This is the sixth show house for Allie Mann of Case Design/Remodeling, who says creating unique spaces at show houses, such as the bathroom for the ASPIRE HOUSE McLean, giving back to the community, as well as designing livable and lovable rooms for her clients inspire her every day. Mann shares more about her upcoming projects and career in an exclusive interview with Sherry Moeller.
The color and pattern of the blue tiles in a recent project by Allie Mann of Case Design/Remodeling provided inspiration for her ASPIRE HOUSE McLean bathroom design. Photo by Stacy Zarin Goldberg.
Sherry Moeller: Describe your room at the show house. How did you come up with the concept and what’s the backstory?
Allie Mann: I’m designing a second floor bathroom adjacent to a bedroom. Bathrooms, in general, are these little gems that can be both public and private where great design can live. In this show house bathroom, I wanted to incorporate materials that were a little edgier or unexpected in terms of color saturation and that really create a dramatic space. The tile is the show stopper in this bathroom. It will be installed in different patterns, creating interesting lines and movement
SM: What’s a favorite element you plan to incorporate into your space at the ASPIRE HOUSE McLean?
AM: A favorite element is the wall treatment in the water closet. The cheetah design, which I’ll draw myself, will complement the space’s green tones, which are a bit whimsical and fun.
Mann’s bathroom at ASPIRE HOUSE McLean 2020 includes emerald green tiles surrounding the tub/shower and coordinating hand-painted cheetah spots, drawn by Mann, in the water closet. Rendering by Allie Mann.
SM: What projects have you done in the past that most resemble or relate in some way to what you plan to design at the ASPIRE HOUSE McLean? Or is this a completely different concept?
AM: Last year I designed a bathroom for a client who was not afraid of bold colors. That bathroom inspired my design at the ASPIRE HOUSE McLean, where I want to celebrate rich, daring colors.
A floating vanity, patterned floor and blue wall complement the beautiful blue tile in this project by Mann. Photo by Stacy Zarin Goldberg.
SM: Have you participated in other show houses and why?
AM: This will be the sixth show house I have participated in over the last 10 years. I love meeting new people and sharing design concepts and ideas – it’s all so fun. But more than that, it’s the concept of service that inspires me to continue to be involved in show houses. We are so fortunate to live where we live and do what we do. I tell my daughters every day how much I love what I do and that’s not something everyone can say. I embrace the community service aspect of show houses, the giving back, and being able to share my passion with my daughters.
A bold tiled backsplash and modern cabinetry continue the use of dramatic finishes in the same house as the above bathroom, designed by Mann. Photo by Stacy Zarin Goldberg.
SM: What’s next for you design wise—are there some projects you’re particularly excited about? Are there any projects you’d love to tackle, sort of a design bucket list?
AM: I am currently working on the design of Case’s newest studio space in Alexandria, Virginia, slated to open late spring. I also just finished speaking at KBIS in Las Vegas on outdoor kitchen and bathroom design, with a webinar for NKBA coming up. But my favorite project right now is one we just started construction on with a past client. This project has been more than a year in the making and I was thrilled to be able to assist them on their search for their dream home, where I’ll be moving the kitchen from its existing space to another room – one of the many exciting elements of the home.
About the Designer | Allie Mann of Case Design/Remodeling, Inc. started working with Case Design in 2005 and for the last 10 years has also been an Adjunct Faculty Member at Northern Virginia Community College where she teaches Introduction to Interior Design and Kitchen and Bath Design. Mann likes to create well-loved and well-lived in spaces that range from color infused, to modern, to eclectic, but that are always authentically those of her clients.
Sherry Moeller is a contributing editor for ASPIRE DESIGN AND HOME magazine.
Proceeds for ASPIRE HOUSE: McLean will benefit First Responders of the COVID-19 pandemic. Click here to learn more, and purchase tickets for the event; open August 21 – September 7, 2020.
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