BEAM OF LIGHT
Poltrona Frau recently launched its first outdoor furniture and accessories collection, available in the U.S. at JANUS et Cie. It includes Sparkler, a lantern designed by Kensaku Oshiro that evokes a traditional Japanese aesthetic. The weatherproof fixture combines a powder-coated aluminum frame with hand-woven polypropylene and is powered by a rechargeable LED. poltronafrau.com; janusetcie.com

CUSTOM KITCHEN
Abimis, an Italian manufacturer of bespoke stainless-steel kitchens, takes its creations outdoors with the Atelier line. These al fresco units integrate weather-resistant AISI 304 stainless steel with other durable materials in sleek, clean-lined style. Pictured above: A concrete-and-stainless-steel kitchen combines a grill, barbecue and lower cabinets finished in Anthracite. abimis.com/en

BREAKFAST AL FRESCO
Enjoy outdoor breakfast in style with DCS Liberty Collection’s 30-Inch Built-in Gas Dual Side Burner and Griddle, featuring gas burners and a smooth griddle surface perfect for sizzling pancakes. The stainless-steel appliance (pictured left of the grill) is available with a natural gas or liquid propane connection at AJ Madison in Tysons. ajmadison.com

PIZZA PARTY
The gas-fired Pizza Oven Plus from Alfresco Open Air Culinary Systems boasts a ceramic-slab interior that preheats in 15 minutes. Channeling even, top-down radiant heat, it produces perfect Neopolitan-style pizzas in three minutes. Available at area Appliance Distributors Unlimited locations as a built-in or countertop unit; pictured
with an optional cart. adu.com; alfrescogrills.com

MOOD INDIGO
Eskayel has debuted its first line of indoor-outdoor performance fabrics that are both stain-resistant and water-repellent. The collection depicts 15 delicate, painterly motifs in muted colorways, digitally printed in Italy. Pictured above: Dynasty in the Indigo colorway conveys the feel of an abstract watercolor painting. eskayel.com

WOVEN WARES
All-weather woven wicker is the star of Tommy Bahama’s Cypress Point Ocean Terrace collection. The line includes plush, cushioned lounge seating along with accent and cocktail tables topped with Weatherstone—an engineered surface that resembles honed limestone. Find at Sheffield Furniture & Interiors in Dulles, Virginia.

BRONZED BEAUTY
An organic, sculptural form distinguishes the Lido Cord Outdoor sofa, part of a collection masterminded by GamFratesi studio for Minotti. The bronzed stainless-steel frame is sheathed in woven polypropylene cording; pictured with the Lido armchair and side table as well as a Rodolfo Dordoni-designed coffee table, Stony. Available at Contemporaria. minotti.it; contemporaria.com sheffieldfurniture.com; tommybahamafurniture.com

BASKET WEAVE
B&B Italia marks 15 years since the debut of the company’s outdoor collection with a reissue of Canasta, first launched in 2007. Conceived by Patricia Urquiola, this capacious lounger woven of polyethylene in a traditional Vienna straw pattern was inspired by basketry (canasta means basket in Spanish). Find at B&B Italia in Georgetown.

LUXE PERCH
Patrick Norguet expands his Swing collection for Ethimo with Alcove, a luxe daybed that utilizes the line’s signature curved teak-and-stainless-steel construction to create a cocoon-like perch. Sliding curtains and a fabric top offer protection from the sun while a soft mattress and optional cushions beckon. ethimo.com bebitalia.com

GARDEN ON WHEELS
British designer and ironmonger David Le Versha first conceived Bramber, a greenhouse on wheels, in 1990—and in 2021, he partnered with Dutch design studio Revised on an update. The new Revised Bramber utilizes safety glass, stainless steel and powder-coated aluminum and comes in Sand, Rust (pictured above), black or white. Find at 1stdibs.com. revised.com

LONG LASTING
The rustic-chic Bethany Collection combines all-weather resin wicker, rust-proof aluminum and wood-look porcelain to create hardy, long-lasting outdoor furniture. The line includes a sofa, swivel chair and cocktail and end tables (all pictured above); a dining set and sectional are also available. Sold at Belfort Furniture in Dulles, Virginia. belfortfurniture.com

SWIVEL SEAT
Inspired by mid-century Italian design, Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams’ Margaux swivel counter stool perches a comfy curved seat and back on wooden legs connected by a brushed stainless-metal stretcher.
The brand’s Bandanarama wallpaper is also pictured. At locations in DC and Tysons Galleria. mgbw.com

CLASSIC CHIC
A venerable British classic, the Chesterfield sofa is experiencing a renaissance—witness Universal Furniture’s chic Berkeley rendition, which sports the style’s distinctive high arms and tufted back. Shown in indigo velvet adorned with nail-head trim. Find at Belfort Furniture in Dulles, Virginia. belfortfurniture.com; universalfurniture.com

POSH PARTNERS
Keith Fritz Fine Furniture has partnered with Clare & Romy Studio, a ceramic arts maker, on Sculpted—
a line of customizable occasional tables showcasing hand-carved tiles framed in exotic woods. Choose from a selection of glazes and more than 100 wood finishes. keithfritz.com; romyandclare.com

ALL IN THE DETAILS
Atelier Cristina Jorge de Carvalho showcases the Portuguese designer’s CJC Furniture Collection in an elegant Lisbon showroom. Pictured: the wood-and-iron-framed All Day Bed chaise longue shares space with the Wood Apart Desk, crafted of lacquered wood, strand board and glass, and the Al Fresco Bookshelf, made of iron and leather. cjc-interiordesign.com

COLOR ME COOL
Japanese industrial designer Naoto Fukasawa reimagined his asymmetrical Awa table—a standby in white since its 2009 inception—in a choice of 18 satin and glossy hues for B&B Italia’s 2021 collection. The new Awa tables are made of hard polyurethane rather than the original’s stone-look CristalPlant. At B&B Italia in Georgetown. bebitalia.com

COMFORTABLE CURVES
Conceived by Sacha Lakic for Roche Bobois, the Astrea swivel armchair embraces comfort with soft, rounded curves on its foam-padded seat, back and sides.The pivoting, chrome-plated metal base features an automatic return system. Available in a variety of fabrics at Roche Bobois in Friendship Heights and Tysons. roche-bobois.com

SPARE + MODERN
Arper’s Loop modular sofa system by Spanish design trio Lievore Altherr Molina presents a spare, linear silhouette, extended by optional concave or convex corner units. A brushed-steel structure with steel or aluminum feet supports the sofa’s padded wooden frame; a wide range of upholstery selections is available. arper.com

HELLO AGAIN
Holly Hunt has revived four seating options from the Vladimir Kagan archive—all part of a line reintroducing the mid-century furniture icon’s use of Lucite. Pictured, the circa-1967-1970 Erica Lounge Chair ottoman, in which a single tufted cushion sits atop a Lucite base. Find at Holly Hunt in the Washington Design Center. hollyhunt.com

CLOSE QUARTERS
A mecca for small-space solutions, Resource Furniture introduces the Swing Sectional, a combination wall bed and sofa. When the queen-sized bed is closed, the sofa’s chaise can retract, making an L-shape or straight configuration possible. Swing features hidden under-seat storage and 10 linear feet of shelving. Available at Resource Furniture in Cady’s Alley. resourcefurniture.com

ROOM & BOARD
To complement its flagship store on 14th Street in DC, Room & Board unveiled a 3,900-square-foot outpost in Bethesda on November 12. The showroom carries the company’s timeless indoor and outdoor furnishings and office collections. More than 90 percent of Room & Board’s products are made by American craftspeople. Pieces in the company’s Urban Wood Project collection are created in partnership with nonprofits that hire residents with barriers to employment to reclaim lumber from abandoned buildings across the U.S. 7236 Woodmont Avenue; roomandboard.com

SANABRIA & CO., THE SHOP
Designer Melissa Sanabria opened a home-décor boutique in her Capitol Hill neighborhood on October 29. Offerings range from throw pillows and candles to one-of-a-kind vintage rugs. The designer—whose inventory represents small brands that embrace sustainability, charitable causes or ownership by women—looks forward to serving her community in person. “We’ve all been doing so much online shopping,” she explains. “I wanted to create a place where people can experience the merchandise, connect and get inspired.” Sanabria plans to host workshops and feature local makers and artists in the shop. 409 East Capitol Street, SE; sanabriaandco.com

TAILOR MADE
A family-owned Swedish company founded in 1926, Duxiana handcrafts beds with multiple layers of interlocking, continuous-coil springs that ergonomically adjust to the weight and contours of a sleeper’s body. A king-size model contains more than a mile of high-tensile steel wire with up to 4,180 interconnected bed springs. The Dux 6006  features dual bottom layers that provide deep suspension and a middle layer for lumbar support. An upper layer zips open to reveal six “cassettes” that can be positioned to customize support for legs, hips and shoulders. And a tufted, removable pad tops off the bed with a final layer of cushioning. All models boast an integrated base made of slow-growth Swedish pine; legs come in a variety of styles and sizes. Duxiana beds range from $4,100 to $21,950. The company’s Georgetown showroom is open by appointment only. duxiana.com

DOWN TO EARTH
Sound environmental stewardship drives the manufacturing process from “farm to mattress” for direct-to-consumer brand Avocado. Its carbon-neutral factory in Los Angeles turns out products made with non-toxic, eco-friendly materials. The new Organic Luxury Plus mattress features 3,136 individually pocketed, recycled-steel coils arranged in five zones for support and motion isolation, along with 21 layers combining certified-organic latex from Avocado’s own rubber farms, organic wool, mohair, natural alpaca, natural silk, organic flax fiber and organic cotton. Choose a power-adjusted base or platform bed, sold separately by Avocado, or use a frame of your choice. Avocado mattresses range in price from $999 to $5,599. The company offers buyers a one-year trial and donates 90 percent of returns to charity. avocadogreenmattress.com

CLASSIC CHECK
Hästens has been making bespoke luxury beds since 1852. The family-owned Swedish company still carries on the tradition it started six generations ago of using horsehair in its beds for the natural, pliable support it imparts and for its inherent breathability and anti-bacterial properties. During the manufacturing process, ethically sourced horsehair is washed in boiling water, rinsed, spun, disinfected and then heated to 284 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure that it’s clean, pristine and allergen-free. In addition to horsehair, the Vividus mattress contains layers of cotton and wool atop two layers of springs customized to suit the end users’ needs and preferences. The classic check fabric, available in multiple colorways, helps craftsmen confirm the alignment of their work; the frame is made of redwood from northern Sweden. Beds range in price from $9,895 to $879,900 at the Hästens showroom in Tysons Galleria. hastens.com

A reticulated foam body promotes water drainage, while the removable crocheted cover is easy to clean. Available in six finishes and three sizes at JANUS et Cie in Cady’s Alley; pictured in new Cool Grey and Cyan Melange shades, with Patricia Urquiola’s Anatra sectional. janusetcie.com

Designed by Michael Koenig for Ligne Roset, the Giardinetto planter is crafted of galvanized-steel sheets suitable for outdoor use, then finished in an iridescent lacquer the color of anthracite. The planters come in a range of sizes; convenient handles make them eminently portable. Available at Ligne Roset in Upper Georgetown. ligneroset-dc.com

Pictured in a Carbon finish, Blu Dot’s clean-lined Lookout Outdoor Lounge Chair combines a tubular aluminum frame with all-weather rope woven to form the seat and back. Shown here with the powder-coated aluminum Circula Tall Side Table, which boasts adjustable feet to keep its base level. Both pieces are available at Blu Dot’s Georgetown showroom. bludot.com

The Borea collection by Piero Lissoni for B&B Italia includes a chic sofa that pairs a slender aluminum frame with generous cushions. Sustainable padding is made from recycled PET plastic bottles; upholstery in solid or striped cotton canvas evokes a nautical vibe. Available at B&B Italia in Georgetown. bebitalia.com

With its delicate curves, the Pekin Floor Lamp casts an elegant shadow. Designed by Gabriel Teixidó for Roche Bobois in an indoor and an outdoor version; both are made of fiberglass and metal, but the outdoor fixture dons a shade of durable Batyline to withstand the elements. Available at Roche Bobois in DC and Tysons. roche-bobois.com

Warm up on chilly evenings with Frontgate’s Classic Copper Fire Pit. Its heavy-gauge copper basin is designed to withstand extreme heat and weather; an iron grate ensures fires stay well-ventilated. Measuring 40 inches in diameter, the basin sits atop an attractive, powder-coated iron base. frontgate.com

Kingsley Bate’s Charlotte collection offers a hardy spin on classic garden seating, with aluminum frames hand-painted to resemble rattan and all-weather wicker seats and backs in an airy, open-grid weave. Pictured with the teak Avalon table, which is slatted for drainage and comes two sizes: a 41-inch square and a 73-inch rectangle. kingsleybate.com

Relax poolside on the low-profile Summit chaise, designed by Lisa Clark Jenks for Country Casual Teak. The teak frame supports a mesh sling made of fade-resistant, waterproof polyester/polyvinyl in Cloud or Taupe (pictured). The stackable lounges feature four seat-back positions and can easily be moved on rear wheels. Find at Country Casual Teak in Gaithersburg. countrycasualteak.com

Edgestar’s stainless-steel outdoor undercounter icemaker emphasizes versatility, with reversible doors, adjustable legs and front-facing vents to accommodate freestanding or built-in installation. The appliance, which moves easily on lockable castors, can produce as much as 50 pounds of ice a day and stores up to 25 pounds. Available at area Ferguson showrooms. edgestar.com; fergusonshowrooms.com

Sonoma Forge’s Waterbridge Exposed Shower System can be installed indoors or out. The industrial-style, handcrafted fixture is distinguished by exposed pipes and joints forming an adjustable rain head, hand wand and foot wash—perfect for beachgoers looking to rinse off the sand. Available in a choice of finishes, in wall- (pictured) or floor-mount versions. sonomaforge.comtores up to 25 pounds. Available at area Ferguson showrooms. edgestar.com; fergusonshowrooms.com

The Lynx L42TR 42-Inch Professional Series Grill caters to the al fresco chef with such bells and whistles as a smoker box, a dual-position rotisserie—and 1,200 square inches of grilling surface. An infrared burner reaches temperatures from 300 to 1,000 degrees. Available at A.J. Madison in Tysons. ajmadison.com; lynxgrills.com

Yorkstone pavers from Architessa convey the timeless look of natural stone with the durability of porcelain. Measuring twice the thickness of indoor tile, the new pavers are designed for outdoor applications. They come in 24-by-24- and 16-by-32-inch formats and eight colors;

Al Fresco Flair - Mixed Quartzite is pictured. Available at area Architessa locations. architessa.com

Until one night in 2019, when she opened her sketch pad. “In 10 minutes, I had 40-some pieces drawn,” recalls the Annapolis-based interior designer. “It was in me all along, but I never let it come to the surface.”

In March, Farnady Furniture was born. A collection of 25 table and chair prototypes—many handmade locally by Niermann Weeks—expresses the designer’s eclectic, modern aesthetic. They also offer a nod to the Art Deco and Art Nouveau influences of her native Budapest. Lighting, mirrors and sculptures are in production, while plans are underway to expand color and fabric options. And in June, Farnady will unveil her creations in EJ Victor at High Point Market. For details, call 443-822-3248 or visit farnadyinteriors.com.

Why did you decide to design furniture?
I try to incorporate one-of-a-kind pieces in my work, but they’re not always easy to find. And creating furniture gives me an opportunity to tell people who I am as a designer.

What went into your collection’s DNA?
I like forward-thinking, I like modern and I like the unexpected. But there’s always a base you have to touch upon. For me, that’s Art Deco and Art Nouveau. I can trace back many of my pieces to architectural details such as a window frame, gate or front door in Budapest.

Where do you find design inspiration?
I find inspiration in travel, art, fashion—pretty much everywhere. I am also drawn to geometric forms. For example, swim noodles drifting together in the pool led me to design the Rolled Up Dining Chair. I love the architecture of it.

Who are your console tables named after?
I wanted to do something that represents me as a mother as well as my three teenage daughters, Emma, Julia and Adele. The pieces capture their personalities.

Artistic Approach - How did it feel to send your creations off to High Point?

When I first went to High Point 20 years ago, I was blown away by the products and people talking about their designs. Never did I imagine I’d be one of them.

Designed by Archirivolto for Calligaris, the Oleandro chair makes a sleek addition to any dining room. A metal frame supports the padded seat and backrest—pictured with a matte-bronze finish on legs and back. Also available as a stool at Calligaris locations in Cady’s Alley and Tysons Galleria. calligaris.com

INSPIRED BY HISTORY
For centuries, Rabelo boats in Porto, Portugal, transported cargo on the Douro River. They now carry tourists—and were the inspiration for Portuguese furniture maker Wewood’s latest sofa. Rabelo echoes its namesake’s wide, solid silhouette, with a wooden base at each end; foam padding is covered in fabric or leather. wewood.eu

NAP TIME
Blu Dot’s streamlined Hands Down Sofa offers ample room to stretch out. A wood frame supports single-seat and coordinating loose-back cushions, all filled with a combination of foam core and feather and down. Six neutral upholstery options include velvet, linen and cotton; available at Blu Dot in Georgetown. bludot.com

SLENDER SILHOUETTE
Designed with tight spaces in mind, the handcrafted Island Stool by Thos. Moser is distinguished by four tapered legs, rounded stretchers and a sculpted seat that showcases the wood grain in each piece. Available in solid cherry or walnut at Thos. Moser’s Georgetown showroom. thosmoser.com

LIMITED EDITION
First designed by Vico Magistretti in 1959, the iconic Carimate armchair has been retooled by Fritz Hansen to honor Magistretti’s 100th birthday. The limited-edition chairs utilize long-lasting, GMO-free woven flax in place of the original straw seat and a sustainable beechwood frame. Red and black lacquer harken back to the original. fritzhansen.com

FLOATING ON AIR
Created by Daniele Lago for his eponymous Italian brand, the Air Bed appears to float on four legs of clear, tempered glass. An optional backrest, shelving or drawers may be attached to the frame. Available in king and queen sizes through Theodores in Upper Georgetown. theodores.com

SPACE SAVER
Resource Furniture’s Giralot Mini is a compact, space-saving storage system. Stacked units, which rotate 180 degrees around a wall-mounted column, can stow away anything from toiletries to office supplies, apparel and shoes. Available in oak, walnut or lacquer at Resource Furniture in Cady’s Alley. resourcefurniture.com

INDUSTRIAL CHIC
Vintage meets industrial chic in Moroso’s Overdyed Collection, a collaboration with Diesel Living featuring painted-steel rods with ash or birch plywood seats and backrests. The collection of tables and chairs now includes the Overdyed Padded line, which dresses up the chairs with padding; a dining chair is pictured. moroso.com

JAPANESE STYLE
In 1974, Gianfranco Frattini designed the Kyoto Table, inspired by the clean-lined simplicity of Japanese furniture. Last year, Poltrona Frau paid tribute to the craftsmanship of this table with an updated version made of beechwood with Canaletto walnut inlay. Available at Poltrona Frau in Georgetown. poltronafrau.com

THE ART OF WHIMSY
Portuguese multi-media artist Joana Vasconcelos imparts bold color and exuberance to her Bombom collection of seating and accessories for Roche Bobois. Brightly hued with black stripes, the curvaceous sofas boast movable backs; complementary rugs and pillows depict the artist’s drawings and designs. Available at Roche Bobois in Friendship Heights and Tysons. roche-bobois.com

Product Watch - ECO FRIENDLY

A sustainably crafted update on a venerable piece, the Duna 02 Eco chair was designed by Lievore Altherr Molina for Italian furniture maker Arper. A smooth, black shell made of 80-percent post-industrial recycled plastic forms the comfortable seat, which sits atop contrasting light-wood legs. arper.com

R. Murphy’s New Haven Shucker sports a stainless-steel blade, wooden handle and curved tip for leverage. $16.65; rmurphyknives.com

SHELL GAME
Oyster shells in resin form Made Goods’ Raina Table Lamp, which measures 29 inches tall. Price on request. madegoods.com

ON A ROLL
New Jersey textile artist Sarah Merenda’s Oysters wallpaper depicts the mollusks in a bold, hand-drawn motif. Digitally printed in five colorways, rolls can be custom-sized to order. From $260 per roll; merendawallpaper.com

SILVER LINING
Christofle’s Albi collection includes a silver-plated oyster fork with wide tines designed to detach briny bivalves with ease. $93; christofle.com

DEEP DIVE
Michael Aram’s 20-inch Ocean Reef Oyster Shell Bowl conjures the wonders of the sea. Made of nickel plate in gray, sand-washed enamel. $375; michaelaram.com

Raw Bar - ON ICE

Antique oyster plates impart Old World elegance. This 19th-century French Faience Breton server sold by Majolicadream is one of many available on 1stdibs. $562; 1stdibs.com

A Pierre Frey embroidered-silk pattern of delicate foliage and butterflies provided the jumping-off point for the unexpected design scheme, which layers classic style with airy, feminine overtones. The favored fabric took a front-and-center role as an elaborate, decorative window treatment in the living room. “We pulled colors from that cornerstone textile for other design elements, from the soft lavender-gray hue on the walls to the upholstery and accent fabrics,” Houck recounts.

A faux finish by Billet Collins on the existing fireplace duplicated the original marble, which was damaged. Houck selected a Hickory Chair ottoman in playful Romo cut velvet, while velvet Kravet Couture chairs create a cozy spot by the bay window. Antique demi-lune consoles flank the fireplace.

In the adjacent dining room, Houck took her cues from an existing grass-cloth wall covering that clad the hallway and stairwell nestled between the living and dining rooms. “We decided to keep it and repeat it in the dining room,” explains Houck, who chose a rich, gold Kravet wall covering just like it that adds elegance in the dining room; on an accent wall, the grass cloth is embellished with a tree-of-life pattern that echoes the draperies’ garden theme in similar shades of lavender and green. The fireplace was faux-painted to look like its original mahogany; it complements dark-wood Hickory Chair furnishings that are both stylish and comfortable.

Interior Design: Andrea Houck, A. Houck Designs, Arlington, Virginia.

“Our virtual showroom tours seem to be helpful,” says Samantha May of Calligaris, which is now offering interactive tours of its Georgetown and Tysons showrooms online. “They let customers preview the showroom and shop completely contact-less.”

Roche Bobois, with locations in Tysons and Chevy Chase, also offers interactive online showroom tours, along with the remote services of a full design studio. “Our 3D team creates architecturally scaled 3D or AutoCAD drawings—not just decorative drawings,” says area sales director Brian Fell. “We can add personal details like an existing rug, or change flooring to see how it looks with the interiors.”

After videoconferencing with clients and learning their requirements,Roche Bobois’ in-house designers create 2D perspective drawings depicting possible furniture plans. Once those are set, designers present lifelike 3D renderings that incorporate different choices of flooring, fabric and color palettes—and even replicate outdoor views.

Coming soon: Clients will be able to don virtual-reality goggles and experience a virtual project walk-through in a Roche Bobois showroom. Says Fell, “This is what is needed for today’s market—it’s the future.”

WHERE TO SHOP

The following local furniture showrooms offer various forms of virtual shopping.

Belfort Furniture: belfortfurniture.com
BoConcept: boconcept.com
Calligaris: calligaris.com
Green Front Furniture: greenfront.com
Ligne Roset: ligneroset-dc.com
Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams: mgbwhome.com
Resource Furniture: resourcefurniture.com
Roche Bobois: roche-bobois.com
Sheffield Furniture & Interiors: sheffieldfurniture.com
Theodores: theodores.com

“As a small, woman-owned business, I was drawn to Union Market. It aligns with my desire to be in an international city alongside fellow entrepreneurs,” Kemper says. “My space is a physical expression of my brand in a neighborhood with a longstanding passion for art and culture.” 1266 5th Street, NE; 202-548-2525. annakemperatelier.com

Open by appointment only, the 3,000-square-foot storefront offers items that homeowners won’t find online. “We have four times as many fabrics in our shops than are shown online,” says Allyson McGrath, vice president of design shops. “And in Bethesda, we partnered with the Capital Artist Collective to showcase the work of local DC artists.” Design consultations are available. 7121 Bethesda Lane; 240-531-1839. serenaandlily.com

David Sutherland Showroom—The company’s first DC outpost offers Perennials fabrics and Sutherland outdoor furniture, plus such vendors as Hellman-Chang and Ochre Lighting, in a 5,000-square-foot showroom. Suite 410; sutherlandfurniture.com

Baker—In a move from Cady’s Alley, Baker brings its Milling Road and McGuire brands to a new 6,000-square-foot space. Suite 400; bakerfurniture.com

Astair, a chic armchair designed by Pierre Charpin for Ligne Roset, combines comfort and playful style. Its deft construction features sturdy suspension with steel springs layered between high-resilience foam pads, supported by a tubular-steel frame. A matching round footstool and low pedestal table are also available. ligneroset-dc.com

Designer Alexa Hampton riffs on classic French furniture with the Mirabella Writing Table, part of her collection for Theodore Alexander. Crafted of mahogany with a gilt, tooled-leather inset and flower-head fretwork, the three-drawer piece comes in multiple finishes through area Sheffield Furniture & Interiors locations. sheffieldfurniture.com; theodorealexander.com

Sergio Bicego updates his modular Pixel seating system for Saba Italia with Pixel Light, a streamlined version with a slender silhouette (the sectional sofa is pictured). Marrying form and flexibility with a customizable back and armrests, it’s available through Theodores in a range of configurations and leather and fabric options. theodores.com; sabaitalia.it

The works of American artist Hunt Slonem are inspired by nature. Best known for his series of bunnies, butterflies and birds, Slonem’s canvases can be found in 250 museums world-wide. Pictured here, Untitled, in oil and acrylic with diamond dust, is available through Merritt Gallery in Chevy Chase and Renaissance Fine Arts in Baltimore. merrittgallery.com

A traditional silhouette characterizes the Gigi Skirted Full Swivel Chair from Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams—but a crisp, tailored skirt keeps its lines updated and clean. Part of a collection that includes sofas, chairs and ottomans; most pieces are also available in fabric or leather with tapered-wood legs. mgbwhome.com

cool+collected continued…
Going Virtual: A host of local furniture showrooms offers remote shopping and online design services.

Among the mix, one piece made a lasting impression: the three-legged African stool. The legacy of this useful object, he says, “seeped into my psyche. Those craftspeople had more influence on my work than anyone else.” Today, three-legged African stools are sought-after accent pieces, pictured on the pages of luxury-home magazines around the world. Some of the designs may well be his.

Born in Kenya, raised in Ethiopia and now based in Springfield, Virginia, Tariku designs furniture rooted in his African heritage. At the same time, the bold outlines of his polished pieces distill familiar forms, cutting across cultures with contemporary authority. “I’m trying to interpret what an African-based furniture design would be, always with the goal of clean lines,” he says.

Like the everyday stools of his youth, Tariku’s pieces are made of wood—solid ash and walnut from the U.S., as well as mahogany and high-quality Baltic birch plywood. Ebonized or natural finishes often interplay light against dark. In his lathe-turned Mukecha stools, rows of black rings may alternate with white or other bright colors. “I like the contrast,” he notes.

Tariku’s signature Nyala chair was inspired by the Nyala antelope native to the Ethiopian mountains. While that graceful creature has four legs, the designer’s chair has just three, each elegantly tapered and outwardly curved. Its hand-carved backrest, resembling smooth animal horns, bends gently inward at the perfect height to double as an armrest. Minus the backrest, the chair becomes a refined, three-legged stool.

“I kept looking at images of this beautiful animal,” says Tariku, describing his approach to this and other designs. “It started as a sketch; I kept drawing for more than a month or two.” Looking back, he recounts, “The sketching part was easy. Finding a builder took much longer.”

Tariku has a small wood shop in the garage of his family townhouse “to work out my ideas,” he says, but does not build his pieces full-scale. For more than two years, he had been looking for someone to construct the Nyala chair, which he hoped to introduce at the 2018 Salone del Mobile Satellite show in Milan. Happily, a few months before the opening, he met master wood craftsman David Bohnhoff at Richmond’s Craft + Design show. Looking through Tariku’s sketchbook, Bohnhoff stopped at the Nyala chair and said, “I’d like to take on that challenge.” Tariku agreed enthusiastically, and the two have collaborated on fabricating the designer’s chairs ever since; woodworkers in Rockville, Baltimore and Texas currently build his less complicated stools.

Before construction begins, Tariku uses 3-D modeling to help visualize his concepts, construction methods, ergonomics and the overall design balance of each piece. “Until you make the real thing, it’s hard to know,” he says. In fact, four prototypes of the Nyala chair were required before he and Bohnhoff were happy with it.

Tariku studied industrial design at the University of Kansas. Until entering, he had never heard of the field, intending to major in fine art. His furniture designs bridge both. “I don’t want my pieces to be only beautiful. They have to be comfortable too. They shouldn’t say ‘don’t sit on me—I’m art,’” observes the designer, who also works as a data scientist at the World Bank.

Tariku feels the time is right to extend the reach of his modern pieces. That sense is buoyed by his participation in the Black Artists + Designers Guild, a collective formed in 2018 to increase black representation in the design world. The Guild has promoted its members’ work with exhibitions in New York, Houston and High Point, North Carolina.

The art and design of those with African origins, he says, “brings richness” to the design universe. Until now, his chairs and stools have been based on sub-Saharan African influences. He hopes to broaden those references to parts of northern Africa, and to produce a full line of contemporary African-style furniture—the subject of his college thesis.

Tariku looks forward to a time when he can present his work at shows in Ghana and Nigeria, where he has exhibited before. “Do I want to? Oh, yes,” he beams. “All that’s coming.”

For more information, visit jomofurniture.com.

Decades later, echoes from this painterly past somehow swayed sister and brother from their designated career paths. Anne was finishing a master’s degree in fine arts at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), but didn’t fancy herself a full-time artist. And Will was less than thrilled with his job in banking. So the duo decided to team up and dive head-first into the outdoor-furniture business. “Our parents loved the concept of creating a lasting garden and were also ardent antiques collectors,” explains Anne. “Will and I put those two great loves together to make something beautiful and lasting.”

They founded McKinnon and Harris in 1991, working out of their apartments in Richmond’s Fan District and building, painting and packing every piece themselves. To counter the throwaway mentality associated with low-end lawn furniture, they set out to produce pieces that were handcrafted, timeless and enduring. Early products were inspired by English archetypes, family antiques, museums and books. “Our first bench was Gothic in style; we were also enamored by the American Federal period,” Will recalls. “Anne and I were driven by our vision of making pieces that we ourselves wanted, and that is what we’re still doing. Our design philosophy is guided by classicism.”

Though they initially worked in steel, the founders soon turned to aluminum for its longevity and corrosion resistance. Thanks to Reynolds Aluminum, an industry giant founded in Richmond, they drew from a community of suppliers and skilled metalworkers.

Though the siblings admit to starting out young and naïve, their venture flourished. Today, they oversee their Richmond base with a staff of 70, plus McKinnon and Harris showrooms in New York, Los Angeles and London.

The company moved into its current, 65,000-square-foot flagship in Richmond’s historic Scott’s Addition district after outgrowing a previous location nearby. Will and Anne saw potential in what was an abandoned 1940s warehouse covered in graffiti, its roof partially caved in. They tapped local architecture firm 3North to transform it into offices, showroom space and a manufacturing facility. During the extensive renovation, the architects added roof monitors and skylights to dapple the interiors with natural light, and created contemplative, gallery-like spaces for product display.

Anne and Will still design each new bench, chair, sectional, table and chaise themselves, starting with hand-drawn sketches. “Everything we make has to ascribe to what we jokingly call ‘our ruthless aesthetic,’ meaning highly edited,” says Anne. “We’re interested in clean lines and don’t like ornamentation.”

In the workshop, artisans create furniture that can withstand the elements using methods akin to fine woodworking. Starting with aluminum components, metalworkers cut, bend and weld pieces by hand. Welds are beveled and joined for extra strength and integrity. “There is a phenomenal amount of unseen complexity in our construction,” Anne reveals. “A piece may appear utterly simple, but so much has gone into it to make it seamless.”

After welding, every surface is sanded and polished to create a smooth silhouette. Products are then treated to a high-performance, marine-grade coating that renders them resistant to salt spray. Finally, each is powder-coated in one of McKinnon and Harris’ 21 signature colors inspired by nature, from Severn River Stone to Wicomico White. The company also produces its own upholstery, using outdoor fabrics and reticulated foam cushions that allow water to flow in and out and dry quickly.

Still innovating almost 30 years after hanging their shingle, Anne and Will recently introduced stone tabletops and the Virginia Bench. Like heirlooms in their childhood home, most McKinnon and Harris pieces have a story behind them—from the Beaufort line named for a beloved dog to the Otey collection honoring a favorite aunt.

Though their products are sold globally, the founders have never strayed from their Richmond base. “We are so lucky that a lot of folks join McKinnon and Harris after graduating from VCU, which has one of the best art and sculpture programs in the country,” reflects Will. “Our people are part of the maker’s culture in Richmond—and the city is part of the soul of our brand.” mckinnonandharris.com

WALL ART
Kravet Couture’s Artist Series by Paperscape showcases the work of seven artists in varying wallpaper motifs. For Telescopic, Michele Oka Doner conjured the beach, depicting seaweeds, algae, coral and shells; pictured in the Nautics colorway. kravet.com

LIGHT SHOW
The hand-blown-glass “blossoms” that distinguish Hammerton Studio’s Blossom Modern Branch linear suspension light convey a soft, organic feel, illuminated by LED bulbs. Available in two lengths and eight finishes. hammertonstudio.com

SOFT SEAT
Part of a comfy collection of faux fur and shearling seating, the Starlet Bench from Jessica Charles pairs acrylic legs with a seat upholstered in a heavy, dark knit that mimics shearling. jessicacharles.com

SCULPTURAL STYLE
Sustainably sourced from reclaimed-teak roots, the solid-looking Tremont Side Table by Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams is actually hollow, allowing light to filter through it. Part of a collection of tables and sculptures. mgbwhome.com

CRATER EFFECT
Soft peaks of lava inspired Jonathan Adler’s modernist Vesuvius Bowl. Each piece is hand-sculpted in clay, then produced in stoneware with a glaze that bubbles when fired to create a cratered surface. jonathanadler.com

ENCHANTED FOREST
Natural colors, textures and light animate Lelièvre’s Nature Précieuse collection for Scalamandré. Pictured above: Merlin, a cotton fabric depicting an enchanted forest in bold yet muted tones. scalamandre.com

ONCE UPON A MATTRESS
Ligne Roset introduces Clam, an easy-to-use sofa bed conceived by French designers Léo Dubreil and Baptiste Pilato in chic, clean-lined style. The seat and back are filled with polyurethane mattress foam and the sofa back drops down into a bed. Available at Ligne Roset in Upper Georgetown in a variety of fabrics. ligneroset-dc.com

NIGHT AT THE LOUVRE
Inspired by the Louvre’s curved dormers, the Andre Nightstand is part of the Milling Road Originals collection for Baker. Boasting textured-bronze feet and a range of finishes, it’s available at Baker Furniture, which plans a move from Georgetown to the Washington Design Center in April. bakerfurniture.com

FLOWER POWER
Bold petals distinguish the eye-catching Antibodi, a whimsical armchair designed by Patricia Urquiola for Moroso. Made of double-sided fabric in combinations of felt, baize and  leather, the chair’s unpadded upholstery attaches to a stainless-steel frame and can be reversed so the petals face down. Available through Apartment Zero. moroso.it; apartmentzero.com

MODULAR MAGIC
Made in Italy, the Cloud sofa/sectional by Resource Furniture can be customized to suit any space via a variety of modular components and configurations. A range of fabric choices dresses up the sleek, low-profile arrangement. Available at Resource Furniture in Cady’s Alley. resourcefurniture.com

TABLE TALK
Designed by Paolo Catellan for Catellan Italia, the minimalist Yoda Keramik dining table pairs a metal base in a choice of finishes with a ceramic or glass top. Available at Theodores in Georgetown in a round, oval or rectangular shape with an optional Lazy Susan at its center. theodores.com

SITTING PRETTY
Versatility and sculptural simplicity combine in the NARA collection of stools and occasional tables designed by Jean-Marie Massaud for Poliform. The pieces are handcrafted out of hickory walnut canaletto topped with black elm. Available at Poliform | sagartstudio in Georgetown. poliformdc.com

WONDERFUL WOOD
The Live Edge Waterfall Desk by Fairfield Chair showcases slabs of old-growth guanacaste—a tropical flowering shade tree—at the end of its life cycle. An acrylic side panel lightens the piece and keeps the focus on its striking wood grain. Available at Belfort Furniture in Sterling. belfortfurniture.com

LANDMARK DECISION
The New York Public Library hadn’t ordered new chairs since 1911—until the landmark institution tapped Thos. Moser to design them. Meant to last another 100 years, The NYPL Branch Chair is available at Thos. Moser in Cady’s Alley, handcrafted in cherry or walnut, with a padded seat. thosmoser.com

CLASSIC COOL
As its name suggests, the Coupé bed pays homage to the classic, padded elegance of great sports cars. Designed in streamlined style by GamFratesi for Poltrona Frau, it is covered in soft leather with slender metal feet. Available at Poltrona Frau in Georgetown. poltronafrau.com

MAINE COTTAGE, known for its colorful wooden furniture sold online and in catalogs, has opened a 1,200-square-foot outpost in Annapolis. The design center showcases the company’s furniture in vignettes including two living rooms, a dining room and a bedroom. A Color Bar displays fabric samples along with take-away paint cards and fabric swatches. Design services are available; open by appointment only. 1205 West Street, Annapolis; mainecottage.com

ERIN PAIGE PITTS HOME is an 850-square-foot boutique that Annapolis interior designer Erin Paige Pitts opened next door to her studio. She was inspired to launch a shop after passersby stopped into her studio, inquiring about accessories, original art, and organic beauty products stored there en route to clients’ homes. Defining her inventory as “Hamptons meets Annapolis,” Pitts distills a collection of sophisticated home furnishings, accessories and original art. 105A Annapolis Street, Annapolis; erinpaigepitts.com

Where do you find design inspiration?
Williams: I’m a huge magazine fan and pay close attention to what I see in print. We also look at pop culture, what’s happening in movies, television, music, fashion. And we travel to shows in Paris, Milan and cities throughout the U.S. like Palm Springs—where you get a great retro feeling.

How do historical styles come into play?
Williams: We don’t want to reproduce historical products, but we do bring them forward and make them a little bit more modern. In the ’90s, our leather chairs were inspired by 1930s and 1940s pieces we found in French flea markets. And now we’re seeing the influence of 1980s Memphis style—not so much in furniture, but accessories.

How do you want customers to feel about your furniture?
Gold: One of the quotes we wrote years ago was, “When a home has been furnished successfully, walking in the door is like getting a hug.” We want people to come in and be comfortable.

Share the philosophy behind your tireless advocacy supporting equality for all.
Gold: Comfort is not just how you sit in something, but how you feel in your skin. As Bob and I learned growing up gay decades ago, it wasn’t so comfortable. We don’t want other kids to go through that. And we’re not just advocating for full LGBT equality, but also for women’s rights and for kids. We’re involved with an organization that helps ex-cons and ex-drug addicts integrate into society. We want to be part of making this world better for everyone and we’re lucky to have a business that allows us to do that.