Robin and Jeff’s Light-Filled Home in Georgetown
Name: Robin and Jeff Jones
Location: Georgetown; Washington, DC
Size: 2,500 square feet
Years lived in: 5 years; Owned
Robin opened her house up to us on the first spring-like day of this endless winter, and how appropriate: the colors and light of the place whoosh past you like April, comin’ in hot. Better than Christmas in July, what we’ve got here is more like May Day in March.
But the house is much more than a few well-chosen, cheery colors. It’s situated in what was formerly known as the “Holy Hill” section of Georgetown, so named in the 19th century for its then large population of Irish immigrants, and, I presume, its proximity to Georgetown University, Holy Trinity Catholic Church, and the Visitation Convent. Robin’s home sits in a row of brick houses — most others on the block are clapboard — built on lots purchased and built upon between 1820 and 1830 by a bricklayer with the very Irish-sounding name of George Mahorney.
To this history, Robin has added her own colorful touch, most immediately apparent in that shocking (in a good way) green front door. She admits that in the past, she’s always stuck with “safe” neutrals, but said that in this house, she’s experimenting with color and updated fixtures. Her style — like the neighborhood — has evolved.
Apartment Therapy Survey:
My Style: Evolving. I’ve always gone with safe neutrals and classics. Now I am experimenting with color and updated fixtures and patterns.
Inspiration: Comfort. I want guests to feel welcome and relaxed when they visit our home. We don’t really have any use for formal rooms. That’s why our dining room chairs are upholstered and our coffee tables are also ottomans.
Favorite Element: The wonderful light that pours through our windows. It’s what sold me!
Biggest Challenge: This house has its share of molding, and I wanted to be careful not to stray in too serious a direction. I guess using color and having a bit of fun has kept that classic element at bay.
What Friends Say: Most friends comment on the square, open shape of the rooms compared to the typical long, narrow rooms in Georgetown homes. Also, they are amazed the house is as big inside — the outside is very deceiving.
Biggest Embarrassment: We have a really old, noisy A/C unit outside. We are replacing it this month. Even though it works fine, we just can’t take another summer of the noise!
Proudest DIY: The kitchen. It had brown floor tile on the walls and very interesting hanging light fixtures. We removed the tile and fixtures, hung drywall and installed recessed lighting. Those changes really opened and brightened the kitchen up.
Biggest Indulgence: We’re redoing our laundry room right now and just bought a Bosch stackable washer/dryer to create space for a utility sink and storage. I am having fun selecting paint and configuring things.
Best Advice: We’ve been in our house for over five years and I am still figuring out what I want to do. It’s okay to take your time and really make it yours.
Resources of Note:
PAINT & COLORS
- Benjamin Moore Gossamer Blue
- Benjamin Moore Mauve Desert
- Benjamin Moore Eccentric Lime
LIVING ROOM
- Sofas – Pure Home in Frederick, Maryland
- Pillows – Pure Home at American Holiday in Georgetown
- Ottoman – Pure Home, but has been reupholstered
- Tray on ottoman – Williams-Sonoma Home
- Mirror over fireplace – Wisteria
- Bar table – GreenWorks
- Curtains – Restoration Hardware
- Rug – Potomac Tile and Carpet
DINING ROOM
- Table – Antique store in Connecticut
- Chairs – Restoration Hardware
- Hanging light fixture – Crate and Barrel
- Mirror – Flea market
POWDER ROOM
- Sink skirt – Custom made
BASEMENT
- Sofas – Pottery Barn
- Pillows – Crate and Barrel
- Ottoman – Pure Home
GUEST BEDROOM
- Bedding – Pine Cone Hill
- Bed – Flea market
- Pink wicker side table – Flea market
- Flamenco “Kallie Kathleen” print – Custom made in Spain for Robin’s daughter, Kallie
MASTER BEDROOM
- Headboard – Pottery Barn with Robin’s own cover
- Bedding – Ralph Lauren, Restoration Hardware and Garnet Hill
- Prints over bed – The Met Store
OFFICE
- Bed – Flea market
- Bedding – Anthropologie and Garnet Hill
- Chair – World Market
Thanks, Robin and Jeff!
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