Washington DC Interior Designers: Who to Hire

Finding the right design professional transforms your house into a home that truly reflects your style. Washington DC interior designers bring expertise in everything from contemporary interior design to traditional interior design, serving Georgetown townhouses, Capitol Hill residences, and modern condos across the DMV area.

The nation’s capital attracts top design talent specializing in residential renovations, luxury interior design, and space planning for unique architectural styles.

This guide profiles established design firms and boutique studios throughout Washington DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia. You’ll discover designers who excel in full-service renovations, custom furniture selection, color consultation, and sustainable interior design practices.

Each profile includes specializations, notable projects, design philosophy, and credentials to help you find the perfect match for your vision.

Washington DC Interior Designers

Designer/Firm	Design Specialization	Signature Style	Notable Projects
Zoë Feldman Design	Residential Interiors	Modern Traditional, Layered Textures	Historic Georgetown Townhomes
Thomas Pheasant	Luxury Residential & Commercial	Refined Minimalism, Neoclassical	Embassy Residences, High-End Hotels
Darryl Carter	Architectural Interiors	Modern Minimalism, Sculptural Forms	Contemporary Urban Residences
Marika Meyer Interiors	Full-Service Residential	Timeless Elegance, Color Integration	Kalorama Estates, Family Homes
Lorna Gross Interior Design	Residential & Hospitality	Eclectic Sophistication, Bold Patterns	Boutique Hotels, Private Residences
Tracy Morris Design	Residential Interiors	Classic Contemporary, Refined Details	Northwest DC Homes
Lauren Liess & Co.	Residential & Farm Houses	Organic Modern, Natural Materials	Virginia Farmhouses, DC Townhomes
Paul Corrie Interiors	High-End Residential	European Inspired, Bespoke Furnishings	Capitol Hill Historic Homes
Raji RM & Associates	Luxury Residential & Yacht Interiors	Global Eclecticism, Rich Textures	Diplomatic Residences, Luxury Yachts
Haus Interior Design	Contemporary Residential	Clean Lines, Functional Elegance	Modern DC Condos, Renovations
Lorla Studio	Residential & Small Commercial	Warm Minimalism, Korean Influence	Urban Apartments, Creative Spaces
Dane Austin Design	Full-Service Residential	Transitional Style, Livable Luxury	Family Homes, Suburban Estates
Splendor Styling	Residential Styling & Staging	Vibrant Maximalism, Cultural Fusion	Pre-Sale Staging, Quick Renovations
Danziger Design	Residential Interiors	Sophisticated Traditional, Curated Art	Art Collector Homes
M.S. Vicas Interiors	Residential & Renovation	Timeless Traditional, Period Details	Historic Restoration Projects
Lori Graham Design + HOME	Residential Interiors	Refined Casual, Comfortable Luxury	Suburban Family Homes
J.D. Ireland Interior Architecture	Architectural Interiors & Renovation	Modern Industrial, Architectural Focus	Loft Conversions, Urban Projects
Annie Elliott Design	Residential & E-Design	Fresh Traditional, Southern Influence	Virtual Design Services
Residents Understood	Residential & Boutique Commercial	Design-Forward, Curated Aesthetics	Creative Professional Spaces
Megan Blake Design	Full-Service Residential	Approachable Elegance, Personalized	Family-Focused Homes

Zoë Feldman Design

Zoë Feldman Design is a 2007 boutique interior design firm based in Georgetown, Washington DC, with additional studio operations in New York. The firm specializes in high-end residential projects with a focus on sustainable interior design practices and modernized classicism.

Design Specialization

The studio works primarily on residential design projects, creating sophisticated environments through contemporary interior design merged with classical elements. Feldman trained at Parsons School of Design and worked for four years as a designer for Alexa Hampton at Mark Hampton, Inc. before establishing her independent practice.

The firm serves clients across the Washington DC Metro area, New York, the Hamptons, and South Florida.

Notable Projects

Projects span Georgetown townhouses, Capitol Hill residences, and luxury apartments throughout the DMV area. The firm has completed extensive work in historic DC neighborhoods while maintaining architectural integrity.

Recent commissions include full-scale renovations in the Mid-Atlantic region with projects featured in major design publications.

Design Philosophy

Feldman’s approach balances sophistication with warmth through layering contemporary and classical details. The design vocabulary emphasizes modern style rooted in classical forms with space planning that prioritizes functionality.

Custom millwork, color consultation, and curated vintage elements define the studio’s signature aesthetic. Each project incorporates sustainable sourcing and eco-conscious material selection.

Recognition & Credentials

The firm received the 2011 “Ones To Watch” award from the DC Design Center. Feldman has been featured in Elle Decor, House Beautiful, Domino, The Washington Post, and The Washingtonian.

In 2020, Traditional Home magazine named her one of the Top 10 “New Trads.” Home & Design magazine recognized the studio as “Best Boutique Interior Design Firm.”

NBC’s Today Show featured Feldman as a guest decorator. Publications include appearances on ivillage LIVE as a home and garden expert.

Project Types

The studio handles full-service residential interior design including kitchen and bath design, custom furniture specification, and complete home renovations. Services extend to window treatments, lighting design, and art curation.

Project categories include townhouse makeovers, apartment styling, nursery design, playroom design, and home office setup throughout the Washington DC metropolitan area.

Thomas Pheasant

Thomas Pheasant is an internationally recognized interior design studio established in 2013 in Washington DC. With over 40 years of experience, Pheasant specializes in residential and commercial projects throughout the United States, Europe, and Asia.

Design Specialization

The firm focuses on luxury interior design with a contemporary dimension applied to classical design principles. Pheasant’s training at the University of Maryland in interior design, combined with early professional experience under designer Victor Shagari, established his foundational approach.

Projects encompass high-end residential estates, boutique hotels, and institutional interiors including Blair House (the President’s Guest House on Pennsylvania Avenue).

Notable Projects

Notable commissions include the Rosewood Hotel Georgetown (14 luxury
townhouses), a luxury hotel in Singapore, the Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek in Dallas,
and the renovation and interiors of The Hay Adams Hotel in Washington, DC.

Private residences span New York, Los Angeles, Paris, and Moscow. The firm
maintains its studio in Washington, DC.

Design Philosophy

Pheasant describes his work as “luxurious understatement” with interiors that are simultaneously modern and traditional interior design. His signature style emphasizes serene environments with careful attention to scale and proportion.

The designer is known as the master of the neutral palette, creating spaces that convey calm and sophisticated luxury. Classical minimalism with tradition and vision defines his design vocabulary.

Recognition & Credentials

The Institute of Classical Architecture presented him with the John Russell Pope Award in 2015 and 2025. In 2016, he received the Design Icon Award for his contributions to the design industry and in 2025 he was awarded the Monuments of Design Award by the Washington Chapter of ASID.

His first book “Simply Serene: The New Luxury for Modern Interiors” was published by Rizzoli. He is currently working on his next book with Rizzoli “Reflections: A Designer’s Journey.” Pheasant has often appeared on the AD 100 List.

Project Types

The firm executes comprehensive residential renovations, new construction projects, and commercial hospitality design. Services include furniture design collections for Baker Furniture and McGuire, along with his own collection of limited edition pieces through Thomas Pheasant STUDIO.

Project scope encompasses full-service design with architectural consultation, custom furniture specification, and lighting design.

Darryl Carter

Darryl Carter is an interior decorator, furniture designer, and lighting designer who established his Washington DC practice in 1997. The firm operates from 1320 9th Street NW with nearly 20 years serving high-end residential and commercial clients.

Design Specialization

Carter’s design vocabulary honors classical elements while balancing modern with antique, and simple with ornate. The firm specializes in bespoke environments with a transitional interior design approach that merges contemporary and traditional sensibilities.

Commercial and hospitality projects complement the firm’s residential portfolio. Carter’s training includes a law degree from Georgetown, though he transitioned to design after years of recreationally flipping properties.

Notable Projects

Projects include The Patterson (a historic neoclassical mansion in Washington DC), The Neustar, The Kinship restaurant, and multiple Embassy Row townhouse renovations.

Carter’s own DC townhouse, featured extensively in publications, serves as a design laboratory showcasing his aesthetic evolution. Projects span the Washington DC Metro area, Potomac, Maryland, Virginia, and Bal Harbour, Florida.

Design Philosophy

The designer’s approach emphasizes one-off environments where steel meets gilt and burled veneer meets blackened iron. Carter describes his work as creating spaces where modern balanced with antiquity prevents sterile environments.

His philosophy centers on approachability through mixing periods and styles. Art should inspire thought and laughter within meticulously composed interiors.

Recognition & Credentials

House Beautiful honored Carter on the “Top 50 in America” list. Architectural Digest included him on the AD-100. Elle Decor placed him on the A-List.

Carter authored two best-selling books: “The New Traditional” and “The Collected Home.” In 2012, he opened a retail home boutique in DC’s Shaw neighborhood.

Furniture collections include licensing arrangements with Baker/Milling Road and lighting design through The Urban Electric Company.

Project Types

Services encompass residential design, commercial interiors, hospitality design, and furniture/home furnishing design. The firm handles full-scale renovations, interior design principles application, and custom furniture specification.

A retail home boutique complements design services with curated furnishings and accessories.

Marika Meyer Interiors

Marika Meyer Interiors is a 2007 full-service interior design firm based in Bethesda, Maryland, serving the Washington DC metropolitan area. The studio specializes in residential design with projects spanning the United States and Europe.

Design Specialization

Meyer’s approach merges classic and transitional interior design elements resulting in elegant, sophisticated environments. The firm references architectural integrity to encourage harmony between structure and decoration.

Meyer holds a Bachelor of Arts from Tulane University and studied Interior Design at the Corcoran School of Design. Her fine arts background, specializing in painting, informs her textile and color work.

Notable Projects

Projects include residential renovations throughout Bethesda, Chevy Chase, Potomac, Rockville, Silver Spring, and Takoma Park. The firm has completed work in Georgetown, Capitol Hill, and Dupont Circle neighborhoods.

Meyer’s design for homes has appeared in multiple DC Design House showcases and area show houses including the Historic Ellicott City Maryland Show House.

Design Philosophy

The studio’s philosophy centers on practical luxury and functional beauty in well-proportioned environments. Each project reflects clients’ unique sensibilities through artfully mixing classic and transitional elements.

Form and function receive equal importance. Interior design colors and pattern serve as primary tools for creating personalized spaces.

Recognition & Credentials

The Washington Design Center nominated Meyer as “One to Watch” in 2010 and 2011. Traditional Home, House Beautiful, Washingtonian, Luxe Magazine, and The Washington Post have featured her work.

Meyer launched Marika Meyer Textiles in 2017, offering custom fabric collections to the trade. The line includes Flora, Sterrett, and Octavo collections with customizable colorways.

Recently, Meyer collaborated with Galleria Carpets & Rugs to create a custom rug line derived from textile patterns.

Project Types

Full-service residential interior design includes construction consultation, color consulting, furniture and fabric specification, kitchen design, bathroom design, and bedroom design.

The firm handles complete home renovations, space planning services, and custom textile design for residential projects.

Lorna Gross Interior Design

Lorna Gross Interior Design is a global full-service design firm based in Bethesda, Maryland, founded by Lorna Gross-Bryant. The firm specializes in customized luxury residential and commercial interiors serving Washington DC, Maryland, Virginia, and international clientele.

Design Specialization

Gross-Bryant holds an MBA and BS from the University of Maryland, plus an Interior Design BA from Marymount University. Her previous career as a pharmaceutical marketer informs her analytical approach to design projects.

The firm is NCIDQ certified and ASID member, focusing on layered, dynamic interiors with extreme attention to details. Projects incorporate unique elements that produce visually appealing and tactile spaces.

Notable Projects

Projects span Washington DC, Maryland, Virginia, Potomac, Bethesda, Charlotte, and Houston. The firm has completed work in Arlington townhouses, historic homes, and contemporary estates.

Notable commissions include multiple show house participations: CNMC DC Design House (Wesley Heights and Spring Valley), Georgetown Jingle at Bloomingdales, and Historic Ellicott City Maryland Show House.

Design Philosophy

The firm’s aesthetic focuses on incorporating rare finds and highly personalized elements into designed spaces. Gross-Bryant describes her approach as an “elevated design experience” through superior design and supportive customer service.

Authenticity serves as the cornerstone of great interior design. The studio believes great interiors transform lives through thoughtful space planning and curated selections.

Recognition & Credentials

Architectural Digest named Gross-Bryant one of 8 designers in Washington DC to know. She received the Designer of Distinction Award from the American Society of Interior Designers.

ASID presented Unique Design Awards in multiple years. The firm appears on the AA Top 20 Interior Designers list (3-time recipient) and Expertise’s 18 Best Interior Designers in Washington DC.

Work has been featured in Architectural Digest, Veranda, Southern Home, House Beautiful, Home and Design, and The Washington Post. HGTV profiled the designer and firm.

Project Types

Services include residential and commercial interior design, kitchen and bath design, full-scale renovations, modern interior design projects, and traditional interior design commissions.

The firm handles new construction, renovation design, interior architecture, custom furniture selection, and complete turnkey installations.

Tracy Morris Design

Tracy Morris Design LLC is a 2003 Washington DC interior design firm with a staff of four designers working on projects throughout the DMV area and South Florida. Morris specializes in residential design with select commercial hospitality projects.

Design Specialization

Morris’s personal aesthetic emphasizes comfortable elegance with clean silhouettes and cozy, textured fabrics creating polished yet welcoming spaces. Her construction experience distinguishes her approach from many interior designers.

The firm works closely with builders including Artisan Builders, Cecchi Homes, Goldsborough Design Build, and Overmyer Architects. Morris sees projects through from foundation to final styling.

Notable Projects

Completed projects include an 1807 Georgetown row house renovation on Smith’s Row, The Willard Hotel’s Round Robin Bar restoration, and multiple McLean luxury home interiors.

Work spans Washington DC, Georgetown, Alexandria, Arlington, Bethesda, Chevy Chase, McLean, North Bethesda, Potomac, Rockville, Silver Spring, and Tysons Corner.

Design Philosophy

Morris’s approach centers on creating spaces clients can enjoy for a lifetime. She views home as an important place requiring thoughtful design that showcases clients’ personalities and passions.

The designer finds inspiration from furniture, textiles, and art, often building entire rooms around an amazing fabric or interesting table. Balance between aesthetics and functionality drives project decisions.

Recognition & Credentials

Home & Design magazine featured Morris in the Top Designer portfolio. Publications include Luxe Interiors + Design, The Washington Post, and multiple regional design magazines.

Morris regularly specifies Benjamin Moore paint, Moore & Giles leather, Circa lighting, and Perennials fabric across projects. The firm maintains a 5-star rating on Houzz.

Project Types

Full-service interior design includes bathroom design, custom furniture, floor plans, kids bedroom design, kitchen design and remodeling, nursery design, playroom design, and space planning.

Services extend to commercial design including restaurants and bars with a residential sensibility. The firm handles complete home renovations and new construction projects.

Lauren Liess & Co.

Lauren Liess Interiors is a full-service interior design studio based in Great Falls, Virginia (outside Washington DC), established in 2007. The firm serves the Washington DC Metro area with approximately half of projects located in other areas of the country.

Design Specialization

Liess’s design philosophy, termed “pure style,” centers on creating homes that are deeply personal and loved. The studio emphasizes coastal interior design elements combined with natural materials and earthy palettes.

Liess studied through the New York Institute of Art and Design’s interior design program. She and her husband David operate the design studio, textile company, retail shop, real estate brokerage, and property development business.

Notable Projects

The firm has completed the Fox Vale project (their former 1970s home renovation), Consulate Revival, and numerous residential projects throughout Arlington, Great Falls, Potomac, and McLean.

Work has been featured in Domino Magazine in 2014. The designers starred in HGTV’s “Best House on the Block” focusing on Washington DC area home transformations.

Design Philosophy

Liess describes her aesthetic as a relaxed, slightly imperfect approach where things tell stories. Fresh flowers from the garden over long-stemmed roses, collected vintage finds, and DIY elements characterize project compositions.

The designer emphasizes creating contentment in everyday life through thoughtful interior environments. Perfection doesn’t interest her; reality and charm do.

Recognition & Credentials

The Washingtonian named Liess “Best Interior Designer in Washington DC.” Northern Virginia Magazine selected her as “Best Interior Designer in Northern Virginia.”

Liess made The Washingtonian’s 40 Under 40 List for 2017. She authored the book “Habitat: The Field Guide to Decorating” published in 2015.

Liess launched a furniture collection with Woodbridge and a bedding collection (Bee Willow Home) with Bed Bath and Beyond featuring hand-drawn designs.

Project Types

Full-service interior design includes kitchen design, bedroom design, living room design, dining room design, color consulting, furniture selection, and space planning.

The firm handles complete home renovations, new builds, and historic home restorations. Lauren Liess Textiles offers custom fabric designs for both firm projects and trade purchase.

Paul Corrie Interiors

Paul Corrie Interiors is a 2005 boutique interior design firm located at 1739 Kenyon Street NW, Washington DC. The studio creates acclaimed residential interiors through thoughtfully curated colors, textiles, fine art, and custom designs.

Design Specialization

Corrie’s modern twist on traditional interior design has attracted Washington DC’s urban style-setters. His approach mixes furnishings that are old and new, creating interiors with warm, familiar sensibility.

The designer transitioned from law school to interior design, beginning his career at a contemporary furniture store in Washington DC. His legal education informs his business approach to design projects.

Notable Projects

Current design work spans the Washington DC metropolitan area, Provincetown MA, New York City, and Panama City Panama. The firm serves Alexandria, Arlington, Bethesda, North Bethesda, North Chevy Chase, Potomac, and Northern Virginia.

Projects include Bradley Village Colonial in Bethesda Maryland, multiple Georgetown residences, and DC loft renovations with French Countryside influences.

Design Philosophy

Corrie describes his design philosophy as listening to clients’ needs and delivering results with a firm signature stamp. The approach centers on helping people achieve finished products they couldn’t accomplish independently.

His aesthetic emphasizes clean lines, simple timeless furnishings, and casually elegant personalized spaces. Contrast through mixing periods creates visual interest.

Recognition & Credentials

Home & Design magazine called Corrie “a rising star” in 2008. Metropolitan Home named him one of their favorite young designers in 2009 (Top 20 “Rising Stars”).

Traditional Home honored Paul as the favorite Young Traditional designer for 2010. His work has been featured in Elle Decor, Luxe Interiors + Design, The Washington Post, Architectural Digest, House Beautiful, and Washington Spaces magazine.

HGTV’s “Small Space Big Style” featured project work. BuildDirect.com listed him as one of Washington DC’s top 15 designers in 2014.

Project Types

Services include full residential interior design, renovation projects, custom furniture specification, color consultation, and art selection. The firm handles townhouse renovations, apartment design, and complete home styling.

Corrie maintains a 5-star rating on Houzz. Projects range from contemporary interior design to classical interiors across multiple residential categories.

Raji RM & Associates

Raji RM & Associates is a Washington DC and New York interior design and decorating firm founded by Raji Radhakrishnan. The studio works on city and country homes throughout the DMV area, New York, California, and India.

Design Specialization

Raji Radhakrishnan’s design approach balances elements that industry insiders call “pitch perfect.” Her youth training in classical dance and extensive world travel inform her compositions.

Growing up in her grandfather’s architectural design firm provided early training. The studio specializes in creating homes with a global, lived-in aesthetic through architectural details and exceptional craftsmanship.

Notable Projects

Work includes projects throughout Washington DC neighborhoods including Kalorama apartments, Maryland estates, Virginia residences, and international commissions.

The firm participated as an alumna of the Kips Bay Show House. Projects showcase neo-classical homes, modern lairs filled with collectible vintage French furnishings, and transitional residences.

Design Philosophy

Raji’s design process starts with listening to what clients truly want, then tailoring design plans to their tastes and preferences. The approach emphasizes sophisticated yet comfortable spaces termed “livable luxury.”

The designer enjoys collecting unique pieces for clients and composing beautiful spaces for living. Work reflects clients’ sense of architectural and personal history.

Recognition & Credentials

Luxe magazine named Radhakrishnan a Gold List Designer. Work has been published in Veranda, Traditional Home, Metropolitan Home, Luxe Interiors + Design, The New York Times, The Washington Post, Washingtonian, and House Beautiful (March 2020 cover feature).

The firm is known for sophisticated, welcoming interiors that feel personal to occupants.

Project Types

Full-service interior design and decorating includes art selection, basement design, bathroom design, bedroom design, dining room design, downsizing, entry design, furniture selection, guesthouse design, home office design, kitchen design and remodeling.

Services extend to renovation consulting, new build design, custom rug design, and custom mural creation through Raji RM murals collection.

Haus Interior Design (Kristen Anthony Kaplan)

Haus Interior Design is a 2005 award-winning full-service interior design firm based in Rockville, Maryland, originally founded by Kristen Anthony Kaplan. The studio serves Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia with a clean, unfussy aesthetic.

Design Specialization

Kaplan brings an MBA from Yale, construction management experience, and childhood surrounded by iconic furnishings and art to every project. This background enables comprehensive project handling from vision-casting to detailed implementation.

The firm now operates under principal designer Becky Wetzler, who brings Pacific Northwest roots and background as a skilled painter. The team creates bespoke interiors with creative rigor.

Notable Projects

Projects span Bethesda, Chevy Chase, Washington DC, Darnestown, Gaithersburg, Glen Echo, Great Falls, Kensington, North Bethesda, North Chevy Chase, North Potomac, Potomac, Somerset, Rockville, and McLean.

Notable commissions include 1850s farmhouse restoration in Harford County Maryland, DC row house renovations, Bethesda Lionsgate condo design, and modern living room transformations.

Design Philosophy

The studio’s approach emphasizes traditional elegance to classic simplicity with broad design capabilities. Kaplan describes the philosophy as handling all project phases with expertise and professionalism.

From overall vision to seamless execution, the firm excels at guiding clients through complex decision-making. Decades of experience make a difference in behind-the-scenes issue resolution.

Recognition & Credentials

Best of Houzz awards for Design and Service: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2012. Home & Design magazine named Kaplan the 2022 Designers’ Choice Awards winner for Interior Designer.

Work has been featured in The Washington Post, DC Modern Luxury, Northern Virginia magazine, Bethesda Magazine, and Home & Design Magazine.

The firm maintains a 5-star rating on Houzz with dozens of positive client reviews.

Project Types

Full-service residential interior design includes kitchen and bath design, bedroom design, living room design, dining room design, home office design, basement design, and renovation projects.

Services encompass color consulting, furniture selection, space planning, custom millwork, and turnkey installations with beds made, bathrooms stocked, and kitchens equipped.

Lorla Studio (Laura Hur)

Lorla Studio is a Washington DC full-service interior design studio founded by Laura Hur after a decade of diverse design experiences. The studio specializes in luxury interior design for residential renovations, remodels, and custom hospitality spaces.

Design Specialization

Hur holds an MS in Interior Design from Pratt Institute and a BA in Sociology from the University of Richmond. She combines her background in social sciences with expertise in the built environment.

Prior to launching Lorla Studio, Hur specialized in hospitality projects at top New York design firms JFD Studio and Gensler. The studio approaches design from both humanistic and analytical angles.

Notable Projects

The Forest Hills project (featured in Timeless Living Yearbook 2005) transformed a 5,200-square-foot home designed by Stephen Muse Architects in Northwest Washington DC. Located near Rock Creek Park, the renovation included four bedrooms, kitchen redesign, and 1,400-square-foot basement conversion.

Projects span Kensington, Arlington, Bethesda, Chevy Chase, and Washington DC neighborhoods. Work includes residential interiors and commercial spaces particularly in the hospitality sector.

Design Philosophy

The studio provides holistic design solutions through client collaboration, research, observation, and consideration of historical precedents. Natural materials, timeless finishes, and bespoke elements form the core of projects.

User needs and geographical location inform design decisions. The firm prioritizes working with smaller businesses, local companies, and vendors who emphasize social and environmental sustainability.

Recognition & Credentials

Work has been featured in Architectural Digest, Interior Design, Elle Decor, Living Etc., the Washingtonian, and Home & Design. Lorla Studio maintains a 5-star rating on Houzz.

The firm specializes in modern interior design with contemporary, distinct, and creative space planning.

Project Types

Services include:

• Accessory dwelling units (ADUs)
• Basement design and attic conversions
• Kitchen and bathroom design
• Custom furniture, cabinetry, and millwork
• Home office and home theater design
• Wine cellar design and project management

The studio handles high-end residential remodels, renovation projects, and intimate commercial hospitality design throughout the DMV area.

Dane Austin Design

Dane Austin Design is a 2009 award-winning full-service interior design firm based in Boston with operations in Washington DC. The firm specializes in luxury interior design for residential interiors throughout New England, Washington DC, and North America.

Design Specialization

Austin attended the Corcoran School of the Arts and Design at George Washington University with further studies at Sotheby’s Institute of Art in London and Institut d’Études Supérieures des Arts in Paris. His Annapolis upbringing and education inform his design approach.

The firm’s specialty encompasses custom-tailored homes and multi-room renovations with a focus on well-being. Austin describes his style as “painting in 3D” blending antiques with curated pieces.

Notable Projects

DC area projects include Spring Valley residences, Georgetown townhouses, Dupont Circle properties, Kalorama estates, McLean homes, Potomac properties, and various Washington metro area luxury high-rises.

The firm has completed sophisticated interiors in Millennium Tower, One Charles, The Four Seasons, and 22 Liberty. Recent locations include Spring Valley (Washington DC), Playa del Carmen (Mexico), and various Massachusetts addresses.

Design Philosophy

The firm believes well-being connects intrinsically to home environments. Thoughtful design enhances daily lives through concierge-level service that promotes balance, beauty, and peace of mind.

Austin’s approach pushes classic design to a bold edge through daring color combinations and unexpected pairings. Projects marry traditional interior design with contemporary elements through a modern lens.

Recognition & Credentials

In 2024, the International Furnishings and Design Association (IFDA) named Austin Interior Designer of the Year. Architectural Digest named him one of Boston’s Top Residential Interior Designers in 2024.

Awards include:

• 2023 Best of Modern Luxury for Transitional Design
• 2022 IFDA New England Diamond Award
• House Beautiful’s 2022 Next Wave designer
• IFDA New England 2024 Gala Design Awards (two trophies)

Project Types

Full-service interior design includes 3D renderings, finish selections, custom furnishings, flooring, rugs and carpets, wallcoverings, window treatments, lighting and color expertise, and comprehensive design and project management for kitchens, baths, bedrooms, and all living spaces.

The firm handles luxury residential renovations, new construction specifications, and complete home transformations. Services extend to urban estates, high-rise condos, farmhouses, and coastal cottages.

Splendor Styling (Mariella Cruzado)

Splendor Styling is a 2014 boutique interior design firm in Washington DC founded by Mariella Cruzado. The studio offers comprehensive decoration services creating livable, sophisticated spaces for residential and intimate commercial clients.

Design Specialization

Cruzado, originally from Lima, Peru, is a self-taught interior decorator and stylist. Prior to starting her design studio, she worked in international development as a violence prevention and gender specialist.

She launched the Splendor in Spanglish blog in 2013 to share design ideas and stylish living concepts. Within six months, demand for decoration services led to establishing Splendor Styling.

Notable Projects

Projects span Historic Shaw DC (Cruzado’s own home), Woodley Park DC, Adams Morgan DC, Brookland DC, Alexandria VA, Bowie MD, and Lusby MD.

Work includes residential interiors throughout Alexandria, Arlington, Bethesda, Chevy Chase, Falls Church, Fort Washington, McLean, Potomac, Seven Corners, and Washington DC.

Design Philosophy

Cruzado describes her design philosophy as “practical glam with a bit of modern.” She believes everyone deserves luxury in their lives and to feel elevated by their own space.

Her aesthetic emphasizes pieces that add luxury to everyday life with an appreciation for gold accents. The designer advocates purchasing pieces clients truly love, building room style around single statement items.

Recognition & Credentials

Modern Luxury named Cruzado one of DC’s hottest young designers. Better Homes & Gardens recognized her as a Style Maker. She received a Rising Star nomination.

Thom Filicia selected Cruzado as a member of his Style Squad for DC’s Design Edge event, describing her style as “edgy and cool.” The firm serves Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia.

Project Types

Services include interior design, space planning, bedroom design, living room design, bathroom design, nursery design, playroom design, and kids bedroom design.

The studio specializes in residential interiors and intimate commercial spaces with styling services for artists and creatives. Universal design and sustainable design inform project approaches.

Danziger Design (Wendy Danziger)

Danziger Design is a 1980 licensed, woman-owned interior design firm based in Potomac, Maryland. The firm serves the DC Metro area (Maryland, Northern Virginia, and Washington DC) with over 40 years of residential and commercial design experience.

Design Specialization

Wendy Danziger’s love for design began during a college trip to Italy. After working for residential and commercial design companies, she established her independent firm.

The studio is licensed in Maryland, Washington DC, Virginia, Colorado, and Pennsylvania. Danziger holds Allied ASID membership with extensive AutoCAD software proficiency for professional drawings.

Notable Projects

Residential work encompasses countless homes in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington DC. Medical, legal, and financial office projects complement the residential portfolio.

Special commissions include:

• New home build in Newport Beach, California
• 300-year-old farmhouse renovation in Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania
• 2-bedroom condo in Tribeca, New York

Service areas include Arlington, Bethesda, Chevy Chase, Darnestown, Fairfax, Falls Church, Gaithersburg, Great Falls, McLean, North Bethesda, North Potomac, Potomac, Reston, Silver Spring, and Tysons Corner.

Design Philosophy

The firm’s approach centers on caring attitude, listening ability, and willingness to discover creative solutions. Communication ensures designs reflect client style and aspirations.

Danziger interviews clients to determine existing items, future needs, and project completion within timeline and budget parameters. The designer provides creative solutions across multiple price ranges.

Recognition & Credentials

Bethesda Magazine named Danziger Design Best Interior Designer in Bethesda for four consecutive years. The firm participated in charity design events including Light Up the Season, DC Design House, Georgetown Jingle, and NSO Showhouse.

Volunteer services include children’s suites at Georgetown University Hospital and lobby design for a Montgomery County domestic violence facility. Publications include Washington Post Home, Washington Post Express, and The Gazette. AARP featured the firm in 2009 for pro bono work.

Project Types

Full-service offerings include basement design, bathroom design, bedroom design, color consulting, custom cabinetry, custom furniture, dining room design, kitchen design and remodeling, lighting design, living room design, project management, and space planning.

Services extend to custom bathroom vanities, custom blinds and shades, custom bookcases, wine cellar design, home theater design, and universal design.

M.S. Vicas Interiors

M.S. Vicas Interiors LLC is a 2003 interior design firm established in New York by Martha Vicas. Since 2008, the studio has operated from Washington DC (2125 N St NW Unit B) focusing on high-end residential, multi-family, and commercial projects.

Design Specialization

Vicas is a Georgetown School of Foreign Service graduate who worked in international banking before pursuing interior design. She studied Architectural Design at James Madison University after a career hiatus with her three children.

The firm employs a team including designers with degrees from George Washington University and Marymount University. Vicas specializes in creating timeless, comfortable houses that improve with age.

Notable Projects

The firm completed residential work throughout Alexandria, Arlington, Bethesda, North Bethesda, Potomac, West McLean, Chevy Chase, McLean, and Washington DC neighborhoods.

Vicas’s personal 1904 Cleveland Park historic district home renovation (featured in Home & Design July/August 2024) showcased the designer’s approach to restoring character while supporting modern life. The project included façade reconstruction, interior reconfiguration across three floors, and cellar excavation.

Design Philosophy

Fresh, innovative approaches to color and form trademark the firm’s work. Individual mixes of modern and traditional interior design furnishings, often custom designed, form project cornerstones.

Vicas describes her personal style as walking “a fine line of transitional interior design.” Black and white palettes with dramatic contrast create serene yet sophisticated environments.

Recognition & Credentials

The firm received 5 Best of Houzz awards. Martha Vicas holds Allied ASID credentials with licensing in Washington DC.

Work has been featured in Home & Design Magazine showcasing classical details, rich colors, patterns, and textures. The studio skillfully blends antique and custom furnishings with modern and European art.

Project Types

Services include 3D rendering, basement design, bathroom design, bedroom design, closet design, color consulting, custom bathroom vanities, custom cabinets, custom fireplace mantels, custom home bars, custom rugs, custom walk-in closets, design consultation, dining room design, and floor plans.

Additional offerings encompass furniture selection, guesthouse design, historic building conservation, home office design, home theater design, kitchen design and remodeling, lighting design, living room design, mudroom design, nursery design, playroom design, project management, and wine cellar design.

Lori Graham Design + HOME

Lori Graham Design + HOME is a 2003 boutique interior design firm with a luxury home furnishings showroom at 1412 14th Street NW in Washington DC’s Logan Circle neighborhood. The firm combines full-service interior design with retail operations serving clients nationwide.

Design Specialization

Graham holds degrees from Georgetown University (art history), Corcoran School of Art (design), Georgetown University Law Center (JD), London School of Economics (MSc), and University of Tulsa (BA philosophy). She practiced law in Washington DC before transitioning to interior design.

The firm operates with Managing Director Kristy Byrd. Graham’s legal background informs the precision and professionalism applied to all residential and commercial projects.

Notable Projects

The studio serves Washington DC neighborhoods including Logan Circle, 14th Street Corridor, Capitol Hill, Kalorama, Georgetown, Dupont Circle, and surrounding areas. Commercial work includes restaurants, bars, country club houses, yoga studios, and fraternity/sorority houses.

Graham’s personal 1890s row house on Corcoran Street (featured in Home & Design July/August 2014) showcases her signature chic, eclectic sensibility. The two-bedroom Victorian demonstrates sophisticated glam through vintage furniture and strong colors.

Design Philosophy

The firm’s approach marries “old world charm with urban flair” through fresh colors, layers of texture, and modern materials. Graham combines architectural detail, material mix, attention to scale and proportion, and refined color sense.

Spaces are personalized, beautiful, functional, with traditional soul and modern spirit. The custom product line LG Place features pieces based in classic design conceived through a modern lens.

Recognition & Credentials

Luxe Interiors + Design added Graham to their 2014 Gold List, maintaining the listing since. Showroom 1412 operates alongside fine art gallery Contemporary Wing featuring custom furniture and lighting collections.

Work has been featured in Home & Design Magazine (November-December cover issue), The Washington Post, and other publications. The firm’s work on developer projects earns recognition from real estate agents.

Project Types

Full-service residential and commercial interior design includes kitchen design, bathroom design, bedroom design, living room design, color consulting, space planning, furniture selection, and custom cabinets.

The showroom offers luxury home furnishings and lighting. Development services work with investors on curated residential real estate projects throughout the DC area.

J.D. Ireland Interior Architecture and Design

J.D. Ireland Interior Architecture and Design is a 2002 high-end interior architecture and design firm based in Dupont Circle, Washington DC.

The studio is led by founders Joseph Ireland (Creative Director) and Julie Weber (Managing Director), both high school friends who worked at internationally recognized firms before launching their partnership.

Design Specialization

The firm focuses primarily on residential projects with select retail, small business, and restaurant commissions. Ireland holds DLN credentials while Weber holds ASID and NCIDQ certifications.

The seven-person team works from their Dupont Circle studio carefully planning, coordinating, and managing every aspect of projects from moving walls to custom furniture design. Both founders studied interior design at university level.

Notable Projects

Projects span Washington DC neighborhoods including Kalorama, Spring Valley, Palisades, Chevy Chase, Arlington, and Alexandria. Additional work extends to Bethesda, Merrifield, North Bethesda, North Chevy Chase, Potomac, Silver Spring, Takoma Park, West McLean, Rockville, Annapolis, Eastern Shore, Delaware, New York, Nantucket, Tampa, and Palm Beach.

Notable commissions include Fifth Avenue apartment with custom partition windows, Kalorama sunrooms, Spring Valley dining rooms with handmade Maya Romanoff wallpaper, and former garage space conversions in Chevy Chase.

Design Philosophy

The duo fosters creativity, transparency, and collaboration culture. They work to understand how clients live, forging connections between homeowners and surroundings through art, beauty, and comfort while respecting interior integrity.

Projects balance contemporary interior design with traditional interior design through vintage pieces, clean lines, and rich color palettes. The approach emphasizes form and function, weaving client taste with keen aesthetic eye.

Recognition & Credentials

House Beautiful named the firm to the “Next Wave” of top national design firms. Work has been featured in The Washington Post, HGTV’s “Curb Appeal,” and exclusive magazines.

Critics describe work as “elegant and comfortable,” “soothing,” “fresh,” “hip,” and “clean.” Home & Design Magazine features projects regularly. The firm maintains a 5-star rating on Houzz.

Project Types

Services include basement design, bathroom design, bedroom design, custom furniture, dining room design, entry design, floor plans, furniture selection, house plans, interior design, kids bedroom design, kitchen design and remodeling, laundry room design, living room design, mudroom design, nursery design, playroom design, and home office design.

The team handles moving walls, lighting layouts, window treatments, and custom furniture across residential and select commercial projects.

Annie Elliott Design

Annie Elliott Design is a full-service residential interior design firm based in Washington DC at 2802 Cathedral Avenue NW. The studio creates warm, welcoming homes that withstand family living rigors and shine during entertaining.

Design Specialization

Elliott studied art history at Georgetown University and design at the Corcoran School of Art (now part of GW University). Her training in scale, balance, and proportion informs project approaches.

The firm’s style blends classic and modern elements. Elliott describes the aesthetic as “where classic and modern hang out and drink gin.” The team includes designers with degrees from Marymount University, Brown University, and Bard Graduate Center.

Notable Projects

Work spans Washington DC neighborhoods including Woodley Park, Kingman Park, Kalorama, North Cleveland Park, Friendship Heights, Capitol Hill, Chevy Chase, Somerset, and surrounding areas. Projects extend to Alexandria, Arlington, Bethesda, North Bethesda, North Chevy Chase, Potomac, McLean, Eastern Shore of Maryland, and Middlebury Vermont.

Notable commissions include 1910 Wardman rowhouse in Woodley Park (evolved family room from play space to cozy library), Capitol Hill Victorian basement transformation, and four-story Friendship Heights homes.

Design Philosophy

The studio features mixes of antiques and modern furnishings, bold colors, lively patterns, and art. Wallpaper typically appears in projects.

Elliott advocates stylish yet strategic design, creating homes that make clients deliriously happy today and for years to come. The firm combines clients’ favorite sentimental pieces with market’s best furnishings.

Recognition & Credentials

Elliott holds Associate Member ASID credentials. Work has been featured in HGTV Magazine, This Old House, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, and Washingtonian Magazine.

NBC4 features Elliott in guest appearances. Her TikTok channel earned a Webby nomination in “How-To/Explainer” category. Artisan Books will release her revised and expanded book in August 2025. The firm received Best of Houzz recognition.

Project Types

Full-service design includes 3D rendering, art selection, bedroom design, custom furniture, dining room design, entry design, floor plans, furniture selection, interior design, living room design, nursery design, space planning, home office design, and decorating services.

Services handle custom banquette design, window treatment sourcing and installation, custom pillows, reupholstered furniture, and carpeting. The firm maintains a 4.7-star rating on Houzz.

Residents Understood

Residents Understood is a 2010 Washington DC interior design firm founded by University of Florida graduates Jessica Centella and Kiera Kushlan. The female-owned company creates personality-driven residential design solutions with offices at 1835 Phelps Pl NW.

Design Specialization

Both founders met while studying interior design at the University of Florida in 2006, sharing a vision of bringing fresh perspective through personalized approaches. They moved to Washington DC in 2009, establishing the firm one year later.

The team expanded to include husbands Josh (architectural consultant) and Mike (director of operations). The firm also serves St. Simons, Georgia with remote design services available.

Design Philosophy

Residents Understood creates designs that tell stories, capturing the essence of who clients are. Authentic design tells a story through spaces that feel like home.

Centella has a fondness for fonts while Kushlan calls herself a wallpaper connoisseur. The firm gravitates toward architectural design that feels original and unexpected with bold choices.

Notable Projects

DC area projects include Dupont Circle condos, Wesley Heights homes, Kalorama apartments (featured in multiple publications), and 1,200-square-foot 1910 building apartments with original molding and wood floor restoration.

Projects incorporate herringbone floors, five-panel doors, and fireplace installations. Work extends to Alexandria, Arlington, Bethesda, and surrounding DMV areas.

Recognition & Credentials

Publications featuring work include Washington Post, Modern Luxury DC Magazine, Refinery29, Southern Living Magazine, Better Homes and Gardens Refresh Magazine, and The Washingtonian.

The firm offers various service levels including remote redesign options for virtual assistance. Despite being a relatively new firm, recognition came quickly from prestigious design publications.

Project Types

Comprehensive services include art selection, attic conversion, basement design, bathroom design, bedroom design, bicycle storage, closet design, color consulting, custom bathroom vanities, custom blinds and shades, custom bookcases, custom built-ins, custom cabinets, and custom furniture.

Additional offerings encompass decluttering, design consultation, dining room design, downsizing, drafting, energy-efficient homes, entry design, floor plans, furniture selection, garage design, green building, historic building conservation, home office design, home staging, house plans, interior design, kids bedroom design, kitchen design and remodeling, lighting design, living room design, mudroom design, nursery design, outdoor kitchen design, playroom design, project management, space planning, sunroom design, and sustainable design.

FAQ on Washington DC Interior Designers

How much do Washington DC interior designers charge?

Interior design fees in DC range from $100-$500 per hour depending on experience and credentials. Full-service projects typically cost 15-30% of total project budget or flat fees starting at $5,000.

Some designers charge per square foot ($5-$15) for residential projects. Initial consultations often range from $150-$500, sometimes credited toward full projects.

What’s the difference between an interior designer and decorator in Washington DC?

Licensed interior designers handle structural work, architectural plans, and building codes compliance through the DC Board of Architecture. They require formal education and NCIDQ certification.

Interior decorators focus on furnishings, color schemes, and aesthetic elements without structural modifications. Both serve Georgetown, Capitol Hill, and surrounding DMV neighborhoods.

Do Washington DC interior designers offer virtual consultations?

Most DC area designers provide remote consultations, e-design services, and virtual space planning through video calls and digital presentations. This option works well for furniture selection and color consultation.

Full-service renovations typically require in-person site visits throughout Arlington, Bethesda, Alexandria, and Washington DC proper.

How long does a typical interior design project take in DC?

Small projects like single room makeovers take 6-8 weeks from consultation to installation. Full home renovations span 6-12 months including design development, procurement, and implementation.

New construction projects with custom furniture and architectural changes often require 12-18 months. Timeline depends on scope, permitting, and material availability.

What design styles are popular with Washington DC interior designers?

Transitional interior design dominates DC homes, blending traditional architecture with contemporary furnishings. Modern interior design, coastal interior design, and classic styles suit historic townhouses.

Many designers specialize in preserving architectural details while updating spaces. Sustainable interior design and biophilic interior design gain popularity among environmentally conscious clients.

Do I need an interior designer for a small project?

Designers help with single room updates, color consultation, furniture selection, and window treatments. Many DC firms offer hourly consultations for focused guidance on specific challenges.

Even small projects benefit from professional expertise in scale and proportion, avoiding costly mistakes with furniture placement or paint selection.

What should I prepare before meeting a Washington DC interior designer?

Collect inspiration images, establish a realistic budget, and identify must-have features. Measure your space and note existing furniture you want to keep.

List functional needs, lifestyle requirements, and style preferences. Share any HOA restrictions, building codes, or historic preservation guidelines affecting Georgetown, Kalorama, or Capitol Hill properties.

Are Washington DC interior designers licensed?

The DC Board of Architecture, Interior Design, and Landscape Architecture requires licensing for anyone performing interior design services. Designers must pass NCIDQ examination and maintain continuing education.

Allied ASID and IIDA memberships indicate professional credentials. Always verify licensing status through DCRA before hiring for projects involving structural work or building permits.

How do I choose the right interior designer in Washington DC?

Review portfolios to find aesthetic alignment with your vision. Check credentials including NCIDQ, ASID, or IIDA certifications and years of experience.

Interview 2-3 designers, discuss budgets openly, and request client references. Ensure they have experience with your project type whether luxury interior design, kitchen design, or historic home renovation.

What areas do Washington DC interior designers serve?

Most DC designers serve the broader DMV area including Georgetown, Dupont Circle, Capitol Hill, Adams Morgan, Logan Circle, Kalorama, and Woodley Park neighborhoods.

Service areas extend to Northern Virginia (Arlington, Alexandria, McLean, Great Falls), Maryland (Bethesda, Potomac, Chevy Chase, Rockville, Silver Spring), and surrounding counties. Many accept nationwide projects.

Conclusion

Washington DC interior designers bring diverse expertise to residential renovations, commercial projects, and hospitality spaces throughout the DMV area.

From Georgetown townhouses to modern Bethesda estates, these professionals understand the unique architectural challenges and opportunities in the nation’s capital.

Whether you need kitchen remodeling, bathroom design, or complete home transformations, the right designer makes all the difference. Look for credentials including NCIDQ certification, ASID membership, and portfolio alignment with your aesthetic vision.

The designers featured here offer specialized services from lighting design to custom furniture creation, vintage furniture selection, and harmony through thoughtful details. Many serve extended areas including Arlington, Alexandria, McLean, Potomac, and Chevy Chase.

Start your design journey by reviewing portfolios, scheduling consultations, and discussing budgets openly. Your dream space awaits with the perfect professional partner.