Waterlily Interiors’ Winter Wonder

Wait a minute — where did the winter go? If I squint, the cherry blossoms outside our window at night can be mistaken for snow, which was sadly lacking this “winter.”

On one hand, the blossoms make my heart sing, but the spring fever just doesn’t hit as hard as when we’ve had a prolonged freeze. Now I find myself longing for the white stuff. So in honor of our fleeting winter, here’s a little tribute, care of the talented ladies at Bethesda’s Waterlily Interiors.

Tracy Schlegel and Kelcey Huff recently completed a condo renovation in Deer Valley, in this idyllic snowy neighborhood:

All photos courtesy of Andrea Joseph Photography

Can’t you imagine yourself in a snuggly shearling overcoat as you approach the entrance to this lovely pied-à-terre?

The owners are also from Bethesda, and purchased the 1980s-era vacation property out of foreclosure, which the designers say left it “in complete disrepair.” Here’s the demo’d “before” picture:

Fast forward to the transformed space:

Wow. According to the Waterlilys team, their clients wanted a more modern interpretation of the ski getaway aethestic. Using Kravet fabrics and furnishings from AmericanEye at the Washington Design Center, Crate & Barrel, and West Elm, they transformed the space into a warm contemporary chalet in a palette of plum and gray.

The Kravet fabric on the accent pillows was the starting point for the living room's palette.

An indoor hot tub was relocated to a back deck to make room for this dining area, and the large windows were added to bring the majestic mountain view inside. Dining table and Lee Industries chairs from AmericanEye at the Washington Design Center.

The designers also attacked the kitchen with zeal (scroll up to the “before” picture to see just how far they brought this space into the 21st century).

The layout was redesigned to allow for entertaining at the bar and easy flow throughout the area, the designers say.

Smokey topaz glass tile on the backsplash serves as a counterpoint to the honed Nordic Black granite countertop. Better storage and upgrades such as a warming drawer and wine cooler are more highlights.

The entire condo is only 1,600 square feet, so Tracy and Kelcey has to be efficient in their space planning. They borrowed what was previously storage space to add this third bedroom with built-in bunk beds so the owners can accommodate more (young) visitors:

This bedroom makes me feel like I was deprived as a child.

Older guests can enjoy this lovely room:

I particularly like how the rustic wood-framed mirror echoes the planked wall behind the bed.

The owners themselves, meanwhile, get to enjoy this transformed master suite:

Can't you just imagine a long, hot, shower here after a day of skiing?

Tracy says the owners purchased and renovated this condo not only for themselves, but also for potential renters — hint, hint! For a dose of winter AND great design, one need not go further than Bethesda.

Waterlily Interiors

6302 Ridge Drive

Bethesda, MD 20816

301.674.7763

info@waterlilyinteriors.com