When a couple living in Washington DC set out to transform their family home, they turned to the talented team at Alice Lane Interior Design for a vibrant refresh. Their goal? To elevate the builder-grade interior into spaces that feel both special and design-forward. The result, as highlighted in our With Flying Colors feature, is a dynamic reinterpretation of traditional style — infused with bold colors and a livable, luxurious aesthetic. Here, we share additional photographs beyond the print feature, offering an even deeper look into this remarkable project and the many reasons to fall in love with its artful design. Photos by Sarah Sayeed

A dishy mix of tables and seating loads the study with sophistication and swagger. 

A dazzling faceted mirror wall sculpture by Renwil hangs above the study’s large-scaled stone fireplace. “We didn’t want anything stodgy,” says designer Suzanne Hall. The homeowners were nervous about choosing red for the room’s walls, but as Hall explains, it was so worth it. “It is a magic moment when you walk in and experience that color,” she says. 

The designers integrated a slanted book cubby into the study’s built-in cabinets. “It’s a historic detail and allows you to leave a book open so that you can come back to it later,” Hall explains. It’s also an eye-catching display.  

In the study, a needlepoint upholstery animates an accent chair by Theodore Alexander.  

The study boasts custom built-ins that include a mirror-backed bar that reflects the nearby windows’ soft light. 

The study just off the entry is the home’s most striking statement. Packed with built-in cabinets, bookshelves, and a mirror-backed bar, the space is as functional as it is bold. The designers took it to the next level by coating every surface in a rich cherry-red lacquer. This daring choice pays homage to the home’s historic character while reimagining tradition with a fresh, fearless twist.

The owners wanted an authentic and historic decor, so the team added interior architectural elements, including handsome trim and paneling in the entry. 

The entry has a big responsibility,” says Hall. “ It is the bridge between the spaces.” She and her team reimagined the space with a marble floor, edited furnishings and brass balustrades that introduce richness of materials, patterns and fresh, classic style.  

As seen from the entry, the living room features a green-painted ceiling that repeats in the nearby dining room. The designers enlivened the living area with a mix of furnishings with strong and varied profiles, and chose compelling secondary colors that are comfortable and engaging. Hall explains, “You can’t give the colors a name, they just feel good.”  

The powder room located off the entry is a true fashion statement, wrapped in rich green Heron Print wallpaper by Gucci and accented with playful pink trim. A jib door cleverly conceals the entrance, with its back painted in the same pink hue—a delightful surprise against the vibrant walls. This unexpected pairing transforms the tiny space into a standout moment.

Trimmed in golden velvet Samuel & Sons tape, silk custom draperies provide a soft backdrop for large art pieces that help ground the living room’s decor. The designers retained the wood windows to foster a masculine touch that makes it feel historical and more expensive. 

A framed art piece poses on an easel by Visual Comfort. “All the pieces work together — abstract pieces to the ballerina and the sketched landscapes,” Hall explains. 

The dining room is a captivating blend of elegance and charm, featuring Gracie’s floral wallpaper in refreshing green tones that echo the surrounding wooded views. The painted ceiling extends the natural inspiration, adding to the serene atmosphere. A stunning Calais chandelier by Niermann Weeks hangs above a large oval table. “They wanted a nice big table, the largest size that would fit,” Hall says. It adds to a mix of striking silhouettes—from medallion chairs to a chic bar cart and a marble lamp— that infuses the room with personality and a thoughtfully curated feel.

A beautifully accessorized bar cart adds to the dining room’s charming style. 

A stunning stair rail featuring fluted brass balustrades gracefully ascends to the second level.

See the original house tour here.

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