Showhouse Rooms with Yellow Palettes

DC Design House
Washington, D.C.

Design:
Barry Dixon, Barry Dixon Inc., Elway Hall, 8394 Elway Lane, Warrenton, VA 20186; 540/341-8501, barrydixon.com.

Photographs by Gordon Beall
Produced by Eileen A. Deymier

Designer Barry Dixon listens to a room's visual suggestions before moving forward with a design. In this conservatory, an existing limestone fireplace and extraordinary garden views inspired him to create an earthy gray and stone palette. The hushed neutrals showcase the uncommonly pretty architectural details, including the paneling, moldings, and windows.

For an accent color, Dixon introduced bright yellow. "We needed a color to ignite the room with warmth and sparkle," he says. "I chose an acid yellow with a really kinetic, lively quality."

Known for his ability to seamlessly incorporate opposing styles, Dixon layered indoor and outdoor, old and new to validate the room's purpose as a transitional space between the home's interiors and its gardens. A 19th-century zinc chandelier hangs over a seating area featuring a pair of armchairs slipcovered in a geometric pattern that alternates varying shades of yellow with gray. Nailheads in a Greek motif adorn a round ottoman covered in a pale lemon-colored fabric.

Sources:
Sofa ("Marche" #BD302); pair of upholstered chairs ("Middleburg" #BD200); round ottoman ("Dana" #BD226-0): Barry Dixon Collection through Tomlinson/Erwin-Lambeth, 336/889-2960, tomlinsonerwinlambeth.com.
Sofa fabric ("Panda"/Candy #5009001); chair fabric ("Ishtar"/Yellow #5007501); chair trim ("Bolo"/Honeyopal #5001303); drapery ("Papillon"/Lemon #5007101); drapery trim ("Jodhpurs"); sheer drapery ("Eternity Sheer"/White, Off White #5002901): Barry Dixon Collection, Vervain, 800/611-8686, vervain.com.
Fluted round end tables (with painted faux finish): DHS Designs, 410/827-8167, dhsdesigns.com.
Terra-cotta table lamps with custom silk shades; porcelain eagle in window (from Italy); cocktail table (from Marrakesh); round table with metal base (antique); leather chair (antique); pair of fretwork screens (antique): Barry Dixon Inc., 540/341-8501, barrydixon.com.
Zinc chandeliers (antique): Côte Jardin, 800/505-3067, cotejardinantiques.com.
Paint ("London Stone" #6): Farrow & Ball, 888/511-1121, farrow-ball.com.
Lacquered ceiling: Warnock Studios, warnockstudios.com.