Contemporary Traditional
Modern Interior in a Colonial Home
There is much in the line of traditional homes in the Washington, DC area. Often, our clients want a more contemporary aesthetic. This project, which involved an addition, shows how contemporary modern interiors work well in the context of a traditional home without having to start over.
The new modern kitchen boasts contrasting stainless steel and wood cabinets and countertops, and a large island. Off the kitchen hangs a breakfast room, home to a custom designed maple dining table. An elegant dining room is fitted with contemporary paneling that conceals the door to the Butler’s Pantry. A sleek custom sideboard of gold leaf and mahogany, designed by Studio Santalla, is accompanied by paintings from Robin Rose and Pauline Ziegan (Donald Sultan School). A modern candle-laden chandelier also provides halogen downlighting for the client’s large, Cuban mahogany dining table.
In the living room, neutral furniture is juxtaposed to a patterned ottoman from the client’s collection, in keeping with Ernesto Santalla, PLLC’s—formerly Studio Santalla— soft-modern style. Blonde Sycamore wood panels and the bas relief ceiling give definition to the space. The traditional mantel was replaced with a minimal surround, integrating a hidden media center. The neutral colors provide a backdrop for contemporary Artwork from Donald Sultan as well as African tribal artwork from the client’s trips abroad.
Photography by Geoffrey Hodgdon