Zoe Feldman chronicling her renovation

[Anonymous]

this is an interesting Substack from Zoe Feldman, chronicling the renovation process for her new home https://zoefeldman.substack.com/

I wish there had been a resource like this when we built our house

[Anonymous]

a large part of any AD100 designer's "success" is simply good PR, not talent.

Observe how original she is (not very, and in fact very similar to most of the AD 100 designers) as opposed to how promoted she is (very, very, very).

the best way to think about your renovation is to look at a wide range of examples, and really zero in on what the architect and/or designers (and stylist) are actually doing and procuring. drill down and identify what you like about the look.

but first and foremost, live in your space and notice how you use it. talk to neighbors with similar floorplans, especially if you are in a typical DC structure like a rowhouse, semi detached or in certain areas 1930s central hall colonials.

always think about how to elevate the eye. and how to elongate the lines of a space. get a color wheel. notice how your house sits on the compass - which room gets the most sun? that's not only useful for where you might want a bigger window, or how you might repurpose the space to be used better (a dark bedroom, bathroom or study facing N for coziness, a south facing living room or kitchen, etc) but also drives what undertones you use for paint.

AI can be helpful too. Just challenge its assumptions to be sure.

How do you want to spend your money? Ever notice a house in your neighborhood that was renovated with totally useless features? Like the balcony off the berdoom that overlooks the trash cans in the alley? Think about what you would really use and how you allocate resources.

Bottom line, tune into your own instincts, habits and needs first.

[Anonymous]

What neighborhood is this house in? I envy the acreage

[Anonymous]

Who is she?

[Anonymous]

Chain Bridge Road. She's a local interior decorator.

[Anonymous]

Was her last home the one by the Russian embassy. That was beautifully done!