Historic rowhome for a large family

CAPITOL HILL VICTORIAN

The house on Massachusetts Avenue is a busy place. With four teen/grown children and a large dog, our clients welcome frequent coming and goings, and embrace casual weekend meals that extend to friends and neighbors. The challenge was to maximize space in this humming urban household, particularly in the rowhome’s historic living room, traditionally known as the double parlor.

Originally built as two separate living rooms with the front room used for formal entertaining, the double parlor in many Capitol Hill Victorians later became one long living space. To optimize the layout of this one, we went through several iterations before configuring two distinct sitting areas, one for conversation and reading in front of the fireplace and another to accommodate watching television. To elevate the client’s favorite spot in the house, a dark green, curved banquette, custom-built by craftsmen at Liven UP, now sits in the circular bay window at the front of the room. The clients’ heirloom grandfather clock was restored by the front door, and new Sandberg wallpaper was added to the entryway.

A feeling of historic comfort is reflected in the addition of relaxed, vintage pieces throughout the home, including a pair of floral, 1940s Danish armchairs by the fireplace. In the dining room, separated from the double parlor by tall, wood pocket doors, a reclaimed wood hutch and pale green Schumacher wallpaper complement the client’s dining table and piano. Upstairs, we refreshed the bedroom at the back of the home as well as the primary bedroom, where our clients enjoy maximum light and park views from the front bay at the end of a full day.

LOCATION: 

YEAR BUILT:

SCOPE:

PHOTOGRAPHER:

Capitol Hill, Washington, DC

1909

Living and dining rooms; two bedrooms

Jared Kuzia

STYLIST:

Philippa Brathwaite