DC Design House 2012: Snazzy Small Spaces

Although grand in many ways, this year's Design House also presented some small-space challenges. My favorite solutions are the second floor foyer and third floor bath - itty bitty rooms with lots of pizazz.

You’ll immediately notice that the second floor foyer is covered in black embossed croc (hence why it’s a fave). The designers Carolyn Winston and Elizabeth Boland used fairly traditional furniture but modernized the space with a high-contrast color combination. Mr. Lincoln approves!

The third floor bath demonstrates one of the most repeated lessons in design. Liven up a small space with boldly printed wallpaper. Designer Christopher Patrick selected the paper to complement existing floor tiles. Why replace when you can make it work?

The vanity was custom built by design pal Kaleo Kala and topped with carrera marble. I think it turned out splendidly.

See more pics of the DC Design House on Sukio’s Facebook Page!

DC Design House Posts:

• Snazzy Small Spaces
• Cute Spaces for Kiddies
• Missoni Madness
• Good Morning!

Images: (1,2) Haute Indoor Couture, (3,4) Robert Radifera

DC Design House 2012: Cute Spaces for Kiddies

The fictitious baby girl and 5 yr old boy who call the DC Design House their home have absolutely adorable rooms to lay their heads at night. The Modern Nursery by Elizabeth Krial is fit for any princess with shades of pink and super girlie touches like a mini chandelier. I also adore the peony wallpaper and Moroccan Poufs!

The boy's room is more subdued and, of course, more masculine. A feature of note - Designer Nancy Twomey not only upholstered the headboard but the platform bed as well. Surprise!

Surprise #2: The twin headboard is layered atop a queen-sized headboard making the transition to big boy bed super easy.

See more pics of the DC Design House on Sukio’s Facebook Page!

DC Design House Posts:

• Snazzy Small Spaces
• Cute Spaces for Kiddies
• Missoni Madness
• Good Morning!

Images: Me

DC Design House 2012: Missoni Madness

The Teenager's Getaway is all about Missoni... and Mid-Century Modern... and Coca-Cola (A few bottles were used for styling). Textiles by Missoni Home are literally used from floor to ceiling in this fun little corner of the house. Designed by Victoria Sanchez, the room's neutral wall color provides a blank canvas for wild prints, contemporary art, and old-school furniture.

Vintage pieces can be found throughout the space including the sofa and armchairs, which were reupholstered in what else? Missoni! Perhaps the star of the room, an oversized pendant adds a colorful punch overhead. The fixture's cover can be unzipped, removed and replaced with an array of fashionable options. So cute! Any teen who lays claim to this space is a very lucky one indeed.

See more pics of the DC Design House on Sukio’s Facebook Page!

DC Design House Posts:

• Snazzy Small Spaces
• Cute Spaces for Kiddies
• Missoni Madness
• Good Morning!

Images: Me

DC Design House 2012: Good Morning!

On Tuesday, I headed to DC's beautiful Spring Valley neighborhood for Press Day at the DC Design House. Of course, I documented my visit and will share some of the most interesting spaces as I sift through dozens of pics.

First up... The Morning Room!

Although VERY traditional for my taste, I found the Morning Room by designer Marika Meyer quite livable. The muted tones would be easy on early-morning eyes - a perfect spot for reading Elle Decor or enjoying a delicious cup of Le Pain Quotidien Earl Grey tea (Yes, I've already imagined myself living here).

Marika married the space to the adjoining terrace through floral motifs, a collection of curiosities, and an indigo/citrine combo inspired by the Oushak rug.

The designer injected a bit of contemporary oomph with this installation by artist Laurel Lukaszewski. The bookshelves are custom-made and backed with a more traditional lattice pattern.

See more pics of the DC Design House on Sukio’s Facebook Page!

DC Design House Posts:

• Snazzy Small Spaces
• Cute Spaces for Kiddies
• Missoni Madness
• Good Morning!

Images: Me

Out and About: The Black List

On Saturday, I took advantage of the AMAZING weather by visiting the National Portrait Gallery here in DC. The Black List, a nationally acclaimed photography exhibit, has been one of my to-dos for several weeks. The series features 50 portraits of prominent black Americans photographed by Timothy Greenfield-Sander. There’s also an accompanying documentary that originally aired on HBO. Very inspiring stuff! It’s playing as part of the exhibit, so be sure to check it out.

I snapped a few pics to commemorate my visit. I’m sure you’ll recognize some of these famous faces.