From the rose vines climbing its painted-brick façade to its hand-carved fireplace mantel, an updated 1931 Colonial in Chevy Chase, DC, utterly charmed its new owners. Yet bland, sanitized interiors left them cold and uninspired. So the couple with a young son called on Washington-based Byron Risdon, who was introduced by a mutual friend, to infuse the home with personality.

“Everything was stark white,” recalls the designer. Taking cues from photos and mood boards his clients shared, Risdon channeled the transitional look they were after. “They wanted to maintain the home’s character but warm it up and make it their own,” he says. “Other than a bed, dining table and sideboard, we started from scratch.” A Q&A tells the story.

How did you conjure a look that respects the integrity of the house?
My clients’ style is not really traditional, so it was a matter of finding a modern look without trying to force something that doesn’t belong. Midcentury-style pieces have cleaner lines but also feel a bit vintage, so that was a look we embraced.

What role does color play in the home?
We wanted to infuse it with color, but not make it a central theme. For instance, the living room is still painted white, but we chose Benjamin Moore Seapearl, a much warmer white than what was there before. Then we took some of the smaller spaces like the sunroom and really punched them up. I presented a wild Pindler pattern for the sectional, and they were in on it from the very beginning. It’s everyone’s favorite moment in the home.

Describe how you created a chic vibe in the dining room.
The owners are both native Washingtonians and I think have become the default hosts for holidays and family gatherings. So I wanted to create a slightly more glamorous space. It all started with Currey & Co.’s Braithwell chandelier, a gorgeous fixture rimmed in recycled-glass discs. Then we painted the ceiling, walls and trim in high-gloss Mount Saint Anne from Benjamin Moore. It was a chance to infuse some color and make the room feel special.

How did you keep everything kid- and pet-friendly?
Since the owners have a young child and a dog, we chose a lot of performance fabrics, which have come a long way over the years. For example, the James Dunlop textile on the dining chairs is completely wipeable but feels just like a velvet.

How do vintage pieces elevate interiors?
They tell a bigger, broader story and give a home more character. In this project, the dining room chairs, the blue glassware and a lot of the art are vintage finds that I acquired at auction.

Share lessons you’ve learned as an auction habitué.
Have a threshold and know in advance what you’re willing to spend. Remember that you’re going to have to pick up or ship furniture, so that’s an added cost. Then, buy what you love and don’t overthink it. If it resonates, then the piece is for you.

Talk about your pillow philosophy.
When it comes to pillows, I like to mix patterns and textures together. There’s a time and place for the perfect pair of pillows but I also like to layer and make things look less intentional.

What inspired the wallpapered ceiling in the primary bedroom?
The clients really liked Oyster, the Sarah Von Dreele pattern I showed them, but felt a little overwhelmed with the idea of putting it on all four walls. So I suggested that we paper the “fifth wall.” In general, I try not to overlook the ceiling in smaller, enclosed spaces, whether I’m painting it a contrasting color or adding wallpaper.

How do you feel about mixing textures, colors and provenance?
If I have one design philosophy, it’s that I am a big on mixing things. My goal is to make a room look layered, as if it has evolved over time. So I’ll pull from 15 different resources at a time. That doesn’t help me build a relationship with any one vendor, but in the end I get the results that I want.

Ask Byron

What’s the most treasured possession in your home?
A small painting by Romare Bearden. It was the first investment I made in a piece of art. Also, Bearden was from Charlotte, North Carolina, and I grew up in the area so it’s like a piece of home.

Name a new textile that has caught your eye.
I’m a little bit obsessed right now with Tablu by Sacho, a deep brown-and-black leopard print. I personally love (and wear) animal prints and would like to upholster my next bed in it.

Reveal your go-to auction houses.
For furniture, I really like Kamelot and Uniques and Antiques, both in the Philadelphia area. And I often find smaller items at Quinn’s in Falls Church, Virginia.