Step inside this historic Colonial house and you forget you are in Washington, DC. Studying the eclectic assemblage of art, books and furnishings, you are transported around the world through the centuries. Welcome to the home of Charlet and Steve!

In addition to being friends and clients, they are also former neighbors. Five years ago, Charlet and I attended an open house and, immediately after, we convinced Steve this should be their forever home. Five years later, it gives me immense pleasure to see them settled beautifully here surrounded by family heirlooms, found objects, travel keepsakes and their young son. Oh, I mustn’t leave out Feng Feng the Boston Terrier.

What I find so special is that each room and every vignette tells a personal story. It isn’t about achieving a perfect looking house, it’s about layering life’s moments. That’s the essence of Charlet and her style.

I’m delighted to share this tour!

 Spanning five centuries and five countries, this living room wall with its maps and furniture invites one to pause, admire and study. Charlet created this gallery wall of antique maps, bird’s-eye views and garden plots of their favorite destinations: George Washington’s Mt. Vernon, Versailles, Central China (where Charlet is from), etc. The 1900s armchairs and 1500s carved sandstone lion are from China. Completing this ensemble is an 1800s Swedish Gustavian painted chest from Tone on Tone.
Directly across is a Victorian mantel that Charlet found and had installed during the renovation. I’m honored and grateful to have a few more Tone on Tone pieces here, such as the French silver gilt mirror, carved wooden floral panel and English pine table – all antiques. The Continental coffee table retains its early gilt surface.
Charlet has an incredible eye for art and perfect placement – often times just propped. The living room showcases some of the family’s favorite landscape paintings from abroad.

When I asked Charlet where I could get a few of these pods, she said her father, an acclaimed bonsai artist in China, carved them out of tree roots. He also carved the lovely bowl. Hello – hook me up with some, please!!
BELOW: Flanking a window is a pair of 18th century Chinese interior windows over 18th century Swedish original painted chairs (only one side shown here). BTW, I have a third identical chair available if anyone is interested 🙂

On a Chinese altar table is a collection of antique mini paintings and rocks from Maine.

Let’s check out the sunny kitchen, which is an addition designed by Charlet and Steve. They wanted an unfitted, warm kitchen and incorporated many reclaimed elements such as the American painted stepback cupboard and Dutch pine shop counter. All meals are enjoyed on the casual English farm table since the formal dining room is now a family room.
And here is the family room. As mentioned, this was previously the formal dining area. The family decided to do away with a seldom used dining room. The American Windsor chair belonged to Steve’s grandfather. It’s simplicity complements the humble spirit of this room.
Two more 18th century Swedish cabinets from my shop – many thanks, Charlet and Steve! We all love the rich patina of the terra cotta urn I sourced in the South of France.
Please meet Ms. Feng Feng! It took us forever to get her to sit still – such a little diva 🙂
Now a peek inside the powder room with many old elements including the lantern, mirror and marble basin.
ABOVE: A corner of Charlet’s study. She wanted to straighten up but I requested “please don’t!” Chinese manuscripts, newspapers, decorating books and even a pheasant weathervane make up this charming still life – a work in progress!
The master bedroom is a haven of serenity with its uncomplicated scheme of soft neutrals and faded florals. Again, there is a thoughtful mix here. The lumbar pillow is actually made from 18th century ecclesiastical vestment Charlet found in Paris. Also French is the Art Deco ceiling light fixture. The alabaster lamp and lyre-back chair are vintage Italian.
This concludes the tour. My warmest thanks to Charlet and Steve for inviting us into their lovely home!
Cheers,
Loi