Imagine living in Europe and having to move your family of five back to the States in just a few months. You get one hectic trip to the U.S. to find and purchase a new home before your final move back to the DC area. And after you purchase that new home–after seeing it only once–you need to make improvements and furnish it. Oh, and you have to solve all these issues during a pandemic. Yikes!

These were the monumental challenges our clients faced last year when they reached out to Arlington Home Interiors for help. After a few emails and a zoom call, we were hired and on the job! We were so flattered they put their full trust and confidence in us to create a perfect space for their family without even officially meeting us!

Our clients gave us access to their new Bethesda home so we were able supervise trade work (e.g. the installation of wallpaper, carpeting and window treatments) and construction activities like updating their kitchen and primary bedroom and powder room. Our challenge was to transform the traditional interiors to reflect our clients’ modern tastes and create a warm, inviting home for everyday family living. Also, it was important to our clients that we incorporate sustainable eco-friendly furniture and design materials wherever possible.

*Photos: Robert Radifera, Styling: Charlotte Safavi*

Stylistically, we mixed natural textures, metals and wood with a soft teal, grey and taupe palette to create welcoming and peaceful spaces. The living room (above) is more formal, but the furnishings are performance fabrics that are very family friendly. (Yes, even that white sofa.)

*Artwork :Tom Killion, Photo: Robert Radifera, Styling: Charlotte Safavi*

We LOVE sourcing art–especially original art–and we had plenty of opportunities for this project. Our clients wanted art pieces that represented favorite areas from where they had previously lived or visited. We selected two gorgeous Japanese-style woodcut prints for above the dining room sideboard from California-based artist, Tom Killion.

*Artwork: Beverly Hayden, Photo: Robert Radifera, Styling: Charlotte Safavi*

We created this reading/music nook in our clients' second floor landing by adding an over-sized piece of art by Beverly Hayden, a comfy sofa for lounging and listening to the piano (not shown), and a trusty fiddle leaf fig. Now it's one of our clients' favorite places to spend family time.

*Photo: Robert Radifera, Styling: Charlotte Safavi*

The Asian cloud wallpaper by Kravet in the powder room is a personal favorite. It connects all the main level rooms with its tonal palette of greys and taupes. Powder rooms are perfect spaces to introduce a bolder pattern and add some personality as well as a little bling with modern brass.

With three children in the family, there's a lot of activity in this home. Our clients specifically requested a light, round cocktail table in the family room so it could be rolled away for dancing and gymnastics! (Green Note: The Family Room sofa by Cisco Home is one of the most environmentally friendly pieces you can find that’s made in the U.S.A.)

Oh, how we love grasscloth in the bedroom! It cozies up a large space and provides color interest and texture everywhere. We like to bring a little bit of vacation into everyday living space and we achieved that goal with the King-Sized woven bed. And I love how the patterned swivel chair fabric plays off the lines of the globally inspired ceiling fixture. This room is a destination!

Our goal for this project was to create a calm, contemporary space for this young family to thrive. This wonderful home has a special place in our hearts and that’s why we’re extra excited to announce that Home+Design is currently spotlighting it a full-length feature.

Whether you live in Europe or just down the street, we can help you and your family create a space that’s uniquely yours. Drop us a note and schedule your free consultation call today. We’d love to speak with you!

DESIGNING ACROSS THE WORLD AND BACK