The owner of this 4,500-square-foot home in Alexandria, Virginia’s North Ridge neighborhood was looking for an interior designer who could renovate her five-bedroom, three-bathroom home while incorporating her varied tastes and hobbies. An avid reader, pianist, gamer, entertainer and cat-lover, the homeowner told Julia Rose Schweyer of Julia Rose Interiors during their initial walk-through that “the moodier and weirder, the better” was what she wanted for the home renovation and redesign.
Hailing from a rural area of Pennsylvania, the homeowner has a great admiration for nature and wildlife. Knowing that, Julia weaved nature throughout many elements of her design. And with so many loves and interests in the owner’s life, Julia was able to design countless spaces for her to enjoy in different ways. The project also incorporates several pieces of commissioned artwork, including from an artist featured throughout former President Bill Clinton’s offices.
“This client had layers and spice, like a raw onion,” says Julia. “Her tastes and hobbies were as varied as her experiences, and she had a certain kindness and zest for life that was magnetic. Once we decided to work together, she turned over her full trust to me and we got to work ideating on all the possibilities for her many spaces.”
The entryway and stairwell feature House of Hackney wallpaper, Urban Electric lighting, a custom Kravet bench, a brass deer bowl, and four specially commissioned pieces of artwork from Wendy Bilas. The client, an avid pianist and animal lover, selected four favorite piano pieces and woodland creatures to be included in the paintings.
The living room furniture sits atop a custom-designed, hand-knotted, and hand-tufted 100% wool rug from artisans in Nepal. Two navy blue linen sectionals from Coley home frame a beautiful entertaining space. As the client loves puzzles, the center of the room is a coffee table that also functions as a puzzle table. The coffee table features a removable top that tucks into the table’s base, and enough space for two 1,000-piece puzzles and drawers to organize the pieces. In the corner of the room, a wooden pendant light from Currey & Co casts beautiful shadows on the wall. Custom Kravet drapery adorns the wall.
Drawing inspiration from a walnut custom table handmade by the client’s father, Julia added walnut-coffered ceilings to the living, dining, and piano room spaces on the first floor. The coffered ceilings feature a dimmable, hidden lighting element, adding much-needed light to the space without detracting from the coffered design with recessed cans. In the dining room, Julia also kept the client’s existing rug, adding in an eclectic mix of dining chairs and a dramatically oversized custom chandelier from Urban Electric.
The centerpiece of the aptly named piano room is a stunning heirloom Steinway & Sons grand piano with a custom Oomph backgammon table nearby. Two window nooks feature custom cushions, Urban Electric sconces, and a Kravet ottoman. On the wall opposite the bookshelves, a built-in bar area with refrigerated drawers ensures a cocktail is never too far away from guests. Next to the wet bar is a custom-commissioned Antoinette Wysocki piece. Following a three-page, get-to-know-me guide provided by the client, Antionette spent months learning the client’s favorite books and quotes, weaving Easter eggs throughout her custom piece. Antionette flew the piece down to the client herself. Antionette’s work is highly regarded in the art world. Most recently, her work was featured in former President Bill Clinton’s offices.
What was previously two separate bedrooms were combined to create a grand owner’s suite. The adjacent bedroom was closed off from the hallway, and a hidden bookcase entrance from the primary bedroom was added, offering privacy and a retreat to relax and wind down. The bedroom features custom-dyed deep green Venetian plaster on the walls with tongue and groove walnut treatment on the ceiling. A Vanguard canopy bed emphasizes the grand height of the bedroom. A 19th-century pine trunk, expertly restored by Shoenbauer Furniture Restoration, and a vintage European chair were imported to add old-world elegance to the space.
What was once a spare, unused guest bedroom became a parlor and office retreat. A beautiful, eclectic House of Hackney wallpaper adorns the ceiling while custom built-ins with walnut backing provide a reader’s haven. Custom Emily Dwan artwork depicts the owner’s favorite landscape from back home, adding a beautiful personal touch to a wonderfully vibrant space. High-end, custom-finished lighting in various areas throughout the dark and moody space provides a variety of lighting options for the space’s multiple uses. The furniture, including a Made Goods coffee table and Serena & Lily chair, rest on a custom-designed, hand-knotted, and hand-tufted silk and wool rug from artisans in Nepal. This room is accessible only via a private, hidden entrance off of the primary suite, offering a much-needed retreat from daily life.
Styling by Kristi Hunter.
Photography by Stacy Zarin Goldberg.
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