DESIGN MINDS
THREE DC PROS REVEAL THE TOP INTERIOR DESIGN TRENDS FOR SPRING.
Three DC pros reveal the top interior design trends for spring.
We sat down with the city’s in-the-know industry leaders to get the latest on what’s hot this season, tips to instantly update any room, and their takes on Pantone’s Color of the Year—their answers will surprise you!
OLIVIER VALETTE
Owner, Ligne Roset (ligneroset-dc.com); Flos (flos.com); Poltrona Frau and Cassina & Cappellini (poltrona fraug roup.com)
Top trends: “Printed fabrics, lighter wood finishes (natural oak, natural beech), and new materials, such as synthetic stone with concrete or marble effects.” Pantone’s Color of the Year, Greenery: “It’s not that I don’t like green, but it’s considered bad luck in France (in theater, really). You’ll never see green pieces in my showrooms. I’m not superstitious, but luck is not something to play around with…” Instant update: “Sometimes you just have to add a few pieces of art or mirrors. I like adding plants to a room, especially in the spring. I love palm trees—they bring color and peacefulness, and at night, the shadow of the leaves on the walls can be decorative.” The secret to longevity: “Always choose the quality and nobility of the materials.”
MARIKA MEYER
Owner, Marika
Meyer Interiors (meyerinteriors.com)
Top trends: “Texture, like velvets, nubby linens… Last year we used a bouclé as a drape in a formal dining room, and it was simply luscious. Art Deco—I love the structure and masculinity. In my new textile line, the Fall 2017 collection is inspired by Deco books. It’s amazing how this historic design feels so current!” Go-to stores: “I find great vintage pieces at Miss Pixies (misspixies.com). For antiques, I love Tone on Tone (tone-on-tone.com) in Bethesda—Loi is an old friend, and he has the most beautifully curated collection.” Instant update: “Paint and pillows! And remember, trim and ceilings are also opportunities for an update.” Unexpected color: “We often tint the back of bookcases or even add wallpaper to create a fun accent.”
BARBARA HAWTHORN
Owner, Barbara Hawthorn Interiors, Ltd. (barbarahawthorn interiors.com)
Top trends: “The farewell to oversized furniture (welcome to proportioned, sleekly scaled furnishings); natural products like cork, exposed natural wall surfaces, and reclaimed wood floors for warmth, texture, and authenticity; transparent fabrics with a touch of metallic and sparkle.” Pantone’s Color of the Year: “Greenery is a very vibrant color, but it can be a bit acidic. Use it to bring the outside in with leafy plants mixed with coral and rose flowers for warmth.” Go-to stores: “A Mano (amano.bz) in Georgetown always has fresh, colorful, quality table accessories. For modern furnishings,
I love B&B Italia (bebitalia.com), Contemporaria (contemporaria.com), and Roche Bobois (roche-bobois.com). For a great selection of quality hardware, W.T. Weaver (weaverhardware.com) and Waterworks (waterworks.com).” Instant update: “Create new place settings at your table with new placemats, napkins, and glass canisters filled with colorful fresh fruits. Or, change out your bathroom towels, shower curtain, and bath rug and add a colorful soap dispenser or a glass jar filled with fragrant colorful soaps.”