My name is Shannon Bortnick and I was born and raised in Cabin John, Maryland. I have always been attuned to all things creative and design related. My father was a stone mason, and on weekends he would take me along to scout for antiques. I loved these trips to flea markets and antique shows as every piece told a different story and was full of character.

My father taught me to refinish these hidden gems and rediscover their latent beauty for use in modern settings. When I bought my first condo in DC, my father taught me to do everything from demolition to mud work: painting, carpentry, masonry, flooring, and tiling. I got so good at tearing out walls that my dad nicknamed me “Old crazy hammer.” My father’s lessons allowed me to refurbish multiple homes, and eventually to take on clients.

I thrive in the “re-creative process”, breathing new life into tired, outdated spaces and forgotten pieces. I believe design should be used to combat our “throwaway culture,” while nurturing health and wellness. I achieve this through the use of green products, salvaged materials, and timeless design not reliant on current trends.

Focusing on sustainability, my aesthetic pairs aged pieces with modern design giving a sense that the environment has been collected over time. I further this sense through health and wellness features such as natural fibers and surfaces, serene tones and color pallets, low VOC selections, and inspiring vintage pieces.

Despite making his living working with his hands, my father was a curious man who loved exploring new ideas and constantly educating himself. My own love of design and curiosity about the lived-in world has inspired me to formally educate myself. My father’s work ethic drives me now to learn everything I can in order to share my design principles with the world.