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!
{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.
{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.
{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.
{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!
{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.
{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.