“Business in the front, party in the back.” This quirky expression is often used to describe mullets, but oddly enough also applies to describe the Cleveland Park House located in the northwestern quadrant of Washington D.C. The formerly dilapidated, 4,075-square-foot residence was renovated by local architecture and interior design firm, Fowlkes Studio. Much like the hairstyle, the home’s front and back remain distinct. The front of the house maintains the character of the original 1912 historic facade to appease the local historic preservation office, while the back has a new contemporary, double-high addition and terrace that better connects to the surrounding nature.
As one enters the residence—comprising of four bedrooms and four and a half bathrooms—they are greeted by a quaint parlor. Warm tones of the Vermont plane sawn floors and the cherry cabinets sandwich a view of the backyard through the dramatic 15-foot-tall glass wall at the back of the house. The natural light pulls guests into the home bringing intrigue and anticipation. Fowlkes Studio, principal Catherine Fowlkes shared with AN Interior, “The large glass wall that separates the living space from the terrace invites the outdoors into the space. The view into the backyard reveals itself upon entering the front door and the drama builds as you descend the back step, into the embrace of the owner’s library.”
Down the stairs leads to the new library, introduced with an impressive wall of books that stretch two floors. The 13-foot bookshelves hold the stately 5,000 book collection of the homeowners, American oncologist Ezekiel Jonathan “Zeke” Emanuel and his wife. This bookcase extends into the addition’s open floorplan that holds the kitchen and dining room. This space connects to the outdoors through the expansive glass wall and sliding pocket glass doors, and also through the Jerusalem limestone that continues from the interiors to the backyard. The limestone floors and locally built elm cabinets give the grand room a soft base, letting the books be the interior’s pop of color.
While the library is the main social spot for gathering friends and family, the second and third floors are more private. The second floor’s primary bathroom drips in marble walls. A Japanese soaking tub is a centerpiece in the space. The luxurious bathroom is only amplified through custom walnut cabinets that continue into the bedroom. The walls of the bedroom are drenched in deep indigo blue encapsulating the space, making it more intimate and comfortable.
It is evident that the Cleveland Park House was a collaborative effort between Fowlkes Studio and the homeowners—there are so many personal connections that make it uniquely their own. Catherine shared that, “The clients agonized over every detail in hopes that the house would suit them for their current sensibilities and also future chapters in life.”