Nesting in my apartment

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg84XmHDAP93CVuGRwi18olZha4czOvcLCu1f_KcF3JeXeqfaOEBaXysE5BM7pTZCU-Oe5_h_8_nNGWYad0W05iHZwFeT_ePYqDXNpGrRxaLhcw0uFSLQyQeczG6fsyXeoTpW4lnmh9ckI/s1600/chair+and+rug+-+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg84XmHDAP93CVuGRwi18olZha4czOvcLCu1f_KcF3JeXeqfaOEBaXysE5BM7pTZCU-Oe5_h_8_nNGWYad0W05iHZwFeT_ePYqDXNpGrRxaLhcw0uFSLQyQeczG6fsyXeoTpW4lnmh9ckI/s1600/chair+and+rug+-+1.JPG" width="298" /></a></div>I've had a lot of changes in my apartment recently which is strange because aren't we meant to nest in preparation for winter and not spring? Regardless I thought I'd share some of these upgrades as they're really quite exciting for me!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiji1invwiswIXDaCH-cruefBGLqdbCDf8C6SveE85I5bt2Gqbl2pb7tuPNw2RHyJSjqR8H4mRGoaP5lhXfxMuLbAnzfeEkiUKY2M0rU9H11e5FeFxZzZY2syJ937J7RopWbudb_AMPaNY/s1600/chair+before.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiji1invwiswIXDaCH-cruefBGLqdbCDf8C6SveE85I5bt2Gqbl2pb7tuPNw2RHyJSjqR8H4mRGoaP5lhXfxMuLbAnzfeEkiUKY2M0rU9H11e5FeFxZzZY2syJ937J7RopWbudb_AMPaNY/s1600/chair+before.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>A few months ago I purchased this antique armchair from an estate sale which had last been upholstered in the early 1960s.  While the fabric was nice in its own way (an embroidered silk) it was not quite to my taste and rather dirty.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheeYTC3abaQY1krtgdnQms9ldoFer3qHCs4eopib94dv6Da6cvqutn_3wJAnEZVlOJtH_X4zCgXJDvsFwSR5-VDwUZftmqL8YzLUR6g8tYhIhhyix_Vb22qkegFqgWH2bFkvn96_7okwU/s1600/chair+with+new+fabric.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheeYTC3abaQY1krtgdnQms9ldoFer3qHCs4eopib94dv6Da6cvqutn_3wJAnEZVlOJtH_X4zCgXJDvsFwSR5-VDwUZftmqL8YzLUR6g8tYhIhhyix_Vb22qkegFqgWH2bFkvn96_7okwU/s1600/chair+with+new+fabric.JPG" width="298" /></a></div>Upon the recommendation of my friend Michele from the blog <a href="http://www.mynottinghill.blogspot.com/">My Notting Hill</a> I checked out <a href="http://mynottinghill.blogspot.com/2013/05/haute-fabrics-now-in-arlington-big-sale.html">Haute Fabrics</a> in Ballston, Virginia (a DC suburb). There I found this lovely hand printed linen with a subtle paisley fabric that I just loved. I also found <a href="http://urbancastlesolutions.com/">Urban Castle Interior Solutions</a> who proved to be an excellent upholsterer after my last one had sadly retired. I worried it would perhaps be a little bland but I have such a random assortment of things that I love in this room that I thought the neutral tones would tie everything together.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMLhP0mXxNIjjCExf68ts-v-E56zbyxPgJnTycHOKDF3iOJQpxLFFaBvTlHNphT5wt_8ftdbUBCvbcFydB6qivbd2SdtAXzbQQONJjU_lhTGD6JC8KSVV-qFzIyMPnEW8nrvenvB9Ebt8/s1600/safavieh+rug.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMLhP0mXxNIjjCExf68ts-v-E56zbyxPgJnTycHOKDF3iOJQpxLFFaBvTlHNphT5wt_8ftdbUBCvbcFydB6qivbd2SdtAXzbQQONJjU_lhTGD6JC8KSVV-qFzIyMPnEW8nrvenvB9Ebt8/s1600/safavieh+rug.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>At the same time I purchased this lovely <a href="http://safavieh.com/">Safavieh</a> rug which really anchors the space. This is my living room in a 1 bedroom apartment so I really LIVE in here!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiryBvHlrCkJYVkrBV10D6SLNxVQ2EAperV_z7wODzXJfmFGJaQu_sN5Xsz6GJe9XTstHTTma9IFMefSDaWTvbH6B43YwGVqQZcMsagdUMxnfYyblIqoHtJesR6-IzWacBpnhZdyLAapqc/s1600/chair+after.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiryBvHlrCkJYVkrBV10D6SLNxVQ2EAperV_z7wODzXJfmFGJaQu_sN5Xsz6GJe9XTstHTTma9IFMefSDaWTvbH6B43YwGVqQZcMsagdUMxnfYyblIqoHtJesR6-IzWacBpnhZdyLAapqc/s1600/chair+after.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Now I have a comfy chair in which to read and relax which anchors this corner of the room- just what I always wanted! Now I just have to start looking for the perfect sofa to replace my underscaled loveseat (so no comments about that!).<br /><i>I received no compensation for this post -just sharing some excellent resources! Picture quality is lacking because these were taken with my phone.</i>

Nesting in my apartment

I've had a lot of changes in my apartment recently which is strange because aren't we meant to nest in preparation for winter and no...

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Classic style doesn't date

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKeXrqWfLUEZ_Mw9vvNUtC9kB3MXA6tKDH1mjm7amY9N43kZYuw5-ZdQ0tXwxJrhqUVcUYApsiHSKa2slFJAt14-ZyyopCDJXO-eDzSi1Mng0Wm9ULxx2p6ZP3S8qjixOnBee5hM2hf54/s1600/classic+style+-+castles+on+the+sound.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKeXrqWfLUEZ_Mw9vvNUtC9kB3MXA6tKDH1mjm7amY9N43kZYuw5-ZdQ0tXwxJrhqUVcUYApsiHSKa2slFJAt14-ZyyopCDJXO-eDzSi1Mng0Wm9ULxx2p6ZP3S8qjixOnBee5hM2hf54/s1600/classic+style+-+castles+on+the+sound.jpg" width="297" /></a></div> As you well know I'm a firm believer that classic style doesn't date.  An example of this is a room by talented designers <a href="http://www.foxnahem.com/">Tom Fox and Joe Nahem</a> from the 1980s when they decorated the dining room of the Castles on the Sound showhouse (featured in the book <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1556700385/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=211189&creative=373489&creativeASIN=1556700385&link_code=as3&tag=archite0d-20">Interior Visions</a>).<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPWUjYz7yaDX0QBoDyIPbD__jxi4yMrtlEV4g-Tv16QG_TW427LCgVnbD8DZEY6DLRbLh4uDpYipQvcBJ3xdsZbE1eYHmlnw7JNe-W0OFX5fScDjEz6YDeBX0v-yzr-KrhFAbcv_mE1WM/s1600/Fox+Nahem.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPWUjYz7yaDX0QBoDyIPbD__jxi4yMrtlEV4g-Tv16QG_TW427LCgVnbD8DZEY6DLRbLh4uDpYipQvcBJ3xdsZbE1eYHmlnw7JNe-W0OFX5fScDjEz6YDeBX0v-yzr-KrhFAbcv_mE1WM/s1600/Fox+Nahem.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Working with the great bones of the space, mahogany paneling and a stone fireplace surround, they re-envisioned the formal dining room for everyday use TODAY (or at least 1980s today). Beautiful classic furniture, art, and objects create a space that anyone would be happy using in 1980 or 2014. How many times have you redecorated your own living or dining room since 1980 and at what cost? Do we need any more reason to shun the overtly trendy and revel in classic style

Classic style doesn't date

 As you well know I'm a firm believer that classic style doesn't date.  An example of this is a room by talented designers Tom Fox a...

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Recent work: Dramatic before and after

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhav6VULVjFdyZndLV96wUpiuoV86bmj4hRSJ92upqMAAv1EsBCXNmZw2QGUORH6fSVjzHL3Ju2Vj4I-ob7TApLWF1huIn9My_h-KTC7ioRy7H1EDCyrqKBMKOfKqcMkO7ld5qwxAMxj3bS/s1600/bathroom+realtor+Stefan+Hurray+architectdesign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhav6VULVjFdyZndLV96wUpiuoV86bmj4hRSJ92upqMAAv1EsBCXNmZw2QGUORH6fSVjzHL3Ju2Vj4I-ob7TApLWF1huIn9My_h-KTC7ioRy7H1EDCyrqKBMKOfKqcMkO7ld5qwxAMxj3bS/s400/bathroom+realtor+Stefan+Hurray+architectdesign.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Reading and writing blog posts everyday I can sometimes forget to mention I'm more than a blogger: I also work in the design industry!  I thought I would share the design process with you on a recent project, a renovated master suite (above is a finished teaser of the bath).<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXN8SM4lWQNY9PzBMGihyphenhypheno7BbbzYVyndn34BBu-KWOWd-RV8rax0Xn6iVni63ZPmJqJCddcs1Ze6I-r9Mpi8mZL3HdeGiQWnDZ8q0Z9Tll912gGPd4-hlOmXjGAqDTwSG_MA9jvrl4JWAZ/s1600/bathroom+before.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXN8SM4lWQNY9PzBMGihyphenhypheno7BbbzYVyndn34BBu-KWOWd-RV8rax0Xn6iVni63ZPmJqJCddcs1Ze6I-r9Mpi8mZL3HdeGiQWnDZ8q0Z9Tll912gGPd4-hlOmXjGAqDTwSG_MA9jvrl4JWAZ/s400/bathroom+before.jpg" width="267" /></a></div>Lets get the ugly stuff out of the way first. My friend had a vintage 1920s house in the lovely Cleveland Park neighborhood of DC (you may remember a built-in I completed for him in the family room <a href="http://interior-design-pictures.blogspot.com/2013/02/a-recent-small-project-built-in.html">HERE</a>). Old houses are great, I think we can all agree there, but old bathrooms are NOT so great - just look at it above!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbZWN5zSV9g719KQPXrJlejBDFJn23G8OeifIEgdYrM6jOn2fJlvDJFHcxm3SG9iw6TJ9ZkqdZR7DF4yQXIW9f4GHqyjbxX8EJbA0iXVYaBW3IQPQfKkJdD-8Ut8nGvdsFK32gzxBSpRak/s1600/before+plan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbZWN5zSV9g719KQPXrJlejBDFJn23G8OeifIEgdYrM6jOn2fJlvDJFHcxm3SG9iw6TJ9ZkqdZR7DF4yQXIW9f4GHqyjbxX8EJbA0iXVYaBW3IQPQfKkJdD-8Ut8nGvdsFK32gzxBSpRak/s400/before+plan.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Above the partial floorplan shows the original layout of the area I worked on which had great potential but didn't work for the client. A small, worn hall bath serviced the master bedroom as well as a small bedroom which my friend used as a dressing room as closet space was inadequate. The front half of the plan not shown on the left had the formerly renovated master suite which had been turned into another hall bathroom, separate laundry room, and a large bedroom facing the street.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9aHc8iDqg5p8PHdzQmikekUJ3mNbBaSK5bkwkm8lMiErHhykdkVIW1VFN4vJmlYB9EM39P3pGRChjqXsQ3A3qde2kNj3c_iZmoN3SP8dJQ3CNew5tyA1KKuee-S9ks5V581Nsh7NZOB_2/s1600/Hallway+before+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9aHc8iDqg5p8PHdzQmikekUJ3mNbBaSK5bkwkm8lMiErHhykdkVIW1VFN4vJmlYB9EM39P3pGRChjqXsQ3A3qde2kNj3c_iZmoN3SP8dJQ3CNew5tyA1KKuee-S9ks5V581Nsh7NZOB_2/s400/Hallway+before+1.jpg" width="267" /></a></div>Previously one came up the staircase and was confronted with the L shaped hallway seen here (remember, this is the BEFORE!).<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhQiHaMdOaj9TNItb2cUgEADy1NSVDnMwxksv4ceKeyiRBR-CwRrrJS7KJMgrJGEhyphenhyphenyjHLoOPHu1Y9wXsnuINZ4TUPJI4nWuCer7QLLiQLOtR3-EGH6kmbe_Kx59IbpmJGcCAKQiGchjNO/s1600/Hallway+before+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhQiHaMdOaj9TNItb2cUgEADy1NSVDnMwxksv4ceKeyiRBR-CwRrrJS7KJMgrJGEhyphenhyphenyjHLoOPHu1Y9wXsnuINZ4TUPJI4nWuCer7QLLiQLOtR3-EGH6kmbe_Kx59IbpmJGcCAKQiGchjNO/s400/Hallway+before+3.jpg" width="267" /></a></div>Lots of square footage was wasted on the hallway in the tight plan and I had to come up with a way to best utilize the space.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZftgAA8GVXn1-Wh3lcOdzYqKKn29opaa0Mo2n6FYdRoGCJIynL53wV7ClBn7x9JWZUqbYApvM3pVeYa3VRlx8zl4M53vN5lNG4nlFoQwHx3Y_pofCZMZ7_UIMsvYEeaJwZ4GW5Ec7lFHn/s1600/master+bedroom+before.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZftgAA8GVXn1-Wh3lcOdzYqKKn29opaa0Mo2n6FYdRoGCJIynL53wV7ClBn7x9JWZUqbYApvM3pVeYa3VRlx8zl4M53vN5lNG4nlFoQwHx3Y_pofCZMZ7_UIMsvYEeaJwZ4GW5Ec7lFHn/s400/master+bedroom+before.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>The criteria was for a gracious master bedroom suite complete with en-suite bathroom, separate generous dressing room with loads of storage, and a separate sitting room.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX8U885RZS2B8RHd2xbK79_xeiTBk9zffLu2o-sGvaAHMwIyLTQbrO6Nq3Rgtp9xUuRQo_U7SioHAjPScYeOvk-oIRUowaJmiOqwmQDRn49rJVwp_rwec8CtF0dmS12izFVUdr7aqXkFMu/s1600/sunroom+before.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX8U885RZS2B8RHd2xbK79_xeiTBk9zffLu2o-sGvaAHMwIyLTQbrO6Nq3Rgtp9xUuRQo_U7SioHAjPScYeOvk-oIRUowaJmiOqwmQDRn49rJVwp_rwec8CtF0dmS12izFVUdr7aqXkFMu/s400/sunroom+before.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>The bones were all there but how best to reconfigure the space while respecting the vintage charm of the house?  Another piece of the puzzle was leaving the exterior of the house untouched as it lies within a historic district where exterior changes are hard to get approved.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaDuWulPAShBwC2lymu5B64uDDR_yUBIlwebBk4wW4oBho8cWKDAW6DoByjKBEyHjvi72-Jrbc1-cEvNm6ar-g-4wi5hVUw3YJGOT83EH5rB8KsYwb-hNJDecSTDsf6SxJSu5lJ52Xli42/s1600/demo+plan+-+stefan+hurray+architectdesign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaDuWulPAShBwC2lymu5B64uDDR_yUBIlwebBk4wW4oBho8cWKDAW6DoByjKBEyHjvi72-Jrbc1-cEvNm6ar-g-4wi5hVUw3YJGOT83EH5rB8KsYwb-hNJDecSTDsf6SxJSu5lJ52Xli42/s400/demo+plan+-+stefan+hurray+architectdesign.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>I decided to claim the 2nd hall closet and a fair amount of the hallway itself to enlarge the bathroom and provide all of the amenities one expects today in a house of this caliber.  Above you see the 'demo' plan and how I was going to accomplish this.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZUlASw9bT1lJS6qLqkWDiBePxqxJe2lrkB94yKsINH_I2QnxNBwVNpViBtVls3m_vqLh8ML9yobie4Dm7sDtHvVyit-0eDZdailVDvz9OZatiJ1ql59Y8nn0spkOzsy43YMBG201593HB/s1600/Master+suite+plan+-+stefan+hurray+architectdesign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZUlASw9bT1lJS6qLqkWDiBePxqxJe2lrkB94yKsINH_I2QnxNBwVNpViBtVls3m_vqLh8ML9yobie4Dm7sDtHvVyit-0eDZdailVDvz9OZatiJ1ql59Y8nn0spkOzsy43YMBG201593HB/s400/Master+suite+plan+-+stefan+hurray+architectdesign.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>The plan worked out nicely. Instead of coming up into a vast L shaped hallway, a more compact hall was created with a flush wall great for art at the head of the stairway. The master suite is now entered through a private vestibule which separates the bedroom from a dressing room.  The opening between the dressing room and sunny sitting room was filled in to allow for more storage in the closet and a built-in bookcase in the sitting room.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUv4Uh0atreaof1ztDZxiWpI45nnowmW3v9ighNPF3RriLY1XIoO5smJ-y3LETp3C8QVq-EzR5fzGAbbdaIzHyHZQS3DRRwtuh6Jqx_8avLHGrVsZTA8rxkbvveZMlUvYVifzaC86SCSkD/s1600/ELEVATIONS+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUv4Uh0atreaof1ztDZxiWpI45nnowmW3v9ighNPF3RriLY1XIoO5smJ-y3LETp3C8QVq-EzR5fzGAbbdaIzHyHZQS3DRRwtuh6Jqx_8avLHGrVsZTA8rxkbvveZMlUvYVifzaC86SCSkD/s400/ELEVATIONS+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>The bathroom walls were completely removed to both insulate the exterior walls as well as reclaim any space we could find which previously housed ductwork and pipes which could easily be moved out of the way. Our contractor was a great help here!  I decided to panel the walls with wide beadboard which added a vintage charm to the bath of the 1920s time period while also providing a 'warm' environment.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyf1LsC6lSDBf8FsBoO0vDy-5AjLF62bAHQNLNzl-AmygbLv2wiSB1glt5Swyz5SN_vyHksT9krjCd5nFJQH8c44rClxAY8i2nXZn45v4zKdyd3TJlP_acjCpcuMb83EmWr8ugjiADkAjZ/s1600/ELEVATIONS+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyf1LsC6lSDBf8FsBoO0vDy-5AjLF62bAHQNLNzl-AmygbLv2wiSB1glt5Swyz5SN_vyHksT9krjCd5nFJQH8c44rClxAY8i2nXZn45v4zKdyd3TJlP_acjCpcuMb83EmWr8ugjiADkAjZ/s400/ELEVATIONS+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>A separate soaking tub and large shower were added as well as an additional sink thanks to the space gained from the hallway.  Now lets see how it turned out!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW2rxJLiqAGpdJbR6fD4bYgpupHHVi2NsV5QspSIA3iI57RMquU2yr4E7yyMGqP61WE1WU7sAiiubXv1C3aPN-dU289Eha6_qx9j8-GC1WfTQTOsCFY8f74jP56hyphenhyphenDQ0TISF8vcRezqCsu/s1600/hallway+after+-+stefan+hurray+architectdesign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW2rxJLiqAGpdJbR6fD4bYgpupHHVi2NsV5QspSIA3iI57RMquU2yr4E7yyMGqP61WE1WU7sAiiubXv1C3aPN-dU289Eha6_qx9j8-GC1WfTQTOsCFY8f74jP56hyphenhyphenDQ0TISF8vcRezqCsu/s400/hallway+after+-+stefan+hurray+architectdesign.jpg" width="253" /></a></div>The hallway is still a generous size and makes sense for the house. Two bedrooms are left on this floor with a 3rd on the floor above. In the photo above you are looking into the new vestibule (painted the same purple as the bedroom) lit by an antique sconce found at my favorite lighting source just down the street in Cleveland Park, <a href="http://interior-design-pictures.blogspot.com/2012/11/shopping-for-antique-lighting_9.html">Artisan lighting</a>.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXyrNwEiVtpRJAMc_banmIaKSkp8xLGN9hd108xSp2cO_QauIVo8MgwZxS8XCe2vkHZ26sPhCOadxygEwfdSAgN_MrMzfUDsto5T99Q89qw7hz4FfHsurErhzqOIzoSJMya2Khbx9t6N9X/s1600/master+bedroom+towards+bath+-+stefan+hurray+architectdesign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXyrNwEiVtpRJAMc_banmIaKSkp8xLGN9hd108xSp2cO_QauIVo8MgwZxS8XCe2vkHZ26sPhCOadxygEwfdSAgN_MrMzfUDsto5T99Q89qw7hz4FfHsurErhzqOIzoSJMya2Khbx9t6N9X/s400/master+bedroom+towards+bath+-+stefan+hurray+architectdesign.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Another antique frosted glass ceiling fixture was found at <a href="http://www.artisanlamp.com/">Artisan Lamp</a> for the bedroom, on  a dimmer switch for ambiance of course! You can see through the former closet door into the newly enlarged master bathroom.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUg5nZnzAwskEyTHM-FrSFYAOC4GrBqYimdRLPP7N6eetjKk9yYQf0Kh5u1b8BpX4pUBfY0x40cEKBS03BlTJM-V5MTpZxl9D_RJ-O4pMXVosuZtQuEpkvQofW7bJsS8yBfvTcmFCXiADY/s1600/master+bedroom+towards+sitting+-+stefan+hurray+architectdesign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUg5nZnzAwskEyTHM-FrSFYAOC4GrBqYimdRLPP7N6eetjKk9yYQf0Kh5u1b8BpX4pUBfY0x40cEKBS03BlTJM-V5MTpZxl9D_RJ-O4pMXVosuZtQuEpkvQofW7bJsS8yBfvTcmFCXiADY/s400/master+bedroom+towards+sitting+-+stefan+hurray+architectdesign.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Looking the other direction one can see into the sunroom sitting area.  The natural linen curtains lining the wall hide an off-center window as well as provide a focal point for the bed.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlTlj4T7cUwTgdNyYnLuPxfk7TWCRATGrmy7MvhEf6kyC2HP0dnyWUmUSxr3XYmOAYoz6ssQVqcXf-ETLbllpf1mP2HVKGvdsE6Pck8XPjnEvDc_WXcJ7VaW52WZDzgdwBi4_UocKgwwPK/s1600/master+dressing+room+after+-+stefan+hurray+architectdesign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlTlj4T7cUwTgdNyYnLuPxfk7TWCRATGrmy7MvhEf6kyC2HP0dnyWUmUSxr3XYmOAYoz6ssQVqcXf-ETLbllpf1mP2HVKGvdsE6Pck8XPjnEvDc_WXcJ7VaW52WZDzgdwBi4_UocKgwwPK/s400/master+dressing+room+after+-+stefan+hurray+architectdesign.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>The small bedroom became a proper dressing room with ample storage. Double hanging rods fill one entire wall while a large dresser sits opposite.  The antique lamp on the dresser is also from Artisan - you can tell I love to shop there! The closet of this former bedroom was lined with cedar to become storage for sweaters and other off-season items.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFeBbVDnQiVZhCw12-ZbQjY7W-O2dE76d_ej5iU6v9isL9Vm3su60P9h-nPQOFTVIHHgmOsp3iYlWS3DjdVN2iN6jQGGQesXlSNR4CDGaL0Ou-OWhVZlxQLG0SLjn9zs114fK9cLlF_v25/s1600/sunroom+after++-+stefan+hurray+architectdesign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFeBbVDnQiVZhCw12-ZbQjY7W-O2dE76d_ej5iU6v9isL9Vm3su60P9h-nPQOFTVIHHgmOsp3iYlWS3DjdVN2iN6jQGGQesXlSNR4CDGaL0Ou-OWhVZlxQLG0SLjn9zs114fK9cLlF_v25/s400/sunroom+after++-+stefan+hurray+architectdesign.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>The sitting room received a fresh coat of sage green paint as well as a major clean-up. An odd closet was ripped out of the corner as well as an unnecessary non-working but extremely HEAVY radiator.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxFhXXpwwoigvHtfi0uM_Evb0eHLryeB7sQUwvJrLDYfQW96uFzwXCpJFjM_5oGESjDgQgq4qhKA1pBVx73D1mPpjzJyw7rvAhTfYChfwBUvuSd2TeyCe31syN3KdRK-CazrdnxmvLRH8b/s1600/bathroom+end+wall+-+Stefan+Hurray+architectdesign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxFhXXpwwoigvHtfi0uM_Evb0eHLryeB7sQUwvJrLDYfQW96uFzwXCpJFjM_5oGESjDgQgq4qhKA1pBVx73D1mPpjzJyw7rvAhTfYChfwBUvuSd2TeyCe31syN3KdRK-CazrdnxmvLRH8b/s400/bathroom+end+wall+-+Stefan+Hurray+architectdesign.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>However the <i>piece de resistance</i> is surely the newly created master bathroom. Wide 6" painted wood paneling was installed rather than drywall or tile as it created a warm, vintage feeling environment.  Foam insulation was blown into all of the walls for sound isolation as well as temperature control.  The window received a cafe height plantation shutter for privacy and a new marble sill perfect for additional storage. Antique neoclassical sconces were found at Artisan which really become the jewelry of the space.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit05JRDJnS4wxTxROMTgqr179mB0ps1tUmgcO0BHsFNjf2OsHuVVHIdAl_ynotgkSopDbmQAqEtvMZY7rA2LhUYlvHGyYX9_96a7Y9QW4k4Z8oSiGMeCbmjaWJgpIqKEmbOwzy7C1igkTA/s1600/bathroom+realtor+Stefan+Hurray+architectdesign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit05JRDJnS4wxTxROMTgqr179mB0ps1tUmgcO0BHsFNjf2OsHuVVHIdAl_ynotgkSopDbmQAqEtvMZY7rA2LhUYlvHGyYX9_96a7Y9QW4k4Z8oSiGMeCbmjaWJgpIqKEmbOwzy7C1igkTA/s400/bathroom+realtor+Stefan+Hurray+architectdesign.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>As the brass and black enameled sconces are really focal points I didn't feel the other finishes needed to match and they were all spec'd in a polished nickel finish sourced from the <a href="http://www.waterworks.com/collections/studio">Waterworks studio line</a> ( a wonderful lower priced line which still has the great quality and heft of other <a href="http://www.waterworks.com/">Waterworks</a> fixtures). The tile also came from Waterworks. I used a large format dark stone-like porcelain tile for the floor and the coordinating 2x2 tile for the shower floor. The shower walls were lined with a miniature subway tile and a long niche was created for soaps and shampoo. I love the industrial exposed surface-mounted shower fixtures from Waterworks! In-floor radiant heating was installed which can be controlled with the thermostat by the door for warm feet in the cold winter.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Y0cjsUprsa_oinQ5Ur4blYOBgUIoVGyzDPyi6-mlvb63U2mB3HyB9Uag6iFdAgW05Tb342_9rlKkR5PyEKz_3MzEgyCVh_Q24WHteUWwOxBlF1HBjIVkiWQmXP-To4W8q6wIOUKST5wU/s1600/bathroom+towards+window+-+stefan+hurray+architectdesign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Y0cjsUprsa_oinQ5Ur4blYOBgUIoVGyzDPyi6-mlvb63U2mB3HyB9Uag6iFdAgW05Tb342_9rlKkR5PyEKz_3MzEgyCVh_Q24WHteUWwOxBlF1HBjIVkiWQmXP-To4W8q6wIOUKST5wU/s400/bathroom+towards+window+-+stefan+hurray+architectdesign.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>The same Italian Crema marble from the <a href="http://www.restorationhardware.com/catalog/category/products.jsp?link=GramercyMetal&categoryId=cat1539071">Restoration Hardware Gramercy</a> vanity was used for the window sill, shower curb & surround, as well as to line the shower niche. I know you're wondering why I selected an open vanity as opposed to one with storage but I was worried the bathroom would feel tight when it lost that visual space below the sinks. Large medicine cabinets provide tons of storage. The freestanding bathtub from Victoria & Albert was clean lined while still having the appearance of an old Victorian soaker tub (seen best in my drawing earlier in this post).   I'm very pleased with the entire renovation and more importantly so was my friend!  What do you think?<br /><i>Special thanks to my fantastic photographer friend Bill Bramble who provided the before and after pictures!</i>

Recent work: Dramatic before and after

Reading and writing blog posts everyday I can sometimes forget to mention I'm more than a blogger: I also work in the design industry!  ...

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Darryl Carter: inside look

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu6Z1WYar19IuS_P8Gvliv6xvlimITxhbjwDDApNS-gYTafgJ99xZvpE6cwdiO7NCyn0e3v1riaYd9C8wjV5CFF_eoBeNf6CsKOb8WyejMNkwJbP8sQ3wLrbUAqHnQRzc59coXnE02x3Sg/s1600/Darryl+Carter+still+life.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu6Z1WYar19IuS_P8Gvliv6xvlimITxhbjwDDApNS-gYTafgJ99xZvpE6cwdiO7NCyn0e3v1riaYd9C8wjV5CFF_eoBeNf6CsKOb8WyejMNkwJbP8sQ3wLrbUAqHnQRzc59coXnE02x3Sg/s400/Darryl+Carter+still+life.JPG" width="290" /></a></div>This past weekend I finally had the chance to tour <a href="http://darrylcarter.com/">Darryl Carter</a>'s new store and studio here in DC that everyone has been raving over.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf1Z5PDbmSjk5k9aliJ3xg9VlmIFgsxBKjSDTySJvqNl87h7vDZ0oovKOxIlqgEuSY9EljCJVzwMqM6_36viEIhutjfV0CgMOaTXnnD18eRhVQoaO-7OAFsdE9xByNSgIZrprPiH-Xqeu5/s1600/Darryl+Carter+DC.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf1Z5PDbmSjk5k9aliJ3xg9VlmIFgsxBKjSDTySJvqNl87h7vDZ0oovKOxIlqgEuSY9EljCJVzwMqM6_36viEIhutjfV0CgMOaTXnnD18eRhVQoaO-7OAFsdE9xByNSgIZrprPiH-Xqeu5/s400/Darryl+Carter+DC.JPG" width="268" /></a></div> The discrete facade in an up and coming neighborhood, Shaw, belies the large amazing space within. Only a small "Darryl Carter" logo in red on the front windows alerts the visitor that they are in fact in the right place!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqvDKRB2M_MWx4GMQpUAN3taFxXwUPGV4n45vHPcIi09nfGoo4_SGRuF1lK8sIiJOMhpafh_va7mtjntveRpQp5ftoZaBsPAKqRZh6fqUk79z_61PGj_jftFWEq_QkUfHGVQgv9KjzatnJ/s1600/Architectural+salvage.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqvDKRB2M_MWx4GMQpUAN3taFxXwUPGV4n45vHPcIi09nfGoo4_SGRuF1lK8sIiJOMhpafh_va7mtjntveRpQp5ftoZaBsPAKqRZh6fqUk79z_61PGj_jftFWEq_QkUfHGVQgv9KjzatnJ/s400/Architectural+salvage.JPG" width="293" /></a></div>One can see why Darryl chose the space for his shop: the beautiful industrial spaces are old, worn, and interesting; the perfect contrast to his quirky but beautiful antiques and custom designed pieces.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmIGdIxd8WXVIpcojqgdOxKQZNhSlod8eopg5zkNDHgbG4PhtZiBZIikCciWSf89TX2pb4uXHKqKgm7PCA_TyjNbYjdX-BS3DWWFmDx6TihmOPonIzVh5A6lQlAYM1KqBA1A3hzP4mr0mw/s1600/Lion+statue.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmIGdIxd8WXVIpcojqgdOxKQZNhSlod8eopg5zkNDHgbG4PhtZiBZIikCciWSf89TX2pb4uXHKqKgm7PCA_TyjNbYjdX-BS3DWWFmDx6TihmOPonIzVh5A6lQlAYM1KqBA1A3hzP4mr0mw/s400/Lion+statue.JPG" width="283" /></a></div> This imposing antique lion greets you as you enter.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-liwCGDfNgPCaNoU-HqBD2u93XDZx1AqChkzfY_Ol7rLrse9stz9yus1RM6lCmUermWVggA9XdDejPTJEvs4VENbs9K7Pook683_IOTZGUuoCVhCZgWOUEQCQNJgf8C5AnMfOd1CU3ZAV/s1600/stone+urn.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-liwCGDfNgPCaNoU-HqBD2u93XDZx1AqChkzfY_Ol7rLrse9stz9yus1RM6lCmUermWVggA9XdDejPTJEvs4VENbs9K7Pook683_IOTZGUuoCVhCZgWOUEQCQNJgf8C5AnMfOd1CU3ZAV/s400/stone+urn.JPG" width="302" /></a></div>The first floor features a lot of smaller items by local artisans such as pottery, dishes, glassware, and art pieces. I loved this old stone urn!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtEoe6_I7kXXFW4wvCmKqgVMg6hfQR3JhZuueBtC82v0-7FGBrfZM9JSDm2T3rNEJoWzdwCA2bYOH2ePA0YeRxcvJiE_5iZ1gO9MPZOnskdMmhL-Gm4hBNlz7GWrbUoUB0H8beJ_cqvl0v/s1600/2nd+floor+darryl+carter.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtEoe6_I7kXXFW4wvCmKqgVMg6hfQR3JhZuueBtC82v0-7FGBrfZM9JSDm2T3rNEJoWzdwCA2bYOH2ePA0YeRxcvJiE_5iZ1gO9MPZOnskdMmhL-Gm4hBNlz7GWrbUoUB0H8beJ_cqvl0v/s400/2nd+floor+darryl+carter.JPG" width="295" /></a></div>The second floor is large and covers his furnishings, antiques, and a lot of other unusual finds.  Copies of his amazing book are to be found scattered throughout the shop.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_ipbN4zoO57BpYTx1SFb1GNQzvPmmOnaC0E7jBr3abgVV0ao-0LkONuclGI9aNnEY2SuF0z5OKT89Q1mJ5wAv2sqDLVHhHrsdqTQKUYCcgHsIEkW38b44CUnIWthhwn_omgUKTkXLFjb1/s1600/2nd+floor.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_ipbN4zoO57BpYTx1SFb1GNQzvPmmOnaC0E7jBr3abgVV0ao-0LkONuclGI9aNnEY2SuF0z5OKT89Q1mJ5wAv2sqDLVHhHrsdqTQKUYCcgHsIEkW38b44CUnIWthhwn_omgUKTkXLFjb1/s400/2nd+floor.JPG" width="298" /></a></div> At the rear of the 2nd floor, fabric samples are housed in orderly fashion in industrial metal baskets.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgln0C-HvR7D0_0CCZxJErY5YoSGuopzuQMlzri67DzFsS5q1BQIVQ7pOsrLRoUN5OXL2m0j_tT6yKnfwi9Kf2iaXG8YlrMcwRmhxZvSqWLF15Rmt8poa7WR0rPNnpGi4WigGwimFyBB98K/s1600/Medusa+intaglio.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgln0C-HvR7D0_0CCZxJErY5YoSGuopzuQMlzri67DzFsS5q1BQIVQ7pOsrLRoUN5OXL2m0j_tT6yKnfwi9Kf2iaXG8YlrMcwRmhxZvSqWLF15Rmt8poa7WR0rPNnpGi4WigGwimFyBB98K/s400/Medusa+intaglio.JPG" width="295" /></a></div> Stunning intaglios by yet another artist line the stairwell.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSCApYHS0xeXNtede-33doJaDyV82qCfA3sT5GivVLNshCtbcdtQzXIeoY-BGuri7I8LhxiwcEq4ZjEOVqKujlGCZbp0QwtvHodaFimeCO7r5wOYkZD07YA2AueSWks5mEcr1LzkkMqIvg/s1600/tablescape.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSCApYHS0xeXNtede-33doJaDyV82qCfA3sT5GivVLNshCtbcdtQzXIeoY-BGuri7I8LhxiwcEq4ZjEOVqKujlGCZbp0QwtvHodaFimeCO7r5wOYkZD07YA2AueSWks5mEcr1LzkkMqIvg/s400/tablescape.JPG" width="298" /></a></div>Everywhere you look are fascinating objects: both found and antique. This chinoiserie dressing mirror picks up the shelving on the wall opposite.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjEg6UDSbTuzHZ5GdPLWW1GoHhSj_h2y8w7uvQWrrXj2g1l2EBqnaEhhj1jSt-5w-gixVTEey2UW4IQ2BdRdygHPqzz88LG1T_SGcJTZoNvzcdyl0DlZgx4_IttCU_Sam7qocAYCPUTt5I/s1600/tableswares.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjEg6UDSbTuzHZ5GdPLWW1GoHhSj_h2y8w7uvQWrrXj2g1l2EBqnaEhhj1jSt-5w-gixVTEey2UW4IQ2BdRdygHPqzz88LG1T_SGcJTZoNvzcdyl0DlZgx4_IttCU_Sam7qocAYCPUTt5I/s400/tableswares.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>I always associate this type of striped menswear upholstery with Darryl but this was the only example I could find in the shop!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_2ZUsFk_IpJdSw5Hh_QJBMwoE1E142q7d-km4l8TNHyrQNQ3jmrJeAwWAqLqE8RVsKmLceHjfAaeE-uaNlMJtt-j3fQfQ2Hc6rsvkFktUMxvHfG5n-Vp0B2gL2prbI4LxAepIaUjbT2IT/s1600/taxidermy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_2ZUsFk_IpJdSw5Hh_QJBMwoE1E142q7d-km4l8TNHyrQNQ3jmrJeAwWAqLqE8RVsKmLceHjfAaeE-uaNlMJtt-j3fQfQ2Hc6rsvkFktUMxvHfG5n-Vp0B2gL2prbI4LxAepIaUjbT2IT/s400/taxidermy.JPG" width="276" /></a></div> Taxidermy is to be found throughout the shop as well as cowhide and zebra skin rugs.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW91587MIwauitq1nS43WRj305k1lc6NGSSKH64W_8eHyTQ8K36kn43ISPXqQ0C0lzfnxFFnlzemH3ALmTYXBrilnDTFOikR7Y_koQeEzO7n0SMkMA0AGi6Z4XFM1m6pEiD_GYN8u65f49/s1600/urban+electric+co.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW91587MIwauitq1nS43WRj305k1lc6NGSSKH64W_8eHyTQ8K36kn43ISPXqQ0C0lzfnxFFnlzemH3ALmTYXBrilnDTFOikR7Y_koQeEzO7n0SMkMA0AGi6Z4XFM1m6pEiD_GYN8u65f49/s400/urban+electric+co.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Most of the lighting comes from Darryl's collection for the <a href="http://www.urbanelectricco.com/">Urban Electric Company</a>. I especially loved these sconces lighting the stairways.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj909NeigcC8hoziI-Ff_EvAeGeEiLrWK0j9M_sOjkkhoLYUBhEsaWH2PPQP8FPVfVjQQjKTSmiVWM2ZtfQqmZhJi5UzPOpyqg1zx69zvbRyK1MCuD7mZ5sq5sCiY4A04Pt4wRqKsbA7ApC/s1600/3rd+floor.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj909NeigcC8hoziI-Ff_EvAeGeEiLrWK0j9M_sOjkkhoLYUBhEsaWH2PPQP8FPVfVjQQjKTSmiVWM2ZtfQqmZhJi5UzPOpyqg1zx69zvbRyK1MCuD7mZ5sq5sCiY4A04Pt4wRqKsbA7ApC/s400/3rd+floor.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>The Attic space is the most beautiful and gets amazing light through old skylights and dormer windows. Darryl originally intended this to be his personal office but the store got larger than anticipated!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhukBmtdKQA4hcsCgptZlR5enP43H3lel2OUMyxtdWEkIf7HywH8znzf_mHhive5-R3qD0Phv4Yqh1UZ9ZJ-8xriZEeA3f-xRATKbUU2LXG78L-Qc69OPwAlbj4uqokXxLbng5rUJytzy17/s1600/Attic+space.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhukBmtdKQA4hcsCgptZlR5enP43H3lel2OUMyxtdWEkIf7HywH8znzf_mHhive5-R3qD0Phv4Yqh1UZ9ZJ-8xriZEeA3f-xRATKbUU2LXG78L-Qc69OPwAlbj4uqokXxLbng5rUJytzy17/s400/Attic+space.JPG" width="298" /></a></div> Imagine taking your phone calls on this comfortable daybed everyday.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKVmspgYgV-0mv5_6kRXwXiY7y6LZRlkVbpjF0lWCZv1lM5uspquMxg3LB5OJLAkX9ZHVNEIyREXROLXBUrFYocDZhZSFap-lFNkd_-_Pors11SCROsUENF3cKJdzdoQ-MeWXxp9_0p74M/s1600/leather+goods.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKVmspgYgV-0mv5_6kRXwXiY7y6LZRlkVbpjF0lWCZv1lM5uspquMxg3LB5OJLAkX9ZHVNEIyREXROLXBUrFYocDZhZSFap-lFNkd_-_Pors11SCROsUENF3cKJdzdoQ-MeWXxp9_0p74M/s400/leather+goods.JPG" width="298" /></a></div>I was amazed at the breadth of items that is carried by the store - everything including the kitchen sink!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhORol-mc4Dqswy1FB4ojG_DExJnYXb5hfXeI3AmgG_eP2J48gvyF0zlNSk9ICWumtLEAyNv9Q58eSZPfDnY_JzYAji-nZL-Gni-yc1sIq2g-y6PCz_VY7D4f3xylsiXAP1fvofSdjh-ItL/s1600/farm+sink.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhORol-mc4Dqswy1FB4ojG_DExJnYXb5hfXeI3AmgG_eP2J48gvyF0zlNSk9ICWumtLEAyNv9Q58eSZPfDnY_JzYAji-nZL-Gni-yc1sIq2g-y6PCz_VY7D4f3xylsiXAP1fvofSdjh-ItL/s400/farm+sink.JPG" width="311" /></a></div>Behind the shop is a private courtyard, perfect for parties. The lines of this old mattress make for an interesting art installation.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNR08XjXf7zJhxzvRC3Uc6965il4NSsuLwJW-4fNX_g_-0jP7cz38saH6-PH3xgPFxQUkdl2v10I4Lce7miteIG5TkyH_J60hrIvzF2iz1dhmOKxbLk1cW0I_l1sE-V3yp5h2O3513iDXe/s1600/courtyard+art.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNR08XjXf7zJhxzvRC3Uc6965il4NSsuLwJW-4fNX_g_-0jP7cz38saH6-PH3xgPFxQUkdl2v10I4Lce7miteIG5TkyH_J60hrIvzF2iz1dhmOKxbLk1cW0I_l1sE-V3yp5h2O3513iDXe/s400/courtyard+art.JPG" width="277" /></a></div>Located in the former garage is the design studio where his staff works and client meetings are held. I loved these metal and glass doors.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQZlcJlr3iHagkrvAvMzYHwH9qWq1MoR0FGqIvk9jbAunNyT7FD59y0rsIeV3K4f0UfUZPdHoFqHgfjCG2gE2-ER2Qt-u-UN0o2xYYbID_n9hUiDPJSiJzYS1J4a3HUvDMldR7JU6AJDHh/s1600/studio+entry.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQZlcJlr3iHagkrvAvMzYHwH9qWq1MoR0FGqIvk9jbAunNyT7FD59y0rsIeV3K4f0UfUZPdHoFqHgfjCG2gE2-ER2Qt-u-UN0o2xYYbID_n9hUiDPJSiJzYS1J4a3HUvDMldR7JU6AJDHh/s400/studio+entry.JPG" width="298" /></a></div>The wood paneled space is painted Darryl's favorite color by Benjamin Moore, <a href="http://www.benjaminmoore.com/en-us/paint-color/dc-03">Bonifant White</a>, which visually expands the space. Even the staplers and tape dispensers on the desks were white! The color is from his line at <a href="http://www.benjaminmoore.com/en-us/for-your-home/darryl-carter-colors-white">Benjamin Moore</a> where you can get his look for your own home.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Anchoring the work space is a closet with amazing antique hardware. Antique door hardware is to be found throughout the shop on all of the doors - no detail overlooked - don't miss it!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmNXAIzqTGiRxZDfVmi592mlIBPrW7XuY-3s2BDyl2hLIbiCb_6BqbKpQjtqUmJDhkNEoGc6mkq4p8zn7Wo2QIgbzHp5V3U1HSPLLK1iExbsl7zJ7UQd9hq1OaYRSHCJVHb3SHUS4PEN6z/s1600/antique+door+hardware.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="277" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmNXAIzqTGiRxZDfVmi592mlIBPrW7XuY-3s2BDyl2hLIbiCb_6BqbKpQjtqUmJDhkNEoGc6mkq4p8zn7Wo2QIgbzHp5V3U1HSPLLK1iExbsl7zJ7UQd9hq1OaYRSHCJVHb3SHUS4PEN6z/s400/antique+door+hardware.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Darryl's shop is located at 1320 9th St. NW, in Shaw, across the street from the convention center. I encourage you all to visit!<br /><i>Photos taken with my underwhelming iphone - visit the shop to see everything in greater detail!</i>

Darryl Carter: inside look

This past weekend I finally had the chance to tour Darryl Carter 's new store and studio here in DC that everyone has been raving over. ...

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