High-Rise Sophistication

When Christiane Mitchell decided to decorate her Ballston condo, she sort of knew what she wanted, but lacked the know-how to pull it all together. So she hired interior designer Charles C. Almonte, who helped her transform her boxy Ballston condo into a sophisticated city home.

“She wanted the space to be cozy, comfortable and elegant, but not too fussy,” said Almonte. “She needed help in creating a furniture plan that didn’t feel like the typical condo open space layout.”

The condo is located in a newer high-rise building on North Quincy, near the Ballston Metro station. Like most high-rise condos, the floor plan was plain and lacked character. By mixing traditional and transitional pieces, Almonte created depth and interest similar to larger rooms found in single-family homes. He also managed to give the space a femanine touch without making it too girlie.

Mitchell, a busy professional who works in downtown Washington, D.C., loves pink and wanted the color used prominently in the décor.

“I was concerned about using pink as the predominant color. I was afraid that the space would turn into a Barbie doll bedroom,” said Almonte. “I still wanted to give her the colors she wanted but also a space that is sophisticated; feminine but mature. We decided to use pink as an accent color. We used the pink fabric on for the accent pillows and also the ottoman. I think it gives the space some pop of color!”

He continued: "I designed two furniture groupings that basically made the open space into two cozier areas -- the living area and the dining area. This created a layout typical of a single-family home where you have individual rooms."

The choice of furniture heavily influenced the feel of the space, Almonte said.

“We chose a loveseat with softer, curved and scooped arms," he said. "The round table is contemporary but, because it is made of antique bronze, it has that traditional feel."

Bookcases have metal straps that make them look like they were crafted by skilled artisans. The oriental-style rugs compliment the upholstered chairs.  

A chandelier from the Pembroke Collection by ELK Lighting hangs above the dinning room table. Asimi rugs from Crate & Barrel pull the room together. Almonte opted for a Mercer loveseat from Thomasville instead of a full-size sofa because of the scale of the room.

“It is upholstered in a very casual and resilient chenille fabric. We chose a color that complemented nicely with the two upholstered chairs that my client had already purchased.”

The Clairemont Side Table from Crate & Barrel has a glass top and a mirror shelf. The frame has an antique bronze finish.

“This is one of my favorite pieces. I love the modern silhouette of the table, but because of its antique bronze finish, it gives that hand-made and treasured feel to it,” Amonte said.