DARRYL CARTER  ?In this age of ?instant,? the home should remain a bastion of tranquility,? opines prolific DC designer Darryl Carter (above, left), who curates a collection of antiques and current-day finds in his eponymous boutique in Shaw. Carter?s creations for Milling Road include (above, right) the Lynbrook Lamp, the Wayne Dining Chair and the Recamier. darrylcarter.com; bakerfurniture.com

 
 

BARRY DIXON  In addition to residences he?s designed for clients around the globe, Barry Dixon (pictured in his Warrenton, Virginia, home), has imparted his distinctive style to lighting, fabric and furniture collections. Dixon?s eye-catching creations (clockwise from top, left) include the Foliage Mirror and Egg Drop Pendant for Arteriors; the Albemarle chair for Tomlinson; and Cappadocia wovens for Vervain. barrydixon.com
BILLET COLLINS  The artists at this decorative-painting studio in Darnestown, Maryland, work their magic on myriad surfaces, from murals and millwork to furniture and textiles. Principals Barbara Billet and daughters Amy Collins Matthews and Kellie Collins Hodges (right) faux-painted a space by Vivi Interiors (top, left) and hand-painted a tea set and napkins for a pantry by Aidan Design (above, left) in two area show houses. billetcollins.com  Photo: Angie Seckinger; Portrait: Bob Narod 

DAVID EDWARD  David Edward works with designers and craftspeople to create transitional and modern seating and occasional pieces. Artisans at...