Martyn Lawrence-Bullard

Hollywood celebrities often pass through DC to promote one cause or another. But we rarely get a Hollywood celebrity’s interior designer in town. So it’s no wonder that Martyn Lawrence-Bullard attracted a full house at the Washington Design Center yesterday. Lawrence-Bullard is not only one of the stars of BRAVO’s “Million Dollar Decorators,” he is also designer for the likes of Cher, Kid Rock, Sharon and Ozzie Osbourne and Sir Elton John, to name a few.

Cher’s living room in Hollywood’s Sierra Towers designed by Lawrence-Bullard

Sporting jeans, a tweed jacket and his signature scruff, the London-born, L.A.-based Lawrence-Bullard appeared to talk about the new fabric collection he’s designed for Schumacher. He was joined by Susan North, Schumacher’s senior vice president and creative director of design, of whom he is clearly a fan. “Susan is the empress of fabric,” he mused. “She made sense of my madness.”

Highlights from Martyn Lawrence-Bullard’s collection for Schumacher.

The collection includes an eclectic mix of patterns and textures, from paisleys and ikats to embroidered chevrons to handspun raw silks. Inspired by frequent travel India, Morocco and Turkey, Lawrence-Bullard put a modern spin on traditional motifs. “The designs are quite varied, but work together in my eye,” he said. “Susan and I came up with color palettes that would mix but not match, which I love.”

Lawrence-Bullard, who believes that “interiors go hand in hand with fashion,” honed in on colors that just happen to be all the rage on the runways this season: orange, lime, cerise. “There are colors that you like to wear and look good in, so why wouldn’t you surround yourself in those colors at home?” he reasoned.

Lawrence-Bullard designed a bedroom in the L. A. home of real estate guru Chris Cortazzo

When he is not jetting around the globe for his clients, Lawrence-Bullard keeps busy on myriad projects, from creating a line of men’s jewelry for women to designing rugs for The Rug Company. Season 2 of “Million Dollar Decorators” will film Lawrence-Bullard at work in London, India, New York and Paris. And this Sunday, BBC viewers will find the ever-fashionable designer presiding a la Ryan Seacrest over the red carpet on Oscar night.

Lawrence-Bullard’s own dining room in Hollywood

Before he dashed off to catch a plane, Bullard signed copies of his best-selling book, Live, Love, and Decorate, in the Schumacher showroom and chatted with local designers. “To me,” he said, “the biggest compliment I get is to see how other designers take something I’ve worked on and make it their own.” —Sharon Jaffe Dan, Editor-in-Chief, HOME & DESIGN Magazine.

Photos © Ben Droz

Designed by Luigi Massoini and CRS Boffi, the Xila ST kitchen is a series of modular bases, wall units and taller cabinet units that are available in a variety of different finishes. The cabinet units have no handles, but are instead fitted with push-to-open mechanisms for a seamless, sleek appearance.

On November 29th, Boffi Georgetown celebrated its first anniversary with a special reception and visit from Paolo Boffi, the co-owner and chairman of the company. Mr. Boffi’s father, Piero Boffi started building kitchen cabinetry in Italy in 1934. By 1948, Boffi was producing the first modular cabinetry for kitchens in its original factory.  It was in that year his sons—Dino, Pier Ugo and Paolo—joined the company.

In the Georgetown showroom, Mr. Boffi spoke to guests about the evolution of the Boffi brand and its innovative collections of modern kitchen, bathroom and wardrobe systems.

H&D had the opportunity to speak with Mr. Boffi that evening via a translator to discuss the latest kitchen and design trends. Following are some highlights from our interview.

Assuming Europe sets the trends in kitchen design, how long does it take for the latest styles to reach the U.S.?

Certainly, Europe is now more cutting-edge [than the U.S.]. But don’t forget that 50 years ago we were building American-style kitchens the American way in Italy. We were particularly influenced by Frank Lloyd Wright in the 1920s.

Then Europe developed further, especially its the appliances industry. Europeans were very concerned with built-in appliances. (This is evident in our 2008 Launch of The Duemilaotto Kitchen, which featured bi-folding, coplanar and pocket doors to conceal appliances such as the refrigeration units and ovens behind finished panels.) I think regardless of the financial crisis, the U.S. is a great market for European appliances and kitchens. (We continue to inspire new ways of utilizing and viewing this very important part of the home.)

Are modern kitchens on the rise in the U.S.?

Except for England and France, kitchens in the rest of Europe are modern. What has happened in Europe is going to happen in the rest of the world. In the U.S. market, we have not reached the 10 percent [saturation] point of modern kitchens and have no doubt that they are just going to become more and more popular..

What are the latest trends in European kitchens?

Surely, minimalism is here to stay. As far as materials, lacquered, opaque and wooden kitchens are popular.

And there’s always time for a great trend to return. It’s like women’s skirts; they get longer or shorter every 10 years.

How has bathroom design evolved in recent years?

What happened in the bathroom is the same thing that happened with kitchens. Years ago, the kitchen was only a place where you cook but it’s become a place where you live. Bathrooms are becoming bigger and more personalized. Before, everyday items such as tubs, mirrors and washbasins all looked the same, but now there is a greater choice in materials and models.

Also, with new technology today we can install freestanding tubs in the middle of the bathroom instead of against a wall. It’s has evolved like the island in the kitchen.

What is new on the horizon for Boffi?

We have a new architect working on a very high-tech product designed for younger people on the move. It will be ecologically sound and made with recycled materials. It will contain no wood—not even a centimeter. It will probably be on the market in late 2012.

Boffi is also further developing our lighting collection and bringing sanitary fixtures (toilets and bidets) into the U.S. soon.

And now, a few images from the wonderful event!

Boffi Georgetown showroom manager Julia Walter, Paolo Boffi and Home & Design editor in chief Sharon Jaffe Dan.

Toni Thomas of Boffi Georgetown and Keisha Banks of Project 4 Gallery.

Alison Tilley of Bulthaup and Oliver Kindling of Euro Installations LLC.

Christina Athanasiades of Contemporaria, Vincent Baylor and Brian Fell, Design Within Reach.

For more event coverage, see “Out and About” in the January-February 2012 issue of HOME & DESIGN.

While pedestal sinks are popular in powder rooms, vanities have remained a staple for master and guest bathrooms. Luckily, today’s manufacturers have combined both style and function to create beautiful vanities to compliment any design aesthetic. The recent trend in vanities is clean, crisp lines with either a white or dark wood finish, like espresso. They are more casual in design — nothing too ornate or formal — a good mix between minimalist cabinetry and a warm piece of furniture.

The size of the vanity is clearly dictated by the size of the space. Since master bathrooms are getting larger, many homeowners opt for a double sink vanity. However, for a custom look, consider splitting the vanities into two freestanding structures and mount on the wall instead of sitting on the floor. Vanity heights can also be personalized to accommodate a tall or short homeowner; or mix the heights for a double sink. Heights range from the standard 30 inches up to 36 inches.

Another consideration when choosing the perfect vanity is storage. Keeping clutter like lotions, brushes, makeup, etc., off the counter is ideal for a clean, fresh look. From full extension drawers that allow you to see everything inside to tilt-down drawers at the front of the sink, there are many new options to choose from. Drawers with power outlets for hair dryers and curling irons are a popular choice. If space allows, a wire basket laundry hamper can be hidden in a deep cabinet.  For towel storage, many manufacturers sell coordinating linen cabinets to match the vanity. Soft close drawers and doors prevent slamming and unnecessary noise.

The mirror above the vanity should coordinate and, ideally, the width should be smaller than the cabinet width. This provides flexibility on where to place the lighting. While there are many custom options, manufacturers make it easy by selling framed mirrors in the same finish as the vanity. In-set medicine cabinets have also made a comeback in the modern bathroom, providing even more hidden storage. Some medicine cabinets even include an electrical outlet, which is great for an electric razor or toothbrush. For those that love TV, the newest must-have mirror includes a vanishing LCD HDTV.

Lastly, lighting the sink and vanity area is another important element in creating the ideal bathroom. The most common mistake homeowners make is placing a lighting fixture directly above the mirror. This position illuminates the top of the head and casts a shadow on the face. It is recommended that a wall sconce be placed on each side of the mirror. It is also best to pick out your lighting at the same time as your faucets and other fixtures to ensure the finishes all coordinate.

-Meredith Minor, Ferguson Annapolis Showroom Consultant
www.ferguson.com

With so many great shops right around the corner, it is impossible to leave empty-handed! Here are a few of my favorites…

Verdigris Antiques & Interiors
1215 King Street, Alexandria, VA 22314
(703) 518-5301
verdigris.bondandbowery.com

Chock full of treasures, Verdigris is the place to go for a bit of quirk and the unexpected. When done in balance and with counterpoint, whimsy can lend a sophisticated surprise to your rooms. The two-story shop is a maze of accessories, artwork, light fixtures and small furnishings. For both of the DC Design House rooms I recently designed, I came here to find the perfect accents. Not too long ago, I spied a fencing mask, a pair of Italian gilded Rococo mirrors, and a gorgeous antique brass inkwell. You never know what you may chance upon and that’s half the fun!

Tone on Tone
7920 Woodmont Avenue, Bethesda, MD 20814
(240) 497-0800
tone-on-tone.com

The impeccably styled selection at Tone on Tone uplifts the senses, and the words grace and calm come immediately to mind. You may find yourself circling the store so you never have to leave. A visit years ago confirmed my decision to have all the wood floors in my own home bleached, and to this day they make me happy every time I open my front door. If you are looking for Swedish painted furniture, urns, statuary, vintage garden furnishings, creamware, or antique mirrors, this is the place to shop. You can even take items out on approval.

The Brass Knob
2311 18th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20009
(202) 332-3370
thebrassknob.com

Sconces, table lamps, chandeliers…these are but a glimpse into the variety of fixtures that bring a warm glow to our rooms. The more we layer lighting the better we enjoy our spaces and each other. The Brass Knob stocks an impressive amount of antique and vintage pieces which add character, especially to newly-built homes. You can also find unique hardware, brackets and hooks. A few weeks ago, I saw a fantastic metal shelf that I may have to go back and buy myself. If you are a big fan of Reuse and Recycle, the salvaged inventory here fits the bill.

With so many fantastic local shops, this small peek into the DC design scene only scratches the surface. May you be inspired to go explore!

- Barbara Franceski
Founder and Principal, Barbara Franceski LLC
www.barbarafranceski.com

Finding the right accessories is all in the design basics: It’s about balance, proportion, color, and then adding touches of texture here and there. Below are some tips on how to accessorize your home—with a nod towards the crisp autumn days we’re enjoying right about now.

Mirror Image:

Every room needs at least one mirror—for sparkle and to make the space look bigger.  My favorite style of mirror is a sunburst style mirror. Very dynamic, it will add a stylish element to your home.

A room I designed for the Washington Design Center's Design House, in which I used a large sunburst mirror as a focal point.

In years past the only sunburst mirrors out there were beyond most people’s budgets, but now there are many to choose from at reasonable prices.  One of my favorites is this one below:

A mirror by Suzanne Kasler for Ballard Designs.

This mirror is about as dynamic as you can get.  Hang it above a chest or console table and add some of the accessories below, which reflect the fall season, to finish the look.  Here are some of my favorite accessories this season.

An interesting accessory from Restoration Hardware.

A pair of cast iron Han Horses, also from Restoration Hardware.

Multi-colored pumpkins from Pottery Barn.

Amber Luster Glass Vases with Dots from Pier One.

In addition to mirrors, artwork can also serve as a focal point in a room. Try the abstract painting paired with the pillow below (both from Crate and Barrel) to pick up the vibrant, fall palette:

Happy Fall!!

—Margery Wedderburn

Margery Wedderburn Interiors, LLC

1.  Floor plan, floor plan, floor plan!  This is the roadmap for the rest of your design. Once you understand the floor plan and the scale of the room you can select furniture that is well suited for the space.

2.  Select permanent finishes – tile, wood flooring or carpeting – that stand the test of time.  These are the finishes that you will live with for some time so don’t select anything that is overly trendy.

3.  Choose a rug that fits your palette.  If you are considering a patterned area rug make sure your selection works with the permanent finishes that you have chosen.

4.  Furniture and Fixtures – start searching for your furniture and fixtures with a defined shopping list to guide you.  Collect pages from your favorite design magazines with pictures of rooms that you love.

5.  Look for fabrics that compliment the furniture pieces you chose and look for your soft-goods — draperies and pillows.  As you are shopping for these fabrics use samples of your permanent finishes and your rug colors as a guide.  Size usually makes it impractical to drag an area rug with you as you shop but don’t rely on photos alone because they never produce accurate color.  A good tip is to match paint chips to the colors in the rug and staple them onto the photo for reference.

6.  Once you’ve decided on your design and finishes now you can consider your color scheme.  Wall paper, faux finishes or paint – there is a limitless palette of paint colors out there.  Take all of your finishes with you and find a hue that compliments what you’ve selected, but doesn’t take center stage.  If you are hesitant to go bold throughout the entire house, pick a room and take a leap of faith!  Ask for a low-VOC or no VOC paint.  These paints have had the toxic chemicals that are used as drying agent removed or reduced and as a result they are much healthier for your home.  Paint is the least expensive change you can make to your room however it can provide the perfect finishing touch.

Good luck!

- Shanon Munn
Principal, Ambi Design Studio

Where do you start? Begin by envisioning the areas where you entertain from your guests’ vantage point.

Set the scene
You want guests to feel welcome right from the curb. Consider installing decorative, energy-saving, low-voltage landscape lights to illuminate a path to your door. Not only is this important for safety but it also creates ambiance at night.

After your guests have walked through your beautifully lit landscape, do not blast them with a bright lantern at the door. During a party, you can temporarily screw in flicker bulbs for an old-fashioned look or silk-wrapped bulbs that offer less glare.

Look at the front of your property and decide which areas to highlight. Place lights in front of specific plants, trees and shrubbery to create interesting shadows. If you live in a neighborhood where many homes look alike, great outdoor lighting can make yours stand out.

If the party is in the backyard, lighting can heighten the festive atmosphere. Gardens can come alive at night with strategically-placed uplighting, tiki torches, paper lanterns or string lights. The combination of foliage textures and garden colors can create an unforgettably romantic and  mysterious atmosphere for your guests.

Come on in
Because the foyer is the first impression of your home, the space should be inviting and the lighting adequate enough for visitors to perform a quick check in a nearby mirror. For that reason, the light level should be similar to the rest of the house. Consider increasing foyer lighting as guests start to leave so they can find their belongings if stored in a nearby coat closet.

Inside the living spaces during a party, remember that everyone looks better in lower levels of light (restaurants know this very well). When entertaining, there is no reason to over-light. Use dimmers to provide lower light levels for recessed lighting or chandeliers. If your lamps aren’t equipped with three-way switches, there are lamp dimmers on the market that will help you control the amount of light in the room.

In the kitchen
In the kitchen, layering of different types of lighting is important and dimmers can be your best friend. When you’re preparing for a party and cleaning up afterward, bright light is ok. However, during the party, do you really want to draw attention to the unglamorous aspects of entertaining? That’s when accent lighting works its magic and there are numerous techniques that may work for your kitchen. Examples include uplighting the soffits above the cabinets, highlighting a cove, undercabinet fixtures, toekick lighting or illuminating the interior of glass-fronted cabinetry.

If you don’t already have a decorative fixture over the island or breakfast nook, it is a worthwhile investment. These fixtures supply helpful downlighting while also adding beauty to a utilitarian room.  During the party, dim any pendants, island lights or breakfast nook fixtures to give a wonderful, subtle glow to the room. Turn off the overhead lights.

If food will be available in the kitchen, keep the undercabinet lights on to facilitate serving. As well, lighting at the toekick and over the cabinets will add intrigue and interest to the room.

In closing, guests may not remember the lighting in your home, but they will remember the mood and ambiance it creates. Have fun with lighting – it’s a party, after-all!

- Beth Caston
Lighting Specialist at Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery

The sun setting over the pool, pond and rolling acres of Holly Manor. Additional photos of individual rooms will be posted as they are received by Home & Design.

September 23, 2011—What a beautiful night it was for showcasing Holly Manor, a Dutch Colonial located in the rolling hills between Washington and Baltimore and site of the 27th Decorator Show House organized by Historic Ellicott City. Designers from all over the region dazzled us with more than 25 fabulous rooms showing off the homes’ 18th-century historic roots in both traditional and contemporary styles.

The present owners of the house have been living in a cottage on the property while they complete the mansion’s restoration. The foundation core of this historic home dates back to the mid-1700’s. Features include beautifully detailed moldings, wide plank flooring throughout, and panoramic views of the three-acre lake from many of the rooms. When the show is over, all the furniture and accessories will be removed, except for the paint on the walls and any items the owners choose to buy.

Every room is a visual treat filled with decorating ideas. The grand entry hallway features an exquisite curving staircase set off by a two-story mural painted by Deborah Watson that depicts the peaceful, pastoral setting of the property.

The elegant dining room by Corrine Zwiselsberger of Creations by Corrine LLC, was decked out in period style with a “Southern Hospitality” theme including a table set for an elaborate affair.

The sunroom and casual dining area by Lissa Bounds of Ellicott Interiors, LLC, share the amazing sunset view. The room features a modern motif with textures of linen and sumptuous ultra-suede in shades of taupe and chamois accented with copper and gold for a stunning effect.

The kitchen by Enalee Bounds of Ellicott’s Country Store is awe-inspiring and looks out over a brick-walled cozy family room by Lorna Gross of Savant Interior Design, complete with window-seat and fireside seating. Don’t miss seeing the fabulous brackets holding the draperies in this room.

On the second floor, an outdoor deck by Rena Bullard of ReDecorating by Rena really took advantage of the beautiful night to wow visitors to imagine this relaxing space as one of their own.

Design students at Montgomery College contributed with their take on an inviting entry hall to the master suite. And the regal “Town and Country” master suite by Julie Dastvan of Dastvan Designs showcases Oscar de la Renta floral fabric on the drapes and bed canopy as the focal point. Visitors will delight in the master bath suite by Sheryl McLean of Décoria Interior Designs. From the sumptuous iron claw soaking tub to the French-inspired private retreat I found myself relaxing by just looking at these spaces.

Entering the antebellum guest bedroom is a step back in time. If you are a lover of antiques you must meet Linda Farndon of Wild Goose Chase Antiques and Interiors whose room is packed full of delights. Don’t miss the wallpaper painted to look just like period wainscoting.

There is a lot to see at Holly Manor — so many must-see rooms not to mention just as many fabulous shops that kept me there late into the night. I highly recommend taking the time to see this property in all its glory. Rebecca McClimans, Art Director , Home & Design

12402 Lime Kiln Road at Holly Manor Way, Fulton, Maryland 29759
Open: September 24 to October 23, 2011
Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday 10am to 4.
Thursday 10am till 8pm
Sunday Noon to 5pm
Closed Mondays
Tickets $15 in advance and $20 at the door
Proceeds support the preservation of Ellicott City’s rich historic inventory. For more information or to order tickets visit www.historicec.com

List of Holly Manor’s Designers
CCBC Design Students
Creations by Corrine LLC
Dare Designs LLC
Dastvan Designs LLC
Deborah E. Watson Decorative Painting & Fine Arts
Decoria Designs
Gallery 44
Ellicott’s Country Store
Ellicott Interiors, LLC
La-Z-Boy
Lynn Madyson Designs
Montgomery College
Nelson Dorsey Interiors
ReDecorating by Rena
Rhine Landscaping
Savant Interior Designs
Richard Serrao
SOIGNE Interiors
Studio Q Designs
WLM Designs
The Welcome Home: Interior Design Solutions
WildGooseChase Antiques & Interiors
Your Home by Wendy

Italy had joined the Coverings’ exhibit and I received a wonderful brochure from them. An excerpt from their welcoming message: “Please visit the stands in our pavilion and ask about our industry’s commitment to sustainability, technological advancements and design…The Ceramic Tiles of Italy label is producing tiles in Italy at the highest level of excellence.”

Of course I had to visit the booth and was treated to a nice espresso while gawking at the numerous tiles. They had slim formats and the latest digital printing technology tiles; to keep up with the growing number of sustainable tile companies, many Italian companies were also offering recycled tiles.

The Andean Stone Company from Peru was displaying amazing stone tile with beautiful veins and cross cuts. The colors were pretty and earthy; a few, like Fantastico Onyx, even resembled the ocean.

Encore showcased their new collection complete with diamond designs, awesome glazes, and more than ten display boards.

I was most impressed with the newly developed digital printing process, which offers a way to stamp pictures onto stone tile, down to the most miniscule details. The resulting tiles look like the real thing, including high-definition colors, high-gloss finishes, and recycled glass. Vendors from A to Z were represented everywhere I looked and some shared my disbelief at the enthusiastic buyers/sellers. Dave Bouchard, from Emil Ceramica, exclaimed “Everyone’s come out in full force!

During the economic downturn it was difficult to convince consumers that they would be getting the best price for their tile purchases. Fortunately, the increasingly popular inkjet technology has changed this. The inkjet machine easily prints any design with perfect precision on porcelain and stone surfaces, duplicating other surfaces for half the price and adding value and beauty to tile.

I found the high definition and print technology astounding, as well as the new wave of environmental activism. I was truly surprised at the companies that were developing green products and attempting to spread the trend of using recycled materials and design. There were even contests such as PROJECT: GREEN, which emphasized new sustainable architectural developments, and awarded prizes to vendors who displayed eco-friendly achievements. Coverings 2011 had a lasting impact on me and I returned home to Maryland with new products and ideas.

—– Davida Rodriguez, CKD.

www.davidaskitchenandtiles.com   http://davidaskitchenandtiles.typepad.com/