Bloomingdale resident Tynesia Hand-Smith, featured designer in today's Washington Post House Calls

Washington Post Home & Garden article below - featuring Bloomingdale's Tynesia Hand-Smith:

Warming up the kitchen

By Margaret Ely, Published: May 29

THE CHALLENGE

Lori and Jim Follmer`s kitchen is the largest room in their Frederick home. Instead of a traditional dining area with a table and chairs, the Follmers want a stylish and comfortable space for entertaining guests.

THE SOLUTION

With the fireplace as the focal point, designer Tynesia Hand-Smith creates an intimate gathering space for family and friends.

Hand-Smith, of Design 36ixty Interiors (202-986-1847, www.design36ixty.com ), is based in Washington.

New curtain panels offer both privacy and warmth, and add weight to the left wall of the room.

Two bookcases, including one that fits between the refrigerator and the fireplace, help store cookbooks and paperwork.

A new sofa is set opposite the fireplace, which now becomes the room`s focal point.

To help ease the transition from kitchen to seating area, add a bright rug.

Hang framed prints with a consistent theme throughout the space, including on the backsplash behind the sink.

Use a wall color that blends well with the exposed brick to frame the fireplace. Try Benjamin Moore`s Audubon Russet.

Shopping Guide

Furniture: Hendrix bookcase ($799) and Carter metal folding tray table in black ($179), both from www.potterybarn.com; Cumberland pine mantel in natural finish ($1,100 for 56-inch mantel, www.plowhearth.com); Keaton luxe full sleeper sofa ($4,890, www.mgbwhome.com).

Accessories: Paris Vespa ($159) and Classic Road Car ($159) 25-by-25-inch white-framed prints, both from www.potterybarn.com; Martha pillow ($281) and Modern pillow ($270), both from www.zincdoor.com; Foucault`s iron orb chandelier in Rustic Iron ($675 for medium, www.restorationhardware.com).

Window treatments: Perennials textured linen weave drapes in Clementine ($269 for each 108-by-50 inch panel,

www.restorationhardware.com).

SPLURGE . . .

Kloser red earth rug ($5,400 for 6-by-9 foot rug, www.lillianaugust.com).

Robertson cube ottoman in Zebra Chocolate ($995, www.williams-sonoma.com).

. . . OR SAVE

Desa rug in Terra Cotta ($479 for 5-by-8-foot rug, www.potterybarn.com).

Zebra faux leather storage ottoman ($69, www.overstock.com).

See past room makeovers by local designers at washingtonpost.com/housecalls .

Tell us about your design challenge. Send photos, room dimensions and contact information to makeover @ washpost.com.