The DC Design House opens this Saturday and I think it's fair to say it's bigger and better than ever! There's so much to show but to start here's a sneak peek of just a few of the rooms on the main floor of this three level home transformed by 23 local area designers.Daniel Proctor of Kirk Designs created a luxe, comfortable family room you would expect to find gracing the pages of Margaret Russell's Architectural Digest. Formerly the home's dining room, four 8' x 4' panels were mounted on the wall to create architectural interest and conceal a doorway to the kitchen. One of my favorite features of the room is the long table positioned in front of the window, serving as a work space and providing a great view out onto the terrace. (Walls in Farrow & Ball Charleston Gray and Wimborne White)
Victoria Sanchez's Teenager's Getaway is a fabulous space. Any room that can make you feel younger just by walking into it deserves an award in my book. Farrow & Ball's All White is the backdrop for vibrant colors, Missoni patterns and a bold, striped rug that create a fun, optimistic energy. The sheer drapes have a raised chenille-like zig zag pattern and let in light while making a strong, design statement.
Shazalynn Cavin-Winfrey's dining room, while elegant and sophisticated, is also warm and inviting. A balance that is hard to strike but definitely achieved in this space. 
Upholstered banquets flank either side of the french doors that span the back of the room and a large console table provides a practical place to set up for a buffet, afternoon tea or bar. Wish I had taken a picture from a straight-on angle to give a better sense of that.
The ceiling is wallpapered in a marbelized pattern and it ties in with all the delicious corals and blues in the room. (Walls are covered in Farrow & Ball Tallow 203, Fowler Pink No. 39 and Dragged Wallpaper 6-33)
To the left of the dining room is Marika Meyer's serene and lovely Morning Room. Love, love her use of citrine and indigo against the backdrop of neutral creams and grays. Artful choices in pattern and accessories create interest throughout the space.
This could be setting for a four hour breakfast - I mean, would you really want to leave this gorgeous table? Bookshelves are backed with a trellis patterned fabric. (Wall covered in Farrow & Ball Wallpaper Drag 12-15, Harwick Whtie, Shaded White and Slipper Satin)
If you do have a chance to visit the Design House in person, you'll be greeted by the sophisticated foyer and reception hall designed by artist John Matthew Moore. Playing off the existing black and white marble floors, Matthew created a space that perfectly references the 1950's period in which the home was built while bringing in contemporary elements and chinoiserie touches.
This incredible double star chandelier designed by Matthew and created by local lighting artist Rick Singleton is a work of art and the source of many oohs and aahs! Interestingly, it was inspired by a wire sculpture in Barbara Franceski's room from last year's Design House. There it is on the bureau below.
His original designs also extend to a linen drapery fabric in a traditional diaper-patterned of creams, grays, and blacks. Reflected in the mirror, you can see Matthew's painting, the "Three Swans." It is anchored by a black and gilt bench with gorgeous leopard silk velvet bolsters and a collection of antique blue and white porcelains. (Walls in Farrow & Ball Hardwick White, Shaded White, Whimborne White and upstairs Crivelli Trellis 31-03)This post is only a snippet - much more to come in the next few days. If you are anywhere near DC, you will absolutely want to see this home in person. Not only is it a visual treat, it's a leading fundraising event for Childrens National Medical Center.
DC Design House
April 14th - May 13th 2012
4951 Rockwood Parkway, NW, Washington, DC
Hours: Saturdays-Sundays 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.; Tuesdays-Fridays 10 a.m. to 3 p.m
Ticket price: $20
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