Airy, Bright and Welcoming

There are some things you make room for on your calendar, and a gathering at the home of Loi Thai and Tom Troeschel to welcome LA designer + architect duo Brooke and Steve Giannetti to DC is one of them. Loi and Tom own an antiques store I love in Bethesda called Tone on Tone. In fact, my first visit years ago convinced me to have my own floors bleached and covered in a white tint.  As you can see, that treatment is what helps make each room feel airy, bright and welcoming. Between conversations, I took shots of my three favorite spots…neutral backdrops, rich with patina and pops of color.  No one left this party early.

Photography by Barbara Franceski

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Sewing Seeds of Peace

I recently participated in a focus group for Amani Ya Juu, a sewing and reconciliation project for marginalized women in Africa.  It was a privilege to preview their latest home and kitchen offerings, including fun hostess aprons and placemat & napkin sets like the one above.  We dreamed up ideas for pillows, talked batik and screen print techniques, and I left with an even stronger desire to visit the continent one day.  Of course, I couldn’t help but peek at the clutches below, too.

Photography by Barbara Franceski

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Invite Others In

Invite others in…to your home and as a result, to your life. Yes, a house can be four walls. Or, if you allow it, can release you from living at arm’s length. The experience of welcoming people in to a place that reveals you–your tastes, beliefs, and interests–is like a get-out-of-jail-free card.

Photography by Barbara Franceski

 

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