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Now featuring: Raji Radhakrishnan, principal of noted interior design firm Raji RM & Associates. Known for her love of architectural details and exceptional craftsmanship, this D.C.-based designer deftly blends lofty styles to create exceptional spaces that feel luxe yet lived-in. We quizzed Raji on her personal design inspiration as well as her fave D.C. hotspots.

What do you love about designing with vintage decor? 
The character it brings to a space.

What was your best vintage score?
A Line Vautrin poudrier I bought for a song!

Vintage wooden table, and mid century modern chairs under gold chandelier

{Photo by Rikki Snyder}

What are you most inspired by right now?
The Art Deco period particularly in France – Ruhlman, Ratteau, et al.

What is your golden design rule? 
Always use vintage as much as possible. Good for you, good for a lot of small businesses and good for the earth.

Twin plum armchairs, vintage round, wooden table in front of queen bed and drawing

{Photo by Rikki Snyder}

What’s a design rule you love to break?
Scale and proportion – Love turning a room’s scale on its head with massive murals or playing with proportions in a room by using considerably smaller or tiny (but special) objects or art and juxtaposing them with fairly large scale items.

Best way to add drama to a room?
My murals of course!

What’s your design signature?
A balanced mix of furnishings and art that tell a story.

Rustic accent table a-topped with lamp and assorted decor

{Photo by Marco Ricca}

What’s your dream project? 
Working on them right now!

Designer you most admire? 
Le Corbusier.

Space you can’t get out of your mind? 
Le Villa Savoye.

Red velvet mid century modern sofa, marble ottoman, and assorted chairs in living room

{Photo by Rikki Snyder}

What’s your favorite local escape?
The National Gallery of Art (both East & West buildings).

Favorite local hotel?
The Jefferson, Washington D.C.

What is your favorite neighborhood restaurant?
Le Diplomate – their divine cheese omelette!

Vintage orange sofa, under arc lamp and glass coffee table in living room

{Photo by Rikki Snyder}

Where is your best local perch for people watching?
The cafe at Dean & Deluca, Georgetown.

Vice you will never give up?
Wine & cheese.

What is it that you love most about your city?
How old and rich with history it is yet young and thriving at the same time.

Living room with orange, vintage sofa, white armchair, glass coffee table, and white art deco chair

{Photo by Rikki Snyder}

No room is complete without…?
Art.

A big thanks to Raji for sharing some of her design inspiration and favorite Washington, D.C. spots with us.

December 8, 2016

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