browns and greens, is a 120-inch Restoration Hardware teak table that Mitchell had painted sage green. He used oversize lamps and plants, yet made the space look cozy, with a calming, timeless feel.
Victoria Sanchez’s teen’s getaway in the 2012 D.C. Design House. (John McDonnell/The Washington Post)
Teen’s getaway by Victoria Sanchez of Victoria at Home: The 10,000-square-foot Spring Valley estate had lots of big rooms and outdoor terraces. But a small room by Sanchez caught my eye. She used boho Missoni fabrics, vintage finds and modern CB2 accessories to create a warm and energy-filled space that someone of any age would love to spend time in.
Camille Saum’s dining room: This 1925 Forest Hills Tudor property was my all-time favorite D.C. Design House because it reminded me of an estate in an exotic California locale. That pool! The shades-of-chartreuse room Saum conceived was dramatic and fun and would be an amazing place to have dinner by candlelight. Her acid green patent leather chairs and yellow-and-white checkerboard floor were bold statements that gave the place style.