A New Approach to My Interior Design Projects!
We spend over 90% of our time indoors and the quality of our indoor spaces clearly has a significant impact on our lives. I work with many busy people who appreciate the value of well-thought-out interior design. They want a home that is comfortable and inviting while reflecting their style and priorities, but they may not have the time or expertise to make this happen on their own. My main objective as an interior designer is to help my clients uncover their unique design style and create beautiful and comfortable spaces that contribute to their happiness and overall sense of well-being.
In addition to being transformative, Interior Design projects also have the potential to be quite stressful. Furnishing a home is a big investment and it makes sense that there be anxiety and stress around possibly making an expensive mistake. People also want their homes to be inviting and express who they are and what they value rather than representing somebody else’s aesthetic and personality (i.e. the designer). Understandably, the thought of hiring an interior designer can feel daunting.
Over the past year or so, it has become clear to me that interior design projects have the potential to get too complicated and drag on longer than they need to. Most people feel intimidated by a full-service design contract that could potentially take months and months to get through. Most clients would prefer a process that is efficient, fun and not unnecessarily complex or stressful. And they also need a little instant gratification along the way to stay motivated.
In the past few months, I have been testing out a new way of working called “Design Clarity In A Day”, which provides a remedy to much of the potential stress associated with renovating and furnishing your home. My clients are loving this focused and fresh approach. “Design Clarity In A Day” will allow you to see quick progress on your projects without having to wait for all selections to be made for multiple rooms or an entire house.
A Recent Client:
A recent client who down-sized into a new condo in DC was concerned about her new space potentially feeling small. Here is what she had to say after completing three Design Clarity Days: “Holly is creative, efficient, thoughtful, practical, and a great listener. She just helped me with two rooms. She really understood what I wanted — and needed — for a small space. She sorts through what’s out there, narrows it down to a manageable selection and presents options and alternatives at several price points. She is great at staying on budget — whether it’s modest or more — and she’s super practical. She saved me from making several mistakes. …I am thrilled to be able to recommend her wholeheartedly! She’s really easy to work with regardless of your budget and your style”. As a designer, I LOVE taking a seemingly challenging space and figuring out the ideal layout for optimal comfort and beauty. Helping my client to feel comfortable and excited about her move so this transition could be less stressful,and more fun was a truly gratifying experience.
My typical clients share some notable characteristics: First, they are very busy and don’t have time to dedicate to hours of interior design. Secondly, they have lots of responsibilities and they don’t want yet one more thing to worry about. They either have stressful jobs or growing kids (or both) and they need to feel that their home is a haven, rather than a source of stress due to a never-ending renovation or interior design project. In addition, they are already over-stimulated with the zillions of options and possibilities available, and they need selections to be thoughtfully curated. Finally, despite all of the above, they want their homes to express their preferences and values while being comfortable and welcoming spaces for their children, family and friends. They need an approach to interior design which provides them with clarity, efficiency and peace of mind.
What A Design Clarity Day Looks Like For Your Project:
So what does one day actually look like and how much time is required of the homeowner? We will reserve your day (or days) at least two weeks in advance of starting your project. Your day is exclusively dedicated to your project. You will be given some simple pre-work to complete about your budget, style and priorities at least seven days prior to meeting. We will start out your day with a kick-off meeting where we will get a thorough tour of your design challenge, we will determine the priorities that you would like me to address and I will measure and take photos. From there I will go back to the office for 7 hours of intensive work on your project. Within 48 hours of this intensive day, we will schedule a follow-up meeting (either in person or on Zoom) where we will review everything that has been accomplished during this intensive day and clarify your next steps.
So how will we do this? One small project or room at a time! The process will be fun and invigorating, rather than feeling drawn out for months on end.
In one day of focused design, a lot can be accomplished!
Here are some examples of things that I have helped clients to achieve in a single day of intensive design work:
Generate the ideal layout for a new sunroom space (after reviewing multiple layout options), including paint color, lighting, window treatment and furniture suggestions. The layout selections were then passed on to the Architect and helped to inform the architectural drawings.
Select new wallcovering and paint for a guest room and bathroom, in addition to selecting new fabric for window seat cushions. After making the selections and helping with purchasing, I passed on the name of a wallcovering installer and upholsterer so that all the work could be carried out through coordination with the homeowner.
Select a new countertop, tile backsplash, paint color for re-painting existing cabinets and cabinet pulls to provide my client with a clear blueprint for their kitchen remodel.
Generate the ideal layout for a living room with some obvious spatial challenges, thereby making it easy for my clients to select furniture with confidence knowing the sizes and types of pieces were the ideal fit for the way they hoped to use the room.
Fill in your project here….
And this model can easily be applied to larger projects. For example, in three intensive days, we can provide full-service design on smaller rooms like a small dining room, entryway or home office space.
And in four intensive days, we are able to provide full-service design on larger rooms like a living room or family room.
So, what could this look like for different-sized projects? If you know you have one room to be completed and you could really use a feeling of instant gratification, a room from start to finish will take 3-4 intensive days to complete. Depending on my schedule and yours, we can schedule one to two days within one week. So, you could have a complete room design in two weeks!
Maybe you have a three-room project that includes your Living, Dining and Entry space? First, we would dedicate a half day to determining your style, budget and needs and thinking through how the spaces will flow and relate to one another. Then we would start with the room that you find most inspiring. Say the Living Room. And we will schedule four intensive days to complete that room. You could schedule a Tuesday and a Wednesday of one week and a Tuesday and a Wednesday of the next week. Assuming that decisions are made quickly and efficiently, within two weeks you could have a complete room design. And we would then schedule subsequent meetings for the Entry and the Dining Room. So potentially, you could have a complete room design for all three rooms in 6 weeks.
And you may be wondering, what if I have a whole house to furnish? We can provide you with an overall estimate (including the number of intensive days needed to complete the project) for all of the rooms where work will be done to help you with budgeting before getting started. We would start globally with one day dedicated to establishing the overall budget, priorities, style etc. And then just like in the example above, we would dedicate 3 to 4 days to the first room in question. When (and only when) that room is completed, we would move on to the next room.
This new way of working will keep you engaged and motivated. Interior Design can be fresh and interesting, and you can allow yourself to enjoy the self-discovery that can be found through this fun and creative process. Much of the stress and overwhelm is eliminated knowing that this will be a focused and step-by-step endeavor, accomplished in bite-sized chunks.
So tell me, would you hire me for a day or multiple days? Send me an e-mail or set up a discovery call so we can talk about your specific needs and how I can help you to create a home that you love!
We are offering a limited promotion ending on December 23rd of $200 off on the “Design Clarity In A Day” service. Schedule a discovery call or reserve your day here:
My Happy Place: Lopez Island
View of Mt Baker from the Lopez Island ferry dock: photo by Holly O’Brian
This week is the first week back to school for my daughter and for so many kids in the DC area. It’s got me thinking of what a great summer we have had, and how important it is to get away and fully disconnect.
For me, there are two distinct kinds of vacation, both of which I thoroughly enjoy for completely different reasons. One involves exploring unknown destinations and opening yourself up to new experiences and adventures. The other is more about going back to places that are filled with good memories that help you to feel grounded and filled up. These places bring happiness and comfort and remind you of what you value most.
When I am helping clients to determine their unique design style, knowing where they like to repeatedly vacation tells me a lot about their style and values.
Just like a home can and should feel like a place of refuge, a place can also feel like home. One such place that will always feel like home for me is Lopez Island in the San Juan Islands in Washington State.
When I was 2 years old (a few years ago:), my family built a cabin on Lopez Island. We have been going back on a regular basis ever since. Growing up, my family would spend large chunks of our summers on the island. Our cabin was rustic, to say the least. It was equipped with an outhouse, a wood-burning stove and had no running water or electricity, all on a beautiful piece of land. We would go into town to get water and to go to the island swimming pool for showers. In the evenings we would play cards (“Nertz” was our favorite game) to the light of a gas lantern. Every day involved simple pleasures like exploring tidepools, picking blackberries and building forts from driftwood on the beach. Many of my best childhood memories happened on Lopez Island.
There is no other place for me that feels more like home.
Plan Your Next Vacation To Lopez Island In The San Juan Islands (visitsanjuans.com)
Hiking on the island: photo by Holly O’Brian
What I love most about Lopez Island getaways:
Shark Reef: photo by Luca Trolese
The Chance to Fully Disconnect and Recharge:
On Lopez, there is no need to really do anything. The whole island is beautiful so you can basically plop down anywhere and just enjoy the scenery. Being in nature and soaking up all of that natural beauty feels amazing. And Pacific Northwest weather makes me feel more awake and aware. There is a freshness to the air there, often accompanied by a soft rain or a cool breeze, that wakes up the senses and feels like a huge relief.
I also love the way a vacation where you truly relax gets you thinking about possibilities. My daughter and I have a dream of building a tiny house on the island. We enjoy going to the town real estate agency to check out properties, poring through books about tiny houses and imagining ideal layouts. My husband and I always, at some point during one of these trips, look at each other and ask, “so do you think we could live here?” I love letting myself imagine what it would be like to live on Lopez for long periods of months or more.
A Healthy Sense of Detachment:
Being on vacation gives me the chance to think about different things that are outside of my everyday routine. I give myself complete permission to disconnect. Lopez is great in this way, because it doesn’t have the best cell reception, so it is easy to disconnect from technology. Being surrounded by so much natural beauty and the comfort of a more simple and slow-paced life is instantly calming.
Appreciating the Good Things:
And there are so many good things! The temperature on Lopez rarely gets above the 70s in summer, but it also hardly ever rains in July or August. (Contrary to popular belief, this is true of Seattle as well!) Lopez is nicknamed “the Friendly Isle” as locals make it a point to wave at everyone they pass on the road. An ideal day consists of starting off at Holly B’s Bakery (https://www.hollybsbakery.com/) for a cinnamon roll and a cup of coffee and sitting out on the sun-filled deck to enjoy it. There is a fantastic bookstore which can’t be missed located right next to Holly B’s (https://www.lopezbookshop.com/) with a refreshingly fabulous selection. And the lovely Lopez Island Library (lopezlibrary.org) just up the road is another can’t miss plan. This quaint and cozy library epitomizes the community feel of the island. Shark Reef Road, Spencer Spit and Watmough Bay are beautiful destinations for a hike with gorgeous views of the water followed by more lounging and exploring. Other favorite activities include going for a bike ride before taking a dip in the pool and a soak in the hot tub or wading on the beach while watching the sunset. Just thinking about it is relaxing.
Sunset at the Islander: photo by Luca Trolese
In today’s world, it is easy to get caught up in all of the daily stressors that go along with life in 2022 and constantly being “connected” through phones and computers. As soon as you get on the ferry, you can start to feel any stress melt away. Over the last few years, I have come to realize that I am my most creative and inspired when I am able to fully disconnect from my routine and enjoy extended periods of time doing all the things I love most.
Shark Reef: photo by Luca Trolese
How did you spend your summer vacation? What place do you go back to again and again that never fail to make you feel refreshed and happy?
Enjoy every minute of these last weeks of summer!
- Holly
Creating Space For the Simple Things
So much has changed over the last few weeks. The novelty of online happy hours and zoom everything wore off a while back. There is a whole lot of uncertainty as to what the “new normal” is going to look like. There is a whole lot of uncertainty in general. This is a really challenging time with so much turmoil, sadness and upheaval that many of us are experiencing a lot of stress in our lives.
Trees behind our apartment: Photo by Holly O’Brian
Despite all of the difficulties, I am also not clamoring to jump back in to ”business as usual”, whenever that does in fact happen. I have gained some very specific things from this challenging but also beautiful experience, and I want to make sure that it doesn’t all get lost in the shuffle with the return to the “new normal”. We can use some of the positives that we have been able to draw from the whole “stay at home” experience to deal with the other growing stresses in our lives. Things are so complicated now, that the value of simplicity is more obvious than ever.
What I Want to Preserve from My Stay at Home Experience:
1. Sleep (Naps Included):
I have been reading a very interesting book about one of my favorite subjects: sleeping! “Why We Sleep and Dream” by Matthew Walker, Phd. is a fascinating book that reminds me of how much I love both sleeping and dreaming 😊.
Why We Sleep: Unlocking the Power of Sleep and Dreams
“Why We Sleep and Dream” reinforces the benefit of an afternoon nap, which is probably the most delicious thing ever. There are some people who brag about getting by on very little sleep, but don’t believe them! This book shares scientific proof that getting sufficient quality sleep is the ticket to being happier, healthier, more productive and even smarter. Sleeping less than 7 hours just doesn't cut it. There is nothing more luxurious than the joy of taking an afternoon nap, and I try to do it every day on the weekend. If you aren’t in the habit, give it a try. It’s the ultimate treat. I find that if I sleep for about 45 minutes that seems to be the sweet spot. I wake up refreshed and there is something decadent and deliciously indulgent about taking a nap. I have thoroughly enjoyed prioritizing napping during all of this time at home.
2. Being In Nature:
I feel very lucky because my parents gave me and my brother and sister tons of opportunities to enjoy nature as kids growing up in Washington State. We were always camping, hiking, going to the Coast, or spending time at our cabin on Lopez Island in the San Juan Islands. Being in nature is healing to the soul, and being confined to our home has been made so much better because of the easy access we have to all of this natural beauty. There’s really nothing better.
We live in a natural paradise, with Rock Creek Park a few feet from our back door. Every day we have the opportunity to see deer, squirrels and all kinds of beautiful birds. Even foxes and raccoons on occasion!
My husband and daughter and I have been keeping up our almost daily walks in Rock Creek Park. This is really the perfect time to enjoy the park. A few weeks ago we even saw a Bald Eagle.
In addition, we have started bike riding in Rock Creek Park and on other trails nearby. Yesterday we rode from where we live next to the Strathmore in North Bethesda on the Bethesda Trolley Trail that ties into the Capital Crescent Trail which we rode all the way to Georgetown and back. It was absolutely beautiful, and exactly the stress relief that I was needing. Our new hobby of bike riding is definitely something that all three of us are going to continue in our “back to normal” lives.
Sitting outside on our back patio brings a calming symphony of bird songs all day long. And yesterday, a sweet tiny hummingbird popped up outside my living room window. I feel so lucky to live in such a beautiful place where just going outside is a soothing daily treat.
Dogwood Trees in Front of Our Apartment: Photo by Holly O’Brian
3. Morning Pages:
I am by far the most morning person of the three of us in my family, so when I wake up I am pretty much guaranteed a good chunk of time to myself. I have really embraced the concept of “Morning Pages” during the shutdown:
The Artist's Way Morning Pages Journal: Deluxe Edition
Every day, right after waking up, I fill three pages of my Morning Pages journal with whatever is on my mind. It’s basically a brain dump of what worries me, what I am excited about, and sometimes what I have dreamed about the night before. The mere getting it out on the page helps me to feel centered and focused, while giving me the opportunity to let go of some of the clutter that tends to accumulate in my brain. It also helps to get the creative juices flowing and to figure out next steps when I’m feeling stuck. There is no pressure as to what to write and nobody to impress. I have found this daily writing exercise to be especially helpful during these last months.
4. Experimenting with new activities and hobbies:
Slowing down has helped me to open up more space in my mind to try out new things just for the pure fun of it.
It is so easy to get stuck in a rut, and resort to the same old activities to wind down, especially in times of stress. My unhealthy go-to stress relievers typically consist of lots of news watching and lots of aimless internet use. I have been trying to check the news just a couple times a day, and fill my down time with things I wouldn’t normally do, like binge TV watching, cooking and learning French.
Watching Great TV!
“Ozark”:
Over the last month, my husband and I have seen the full three seasons of Ozark, so over 30 hours of good old TV. Now, I know that many people might think this is a complete waste of time. I love (and kind of hate) this show. It is very dark, extremely violent, and it shows the way people can fool themselves into going along with the lives that they have set up for themselves, merely for the sake of survival. The acting is fantastic, the cinematography is stunning, and the characters are fascinating and likeable, even when dabbling in different degrees of shadiness. Good (and not so good) people trying to do the right thing, and constantly having to justify to themselves all the wrong things they are doing. But what shows like this also give us is a huge dose of perspective. Whatever it is that is challenging us at this moment in our lives, Marty and Wendy more often than not are in a bit more of a pickle with whatever they have gotten themselves into. Pure escapism but I love it.
“Little Fires Everywhere”:
I read the book by Celeste Ng which this is based on a few years ago. I really loved this book, so it was hard to not do the comparison thing. But I ended up really enjoying this series and would highly recommend it. It directly addresses the idea that things that seem perfect or somehow desirable on the outside are often not what they appear. And it also is completely relevant to what is going on now in our country.
Trying New Recipes:
I’m not one of those people who finds cooking to be relaxing. I think it’s partly because my work is creative, and being creative in the kitchen after a full day of mostly creative work doesn’t exactly feel appealing. And my husband Jose is really the most amazing cook who actually cooks for fun. He pays attention to every last detail, and loves putting all of his creative energy into a new recipe, a thoughtfully prepared tapa or even a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice. I fully appreciate his love of cooking and I thoroughly enjoy all of his culinary creations. Surprisingly, with all this time at home, I have actually wanted to cook a little bit more myself. Who knew? A wonderful cookbook for people with little cooking inspiration is Giada De Laurentis’: “Weeknights with Giada”:
Weeknights with Giada: Quick and Simple Recipes to Revamp Dinner: A Cookbook
A recipe from this book which was an incredible hit with my family are these “Tilapia Fish Tacos with Arugula”. I made them with regular corn tortillas and left out the wasabi powder because I couldn’t find it anywhere. Delicious! I’m making them again this week!
Tilapia Fish Tacos with Arugula Recipe
Learning Languages:
I am still learning French on Duolingo: I can now say: “J’achete une jupe blanche” (and a few other random things). I am feeling much more comfortable with the construction of phrases, the grammar and even the pronunciation, with just 10-15 minutes a day. It may take years before I can carry on a real conversation, but I think that language learning is a wonderfully fun stress relieving endeavor.
Reading for Pleasure:
I am loving all the purely for pleasure reading that I have been doing recently. And very little of it has been non-fiction. In my normal life, I tend to spend a LOT of time reading non fiction, either about improving my business or my life. It can be a bit exhausting. I have read 6 fiction books in the last 6 weeks, all mysteries in the Gamache Series by Louise Penny. It is so wonderful to read fiction on a regular basis. I love that I have developed this habit of reading for pleasure and will definitely carry on this newfound hobby. It gives healthy perspective to get out of your own head and involved in other peoples’ fascinating lives by way of books.
5. Scheduling Fewer Activities and Allowing More Space Throughout the Day:
Working 100% from home has made it very clear to me that I need to learn to work smarter, not harder. And I think I’ve made a lot of progress on that front. The Pomodoro Technique (working in 25 minute chunks of time with 5 minute breaks in between, and a 20 minute break after 4- 25 minute sessions) has been extremely helpful for me in boosting productivity.
The Pomodoro Technique: Do more and have fun with time management
I also have figured out that I am definitely a morning person, and am much more productive when I get up a little earlier and start work by 8. And finish work by 4. Having a full hour for lunch is a habit I am going to continue for sure. (This is where I do a lot of reading for pleasure).
Not having to commute has added a lot of extra time to my day. I am planning to continue working from home 3 days a week even when things open up to cut out as much of the “running around” as possible.
With all of this busy-ness, our lives have become far too scheduled. I have realized that I feel much happier and even more productive the more down time I have, and the more space I give myself to just be.
6. Prioritizing spending LOTS of time with friends and family:
I miss seeing my friends and my family. Also just feeling a part of a community where people interact and say hello to each other and talk about whatever. In spite of missing lots of people, there have been some nice perks to just hanging out with my little family.
Sun Peeking through the Trees: Photo by Holly O’Brian
I have LOVED the opportunity to spend tons of time with my 15 year old daughter. I know that spending all of this time with her parents is not realistically in line with what a 15 year old should be doing developmentally, and I know that this somewhat forced togetherness is soon going to end. At any rate, I am so grateful for this time that we have been able to spend together over these last three months.
I have also enjoyed spending way too much time with my husband :). I appreciate the way he takes care of all the plants, and the way he takes care of me and my daughter with his delicious cooking:). There’s somewhat of a “playing house” aspect to the whole thing which has been a lot of fun. We’ve had our ups and downs, but in general, we all have done quite well. And that is something that I think we all need to give ourselves credit for.
The saddest part of this whole situation for me has been losing a good friend to COVID-19 almost a month ago. My friend and I had a very easy and unique friendship, in that it was almost solely based on running into each other at Starbuck’s regularly over the past 15 years. Though I still have not assimilated fully that he is no longer here, his dying has made it clearer to me than ever how very important it is to appreciate and stay connected to all of the people we love in our lives, and not just assume that they will always be there. And it also makes that ever increasing number of people affected by the coronavirus hit a lot closer to home.
This situation over the last few months has given me the opportunity to simplify things in a way that has enriched my life in some very concrete ways. I spend a ton of time in nature, many hours reading, and hanging out with my family, as well. After I finish up my work, we spend a lot of time focused on meals, and relaxing, and keeping ourselves entertained in small ways. This sense of space helps me to feel more calm and grounded. And it also gives my mind a rest so that I am ready to be my most creative and present.
Focusing on the simple things and appreciating all the good people in our lives goes a long way in helping us to feel better equipped to handle the stress of these very complicated times in which we are living.
This whole stay at home experience has clarified for me how the simplest parts of life are, without a doubt, the most satisfying.
-Holly
There's No Place Like Home
Cherry Tree In Front Of Our Apartment: Photo by Holly O’Brian
Over the last three weeks I have spent more time at home than ever before (somehow I have a feeling that you can relate :). Though I am definitely looking forward to getting back to “normal” at some unknown point in the future, spending all of this time at home has been different than I expected, and has led to me taking up some new hobbies that I would love to incorporate into my regular old life, once all of this is over.
I haven’t yet made a list of projects to do. Many people are being extremely productive in this new reality which I definitely admire, but I don’t think it would be fair to put myself in that same category. I’ve really tried to lower expectations and let things fall into place organically.
What surprises me most about the “shelter in place” situation is that I’m actually more of a homebody than I realized. For me, life normally consists of running from here to there trying to do a thousand things. Although I miss many activities and people from my regular everyday life, I really like having more space and time to do things, and I love not feeling super rushed.
As far as work goes, just like everybody else, I have transferred all of my meetings to Zoom, and still spend my “work” days for the most part working. But I sleep in longer in the morning, enjoy a leisurely breakfast, and take long breaks throughout the day. I still spend way too much time checking the news.
These are a few ways that I have been spending my time at home that have been particularly satisfying:
Rock Creek: Photo by Holly O’Brian
Being Outside and Taking Lots of Walks….
As we are currently enjoying a beautiful Spring in the DC area, and my family and I are so lucky to have Rock Creek Park right outside our back door, I have been taking an hour for lunch on workdays to sit out on the back patio, eat lunch (with my feet up; I’m a bit of a hedonist:)) and spend some delicious time reading and listening to the birds. I’ve been prioritizing spending more time in nature (because I really need to get out of this apartment) and feeling lucky that we are able to (where people in Italy and Spain are not allowed to go out for exercise). Taking regular walks in my neighborhood and in Rock Creek Park with my daughter and husband has been a wonderful part of almost every day.
Enjoying Small Rituals with my family……
Our family has been enjoying some very delicious food (mostly made by my husband, Jose, who is the most amazing cook; lucky me!). We’ve found we spend a lot more time at the dinner table, and talk a lot more than we used to. Because it doesn’t feel like there is anything to rush off to.
My 15 year old daughter and I have baked brownies, cakes and cookies. We have watched movies as a family where we hadn’t done this for such a long time.
My husband and I have also taken to watching documentaries, and now we are focusing on Music: We highly recommend the following on Netflix:
We have come up with a cleaning ritual that’s really working for us: we spend one hour per week deep cleaning our apartment together as a family. The music goes on and the three of us clean together, each responsible for different tasks of our choosing. This new practice takes away the feeling of drudgery of having assigned chores around the house. There’s no more nagging, because we’re doing it together which somehow feels more “fair”. And we all have come to realize that having a clean house is worth it.
And lastly, my daughter even cut her Dad’s hair. She did an amazing job!
Reading for Pleasure…..
I have gone back to reading fiction, and more specifically, mysteries. Over the last three weeks I have read three books in Louise Penny’s Gamache Series and they are addicting:
My Mom introduced me to Louise Penny. All of the books in this series center around the charming detective, Armand Gamache. The plots of each of the books take place in or around a very small town in an idyllic setting south of Montreal in Quebec called Three Pines. The character development is fascinating and dabbled with lots of humor and suspense. It’s oddly comforting to me to that there can be a murder one evening, and then the next morning all the characters can be found enjoying a delicious brunch together at the bistro :).
I love the way Louise Penny’s writing captures a rich sense of place through the architecture, the natural setting descriptions and character development of all the lovely though very complex characters living in this small town.
On Penny’s website there is even a page dedicated to the correct pronunciation of all of the French phrases that appear in her books. This is especially interesting for me, because another just-for-fun activity that I have been dabbling in while at home has been learning French via Duolingo (for free!). www.duolingo.com
Connecting with people near and far……
I also like the way my day to day feels connected to family and friends who are both near and very far away. We get almost daily updates from my husband’s family in Spain through a group Whatsapp where everyone shares hilarious videos about being confined to their apartments. My sister and her family live in Italy, and I speak to her regularly about what’s going on. Through Zoom, WhatsApp, Facebook, email, texting and the good old telephone regular connection with family and friends means we can still stay connected through our shared experience.
Rock Creek Park Trail: Photo by Holly O’Brian
Here in the United States the news tends to be fairly U.S. focused and we typically don’t have a great sense of what’s going on in the world beyond our borders. This is the first time in my lifetime that we as a country are experiencing something so significant along with much of the rest of the world simultaneously. I really don’t wish for this to happen again any time soon, but I do hope that we all remember how this collective experience has brought people together from all over the world.
Life has become so fast-paced and overly scheduled that this time of more simplicity and less doing can feel surprisingly refreshing. I read somewhere that with the lockdowns life as we knew it has basically been cancelled, so it’s up to us to decide what we choose to bring back in.
Ironically, this strange situation (though definitely very challenging in many ways) has given me a chance to reconnect with activities that make me happy and with people that really matter to me.
What has surprised you most about being “Sheltered in Place?”. I hope that you and your family and friends are all doing OK. I would love to hear how you are doing and what you are doing with your time at home. Take good care.
-Holly
Anthropologie’s New Spring Home Collection: A Little Creative Distraction
The last week has included getting used to a new reality for most of us, including working from home, kids being out of school and social distancing (those in other parts of the world and country have been dealing with this for a much longer time). People are trying to be creative and productive in a very challenging time. We are all spending more time at home than we probably ever have.
Cleaning, de-cluttering and painting projects are in the works for many in the hopes of making the best of a difficult situation. And for our collective well-being, it feels vital to come up with positive activities and distractions in such a stressful time. I am planning on helping my teenage daughter paint her room, as well as cleaning out closets and getting new pillows to brighten up our space.
One way that I like to give my mind a break is to focus on what I find inspiring. A few weeks ago (before life changed in my part of the world) I was lucky enough to be invited to the loveliest event.
On February 29th I attended a Designer Home Event at the Anthropologie Store in Downtown Bethesda. The new home collection for Spring was being unveiled, and it felt as if the whole inside of the store was in bloom! The way that Anthropologie displays their products is pleasing to the senses and completely inspiring. The home floor is dotted with carefully curated living spaces. Each living room vignette creates such a vivid sensual experience that one can actually see themselves living there. Each “room” is like a thoughtfully crafted movie set of the coziest and most inviting interior space.
Anthropologie style is feminine, artsy and bohemian, combined with a classic touch of relaxed glamour. The store feels like a magical Spring garden of enchanted sensual delights. The furniture and fabric selections contain a rich mix of pattern, texture and whimsy, including bold shapes, romantic curves and elegant tufting. Fabrics include rich velvet, patterned cotton, rustic wool and leather.
In addition to inspiring room vignettes, Anthropologie stylists also do an amazing job of creating beautiful art and gallery wall displays. Most of my clients want to create spaces that feel unique and interesting while telling the story of the family who lives in the space. They also want their spaces to be cozy, inviting and eclectic, with a relaxed and effortless feel. This is definitely a strength of Anthropologie style, where retro and vintage pieces are mixed with fresh and modern elements to create a deliciously welcoming sense of home.
Another element that is unique to Anthropologie displays is that each store contains found objects which are either antiques or objects found in nature that add an entirely unique touch to each store. The artistic displays are a work of art in themselves and are handmade by local artists. These installations are crafty, handmade and full of rich detail.
The Anthropologie Store is closed for business for the time being, so you won’t be able to check it out on your own. But I would recommend taking a look at their website if you are looking for a welcome distraction:
https://www.anthropologie.com/anthroliving
Spring is beginning in the DC area, and though we can’t go into our favorite stores for the immediate future, we are lucky to be surrounded by so much natural beauty.
Behind my apartment, which backs into Rock Creek Park, there are lots of signs of the new season appearing. There are daffodils and crocuses popping up through the blanket of green leading into the forest. I find all of these changes in nature to be inspiring and hopeful while we navigate this very stressful and uncertain time. Take good care of yourselves and find inspiration wherever you can.
-Holly
Park Story: A New Boutique Highlighting Independent and Local Brands
The retail strip on and around the Connecticut Avenue corridor in Chevy Chase, DC has been going through some fairly significant changes over the past few years, somewhat indicative of changes in retail in general. A number of classic neighborhood locales have closed, being replaced by lots of new businesses. When places come and go, how much of what used to be remains? Do the spirits of stores past linger in some way? For me, the space at 3813 Livingston St NW is a great example of how a respect for the past can be thoughtfully woven in with exciting new ventures while helping to maintain the unique character of this charming and wonderful neighborhood.
I fondly remember when “Finials Antiques” occupied this address a number of years ago. Barbara, the owner of Finials, filled her store with life through fun, quirky and thoughtfully collected antiques. Her window displays were refreshingly eclectic and super creative. Barbara could often be found behind the counter tinkering with a chandelier or fixing up an antique dresser, and she always had fun stories to share.
Later, this space became the new home to “Full of Beans”, a fabulous children’s clothing store with original and adorable fashions for little ones. “Full of Beans” was a neighborhood fixture for some 33 years between its spot on Connecticut Avenue and more recently this location until its closure in 2019. Mare filled the space with thoughtfully displayed kids’ clothing, toys and fun kids’ themed items. Her displays were works of art down to the last detail and her shop was my go to spot for unique baby shower gifts.
Both Finials and Full of Beans were headed by creative entrepreneurial women who clearly loved their work and were excited to share their talents with the neighborhood. I believe their good energy lives on in the new gorgeous adaptation of this much loved space.
“Park Story” which opened in November of 2019, is a beautifully curated life and style boutique featuring both local and independent brands. The store is owned by Meghan Evans and represents her unique aesthetic. Meghan first sold her clothing collection in addition to other local brands at a pop-up shop in the Mosaic District in Virginia, where Park Story was born.
The items showcased include gorgeous clothing (some from Meghan’s own collection in addition to many other local or independent makers), jewelry, leather goods, pillows, rugs and beautiful art, creams etc. Meghan describes her style as “feminine, modern and tailored”, and her attention to detail and exceptional taste comes through in every item found in the store. Meghan told me that she would never design a clothing piece that she didn’t love herself, and it is clear that every product and designer that she has chosen to represent in her store make up an assortment of carefully collected favorite things. Meghan has many local makers showcased in the store, but above all else, her commitment is to Ethical and Sustainable Makers who typically are not mass produced. Most of the makers are people who cut and sew their own goods.
As Meghan explains on here website: “Park Story” has dual meaning: “Park is meant to reflect the community of entrepreneurs that I’ve come to call friends and Story reflects the fact that all the products we carry have a story as they are an extension of the makers, artists and designers who dreamed them up”.
When Meghan was envisioning the space for her retail shop, “Park Story” she wanted more than anything to make it easy for the consumer to see the product. She wanted the space to feel both beautiful and neutral, so that it could act as an uncluttered backdrop to all of the unique pieces she would be showcasing.
Many of the interior elements of the space have been maintained. The assets that really set this space apart include the tin ceiling, the lovely raised display window looking out on Livingston St NW, and the light-filled skylight. The high ceilings and clean white walls, along with re-finished existing oak floors, and a few touches of new lighting, create a clean, bright and neutral aesthetic which acts as the perfect backdrop for all of the unique pieces on display. The layout of the store contributes to the overall crisp and inviting look of the space with the middle being open and airy and clothing running along both sides of the shop. Simple white tables march down the center of the store, creating an uninterrupted calm on which all of the richly storied pieces are displayed. There is a museum like quality to the space with gorgeous colors and textures creating a contrast with the neutral shell. The white walls and extra tall ceilings create an inviting and open space, that fully shows off the beauty of all the interesting pieces inside.
A black and white custom floral wallcovering acts as a whimsical backdrop behind the quartz countertop and white cabinetry of the cash wrap at the back of the store. This same motif is repeated at the signage on the front of the store and makes up the company logo.
Please check out this beautiful and inspiring new space. And take the time to meet Meghan. She is warm and approachable and loves to chat with customers about the stories behind each of the products she sells and the makers she represents. Meghan also holds events in the space, like a painting class offered by one of the artists whose stunning artwork can be found on display in Park Story.
Meghan and her shop are a fantastic addition to the Chevy Chase, DC neighborhood. Thoughtful and creative endeavors like this lovely shop give me hope for the future.
Enjoy!
Park Story https://www.shopparkstory.com/
3813 Livingston St NW
Washington, DC 20015
Balanced Athlete Fitness Studios: 5538 Connecticut Ave NW DC 20015
2017 has been a really challenging year, both for me and for many people I care about. And, (unless you have been living under a rock:) I think many of us would agree that so much of what is going on in the world currently just feels off. With all of the ups and downs of this most all over the place year, there is one thing in my own life which has been 100% positive; I LOVE MY GYM! Today I am going to tell you about the interior of this fantastic space, which I have completely fallen in love with over the last 11 months. For me, joining the Balanced Athlete Fitness Studios (http://balancedathletedc.com/) in Chevy Chase, DC has been a clear bright spot amidst complicated times.
The Studio is located in the basement space below the toy store, Child’s Play, where the old much loved video store used to be. This venue is a perfect example of how thoughtfully planned interior design can transform the feel of a space, and, how it can set the stage and be the backdrop for a whole lot of wonderful. This dynamic interior exemplifies how well designed spaces affect performance, attendance and overall motivation. Interior Design really matters!!
First of all, Balanced Athlete Fitness Studios is different than any other gym to which I have ever belonged. I have joined many gyms in the past, and invariably end up quitting after a month too many of paying for something that I never use.
The vibe at Balanced Athlete is fantastic and there is a palpable sense of community. The people are friendly, warm and welcoming. There is no sense of competition, but rather a clear spirit of encouragement, progress and fun! This studio caters to all ages. There are many young and not so young people who come here to work out. The coaches thoughtfully meet you wherever you are fitness wise, and help you to challenge yourself to improve on an individual basis.
The transformation of the physical space has been incredible. The overall feel is clean, fresh and open. The ceilings are exposed and painted off-white (so there is no feeling of oppressive basement space here!). Espresso colored wall covering is combined with fresh pops of orange at accent walls and light colored wood laminate flooring. Sleek shiny white lockers line the core between the two exercise studios, the Pilates room, and the Spinning Studio. Mirrors are everywhere and make the space feel large, bright and connected. The philosophy here is based on the idea that alignment is the key to everything and we need the mirrors to be aware of our alignment. The mirrors actually make you feel more accepting of yourself, more comfortable with your body, and less competitive. Nothing feels superfluous. Walls are lined with Bulgarian Bags, weights and mats. The colors are vibrant and invigorating. Even the bathrooms are sleek, modern and gorgeous.
The rooms are calming, inspiring and motivating all at once!
So how is the design of this space different from other places where you may have tried working out in the past? Many gyms are rows and rows of machine after machine where you can end up feeling both self-conscious and anonymous. Not so at Balanced Athlete! The rooms are small enough that they feel welcoming. There are only 12 bikes in the Spin class, which feels the opposite of intimidating. And, the fact that the studio is located in a basement and doesn’t have a row of storefront windows where you feel on display to all people passing by is a real plus.
In addition, the staff here is fantastic and very personable. I am a regular in Marian and Gorica’s Foundations classes and Krista and Shannon’s Spin classes. They are all amazing coaches. Marc, the owner, is about the most approachable guy you could ever meet. Everyone at the front desk is super friendly and genuinely kind and helpful. So obviously, the people matter.
But the space does too.
The interior design achieves all that it sets out to do: It creates a happy, welcoming and inviting space that encourages you to be active and challenge yourself to achieve healthy goals. If you have been thinking about checking out the Balanced Athlete Fitness Studios in Chevy Chase, now is the perfect time. Especially if you are looking for a bright spot to finish off this oh so interesting year. You can try out a week of classes for free to see if it feels like a good fit for you. I have gotten in my best shape in a very long time here and I thoroughly enjoy all of the classes and the people. I can wholeheartedly say that I love both this space and the community which has been created within it. Happy Exercising!!!
DC Design House 2016
Feeling saturated from online catalog images of stale, predictable interior spaces, or just feeling blahed out by tired out spaces in your own home?
Have I got a cure for you! The perfect antidote for interior design fatigue is a visit to the 2016 Edition of the DC Design House. This year’s 9th Annual DC Design House (located at 2509 Foxhall Rd NW in DC’s Wesley Heights neighborhood) is open daily through October 30th. Tickets are $35.00 at the door and Benefit the Children’s National Health System. Visit DCDesignHouse.com for more information on hours etc.
A number of highlights stood out for me about this year’s Design House. First and foremost, the house itself is impressive in its own right. It was built in 2010 (designed by GTM Architects and built by Gibson Builders) but feels rich with history with its thoughtful design and classic architecture. I love the way the spaces spill into each other effortlessly and the layout feels generous but intimate and inviting; no small feat for such an enormous home at over 11,000 square feet. The residence has a luscious leafy green backdrop with refreshing beautiful views from all of the rooms to the back of the home. The front has views of stunning landscaped gardens. If you are in the market for a $10 million home, lucky you, because it’s for sale!
Bedroom by Charles C. Almonte; photo by Holly O’Brian
Secondly, throughout the home, I noticed various instances of very reasonably priced pieces juxtaposed with items that are much more high end. For example, in designer Nancy Corzine’s Family Room, an inexpensive side table is topped with a high end lamp. This mixing of high and low price points provides a unique result where the combination itself ends up feeling special and rich. In designer Rachel Dougan of Vivi Interior’s space you will find a lovely piece which consists of a black sculptural base cabinet with a custom marble top, and it turns out the base is from IKEA; by far the most impressive and unexpected IKEA hack that I’ve seen!
My favorite room this year was the Bedroom designed by the Architect/Interior Designer Charles C. Almonte . I was lucky enough to get to meet the designer himself and asked him about the inspiration behind this room. He explained that the colors and textures in the space were selected to evoke the images of sunrise and sunset; warm and inviting in the evening and uplifting and energizing in the morning. The colors themselves are lovely and calming but invigorating at the same time. Corals and sun-kissed blues and greens are combined with natural fibers of the window treatments and a sisal rug layered under a richly colored Moroccan rug. Charles also brings in floral elements and warm metals making this a most inviting and elegant room. I really love this space!
Bedroom by Charles C. Almonte; photo by Holly O’Brian
Charles C. Almonte (Interior Designer/Architect); photo by Holly O’Brian
I also loved the Living Room designed by Interior Designer, Pamela Harvey. Pamela combined whites, greens and blacks in a sunny, fresh and simply elegant space.
Family Room by Pamela Harvey Interiors; photo by Holly O’Brian
Andrea Houck created a gorgeous and glamorous girl’s Parisian-inspired bedroom with lots of pink, purple and white with bright splashes of whimsy.
Girl’s Parisian-Inspired Bedroom by Andrea Houck, Interior Designer; photo by Holly O’Brian
Lastly, I thoroughly enjoyed the Vintage Cabana/Roof Deckdesigned by Quintece Hill Mattauszek at Studio Q Designs . This space is vintage Hollywood Glamour and I did not want to leave. The linens are crisp white and refreshingly bright and simple combined with intricate well thought out golden and palm green details that invite you outside in all of its luxuriously relaxing simplicity.
Bar Area adjacent to Roof Deck by Q Designs; photo by Holly O’Brian
Roof Deck by Q Designs; photo by Holly O’Brian
These rooms are just some of my favorites, but there is much much more to see. If you are local to DC, be sure and stop by soon (as October 30th is the final day). I would love to hear about your favorite rooms and overall impressions for this year’s Design House. Thanks so much for reading and have a fabulous day!
Holly
New Den Coffeehouse at Politics and Prose: A Classy and Cozy New Space
The Politics and Prose Bookstore is one of my favorite places in my neighborhood (Chevy Chase, DC) and in the whole city for that matter. Being surrounded by tons of books is the most comforting feeling I know. With all of the changes that have been occurring in the way people consume books, with many purchased online and many read on screens, it is beyond wonderful to have a thriving real-life bookstore which acts as a meeting place and cultural hub for both the neighborhood and the city just a couple blocks down from my apartment. I love the fact that you get shamed here for talking on a cell phone. There are so few places that exist like this anymore.
Photo by Holly O'Brian
Photo by Holly O'Brian
I have lived in DC for 11 years and have enjoyed coming to the Coffee House in the basement of Politics and Prose regularly since first moving to the neighborhood. Even though it was a bit gritty, packed with people and due for some upgrades, I have always loved its overall vibe. It was bustling and loud and lovely. The grittiness and overcrowding was actually a huge part of its charm. The people who worked there were eclectic and super friendly, and seemed to really love their jobs. And the people who hung out there were equally colorful and interesting.
To be quite honest, when I heard that the coffee shop was going to be acquired by new management and renovated I was more than a bit nostalgic and anxious. I was concerned that the unique character and coziness of the old coffee shop would be replaced by something overly slick and hip and just plain lacking in personality with all of the amazing people who previously worked there replaced by efficient robots.
Boy, was I wrong!
Photo by Holly O'Brian
The new space feels open and expansive, but still keeps its original funky and edgy (but welcoming) character. It turns out that many of the people working in the new space also worked in the old space. This gives a wonderful sense of continuity and familiarity, which is very much appreciated in a neighborhood spot.
The Den Coffeehouse at Politics and Prose maintains its original charm, while feeling much more open and interesting through a beautiful integration of rich materials, improved space planning and a better overall flow.
The space boasts of a perfect balance of materials; warm chunky wood tables combined with latte colored concrete floors, stainless steel ductwork, blackened steel table bases and exposed white-washed brick walls.
The counter where the cash register is located is a gorgeous curved bar with lovely wood strips and a black countertop atop an attractive glass display case. This new bar helps to guide circulation at the cash register and throughout the space overall. The open kitchen at the back creates a feeling of transparency and visual interest. A clever display of menu items including beers and wines written on changeable wood strips as well as a chalkboard display of daily food specials keeps everything feeling fresh.
The wrap around charcoal grey bench at the back room gives guests space to pile in family style along the perimeter of the newly added square footage. There are Distinct zones keep the layout feeling more open and accessible (laptop bar at the window, bar seating, smaller and larger table options and bench seating). Thoughtful lighting solutions via Edison-style light fixtures help to highlight the raised bar as well as the wall space filled with interesting art.
A clean metal wire track display system over crisp white walls allows for the display of changing art exhibits. The overall space lends itself to larger art display and has a distinctly gallery feel.
There is a certain added level of sophistication and elegance, without detracting from the warmth. The menu has been expanded and wine and beer are now served, which is definitely a plus.
I love this new space which has a comfortable, irreverent and independent character combined with a classy sophisticated elegance.
I am so thrilled to have the Den Coffeehouse as my new and improved/old hangout spot. If you haven’t been to the Den Coffeehouse yet, please check it out and let me know what you think. Venues like this go a long way in improving the quality of life in a neighborhood. Who says that good interior design isn’t necessary? A thoughtfully designed interior can completely transform the way people experience a space, and the newly renovated Den Coffeehouse is a perfect example of this reality. Enjoy!
A Beautiful New Restaurant Space in Chevy Chase, DC: Macon Bistro and Larder
Flowers are blooming, Rock Creek Park is at its stunning best full of zillions of leafy green trees and though temperatures are warming up, we are still enjoying nice evening breezes. Don’t you love Spring in DC?
It has been ages since I have posted here, but I must say that I am feeling very inspired, and wanted to share a brand new space in my neighborhood which I think is absolutely gorgeous: the new Macon Bistro and Larder in Chevy Chase, DC.
I am going to limit my comments to the interiors,(and one yummy cocktail which I had the pleasure of trying).
What I love about this fresh new space:
This new restaurant has fully taken advantage of and improved upon an ideal location in the Chevy Chase Arcade. Expansive windows open up to the Arcade on one side and to Connecticut Avenue on the other. I have spent the last month or so in anticipation of the grand opening (which happened on May 10th) peeking in every time I walk by. All of the windows and intrigue of this space definitely lends itself to peeking.
A very important aspect of successful restaurant design is creating curb appeal, where you are dying to catch a peek inside at all of the fun, beauty and intrigue.
The space feels both French and Southern, which refers to the owners ties to Macon, France and Macon, Georgia.
What works about this space is the simplicity of materials combined with a strong contrast through materials and color: rich neutrals combined with fresh green, yellow and white.
The dark colors (greys, blacks and browns) contrast with a sexy sinuous wallcovering in greens, browns, blacks and yellow. The smoky walls, aged crystal chandeliers, a gorgeous long marble-topped bar, and pops of vinyl green on French bistro chairs all come together to create a truly appealing look.
The long bar is the centerpiece of the space, marble topped with rustic wooden stools and detailing combined with wrought iron accents. Small square wooden tables with wrought iron bases and wooden French bistro chairs with chartreuse green vinyl seats sit atop rustic large brown floor tiles. Bench style seating lines the arcade side of the space. The sturdiness of materials is balanced out by a playful lightness created by gorgeous transparencies at windows and mirrors. Jewel-like aged crystal chandeliers are found throughout the dining space, and vintage glass pendants line the bar. Tall windows and tall mirrors…And the yummiest ever tall drink recommended by the bartender: “the French 75ish” with gin, lemon, crème Yvette. Oh La La!!
The open kitchen area is lined white subway tiles with dark grout and creates a clean handmade feel in contrast with industrial stainless steel. A stunning lithograph type tree in black and white is visible from the Connecticut Avenue windows and pops against the dark wall. Black chalkboards with daily specials and a host of thoughtful details give the space a worn, rustic, feel with a splash of refreshing modern allure.
The Macon Bistro is a lovely addition to Chevy Chase, DC and definitely raises the design bar for the neighborhood. I am very much looking forward to the opening of their sidewalk café in June. Please check out this fabulous space whenever you happen to be in the neighborhood.
Wow!!
Holly
Note: Credit for the design of this gorgeous space goes to the Owner’s Wife, Kimberly Brown, and their friend, Shoshana Lombardi.