Name: Zoe Feldman and Trey
Location: Georgetown — Washington, DC
Size: 2 bedrooms, 1 full bath, 2 half baths. Approx: 1200 sq ft
Years lived in: almost 2 years — owned
Seeing what tricks designers use in their own homes is always a treat, but getting to peek into the home of an interior designer as unique as Zoe Feldman is a total thrill, especially since she was so open about sharing tips and resources. She and Trey have mastered the art of eclectic decorating, but in a way that is not the least bit haphazard…
They've paired refined furnishings with bold artwork, reworked vintage finds with glossy finishes, and came up with some sweet ideas for masking their home's less desirable features and highlighting its good ones. It's the type of home that entices you to examine every last detail, which is exactly what I did!
It's not surprising given her profession, but Zoe definitely has a way with paint, and knows exactly how to use it to make even her least favorite aspects of the house seem purposeful. Case in point: the upstairs bathroom that sports an earthy pink tile and a grainy granite vanity top. Rather than rip out these "updates" she made them look intentional and took the focus from them by painting the walls with a wide chevron stripe in a coordinating earthy pink. When you look in, you focus on the pattern right away, but you hardly notice the tile at all. Likewise she tied the preexisting kitchen counter tops in by painting the cabinets and laying down a rug in complimentary colors. But my favorite paint job is on the doors. Left untouched, the doors would be nothing special, but Zoe turned each one of them into a decorative focal point— most are a glossy black, the powder room's is a stunning an unexpected high gloss red, and the den doors are a soothing but high contrast gray and white. She's applied the same transformative spirit to reviving old pieces of furniture, turning them from ho-hum to showstoppers with a can of paint in bold colors and brilliant finishes.
To see more of her home and to get a better sense of its flow check out the captions in the full house tour gallery. And if you are interested in learning more about Zoe's design services, be sure to check out her website.
Apartment Therapy Survey:
Style: This is such a tough question. As a designer, I am endlessly inspired therefore my style is constantly evolving. If I try to define it I'd say that my personal style is rooted in modernism then layered with the luxe of Old Hollywood and the unexpected of vintage finds.
Inspiration: My childhood. I grew up in a contemporary home filled with pop art, mid-century modern furniture and Oriental rugs. My family owned a contemporary art gallery until I was about 8--artists, art, design was abundant. Today, I still have the pleasure of living with some of the art, rugs and furniture that I
grew up with. It continues to inspire me.
Favorite Element: I love that my home is a true reflection of my style, personality and history. Like my home, I am laid back yet deliberate-- stylish but not fussy. I have moved around quite a bit collecting and acquiring pieces along the way. Much of it has been with me from my first apartment or even as far back as my childhood. Some of the furniture has stayed the same in each new place while others have been re-invented to maintain freshness. It's incredible how adaptable furniture really is. And when it isn't so adaptable it's just as amazing what a can of paint or a couple of yards of fabric can do.
Biggest Challenge: Letting Trey have an opinion!
What Friends Say: "It's so you!" And...they always love discovering the black and red powder room.
Biggest Embarrassment: That I have almost no window treatments-- that can be very embarrassing.
Proudest DIY: To be honest, I'm not a big DIY-er. However, I am a HUGE vintage/hand-me-down fixer upper. I am obsessed with flea markets, vintage shops and shopping in my grandmother's basement! I rarely purchase an older piece without modernizing it a bit. I am probably, most recently, proudest of how the
vintage campaign chest turned out. It was originally painted ivory which did nothing to enhance the neutral room or the actual piece. Painting it Kelly green rocked the chest and rocked the room. *Decorators Tip: we used an amazing primer--no sanding, dries in 45 minutes and even sticks to anything--even the Formica top!
Biggest Indulgence: I love lush towels, linens, and fabrics. And on a simpler note, my mother taught me the importance of fresh flowers in a room. I always try to have fresh flowers.
Best Advice: learn the "rules" so that you can feel comfortable breaking them. What I mean by this is educate yourself before you start to decorate. Make an inspiration book filled with pictures of different rooms, art, fashion, objects. Discover what you love. Remove the fear. Then remember to have fun. Don't take it so seriously-- it's just decorating!
Dream Sources: The Paris Flea Market--I have never been and am DYING to go.
Other Inspiration: I find inspiration everywhere--from the obvious to the unusual. Nature offers some of the most beautiful textures, shapes and colors. Art museums and fashion inspire amazing color palettes and composition. A trip to a flea market or vintage shop will almost always yield a new idea. I love other designers--Jean-Michel Frank, David Hicks, Kelly Wearstler, Jonathan Adler and Alexa Hampton, whom I had the privilege of working for earlier in my career and who inspired me to dig deeper then what I knew and to open my mind to a new idea of beautiful and chic.
Resources of Note:
ENTRY:
• Vintage mirror & console: Good Wood, Washington, DC
• Rug: Timothy Paul Home & Bedding, Washington, DC
• Paints:
Walls: Ben. Moore "Seapearl" Finish: Eggshell
Trim: Bejamin Moore "White Dove" finish: semi-gloss
Door: Benjamin Moore "Black" Finish: High Gloss
KITCHEN:
• Butcher block table: Good Wood, Washington, DC
• Faucet: Laura Kirar for Kalissta
• Love/Hate/Joy/Anger Canisters: Jonathan Adler
• Paints:
Walls: Ben. Moore "Seapearl" Finish: Eggshell
Trim: Bejamin Moore "White Dove" finish: semi-gloss
Cabinets: Farrow & Ball "Downpipe" Finish: Estate Emulsion
LIVING ROOM:
• Chesterfield sofa: Mitchel Gold & Bob Williams
• Vintage Saarinen Womb chair & ottoman: hand-me-down (similar: Knoll, Design within
Reach, etc)
• Barrel back chair: Alexa Hampton for Hickory chair, Fabric: Alexa Hampton for Kravet
• Vintage Campaign Chest: Miss Pixies, Washington, DC painted in lacquer-like, high gloss Kelly green
• Vintage 1960's bar/sideboard: Cherry Antiques, Washington, DC
• Gable Table: Henredon Furniture
• 1920's side chairs: Mrs. MacDougall D&D Building, NY, NY
• Pair of chocolate brown leather chairs: Thomas O'Brien for Hickory Chair
• Artwork: Alex Katz lithograph over green chest in LR and Richard Anuszkiewicz: oil on canvas over Gable Table in LR/DR
• Stag horn over fireplace: Moss & Co., Catherine Roberts & Oliver Dunn, Washington, DC
• Table lamp: Jonathan Adler
• Vintage round glass top bamboo style table: Circa who, West Palm Beach, FL
• Roman shades: Custom--workroom: Robert Shields Interiors, Fabric: Haute Fabric, Washington, DC, Trim: Kravet item#: T3 0496-16 , Washington Design Center
• Rugs: Orientals
• Paint:
Walls: Benjamin Moore "Seapearl" Finish: Eggshell
Trim: Benjamin Moore "White Dove" Finish: Semi-gloss
Doors: Benjamin Moore "Black" Finish: High gloss
Green Campaign Chest: Primer: Zinsser Bin Primer (tinted to match closely to top coat) Top Coat: Fine Paints of Europe "Bottle Green" Finish: Brilliant
Round glass top bistro style table: Fine Paints of Europe "Black" Finish: Brilliant
POWDER ROOM:
• Wallpaper: Osborne & Little # W5603-07
• Flush mount Light: Robert Abbey
• Paint:
Trim & Door: Fine Paints of Europe "Tulip Red" finish: brilliant
UPSTAIRS DEN:
• Sofa: Restoration Hardware
• Square chair: Bill Sofield for Baker Furniture
• Pale blue chair: Thomas Pheasant for Baker Furniture, Fabrics: Barbara Barry for Kravet
• Small occasional pillow on chair: Baker Furniture
• Vintage Mid-century modern "Dunbar" Ottoman: Workroom: Bergerie Upholstery, Fabrics:
Edelman Leather "Shagreen-Smokey" and Bart Halpern Zen Pleat in navy, Washington Design Center, Washington, DC
• Rug: Safavieh
• Window Treatments: Restoration Hardware
• Nesting Tables: Restoration Hardware
• White lacquer, claw foot side table: Arteriors Home
• Bookcase: Pottery Barn painted in lacquer-like high gloss "Navy"
• Navy Pillows: Custom: Workroom: Robert Shields Interiors, Fabric: Bart Halpern Zen Pleat in navy
• Coral Pillows: Random Harvest, Washington, DC
• Artwork: Lester Johnson
• Paints:
Walls/Doors: Farrow & Ball "Pavillion Grey" #242 Finish: Modern Emulsion
Trim: Benjamin Moore "White Dove" Finish: semi-gloss
Bookcase: Fine Paints of Europe "Navy" Finish: brilliant
MASTER BEDROOM:
• Bed: Ballard Designs upholstered in a Nancy Corzine Fabric
• Pair ivory lacquered vintage barrel back chairs: Workroom: Bergerie Upholstery, Fabric: Schumacher #42735, Washington Design Center, Washington, DC, Paint: ivory high gloss
• Pillows: custom. Workroom: Agora Interiors. Fabric: Kelly Wearstler for Groundworks
item#GWF-2814 710
• Bedside Tables: Bungalow 5
• Lamps: Target
• Paints:
Walls: Ben. Moore "in your eyes" 715 Finish: eggshell
Trim: B. Moore "white dove" finish: semi-gloss
Doors: B. Moore "black" finish: high gloss
Barrel Back Chairs: Fine paints of Europe "White Café" Finish: brilliant
• Rug: Oriental
• Artwork: John Chamberlain lithograph
MASTER BATH:
• Accessories: Restoration Hardware
• Mirror: Gold bamboo style, Miss Pixies, Washington, DC
• Light: Restoration Hardware
• Oversized Basket: The French Apartment, Washington, DC
• Towels: Waterworks
• Paints:
Walls: painted chevron stripes: Benjamin Moore "Mauve Hint" 878 Finish: Eggshell and "White Dove" Finish: Eggshell
Vanity: Farrow & Ball: "Elephants Breath" #229 Finish: Full Gloss
OTHER RESOURCES:
Work rooms:
• Robert Shields Interiors, Kensington, MD
• Agora Interiors, Alexandria, VA
• Bergerie Upholstery, Washington, DC
• Flooring: Existing wood throughout--stained darker upon move-in
Enter House TourThanks, Trey & Zoe!
Images: Leah Moss
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Absolutely gorgeous! I really love how color is definitely present but not garishly so. Also, for a designer's place, this space seems so casual and attainable, which really, really appeals to me. The grey kitchen cabinets are stunning!
Very nice!
What a lovely place!
It has a lot of symmetry (paired chairs in various places, etc.), yet doesn't come off as formal or stiff at all - there is a lovely relaxed elegance to the whole thing.
That red powder room is a real show-stopper - love it! Shows that you can make a huge statement in a tiny space.
This home is ridiculously amazing! We are kindred artwork souls, I find myself "EEEK-ing" over each piece hanging on their walls. Simply beautiful.
What a lovely home. I adore the two fuschia/purple chairs in the bedroom.
Just refreshing! Is it possible to know where the colorful wall art at the top of the staircase comes from? Much thanks!
Hi Lili-
The artist is Harold Linton--he is a Detroit based artist. Hope that helps! Thanks for the lovely comment. Best! Zoe
This house is AMAZING. Everything is put together perfectly, and every room is so beautiful. I especially love the pink chevron wall in the bathroom, I would never think to do that! Your survey is so cute, and thank you for your tips, advice, and resources!
Beyond Gorgeous! X X MK
An amazing inviting living space. The choice of colors give the home so much positive energy....a very special place to live. I love her ideas of design and they work so well. Great job!!
Gorgeous and definitely inspirational for me. Getting the right balance in an eclectic mix like this can be so hard.
LOVE the pale pink chevron walls in the bathroom!!!
LOVE it all, especially that amazing powder room wallpaper.
Was it the Zinsser Bin Primer you raved about? And where can one find FIne Paints of Europe? Spectacular colors. (I live in the DC area.)
Thanks!
oobladee - I know the Benjamin Moore monarch decorating center in Chevy Chase (Connecticut ave just south of the circle) sells Fine Paints of Europe, and I think the one in Georgetown (on Wisconsin) does too.
This house is a stunner. You are blessed to actually have pieces from your childhood home. Anytime I see something that even looks remotely like some decor from my childhood, I cringe.
So much to love but the highlights are the red and black bathroom, the pink chevron stripes on the other bathroom walls, and green dresser. Oh and the womb chair is so comfortable. I used to have a black one and I sat exclusively in that chair. It has the comfortable of a lazy boy recliner but is way more stylish.
The chevrons are great as is the tortiseshell
divine! i don't even like green - never mind bright green - and you've made me fall in love with that little cabinet!!! waaaa
That's great about Harold linton. I love his work. My family is from Detroit.
As for the clothes issue- we have a large closet in the upstairs den and a small walk-in in the bedroom. We make it work. And as i am sure you can imagine, I have no shortage of clothes:) thanks for the comments!
When I read Zoe was a designer, I immediately thought staged, stuffy, cold but this home is beautiful from the shocking powder room to the awesome kitchen, warm and inviting. Beautifully done.
This place had some very nice touches, but it wasn't my favorite place. I felt the smaller bathroom on the lower level looked way too 80's (with the metallic wallpaper)...but that's just my opinion.
Beautifully done! Love what you've done in the kitchen without spending on a big remodel! Thanks for sharing!
This is the best thing I have seen on AT for a long time! I especially love all the beautiful rugs and the painting in the living room.
Oh boy, those rugs are all lip smacking. I don't see the art work as terribly enduring, but it is light and bright like the rest of the place. And definitely a YES to that subtle chevron. Thanks for sharing your beautiful home.
Aside from the stag horn, I love every single detail in your home. It's one of the best house tours I've seen. Great work, Zoe!
Lovely home, but I really, REALLY want to lower that cow skull.
Love the dream source! You should definitely go to Paris!
Loving your paint colors, particularly in the den.
Great apartment. Really well done. I also thought once I read about the owner being a designer that it would be a more 'staged' home but it is not. Just lovely.
Nice home. Where is the wall-mounted hand from?
Inspiring - I am currently redecorating a very bland 80's townhouse on a minuscule budget and this gave me some great ideas.
Lots of beautiful touches here--the painted zig zag in the bathroom, the rug in the kitchen. Though I appreciate contrast and eclectic mixes, I find the large bright art in the living room to be a bit jarring. On the whole, though, this is an inspiring place.
And the best accessory ever, a tortoise shell cat.
Agree with many comments - notice not a cringe-worthy one here. YAY! Such a great house. The "powder-room" (bless whoever came up with that genteel title) is SLAMMIN'. Now I've never used that phrase before and don't know if it's in context so how about perfectly decadent. Like a little coccoon, I love that crazy granite. The rugs are great. I'm thinking chevron walls can be fab. How does one achieve this without going crazy I must find out. I detest dead animals as decoration and don't get this about so many homes on AT. I like your live animal however. I like the use of colour and that colourful art piece is great. One to bookmark for inspiration as original and welcoming. Thanks.