In collaboration with a noted luxury home builder, Haleh designed a spacious 33,000 square foot French Château with commanding views of Potomac’s prestigious River Road. The client, a software entrepreneur and his wife, sought a turnkey solution and partnership with a trusted authority in the world of elegant and grand design whom they could trust to manage every aspect of their residence.
The foyer features 32-foot ceilings with a 20-foot diameter dome at its center, all embellished with highly detailed ceiling treatments and crown molding. Accenting the grand space is a sweeping double spiral staircase and a 10-foot diameter Schonbek chandelier. The massive columns were faux marbleized, while the capitals and bases were leafed in antiqued gold.
Haleh connected the grand salon to old world grandeur, referencing classical thematic elements throughout, including Corinthian columns and ornate plaster ceiling treatments, and crown molding, all of which were adorned with a selective use of gold leaf to highlight particular details. A subdued color palette and an elegant, yet intimate, arrangement of furnishings allows the architecture to claim center stage. Layered textures of velvet and silk soften the interior and add warmth. Paintings by 19th century French artists Emile-Auguste Hublin and Adolphe Bouguereau embody the quiet dignity of the space.
DRESSING ROOM
Reinventing this challenging space required realigning the room and concealing structural beams artfully behind French Period paneling. The custom cabinetry is a collaboration with Habersham and was designed with glass vitrines to showcase the client’s extensive collection of Hermes and Louis Vuitton. The crystal chandelier is Schonbek.
FAMILY ROOM
The family retreat is anchored by a fireplace featuring a surround of Durango limestone and a faux finish of limestone block above the mantle. The custom corner unit from Habersham boasts a trompe l’oeil mural that conceals a television. The room enjoys western exposure and motorized sheers in off-white linen with a subtle gold stripe filter light and control glare. The panel drapes are a cut velvet by Brunschwig & Fils; the swag in a Highland Court velvet features bullion detailing. The slipper chairs are covered in Habersham velvet; the Duralee sofa is covered in a Highland Court damask velvet. The coffee table is Habersham.
