A client who was not afraid of going bold in her home interior design inspired Marika Meyer’s design for the dining room and sunroom of a home under renovation in the Palisades. Because the spaces are adjacent to one another with a large opening in between, Meyer knew they would have to relate visually. Her client “had a keen sense of color and knew what she liked,” the designer says. After falling in love with a strong Brunschwig & Fils jacquard in red and rust—ultimately used for throw pillows in the sunroom—they selected vibrant motifs for both rooms. “We had fun layering pattern on pattern,” Meyer recalls.

The dining room walls are covered in rust-hued grass cloth by Thibaut, with a rug from Galleria Carpets in an ikat pattern that Meyer and her client customized for color and weave; even the dining-chair fabric has a custom colorway selected to fit the room. “There were so many opportunities for customization on this project,” observes Meyer. “That’s part of its success.”

In the sunroom, a neutral rug allows for a lively mix of fabrics. A Chinoiserie dragon pattern by Jim Thompson on one armchair works with a flame-stitch pattern by Brunschwig on another. A cream-colored Cowtan & Tout sofa provides a backdrop for pillows in the rust-hued jacquard as well as geometrics by Brunschwig & Fils. Drapes and a fabric ceiling cover, both by Barry Dixon for Vervain, lend warmth and coziness to the room.

To furnish both spaces, Meyer sourced antiques as far afield as Texas. Above the custom dining table by Bausman and Minton Spidell chairs from Michael-Cleary, the Visual Comfort chandelier is both simple and elegant.

Interior Design: Marika Meyer, Marika Meyer Interiors, Bethesda, Maryland. Photography: Angie Seckinger.

Marika Meyer’s Trade Secrets

• Clients often think antiques will be stodgy. But you can find ones that feel current and they can add a moment of individuality to space.
• Never be afraid to express yourself through color, pattern, and texture, but use neutral elements for balance.
• Sourcing materials from different places will create variety. And try to think outside the box; we used an antique console instead of a sideboard. This method also helps achieve high-low price points.
• Think creatively when there’s an odd architectural element. The ceiling in the sunroom was oddly angular. Instead of trying to make it disappear, we covered it in fabric and made it an asset.