How an Interior Designer Transformed a Small Apartment Into a Book Lover's Retreat

Long before Quintece Hill-Mattauszek opened the doors at Studio Q, her Virginia-based design firm, the former mechanical engineering student already had a deep education in the twin arts of business and aesthetics, learning both skills from her mother, as she created and nurtured her own upholstery and weaving business. As Quintece’s aspirations changed from engineering to interiors, she found that her technical background served her well in a field that is often equal parts measurements and style. Now, with more than 20 years of design experience behind her, Quintece has become a mainstay of the DMV (DC, Maryland and Virginia) design community, teaching design at Montgomery College and co-founding Design Collective DC, an organization for local Black interior design professionals. So when a petite two-bedroom apartment in the Washington, DC, area was in need of extra levels of style and grace, there was no one better for the job.

Sometimes design is a long and drawn out process — and sometimes it’s not. “The home was in great condition,” the designer admits. “It just needed a little touch of modern charm and personality." Adding those touches started in the living room, where Quintece used a striking, royal blue sectional to define the space and ground the room’s color story. Artsy touches like the staggered vertical bookshelves give her client’s expansive book collection pride of place while giving the space an air of modern sophistication.

For every project, designers have that one piece they love the most — the one that brings the whole story together. Quintece has two: a pair of vintage midcentury leather side chairs with lucite backs. “I scoured the internet for weeks, looking for the perfect set of chairs,” the designer confides. “Then late one night I came across these from a seller on Instagram.” When the piece is right you get it, no matter what. “I drove three hours to Philadelphia to get them,” she laughs. "I wanted them for this space that badly!”

The skillful mix of modern aesthetics and classic touches gives this room a feeling of effortless cool. Here, an old-school bar setup is a wonderful design moment and a perfect example. The arrangement contrasts modern elements like the bookshelves and coffee table, while keeping her clients prepared to entertain.