Tight Space, Abundant Ideas
(Originally written by Becca Milfeld. Appeared in the Express on January 27th, 2012)
In the middle of his 400-square-foot studio, in a small space carved out between a bookshelf, sundry chairs and a bed, Jeff Watkinson, who is 6 feet 1 inch tall, balances on a 2 1/2-foot imitation surfboard with a roller underneath it, lurching back and forth across the floor.
“This is a very strong workout; it just mimics surfing,” he says.
His objective is not so much to demonstrate his athleticism as it is his knack for saving space via multifunctional furniture. Having moved into his Kalorama studio 18 months ago, the 32-year-old who works in investment sales has employed a number of tricks to create room for activities like exercise. He stores his clothes in his TV console, he converted his bookshelf into a bar, and he has a gateleg table that, unfolded, seats seven or eight.
Watkinson’s apartment represents one of the most fundamental ideas in small-space living: multifunctional decor. Considering the minimal square footage of a studio, furnishing one requires an inordinate amount of thought.
“Rarely would we design a studio where a piece of furniture only serves one function,” says Jason Claire, the co-owner of furniture and design store Vastu (1829 14th St. NW; 202-234-8344), which has been fashioning Washington interiors, teensy and grand, for almost a decade.
As You Like It, From Capitol File Magazine
If you subscribe to Capitol File magazine, or stay up-to-date through their website, then you might notice a familiar face in this month’s issue.
Vastu Co-Owner, Jason Claire
Entitled “As You Like It” and written by the talented Merlisa Corbett, the full-page article sums up Vastu’s philosophy on personalized upholstered furniture from Vastu co-owner Jason Claire. Using the Vastu High Platform Bed and Madison Ottoman and comparing the ordering process of a Steven Anthony piece to a handmade tailored suit is right on (and appropriate since this article appears in the Men’s Issue). Read more
Stoking the Flames
Stix Fireplace by EcoSmart
This morning in DC was a little chilly, which only served to remind me that summer is just about over.
And while it’s been great and fun, I can’t help but get excited for Fall! The air smells different. There are some great holidays right around the corner. Fall clothing brings rich textures and colors to outfits everywhere. And there’s always the opportunity to cuddle up with your loved one under a cozy blanket, preferably by a warm fireplace.
Fireplaces are great in that they can serve as a fully functional heating source, a beautiful design element in your space or both! Regardless of how they’re used, fireplaces (in all their shapes, sizes and styles) bring a touch of character and romance to your home.
Check out how Vastu’s designers have incorporated fireplaces, originally existing or not, into their designs! (Pictures Below) Read more
Design Direction
“Hey Vastu! So here’s my problem. I just purchased a new home and in the dining area is a standard, and ugly, brass chandelier, similar to the picture. It’s too traditional for my taste and the brass finish just doesn’t fit my style at all. I’d like to replace it with a more modern chandelier but am not sure which direction to take or where to look. Can you guys give me any ideas?”
Here’s what designer, and Vastu co-owner, Jason Claire had to say: Read more
Vastu and Chesapeake Home + Living
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!
Tailored Sofas Done the Vastu Way
Apartment Therapy recently had a post about how tailored sofas can bring a look of elegance and sophistication to your room. They made a good point that “tailored” doesn’t come with a certain color or pattern, but just has to come with a clean-lined, “unfussy” look.
That got me to thinking, “Wait, Vastu’s been doing the tailored sofa for years!”
Here are some great examples of our tailored sofas in beautifully designed spaces.
14th St. Penthouse
See below for more sofas and images.
Thanks Examiner!
A special thank you to the team at The Washington Examiner for including us in their piece on small space storage solutions. In the article, Think storage when considering condo space, Vastu co-owner Jason Claire shares:
It’s all about trying to get things off the floor. The fewer things there are on the floor, the more it will look like there is greater space within a room.
For more of Vastu’s tips and more, click here.
Thank you Express!
A very big thank you to the team over at the Washington Post Express (especially you Beth!) for including us in the ‘Hot, Functional Focal Points: Fireplaces Made Chic’ story that ran on January 28th.
The piece not only features our amazing clients, but you can even get a peek inside the home of Vastu owner, Jason Claire. To read the story, click here. If you missed last Friday’s edition of the Express, click here to check it out.
Design Direction
Do you have a challenging space or need some design guidance? Design Direction is a chance for you to submit photos or videos of your design challenge(s) and a Vastu interior designer will provide you with some help. Every Wednesday we will feature one reader’s submission.
“I have the old ugly olive green bath tub, toilet and sink. The counter top has a green and white swirl look, the floor has 3 different kinds of green mixed in it. There is a beige and olive green tile border around the shower and bath tub. In my opinion there are too many greens, they don’t match – the whole things looks straight out of the 70s. I will get it all redone one day, but for now do you have any suggestions? We don’t have much money to put towards the project right now, but I’m wondering if we should paint or maybe wallpaper? Thanks!”
Thank you DC Magazine!
The September/October issue of DC Magazine features our very own Jason Claire and his “go-to” products for creating a great interior design. Be sure to check out his feature, as well as the piece on Vastu friend, Kaleo Kala (on page 55). A huge thank you to the DC Magazine team for including us!
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