High Design, Good Times at Darryl Carter’s Home
Photography by Carrie Russell
The good vibes are quite alive in Washington’s design community – this week, colleagues and friends gathered at Darryl Carter’s Embassy Row home for a little pre-Valentine’s Day celebration and book signing for The New Traditional (Clarkson Potter, 2008), which he co-wrote with Washington Spaces Editor in Chief Trish Donnally.
The Spaces team poses with the gracious host. Clockwise, from back left: Washington Spaces Associate Publisher Heather Heider, Account Executive Mary Sue Jedele, Account Executive Angela Carpenter, Marketing Associate Meghan Marino, Designer Darryl Carter, Editor in Chief Trish Donnally, and Senior Staff Writer Emily Lyons.
The New Traditional Photographer Gordon Beall, Designer Darryl Carter, and Ashley Baumgarner from Darryl Carter Inc.
And what better way to celebrate the book than to see Carter’s concepts at work in his own home? Early guests received a tour of the place (his home is the former Chancery of Oman), which is a catalogue of ideas executed to a tee. Nearly every room has a repurposed antique, a found treasure, a fond memory – all showcased against a backdrop of rich neutral palettes, with acute attention to proportion and scale.
The New Traditional by Darryl Carter with Trish Donnally
A serendipitous candid shot of Trish Donnally checking out a Darryl Carter for Thomasville daybed in Carter’s study – the designer/host is reflected in the mirror.
Read on for more party pictures…
The neutral tones engender a completely warm, vibrant experience. It puts the people (and the food!) at center stage. “There are certain designers who know how to own white,” said Anthony Wilder, principal of Anthony Wilder Design/Build Inc. “[Carter’s style] has such a purity to it.”
Maggie Shannon from Sotheby’s International Realty chats with Jennifer Ingber, principal of Fresh Confections, which provided the scrumptious food.
The food from Fresh Confections was a big hit.
Gordon Beall and Trish Donnally sign books for guests.
Architects, designers, artists, and industry professionals filled the home. Left, Architect Bruce Wentworth of Wentworth Studio; right, George Hemphill, owner of Hemphill Fine Arts.
Representing Thomasville (for whom Carter released a line of exquisite furnishings and home accents last fall), from left: Dany Bartet, Jerome Holland, Teresa Meade, Darryl Carter, and Liz Pelletier.
Architect Donald Lococo, his wife, Filomena , and their daughter, pause in the kitchen with Heather Heider.
Designer Rebecca Hubler, principal of Designed Interiors Inc.
Angela Carpenter, Heather Heider, and Trish Donnally share a laugh.
Haluk Ilikyel and Jeannie Gregori, principals of Gallery Anatolian
Daniel Steinkoler, principal of Superior Home Services Inc., and Emily Lyons
Alison Baumgarner, guest of Darryl Carter Inc.; Greg Gaddy of Sotheby’s International Realty
Darryl Carter, deep in conversation.
Trish Donnally, Emily Lyons, Katherine Respess from Baker Furniture, Heather Heider, and Kenneth Rascher from Baker Furniture
Artist Margaret Boozer, who made several ceramic, porcelain, and plaster pieces for Carter’s home
In the spirit of the coming holiday, Robert Donnally shares a moment with his wife, Trish.
Great post! Looks like a wonderful time.
The evening was wonderful and it was such a treat to see Darryl’s home. Even better than the book shows!
I have been pleased with my client’s reaction to the pieces that they have purchased.
The food and libation were top drawer too!
Elizabeth Pelletier, Design Consultant Thomasville Potomac Yard
What a great event! Darryl Carters home is as elegant and charming as he is.
Once again the ladies of Washington Spaces have put together another wonderful event. I had a great time and Daryl really has a unique house. It is great to see how creative he has been in making such an assortment of pieces tie together. I loved the table on the second floor back room. See you all sooner than you think.