Explore an Orient Express -
Art Deco Design in Georgetown, DC

Featured by Architectural Digest

For this historic 1870 row house in Georgetown, DC, the homeowners sought to evoke the luxury and elegance of the Art Deco era, inspired by the iconic Orient Express. Their vision was to create a space that felt both moody and masculine, blending the home’s historic charm with the glamour of a bygone era.

The design challenge for Lorna and her team was to recreate the look and feel of a train car from the Orient Express while preserving the home’s authenticity and functionality. The project began with the first level, a long and narrow space featuring two fireplaces. To enhance flow and openness, the team removed walls just beyond the entryway, creating a clear sightline down a corridor to the cozy exterior courtyard. Steel windows and doors were installed to expand the view and invite natural light.

Antique furnishings and lighting from the 1920s and 1930s were carefully selected to capture the essence of the Art Deco period. A pair of large antique chandeliers, central to the client’s vision, proved difficult to source. After extensive searching, Lorna commissioned a custom replication of a stunning 1930s French chandelier to perfectly suit the space. Textured wall coverings and a custom Stark rug added drama and intimacy to the living room, while geometric flooring patterns reinforced the Art Deco theme.

In the kitchen, the design team created custom black cabinetry accented with Deco brass pulls and knobs, making a bold statement. The perimeter walls featured geometric tile, blending artistry with functionality. A modern kitchen island, finished with specialty metallic paint and underlighting, brought a touch of modernity while staying true to the overall aesthetic. The petite powder room introduced contrast with its vibrant wallpaper and amber crystal door knobs, adding a splash of color and pattern.

The guest room, designed to serve as a home office and media lounge, featured blonde-wood wall coverings and a 1930s walnut cocktail table, blending modern functionality with vintage charm. Throughout the home, luxurious wall treatments and curated furnishings created a cohesive, inviting atmosphere.

One of the highlights of the project was the creation of a club room, inspired by Old Hollywood. Lorna applied faux leather to the walls, accented with custom-designed metal trim, and hung two concrete panels from a 1930 speakeasy, painted in soft metallic gold, on the exposed brick walls. She channeled Cary Grant during the design process, infusing the space with timeless sophistication.

The result is a sophisticated, moody residence that pays homage to the glamour of the Art Deco era while offering modern comfort and style. This home is a unique expression of the client’s tastes, beautifully marrying historical elegance with contemporary design.