Cover Furniture chosen were low to the ground without competing with the natural beauty outside
Furniture chosen were low to the ground without competing with the natural beauty outside
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Modern sophistication meets highly functional comfort amidst the viridescent surrounds
For the family of four and their new cat, their Forest Hills home, nestled in a beautiful enclave Northwest of Washington DC, has the best of both worlds. While strategically located downtown, its close proximity to Rock Creek Park bisects the residential neighbourhood, putting some distance between the home and the hustle and bustle of the capital city.
Originally built in 1994, the 5,200 sq ft residence was designed by Stephen Muse Architects, a highly regarded architectural firm in the area. It came with a 720 sq ft deck in the rear that spanned the length of the home, overlooking a creek down the gulley.
“It had strong bones and a great layout,” comments Laura Hur, founder of Lorla Studio. “It was very much still in the ‘90s, and it was fun to reimagine it for today’s living.”
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Above Originally built in 1994, the residence was designed by the highly regarded Stephen Muse Architects
Originally built in 1994, the residence was designed by the highly regarded Stephen Muse Architects
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The “today’s living” in question was one that exuded a feeling of casual elegance: modern, minimal and sophisticated, but still highly functional to cater to the inhabitants’ needs; striking a delicate balance between luxury and comfort: chic for entertaining, yet comfortable for a family’s everyday living.
“We were inspired by nature, vintage watches, classic cars and modern architecture, which were all keen interests of our client,” remembers Hur, whose use of subdued material palettes and intentional stone selections translated into small but impactful details throughout the home.
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Natural juxtaposition
An unimpeded view of the verdant outdoors in the neutral-toned living room
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Above The outdoor view like a framed picture on the wall of the primary bathroom
Above Rooms throughout the home were fitted with picture windows of varying sizes and casements
The outdoor view like a framed picture on the wall of the primary bathroom
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Situated amidst the densely populated large mature trees, it would be a missed opportunity not to take full advantage of the locale’s amazing views. Rooms throughout the home with picture windows of varying sizes and casements provided unimpeded views of the verdant outdoors, easily passed off as framed pictures on the walls.
The design team was also very intentional in the colour and furniture selections to allow nature to take centre stage through the large windows. Colour palettes were kept to a minimum of monotone neutrals, while the furniture chosen was low to the ground, complementing without competing with the natural beauty outside.
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Above Earthy planters peppered strategically throughout the home
Above A visual contrast in the otherwise dark and moody room
Earthy planters peppered strategically throughout the home
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Meanwhile, earthy planters were peppered strategically in several areas of the home, a visual contrast that played off the walnut millwork that added a dose of elegance and luxury in spaces such as the coat closet and kitchen.
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The open plan kitchen
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Above A dose of elegance and luxury from the warm kitchen cabinetry
Above Walnut coat closet with integrated bevel pulls provides ample storage space
A dose of elegance and luxury from the warm kitchen cabinetry
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“To achieve the clean and minimal feeling, we really had to work hard to ensure that every piece of furniture that we introduced was functional and beautiful,” says Hur, in reference to the custom walnut cabinets and closets with notches and integrated bevel pulls, which when opened, revealed ample storage space to keep rooms clutter-free.
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Neutrals transition
Dark walls in the home office translated from the exterior
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Above Grey Moroccan tile backsplash with the dark basement kitchen cabinets
Above Dark upholstery bed frame in the primary suite
Grey Moroccan tile backsplash with the dark basement kitchen cabinets
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The dark grey exterior of the residence was interpreted indoors through black stained oak or painted black wood in the laundry room and the dry kitchen in the basement; upholstery in the family room and primary suite, as well as in the dark and moody home office—giving an edged grounding to the home.
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Above A sense of movement from the custom fireplace in the palette-restrained living room
Above Custom dry bar of honed silver travertine added depth to the black oak doors
A sense of movement from the custom fireplace in the palette-restrained living room
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Against crisp white walls and grey plastered walls, patterned stones advanced the aesthetic transition.
Honed silver travertine was selected for the custom fireplace in the living room and a dry bar due to its restrained colour palette and the sense of movement it brought to the space, reflecting the changing colours of the park through the windows.
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Above Zellige tiles in the primary bathroom advanced the tonal transition
Above The tiles counterbalanced the modern elements of the space
Zellige tiles in the primary bathroom advanced the tonal transition
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Whereas in the primary bathroom upstairs, handcrafted materials like the zellige tiles and hand-applied clay lime finish on the walls sought to counterbalance the modern elements of the space.
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Above Bold wallpaper in the daughter's whimsical room
Above A Taylor Swift gallery wall for the young avid fan
Bold wallpaper in the daughter's whimsical room
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Finally, the tonal journey of the home concluded with palettes and textiles that uplifted and softened for intimacy in private spaces. Furniture of subtle curves and soft edges accompanied luxurious velvets, boucle and linen, contributing warmth to a home from feeling too modern or cold.
Such familiarity culminated in the 9-year-old daughter’s whimsical room, where bold Kate Zaremba wallpaper provided a backdrop to a hanging chair and a large Taylor Swift gallery wall that Hur surprised the young, avid Swiftie with.
“It was a lot of fun to design and had a huge impact, as small personal touches like this helped make the space immediately feel like their home,” says the designer.
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Credits
Photography: Jenn Verrier
Celeste Goh is a senior writer covering architecture and design. Based in Malaysia, she reports on emerging architectural and home design trends, as well as insights by local and international architects and interior designers.
Previously, she covered men’s lifestyle, fashion, music and entertainment.
