I was lucky to visit Annie and Rush’s house, in the suburbs of Washington, DC, on an unseasonably warm day. Somehow I felt like I’d been there before, maybe because of the sun, or the cat walking in and out, or the comedic absurdism of a bright blue, stuffed shark toy resting on an old Eames lounger. It could be because their style acknowledges (and refutes) the dichotomy of politics and humor, something strangely appropriate these days. More likely, it’s because the home matches Annie and Rush perfectly: artful, clever, and gracious.

The public space in the house wasn’t always so open. As expected in an older home, the living room, dining room, and kitchen were all separated. While this may reflect how homes were used, that layout style has become significantly less desirable (and useful) now that people prefer a more casual, interactive living experience. Annie’s father helped the couple with their renovation, demolishing the dining room walls, and opening up the space significantly. Lots of light in the new open space make the house inviting and great for entertaining, while still allowing the bedroom spaces and Rush’s basement studio to be private.

Our Style: Evolving, with nods to Swedish minimalism, MCM, and Norman Rockwell.

Inspiration: Good art, bad art, early 2000s, vintage communist propaganda, Gershwin, politics, McDonalds.

Favorite Element: The pair of red paintings in the dining room that Annie’s grandma made in the ’70s.

Biggest Challenge: Knowing we have two bathrooms but having to share one. A pipe burst in the second bathroom right before we bought the house (discount!) so we’ve never really been able to use it. But we have big dreams for renovating it — eventually.

What Friends Say: “We’re coming over.”

Biggest Embarrassment: The unfinished kitchen. We still need to install the vent hood, even though we bought one when we first moved in. The thought of cutting into the exterior wall is enough for us to keep putting it off, for now, at least. Oh, and the backsplash of course. Tile suggestions are welcome!

Proudest DIY: The black and blue dining chairs. Rush painted and reupholstered the pair after we found them on the side of the road.

Biggest Indulgence: Restocking the bar.

Best Advice: Be patient! Rush’s grandfather told us that when we first bought the place. You don’t need to buy everything or complete all your projects right away. Stick to a budget and take the time to do it right.

Dream Sources: Design within Reach; Room and Board; a Rietveld chair; Serge Mouille lamps; the National Gallery of Art (East Wing for Rush).

Banano Leaf Wallpaper – ETSY

Eames Chair — DWR
Swing-Arm Sconce – CB2
Wall Sculpture – Amy Rinaldi
Art – Kenny Rivero, Julia Bland, Sam Vernon, John Szlasa, Sydney Vernon, Troy Michie, Abigail DeVille, Justin Hunder Allen, Evan Nesbit, Devin Troy Strother

Technivorm Moccamaster Coffee Maker – Williams-Sonoma
Art – Austin Lee and Rush Baker

Pax Wardrobes – IKEA
Art – Eric N. Mack, Doron Landberg, John Szlasa, Kyle Coniglio

Art – Quinci Baker

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