Home » Properties » Interior Design Download: Alex Martinez and Evita Martinez-Montenegro’s D.C. Developments

Interior Design Download: Alex Martinez and Evita Martinez-Montenegro’s D.C. Developments

by | Jun 16, 2021

Alex Martinez, half of The Agency D.C. Metro’s brilliant Nurit Coombe & Alex Martinez Team—ranked the #1 large team in sales volume and sides in Maryland by RealTrends 2021 The Thousand—certainly stays busy. Together with his wife, Evita Martinez-Montenegro, a seasoned interior designer, he completely re-envisions condominium development projects, undergoing four to six projects at a time. We chatted with Alex and Evita to get the scoop on their projects, asking them about their process, design trends, and advice for homeowners looking to upgrade their living space. 


What kind of development opportunities do you look for?

Alex: We specialize in condo conversions, taking four residence buildings and converting them into six residence buildings to sell as condos. We completely redo the residences, which usually takes between six months and a year to be approved. Our goal is to maintain the foundation and structure, reinforcing when needed, and then giving it an aesthetic upgrade.

What design trends are you loving right now?

Evita: Right now in design trends, the combination of matte and glossy is making an appearance. I’m seeing the use of matte gold and geometric figures as well as retro colors like mustard and brown—they used to feel dated but now they are coming back. Busy textures and wallpaper patterns are feeling fresh as well.


What trends are you steering clear of?

Evita: I like the matte gold, but I don’t use it in my designs with clients. I try to stick to finishes that are more neutral and timeless, such as black, nickel and chrome. I think the gold moment will fade away.

What are your favorite ways to quickly refresh a home?

Evita: There are two things I recommend to upgrade your home quickly. The first is decluttering. Spaces that have the least amount of furniture create an open atmosphere and flow. Having fewer things makes a space feel bigger and more calming and comfortable—and if you’re selling, decluttering will allow buyers to more easily envision themselves in the home. The second tip I have is about the paint color. Try using a single neutral tone throughout your home—color can come into play in fabric and textures.

Alex: We always try to stage our projects before selling if we can—probably 90% of them are staged. It really creates an impact at open houses.


What are your favorite color palettes to use?

Evita: I’ve actually had my own custom color created by Sherwin Williams, tweaking the tint to create the perfect neutral. It goes with everything and pairs beautifully with white trim. Remember, when looking to choose a neutral color, there is a wide array of whites to choose from and each brings its own mood.

What must-have amenities are hot right now?

Alex: After going through the pandemic, people are looking for larger homes with a lot of amenities. They want everything they need right there. Pools, large decks, yards and offices—these are the things that buyers are seeking when purchasing a home. They are moving out to the suburbs and want space for their children to play.


Do you see a demand for sustainable features on the rise?

Alex: People are looking for a more nature-friendly way of living. Solar panels are popular as well as dedicated recycling areas that make being eco-friendly more turnkey.

Evita: In design, using more organic materials can bring nature in. I pick floor woods that look as natural as possible with real knotted wood and holes. Plants and art are also simple and impactful ways to bring nature inside the home.

Where do you find inspiration?

Evita: I like looking at photos for inspiration and picking one small detail that will trigger inspiration for an entire design. I like to be unique—I’m aware of trends and use them when it makes sense but incorporate my own point of view into each design. I love to create areas where the owners can customize the space and keep memories around them. I’ve done walls with frames that they can put their own pictures in—this makes the home completely unique to them.

Ready to make a move?
Let’s get started.

Explore Listings