Danziger Design

In design, the details make the difference. In lighting design, the details make all the difference. You may have already heard that there are three different types of lighting that should be used in every room for maximum effect. General lighting is used to light living areas and walkways. Task lighting is just that; lighting used for a specific task. For example, a lamp may be used next to a chair and ottoman for reading. Finally, there is accent or ambient lighting. An example would be a light that is used to spotlight or accent a piece of artwork. These types of lighting help to layer the lighting effect, thus making for more interesting rooms. Lighting can get very complicated. In a recent home renovation I worked with lighting designer Steven Klein of Klein Lighting to assist with the overall lighting design.

Some lighting is useful, but not really great looking. Recessed lights could fall into this category. Some lighting is useful and really great looking. I would place the Boyd Cartesian Pendant in this category. The pendant is pictured to the left. We recently used this pendant in a transitional breakfast area in a home in Rockville, MD. The fixture is an unexpected detail set above the client’s large Country French wood breakfast table. The juxtaposition of the wood table with the contemporary steel fixture sets off the breakfast area in a stunning way. It also provides task lighting at the table for meals and for spreading out to work from home. This fluorescent fixture can be ordered either with a dimming feature or non-dimming. To look at other fixtures by Boyd, you can check out their website by clicking HERE.

Some of my other favorites by Boyd Lighting are shown below:

We’re on the home stretch now with a massive residential project that began in February 2010.

Maryland Interior Designer, Wendy Danziger has a client whose home was destroyed in a fire one week after the original drapery treatment was installed.

The unfortunate circumstances surrounding this rebuild have shown us how some people make the best of everything- the client is simply a great person with which to work and we are working to make her new home even better than it was before.

Here are a couple of progress photos. Enjoy and please follow us the progress as the end is in sight. The family will move back in August!!!!

Georgetown Jingle is an organization that benefits children with cancer at Georgetown University Hospital. For the second year in a row, I am participating in making a Christmas tree with a wonderful 9 year old little boy from Maryland.

Last week, the design chair of this event had a gathering for all of the designers at her home. This event was terrific and really brought everyone together. I really encourage anyone who can to participate in this wonderful event .

Here are a couple of photos of Maryland, D.C. and Virginia Interior Designer, Wendy Danziger and her new friend from this year’s Georgetown Jingle.

What do the parents of two active four- year olds need in the way of a retreat? A sophisticated master bedroom with a spa-like feel that provides them with relaxing alone time but is tough enough to stand up to story time and playtime with the kids.

This master bedroom began with some basics – the four poster bed and two nightstands. We added some whimsy to one of the nightstands by having Billet Collins studio work their magic on what was a very generic round table. In an effort to control the light, we began with crisp white plantation shutters for all of the windows. The walls were painted a cool misty blue while trim was painted a crisp white.
An existing chair and ottoman were reupholstered in a child friendly fabric that that is also stylish and sophisticated . The beautiful Icthus bench by Michael James graces the foot of the bed providing a practical place to sit.

The couple purchased the large piece of artwork that provides a tranquil and soothing focal point on the far wall of the bedroom. We added the metal base console table with a natural stone top for under the artwork. We also added a large glass vase with natural grasses to complete the look on the far wall.

The couple had most of their bedding already, but we added a pillow in a stylistic floral fabric that brought together the colors of the room and served as the inspiration for the faux painting on the night table.

A large floor mirror framed in a natural fabric was propped against one of the walls and provides a smart way to bring more light in the room as well as serve as a functional accent.

The final touches included a spa-blue throw for the end of the bed, a porcelain lamp for the night table, and accessories for the console and the nightstand.

This is one master bedroom that will hold up to time in style and durability… and will look good doing so.

What do you get when you combine great finishes with classic design? You get a transitional kitchen that is both functional and fabulous.
The owners of this Chevy Chase kitchen began with an outdated white kitchen and a design that included a peninsula with a bar height counter on the other side. The kitchen design was limiting to the wife who loves to cook for her husband and three children. The clients did not want to add on to their existing kitchen, so we had to take a good hard look at the current layout. Together with our favorite kitchen designer, we developed a plan that included an island and change of the overall design that allowed for a much better flow for the cook and busy family of five.

Once the kitchen designer completed the layout, we knew we had the functional part of the kitchen under control. Next it was time to work on the fabulous.

We decided that light mushroom colored cabinets would go around the perimeter cabinets, and dark wood cabinets wood compose the center island. This scheme was no accident. The lighter cabinets would help to keep the kitchen looking light (and in return help to make the kitchen look larger) and the center island would help to ground the room and would literally make the island the centerpiece of the room. Again with Jan, the kitchen designer, we developed great legs for the base of the island and she suggested using a wonderful metal element on the sides of the island.
Next the countertop and backsplash materials were selected. Granite was chosen for the countertop and opera glass tiles were chosen for the backsplash. The tile provides an instant WOW! in this kitchen . The appliances are concealed with door panels to give the kitchen an overall consistent and seamless flow. A small desk serves as the command center of this kitchen. A lucite counter stool sits below, while a glass front cabinet for those special pieces is directly above.
Since this is NOT the type of kitchen that just looks good, many functional features were added in a “smart” way. The center part of the island has shelves for the cook’s massive cookbook collection. A small wall became the perfect spot for a custom built-in fabric covered memo board that is trimmed in moulding and covered in designer fabric. This serves as the perfect spot for the family calendar, permissions slips and important notes.
With the “kitchen” part of the kitchen in order, it was time to work on the “breakfast area” of the kitchen. The clients wanted to keep their existing table which worked well with the overall design. We replaced their wood spindle backed chairs with chairs from Lee that are covered in a heavy duty vinyl that is practical and stylish and looks like a rich leather. The chairs are trimmed with satin nickel nailheads that give them a finished and high end look minus the high end price tag. These chairs look stunning from all angles and best of all, they are comfortable and keep pace with this active family. Finally, the breakfast area needed something to set it off from the rest of the kitchen. We found the perfect light fixture that makes a bold statement without being over the top.

This kitchen is a perfect example of a kitchen layout that can be dramatically improved upon without having to make the overall footprint of the kitchen larger. The many details add to the desired look and the end result is fabulous.

The presentation of fabrics and finishes is most often done in a casual way by showing clients different fabric swatches and finish options.

Occasionally a client will have a difficult time picturing a concept and it is necessary to do presentation boards with color renderings. Or sometimes a commercial client wants to show design options to their decision-making committee to help with the selection of the final design. We’ll put these selections on a presentation board to help with the decision making.

The following are examples of a rendering and a presentation board.

I’ll start with the finished product and then work my way backwards…

Photo by J.W. Smith

When is it time to move all of the boxes and “stuff” you’ve been storing in your basement for years? That’s easy! When an entertainment space is needed.

Here is some history behind another great renovation. The homeowners wanted me to create a space in their basement for movie watching, snack eating, exercising, and separate spaces for an office and storage. I worked with a great contractor and lighting designer on this project. Although the pictures you will see here are in the construction stage, I wanted to give you a bit of insight into what has made this a wonderful space.

A cove ceiling was constructed to create a place for some beautiful accent lighting.

This is the same area after it was painted.

In the office area we created “skylights”. Keep in mind that we’re in the basement, and there is a room above. What we really did was create the look of skylights with artificial lighting. In order to avoid shadows over the desk area and to create good task lighting we chose to use faux skylights which conceal unattractive fluorescent bulbs. The result is very impressive!

This shows the “skylights” after the trim was applied… they keep getting better looking.

Many thanks to George of Custom Contractors, the General Contractor on this job from whom I learn new things on every job. Also, a big thank you to Steve at Klein Lighting who patiently helped to make the lighting on this project top-notch. Additional thank yous go out to Matt at C.G. Coe & Sons, Homer the Master Painter, Tim at Audio Architects, Brett at Tri-Graphics, Carrie at Charles Ray and Steve at SCB Woodworking.

Finally, thank you to my clients (who have asked to remain anonymous). I so enjoyed working with you on this project – it was challenging, interesting, and fun. Enjoy!

On a recent vacation to the beach, my clients were wowed by the bathroom in the upscale house in which they stayed. More specifically, the husband was enamored with the shower. After returning home and with the luxurious bathroom still in mind, the husband called upon my design services to update and redesign the Master Bathroom of their home. They’ve been clients of mine for years, and I was excited to get to work on this project. His requests were pretty straightforward. He wanted a shower with body sprays and he wanted to create the luxurious and spa-like feel of the beach bathroom.

We started with the plumbing fixtures. After much consideration, it was decided that the shower would consist of a shower head, four adjustable body sprays and a hand-held shower. This was the only “want” item for my client. They basically gave me free design reign of the rest. Tile and stone were next – the shower walls and one wall outside the shower are 12×24 polished Marma marble tiles installed horizontally; extending the marble from the shower to the wall in the “living area” really connected the 2 spaces. We simplified the rest of the shower and wall with all the sprays by using a companion white Thasos marble. The bathroom floor is silver quartzite stone, which works well with the random grey marble mosaic on the shower floor. The shower is all glass on one side and half glass with a half-wall on another.

By removing the old tub; it allowed us to have some fun with a piece of custom wall mounted cabinetry for the client’s extensive book and accessory collection. There is even a chair for relaxing. The vanity area has dual his and hers sinks with contemporary one-piece faucets. The vanity is be made out of cherry and has a dark mahogany finish. A drawer pull-out with a concealed plug for a hairdryer is one of the details that make this cabinetry truly custom. The sink part of the vanity is deeper to add visual interest to the 8′-0″ space. Mirrors with a custom frame to compliment the vanity complete the look. A pendant light is the crowning jewel of this spa-like retreat. The color palette of the room is mainly black, white, and grey. We brought color into the room with rugs, accessories and towels. The palette is “clean” enough for the homeowners to change accessory items in the future.

These pictures show the sitting area before, during construction, and after…

Sitting Area - Before

Sitting Area - Construction Phase

Sitting Area - After *Photo by J.W. Smith *Framed photograph on wall by Arthur Stein

And these pictures show the custom-designed vanity and mirror before, during construction, and after…

Vanity Area - Before

Vanity Area - Construction Phase

Vanity Area - After * Photo by J.W. Smith

I’d like to thank Sally at Union Hardware, Andre at Architectural Ceramics, Steve at SCB Woodworking, Matt at CG Coe and Sons, Goran at Stone and Tile World, and a special thanks to George the General Contractor on this job. This project proved to be challenging and a lot of fun. The clients are very pleased with the end results and I am too!

I was recently asked for designer tips and tricks for storing books in small spaces by Beth Luberecki who contributes to Washington Post Express online. Although only a small quote of mine made its way to the article, (you can read the entire article by clicking HERE) I wanted to share with you some of my book storage ideas from over the years…

For commercial offices, I like to combine a bit of open book storage along with some hidden storage (for those unsightly reference books or binders that have to be kept close at hand) as shown in the desk configuration below.

Home offices are more personal. In the picture shown below, the client wanted open book storage that was readily available to the desk below.

In some cases book storage shares space with precious momentos and wine storage. Who says you can’t curl up with a good book and a glass of red? Treasured books – in this case photo books of the family – look great on a cocktail table and provide instant conversation starters with guests.

These custom designed cabinets multi-task as well. Book storage shares space with family photos, accessories, tv component storage and general storage.

Here is another cabinet I designed and had custom painted for book and other storage.

Combining books with other items (especially when there are many bookshelves) adds interest to the arrangement. Try photos, vases, candlesticks, travel memorabilia, and of course, bookends! Books can be arranged horizontally and vertically. Think outside the box when arranging books.

Bedrooms are great places to store books as well. This gives you the added convenience of pulling out a good book and reading before drifting off to sleep. The built-ins I designed below for around a bed provide a warm and cozy feeling to the bed area and make a great focal point.

Finally, one of my favorite pieces of furniture for hidden book storage is this hall chest by Century Furniture. The door slides to the side.

I heard from Katie’s Mom last week that Katie got to deliver a thank you speech to Hyundai for their generous donation to Georgetown University Hospital’s Pediatric Oncology Survivor Program. While watching the video on You Tube I noted how much she has grown and how very poised she was and continues to be. I am so proud to know Katie through The Georgetown Jingle. To watch the video please click HERE.