Raji Radhakrishnan just sent me these beautiful photos of a residence she did at the West End Ritz-Carlton for a well-traveled, art- and design-loving bachelor, who would become her dream client.
Raji spent one-fifth of her client's budget on the sleek George Smith sofa, which stars in this living room along with the vintage Richard Wormley chair she found on E-bay.
Raji was introduced to her client through mutual friend, and she was the first person he called when he decided to move to DC. “It’s very rare when you find a client who shares your taste,” she says, “and is so forthcoming in terms of appreciation.”
For this condo, she adds, “he liked traditional design, but he also wanted to make it cooler, hipper, and modern.” Even better, because he wasn’t bringing any furniture with him from New York besides one desk, she had a totally blank slate to work with.
During the design process, he caught the art-collecting bug, which you can see throughout the condo.
Raji had the foyer console in her warehouse, which she fills with objects from frequent buying trips. The art and bust are from flea markets. The red background is paint to replace a damaged patch of Phillip Jeffries wallpaper, whose pattern had been discontinued and couldn't be replaced.
The client didn't want a formal eating area, so Raji paired a vintage pedestal table with a Crate & Barrel sectional. During cocktail parties, it's perfect for extra seating in this area, which shares space with the living room.
The bar cabinet to the left of the dining table is from Earl Spencer's Althorp Family Living collection, which is now sold through Colony House in Arlington. Raji found the cabinet before that collection was offered in the United States. One of two vintage chairs is turned away from the dining table to act as more seating for the living room.
Raji explains that when she is decorating a space, 75 percent of her resources usually go toward vintage, antiques, and fabrics. Of antique furniture, she says, “They just do not make those kinds of things anymore.” But the reason The Washington Post has identified her among the most promising young designers, and why they recently featured her own home in its pages, is because she knows how to combine these old pieces with other elements that make bring them entirely up to date.
Raji found the French daybed for the den on E-bay. All the throw pillows were made from fabric remnants. The small accent table came from an estate sale. They are combined with an ultra-modern Ron Arad bookcase above, which the client spotted at a MoMA retrospective.
A complete view of the Ron Arad bookcase, which the client fell in love with.
The leather wing-back bed is by Charles P. Rogers. The coverlet is a vintage Indian shawl. She splurged on Watts of Westminster fabric for the sham. The lamps are vintage from a New York dealer.
This charming drawing came from an estate sale.
I love the eclectic quality of Raji’s interiors. Her style could almost be described as Antique Funk. It is a tribute to her talent and success that this spring, she will be opening a New York office. I look forward to seeing more of her work.
Jennifer Sergent. Native Washingtonian. Former editor at Washington Spaces magazine and HGTV. Currently searching for – and writing about – DC’s design voices. Write to me @
This space is quite inspiring, even for a gal like me. I am truly becoming a great fan of Ms. Radhakrishnan!
This whole apartment is to die for. That bar cabinet is probably one of the coolest vintage pieces I’ve seen in a while. Thanks for introducing me to more local design talent!
this apartment is gorgeous! I took a look at her website and fell in love with her designs! thanks!
Wow, I could move right in -seriously -she captured all of the elements I love, and I’m sure the home-owners as well! It also seems she worked with a realistic budget too, which I always appreciate.
Raji has mastered the art of marrying the vintage with the contemporary; the modern with the classic and then imprint this eclectic blend with her unique signature of style that has awakened us to a world beyond the narrow compartmentalization of architecture. The sense of style and proportion that she brings to each room makes them a masterpiece in their own right.
I have been further inspired after seeing the stunning designs on display on her website-http://rajirm.com/home.html
Truly a work of Art!
I love how the antique furniture is paired with modern pieces and I’m in love with the with the bar cabinet!!! The overall design of the condo is awesome and consistent throughout the condo. It’s not too vintage nor too modern. It has the perfect combination of both to really make the place memorable. I’m sure the owner is very happy with the end product. Great job.. A+