Oasis in the city

Southern Living, May 2003 by Hamilton, Majella Chube

One creative couple restored a historic residence to create a little slice of tranquility in the heart of D.C.

Washington, D.C., in the spring is absolutely beautiful," Dr. Anne Ashmore-Hudson proclaims as she stands in the middle of husband James L. Hudson's urban garden, meticulously landscaped with blooms of flowering quince, tulips, and lilies.

Outside their historic brownstone in the Kalorama Triangle are bustling and picturesque surroundings. Constructed in 1906, the home's central location allows the couple to step out their front door, past his garden blooms and her Asian-influenced greenspace, to embrace metropolitan living. "We wanted to reside in the city," James says, "and we enjoy our garden oasis. It's the best of both worlds."

The Hudsons and their chocolate Labrador retriever, Bailey, live just blocks from a host of restaurants, shops, hotels, and businesses in some of the District's most popular areas. The convenience that city living affords was necessary to support the couple's busy schedules.

Transitional Entrance

The brownstone's interiors are elegant and filled with Southern charm. Delicate architectural details convey the structure's historic legacy. In the foyer, one immediately feels welcome. A space rich in scale and proportion, this grand area was formerly called the receiving room. Ornate ironwork on the front door sets the tone for the rest of the home.

A light and airy feel meets unconventional nuances in a space that blends classic design with a few rebellious twists. The home's design becomes an elegant backdrop to the elements of surprise-color, pattern, and arrangement-that are present in its furnishings and accessories. "I've always wanted my home to be comfortable, even if it has a sense of formality," says Anne. "I love beautiful things. Most of all, I love simplicity."

Without pretense, Anne has created a receiving room of underlying regality and avant-garde accents. The primary design strategy flows consistently throughout the home.

The centerpiece of the foyer is a round table with a glass top that is draped in gold fabric. Along with a pair of leopard-print parlor chairs, the area provides immediate rest and encourages conversation. The floral arrangement on the table mirrors similar themes found in artwork on one wall and on the marble floor's rug.

"It's a welcoming place and is large enough that anyone can be comfortable," says Anne. Portland, Oregon-- based interior designer Michael Finch assisted the couple in selecting the unique chairs and other furnishings, while designer Daniel Nichols worked his magic with furniture placement.

The room's life-size paintings and animal-print fabrics bring boldness, vivid color, and a more contemporary style. Colorful old stained-glass windows, original to the house, were restored and share the company of expressive, more modern art pieces from Santa Fe and Taos, New Mexico.

Comfortable Elegance

"The living room is my favorite," Anne admits. "When you invite someone into your living room, you are inviting them into your home."

The curves and lines on furnishings and accessories mimic distinct characteristics associated with the early 20th-century architecture. In a soft mustard shade, these walls complement adjacent rooms. Deep yellow, gold, and bronze accessories reflect a gracious setting.

Two additional conversation areas were also created. In front of the fireplace, tone-on-tone floral silk clothes a pair of chaise Tongues. Across the room, a kidney-shaped sofa in a bright yellow is an ideal addition to the baby grand piano in the bowed bay window.

"I knew I wanted fainting couches from the start," Anne reflects. "They work well to convey an open feeling. People sitting on one end can talk to those on the other end with ease."

Grand windows, cloaked in white plantation shutters and adjustable swag draperies, supply ample light to the room. Made from a persimmon-- color patterned silk found in Thailand, the window treatments' folds catch the light and change with it. All of the room's hues unite in the large floor rug, which lends a classic touch to the herringbone-pattern hardwood floors. Designer Brenton Baccari assisted Anne in selecting the rug and drapes.

James and Anne's love of art is apparent here as well. A collection of African sculptures stands tall in several corners of the room, complementing a vibrant watercolor painting by Romare Bearden above the mantel.

Filled With Natural Light

Just on the other side of the foyer is a formal dining room awash with yellows, golds, browns, and a sliver of teal in both vibrant and muted palettes. The eye is drawn across the prominent oval table and antique pieces to another triple window nook with a small table, chairs, and a comfortable settee.

On this occasion, the table is set with a mix of crystal and silver pieces. "We use the room often for smaller breakfasts and dinners. Sit down at the table, and it's hard to believe you are in the middle of the city," Anne says.

The stunning effects of silk drapes, with plantation shutters underneath, add a dimension to these windows. Gold, yellow, and teal stripes bring festivity to the room. "I do love the look," Anne adds. "It does well in both formal and informal settings."