belmont
bringing the garden inside
rich warmth in a modern cocoon
The Kalorama neighborhood of Washington, DC is known for its stately historic homes, and this one follows suit from the street before revealing a more playful interior. The lounge, set within a modern rear extension, finds warmth through layered materials, color, and collected objects. Rough textures meet smooth, cornice-free walls, anchored by a minimalist stone fireplace, while abstract artwork and an irreverent shaggy sheep sculpture add humor. Photographing the room meant embracing softer light and preserving shadow and texture so the space feels intimate and lived in.
The goal of the rear extension was to introduce more light and strengthen the connection to the garden. Photographing the space meant working with the reflections of the expansive glass walls to preserve detail both inside and out so neither the interior nor the landscape overwhelmed the other. Sculptural furniture in rust and orange tones stands out against the lush greenery beyond, fortunately captured during our green season, when the garden feels almost part of the room itself.
sleek warmth
Minimal in form and restrained in decoration, the kitchen relies on its materials for its character. Clean lines are softened by the warmth of the walnut wood-grain cabinetry and the movement of veined stone surfaces. Subtle styling ensured the space never felt stark, while soft window light reveals texture and guides the eye toward the entryway beyond, reinforcing the home’s sense of flow.
Vintage whimsy
Against the home’s generally light, neutral backdrop, the children’s nursery leans most confidently into color - still muted and warm rather than bright. A whimsical illustrated wallpaper wraps the room, while golden tones and painted trim create a cozy atmosphere in the house. Photographing the space meant embracing its softness, allowing colour and pattern to shape the mood without disturbing the calm language of the home as a whole.
layers of history
Described as a joyful landing, the entryway preserves historic elements central to the home’s character, including a beautifully restored handrail crafted from multiple wood species and stripped stairs that reveal the richness of the grain. These sit juxtaposed with bolder moments like a classical bust and graphic cement tiles for a playful, modern energy. Delightful windows, including a round portal opening, offer glimpses of traditional brick and greenery beyond, gently linking past and present.
natural bathrooms
Sterile, these bathrooms are not! The truly unique stone sink with chiseled ‘live-edge’ backsplash is fantastic. Having an image that allows this sculptural beauty it’s time to shine without other distractions was essential. The lights, mirror and minimalist styling support rather than compete. In the walk in shower, the Venetian plaster texture was a joy to capture in the large window creating a really soft textural space.
the closing shot
For a home designed to bring the outdoors in, it felt fitting to end the story from the outside, looking back toward the light. Captured at dusk, the expansive glass reveals both the lush garden and the warmly lit interiors, blurring the boundary between inside and out this time from a different perspective. From this vantage point, the house feels alive. The contemporary siding, planting, glass, and historic brickwork coming together as one cohesive palette where classic and modern meet.