Located in the Arlington Ridge neighborhood, this five-bedroom, 4,320-square-foot home was built in 1942.
It was modeled after the Old Town Alexandria townhome of George Washington’s nephew, Maj. Lawrence Lewis, and his wife, Eleanor “Nelly” Parke Custis, who was Martha Washington’s granddaughter.
Katie and Patrick Collard purchased the house in 2020. The couple had two (now four) children, and they wanted to update the home but stay true to its Classic Revival architecture and honor its colorful backstory.
“Based on a historical blueprint, our home has very traditional architecture, so we wanted to reflect that tradition in the overall décor, without turning the house into a period piece,” says Katie Collard. “We also wanted it to feel celebratory and fun.”
Mixing Old and New
The couple hired interior designer Suzanne Carlough of Carlough & Co. in 2024 to help them realize their vision, with a strong focus on the main level’s entertaining and family spaces.
The one-story home has a 27-foot-long center hall. A large fanlight in a sunburst pattern sits above the double front doors, with glass transoms on either side. This feature is duplicated at the far end of the hall, near the dining room. Off the center hall, a living room runs on one side and a kitchen and study along the other.
“During the initial consultation, we discussed the homeowner’s wishes for the décor. She wanted a curated mix of antiques and new furniture and for the home to be rich in color, pattern, and texture. Katie is a Francophile, so her aesthetic leans sophisticated and intentional,” says Carlough.
A 19th-century oil painting — Young Girl Reading by Jean-Honoré Fragonard — formed the home’s rich color palette of golds, ochres, browns, and corals. These warm hues are balanced with touches of teal and blue.
“A smaller reproduction of the portrait sits on one of the living room’s bookshelves — a subtle nod to the inspiration that guided the design,” Carlough says.
The foyer, with its dramatic size and architectural detailing, sets the tone for the décor. Carlough kept the space neutral, ensuring it flowed seamlessly with its adjacent rooms on all sides, including the dining room, which is enveloped in Pierre Frey’s graphic white-and-ochre wall coverings and botanical-patterned drapery with ruffle trim.
Bold Colors and Textiles
“Katie wanted a bold, memorable statement for the dining room — a space her family uses often for hosting large gatherings. With three walls of windows, the room is naturally bright and inviting. It provided the perfect backdrop for layers of organic color and pattern,” says Carlough.
The dining table seats up to 12 people comfortably. A pair of demi-lune tables, an ornate gold framed mirror, and a pair of Art Nouveau–inspired chandeliers complete the look. With a young family in mind, all the textiles on the chairs are in performance fabrics for easy maintenance.
The living room was designed around the concept of “cocktails not coffee,” a phrase Collard used to describe her vision for this rectilinear room that runs the length of the hall.
“As the mom of three myself, I knew exactly what she meant,” says Carlough. “She wanted a room that felt special, curated, and distinctly adult, where we could elevate the design beyond the expected, while ensuring it remained warm and inviting for all to enjoy.”
The living room walls are saturated in ochre paint, with floor-to-ceiling draperies on both ends. A grand piano sits in one corner. The room has multiple areas: a tête-à-tête cocktail nook, a conversational layout centered around the fireplace, and a game table for a couple of chess or backgammon players.
“Ample seating was a top priority. To make this elongated room feel comfortable and connected, we designed several smaller seating areas within the larger footprint, allowing guests to gather naturally in intimate clusters,” adds Carlough.
Multipurpose Yet Sophisticated
Another important family space is the study, which is connected to both the foyer and the kitchen.
“We use this space every day. Our kids call it the coloring room. It is where they color or make crafts, do homework or puzzles, play games, or simply hang out while we cook in the kitchen,” says Collard, who also uses the space as a home office.
The study features custom storage cabinets in sage with brass mesh fronts and a built-in desk nook. The walls are wrapped in a windowpane-patterned grass-cloth. Commissioned pieces by local artist Tiffany McAvoy add a touch of sophistication to the well-used family space.
“We feel very blessed to be in this home and love sharing it with our family and the community. Our hearts are full when the house is full of people relaxing and enjoying each other’s company,” says Collard.
Feature image by Robert Radifera for Stylish Productions
This story originally ran in our February issue. For more stories like this, subscribe to Northern Virginia Magazine.
