You too can live in high design!

Now is your chance to live in your own lovely apartment in the heart of the elegant Dupont Circle neighborhood of Washington. Listed for sale is the pied-a-terre of designer Michael Hampton; Don't worry he's not leaving DC but moving into another home to decorate!

Located on the main first floor of a newly renovated townhouse, the apartment boasts tall ceilings and lots of natural light. Ever since 'You've got mail' I've dreamed of a floor-through apartment like Meg Ryans (see that apartment HERE)!

The large living room has space for a separate dining area (or grand piano as currently set up in the listing photos). These photos are from his website.

Hampton filled the space with his own collection of furnishings and art but I'm sure he would happily decorate the space for you as well!

 The large open kitchen is perfect for entertaining (and plants and herbs love that deep window sill!).

Hampton, pictured here with his dog Spencer, uses the 2nd bedroom as a cozy den but it would make a lovely guestroom as well.

Both bathrooms have been updated with waterworks fixtures and custom shower curtains whose tracks have been cleverly hidden behind custom mouldings.

 The master bedroom is a quiet haven with lovely custom baseketweave wallcovering.

 Off the sunny bedroom is a deck for your morning coffee!

The listing is through Matt McCormick of TTR Sothebys and can be seen HERE.  Hurry this opportunity won't last long!
All photos in this posting are by photographer John Cole

Michael Hampton and the DC Design House 2015

This year's DC Design House (2015) may not be located in DC but is still a very sophisticated and Washingtonian home.

Designed by Harrison Design architects, the house resembles a typical Virginian farmhouse which has been added onto over the generations. The multiple volumes help to mask the large size of the structure.

 I loved the logical and light-filled floorplan. Who doesn't love a floorplan?

The only criticism I could have are perhaps the lack of program in the basement. Large open rooms bleed endlessly into each other with no real purpose.  We had the idea of replacing the garage bump out on the first floor into the basement (which works with the grading) in the series of vague rooms on the left hand side of the plan below. This would also have the benefit of drawing more light into the back stairhall. But I digress......

The best room in the house is done by my friend, designer Michael Hampton. Don't just take my biased word for it, Architectural Digest  prominently included it in their line up and most media coverage has featured the below image by photographer Angie Seckinger as their lead photo.

Michael was able to work with the builder of the house (Artisan Builds of Mclean) and develop many of the details of the house which may be one of the reasons the fit-out and detailing found in the house is so well done. Any talented professional designer (unlike decorator, which is a very different thing but not a negative connotation ) will add this level of finesse to any project.

Above you can see the room as Michael first found it; see his blog post HERE on the development of the space. Michael designed a beautiful oak paneling to line the library, incorporating a built-in window seat and bookshelves.

The large chinoiserie painting above the sofa from John Rosselli was the basis of the room; soft greens with red accents.

The crazy beautiful sofa is also from John Rosselli and features a delightful faux bois fabric by Jed Johnson.

There are other rooms in the house worth noting, unusual as some showhouses feature one gaudy room after another - this showhouse is a comparative model of restraint!

I loved the master bedroom by Christopher Patrick. Christopher has a real talent for mixing the best of modern design and antiques to make a room stylish and lived in. These are the types of rooms in which people want to spend time! The Benjamin Moore wallcolor was especially great and I plan on copying it soon in my own bedroom. Notice too that much of the artwork are architectural watercolors by Michael Hampton!

Lastly, the kitchen was a beautiful space which brought to mind a Virginia farmhouse with a sophisticated twist designed by Lobkovich kitchen design.  Notice the leg details on the island -beautiful! I think they'll be getting a lot of calls from people for work on their own kitchens.

There is still time to visit the DC Design House, open until May 10, 2015 in McLean Virginia.  Don't miss seeing it all for yourself!
All photos unless noted by Angie Seckinger.

Michael Hampton Design: Architectural Watercolors -gallery opening

I'm so proud of my good friend Michael Hampton.  Not only is he a talented designer but did you know he is an accomplished artist as well? Next Friday evening, October 17th, from 6-8 is the opening of a show of his Architectural Watercolors (some pictured here) at Susan Calloway Fine Arts here in Georgetown.

I recently purchased one of his architectural watercolors myself and the amount of time and research he spends on their execution is really impressive. Michael continually hones his watercolor skills through the many recent classes he has taken including ones offered by the ICAA. One can always learn and grow!

If you're in Washington I hope you will take the time to visit Michael's exhibit (on view until November 15) even if you can't make it to the opening at Susan Calloway Fine Arts (October 17, 2014 from 6-8pm).  Also be sure to check out his website for more of his watercolors as well as his design portfolio; prepare to be impressed!

Michael Hampton at Baker furniture 'tabletop'

Last night I attended a fun event at the Baker Furniture showroom here in Georgetown where 4 designers worked their magic to get everyone into the holiday spirit by decorating tabletops.

My favorite table design was by my good friend designer Michael Hampton I'm pleased to report! Michael's interesting modern table focused on a new china pattern from Bernardaud in collaboration with Prune Nourry et JR.

The best thing about this china pattern isn't seen at first sight, the backside features the rear of the two hands! Learn more about his interesting tablesetting at his blog.

The fun part of attending such events, other than the chance to catch up with friends, is the chance to checkout the beautiful showroom. I loved this fun new chandelier called Syro.

 Another beautiful table was decorated by local designer Patrick Brian Jones.

Vintage crystal and china mesh seamlessly with new atop sparkling placemats. While I prefer a proper tablecloth it would hide the beautiful Baker furniture and that does rather defeat the point!

Events director and boutique owner Timothy Albrecht used a number of beautiful items from his store, Consider it Done, to decorate his own table. He was also kind enough to lend items to the other designers!

I love the modern brass utensils and gold and white is always classic.

 See anything to inspire your own holiday dinner table?

Many thanks to Baker Furniture for hosting the event and the fun evening!