Merging some of his favorite styles including Scandinavian design, French Art Deco, and Neoclassicism, designer Nestor Santa-Cruz crafted this library to imply narrative and made our Benit Medium Sculpted Chandelier by AERIN the focal point of the room. “Great design must have a soul,” said Nestor. “I love designing rooms and believe that memorable rooms have a clear design philosophy that transcends individual styles. The Aspire House McLean at 952 Mackall Farms Lane in McLean, Virgina debuted in early fall of 2020 and showcases the work of more than 25 interior designers. Harrison Design and Artisan Builders joined forces, developing the stunning new construction home in tandem. In her Meet The ASPIRE HOUSE McLean 2020 Designers series for aspiremetro.com, Sherry Moeller interviewed the designers about the inspiration behind each unique space. Here, we are sharing a few things they each had to say!
Foyer
Budapest native Katalin Farnady of Farnady Interiors was tapped to design the grand entryway of the home. Dual doorways frame our Quincy Medium Sputnik Chandelier by Chapman & Myers in this chic space featuring a floor-to-ceiling paned iron door and largescale wallcovering.“My space is the entry foyer, which generally creates the feel for any home you walk into. It introduces the home’s personality and welcomes your guests,” said Katalin. “This entry is an introduction to the many rooms created by the showhouse’s group of talented designers.
Library
Merging some of his favorite styles including Scandinavian design, French Art Deco, and Neoclassicism, designer Nestor Santa-Cruz crafted this library to imply narrative and made our Benit Medium Sculpted Chandelier by AERIN the focal point of the room. “Great design must have a soul,” said Nestor. “I love designing rooms and believe that memorable rooms have a clear design philosophy that transcends individual styles.
Living Room
Janie Molster designed this vibrant living room flooded with light and exuberant color. Aptly, she chose our Farfalle Large Chandelier by Julie Neill to finish the space for its vivacious design bursting with butterflies. “Against the palest of coral-y pink walls, a contemporary landscape by Virginia artist Karen Blair hangs above a green velvet sofa flanked by pressed shell tables and jeweled lamps topped with whimsically patterned shades,” she said describing the space that features our Ralphaeli Large Handled Table Lamp by Christopher Spitzmiller (shown with custom shades). “Painted chairs inspired by Dorothy Draper surround a vintage 1970’s era acrylic draped table.” Our Aimee Floor Lamp by Suzanne Kasler is nestled in a corner lending itself to the retro and layered feel of the room.
Dining Room
With a recent trip to Spain fueling inspiration, Jennifer Stoner of Jennifer Stoner Interiors conceived this eclectic dining room. The focal point – a graphic backdrop by artist and surface design Amanda Moody – features a pair of Dot 16” Articulating Wall Lights by Peter Bristol. “My design is inspired by a private supper club perhaps on the Catalan coast of Spain. Imagine a room of beautiful people sipping a Sazerac aperitif or a glass of Spanish vermouth on one side of the room and then shifting over to enjoy a wonderful intimate dinner in the vibrantly designed dining niche,” she said. “I recently enjoyed a wonderful design trip to Spain and was inspired by their love of color, texture and bold design.”
Primary Suite
Mary Douglas Drysdale, the showhouse design chair and designer of the master bedroom, employed layered whites, modern artwork and our Strada Large Flush Mount by Kelly Wearstler to create fresh and fun retreat.
Primary Suite Bathroom
For the master bathroom, designer Jonas Carnemark used the Cynara Large Chandelier by Chapman & Myers. Sleek lines and warm wood tones intermix to create a spa-like environment.
Her Dressing Room
Felicitously, Paul Lobkovich of Lobkovich Kitchen Designs – who recently launched Lobkovich Wardrobes – was appointed to design these envy-inducing his and her walk-in closets. “Our goal in designing the Master Wardrobes was to create dressing spaces evoking the feel of high-end boutiques. This has been achieved by using fine, luxury finishes, integral LED lighting, and smart organizational accessories,” said Paul. “In Her Wardrobe, we paired taupe painted cabinetry with muted, bleached walnut accents for a soft feel,” he said of the space which features the Syrma Pendant by Tech Lighting.
His Dressing Room
Paul continued, “Alternatively, we added more drama to His Wardrobe by pairing off-black painted cabinets with rustic hickory accents.” In this space he chose complement the dark surfaces with our Soleil Small Semi-Flush by Suzanne Kasler in a crisp polished nickel.
Great Room
Designer Pamela Harvey of Pamela Harvey interiors designed this breezy great room – which features a Swing Articulating Floor Lamp by Barbara Barry – –aiming to highlight architectural details.“Among my favorite elements of the Family Room are the mix of art, the room’s architectural detailing, and the simple, balanced furnishings. Two abstract paintings by artist William McClure were commissioned for the space and flank the fireplace,” Pamela said.
Veranda
On the Veranda, architect and builder of the home, Harrison design, hung the Fremont Grande Hanging Lantern in French Rust with Clear Glass by Chapman & Myers over a mod lounging area.
Kitchen
Jonas Carnemark of CARNEMARK design + build created a kitchen that is equally as modern as it is inviting. “The kitchen is all about connectivity,” said Jonas who selected our Mina Pendant by Tech Lighting paired with Locus Accessories for Mina Pendant by Tech Lighting to hang over the kitchen table. “The counters—in black stone with white veins—intensify the contrast, while large drawer bases maximize storage and accessibility. Designated work zones, double islands, wider aisles, and a gracious seating area make possible seamless (and socially distanced) interaction between residents and their guests.”
Mudroom
Making a splash for her firm’s first showhouse, Elizabeth Gill chose a graphic wallpaper and the Osiris Medium Flush Mount by Thomas O’Brien for this luxury laundry room. “The laundry room, which also serves as a mudroom, is designed with family in mind. The space is both practical and playful with a hand-printed blowfish paper in a dark grey colorway that ties into the greys used in the entry,” Elizabeth said. “The custom cabinetry is painted in Cadet Blue by Sherwin-Williams and the hardware is designed by LA’s Buster + Punch.”
Children's Study
An energized space by Jodi Macklin of Jodi Macklin Interior Design features both Fiama 30” Suspension by Tech Lighting and Orbel Wall Sconces by Tech Lighting. “We’re infusing energy, excitement and warm into the home office on the second floor. By incorporating luxurious materials that are beautiful, functional and easy to maintain, this home office setting will adapt to the future owners’ lifestyles,” Jodi said.
Bedroom 3
An obvious fan of color and pattern, Melissa Colgan designed this bedroom with just the right amount of quirk. The modern lines of our Rousseau Boom Arm Table Lamp by Kelly Wearstler create an interesting juxtaposition among chintz and pastels. “I’m creating a bedroom inspired by a modern-day Bunny Mellon, who may have a bit of the counter-culture motivations of Billie Eilish running through her veins. Maybe the room is for the coolest Granny in the state or maybe it is for a teenager with a very old soul, but either way, I was inspired to take some of the more classical Southern design tropes and play with them in an effort to make “old” ideas feel young and fresh,” said Mellissa.
Bedroom 2
Alaina Ralph of Alaina Michelle Ralph LLC designed a guest bedroom she describes as “moody maximalism,” featuring a pair of Whittaker Medium Table Lamp by Christopher Spitzmiller (shown with custom shades).“I want the guest bedroom to have a lot of attitude, but also want it to be a relaxing and inviting space. I like my projects to look like they have evolved over time, giving them a sense of history, and this room does just that, as well as have a modern feel,” said Alaina.
Bedroom 1
In this second floor bedroom, Josh Hildreth employed three of our designs – Fluted Band Medium Chandelier by Chapman & Myers, Dorchester Double Backplate Swing Arm by Chapman & Myers, and Mia Floor Lamp by Thomas O’Brien – to create a space for relaxation. “Our room, Maureen’s Retreat, is dedicated to my inspiring mother, and all of those who fight or have fought the brave fight against cancer. This enchanted aerie creates a quiet respite that exists for relaxation and renewal inside of a large and sprawling home,” Josh said. “Our retreat reflects a love for the beauty of France and artfully mixes French and other design elements across the centuries into a jewel box space that delights the eye and promises hope for a better tomorrow.”
Wine Bar
Olvia Demetriou of Haptstack Demetriou Design designed this grand wine bar using our RL ‘67 Extra Large Triple Arm Chandelier by Ralph Lauren for a space that is simplistic but not without drama. “The Wine Bar was conceived not as a storeroom for wine, but rather as a destination place to celebrate wine as a shared social activity. Our concept was to make the Wine Bar feel like a glamorous escape – perhaps enough to get dressed up for within the comfort of one’s home,” said Olivai. “Designed to standout as unique, we chose to make the room seductively dark and atmospheric with a dramatically-lit feature wall.”
Guest Vestibule
Art historian and interior designer, Annie Elliott, frequently leans on the principals of museum work in her interior design projects and likes to create spaces that are in her words “a life collected rather than a room decorated.” Here, in the guest vestibule, Annie illuminates the whimsy of detailed wallpaper with our Diego Petite Classical Perching Bird Lantern by Chapman & Myers.
Guest Bedroom
The push and pull of masculine and feminine give way to a guest bedroom that is full of sublime surprises. A floral and plaid valance trimmed with a pair of our Dorchester Swing Arm Lamp by Chapman & Myers anchors a layered bed under the Piaf Large Chandelier by Thomas O’Brien. Delicate Balustrade Table Lamps by Chapman & Myers are positioned on either side to soften the space. “The room is a mix of vintage (and vintage-look) furnishings, such as the bamboo bedside tables, French cherry desk, low tufted lounge chairs and contemporary pieces, such as the large-scale photographs by Claire Rosen, and the upholstered desk chair,” said Annie. “In the end, the seemingly disparate elements form a cohesive and delightfully unexpected space.”
Recreation Room
The Melange Large Floating Disc Chandelier by Kelly Wearstler and the Lorne Floor Lamp by Kelly Wearstler contributes to the mid-century modern feel of this relaxed recreation room by Kiyonda Powell of Kiyonda Powell Design Studio. “With a focus on entertaining, I let the space guide my design direction. There are architectural details and finishes that are prominent in the home so I chose to embrace and enhance the room’s envelope,” said Kiyonda. “The walls are wrapped in shiplap, which inspired me to come up with a design that celebrates entertaining in a remote cabin setting. I wanted to create warmth with wood textures and layer the space with familiar, yet reimagined patterns and motifs. I have coined my design concept Cabin Cool – the place where people can gather and enjoy each other’s company with games and lively conversation. The cool place to be!”
Media Room
For Courtney McLeod, owner Right Meets Left Interior Design and three-time participant in ASPIRE’s showhouse series, design is all about going bold. In this cozy media room, she used a pair of Avant Small Curve Sconces by Kelly Wearstler on either side of the room to create a theater feel. “We reimagined the home cinema for contemporary lifestyles. Envisioning a multifunctional space, the media room incorporates a variety of comfortable seating options, a reading nook for solo evenings, and an elegant bar,” Courtney said. “I selected a sophisticated palette of deep burgundy red and shades of olive green to set the tone for this luxurious space.” The green finish of our Penelope Table Lamp by Alexa Hampton adds a touch of color variation in the primarily red space.
Game Room
Here, Maria Galiani, used our Strada Large Oval Chandelier by Kelly Wearstler over a billiards table to add a burst of energy to the game room’s lounge-like vibe. “I was inspired by two classic cocktail lounges, the Saint Regis in SF and the Iconic Plaza Hotel in NYC. My favorite way to design is to mix the timeless classic elements with the modern designs of today. I wanted a smoky moody vibe surrounded by modern and classic elements,” said Maria Galiani.
