In honor of our latest store opening in Washington D.C. we're sharing the home tour of a beautiful U Street residence – complete with Parachute essentials. Inspired by Southern California style and mid-century modern design, this home features clean lines, warm details and even heated bathroom floors. As an avid design enthusiast, who splits her time between D.C. and Bali, owner Hillary Legrain enlisted interior designer, Melissa Sanabria and the architects and builders at Four Brothers to help her create this minimalist haven. Here Hillary gives us a peek inside...
Kitchen
Kitchen
On living in D.C. and Bali: I purchased the home in 2007 and lived there for a year before moving to Brooklyn, NY and then Bali, Indonesia. I only recently moved back and spent over a year renovating the home inside and out. Bali and DC are two very different places but it’s the strong sense of community and close friends I have in each place that make them feel like home.
On creating a sanctuary: I have been a mortgage lender for 14 years. Since I work from home I needed to create a work and living space that would keep me feeling energetic and engaged. The light in the house from the skylights and the light colors in the home were key to creating energy in the space.
Living Room
Living Room
On remodeling:The design in the home before was very stark and cold. I had a general idea of how I wanted the home to look but needed help pulling it all together and Melissa Sanabria was the perfect design therapist. Going through a major remodel of a home is a journey. A lot of small decisions have to be made that will impact the entire space. I’m also a very detail-oriented person which is why I chose Four Brothers as the architects and builders. They are very focused on the quality of their work.
Master Bedroom and Bathroom
Master Bedroom and Bathroom
On finding your zen:I am a minimalist when it comes to decorating. Less is more. I believe we are affected by our environment and that design has the power to elevate your mood. I keep countertops clear in the kitchens and bathrooms and like to keep things light and airy. I prefer white walls and letting art be the focus.
On your favorite room in the home:My master bathroom. It has heated floors, a big soaking tub and a steam shower. It feels like a spa. I love unwinding there after a long day.
On choosing decor:"We invested in high-quality materials, vintage and antique rugs and custom pieces and kept the styling minimal and neutral to let these pieces shine," adds in Melissa Sanabria, interior designer.
Bedrooms
Bedrooms
On hosting:Hosting dinner parties is one of my favorite things to do. I love seeing the energy around a table of conversation and the flow and exchange of ideas.
On finding fun:I love surfing but I have to travel for that. When I’m in D.C. there are always fun events happening like concerts, latte art competitions, there’s even a group called Sunset & Chill that put on a fire-dancing party once a month.
D.C.
D.C.
On calling D.C. home: I've lived in D.C. off and on for about 20 years. I love the gritty nature of this city and the diversity. It’s one of the few cities in the US where people of all races live and play together. Having lived in NYC for so long and moving back to D.C. that was one of the first things I noticed.
On neighborhood finds: I live on the edge of U St. near 9:30 club (one of my favorite music venues) and some of the best restaurants. Maydan is great for dinner, Maxwell Park for conversation over a glass of wine and 600 T St for creative cocktails. Closer to the new Parachute store is Le Diplomat for brunch, Barcelona for happy hour and Compass Rose for dinner.
Thank you so much, Hillary! (Photos by Kim Branagan and styling by Kristi Hunter for Parachute.)
