Pamela Harvey masterfully blends colour, pattern, and elegance in a modern DC townhouse
While the world was shutting down in March 2020, major changes were afoot for a homeowner in the capital’s NoMa neighborhood. She had just moved out of an old dwelling in the Northwest, and as she remembers, “It was the perfect time to hunker down and nest.”
The new 2,000-square-foot dwelling, which replaced an antique rowhouse, is streamlined and modern. An open plan kitchen/living/dining area dominates the main floor, with two en-suite bedrooms downstairs. The owner, a healthcare consultant, decided to ditch her traditional furniture and start over – with some help. It hired designer Pamela Harvey, whose dazzling array of projects has won her admiration. “I told Pam that I love colours, and I want my house to feel happy,” the owner tells. Beyond that, I trusted her vision. It was a leap of faith.”
Harvey reimagined interiors, embracing the home’s simple lines with a transitional aesthetic leaning toward modernity. The designer has chosen a range of attractive wall coverings that bring vitality to almost every room. “The place was sterile, a blank canvas,” she says. “I added color and pattern to make it warm and inviting—with unexpected touches.”
Q&A with Pamela Harvey
What are the main challenges of the project?
The main floor is basically one room long and skinny, so I had to be careful what I did wasn’t going to be overpowering. The bones are contemporary, with steel stairs and a stylish kitchen. I needed to talk to that while keeping warm and welcoming. The client wanted it to feel modern, but not cold.
How did you achieve this balance?
I’ve used wallpaper throughout the house – but only as an accent, to add warmth and interest without being overwhelming. On the main floor, I covered a long wall that spans the living, kitchen and dining areas. Make a statement and bring it all together.
The living area combines strong patterns and colors yet feels calm. How did it develop?
I tend to design a room as a single unit; Here, I once found the rug, wallcovering, and pillowcase fabric. For me, the rug and the wall covering work together in an unexpected way. The pillow fabric is a modern take on the Chinese style from Brunschwig & Fils. The overall effect is harmonious.
How did you choose the wall covering?
Since townhouses like this often have quite a few architectural features, you need something to give it that texture and architecture. I chose the living room wall covering, which is wood veneer, for this reason. It’s a geometric shape in a gentle, neutral teal with gold stripes that add a touch of sparkle.
Discuss your vision of the little den outside the dining area.
It’s separate and meant to be more casual, like a family room. The gold plate is warm and the wallpaper is a traditional herbal canvas but with a modern graphic print. She brought in touches of teal with lamps and pillows.
Description of living room furniture.
It’s a mix. She combined CR Laine’s transitional stools with more modern cross-sectional and coffee tables from Bernhardt.
How did you define the color palette for the master level?
The art in the den was one of the few things the client kept. I used it as a starting point for my color palette.
Share your philosophy on lighting.
For the lighting to be complementary, the minerals must have some continuity and the patterns must be similar. I would say pendants and chandeliers don’t have to match but you should go to the same party.
Is there a general rule for pairing art and wallpaper?
The two should work in tandem, usually through color or pattern. I use simple frames that don’t take away from the wallpaper pattern. Older homes can be more tolerant of mismatched art because it can create a collected look. A country house like this should be more than a piece.
Describe your lighting plan.
Modern pendants above the kitchen island were present, so I chose a complementary chandelier for the dining area that’s somewhat modern and glamorous. The den fixture is a leather covered hood with a brass interior that feels more comfortable.
How did you decorate the basic bedroom?
The room is small, but the owner chose a large king size bed and adequate side tables. Dress an accent wall in this Schumacher Pyne Hollyhock wallpaper featuring oversized rolled roses with a vintage look. The pattern contrasts with the modern lines of the furniture and reduces its size, as your eye is drawn to the wallpaper.
Favorite design element?
I’ve loved wallpaper since the 80’s. These days, it’s getting a lot more creative – and a lot more expensive. The material is much better. I think it’s really modern now.
What is the next big thing?
When I was at Spring High Point Market, everything was upholstered in beige bouclé, a sort of little chenille. It might be the next big thing – but I hope not!
What direction would you like to see?
A return to elegant living with formal dining and living rooms. I think people crave it. And back to the entertainment.
What is the importance of accessories?
I have a saying: “It’s not the first $1,000 you spend, it’s the last $1,000 that makes the difference.” You don’t need a lot of accessories, but they should be the right ones.
Going to a shopping destination?
I always hit the DC Big Flea in Dulles, which happens every three months. I love antique finds.
Interior Design: Pamela Harvey, Pamela Harvey Interiors, Oakton, Virginia, and St. Petersburg, Florida.