Showhouse Color: Pastels

D.C. Design House
Washington, D.C.

Design:
David Mitchell, David H. Mitchell & Assoc., 1734 Connecticut Ave., Washington, DC 20009; 202/797-0780

Photographs by Gordon Beall
Produced by Eileen A. Deymier

What do you do with a challenging living space where natural light is blocked by a porch running the length of the front of the house? If you are designer David Mitchell, you banish gloom by bathing the room in shades of pale blue, ivory, yellow, wheat, and khaki for a casual yet polished look. Then you solve the dilemma of long, narrow dimensions by dividing the room into three areas.

The focal point is a fireplace centered on the back wall. David took advantage of the position by situating a table, skirted in yellow-and-white cotton, in front of it. The table serves as a divider between two seating arrangements, where symmetry guides furniture placement.