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Annie Elliott Design, Washington DC

Annie Elliott Design

Greater Washington DC

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Living Room + Family Room

Blue, black and white dining room by bossy color

Black and blue (and brass): 2014’s edgy color combo

Annie Elliott | January 18, 2014

Remember how I said that a bossy color goal for 2014 was to use ever-edgier color combinations? And I mentioned black and blue as one of those combos? Well, I’ve decided that this particular color pairing is worthy of more attention. Turns out I started using black and blue together last year without really registering …

Read more »Black and blue (and brass): 2014’s edgy color combo
» Bedroom, Color + paint color, Kitchen + bath, Living Room + Family Room

The challenges of open floor plans

Annie Elliott | July 7, 2013

It sounds so great, doesn’t it? An “open floor plan?” One envisions soaring, light-filled spaces; coordinated furniture; plenty of room for family and friends to relax… I hate to break it to you, Gentle Readers, but open floor plans present some challenges. Before you buy an open-plan home or renovate to create one, here are some things …

Read more »The challenges of open floor plans
» Color + paint color, Dining room, Living Room + Family Room

Space Matters

Annie Elliott | May 26, 2013

Thank you, ASID! The lovely folks there invited me to contribute a blog post on the subject, “space matters” to their current ICON issue. It was a lot of fun – hop over and read it! My assertion: when we feel we’ve run out of space, our knee-jerk reaction is to build MORE. Very few of …

Read more »Space Matters
» Kitchen + bath, Living Room + Family Room

Three excellent “lows” for your high/low mix (and for less than $200!)

Annie Elliott | April 9, 2013

Let’s face it: we all love the pricey stuff. It can be prettier, better made, and just more interesting than pieces you buy off-the shelf. But you know how I value the high/low mix. And I keep turning to these three items as my favorite “lows.” 1. Robert Abbey’s Genie Lamp The ubiquitous gourd lamp has …

Read more »Three excellent “lows” for your high/low mix (and for less than $200!)
» Color + paint color, Furniture + upholstery, Lighting, Living Room + Family Room

Thank you, New York Times! Expensive vs. cheap sofas

Annie Elliott | March 3, 2013

Last Thursday, on February 27, the ever entertaining Steven Kurutz was kind enough to include me in his New York Times article, “Analyzing the Couch.” The online version doesn’t really do it justice; you have to click through to the terrific graphics.   Among other things, Mr. Kurutz asked me whether people should hold off on …

Read more »Thank you, New York Times! Expensive vs. cheap sofas
» Furniture + upholstery, Living Room + Family Room

Dramatic makeover! Commode/sideboard/buffet transformation

Annie Elliott | December 8, 2012

Who out there loves a makeover? I do! I do! A client had this piece of furniture in her living room. It was lovely but tired, and it needed repair. The client wasn’t sure whether it should stay or go. We weren’t sure what to call it. It didn’t quite seem like a sideboard, which …

Read more »Dramatic makeover! Commode/sideboard/buffet transformation
» Dining room, Furniture + upholstery, Living Room + Family Room

Thanks, Family Circle! Color palettes for three decorating styles

Annie Elliott | August 19, 2012

You don't think of decorating tips when you think of Family Circle magazine, do you?

Well, Terry Trucco is doing her best to change that. September's issue of Family Circle features the article, "Fresh Coat," which proposes color palettes for three different decorating styles....

Read more »Thanks, Family Circle! Color palettes for three decorating styles
» Color + paint color, Dining room, Living Room + Family Room
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Jul 24

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Get ready for a dramatic before and after! We transformed a playroom into a dining room, and the result is pretty amazing. (But still fun!) #wallpaper #interiordesign #diningroominspo

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Jul 22

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For today’s Wallpaper Wednesday, we discuss the chinoiserie wallpaper in the Great Hall at  @citytavern_dc  in Washington, DC. Ooooohh - field trip!I was delighted to visit City Tavern recently. It’s a historic 1796 Federal building in the heart of Georgetown, and all the cool kids hung out there. You know, George Washington, Thomas Jefferson…those guys. At one point, the building boasted the largest room in Washington.I, of course, was captivated by the Great Hall, which is covered in @graciestudio hand-painted wallpaper — which was selected by none other than Jackie Kennedy! EVEN THOUGH at that time the building was a club that didn’t admit women. Harumph.The chinoiserie walls are gorgeous from far away, but they’re amazing up close, also: you can see faint brushstrokes left by the painters. Doesn’t that give you a shiver? I love it.

annieelliottdesign

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Jul 21

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For a recent article in @vogueliving, I was asked how to mix wallpapers — either in the same room or adjacent rooms. I have a few pieces of advice to offer 😊See my latest blog post for more…#interiordesign #designblog #wallpaperinspo

annieelliottdesign

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Jul 8

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Star-studded wallpaper on the ceiling childish? Not necessarily! Here are the differences between babyish and grown-up star themed wallpaper. #wallpaper #interiordesign

annieelliottdesign

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Jul 4

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Happy Independence Day! I happen to love a room decorated in red, white, and blue. It’s not always gimmicky; wouldn’t you agree that the dining room below is bold and sophisticated? 🤪 My advice: vary the shades (clash those blues if you have to!), throw some large-scale patterns into the mix, and add texture. A grasscloth ceiling, for example 😉 Have a great 4th, everyone!#interiordesign #homedecor #pattermixing

annieelliottdesign

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Jul 3

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I was honored to co-chair — with the inimitable @ianthainteriors — the design competition, America at 250: The New Look of American Design, a project conceived by the nonprofit MADE: In America.Design students from Howard University partnered with Washington Design Center showrooms to create storyboards and vignettes reflecting their vision of “American style.” The Design Center is showcasing the students’ work through July 10; admission is free and open to the public. Details may be found at the link in the @washingtondesigncenter’s bio.I encourage you to visit! It’s so important to support the next generation of designers, and I was delighted to participate in this event. Iantha and I are grateful to James De Lorbe, Chairman of MADE: In America; and we extend our warmest thanks to jurors @melissacolganinteriors, @mariella.cruzado,  @gaildavisdesigns, @val_hawkins_architect, @hadleykeller, @byronrisdon, and @jazmynedesignstudio.

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Jul 1

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Happy Wallpaper Wednesday! This week’s guest star: Schumacher’s Birds & Butterflies. It’s so whimsical, yet so grown up! Creatures on wallpaper can be a tough sell to adults, but Birds & Butterflies’ black and white background is quite sophisticated. (That’s why the Multi on White is my favorite colorway. I wouldn’t bother with the others.)The pattern is derived from a hand-printed 1960s wallpaper in the Schumacher archive. It’s certainly earned its place in the Exuberant Prints collection, don’t you think?#wallpaperinspo #interiordesign #roomdesign

annieelliottdesign

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Jun 26

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Before and after part 2: a NYC pied-a-terre part deux! In this video we move to the primary bedroom, guest bedroom/office/workout area (remember: it’s NY! Gotta maximize your space!) and the tiniest powder room in the world. Such a fabulous, fun project!Mentioned:@Schumacher_midatlantic@leejofa@visualcomfort@fornasetti#interiordesign #wallpaper #nycdesign

annieelliottdesign

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Jun 26

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Another installment of my Before and After video series! This project is in NYC. SO fun!!! We start with a VERY challenging living space/kitchen and then…well, then there’s Part 2!Mentioned:@Schumacher_midatlantic@leejofa@visualcomfort@fornasetti
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