URBAN ELEGANCE

2009 Spring Design House at the Washington DC Design Center

Now through–June 27, 2009

The spring Washington Design Center Design House, is comprised of eight of the industry’s leading designers who created eight fabulous spaces in “Urban Elegance” style, which gives you a taste of luxurious city living. Each room features urban life with sophistication and style filled with distinct character.

The rooms are filled with so much inspiration you may just find yourself craving a stylish urban space designed just for yourself.

A little taste of what you will find at the Design House:

GRAND SALON:

Designed by Gloria de Lourdes Blalock of Blalock Interiors, LLC

The large expansive living room, at the heart of the home imbues a modern setting with an Old World vibe that feels gracious and intimate with a variety of vignettes that are set into conversational groupings. Filled with a collection of 19^th-20^th century tea caddies, an extensive collection of “found” objects with natural elements, along with high end materials all sit on top of a beautiful Oriental Agra antique rug from Stark. The warm rich patina to the walls, painted by Lauren Bruce of Lauren B Gallery, creates a fresh inviting and welcoming room.

Some of Gloria’s favorite elements of the room are:

CABINET OF NATURAL CURIOSITIES

An extensive collection of “found” objects are displayed in a cohesive way within a unique cabinet with a warm patina, doors wrapped in leather accented with ornate strap hinges and nail head trim. With the richness of rock crystals set along side coral and other formations imbues a powerful sensation when in its presence.

CEILING MEDALLION

The inspiration for the medallion derived from two cherished pieces, an antique clock and compass. Elements were borrowed from each of the items to create an extraordinary compass-clock ceiling medallion painted by Lauren Bruce of Lauren B. Gallery. Along one perimeter of the medallion are distressed elaborate hooks which casts pleasing shadows onto the ceiling.

ART

The original oil painting over the love seat which evokes a serene tone is very special to Gloria, for her talented dear brother, Rolando Mendez is the artist. The painting, aptly named “My Sister’s Happiness” since for Gloria it conveys a feeling of having a wonderful place to get away to.

For further articles and pictures of other rooms in the Design Center please visit:

Leah at Apartment Therapy who did an extensive blog Also, another great blog by Jennifer Seargent over at Washington Spaces.

To visit: The Design House is opened through June 27, 2009 Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.–3p.m.

The Washington Design Center 300 D Street S.W. Washington, D.C. 20024

Free admission and open to the public.