Among DC’s plethora of vintage row houses, a Second Empire-era residence on Logan Circle stands out for such emblematic flourishes as its mansard roof and ornamental detailing. Enlisted to restore the abode after extensive fire and water damage, Balodemas Architects quickly returned the front façade to its former glory.
But the interiors were not so simple. “There was just too much damage,” recounts principal Lou Balodemas. “It was a gut job; we could only save the staircase and living room fireplace.”
The owners, ready for a change, had decided to go modern inside. Balodemas’ plan opened the rear to the backyard via walls of windows on three levels. An addition enlarged the second level and created a third-floor primary bedroom. A three-story rear structure comprising a deck and pergola provides privacy and space for al fresco time. A streamlined kitchen and bathrooms were outfitted by Porcelanosa.
David Zein of Ligne Roset worked with the owners to replace damaged furniture. “I completely re-selected the furniture according to the new layout of the house and their way of life,” he says. Modern Ligne Roset pieces such as the iconic Togo chair in the family room and a blue-velvet Prado sofa in the living room mix with French Art Deco and North African elements to convey an ethno-modern aesthetic. Bold, abstract artworks collected from around the world take center stage.
Renovation Architecture: Lou Balodemas, AIA, Balodemas Architects, Washington, DC. Interior Design: David Zein, Ligne Roset, Washington, DC. Kitchen & Bath Design: Porcelanosa, Washington, DC. Contractor: HEB-N-Co Construction, LLC, Boyds, Maryland.