When a DC-based family of six left the city for the Maryland suburbs, they knew they wanted their Kensington home to convey a chic, cosmopolitan vibe. The couple met while attending Georgetown, which the wife followed with a stint as a fashion editor in New York City. She hoped to bring a touch of Big Apple glam to their new interiors—but with four kids and two dogs, the house also needed to strike a casual, unfussy note. So they called on interior designer Regan Billingsley, who’s known the husband since high school, to bring the right balance of sophistication and family-friendliness to the 4,027-square-foot, cottage-style home.

“They’re very close-knit, so they needed a lot of design moments where they could just hang out as a family, but also be able to throw large dinner parties,” explains Billingsley. “It had to be comfortable enough for the family to kick back, but presentable enough to entertain on the spur of the moment.” Here, a Q&A details how the designer delivered on both fronts.

Describe your aesthetic.
For me, design is about who the client is and how they live in and experience the space, not about how I think they should be experiencing it. Every project starts with the floor plan; we focus on symmetry, proportion and clean lines, then layer the client’s personality on top of that. Here, because of the wife’s background in fashion and her sparkly personality, we wanted to bring an element of glam to every room. For instance, there’s subtle shimmer in the living room drapery fabric and flecks of gold on the dining room ceiling.

The colors in this home work so well. How did the palette develop?
It was important to balance masculinity and femininity, while also making the house both kid-friendly and sophisticated. We brought in fabrics, wallpapers and rugs all centered around a palette of plum and navy blue with a little bit of black and some softer pinks, which we carried throughout the house. For example, the family room and primary bedroom are darker and more masculine, but if you were to put them next to the living room, which is lighter and feminine, they harmonize. Every room has something that is reminiscent of another room, and that’s how we keep the color flow consistent throughout the home.

What’s your secret for blending traditional and modern elements?
In every room we try to have something old, something unexpected and something black. The something old doesn’t necessarily have to be an antique, but an element that feels familiar or leans traditional. Those pieces offer a sense of timelessness. In the living room, we were working with existing furniture from their old house which had very traditional silhouettes. We like to reuse pieces when possible so we reupholstered everything. Then we brought in modern art to create a juxtaposition that feels fresh and of the times.

Highlight some ways you kept the design kid-friendly.
I never liked the concept of a museum house. I know that works for some people, but I find that very uncomfortable and stiff. That’s not how I want people to live. We used indoor-outdoor fabrics, wool rugs which have natural stain-guarding, and in the mudroom, wipeable paint that you can write on. Everything is really durable. Nothing is off limits. But there are whimsical touches, too. For instance, when we styled the den, we wanted to display the kids’ art. Kids have a voice, and I think that needs to be nurtured and respected.

What was the most rewarding aspect of this project?
This house was so special to me because the client allowed us to really push the design envelope and not play it safe. Some homeowners get nervous about straying from the norm—by that I mean doing something different from what their neighbors have or what they see on social media or in magazines. This house shows that when the finished interiors reflect who you are, not only does the environment feel more personal, but it also enhances your well-being because it’s a more comfortable place to exist.

Ask Regan

Who is your design muse?
Spanish designer Isabel López-Quesada is endlessly inspiring because her rooms are so classical and timeless, yet there’s a casualness about them that really invites you in. Aesthetically, they’re a breath of fresh air.
What’s your go-to dinner party soundtrack?
Pink Martini, because they pull from so many different musical genres. I think it’s perfect for any situation–dinner parties included.
Where do you source vintage wares locally?
I grew up shopping on Kensington’s Howard Avenue with my mom, and Goldsborough Glynn is my favorite spot there for beautiful antiques and accessories.
Name a film or TV set that’s inspired you.
The movie Roma: Because it’s shot in black and white, the absence of color draws your eye to all the amazing Mexican mid-century design details.