American-Made

Still Life Photographed by David Christensen Textured fabrics and sleek materials in earthy tones inspired the home’s minimalist chic design by Room & Board.

Elevating the kitchen from simple to striking are a backdrop of gorgeous glass tile from Traditions in Tile and contrasting countertops by Construction Resources, with chalkboard paint adding a touch of whimsy.

Cabinetry is by Bell Custom Cabinetry. KitchenAid appliances available through Guy T. Gunter & Associates.

To minimize congestion in the narrow dining space, the design team utilized a slim walnut table and leather bench, that not only adds intrigue to the seating arrangement but also imbues a sense of spaciousness and flow.

A stunning 12-piece installation of equine art commands attention in the airy living room.

The spacious open-air porch features Room & Board’s luxe yet durable outdoor furniture in Sunbrella fabrics.

A stone-clad fireplace anchors the living room, where traditional and contemporary style is perfectly balanced.

In the media room, pillows in silk, cotton and velvet sit pretty on the plush pepper-colored sectional. A metal picture rail displays a few pieces from the home’s extensive collection of artwork, including an Eva Zeisel silkscreen and a vintage trolley sign.

A pair of cowhide-covered ottomans adds unexpected flair to the sophisticated and streamlined master bedroom.

Rooms designated for the home’s youngest residents were envisioned with bright pops of color, including miniature orange plywood chairs in a bedroom and green Eames chairs in the sun-soaked craft room.

Rooms designated for the home’s youngest residents were envisioned with bright pops of color, including miniature orange plywood chairs in a bedroom and green Eames chairs in the sun-soaked craft room.

Portrait by Mali Azima Room & Board’s Julie Dewald and Kelli Stoel on the scenic grounds of Foxhall. They were assisted by Nicholas Mayberry, Betty Wilson, Joseph Wenzel, Sumbleana Aamer, Hazel Studstill, Shawn Hudson and Elizabeth Caruso in designing the home.

With a penchant for American-made furnishings and locally sourced, socially responsible materials, Room & Board’s team of design associates knew instantly how to approach a showhouse in the rustic Foxhall Resort & Sporting Club community.

“We felt the homeowners would be an active, outdoor family that needed a great place to relax and spend quality time together,” says Room & Board’s Julie Dewald, explaining how—taking cues from the surrounding landscape—the team used natural materials in sleek, modern lines to give the Craftsman home an air of updated sophistication. “We took a more contemporary design approach to the rustic outdoor lifestyle of the community.”

Getting creative with many of the living spaces, the team set about designing a resort home that functions as a family getaway, exemplifying the versatility of Room & Board’s approach.

“Our design style is to use timeless pieces throughout the home,” Dewald says. “We used our creativity and breadth of assortment to give the home functionality.”

Indeed, more than 90 percent of the furnishings in the home are American-made. A natural wood stool, for instance—salvaged from the red pine beams of Thomas Edison’s phonograph factory in Wisconsin—serves as both an accent table and conversation piece. Likewise, throughout the home, hand-welded natural steel and solid wood frames illustrate the craftsmanship and quality of Room & Board’s offerings. “We use local artisans to create our own product,” Dewald says, pointing out, as an example, that the Arden rugs used in this residence were woven locally in Georgia.

A neutral color palette of subtle grays and creams keeps the home clean, but the team wasn’t afraid to accent with pops of orange or red in spaces like the children’s movie and game lounge or the outdoor patios. Additionally, vintage French maps, limited-edition Eva Zeisel prints and rare chalk-paper botanical teaching plates introduce both color and whimsy to the home.

Flanking the main living area, his-and-her master suites juxtapose strong architectural details with softer, natural pieces. “This could be someone’s second or vacation home,” says Dewald. “It needed to be functional and stylish.”

Meanwhile, in the kitchen, a sleek stainless steel-and-walnut dining table is paired with a white leather bench and side chairs, playing up the crisp lines and clean silhouettes. Upstairs, the design team indulged in a children’s craft area and separate media lounge, making use of a large windowless space originally slated for extra storage. And a contemporary kids suite downstairs features bunk beds, plenty of cubby storage and an Eames molded rocker.

Throughout this modern take on a rustic family retreat, a focus on natural materials and the philosophy behind the design complements the beauty of the surrounding Foxhall resort community, successfully bringing the outdoors in.

The Secrets of Style

WEEKEND READING: Henry David Thoreau
PLAY-LIST: Mumford & Sons, Wild Horses, M. Ward
HAPPY HOUR: Mint julep, old fashioned TOWELS: Heated, white, luxurious
STAYING WARM: Buffalo flannel, Harney & Sons tea, crackling fireplace
PANTRY ESSENTIALS: Gray salt, cedar planks, Star Provision’s fresh-baked bread
CHINA: Michael Aram, Dauville gold-brushed nesting bowls
WHEELS: Trek mountain bike, horses
AL FRESCO DINING: Crisp night air, fall sky, Turkish figs
CORRESPONDENCE: Cavallini & Co. stationery
COLLECTING: Vintage letterpress, Charley Harper collectibles
SUNDAY BRUNCH: Red velvet pancakes, bloody marys, family and friends
WEB DESTINATION: Pinterest, Room & Board, design*sponge
ARTISTS: Eva Ziesel, Klein Reid, Tony Wurman
FILMS: Midnight in Paris, Breakfast at Tiffany’s
MUST-HAVES: Feathers, handspun lamps, natural steel
FAVORITE NEW LINE: Babette Holland lamps, Henri Bendel firewood candles
GROWING IN THE GARDEN: Hydrangeas, rosemary
COLOR THEORY: Charcoal, walnut, wheat
TEXTURES: Bark, tweed
STYLE MANTRA: Less is more
DON’T FORGET: Fishing pole, riding boots
LOOKING FORWARD TO: Holiday gatherings, too many cooks in the kitchen