Walking through a designer showhouse before it’s been decorated really brings home the giant task designers have on their hands — and they only have a month or so to beautify it. The organizers of the DC Design House, which will benefit the National Children’s Medical Center when it opens to tours April 9 through May 10, held a Bare Bones Tour on Saturday so the public could see the “before” rooms. That tour, no doubt, will make us all appreciate the “afters” that much more.
But pictures will tell a better story than my blathering, so let’s start.










- To the right of the foyer is the, uh, rather unusual parlor, with an Egyptian themed ceiling. Nestor Santa Cruz will design this space, and he plans to keep the faux stone painting on the walls, I’ve heard.
































As I was talking to Tracy, two extremely handsome men walked in. They are brothers, Brian and Preston Key, whose company, Delivering Design, specializes in delivering precious goods, such as designer furniture and art for the DC Design House.

I was unable to get much detail on the outdoor landscaping by Cynthia Ferranto, the study by Rose DiNapoli, or the upstairs family living room by Kelley Proxmire. But they will all be in their “after” glory starting on April 9. For more information on the design house, check my previous blogs here and here.
Just beautiful.Looking forward to attending the showhouse.Thank you Jennifer.
i am so looking forward to seeing every ones work.WASHINGTON DC IS VERY FORTUNATE TO HAVE SO MUCH TALENT
Wait, how did I miss Barry Dixon? And the attractive moving men? Where was I?? 🙂 Loved your post – I’m reliving the tour! And it was so great to meet you – I’ve been following your blog and love it…happy you stopped by to see mine and hope we run into each other again soon.
Jennifer – Great post, thank you! I was not able to attend on Saturday. The architecture is stunning and they have a super group of designers. It’ll be wonderful show benefitting a very worthy charity!
I’m so glad that you posted on the Bare Bones since I wasn’t able to make it! Did I tell you I’m working with Lisa Adams? Hope all is well – hope to see you soon!
Rebecca, I did know you were working with Lisa — can’t wait to see the boy’s room all finished!
Great post Jennifer! I loved how you included all the mood boards. Michael’s sketches blow me away, he is so talented!
I’m so very glad that I finally got a chance to meet you!
So wish I had been in town to go to this! Great coverage – looks like this is going to be one of the best showhouses we’ve had in DC.
WOW!! I wouldn’t even know where to begin to say which room I am the most excited to see. I am looking forward to seeing the transformations in ALL the rooms. Kudos to the designers for a job that is sure to please and impress all. xo
Thanks for the preview, I can’t wait to see the finished product!
Thanks for a little preview! It’s all looking wonderful.
It’s exciting to see all the plans for the showhouse. I’m sure it will be a feast for our eyes. Thanks for the pre-design tour.
Thanks for the great details. We had family in town and I couldn’t make it. I knew local bloggers wouldn’t let me down! It is sure to be spectacular.