Jason Claire

Faced with the prospect of selling their 7,000 square foot townhouse in lieu of a more modern loft, DC homeowners decided to revamp their Victorian pad – from head to toe. So, how do you transform a 100 year old Victorian home, with a lot of Victorian detail, into a modern living space?

Determined to keep up with the modern movement indicative of this metropolitan area, the homeowners called upon Jason Claire, whose experience with modern reinterpretations of turn-of-the-Century Victorians would prove impressive. Torn between the old-world-charm of the Victorian’s exterior, and wanting to update and modernize the interior spaces, subtly played a crucial role in the design plan.

With the kitchen previously remodeled, Claire went to work on the entry vestibule, foyer, living room, dining room, and media room. First step – change the color, change the mood. Inspired by the homeowner’s large French art deco painting – the original from which all prints were made – the home was saturated with warm grays, white, ice blue, and amber.

Fundamental to the renovation was paying homage to the home’s Victorian detail. While all aspects remained, Claire opted to minimize their effect. All picture rail moldings, mantels, and ceiling coins, were painted the same color as the walls or ceiling. The original inlaid mahogany flooring remained in most of the rooms.

In order to transform the dining room from dark and cramped to light and spacious, the wood flooring was changed to natural limestone with gray limestone border. The floor in the dining area is now cohesive with the flooring chosen for the new, modern kitchen.

Wanting to make an impact upon entry, the vestibule received a face lift. The dark red walls were covered in Maya Romanoff bedazzled wallpaper, bringing light and modern whimsy to the 300 square foot area. The brass light fixture was replaced with a dramatic, modern pendant fixture that can be seen from the outside through the transom (which still retains the old gold numbering). The vestibule floor was replaced with subway style marble tile.

The remaining rooms were filled with white and gray mid-century modern furnishings from Knoll, Steven Anthony, and Peter Sandback, with 1920s art serving as the backdrop.

Once contemplating a change of address, the homeowners are now delighted to enjoy the best of both worlds in their re-modernized Victorian Kalorama home.

Intrigued at how you can achieve a lush makeover on a restricted budget? Check out Vastu for mid-century modern furnishings, custom upholstery, casegoods and design solutions.