This fall marks a fresh chapter for the Washington Design Center, which will soon complete its move to a new location in the Franklin Court Building at 14th and L Streets, NW. The Center will welcome two new trade-only showrooms to the local scene: carpet purveyor Doris Leslie Blau and Romo, a British manufacturer of fine fabrics and wallcoverings.
Doris Leslie Blau gallery director Madeleine Mitchell says the company looks forward to filling a void by introducing a broad selection of rugs, including ones that designers can customize. “I’ve met with so many designers over the years who can’t wait for us to open our doors,” says Mitchell. Doris Leslie Blau, which has three showrooms in New York, also offers an extensive collection of antique and vintage rugs from around the world.
Founded in 1902 by Robert Mould in Nottingham, England, Romo is now run by his family’s fifth generation. In the 1980s, the company launched its own in-house design studio. Now, says Romo USA chief executive officer Frédéric Henry, “We operate six design studios, each with a different aesthetic and point of view.”
Doris Leslie Blau opened on August 11 and Romo projects an October debut. For more information, visit dorisleslieblau.com and romo.com.
GEORGETOWN SHOPPING UPDATE
Calligaris is leaving Friendship Heights and introducing its Italian contemporary furnishings to Georgetown’s Cady’s Alley. The new showroom will open by October 1 at 332 M Street, NW (former home to Ann Sacks Tile & Stone). Founded in 1923, Calligaris is known for its versatile, ergonomic and clean-lined products. “We may make the new showroom a bit more modern and less transitional, because the area can handle it,” says store manager Sean Amini. “Georgetown is definitely a better fit for us. Cady’s Alley is more our market.” washingtondc.calligaris.us
Poltrona Frau Group’s showroom is fresh from a recent renovation. In addition to its collections of Poltrona Frau and Cassina furnishings, it now features modular storage pieces by Cappellini Sistemi. Also look for the recently introduced Barrel Taliesin Chair, a larger version of the Frank Lloyd Wright original which the architect designed in 1937. Cassina holds the North American rights to produce and distribute Wright’s furniture designs. 1010 Wisconsin Avenue, NW; poltronafrau.com
LIGHT AND AIRY
Designed by Gardenia Orchidea, Italo Ceramica’s new Linear 3D ceramic tile imparts texture and movement to the bathroom with its basket-weave motif. italoceramica.com
MOROCCAN MOOD
Three new tile collections by Martyn Lawrence Bullard for Ann Sacks evoke Moroccan history, art and landscape. Handcrafted by artisans, the Mousharabia, Eastern Promise and Hermitage collections offer a variety of graphic patterns, colors and textures that will complement traditional or contemporary bath décor. annsacks.com
RAIN MACHINE
JACLO’s new Rain Machine with an eight-inch, square base brings a modern look to the shower with its thin, all-brass body and clean-cut edges. One hundred rubber jets make for a powerful yet relaxing shower experience. jaclo.com
THE TOUCHLESS FLUSH
Kohler recently introduced the efficient and hygienic Cimarron Touchless Toilet, which employs new technology to eliminate the need for a traditional flush lever. Users simply hold their hand over a sensor that triggers a flush. Homeowners interested in installing this technology on any single-flush toilet can purchase Kohler’s Touchless Flush Kit. us.kohler.com
SLEEK SENSIBILITY
The new KWC AVA wall-mounted faucet marries simplicity and function. It includes a ceramic disc cartridge to ensure precise water temperature and flow, a Neoperl Cache aerator to conserve water and an optional temperature limiter. Available in chrome and stainless steel. kwc.us.com
MAGNIFICENT MOSAIC
For his Miraflores Collection for New Ravenna Mosaics, designer Paul Schatz reimagined vintage motifs in new materials such as jewel glass, shell, 24-karat gold glass and natural stone. The intricate tiles were inspired by the designer’s travels through Spain, Portugal and Mexico. newravenna.com
THAI IT TOGETHER
Porcelenosa’s Thai stone sink, with its organic yet modern lines, makes a bold statement in any bathroom. Made of natural stone and pictured here in Blanco Almeria, the sink is also available in nine other colors including Grey Stone and Beige Sandstone. porcelanosa-usa.com
SOPHISTICATED STATEMENT
The spare, petite fixtures in THG Paris’s new Nano collection create a clean, contemporary aesthetic. Made of steel, the faucets are available in a variety of finishes including rhodium silver, nickel and gold. thgusa.com
BOLD AND BEAUTIFUL
Twin-Star’s Clarendon vanity adds a unique touch to any décor. Its two-toned marquetry veneer contrasts with chrome-plated decorative feet. With spacious cabinets and a large inner drawer, the piece is both practical and eye-catching. luxebathworks.com
MODERN EFFICIENCY
Xylem recently introduced the modern and minimalistic Sherry bath vanity. Crafted in Spain, the storage-efficient, wall-mounted vanity is made from elm wood with a high-gloss, scratch-resistant surface and brushed-aluminum decorative pulls. xylem.biz
