Founded by Suzanne Manlove in 2007, Arlington Home Interiors is a full-service interior design studio providing fresh, casually elegant living spaces for today’s modern families.
Arlington Home Interiors, named ‘Best Interior Design 2020’ by the readers of Arlington Magazine, believes a good designer fills several roles; artist, foreman, cheerleader, therapist, friend … it’s much more than picking colors and fabrics.
From developing concepts to curating quality selections to managing custom installations, the team confidently guides clients through the entire design process for a positive, enjoyable experience.
We had a chance to sit down with Suzanne to learn more about the company’s unique approach to interior design.
Image Credit: Jenn Verrier
1. Congratulations on being named “Best Interior Design 2020” by readers of Arlington Magazine? What do you think about your design services most resonates with your clients?
Every client expects a designer to have a “good eye” of course but I believe having a good set of “listening ears” is just as important. We ask lots of questions. This helps us develop a true understanding of our clients’ life, their family, their interests and their style, so we can design a space that’s theirs, not ours.
Also, a good interior designer needs to be more than just creative. I learned early on that a design project is 80% business, and 20% design. You need to have the ability to seamlessly manage a project from concept to completion.
Image Credit: Jenn Verrier
2. When you have clients who want to downsize, how do you help them decide what heirloom pieces to keep and how to edit.
I’ll visit with our client and catalog everything they’re thinking about moving, asking about each piece along the way (this gets back to my “ask a lot of questions” philosophy). I usually hear some great family stories, which helps me understand what’s really important to them. We’ll talk about how the pieces may be used in their new house. Then our design team prepares space plans and elevations to see how everything fits, and if it suits their new home and lifestyle.
Also, we love adding new life to client’s worn and well-loved heirlooms through custom painting and reupholstering. What’s old can be new (and gorgeous) again!
3. What’s your favorite phase of a project?
What a hard question! There are so many phases I love. But if I had to pick my favorite one it would be the BIG REVEAL. That’s the final walk through with the client after we’ve placed all of the furnishings, accessorized the shelves, hung the artwork and are able to show them their beautiful new home. It’s really a magical moment and makes all of the hard work worth it!
Image Credit: Robert Radifera, Stylist: Charlotte Safavi
4. Tell us a little about how you incorporated the extensive international art collection for Old Town, Alexandria clients to create a fabulously balanced space inside and with views of the Potomac?
This was a one-of-a-kind project for us. The heart of the design was built around our clients’ amazing art collection which featured original works from around the world. We approached the project with the goal of creating a calm, elegant decor that complemented but did not compete with the artwork.
We collaborated with our clients to select and commission several custom-made furnishing and fixtures–which was super exciting! From the stainless steel bed frame in the master bedroom, which was crafted by acclaimed DC architect/furniture maker Hugh Newell Jacobsen, to the 3-pendant, counterweight chandelier in the dining room by Alison Berger, we were able to add pieces that were as unique as the artwork.
Image Credit: Stacy Zarin Goldberg
5. Can you share your inspiration for some of your favorite rooms?
As someone who loves being outside, much of my project inspiration comes from nature. I love to layer textures of fabrics and finishes with soft earth tones, for a fully immersive and tactile experience. From grasscloth on the wall, to solid wood furniture, to handmade wool carpets, to mirrors framed in capiz shells, there are so many ways to incorporate beauty from the natural world into a warm and welcoming home.
Image Credit: Robert Radifera, Stylist: Charlotte Safavi
6. What element in a room do you usually start with? (artwork, lighting, rug, sofa, etc.)?
I usually start with the rugs, unless there is a particular piece of artwork that is the inspiration for the room. The rug is the foundation for the whole room.
Image Credit: Robert Radifera, Stylist: Charlotte Safavi
7. What mistakes do you most often help clients avoid?
Making changes to your home takes time, a lot of time. It can get overwhelming real fast; visiting showrooms that don’t always have what you want, sorting through hundreds of fabric swatches, finding the perfect paint color, weighing quality versus price regarding furnishings, finding qualified tradespeople, and then finding even more time to pull all this together.
The average homeowner does not have time to do all, so they end up doing it piecemeal and likely never finishing their space. We will design, purchase and install the whole project at once, so everyone can enjoy the finished result. A fully realized room takes a vision, and the time and planning to execute.
Image Credit: Robert Radifera, Stylist: Charlotte Safavi
8. What is one of the best ways to add luxe to a room?
Statement lighting! An interesting light can add so much personality to an otherwise quiet room. A great chandelier or pendant brings the eye up in a room with a high ceiling. In a smaller room, it can add focused drama. And true to the name, statement lighting shouldn’t be subtle!
Image Credit: Jenn Verrier
9. What is one of your favorite projects and why?
It’s impossible to pick a favorite but we do have a very special project we’re wrapping up for a family who recently moved from the Netherlands back to the D.C. area.
They found us online and hired us to fully furnish and manage updates to their new home before returning to the States. All our design concepts were presented remotely via Zoom. When we needed to get their approval for samples of fabrics and finishes, we simply mailed the items. They also gave us access to their new home and were able to supervise trade work (e.g., the installation of wallpaper, carpeting, and window treatments) and construction activities like updating their kitchen and master bedrooms.
We were flattered that they put their full trust and confidence in Arlington Home Interiors to create a perfect space for their family without even officially meeting us!
10. What are the most often requested features when a client is remodeling?
These days, master suites are at the top of clients’ request lists. The bedroom suite is a sanctuary, a cocoon, a retreat from everything. Having a private, peaceful, cozy space to renew and recharge is more important now more than ever.
For one recent master bedroom project, we envisioned a modern, boutique hotel vibe. From the custom channeled headboard in a luxurious blue velvet to Herringbone wallpaper to the layered lighting from multiple wall sconces, we were able to provide our clients with their own private hotel suite, perfectly suited for a sophisticated staycation.
Image Credit: Jenn Verrier
