Top of the Hay

Last week I visited The Hay–Adams Hotel, which is situated in one of the most prestigious locations in Washington D.C.: just across from the White House on Lafayette Park. The site was once the residence of John Hay and Henry Adams before the hotel was built in 1928. Hay was the private secretary to President Lincoln, and Adams was the great grandson of President John Adams.

Boutique hotels usually refer to a certain style or signature, and seem more personal and distinctive. In this case, the words history and tradition come to mind when you visit the hotel, which is what you would expect.

I wanted to see the new face of the hotel since it recently went through a series of renovations. The hotel’s new rooftop is titled Top of the Hay and is currently in the final stages of the renovation process. It is planned to open at the beginning of February, and will only be used for special functions. I thought it might open as a restaurant…

Scalamandré fabrics were chosen for the furnishings

 

Renderings of the south and east lobby and the restroom interiors

For now, I can only imagine the wonderful views of Washington D.C. that will be seen, including the White House and the soaring Washington monument in the background…whether it’s day or night!

Photos 1,7 photography by  Amal for Picture of Elegance Blog

Photos 2,3,4,5,6 courtesy of  The Hay- Adams hotel

Scalamandré

Scalamandré is a premier textile company founded in 1929 that is famous internationally for its distinctive look and fine fabrics, trimmings,wallpaper and carpets. When I think of Scalamandré, the words quality, luxury, and history come to mind. Scalamandré is famous for reproducing historic textiles for the White House, Monticello, United States Capitol, museums, Blair House, and many of the country’s mansions- for example the Newport mansions in Rhode Island.

In the early sixties during the Kennedy administration, Scalamandré designed a gold on federal blue silk lampas with the Presidential seal for the White House's blue room

Scalamandré products’ uniqueness and richness is exceptional in terms of color, texture, and design. If you’ve closely seen and touched their fabrics and trimmings, you know what I’m talking about. No matter what your design aesthetic is, you’ll surely find what you’re looking for from their wide collections.

Their latest production Seaside Seashells, from the Island Cloth Collection anchored with Cabana Stripes

Photos courtesy of Scalamandré, photos 1,2,3,4 photography by Dan Mayers

The President’s Desk

The President’s desk, also known as the Resolute desk, was built from timbers of a British exploration ship named HMS Resolute. The desk was a gift from Queen Victoria to President Rutherford Hayes in 1879. According to the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum in Boston:

“The ship was purchased, fitted out and sent to England as a gift to HER MAJESTY QUEEN VICTORIA by the PRESIDENT AND PEOPLE of the UNITED STATES as a token of goodwill & friendship. This table was made from her timbers when she was broken up, and is presented by the QUEEN OF GREAT BRITAIN & IRELAND to the PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES as a memorial of the courtesy and loving kindness which dictated the offer of the gift of the RESOLUTE.”

Many American Presidents have used this desk in the White House’ Oval Office, including Presidents Kennedy, Carter, Reagan, Clinton, and President Obama.

The famous photo of President Kennedy and his son John Jr. at the Oval Office

All fabrics by Scalamandré

President's Clinton mementos on a table behind the Resolute desk

Photo 1 courtesy of LIFE, Remembering Jackie
Photo 2, 3 courtesy of House Beautiful March 1994, photography Oberto Gili