When first time homeowners finally landed on a classic 1940s painted white brick home in McLean, Virginia, they turned to designer Ashley Hanley to help them settle in. Ashley specializes in the creative mix of new and existing furniture, using space, color, lighting, and fabrics to create a timeless look that is both collected and layered.

“My client, a fellow estate sale hunter, tasked me with an inspired palette from the looks of Ralph Lauren, Virginia hunt country and classic Americana style,” said Ashley. “I helped weave in a fresh perspective that married these styles and highlighted antiques acquired by my client and me.”

Let’s take a look inside with photography courtesy of Kip Dawkins Photography!

Built in 1948 and adorned with grand columns and chippendale style railings, the home sits atop a sprawling hill giving it an outstanding presence.

“This was my client’s first home and had both come from small apartments, so we pretty much had a clean slate to work with and source for antiques,” said Ashley.

“My client’s husband is extremely handy and helped complete a few of the incredible details, including the picture frame molding around the original plaster medallions on the living room ceiling,” said Ashley. “My other favorite piece is the custom ottoman that we created for the living room. My client’s husband helped build the frame and my workroom custom upholstered the piece with a mitred top.”

“The powder room is one of my favorite rooms – it is super small, but mighty in style and color,” said Ashley. “The original bathroom had been ‘modernized’ with contemporary plumbing fixtures and cold colors.”

Battle of Valmy wallpaper by Brunschwig & Fils features images commemorating the famous battle of 1792 and the first victory of the revolutionary army of France against the Prussian army.

One of the biggest challenges was working with the existing kitchen and awkward addition that was put on by the previous homeowners.

“We brought in as many layers and details to help provide a seamless look to the original 1940s roots until my clients will eventually renovate and update the kitchen,” said Ashley.

We adore this classic home, timelessly appointed by Ashley and her clients… Perfectly inspiring with July Fourth this week, or for anytime of year!

To learn more, please visit Ashley Hanley and follow @ashleybhanley on Instagram. You can also tour an elegantly refreshed historical farm by Ashley here.

And if you want to get a jump-start on the holidays, please check out Ashley’s Top 10 Tips for Throwing a Memorable Holiday Dinner Party and tour her own home, decorated for Christmas. And stay tuned, as we will be featuring more of her extraordinary profile over the summer!