To better showcase what our interior design consultations can achieve we’ve added a simple slideshow of Before & Afters from past client projects.

The best part of this re-design is that you can go from a before & after slide to the actual project within our Portfolio, see the pieces our designers used in the space and then head to product page to get dimensions, pricing and other information!

If you haven’t visited our website in awhile, be sure to check our new Design Services page today.

(And if you have any friends or family who have recently moved or are looking to redecorate, send ‘em our way!)

“I have a cape cod contemporary two story on the water with large windows facing east. We have a beautiful whitewashed cedar ceiling. The floor has stark white 10″ floor tiles that are very hard to keep clean. I’d like to replace it with porcelain floor planking that looks like wood. I’m stuck trying to decide on the color for the floor. There are so many options. By the way, the doors are all whitewashed with a bright white wood trim. My style is classic with a bit of contemporary thrown in. We are planning on a redo of the fireplace as well as well as the kitchen.

Here is a summary of my decorating challenges:

1. What color floor planking (porcelain) to put on the floor.
2. What color to paint the new wood around our new fireplace.
3. The kitchen cabinets are white washed.  I’m selecting white painted ones.  What color granite – light or dark for more or less of a contrast?
4. The wood doors are all white washed too.  As is the railing going up the stairs.  Do I paint the railing white or?
5. Do I paint the walls a lighter or darker color?

Whitewashed Cedar Ceiling

Here’s what Vastu senior designer Sarita Peresada had to offer:Thank you for submitting your design dilemma, I am happy to make some suggestions for your home.  First, concerning the wood grain floor time, I would definitely go with something in the mid-range tones, not too dark, but not too light either.  You really need some contrast between your floors and walls, trim, and moldings.  Currently everything is very similar in tone and a bit washed-out.  I like the tile below from Daltile:

Timber Glen(TM) RUSTIC in 'Heath'

As for the wood mantel around the fireplace –  if you are keeping the existing mantel, I don’t think that it is necessary to paint it.  However, if you are removing it and adding a new mantel, it can be painted to match the trim or you can go for a real focal point and paint it an accent color that ties into your existing décor.  I think that the wall color should be considered in this decision, too.  Before you make any of the wall color and mantel decisions I would suggest taking some time to determine what overall look and feel you are going for in the space.  Why are you considering changing the wall color?  Why are you changing the mantel and what is the new mantel design?  Do you like the open, airy feel that your home currently has?  Darker colors on the walls and floors will detract from the open, airy feel.  Have you looked through any design magazines or websites for inspiration photos?   Are you planning to replace any of the furnishings in the space?

Upholstery selections should be made before paint colors, it’s much easier this way!  Once you determine the look and feel that you are after and what furnishings you will keep or add, you will easily be able to choose paint colors based on your preferences.  It is especially easy if you start with an inspiration piece (artwork, rug, fabric, etc.) and pull your colors from that piece.

Lastly, in the kitchen, I would go with a mid-range color on the granite.  Not too dark, like black, but not white-white, either.  If you are going to change the floors to the wood grain tile in the kitchen, then something like Crema Bordeaux would like nice with the white cabinetry.

Borelli Granite in 'Crema Bordeaux'

I hope that my recommendations have been helpful to you, at least as a good starting point!  If you need more help with color selection after you have discovered your objectives for the space, please don’t hesitate to ask!

The Family Room

Located in Old Town Alexandria, this townhouse is full of light, colors, and textures that combine to create a warm and inviting space while keeping a modern design aesthetic.

The Master Bedroom

The Living Room

To see the rest of the photos and to find out what pieces were used to furnish this beautiful home, check out Vastu’s Residential Portfolio.

If you’re ever in need of design help, contact us and one of our designers will assist you in setting up an appointment.

- The Master Bedroom -

Master Bedroom

Spring Blossom Wallpaper

Kayne Platform Bed

Aluminum Side Table

Berlin Pendant Lamp

Dressing Table & Stool

Aluminum Desk

Jamaica Stool

- The Living Room -

Living Room

Georgetown Sofa

Georgetown Chaise

Noguchi Coffee Table

Sophie Lounge Chair

Virgil Floor Lamp

Tulip Table Lamp

- The Family Room -

Family Room

Family Room

Bowie Swivel Chair

Saarinen Coffee Table

Finland Sectional Sofa

Art by Brian Petro

Zee Floor Lamp

Firebox 1200DB Fireplace

Zed Floor Lamp

View of Kitchen/Dining

Aria Wood Barstools

Sprite Chairs

Lady Round Dining Table

- The Media Room & Wet Bar -

Media Room

Wet Bar

Media Room Bar Table

Media Room

Astro Chair

Milano Sectional Sofa

Luther Pendant Light Fixture

Kinzie High Dining Table

Aria Wood Barstools

Martini Coffee Table

Martini Side Table

Natural Shaped Hide Rug

For more shots of Eric Kole’s designs, head over to HGTV.com and scroll through the Showhouse Showdown gallery!

The first was from Hope M. of Rochester, New York. While watching Eric’s premiere episode of Showhouse Showdown, she was so inspired by his design that she submitted the following comment on our website:

“I just watched HGTV’s ‘Showroom Showdown’ on 9/14 and had to write to let Eric know that he got robbed. I wasn’t surprised by the end results of who ‘won,’ given the demographics of the area. But I wanted Eric to know that at least 1 viewer thought his design was absolutely beautiful and inspiring. From the fireplace and stunning furniture selections to that headboard (oy.,,,) and sublime graphic tree wallpaper to the citrus slices and grocery art, I was literally jumping off the couch. Even my dogs got into it! I would have bought that house in a minute. Actually i would have MOVED that house to a much cooler location! Thank you for providing a much-needed breath of modern, clean, fresh design. Someday when I’m rich, I’ll hire you! Peace out, Hope.”

"Sublime Graphic" Spring Blossom Wallpaper

In a follow-up email, Hope continued with:

“I truly was drawn to your ideas and thought the spaces you created were so simple and sophisticated, yet still fun and very livable. I’m an avid interior design junkie and this is the first time I’ve been moved enough to want to contact the designer.”

Comments like these let our designers know that they’re doing something right! And even though Eric didn’t win his individual episode, Hope’s messages really did make him feel like the winner. Thanks Hope!!

The second message we received last week was from a recent Vastu client, Jason H. of Arlington, VA. He had ordered a custom Cosmo Bed by Steven Anthony and when he received it, he had this to say:

“My bed was delivered this morning and  looks amazing.  Thanks for a great buying experience.  Your quality and customer service is outstanding! I will be in soon for another purchase.  Have a great weekend. Best regards, Jason.”

Cosmo Bed

Jason, thank you for being a great client and letting us know we’re doing a good job!

Whether you’ve shopped with us in the past, present or possibly the future, or even if you just admire our talented designers and their work, we ALWAYS appreciate your feedback. So to Hope and Jason, thank you!

That’s all that’s left until the series premiere of HGTV’s new program, Showhouse Showdown.

Designer Eric Kole talks on camera about his design approach.

And as you may have read, Eric Kole was tapped to participate in this show where “two professional interior designers take over two newly built houses with mirror-image floor plans. The designers will compete head-to-head by creating five signature rooms in each house using identical budgets and on the same schedule. Keeping the stakes high and the designers on track will be host Bob Guiney. In the end, there is an open house, and one designer will be crowned the winner based on the votes cast by the developer’s target market.”

Promotional Flyer From Live Taping

The houses were designed and built by Van Metre Homes out in Aldie, VA. On July 17th, they gave 100 lucky people the chance to be part of the show as they toured both showhomes and voted on whose design they liked more, Eric’s or the other designer’s. Even with the live taping, however, we won’t know who won until the show premieres on  Monday, September 12th at 10PM!

Just a heads up to all you Design Clique readers to keep a look out for the next issue of Chesapeake Home + Living magazine for a feature story on the Corcoran Street Rowhouse designed by our very own Eric Kole.

The article Hollywood Glamour, by Scott Sowers, showcases the Victorian-era townhouse in Logan Circle that Eric updated with Vastu’s collection of “warm modern” pieces to match how “the couple wanted to combine the home’s old world charm with the modern  lifestyle of its new owners”.

It’s a great article and the photos by Timothy Bell are gorgeous!

Chloethiel Woodard Smith (1910-1992)

Birthplace: Peoria, Illinois

Notable Works: Harbour Square (SW Washington), the National Airport Metro Station, the Waterview Townhouses (Reston, VA), and “Chloethiel’s Corner” (the corner of Connecticut Avenue & L St. NW)

Chloethiel Woodard Smith was an American architect and urban planner whose career was centered in Washington, D.C. She designed many commercial, government and residential projects are the metro area and was influential in proposing a national museum to celebrate buildings and architecture. That building became the Pension Building which was renovated and continues to house the National Building Museum today. By 1967, Smith ran the largest female-run architectural firm in the United States.

Emily Ehrens, a Design Clique reader and TTR Sotheby’s International Realtor, just recently informed us that an original Cloethiel Woodard Smith home is now on the market in Bethesda, MD.

For more images and information, read below!

This Gorgeous (with a capital “G”) 1966 home is spacious, full off natural light, yet remains secluded with its romantic wooded lot. With 4 bedrooms, 3 full baths and 1 half bath, this tribute to mid-century modern architecture would be the perfect place to house the great furnishings and decor we offer at Vastu.

For more information about this home, contact Emily Ehrens or send us an email here and we’ll pass along your information.

If you’re ready to make some changes in your home or you’ve moving into a new space and you need some inspiration, these tips will help you get started on your design journey.

5 places to find design inspiration…

1. Track down photos of your favorite hotel or spa. What did you love about it? What made it unique and special? Look for the details that made a difference, including color, texture and finishes.

2. Think of a destination you’ve always longed to visit. Paris? Bali? Marrakesh? Seek out imagery from those places. Maybe you can use wrought iron sconces. Or incorporate tropical woods and golden-orange textiles. You could even lavish the floor with a tile mosaic.

3. Shop your closet or the latest designer clothing collections. What colors do you like to wear? Is your style classic or bohemian chic? A favorite belt could inspire trim work. A tweed jacket could sway you towards a terrific tile color.

4. Visit a museum and take notes on what you see. Or pick up an art book at your local bookstore (you might even have a few on your coffee table) and browse through the pages until inspiration hits you.

5. The great outdoors can be an easy and ever-changing source of inspiration. From the color of fall leaves to the first blooms of spring, to various terrains and waterways, mother nature provides plenty of ideas that translate to the bath perfectly.