McCormick Apartments

<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611221742553171314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8i1LgK7y-ooKifwutBBld8WEnmHyt255EXF_c8XiJ9STKc619EOYr6xI8k15qzs8zIvw6IopOaoBZLB7b1TfAEVWyiypv1wVIlNmWaJZBTJwqn61j4J8JA_TkuB7M7Bn2fjLWwB8Rd7Y/s400/national+trust.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" />The evolution of a building is natural, much bemoaned by strict preservationist but it is the nature of time, particularly in cities; another topic for another day. A building which started out as the most luxurious apartment building here in Washington, DC now finds itself a distinguished office building holding none other than the <a href="http://www.preservationnation.org/">National Trust for Historic Preservation</a>.<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611221751070684242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJjrxPSJixYXtOi3Mq6eLJleZfQp1VRyt5ivrnHX4p0jUOcnuV5Pl_v8G0VmV0DWBbgqi-6Twp2ohMOC11k2Nx82yR1C09sLp_0-Bx0CktNgS2nvQsEe72faKBzNQE0FyPn_F23fLOvJU/s400/McCormick+apartments.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 302px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" />I was lucky enough to have a tour of the building a few months ago and while many changes have been made to the interiors to accomodate offices, it's extraordinary how many of the original details have been retained. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Pwz1O_pw9ea-VfhhYnwWxry4ddnN7NcG5_Kg95WZfl4GADEynVzKNULbXSy2QJMZGIA-d-uQ0iI6uoH2SO_47Y8DtQwEGDpjuUTnpXNqQC4qRc-b3blPdYLECgEfC0LYcvyz6HAH2vY/s1600/1785+Massachusetts+ave+nw.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611221755917293682" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Pwz1O_pw9ea-VfhhYnwWxry4ddnN7NcG5_Kg95WZfl4GADEynVzKNULbXSy2QJMZGIA-d-uQ0iI6uoH2SO_47Y8DtQwEGDpjuUTnpXNqQC4qRc-b3blPdYLECgEfC0LYcvyz6HAH2vY/s400/1785+Massachusetts+ave+nw.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" /></a> Construction began in late 1915 when a mansion previously occupying the site, the <em>Belden Noble residence</em>, was torn down (seen below). The sturdy looking 3 story mansion was built in 1880, meaning it was only 36 years old when torn down. I was just talking to a friend just recently about how some things never change; so many of us still regard many buildings as temporary, even fine specimens such as this (yet again a subject for another post).<br /><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611220172739907666" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5pDy_dxjkd06kxNQp4HK_dDOppnrmXQ0RFnjEo7LC9kC09jGTQ8kZ_y_sV_t05vawiOiwB-rsnEPHhYwjyc0LpjtJPm18T-jqf-mniK2mS1soo-VUL6pU7dWUG_j5j7sY2cbaAB5geMM/s400/Belden+Noble+Reisdence.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 358px; CURSOR: hand" />The neighborhood, Dupont Circle, was the heart of the cultural center of the city at the time (and some may argue still is) and the new building was designed to fit into this <em>city beautiful</em> movement stretching across the country.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwP54sl_wFGy6Ssh_8N-8OBq3z8be58sE7K_LbzsmhF0iAIwakOS7lqJy1tnlVF1REdRllsO2Kv8wMifC3l6dVYCs7JJQX_O3-ZzBTbOBq4OTmpJDWfXRcIq86butJPTYREhGMbwKSWzg/s1600/stone+balcony.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611221740076437282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwP54sl_wFGy6Ssh_8N-8OBq3z8be58sE7K_LbzsmhF0iAIwakOS7lqJy1tnlVF1REdRllsO2Kv8wMifC3l6dVYCs7JJQX_O3-ZzBTbOBq4OTmpJDWfXRcIq86butJPTYREhGMbwKSWzg/s400/stone+balcony.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 212px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" /></a>The owner of the property, Stanley McCormick, hired local architect <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jules_Henri_de_Sibour">Jules Henri de Sibour</a> (designer of many of the most beautiful mansions in the Dupont area now housing embassies) to design a large Beaux-Art Louis XVI styled building which would house 6 luxury apartments with servant quarters for up to 40 employees.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyKkgZli_aVY_MYSuU2COc5opv03Hw9umgeeDf4FufzMSXxA60aUlz1Q6AHXxDihty2ZJYffgtONBDEgsN5Xz9KXXSr4nukV0DZr5VsQh-TDTci5B7S_6jmyi4FhAueYkJOy9r7G_-iH4/s1600/balastrade.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611220176192821634" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyKkgZli_aVY_MYSuU2COc5opv03Hw9umgeeDf4FufzMSXxA60aUlz1Q6AHXxDihty2ZJYffgtONBDEgsN5Xz9KXXSr4nukV0DZr5VsQh-TDTci5B7S_6jmyi4FhAueYkJOy9r7G_-iH4/s400/balastrade.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" /></a>The apartments are palatial and were rented out at prices that seem high, even today. Because of this, the tenant list reads as a veritable 'Who's Who' of the DC social scene from the era. Most famously, Andrew Mellon lived in the penthouse apartment while Secretary of the Treasury and later while building his art collection which would eventually become the foundation of the <a href="http://www.nga.gov/">National Gallery of Art</a> (an interesting story for my next post related to the building).<br /><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXDf_AAhuA_e2ZD35SiRfHx6upHiSpl3-1sx0qqLEixLEQmKfGEhiTdPlq2Jpb1pp4i2QtzlnL47WmBi4ULC56T2GmHzR7sSNWOOv1YsW8DJry_v9ivRsRqazcj3f7Z44z1jyw6k7ltx0/s1600/national+trust.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611220165070481330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXDf_AAhuA_e2ZD35SiRfHx6upHiSpl3-1sx0qqLEixLEQmKfGEhiTdPlq2Jpb1pp4i2QtzlnL47WmBi4ULC56T2GmHzR7sSNWOOv1YsW8DJry_v9ivRsRqazcj3f7Z44z1jyw6k7ltx0/s400/national+trust.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" /></a>In 1941, the building was leant to the British Army for use during the war for purchasing and since has had many commercial tenants including NCARB (National Architectural Accrediting Board, Inc) , the national AIA, the American Council on Education and has been home for years now to the National Trust for historic preservation (who recently tried to unsuccessfully sell the building).<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtXiYyKsi_22e4C5qvd_GrVYgtrR5rtQDuGWtTH-Fkb_efPhVDD117RH2qQfhCv13edPXFE5wuLxF_kB5b49oUe2QtTMMmBDhWRYRW_Wv-ht7uDmgL4gAerLSMByy54JM4hyphenhyphenu2UVi24ek/s1600/lobby+ceiling.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611219801780688194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtXiYyKsi_22e4C5qvd_GrVYgtrR5rtQDuGWtTH-Fkb_efPhVDD117RH2qQfhCv13edPXFE5wuLxF_kB5b49oUe2QtTMMmBDhWRYRW_Wv-ht7uDmgL4gAerLSMByy54JM4hyphenhyphenu2UVi24ek/s400/lobby+ceiling.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" /></a>Despite having lived longer as an office building than as an apartment house, the building fortunately retains much of its early detail. One enters a rounded corner at the corner of Massachusetts Avenue and 18th Street NW into a small round lobby seen here.<br /><br /><div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611219503040290194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL08zHn5F-MyDfE4SglKWBazuLywyRaWqffKD5sMsLKMgbDxHzRCy4_kDnHN-hedCV67TKgDaO-OgImiN4h4oAg9lharZrS84xu1d9blHVBxgoZNcchV22oPH0y679yGSj1DUy8sBWRO0/s400/over+mantel.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 292px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" />Unlike luxury apartment buildings in the city today, there were no shared amenities per say. Rather, the public spaces, while beautiful, are small and efficient. No swimming pool , roof deck or gym were offered to the tenants!<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611219491665143074" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6HRlgwSFhHiNVDO_n87pcISSJgtQl-mif8y_hCkFakWu7ErvMtxQYtUUdopA4cViVlIQ03XKqDAYPVf4bGuZPAztKcGsTPdLsQQ4S6TVKEV7Sfw5xQHXhEu5Qx_94r4_KAFXxs_hM7v4/s400/panel+details.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 288px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" />From the entry lobby, one stepped up into a marble lined vestibule which contained doorways into two smaller apartments, 3 seperate elevators (one for service staff) and the main staircase (which wraps around the primary elevator).<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611219793358748466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicclY4G1wUft3rzCDvOmugWdA8Eq06LZ7-CcjTmhKoUq-yjLCrRaeu_K2KZg2ixQXDts_FeoIGqaoOnem2Dsrsdjm82vh7sOW7vbUAQXXKQTZ8bTyBN6mTtYqT5re4yuFSpIPjHi5onSs/s400/marble+stair.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" />The plaster work in the lobby is astounding and even more amazing is that it has survived intact for so many years.<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611219486297859314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxDb2LyuGdHLpuegFzQk8moxJoI5-68HV6H8eLB_e2gMruUudkCPf2SSfCk6C0cO1zWoDdSy083o1h0wba4FzzdHrWZOFTR3IaQcP0DdSAsSFZR2rBFjpGEScnteJZLFJ9dGWe8zcoX4k/s400/plaster+niche.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 292px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" />The marble floors are an added bonus in Washington as it gets rather hot here in the summer and this was built pre-air conditioning. However, most of the tenants were here only during the winter 'season' and would not have had to worry about this inconvienence.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Pvkh6nlmIa-BcOheZWV4gdFPerrlFG1Fo5FgyARhSHkvO6KXjdgGdjZ_03n-NcDWfyULGTay6pRyYwh-Z0jFFZ6e6w84clUCtjglIFTTvddjAoSkGSPzRxx5-bj7eVj8e1rnSJmEOy8/s1600/marble+floor.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611219800815300226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Pvkh6nlmIa-BcOheZWV4gdFPerrlFG1Fo5FgyARhSHkvO6KXjdgGdjZ_03n-NcDWfyULGTay6pRyYwh-Z0jFFZ6e6w84clUCtjglIFTTvddjAoSkGSPzRxx5-bj7eVj8e1rnSJmEOy8/s400/marble+floor.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 282px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" /></a>The marble main staircase, while wide and gracious, is rather utilitarian with simple moldings but originally had windows opening onto an air shaft for natural light and ventilation which has since been enclosed.<br /><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611218409845149378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitMW1lXYCAsjxovAncSSkE25TWNPgy7oXuEJ7Jec70ZXxhUXA4pEhjZX7M7dN8FmRpk3cNa7kL-uXlWNB3AkHGXK_-7DQwPNgiSYw1TbdaS9xvqQRlnKrnFz2Z5k2GfEnlX8tsyol_AHo/s400/stairhall.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" />The landings outside of each apartment continue the simple moldings and 12" square black & white marble floors.<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611218406232039746" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNvzhW7oab13jus62ihf2HBI-QrDVetIj9PEyZxC7-KvTp7KFu7LWt9H-F-PoFaExrx6AURmusdZOhNnaokjFBn2DlJHfN0jyddabIxMmAcGm7VfMLkO3AOY0JXcJEj9xhy8IQKTNwKy0/s400/metal+railing.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" />Join me next week as I show details from these original apartments, a typical floor plan is below to whet your appetite!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJafgBaWSC1KSMQAw8rROoukk1IqQ6qxCEdIjrRwJb9I1qgpHBFxjicIlZer_Fd2TfF6vrNMW6uC2NhEqluu4KeOGqSLz0v_sAAiAeHCPDOTPlvjrxVxeSGMIeuFG_OYftNgWMROfcjXU/s1600/typical+floor+plan.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611218418454589554" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJafgBaWSC1KSMQAw8rROoukk1IqQ6qxCEdIjrRwJb9I1qgpHBFxjicIlZer_Fd2TfF6vrNMW6uC2NhEqluu4KeOGqSLz0v_sAAiAeHCPDOTPlvjrxVxeSGMIeuFG_OYftNgWMROfcjXU/s400/typical+floor+plan.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 322px; CURSOR: hand" /></a>Color photographs are my own but the historical images come from the book "<em>Massachusetts Avenue Architecture, Volume 1</em>" produced by the Commission of Fine Arts in 1973.</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>

McCormick Apartments

The evolution of a building is natural, much bemoaned by strict preservationist but it is the nature of time, particularly in cities; anothe...

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CB2 opens in Georgetown!

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtvDVY9b4-B_A5ELBEGZiS1_MBjSnkTq-1fB0hyphenhyphenB9Mux8x2KxzXz2u6k2v7rUADiodSLoxTuQuNMNLyd4UfvnbeQYmhpPjvRSbsZCvsDA-t-YJV-mnYdB-0AkiX7lBdv52ANBrEztb1RA/s1600/cb2.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600845296979439410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtvDVY9b4-B_A5ELBEGZiS1_MBjSnkTq-1fB0hyphenhyphenB9Mux8x2KxzXz2u6k2v7rUADiodSLoxTuQuNMNLyd4UfvnbeQYmhpPjvRSbsZCvsDA-t-YJV-mnYdB-0AkiX7lBdv52ANBrEztb1RA/s400/cb2.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 339px; CURSOR: hand" /></a> Last night I was so excited to get a sneak peak of the HUGE new <a href="http://www.cb2.com/">CB2</a> which is opening this weekend in Georgetown. After both potterybarn and west elm closed in the city, we really lost all locations for inexpensive, fun home items.<br /><br /><div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600844967520778130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifDIUWEO_nzpqz_hJo9YL6JLazpZ8C9ixJFkRyv8YWWe7Ny8IfhheOZORvKwFluVPqbhzMqw2J_bLcnQmw1cVczfMYIZY6_MbJICmH_VbJI_xZyNthhvZXkqg1_zyK5F8pXzZKAg4h4jc/s400/fractured+mirror.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" />CB2 offers fun, colorful and modern home furnishings and accessories at a startingly low pricepoint (no, they didn't pay me to say that!). While I wouldn't advise filling an entire apartment or house with their products (overkill), a piece or two in a room really would liven up any space by adding color and good, clean design.<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600844960240623474" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitZC2hWBKYAuvM0u8t_wu8B1kZkU8BMTMQTI4pgYxEvHyiVdmW_k3P0ZgMGuvqLNBK_ghd6iKcpIkByu1ITLaveGhZo1y93uPrsSvgMypZ0h_rYt_tt7fblCyukZG5fOTOI6mkG5jdwNM/s400/green+coffee+table.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 299px; CURSOR: hand" />I loved this green coffee table, the wheels really are so practical!<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600844974101804130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHoH10h8jcStRq6b-EJsPJ6MCLTJrKym8Fx7CInKkAzQs2l0rIH-gb9db64RMKlaYX3CXgRnBNXNww3DVwyHJAYN77yyrfHD5HkPeSBTvPT19m7APWNdQKP4pEyBqd4K1HZnvZRjgsBvM/s400/cute+red+shelf.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" />The red metal shelf over the bed really caught my eye; not just for the pop of color but also for the unique shelf layout. I could see this in an office or even a bathroom, providing extra storage.<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600844310899372530" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrzBgV2_KofMMRRQUUzZdlIY0yrzk8lRnS0roqvQ9zuxwpv_oNeykUzjEMfZ-0Zn8Q_WqzcIicMrW-wsJOG0M3ZVigigINDkCoCy-DeWmTjeYbj0AFapKx_VWbrS2Y_h1DQCSX3DT4Ofg/s400/side+tables.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" />These 3 Pablo side tables were my favorite piece of furniture in the store. The best part -the set is ONLY $129. <em>SERIOUSLY. </em>They look like amazing mid-century pieces to me!<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600844310374068242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKZHg3sbjwJDdUo_UrHJnPC0vVSPmm8RkWxmJ2nozPq-ZLGaTmUvR7kTCXHfQQyU0FALoX6OMWGUMU_lPzqHZivHTNKvgYsQK6PSGN5j55gW9OCesIdN9BZcUVecdiD-w7gC3HY8dn3xE/s400/ladybug+rug.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" />This '<em>Fold</em>' desk was very elegant; I loved the yellow top and the lady bug rug was so fun; great for a kids room (especially at $199)!<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600844969966481346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfLYFPhzUNAR_kSydTt1ucliF9Ak5jJJ0ZRqh2G7XmxUsSA5Rx0y4DbZph0zMqwZeLq2qSUuKeb-xsCyXSXNYt0X_PoCbVaKvhHGjXbXJ8mWwy13OCmpYgpHueO6f2CAzBgzcXTWz1DO0/s400/FLOR+tiles.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" />Speaking of rugs, they carry <a href="http://www.flor.com/">FLOR</a> tiles in store! I had never actually seen them in person and was surprised by their quality.<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600844317907477826" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivo8FV_juFvlpwU8PeJT3xMciFgYMyjNo9MqRWTJMJt8gtYaS_RSn4y2Q-lOqceepp7KoWwPa-YjR4Gem1nHDL9r1ulNHnVKtZCn79q-ZXqsPEAnSRgINJPVxW_2VSUtPgpJ-UB9Quw14/s400/kitchen+accesories.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 286px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" />More than just furniture, their accessories are an easy and even less expensive way to add some color to your house.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBuMR47HQct4wQXoCZMno072MKX2tvzCnHNePD1Hr2-8_SVBJ6xLdagplqm7LIpJCs4og93atYyfhzUPM0ssER_Q6tGeanG0ZMiiXSKg_-fI5AURw9-p_cQ8CfuD6d90Ed78OxA1CLD3c/s1600/buddha+throw+pillow.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600844980934428338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBuMR47HQct4wQXoCZMno072MKX2tvzCnHNePD1Hr2-8_SVBJ6xLdagplqm7LIpJCs4og93atYyfhzUPM0ssER_Q6tGeanG0ZMiiXSKg_-fI5AURw9-p_cQ8CfuD6d90Ed78OxA1CLD3c/s400/buddha+throw+pillow.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 288px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" /></a> This buddha pillow would bring a smile to my face everyday for sure.<br /><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600844303867089234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe5rEa1IsN4ZEvs6cbL2fg1wm6t0hKmiRAQTPK0Z-d2aWnCFoPHM1k04zpvmd5w5NEbijZlEgjzK39rtaxP-wY7EM4e0CAplyS-MGTTejggAuTSAYgkauNZ4e2xHnsrmBA37EhbpNnyyU/s400/yellow+birds.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" /> <br /><div><br /><div>Yellow seems to be the really big color everyone is pushing. These yellow canary tealight holders were so cute. I could see them lining your kitchen table, much like they do this headboard.<br /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600844300899612450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYLgIXbnDEJDNFgLBnuIPZhYHby9-BXjsp3Bye76Cj88qviNwyt1MVpOgWbJB5Hkpm3xU_eYhTGWVceat8kheh7UWZiiJV4EQumSomsejNEtNG9WQsLVbHlFfU0EPbq8vf714-xmsDomY/s400/yellow+canary.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 293px; CURSOR: hand" /> <br /><div><br /><div>Or use them to decorate your houseplants! <strong>A percentage of sales from this weekend (April 30-May 1) will go to benefit the </strong><a href="http://www.capitalareafoodbank.org/"><strong>Capital Area Food Bank</strong></a><strong>; a great excuse to shop for a great cause!<br /></strong>CB2 is located at 3307 M Street NW, across from Cadys alley<strong>.</strong></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>

CB2 opens in Georgetown!

Last night I was so excited to get a sneak peak of the HUGE new CB2 which is opening this weekend in Georgetown. After both potterybarn an...

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Spring Dance

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiymc2ktAcBl_seU22zye2L-PyWhxzIevJlwJC9k6Ebjhv3-2jioeVVmZmOKu6UYfxoFF0IqDaJ5s1jceqoScqn6217ercjEBhMYf4yJIgMw3KpQ074bE8i0qrz7d7Z-YZi6V-Tucf9y1s/s1600/Spring+Dance.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600511263073891794" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiymc2ktAcBl_seU22zye2L-PyWhxzIevJlwJC9k6Ebjhv3-2jioeVVmZmOKu6UYfxoFF0IqDaJ5s1jceqoScqn6217ercjEBhMYf4yJIgMw3KpQ074bE8i0qrz7d7Z-YZi6V-Tucf9y1s/s400/Spring+Dance.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 347px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" /></a> In honor of this spring weather (nearly summer!) we're having here in DC, I thought I'd share with you a photograph of one of my favorite paintings at the <a href="http://americanart.si.edu/collections/search/artwork/?id=16426">Smithsonian American Art Museum</a>; <em>Spring Dance</em> by Arthur Mathews (1917). The painting is based in aestheticism; the custom frame being a part of the whole work of art by including designs and colors found within the painting. Mathews was a prominent Arts and Crafts designer and artist practicing in San Francisco who depicted his native California. Enjoy <strong>your</strong> spring dance!

Spring Dance

In honor of this spring weather (nearly summer!) we're having here in DC, I thought I'd share with you a photograph of one of my fa...

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Georgetown Housetour this weekend

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxSrKd7UfdqcX_I94haqfTHKUH9_czunSLP0qQoiSRPda68PeJ7ve4kqbLZnRu1ts0r9HKMMVckKOXw1llyusVpcbNRFvMVW-ZFE79hiO87T0xy1Tpnf7wWE4L6Pz8RVMM9UAix5jEIuI/s1600/Georgetown.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599936196396573346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxSrKd7UfdqcX_I94haqfTHKUH9_czunSLP0qQoiSRPda68PeJ7ve4kqbLZnRu1ts0r9HKMMVckKOXw1llyusVpcbNRFvMVW-ZFE79hiO87T0xy1Tpnf7wWE4L6Pz8RVMM9UAix5jEIuI/s400/Georgetown.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 293px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> Don't forget that the <a href="http://www.georgetownhousetour.com/">Georgetown Housetour</a> is this weekend, April 30th - from 11:00 am until 5:00 pm. Pre-order tickets on their website or at St. John's Church located at 3240 O Street. Hope to see you there!<br /><em>house pictured is not on the tour, but rather is one of my favorite houses in Georgetown.</em>

Georgetown Housetour this weekend

Don't forget that the Georgetown Housetour is this weekend, April 30th - from 11:00 am until 5:00 pm. Pre-order tickets on their websi...

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Under the sea

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSf4qzaVeqSeEW-dW9TcmlqVubyo78Q4TsTuVf8RhjA-vGkZVHGiwi2AQNHTckicAbjYxwJHV020fh0WyjfwQRJ9p_Hj7dNeT5f7FPZMpP6HjHGme37tW-IQLuUsvGXQ1IhbVgUqxonk4/s1600/colorful+shells.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5590623994216136018" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSf4qzaVeqSeEW-dW9TcmlqVubyo78Q4TsTuVf8RhjA-vGkZVHGiwi2AQNHTckicAbjYxwJHV020fh0WyjfwQRJ9p_Hj7dNeT5f7FPZMpP6HjHGme37tW-IQLuUsvGXQ1IhbVgUqxonk4/s400/colorful+shells.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 281px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> Truth is sometimes stranger than fiction. These gorgeous shells, on display at the Smithsonian Castle, are similar to intricate jewelry. They are part of the exhibit <em><a href="http://www.si.edu/Exhibitions/Details/The-Smithsonian-Institution-America">The Smithsonian Institution, America's Treasure Chest</a></em>.<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5590623861069938050" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicw0T1wdi8WYXQ2boZLqr_4RPRyfSUfAahWBx6t6ND_J0b5aNqK0SKKF3MtzRrIwmTd5DYMxsRJBvB6YTjRE6VqT3ULB-Tr_JTXMwXZiCcy5H0Xk7Nk6LJF9jnxgVvOXevLzmX4rQGmEQ/s400/undersea+life.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 273px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />I urge you all to visit the historic <a href="http://www.si.edu/Museums/smithsonian-institution-building">Smithsonian castle</a> and check out the treasures of the institution! And just to accompany these gorgeous shells, a gorgeous voice singing about the fishes in the sea....Nina Simone, <em>Feeling Good</em> <br /><iframe title="YouTube video player" width="480" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/3FqMWKttZVk" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Under the sea

Truth is sometimes stranger than fiction. These gorgeous shells, on display at the Smithsonian Castle, are similar to intricate jewelry. Th...

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Canaletto at NGA

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzDT79YwC8SNnB6Xbq6mAfbiQFAWRiMTEPFuDWsuwpVZdBSXWqsCe6Ukt_E_eB0vf_KspGOBGXiUZIaRbx4C-iJLDycpjvNqtKprCsU9wXl7Jqq82rrI7pIHM-0x2gnfDTwKicSFh_RQ0/s1600/gondola.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5590615706750536322" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzDT79YwC8SNnB6Xbq6mAfbiQFAWRiMTEPFuDWsuwpVZdBSXWqsCe6Ukt_E_eB0vf_KspGOBGXiUZIaRbx4C-iJLDycpjvNqtKprCsU9wXl7Jqq82rrI7pIHM-0x2gnfDTwKicSFh_RQ0/s400/gondola.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 234px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> Have weekend plans here in DC? Why not stop by the National Gallery of Art to see the current show entitled <a href="http://www.nga.gov/exhibitions/veniceinfo.shtm"><em>Venice: Canaletto and his rivals.</em></a> Canaletto seems to be in the air here in DC, with numerous galleries and antique shops throughout Georgetown showcasing paintings in similar style. <img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5590615701160854290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKSpA3KsBvF6BVOoXhRqgcfg2wcxyriFCod4X05F-N-EXZSJCMZPpYwgSNCw96-06yFkG4LBFptkJkWZ83f886T1_ENhJIn2NxWguThf6S7rftUld3dejwFWlmfy0WhsP5aPhZFoHHgog/s400/canaletto.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 255px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />At the entrance to the exhibit is an original 19th century gondola that was purchased by the artist Thomas Moran and brought to his house on Long Island.<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5590615699149347074" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAYFYZnPl3Uoat7Cg4UKOnf6too9IEIRapMW-xMb8vg3c3sO-eF_AauxHLkj-YVOjU-iG20JDZ2AqlEGRE2z-EjzGJZ3xavZw202pQlteZ0v4-E0Lt2Gbz8cPn4SxIWa30UU42A7kfoGE/s400/venice.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 239px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />The timing seems ideal as I'm currently obsessed with the Venetian fantasy that is Vizcaya. You'll find me at <a href="http://www.nga.gov/">NGA</a> on Saturday! <br /><div><em>Photos taken with my camera phone a few weeks prior to help me to remember to visit the exhibit!</em></div>

Canaletto at NGA

Have weekend plans here in DC? Why not stop by the National Gallery of Art to see the current show entitled Venice: Canaletto and his rival...

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Touch of spring and random sidenotes.

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2zKU673eHG-lrItIplj0UpkvyEhXPB0VNqy2Mzamo3tRwRZKwarwvGzL1hliUOINfogz41Y5xsZmh6CIFW57pQGBZJcmpHWwGo1lGVBfuPC3cV-vLBo8vQXOr5pI_zF2CQl37JBY04wE/s1600/lilies.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5585405458894919410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2zKU673eHG-lrItIplj0UpkvyEhXPB0VNqy2Mzamo3tRwRZKwarwvGzL1hliUOINfogz41Y5xsZmh6CIFW57pQGBZJcmpHWwGo1lGVBfuPC3cV-vLBo8vQXOr5pI_zF2CQl37JBY04wE/s400/lilies.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 314px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> On my walk home last night I stopped and got some lilies, not only to help mask the <a href="http://architectdesign.blogspot.com/2011/03/smokey-repast.html">steak smoke smell </a>but because it's our first taste of spring in DC.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkLnmHHvXsqhybh1TxBqRgVwbA3j2bhkfRvBnrSUEy8I05MMHn5XzzqJK0sykik7QhTWXmRpflsC3w5x9cxtqrPh3AKLiecmPYI_Wlx93U892iIea_vo_48xHMlU0Pl78sRsqnaZLtOk8/s1600/tablescape.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5585405455701938674" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkLnmHHvXsqhybh1TxBqRgVwbA3j2bhkfRvBnrSUEy8I05MMHn5XzzqJK0sykik7QhTWXmRpflsC3w5x9cxtqrPh3AKLiecmPYI_Wlx93U892iIea_vo_48xHMlU0Pl78sRsqnaZLtOk8/s400/tablescape.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> I spent St. Patricks Day evening eating shortbread for dinner (ok, and a more nutritous salad) and watching <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Irish-Country-House/dp/B000RY6Z4E/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1300454407&sr=8-3">The Irish Country House</a> narrated by the magnificent Angelica Huston who was lucky enough to be raised in one of these grand mansions.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdiD80rIvX4AuNKfeZpwfqJtiVbJr7DOFuVrUiFAz8e_374mqbwNZuITQzJ2ZnSGvlwfi-jcmkYsOL0YIy1489tj8aIc3m6qoDevk64YSPicPTtdOvTGE6Nwshq2zu5Ffd_a1W6y2FNgE/s1600/red+scarf.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5585404950703851714" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdiD80rIvX4AuNKfeZpwfqJtiVbJr7DOFuVrUiFAz8e_374mqbwNZuITQzJ2ZnSGvlwfi-jcmkYsOL0YIy1489tj8aIc3m6qoDevk64YSPicPTtdOvTGE6Nwshq2zu5Ffd_a1W6y2FNgE/s400/red+scarf.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> I also wanted to share with you the progress of my friend Maxine's house (hi Maxine!). You may remember I've been helping her in setting up her new townhouse (remember the <a href="http://architectdesign.blogspot.com/2009/11/colored-lites.html">colored lites</a>?). These are some <em>rough</em> snapshots of the work we've accomplished so far.<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5585412888856154594" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJqgdNMN8tkH16131QFWgHhGbVXohyphenhyphenJbM7UGHpTx3Isp_cZgIDFtzwvmgWwO9rNxRAtoZKVp3J74NNl8ge5m-dzsc4sTYu6mPwkNv-3QJeZyer5QeLrudAVF_8hla0IwI2qF0DWBUcduo/s400/lantern+and+wallpaper.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 276px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />Maxine travels the world for work and is always bringing back new treasures. She is not afraid of color and her home is beginning to show this! I loved this blue updated damask wallpaper we chose for her stairwell along with one of her many moroccan lanterns we hung throughout the house.<br /><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPWOOfUq48KDPzJZA1tseQ5fe_XmgB8mAPzv4Tgfg4-u3MO7u6u_8WL-GGAEIvDNmmz5p7ZjNiPfzJF403OWxIKXe32wyrSO32OqN7x-t9ZuiNKFlG7a052lATOWla7tKu9aYXygUhSL8/s1600/moroccan+lantern.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5585404935198353634" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPWOOfUq48KDPzJZA1tseQ5fe_XmgB8mAPzv4Tgfg4-u3MO7u6u_8WL-GGAEIvDNmmz5p7ZjNiPfzJF403OWxIKXe32wyrSO32OqN7x-t9ZuiNKFlG7a052lATOWla7tKu9aYXygUhSL8/s400/moroccan+lantern.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a>These lanterns really add a lot of additional color to the neutral backdrops we chose for the bedrooms which don't benefit from the colored lights with the exception of the mater bedroom. This wallpaper is subtle in person, the pattern being an embossed silver over an ivory background which matches the wall color. <img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5585411968096710674" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQcaoVgjntoW7ujm7EAGdJ5vpXftPWdZHV1FMg7zEvl3hLuxBqFbAH3QJAHjdAPq8U4SU-PgNIA4RiroJeT96BmnNusAMz_uqlb0oc0mbst60r_g4X85dKfumW2wMIB8NoT-PD0xqSQug/s400/wallpaper.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 362px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />The mirrored nightstand and nickel lamps pick up the silver accents in the wallpaper and also help reflect the natural light which streams into the master bedroom in the morning.<br /><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCCvofpygTq8eiu_fKM_jerQYleyK4wUdipRTg09rYw2Da-TZY1D8o2qviHU-8NKSBUFhBN1Hb0l-pWC4hmpp0927rw-UH_4Ft-XfF2R7mYqSxMF1CNa_nl5WlZM5RDhINPvuSUWH9dcE/s1600/blue+cabinet.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5585404926541010162" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCCvofpygTq8eiu_fKM_jerQYleyK4wUdipRTg09rYw2Da-TZY1D8o2qviHU-8NKSBUFhBN1Hb0l-pWC4hmpp0927rw-UH_4Ft-XfF2R7mYqSxMF1CNa_nl5WlZM5RDhINPvuSUWH9dcE/s400/blue+cabinet.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> One last hint of color we brought into the bathrooms was by painting the wood builder-grade cabinets in bold glossy colors - why not bring a smile to your face in the morning with color?</div></div></div></div></div></div>

Touch of spring and random sidenotes.

On my walk home last night I stopped and got some lilies, not only to help mask the steak smoke smell but because it's our first taste ...

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Sunrooms

<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582155491412309106" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTYhXemeYIv_-lBDus_zNnMnEPfEI1nmqQiM8NwO-dbuH3AQhhbEkmXMvGzsLWKrWu4lnjTK7BzWp19L7lGkVM5yk8NfVlzlor8nIzkJTB128-NEr7Q-64XS7Jm3ijpOVH6uI2pgbBwWY/s400/sunroom+exterior.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 315px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />One of my favorite local projects is an addition to a 1920s tudor house here in the city.<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582155469163410130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKkM9MVyBktyH-nOkoo4-nGVlKyNHparUvUcOTnjjt0ybzA78hjoj2O__zn0DbcGPfiBWYqizN5FFw1Wf4b0NuALUL01G42HIxpH4G4AD8hSccTytmA1xGZddUzN5hidqCKKJaIZHltaQ/s400/house+exterior.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />The original house, as many tudors are, was rather dark with a small original kitchen. The architects, <a href="http://www.barnesvanze.com/">BarnesVanze</a>, came up with the solution of adding a sunroom onto the back of the house housing a kitchen above other needed spaces along a stone terrace.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7jLsgYlPTp6kt9zFgbreWp2rvxJ70OytMnq8ULIi5EOX1Sts1uxN1FlfqZe6K8fCd4_S_f1tnKlNzW5DywAPJvCoumpfgHdIrwfApg3yYTyoF9wAZQFVYrsfO7py5GpYFPh7j4P9MuH4/s1600/sunroom+kitchen.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582155502112281714" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7jLsgYlPTp6kt9zFgbreWp2rvxJ70OytMnq8ULIi5EOX1Sts1uxN1FlfqZe6K8fCd4_S_f1tnKlNzW5DywAPJvCoumpfgHdIrwfApg3yYTyoF9wAZQFVYrsfO7py5GpYFPh7j4P9MuH4/s400/sunroom+kitchen.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 309px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a>The interior of the kitchen is made even lighter by eliminating overhead cabinets and instead going with open glass shelving.<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582155491180753506" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYhXE7fY0BUIjb1I5Y8lnQg4CKarlO6LiVCZIOe6fs-0cccLGa3lHDJldh-4T8OqL0BPzttynO7yj8kOxtTQCqmLTNRdFz_gELlFzjxdcvCspbWwePFgWQlk7sD0C1QPAwXH3uULU9EJQ/s400/kitchen+shelves.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 310px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />Who wouldn't want to spend time in this bright and cheery <a href="http://www.centralscotlandjoinery.co.uk/sunrooms">Sunroom</a>?

Sunrooms

One of my favorite local projects is an addition to a 1920s tudor house here in the city. The original house, as many tudors are, was rather...

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Mirror, Chrome, and Gin Fizz: Art Deco in Britain

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuLepdoT6tshicBzxmVxtDGUooTSTsd17eB_O4Gp-8R0j6v2gpErT-lXRNVUYg2V6NX0lIwn0V0nd2a7GNUIVQnljCn77QN_3998imo8D_qXaU38vUtRX8gLb3Z0c3r70Mgjo_hSA71dU/s1600/ElthamPalace.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565567015527725922" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuLepdoT6tshicBzxmVxtDGUooTSTsd17eB_O4Gp-8R0j6v2gpErT-lXRNVUYg2V6NX0lIwn0V0nd2a7GNUIVQnljCn77QN_3998imo8D_qXaU38vUtRX8gLb3Z0c3r70Mgjo_hSA71dU/s400/ElthamPalace.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 321px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" /></a> On March 1st, <a href="http://emilyevanseerdmans.blogspot.com/">Emily Eerdmans</a> will be in DC to talk for the <a href="http://www.classicist.org/">National Institute for Classical Architecture</a>. Cohosted by the prestigous <a href="http://www.royal-oak.org/">Royal Oak Foundation</a>, the lecture will take place at the National Trust for Historic Preservation at 1785 Massachusetts Ave, NW. Emily is a natural choice to speak on art deco as she wrote the excellent book <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Regency-Redux-Interiors-Napoleonic-Classical/dp/0847831442/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1295834943&sr=8-2">Regency Redux</a>. More recently, she wrote the book on <a href="http://www.amazon.com/World-Madeleine-Castaing-Emily-Eerdmans/dp/0847832813/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1295834943&sr=8-1">Madeleine Castaing </a>that I got for Christmas and was unable to put down!<br />Specifically, Emily will be discussing art deco design in Britain. While not as prevalent there as elsewhere, she will cite and talk on examples such as the Cunard ship, The Queen Mary, Claridges hotel in London, Coleton Fishacre and Eltham Palace (seen above).<br />Tickets are $35 ($25 for members) and are available by emailing <a href="mailto:alissa.ardito@gmail.com">alissa.ardito@gmail.com</a>.<br />Hope to see you there!

Mirror, Chrome, and Gin Fizz: Art Deco in Britain

On March 1st, Emily Eerdmans will be in DC to talk for the National Institute for Classical Architecture . Cohosted by the prestigous Roya...

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A grand instrument

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBnMyr2iXlfekHQm4vJ0Nq_DSCRCoDnSUO7Tgf3BO5Luh9W-vtrb4UqGsVd_eOvyeaK1qpgFcQTdEHf2ZFMRai7QZ5j4kKyHGX01n1WIwUayr0JxkcY-v1mCHXziLokAQVzBlq39Cngcg/s1600/aesthetic+movement.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559698474211102322" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBnMyr2iXlfekHQm4vJ0Nq_DSCRCoDnSUO7Tgf3BO5Luh9W-vtrb4UqGsVd_eOvyeaK1qpgFcQTdEHf2ZFMRai7QZ5j4kKyHGX01n1WIwUayr0JxkcY-v1mCHXziLokAQVzBlq39Cngcg/s400/aesthetic+movement.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" /></a> In 1903, Roosevelt had a very grand piano commissioned from Steinway & Sons for the <a href="http://architectdesign.blogspot.com/2010/12/white-house-east-room.html">East Room</a>. Steinway commissioned noted Aesthetic artist <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Dewing">Thomas Dewing</a> to paint the inside of the gilded case in a patriotic theme which he entitled <em>America receiving the 9 muses</em>.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi78ZbL56whcHFGhP1F9bj0L8K4FXG1hJOAAoZ4L58qNHCSLPkSOfiJcvJlR17Ipu8jFavAJYrYlgDhP1lyfMOaM77UItrTdFZuB9XIVa5NrYdckU1QUGXcT31ZEkBBpQuVJHM-6JIfIDU/s1600/steinway+piano.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559698470939632210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi78ZbL56whcHFGhP1F9bj0L8K4FXG1hJOAAoZ4L58qNHCSLPkSOfiJcvJlR17Ipu8jFavAJYrYlgDhP1lyfMOaM77UItrTdFZuB9XIVa5NrYdckU1QUGXcT31ZEkBBpQuVJHM-6JIfIDU/s400/steinway+piano.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" /></a> In the painted scene, women in colonial revival gowns representing art, music, poetry and learning pay homage to America, the new steward of western culture, as represented by the seated woman. The piano now resides at the <a href="http://www.npg.si.edu/">National Portrait Gallery</a>, but I think it should be brought back to the White House, don't you?</div>

A grand instrument

In 1903, Roosevelt had a very grand piano commissioned from Steinway & Sons for the East Room . Steinway commissioned noted Aesthetic a...

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House of Sweden

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPv0hzLPL0C9FR8qRvL_uJDS8IDgUnnQySaHmhl-kQQ0djWeuxRA2g9VxBL8sknNYWGeWOvRFobykUPVXVoSjF2vFYnguTRYRdPjXNVqXD2Jj0pJJw6VdKVnR76y5g_d9qgwxXjn20VKw/s1600/Swedish+Embassy.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558336640508329298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPv0hzLPL0C9FR8qRvL_uJDS8IDgUnnQySaHmhl-kQQ0djWeuxRA2g9VxBL8sknNYWGeWOvRFobykUPVXVoSjF2vFYnguTRYRdPjXNVqXD2Jj0pJJw6VdKVnR76y5g_d9qgwxXjn20VKw/s400/Swedish+Embassy.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 239px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> While walking home last night, I passed the <a href="http://www.swedenabroad.com/Start____6989.aspx">House of Sweden</a> along the Potomac right at sunset, when the building disappears into both the sky and river. As much as I love classical architecture, I have a deep appreciation for moden buildings such as these, especially when done right. Given the site, a classical building would have been highly out of place.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_4qQUryIfmlKZ_3wmk_U86JbVaUpOWWbn4MWBm7icgSuX-5uTa5DBuKW2tqLqW2WXECREIUcwvH9ZE_6Rg2qxpOXlDMky8V_MKDP05CRa94uebSMAvLsNkrLzdzv5pYGy1XLSba8PdG8/s1600/Swedish+Embassy+back.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558336636238651602" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_4qQUryIfmlKZ_3wmk_U86JbVaUpOWWbn4MWBm7icgSuX-5uTa5DBuKW2tqLqW2WXECREIUcwvH9ZE_6Rg2qxpOXlDMky8V_MKDP05CRa94uebSMAvLsNkrLzdzv5pYGy1XLSba8PdG8/s400/Swedish+Embassy+back.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 239px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> However, I'm not sure how I feel about the back. The use of lighting is odd (hello Vegas?) and the glass panels are actually patterned a faux wood. What do you think? Tomorrow I'll pick up on the tour of San Simeon that I dropped earlier this summer. Still so much to show there!</div><div><em>excuse the poor quality of the photo -again from my cell phone!</em></div>

House of Sweden

While walking home last night, I passed the House of Sweden along the Potomac right at sunset, when the building disappears into both the ...

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