Everything AND The (Pool) Kitchen Sink Looks Stunning At The 2011 DC Design House!

NORTHWEST -- Each room was like a page out of Architectural Digest and the background of the home conjured up images of the District’s storied past. And for one month, everyday Washingtonians too will be able to enjoy the visual feast that awaits them at the 2011 DC Design House.

Even the exterior of the 2011 DC Design House underwent a makeover, with a portico modified by Rill Architects, updated lighting, and even a new mahogany ceiling.
A non-profit in its own right, the DC Design House serves as a platform to raise much needed funds for Children’s National Medical Center, while simultaneously showcasing the talent of the local interior design community.

Months before the official site is revealed to the public, dozens of area designers apply to be one of the lucky participants by submitting design proposals full of idea notes, color swatches, furniture recommendations, and even sometimes “mood boards”.

Designer Erin Paige Pitts envisioned the Pool Room as a retreat from the house's more formal areas.
The House’s officers and committee members then carefully review each submission and select a handful (for 2011, there are 20 participating designers) to work with on the project. That’s when the hard work really starts…

Designer Barbara Franceski talks with DC Design House Co-Founder Skip Singleton, Jr. about her interpretation of the family room, which was inspired by the importance of community and features multiple seating areas and a built-in bar.
Each designer has but 30 days (roughly) to implement his/her vision in the home. Some participants are assigned small spaces, such as a powder room, while others must fill much larger areas, like the living or dining rooms. The end result is, well, stunning.

The house’s elegant dining room was designed by Camille Saum.
From a grand ballroom-turned-welcoming living room to a “gentleman’s bedroom” to a relaxing hideway intended to inspire the imagination, this year’s home is less a visual platform and more a true experience.

The Iantha Carley-designed Dressing Room features rich dark wood floors and cabinetry, as well as vibrant colors and plenty of mirrors.
Guests should take note that almost every room detail has been carefully thought out; from the paint on the walls to the tile underfoot to the furniture, art, etc.

The beauty of the interior spaces themselves only further serves to further highlight the history of the 1925 English Country Estate Tudor home, which was originally built for Charles Woodward (of Woodward & Lothrop department store fame) and is now owned by the prominent Wasserman family. Over the years, the property has seen everyone from movie stars to politicians to dignitaries pass through its hallways.

And, if you really, really, really like what you see, you can buy the whole place for a mere $4.9 million. That’s design within reach for some, right?

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The 2011 DC Design House will be open to the public from April 9, 2011 to May 8, 2011 and tickets may be purchased for $20.00/each. Hours of operation are 10AM-3PM every Tuesday-Friday and 12PM-5PM on Saturday and Sunday.