Houzz Tours
Houzz Tour: Art-Filled Pied-á-Terre in Washington, D.C.
New design creates open floor plan with comfortably defined separate spaces
Although this modern penthouse is marked by stunning views of Washington, D.C and bold modern décor, it was the clients' art collection that ultimately dictated the look of this space. When designer Andreas Charalambous of FORMA Design was asked to work on this penthouse, creating unique vignettes for works by Richard Serra and Graham Caldwell (among others) was one of the things he looked forward to most.
Besides incorporating their artwork into the penthouse's décor, Charalambous created a unique modern interior and restructured the home's 2,500-square-foot layout to better fit the clients' lifestyle.
Besides incorporating their artwork into the penthouse's décor, Charalambous created a unique modern interior and restructured the home's 2,500-square-foot layout to better fit the clients' lifestyle.
Although the construction was finished, Charalambous wanted to bring the penthouse up to its full potential with additional detailing. Wide plank hardwood flooring was installed. Because the concrete ceilings did not allow for recessed lighting, he added track and pendant lighting overhead.
Modular sofa and pillows: Molteni
Coffee and side tables: Molteni
Rug: Yerra
Modular sofa and pillows: Molteni
Coffee and side tables: Molteni
Rug: Yerra
A rough stone wall made of striated and chiseled limestone extends from the entry foyer into the living room and up the two-story atrium into the master bedroom. This subtle accent unifies the space and adds texture to the otherwise plain white walls.
All stonework: St. Petersburg limestone, Ann Sacks
Matching black leather chairs: Minotti
Atrium pendant light: Taraxacum 88 Suspension, FLOS
Accessories: Contemporaria
All stonework: St. Petersburg limestone, Ann Sacks
Matching black leather chairs: Minotti
Atrium pendant light: Taraxacum 88 Suspension, FLOS
Accessories: Contemporaria
The same limestone was used in the kitchen backsplash, tying that space to the rest of the apartment. When designing the kitchen, Charalambous extended the kitchen cabinetry for added storage space, and installed a custom floor-to-ceiling wine rack.
Kitchen chairs: Bonaldo Ola Chair, Ultra Modern
Kitchen table: Nuevo Living, Urban Essentials
Pendant light: Caboche Media Suspension light, Foscarini
Kitchen chairs: Bonaldo Ola Chair, Ultra Modern
Kitchen table: Nuevo Living, Urban Essentials
Pendant light: Caboche Media Suspension light, Foscarini
The full wall of cabinetry defines the kitchen within the home's open floor plan. Charalambous hid a service door to the pantry within the cabinetry wall; this clever technique creates a seamless design.
Bar stools: Bonaldo Hoppy Stool
Custom wine rack: AK Metal
Bar stools: Bonaldo Hoppy Stool
Custom wine rack: AK Metal
The biggest changes in the home happened upstairs. This loft originally consisted of two small bedrooms, which Charalambous transformed into an open master bedroom and study suite that overlook out the atrium.
Bedframe: Gamma Leather, Urban Essentials
Artwork above bed: Andres Serrano
Table and stools: Gamma Leather
Bedframe: Gamma Leather, Urban Essentials
Artwork above bed: Andres Serrano
Table and stools: Gamma Leather
The study suite is located atop a small addition to the loft. For ultimate privacy in both spaces (much of the home is visible from the street), Charalambous added motorized two-story shades, in both sun-filtering and black-out options.
Artwork beside entrance to office area: Reykjavik by Richard Serra
Motorized and manual shades: NYSAN Solar Control
Artwork beside entrance to office area: Reykjavik by Richard Serra
Motorized and manual shades: NYSAN Solar Control
Working with the clients' stunning art collection was one of Charalambous's favorite parts about this project. This handblown glass sculpture was gently hung in the atrium near the study suite, where it catches and reflects light at any time of day.
Handblown glass sculpture: Graham Caldwell
Built-in Office Desk: Millwork custom by FORMA
Office chair: Aluminum management chair by Herman Miller
Handblown glass sculpture: Graham Caldwell
Built-in Office Desk: Millwork custom by FORMA
Office chair: Aluminum management chair by Herman Miller
Custom steel railings designed by a Baltimore studio add to the home's modern and industrial luxe look.
Custom railings: Gutierrez Studios
Custom railings: Gutierrez Studios
The beginning of the limestone wall is visible in the penthouse's entryway. Stairs lined in the same custom steel railings lead up to the master suite, but thanks to the slight glimpse of city view, the eye is drawn immediately down the hallway to the open common area.
Painting in the Entry: Sol Lewitt
Painting in the Entry: Sol Lewitt
The stunning pendant fixtures are all visible from the street, which adds even more drama to the über modern space. Much of the home's decor and art can be seen from the street, while the bright white walls and bold lighting attract extra attention — more reasons why Charalambous's decision to install full two-story blinds was such a smart one.
More Houzz Tours:
Modern Home, Full of Character
A Modern Romance in Ontario
An Eclectic and Open Home in Sydney
More Houzz Tours:
Modern Home, Full of Character
A Modern Romance in Ontario
An Eclectic and Open Home in Sydney
Painting between windows: James Nares
Art to left of TV: Peter Tunney
Pouf ottoman and fabric: Molteni
Sculptural chair: Cappellini