Awards
- Home and Design Portfolio, Top 100 Designers – Interior Design, 2017
- Grand Prize #GetYourGreenOn SustainableFurnishings Council Interior Design Competition, 2016
- Home and Design Portfolio, Top 100 Designers – Interior Design, 2016
- Interior Design Society Designer of the Year Award: 1st Place, Specialty Areas (Children’s Rooms, Playrooms, Nurseries), 2015 Designer: Paola McDonald
- Interior Design Society Designer of the Year Award: 3rd Place, Specialty Areas (Outdoor Rooms, Sunrooms), 2015 Designer: Paola McDonald
- Interior Design Society Designer of the Year Award: 3rd Place, Sustainable Design, 2015 Designer: Paola McDonald
- Spark Modern Fires Site Specific 6 Design Competition Merit Award Winner, Sterling Contemporary Condo Designer: Paola McDonald
- Interior Design Society Designer of the Year Award: 1st Place, Playrooms, Nurseries, and Children’s Rooms, 2013 Designer: Paola McDonald
- Interior Design Society Designer of the Year Award: 2nd Place, Living Spaces Under $30,000, 2015 Designer: Paola McDonald
Press
Modern Farmhouse Design is Evolving in NoVA
The style is here to stay, with a California casual twist. See what it looks like.
By Meredith Lindon, Northern Virginia Magazine, July 7, 2023
Whimsical Ceiling Wallpaper and Soft Colors Brighten Elegant Bedroom
Neutral colors and subtle accents give this primary bedroom an airy feel, but it’s the ceiling that really won in this remodel.
By Charlotte Safavi, Northern Virginia Magazine, June 23, 2023
Primary Pleasures
These primary bedrooms are all very different — but what unites them is smart design.
FULL HOUSE
This family of 10 needed more room, so they built a big, happy dream home.
By Meredith Lindemon, Arlington Magazine, April 2023
5 Home Design Trends NoVA Designers Want to Leave Behind This Spring
Three interior designers talk about the styles they’re ready to retire and fresh ideas to replace them with this season.
By Meredith Lindemon, Northern Virginia Magazine, March 10, 2023
These Stunning NoVA Renovations Are All About Bold Colors
Whether used as an accent or statement piece, bright colors are in. Get inspired by these bold and colorful home redesings.
This McLean Pool Cabana Will Inspire Your Own Luxe Backyard Staycation Build
The space for indoor and outdoor entertaining makes this backyard build the perfect spot for summer fun.
FAMILY AFFAIR
A new home in McLean becomes a perfect fit for an extended family with the help of interior designer, Paola Martinez.
By Michael McCarthy
This is What Modern Design Looks Like
A local design expert on modern design and how to implement it into your home
By Jennifer Zeleski, Northern Virginia Magazine, March 27, 2020
The 5 Home Trends Interior Designers are Loving This Year
The 5 Home Trends Interior Designers are Loving This Year
By Charlotte Safavi, Northern Virginia Magazine, March 2020
Going Green, Paola McDonald Wins Sustainability Award
Going Green, Paola McDonald Wins Sustainability Award
By Sharon Jaffe Dan, Home and Design Magazine, March/April 2017
True Blue:
A Dated Home Gets a Contemporary Overhaul with a Sea-Inspired Palette of Blue and Grey
By Kathleen Birmingham, Make it Over Magazine Spring 2015
Favorite Rooms
Home and Design Magazine 2014 Sourcebook
Holiday Entertaining
Flexible Tables and Chairs
By Kathleen Birmingham, Make it Over Magazine Spring 2015
The Joy of Adding Art to Your Home
Prince William Living
Olamar Interiors Designer and Owner Paola McDonald Wins Two 2013 Interior Design Society Designer of the Year Awards
As Seen in Prince William Living, Tuesday 18 March 2014
ContemporaRy Canvas
The Real Housewives of Northern Virginia:
Leading Ladies: Paola McDonald of Creative Elegance Interiors
The Real Life Decorator:
Creating an Outdoor Space That is an Extension of Your Indoor Space
As seen in Haymarket Lifestyles Magazine, June 2012.
The Real Life Decorator:
Your New Resource for Real Life Interior Decorating
As Seen in Haymarket Lifestyles Magazine, December 2011.
The Real Life Decorator:
Choosing Drapes for Oversized Windows
As seen in Haymarket L
