Houzz Tour: Art-Filled Pied-á-Terre at Washington, D.C.

Though this modern penthouse is indicated by magnificent views of Washington, D.C and bold modern décor, it was the clients’ art collection that ultimately dictated the look of this area. When designer Andreas Charalambous of FORMA Design has been asked to work on this penthouse, producing particular vignettes for works by Richard Serra and Graham Caldwell (among others) was one of those matters he looked forward to most.

Besides integrating their art into the penthouse’s décor, Charalambous produced a unique modern interior and restructured the house’s 2,500-square-foot layout to suit the clients’ lifestyle.

FORMA Design

Charalambous added a good display wall to shut off a guest bedroom which had access doors in the living area. The wall created a completely private guest area and gave the living room a main focal wall.

Painting between dividers: James Nares
Art to left of TV: Peter Tunney
Pouf ottoman and cloth: Molteni
Sculptural seat: Cappellini

FORMA Design

Even though the construction was finished, Charalambous wanted to bring the penthouse up to its full potential with added detailing. Wide plank hardwood floors has been installed. Since the concrete ceilings did not permit for recessed lighting, he included ring and track lighting overhead.

Modular couch and cushions: Molteni
Coffee and side tables: Molteni
Rug: Yerra

FORMA Design

A rough stone wall made of striated and chiseled limestone extends from the entry foyer to the living area and up the two-story atrium to the master bedroom. This subtle accent unifies the space and provides texture to the otherwise plain white walls.

All stonework: St. Petersburg limestone, Ann Sacks
Matching black leather seats: Minotti
Atrium pendant lighting: Taraxacum 88 Suspension, FLOS
Modes: Contemporaria

FORMA Design

The identical limestone was used from the kitchen backsplash, tying that space to the remainder of the apartment. When designing the kitchenCharalambous extended the kitchen cabinetry for extra storage area, and set up a habit floor-to-ceiling wine rack.

Kitchen seats: Bonaldo Ola Chair, Ultra Modern
Kitchen table: Nuevo Living, Urban Essentials
Pendant lighting: Caboche Media Suspension lighting, Foscarini

FORMA Design

The full wall of cabinetry defines the kitchen inside the home’s open floor plan. Charalambous hid a support door into the pantry inside the cabinetry wall; this clever technique creates a sleek design.

Bar stools: Bonaldo Hoppy Stool
Custom wine rack: AK Metal

FORMA Design

The biggest changes in the house occurred upstairs. This attic originally consisted of 2 small bedrooms, which Charalambous converted to an open master bedroom and research suite that overlook the atrium.

Bedframe: Gamma Leather, Urban Essentials
Art above bed: Andres Serrano
Table and stools: Gamma Leather

FORMA Design

The study suite is located atop a small addition to the attic. For ultimate privacy in both areas (a lot of this home is observable from the road ), Charalambous added motorized two-story shades, in both sun-filtering and black-out options.

Art beside entrance to office space: Reykjavik by Richard Serra
Motorized and manual shades: NYSAN Solar Control

FORMA Design

Working with the clients’ magnificent art collection was one of Charalambous’s favorite parts about this undertaking. This handblown glass sculpture has been gently hung in the atrium near the study package, in which it catches and reflects light at any time of day.

Handblown glass sculpture: Graham Caldwell
Built-in Office Desk: Millwork convention by FORMA
Office seat: Aluminum management seat by Herman Miller

FORMA Design

Custom made steel railings made by a Baltimore studio add to the house’s modern and industrial luxe look.

Custom railings: Gutierrez Studios

FORMA Design

The start of the limestone wall is observable in the penthouse’s entryway. Stairs lined in the exact same custom metal railings lead until the master suite, but as a result of the small glance of city perspective, the eye is drawn down the hallway to the open common area.

Painting from the Entry: Sol Lewitt

FORMA Design

The magnificent pendant fixtures are all visible from the road, which adds even more drama into the über modern space. Much of the house’s decor and art could be seen from the road, although the bright white walls and bold lighting attract more attention — more reasons why Charalambous’s choice to set up complete two-story blinds was such a clever one.

More Houzz Tours:
Modern Home, Full of Character
A Modern Romance in Ontario
An Eclectic and Open Home in Sydney

See related