DC Residence
In Washington D.C., Office of Tangible Space infused a 1910s Federal-style home with a contemporary, playful spirit. Architects Michael Yarinsky and Kelley Perumbeti – longtime friends of the homeowners – were enlisted to reimagine a residence that had previously endured a superficial ‘realtor flip’ with little more than new drywall and splashy paint colours meant to “modernise” it, notes Yarinsky.
While the house was structurally sound, its layout had felt disjointed and lacked intention. Working with the homeowner’s sister, architect Mona Eldadah, the team extended both the first and second floors by about five metres. They also refined the heart of the home, opening up sightlines to the backyard, removed an outdated 1980s glass-block bathroom and introduced a new circulation path to the primary suite, which was once accessible only via a stairwell in the kitchen.
The home’s early 20th-century architecture lent itself to a more traditional interior approach, aligning seamlessly with the homeowners’ tastes and their love of hosting large family gatherings. “They wanted everything to feel very warm and inviting,” says Yarinsky. “We wanted to bring in moments of pop and edge to give it a distinct personality.”
Balancing tradition with a sense of brightness and airiness called for finishes like limewashed walls and eye-catching lighting, including pieces from Roll & Hill and In Common With. Artwork by the likes of Alma Charry, Kate Roebuck and Carmen McNall was sourced through Uprise Art.
Throughout, the team introduced unique architectural details, such as “a rangehood that disappears” and an island “that’s more like a piece of furniture than a bulky, solid volume,” notes Yarinsky. Custom treatments draw the owners into the kitchen, where a monolithic island – crafted from stone and wood – serves as a striking statement piece alongside ceramic tiles and reeded cabinet fronts. Once a tiny, apartment-like space, the kitchen has become a grand focal point of the dwelling. Beyond this, the rebuilt rear facade received an historically inspired treatment, while the primary bathroom makes an impression with its large bank of windows.
Completed in just under 18 months, the design process unfolded smoothly, aided by the team’s shared design language from past collaborations. Among the many stand-out spaces, the powder room – brought to life with vibrant colour and sunny yellow tile – remains a favourite of the architect.
The living room layout enhances the homeowners’ ability to entertain. Originally marked by an unusual layout with doors on either side, the space was reimagined with two flexible furniture arrangements that adapt, from quiet family evenings to larger gatherings of up to 15 guests. The sofa, side table and loveseat – all sourced from Audo Copenhagen – anchor the setting. Overall, the refreshed design cleverly emulates both past and present.
Architecture and interior design by Office of Tangible Space. Build by Cann Construction. Artwork by Alma Charry, Carmen McNall and Kate Roebuck.
