Excerpted from Washington Home & Design Magazine, Jan/Feb 2012 Full Potential Once ridiculed as “antipasto on the Potomac,” the Watergate complex designed by Italian architect Luigi Moretti has become one of Washington’s most respectable addresses. But its curvaceous 1960s architecture still poses design challenges for residents seeking to transform their outdated apartments for contemporary living. Inside, the living area now extends from the terrace door to the kitchen and an adjoining nook for watching TV. The rear wall of the kitchen isn’t tiled or painted, but covered in boards made of recycled wood fiber, fly ash and cement. A row of fir cabinets stands out against the gray panels and white-lacquered drawers under the Corian countertops add more contrast. “I now enjoy cooking so much more,” says the homeowner. “The previous kitchen had very little counter space and storage, and very little connection to the rest of the apartment.” “A neutral color scheme allows sculptural objects, in this case iconic furniture, and artwork to stand out,” says Santalla. “An element of contrast, such as a tone or a texture, adds richness to the palette.” In the master bedroom, Santalla designed the bed frame with attached nightstands and upholstered the adjacent wall to create an oversized headboard. He created a television stand on the adjacent wall that allows the screen to swivel so it can be viewed from the bed or terrace. Of all the renovation challenges facing the couple, one of the most problematic was deciding what to do with the original parquet floors in the living space. Santalla came up with the idea of staining the existing wood and extending the same dark tone to the terrace floor. “Now the indoor and outdoor parts of the apartment are integrated to create an almost seamless space,” says the homeowner. “The design succeeds in realizing the promise of what the Watergate can be.” Project completed in collaboration with Treacy & Eagleburger. Photography by Alan Karchmer

A traditional house that meanders around courtyards built as though it where built in stages over time. Well proportioned and timeless. Presenting its modest humble face this large home is filled with surprises as it demands that you take your time to experiance it.

This penthouse condo has an incredible chandelier and amazing views. Photo by John G Wilbanks Photography, Inc. 206-459-4085 www.jwphoto.com

Built, designed & furnished by Spinnaker Development, Newport Beach Interior Design by Details a Design Firm Photography by Bowman Group Photography

The living room features petrified wood fireplace surround with a salvaged driftwood mantle. Nearby, the dining room table retracts and converts into a guest bed.

This astonishing duplex penthouse has floor-to-ceiling glass walls with unparalleled views of Manhattan. It has been designed with a modern approach to create a welcoming home space as well as being a showcase of fabulous views.. Photography: Scott Morris

Photography: Rob Karosis

Elegant Living room, Detailed window arching.

Living space with disappearing pocket doors for extending into the yard.

Photos Courtesy of Sharon Risedorph & Michelle Wilson (Sunset Books)