Home & Design

Pillows in Designers Guild velvet dress up a Great Falls bedroom by Laura Hildebrandt. PHOTO: CHRISTY KOSNIC

A mural by Dee Lenehan animates a beach house by Christie Leu. PHOTO: STACY ZARIN GOLDBERG

Inside Scoop

Advice from the pros

Our Experts

Barbara Hawthorn, Barbara Hawthorn Interiors | Laura Hildebrandt, Interiors by LH | Charlene Kennerknecht, MONARCH | Christie Leu, Christie Leu Interiors | Melanie Whittington, Whittington Design Studio


The Skinny on Color Trends

“Large-format murals and imagery in paint or wall coverings add huge impact. They can be applied to blank walls or even ceilings.”
— Christie Leu

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“We recently covered a primary bedroom in a beautiful ombré, then painted the ceiling high-gloss white.”
— Charlene Kennerknecht

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“We’d describe the color trend for 2024 as jewel tones with a twist—for example, a Regency stripe updated with a bright tonal mix or luminous pastels.” 
—Melanie Whittington

Designers dish on their favorite finds

“We’re always on the hunt for accent tables. We like finding antiques to set beside a sofa—or an acrylic table beside a bathtub.”
— Charlene Kennerknecht

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“Zieta Studio’s Rondo Mirror. It is so dramatic—a conversation starter and highlight of any room.”
— Laura Hildebrandt

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“I recently installed Rainbow Wave, a piece by glass artist Lisa Becker. It is harmonious and graceful—and who doesn’t love having a rainbow in their home?” 
— Barbara Hawthorn

Luxe Fabrics do Double Duty

“I’ve found a faux mohair from James Dunlop Textiles that is stain- and crush-resistant and comes in a variety of colors.” 
— Laura Hildebrandt

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“I recently upholstered a chair in a scrumptious extra-wide wale corduroy from Kravet. No one can keep their hands off it!”
— Christie Leu

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“Perennials’ indoor-outdoor Plushy looks like velvet but is solution-dyed acrylic, available in a plethora of colorways.”
— Barbara Hawthorn

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“We covered dining chairs in a performance velvet by Schumacher. It stands up to spills with style, warmth and glamour.”
— Melanie Whittington

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Shimmery Style
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Sitting Pretty
C. Newman Interiors layers lush fabrics and finishes in a classic abode
INTERIORS: Before & After
Designer Elizabeth Reich marries cozy and chic in a Bethesda living room
HOME&DESIGN, published bi-monthly by Homestyles Media Inc., is the premier magazine of architecture and fine interiors for the Washington, DC, Maryland and Virginia region.

The company also publishes an annual H&D Sourcebook of ideas and resources for homeowners and professionals alike. H&D Chesapeake Views is published bi-annually and showcases fine home design and luxury living in and around the Chesapeake Bay.

The H&D Portfolio of 100 Top Designers spotlights the superior work of selected architects, interior designers and landscape architects in major regions of the US.

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