Apologies for my prolonged absense — I’ve been blessed with an abundance of freelance assignments, which have taken precedence this week. But in the course of reporting one of my stories, I was lucky enough to meet Jeff Albert, the owner of Decorium in Old Town Alexandria.
I drove there last week to meet Jeff and his partner (in business and in life), David Chenault, who is in charge of D2 — the interior design business upstairs. The store is hard to miss, as it’s dripping in artificial wisteria on the outside walls — which will be replaced this fall with some other seasonally fabulous hangings. You have to duck when you go inside, as there are more plantings hanging from the ceiling, along with all manner of chandeliers.
The store is stuffed to the gills with furniture, gifts and accessories — unapologetically over the top. (Jeff, at times, has carpeted the floors with sod, and in the autumn, customers have walked over crunchy fall leaves.)
So, you can imagine what their house must be like. Here’s a tour of their 90-year-old farmhouse in Lorton, which was designed to resemble a Tuscan farmhouse — or maybe a psychedelic dream version of one.
The sweet and inviting entry, but modest compared to what you'll find inside.
Barry Dixon lovers will recognize the nailhead-lined stair runner, which Jeff said was designed in tribute to Barry's style.
The kitchen's eating area, with recycled limestone floors, burlap settee, and a mixture of chairs under a beamed ceiling.
The farmhouse's original parlor combines rustic wood with velvet upholstery, framed by exuberant window treatments.
This corner of the parlor features an antique prayer chair, a brass Pope's crown, and tapestry against neutral walls created with seven shades of emulsions and glazes.
The library, which is about as contemporary Jeff and David get.
The art room, where Jeff and David display their art collection, reminds me of a setting from the house where the Bloomsbury Group of writers communed in England 100 years ago.
I love this vignette in a corner of the art room.
And finally, a lovely vignette in a corner of the couple's dining room. I adore the painted frames of these chairs.
So many people these days preach clean lines and minimal interiors, that it’s almost refreshing to see such an unabashed overabundance — the house is a good illustration of the incredibly generous personalities of Jeff and David, who greeted me with a lovely spread of coffee and muffins in the design studio over the store.
Decorium is worth a visit for the eye candy alone.
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 @
You’ve convinced me to pay them a visit. I admire their style and hope to get to Old Town very soon to see it all in person.
Looks like a great place to visit!!!
I love all those old style places in Alexandria. Might have to visit!
Jeff & David are great to work with. They really care about you plus they do an incredible job. I am so pleased with everything they dine in my house.
Jeff and David are incredible, and they work with every budget. I had the good fortune of wandering into their store about 7 years ago, and fell in love with their design ideas. They helped me create a timeless style that is both unique and elegant.
I live in Alexandria, and Decorium is, by far, the most aesthetically pleasing shop I’ve ever encountered. From the gorgeous wisteria draping the entryway to the design “wonderland” inside, it’s a must-see for locals and tourists alike.
what a wonderful article about two deserving decorators. Their shop is a delight to visit with its never-ending displays of unique treasures.
Decorium is one of a kind, and David and Jeff, even more so! It’s not often that you find such design talent paired with accommodating and easy-going style. D2 has tackled several of my rooms, one better than the next, hasn’t broken the bank, and continues to recommend items as I need them. And the store! Whether it’s a hostess gift, something special for a birthday, or to re-outfit part of or an entire room – you can find it in the store. Go back often, however, because the store is always changing. (Right now – the teal backdrop in one of the areas is TO DIE FOR – you won’t want to miss it!) And don’t miss talking with Jeff or David while you’re in – their ideas are magnificent!
Jeff and David are wonderful people and craftsmen at their trade. The world needs more people who run businesses with such pride.
Hideous. Seeing their house does nothing to convince me to use them to design my interior. That, gentlemen, is not design. It’s a grotesque example of over-accessorizing and kitschy Jewish Byzantine.
Jon, thanks so much for not being anonymous with your comment. Not everyone will like the same things, of course, but need we be mean?