Design Library: New WDC Design Center!

For those that are not aware the Washington DC design community has a love/hate relationship with  our WDC Design Center.  Currently located next to the Federal Center SW metro station the Design Center is the mecca for our area's interior designers with seven floors of fabric and furniture showrooms sold "to the trade".  That's the love part.  What's the hate? The D & 3rd Street area is not very exciting.  Surrounded by government offices, the building is older than old with no windows (ok maybe 5) no places to grab a bite to eat after you've spent your $14 on parking.  Did I mention it's uuuuugly?  Least to say I am excited to pick up and move to the hustle and bustle of 14th & K.  That's more like it - right?

On Wednesday the showrooms who are making the move (more on that later) hosted an open house at the new location for a tour of what's to come.  With floor plans in hand and on easels for easy viewing, we mingled and got the inside scoop on what each showroom was doing to prepare for their move in the Spring...or Summer...depending on who you talk to. 

The shared atrium is filled with natural light - a huge change to the current conditions on D Street. Natural light? What's that?

 

Although most of the showrooms we are already familiar and acquainted with from the current location, I am excited for two new showrooms to join the DC community.  Madeline Mitchell who we know from her years at other showrooms in the Design Center, is now the Design Director at the newest location of Doris Leslie Blau .  Romo fabrics who has a entire family of fabric lines, will also make their debut. 

Here I am with Madeline, displaying beautiful rugs from DLB.

 

The new Design Center is going from 7 to 3 floors of showrooms.  Some of the best are sticking together but unfortunately others have decided to move on to other locations in the DC area.  One of the floors was open for us to walk around and use our designer's skills of imagination while in bare bones. 

 

 

 

Looking forward to the opening of the newly located WDC Design Center in March...April...or June...!

 

 

Have a wonderful weekend!!

 

Local Living: Red Barn Mercantile's Holiday Unveiling

Last week local boutique shop Red Barn Mercantile (one of my absolute favorites) hosted a holiday unveiling party in their store.  It was the best way to kick-off the holiday season! When I walked in the door the instant fragrance of Christmas trees made my heart skip a beat. 

 

 

 

I love Christmas. LOVE. I love decorating, the music and the joy it brings.  They had several tress displayed full of ornaments, pillows, cards, candles and so so so much more. You must stop in and I can assure you that you won't be leaving empty handed. (I made two visits to the cash register after finding one more decoration on my way out the door.)

 

 

 

 

 

The sweet treats that were provided by Petite Social were both delicious and decorative.  Winter wonderland mini cupcakes, treats to go and the most amazing custom cake for the Red Barn!

 

 

 

As if it couldn't get better - it did.  Calligraphy artist Michelle Hatty Fritz offered her talents to each guest.  See the long list on the left? Each guest wrote their name and Michelle, bless her heart, made a customized note card for each one of us! I can reassure you no one will be on the receiving end of my note card - to the inspiration board it goes!

 

One last look at the windows looking oh so merry and bright! Is it too early to say it?!...HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

The Pennos: Colonial Williamsburg

Leland and I celebrated our first wedding anniversary at nearby Colonial Williamsburg.  My sweet nephew was expected to arrive the week of our anniversary so I couldn't stand to think that if we went away then I would miss his birth.  So my even sweeter husband agreed that Williamsburg would be perfect due to the short drive in case we received "the call". 

We stayed in the Moody Kitchen, which has been converted into a Colonial House.  If you decide to stay overnight in Williamsburg I recommend staying in the actual historic Colonial Willamsburg and taking advantage of their accommodations.  These "Colonial Homes" are throughout the historic town, are private and the perfect compliment to your visit.  There are several other types of accommodations in more of a hotel setting.

 

Leland had flowers delivered for our stay.  Unfortunately it wasn't cold enough for the fireplace to be used.

Sparkling Cider and Virginia Peanuts were sent to our room compliments of the hotel for our anniversary.

 

 

 We had dinner at the beautiful Williamsburg Inn where they continued to wine and dine us for our special occasion.

 

 

 

 

The two days we spent exploring the historic town were beautiful! Here are a few of my favorites from the weekend:

 

 

 

And yes this proud new aunt is excited to announce that I did receive "the call" the next morning. So before I could unpack, I repacked my bags to meet my nephew William Donald Luper IV. Who I lovingly call Baby Willie.

 



Local Living: New Furniture Boutiques

Whether you live north or south of DC, new furniture boutiques are popping up for convenient access to unique furnishings and accessories.  I recently attended the grand opening party for Nest 301 located in North Bethesda.

Photo from Nest 301

 

The Lucite pedestal base on this dining table caught my eye.

 I loved these two toned slipcovers.

 

Button detail was worth noting.

 

...then popped into designer Victoria Sanchez's new studio location Victoria at Home where she has a furniture and home accessories boutique in the heart of Old Town Alexandria. 

 

 

 

 Local artist Lauren Bruce has so many beautiful oil paintings for sale by Victoria. 

 

 Another painting by Lauren

 

 

 

 Now that the holiday season is around the corner, you should add this shop to your list of places to visit.  You're sure to leave with something perfect as a gift or for yourself!