By balancing classic and custom-made pieces with commissioned art and mid-century finds, Pamela Harvey of Pamela Harvey Interiors is creating a modern Family Room in the ASPIRE HOUSE McLean. With a color palette reflecting her wardrobe, this symmetrical space also celebrates the room’s architectural detailing. The designer shares more about her room in an exclusive interview with Sherry Moeller.
Pamela Harvey’s Family Room in ASPIRE HOUSE McLean, rendering by Amy Allison/Pamela Harvey Interiors
Sherry Moeller: Describe your room at the show house. How did you come up with the concept and what’s the backstory?
Pamela Harvey: Taking my cues from the Family Room’s overall symmetry, I created a balanced room with an artful mix of modern furniture with classic lines. Some old, some new and some custom-made pieces, including pairs of items, by several creative artisans make this room an ideal place to relax and unwind with the family. I’m keeping the color palette simple using black, white and caramel, much like my wardrobe. I also wanted the room to play well with the adjacent spaces.
The crisp color scheme in this Pamela Harvey-designed family room emphasizes the room’s architectural details. Photo by Stacy Zarin Goldberg.
SM: What’s a favorite element you plan to incorporate into your space at the ASPIRE HOUSE McLean?
PH: Among my favorite elements of the Family Room are the mix of art, the room’s architectural detailing, and the simple, balanced furnishings. Two abstract paintings by artist William McClure were commissioned for the space and flank the fireplace. With a nod to mid-century modernism, I procured a pair of original 1948 Jens Risom chairs in pristine condition; we just had to re-upholster them. We also showcase pottery by Amy Allison, custom-made console tables, Circa Lighting floor lamps, Mrs. Howard sofas, JKM Home cabinets, and a Hickory White concrete cocktail table.
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?
PH: We took a more modern approach by using a black, white and caramel color palette. Neutral tones with an array of textures create a room that is approachable and timeless, while exuding livable luxury. We just finished a new build in McLean that has a vibe similar to this Family Room concept where we also focused on ceiling details and a sleek fireplace design.
Pamela Harvey designed this family room with a neutral color palette. Photo by Stacy Zarin Goldberg.
SM: Have you participated in other show houses and why?
PH: Yes, we have participated in several show houses with our first one in 2005. Participating in show houses gives us the opportunity to meet new people, especially designers, who we collaborate with throughout the process. I’ve also enjoyed meeting others in the design trade, as well as house visitors, who provide insight into what they love and want designs they want to see more of.
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?
PH: I love to travel and study design styles in different regions. We’re just starting two new house designs: one in Naples, Florida and one in LA. After many years of developing solid systems and procedures in our design firm, we can effectively design almost anywhere. We have offices in the Washington, DC Metro region and in Florida, and many of our clients have homes in both places.
The blue and white family room designed by Pamela Harvey Interiors blends with the outdoor setting. Photo by Bos Images.
About the Designer | Pamela Harvey of Pamela Harvey Interiors is an award-winning designer, tastemaker and principal of her full-service design firm with offices in the Washington, DC Metro region and St. Petersburg, Florida. Pamela’s design affection is a modern take on traditional style, with an influence on classic silhouettes and timeless pieces paired with a touch of glamour and masterful use of color. With more than 20 years of experience in management, fashion and design, plus degrees in psychology and interior design, Pamela has honed her distinctive eye for style to create spaces that she calls livable luxury. Guided by clients’ aspirations, experiences and what is meaningful to them, the firm designs refined spaces that are expressions of the clients, telling visual stories about each person or business. Pamela’s work has appeared in Southern Home, Home & Design, Washingtonian, Virginia Living, Florida Design, and Designers Today, among others.
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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