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Annie Elliott Design, Washington DC

Annie Elliott Design

Greater Washington DC

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My love/hate relationship with purple

Annie Elliott | October 20, 2013

I’ve always hated purple. It didn’t matter what shade it was. Lilac, lavender, aubergine, eggplant, plum, grape…I just didn’t like it. If you said, “purple living room,” this is what I pictured:   With images like that in my head, I don’t even know that my aversion was to purple itself. It may have been what I associated …

Read more »My love/hate relationship with purple
» Color + paint color

Mint green bathrooms! A cry for help

Annie Elliott | October 8, 2013

Help me out, Gentle Readers, will you? Light greens are tricky. Refinery 29 makes a pretty great case for mint green for summer-into-fall fashion… …and no 1950s GE kitchen would be complete without green — the avocado and mint varieties. But beyond that, decorating with light green is tricky. I even tried to save one of …

Read more »Mint green bathrooms! A cry for help
» Color + paint color, Kitchen + bath

19th century farmhouse with a pristine midcentury kitchen

Annie Elliott | October 2, 2013

What do you have when you become engaged, get married, and have a baby in the same year? So many reasons to celebrate, that’s what! A few weeks ago, my friend threw a party for her sister, who had gone through the above-mentioned events in record time. Liza is an unbelievably talented party planner and …

Read more »19th century farmhouse with a pristine midcentury kitchen
» Kitchen + bath

Why I’m obsessed with fun animal pillows

Annie Elliott | September 23, 2013

Every room needs an animal. Is this my new truth? I’m afraid to even say that out loud; it makes me sound kooky and, frankly, cat lady-ish. But as I was going through bossy color’s portfolio pictures recently, I noticed that many of our designs — for grown-up, public rooms, not just for kids’ bedrooms …

Read more »Why I’m obsessed with fun animal pillows
» Art + accessories

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

How big are YOUR pillows?

Annie Elliott | May 21, 2013

They’re getting bigger. Throw pillows, I mean. Time was, accent pillows were discreet. Small, modest, tucked away…never taller than the back of the sofa or chair in which they nestled. Those days are over: throw pillows are GIGANTIC now! Check out the ones below at Century Furniture! I don’t think I’ve specified a 16″ square accent …

Read more »How big are YOUR pillows?
» Art + accessories
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Oct 7

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Happy Wallpaper Wednesday! Today we’re talking about one of my favorite things in the whole world: grasscloth. (Which technically makes today *Wallcovering* Wednesday, but tomayto tomahto.) Most grasscloth is made of actual grasses that have been washed, dried, bleached or dyed, and glued to paper. Wallcovering made of sisal, seagrass, raffia, or hemp also is placed under the heading “grasscloth.” Talk about timeless style: while grasscloth had a popularity surge in the 1960s and 70s (thanks to a cultural obsession with living in nature), its first known use was in 107 AD, in China ;) Grasscloth has long been appreciated for its insulative properties and durability. From a decorating perspective, I love it because it adds warmth, texture, and dimension to any space. Picture a room painted white, and then imagine that room with an off-white grasscloth on the walls (and, if you’re me, the ceiling). The second room is still light and bright, but it’s cozier and more interesting.Grasscloth can be minimalist in neutral earth tones or maximalist, dyed bold colors, colorfully painted, or appliquéd with spangles, embroidery, or tape trim. It shows its seams when installed, but that’s part of the charm. I love grasscloth in hallways, living spaces, and bedrooms, but I avoid using it in kitchens and steamy bathrooms because I’m nervous about odor retention and excessive moisture.Enough school for the day, but if you remember nothing else: grasscloth enriches every room it graces. Highly recommend.📸 Michael K. Wilkinson@schumacher_midatlantic @schumacher1889 @phillipjeffriesltd

annieelliottdesign

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Oct 3

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You likely know where I stand on pillows: they NEVER should be an afterthought. Check out my latest blog post for recommendations on size, shape, style, and placement. Link in bio. 📸 @stacyzaringoldberg📸 @kipdawkinsphoto📸 @angieseckinger

annieelliottdesign

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Oct 2

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This client’s gorgeous collection of gold icons in the bookcases puts this room in a league of its own. Whenever you have a collection — of ANYTHING: frog figurines, English engravings of flowers or dogs, snow globes — maximize its impact by bringing the objects together and placing them in a prominent place. These icons are breathtaking, and the sheer number invites you to go closer and study them. With reverence.#eastlake #vintagerug #antiquerug

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Sep 28

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Happy Fall! Ironic, isn’t it, that fall weather is cool, but the colors we associate with the season are warm? The earthy orange grasscloth in this foyer is undeniably “fall” to me. Add deep, warm versions of green and blue, et voilà: a cozy, inviting, autumnal space.

annieelliottdesign

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Sep 23

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For this week’s Wallpaper Wednesday we go into the Woods… Woods is a great example of Cole & Son’s innovation in serigraphy, a traditional method of screen printing. The pattern is available on fabric and wallpaper in a variety of soothing yet elegant colorways. Due (I’m sure) to the booming success of the original, there are now some whimsical variations on Woods: Cole & Son added metallic stars to some colorways and pears to others. As you may imagine, however, this traditionalist prefers the original 🙂For some reason, Woods is especially popular for nurseries. Maybe those babies really wanted out of their cribs. 👶🏼In 2005, Woods deservedly won the ELLE Decoration International Design Award for Wallcovering of the Year. And it’s still going strong.

annieelliottdesign

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Sep 22

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“Isn’t ‘modern farmhouse’ over yet?” I loved speaking with @authordinacheney @washingtonpost about the worst interior design trends! Turns out I’m not the only designer with strong opinions 😊@vincentewolfdesigns @kimletgordon @maxsinsteden #interiordesign #washingtonpost #designopinions #annieelliottdesign

annieelliottdesign

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Sep 18

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Best part of being an interior designer is using your own home as a playground for creative ideas! We changed the paint in our living room again and here’s how it looks now! #interiordesign

annieelliottdesign

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Sep 17

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When you become an empty nester, when is it ok to reclaim your adult child’s space? Check out my latest blog post for my recommendations on how to approach empty nesting!📸 @stacyzaringoldberg📸 @kipdawkinsphoto📸 Michael Wilkinson📸 @angieseckinger

annieelliottdesign

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Sep 10

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Pink, green, and a splash of dark orange come together to create this sunny, summery bedroom 🪷
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