Tuesday, June 4, 2013

Darryl Carter: inside look

This past weekend I finally had the chance to tour Darryl Carter's new store and studio here in DC that everyone has been raving over.
 The discrete facade in an up and coming neighborhood, Shaw, belies the large amazing space within. Only a small "Darryl Carter" logo in red on the front windows alerts the visitor that they are in fact in the right place!
One can see why Darryl chose the space for his shop: the beautiful industrial spaces are old, worn, and interesting; the perfect contrast to his quirky but beautiful antiques and custom designed pieces.
 This imposing antique lion greets you as you enter.
The first floor features a lot of smaller items by local artisans such as pottery, dishes, glassware, and art pieces. I loved this old stone urn!
The second floor is large and covers his furnishings, antiques, and a lot of other unusual finds.  Copies of his amazing book are to be found scattered throughout the shop.
 At the rear of the 2nd floor, fabric samples are housed in orderly fashion in industrial metal baskets.
 Stunning intaglios by yet another artist line the stairwell.
Everywhere you look are fascinating objects: both found and antique. This chinoiserie dressing mirror picks up the shelving on the wall opposite.
I always associate this type of striped menswear upholstery with Darryl but this was the only example I could find in the shop!
 Taxidermy is to be found throughout the shop as well as cowhide and zebra skin rugs.
Most of the lighting comes from Darryl's collection for the Urban Electric Company. I especially loved these sconces lighting the stairways.
The Attic space is the most beautiful and gets amazing light through old skylights and dormer windows. Darryl originally intended this to be his personal office but the store got larger than anticipated!
 Imagine taking your phone calls on this comfortable daybed everyday.
I was amazed at the breadth of items that is carried by the store - everything including the kitchen sink!
Behind the shop is a private courtyard, perfect for parties. The lines of this old mattress make for an interesting art installation.
Located in the former garage is the design studio where his staff works and client meetings are held. I loved these metal and glass doors.
The wood paneled space is painted Darryl's favorite color by Benjamin Moore, Bonifant White, which visually expands the space. Even the staplers and tape dispensers on the desks were white! The color is from his line at Benjamin Moore where you can get his look for your own home.

Anchoring the work space is a closet with amazing antique hardware. Antique door hardware is to be found throughout the shop on all of the doors - no detail overlooked - don't miss it!
Darryl's shop is located at 1320 9th St. NW, in Shaw, across the street from the convention center. I encourage you all to visit!
Photos taken with my underwhelming iphone - visit the shop to see everything in greater detail!

11 comments:

Scott Waterman said...

His esthetic perfectly captures what I consider the smartest and most up to date, up to the minute look for interiors.

A Perfect Gray said...

the wire coils from that old mattress make for an interesting display. I really like the white painted brick of the shop interior, too.

Mark D. Ruffner said...

I like everything I see here — it's all beautiful — but I'd welcome seeing more color.

Deana Sidney said...

Ah, lovely store. I had one of those old mattress springs in my barn. I always intended to bring it in and use it to hang my pots on... never did. It has a splendid look to it doesn't it? Love the display style and of course that heavenly light... makes all the dif. Thanks for a great tour!

Alice Stevert said...

The objects are looking old and antique but i guess that is why it adds some periodic looks to the room.

pve design said...

Gorgeous store inside and out. Thanks for sharing the color "bonifant white" - we are in the midst of phase 2, renovating our living dining room - and I want so much to have the mix of modern and antique~
pve

Kwana said...

Wow what a fabulous store. Thanks for sharing. I'd be there all day.

Karena said...

Stefan what a treasure you are sharing with us. Love Darryl's design aesthetics. Amazing shop/ studio!

2013 Designers Series
xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena

tomjohn said...

really cool collection of antique just loving it

Tom Johnson said...

really cool collection of an antique just loving it:)

Windlost said...

All interesting finds! I can't wait to visit myself. i walked right through that naighborhood on my way to Mitchell-Gold and definitely "up and coming" is the right word. It felt downright dodgy a little north of there when I walked to And Beige. haha.

xo Terri