25 Beautiful Homes

Go with the flow

Words: Mary Weaver | Photography: Nick Johnson | Styling: Erica Harrison

DINING ROOM: Custom and vintage pieces are combined with striking artwork. Marble table; mid-century chairs by Niels Otto Møller, both 1stDibs. Large artwork from the estate of Vladimir Kagan, Thomas Preston Interiors. Artwork by Hunt Slonem. Chandelier, Stephanie Schofield

Laura Kim and her husband Chip Newton breathed new life into their historic home, adding modern touches and making the flow between rooms – and the outside – more cohesive.

SITTING ROOM ‘A neutral backdrop is the perfect foil for tying together an eclectic decor,’ says designer Maria Crosby Pollard. Walls in Ammonite, Farrow & Ball. Ceiling in Cloud White, Benjamin Moore. Emil Stejnar chandelier, Gaspare Asaro. Vintage swivel armchairs, McCollins Modern. Green Leaves artwork by Paule Marrot. Vintage opaline Murano glass lamps, Robert Massello Antiques. Hollywood Regency cabinets, Chairish

CLOAKROOM ‘Although small, this space is big on impact,’ says Maria. Fromental wallpaper, Holland & Sherry DC. Woodwork in Hague Blue, Farrow & Ball. Basin and cladding in Nero Marquina marble by R. Bratti. Floor tiles, Ann Sacks

DINING AREA This sits in the new extension and was designed with casual meals in mind. Mid-century French chandelier, BK Antiques. Ceiling paper, Lee Jofa for Kravet. Table base, Julian Chichester, with custom top. Chairs, BoConcept. Artwork by Nancy Simonds via Stephanie Schofield

KITCHEN This new, light-filled extension, designed to connect both to the garden and the family room, is one of Laura and Chip’s favourite spaces to hang out. Cabinetry with Imperial Danby marble fabricated by R Bratti, designed by BVA BarnesVanze Architects and made by Zantzinger. Hanging pendants, Visual Comfort & Co. Norman Cherner bar stools, Design Within Reach

HOME TRUTHS - THE PROPERTY: A semi-detached house built in 1891.
ROOMS: Sitting room, family room, dining room, kitchen, den/ office, cloakroom, four bedrooms, two bathrooms
LOCATION: Washington, DC

We chose Georgetown for its deepand rich history and proximityto great restaurants and shops,’says Laura Kim referring to the Washington, DC location of the historic, 1891-built, Federal-style townhouse she shares with husband Chip Newton. The area, with its cobblestone streets and fashion and design shops, is becoming increasingly popular with an arty community and foodies alike. Laura and Chip fell in love with the charm and character of the house and the fact that it was in a quieter part of the city with a strong micro community with the bonus of everything being within walking distance. Although it had endured some poor renovations over its 134 years it still retained historic elements such as the sitting room fireplace, the staircase and a stained-glass skylight on the top floor. ‘There were a few remaining original plaster mouldings too that we copied and used throughout the ground floor,’ says Laura. When the couple, who have grown-up children, bought the house it had heavy dark wood fittings and badly designed rooms, particularly the kitchen which was inefficient and isolated from the rest of the house. ‘Our plan was for a sympathetic renovation that honoured the original architecture and aesthetic while bringing the house up to date for modern living,’ says Laura. ‘We wanted a home that oozed light and calm and provided a great backdrop for the Scandi and mid-century furniture we love along with our collection of modern art.’ Friends recommended

‘The Wallpaper on the ceiling of the dining area adds decoration without spoiling the garden view’

BVA BarnesVanze Architects who, together with the couple, came up with a plan to strip back the house so spaces could be reconfigured and a rear extension could be added to create a new spacious eat-in kitchen overlooking the back garden. A seamless connection to the newly repurposed family room was created, which then flowed effortlessly into the sitting and dining rooms. Upstairs the main bedroom and bathroom were reworked to incorporate a walk-in wardrobe and a study. Guest bedrooms on the top and lower levels were renovated, and a new gym added on the ground floor, which can be accessed from the garden. When it came to the home’s interior decoration, BVA introduced the couple to Maria Crosby Pollard of Crosby Designs, who they had worked with on a number of other projects. ‘She completely understood our vision and was great at sourcing items we loved – a mix of vintage, mid-century and modern pieces – to incorporate throughout the house,’ says Laura. The result is a cool but comfortable aesthetic that evokes different atmospheres for each room, all of which are decorated with individual chandeliers, fabrics and furnishings. ‘Now the work is finished, the two rooms we love the most are the sitting room and kitchen,’ says Laura. ‘The kitchen provides a large amount of natural light, which is great for entertaining and our love of cooking. And in the sitting room, I love the warmth of the original fireplace surrounded by the mix of vintage seating.’ barnesvanze.com; crosbydesigns.net

‘An oversized rug in the bedroom can be a smart alternative to carpet as it’s easily changed’

MAIN BEDROOM The panelling and upholstery behind the bed was designed to make a statement and anchor the room. Upholstery in fabric by Colefax and Fowler from Cowtan & Tout. Cushion, Fortuny. Bedside chests, 1stDibs. Vintage Murano lamps, Withington Antiques, with shades from The Shade Shop. Rug, Stark

BEDROOM ‘The bed placement was challenging due to the floor-to-ceiling windows, so we designed a “curtain wall” to go behind it,’ says Maria. The fresh green velvet chair adds a touch of zingy colour, which is picked up in the mirror and accessories. Curtain and blind fabric, Les Indiennes. Headboard, Studio McGee. Find similar vintage ottoman fabric at Tinsmiths. Side table, Wayfair. Lamp base, Alexa Hampton for Visual Comfort & Co. Custom lampshade, Shandells. Rug, Carpet Impressions. Mirror, PeriodToMod Antiques. Find a similar console at Vinterior. Vintage alabaster lamp, Tandem Antiques & Design, with custom shade by Shandells. Chair, Kravet

BATHROOM BVA BarnesVanze Architects devised an effective and attractive solution for the window by using frosted privacy glass – a design that still allows natural light to filter in. Wall and floor tiles, TileBar. Shower fittings, W.T. Weaver & Sons