.png){kind=small}
After returning to Washington last week from a long weekend in L.A., we pined for the amazing flora and fauna, fresh produce, and sunny skies that create that southern California vibe. Quickly, however, we realized that Washington DC offered many perks that go beyond the museums, history, culture, and cuisine that make views of monuments worth trading for swaying palm trees. To be sure, a city like L.A. offers something for everyone, but here are a few of the things that make Washington DC unique as a design destination.
Neighborhoods with Character
From the classic rowhouses in Georgetown and U Street, center hall Colonials in Spring Valley, Georgian Revival mansions in Kalorama, or the gorgeous and eclectic mansions on sprawling estates in Potomac, Washington DC has something to offer for all architectural tastes. This says nothing of the significant style on display among our museums and Federal buildings, from the Romanesque Smithsonian castle, to the African American History Museum’s futuristic facade! To be sure, a walk on the Mall exposes you to inspiration all around. Often, we find that the best interiors take one of two approaches: they either respect a building’s character and history with a design that matches the bones of the space, or completely depart from the original architecture with a heavily contrasting interior space from another era or inspiration.
A Victorian Home Renovation
A recent client sought our help with their Victorian home, which had significant deferred maintenance and required a gut-renovation. As was typical of homes from the late 19th century, the kitchen was small and to the rear of the house– an afterthought that many find impractical for today’s living. In re-programming the interior space, the original kitchen became a mudroom and pantry, with the kitchen moved to what was the formal dining room to put it in the heart of the home. This was done in a way to preserve the character of the home, and respect the history; a chimney at the center of the house now has its brick exposed in the new kitchen and mudroom as a reminder of the beautiful imperfections that can now be seen from a handlaid chimney from 1895. We expect this to present a welcome contrast to the otherwise updated design and sleek finish choices, and present a grounding point of reference to reflect the history of the home.
Global Exposure and Inspiration in Modern Interior Design
On a recent walk from the Lincoln Memorial to Farrugut Square, we cut through George Washington University, and not only overheard students chatting about the Taylor Swift Eras Tour, but also arguing over the pros and cons of White House foreign policy towards Ukraine! A few minutes later, as we walked by the IMF headquarters, we realized that in three blocks we had heard four different foreign languages (French, Arabic, Spanish, and Twi). Such is the life of a Washingtonian, where everyone is from somewhere (else)! This often leads to inspiration and exposure to ideas and concepts from around the world, and successful designs often take into account the clients’ lived experience.
For instance, we previously had a client from the country Turkey, whose first exposure to the U.S. was during graduate school in Texas. Let me tell you that this Turk from Istanbul was more blue-jeans-and-big-buckles-Texas than a bull rider! When he sought our help with his residence, there were many design cues that we took from his home country, to include beautiful handwoven natural-dyed rugs, leather poofs and ornate hanging lanterns, and a specific space to enjoy the ritual of enjoying Turkish coffee with friends and guests. To be sure, we also found ways to incorporate pinches of Texas with longhorn bookends, and a couple accent furniture pieces upholstered in cowhide. While one must be careful to balance and blend thoughtfully to avoid a tacky, superficial design, we were able to incorporate important elements of the client’s life to make the space memorable, comfortable, and personal.
Anything Goes in Washington DC’s Interior Design
While many historic districts in the Washington DC area enforce strict rules and permitting to oversee any potential changes to a building’s exterior, the inside of the home remains fair game without restraint! In an eclectic city like DC that welcomes people from various walks of life and all corners of the globe, inspiration has no limit. We had previous clients, who were American diplomats in the Foreign Service, and seemed to collect keepsakes from all their overseas postings: a spear from Mali, masks from Ghana, batik fabrics and woven baskets from Indonesia, and a set of vintage French accent dining chairs ready for updated upholstery.
Another client lived in a 1950s-era spit-level home, and pined for a mid-century modern interior design. We prioritized function over ornamentation, played with simple geometric shapes and lines, and mixed contrasting materials, with a few pops of color. The clients chose to invest in a few critical items, including a Saarinen tulip dining table, and a paper Noguchi hanging pendant light to bring the look together.
Coming Home
No matter where you’re from or how you got here, Washington DC is a place that everyone can call home. Regardless of your design aesthetic, you will also find both inspiration and opportunity to create spaces that speak to you. As you consider your own needs, we look forward to helping you along your own interior design adventure.
How You Can Work With Us
At Lorla Studio, a modern interior design firm in Washington, D.C, our talented team of designers craft modern, livable and functional spaces throughout the district and beyond. Hire us for a seamless renovation process, and a modern, approachable design you are sure to love!
Check out the five questions to ask yourself before hiring an interior designer in Washington D.C. If you think we’d make a good team, contact us today!
Ready to transform your space with us?
Comments