TRIVIA LESSON - The Westchester in D.C.

Recently, I was fortunate to be included in a small dinner party at The Westchester in Washington, DC.  Although I lived in the area for seven years, I had never been there before.  This complex was built in the 1930's and still retains the glamour and old world charm of that era.

This was meant to be the largest apartment complex south of New York City but the depression halted construction after four buildings.

Dorothy Draper (of Greenbrier fame) handled the mid-century redesign of the interiors.  Draper fans will recognize her signature in the oversized carpet pattern.

The Westchester was highlighted in this 2003 book of best addresses in the Washington, DC area.

Entrance to one of the buildings

The property contains Moorish details such as this porte-cochere.

This is the porte-cochere at night.

Driveway

Street entrance & exit

These fabulous lighting fixtures are remnants leftover from the Dorothy Draper redesign.  Aren't you glad they left them up!

Lobby view-note the detailed plaster work

Lobby level sitting area

Picture showing the detailed plaster frieze.  It is at least 16" tall.

Lobby at night

Lobby at Christmas

Entrance to Westchester Restaurant

Steps to elevator landing

Etched Deco elevator doors

Door knockers

Interior of my friend's apartment

TREND WATCH - Updated Florals

This post is sort of a follow-up to my recent post on Designer's Guild and chintz.  As noted, these fabrics may not be glazed like chintz (give me some poetic license!) but the floral patterns are similar.  I have started to see these designs in my internet research and in magazines.  What's different from the 80's chintz, you ask?  Well, the patterns in these fabrics are a little oversized and they have much more intense colors.  One more great thing these designers have done?  They paired these fabrics with other trendy styles such as geometrics and stripes.

Channeling Dorothy Draper via Lonny

via MixandChic.com

Ikea

via Decor Pad

New 'Rhododendron' Fabric by Carlton Varney/Dorothy Draper

 

Eddie Ross does a Carlton Varney Window

Look how John Loecke mixed the chintz fabric on the seat cushions with the geometric fabric on the rest of the sofa.  This helps update the floral design.  Also, check out the ceiling.  See more about John Loecke HERE.

Designer Meg Braff mixed her floral fabric with geometric carpet, a green leopard print sofa and chinoiserie lamps.  See more about her HERE.

Off course we have to include one of the new Lilly Pulitzer florals, which is updated here by pairing it with painted wood (instead of stained) and a zebra rug.

Here's another Lilly Pulitzer fabric on a sofa paired with a chevron rug and trellis chairs.