Sista Circle

TC, a native Washingtonian, is known for her work in the television, radio and print mediums. She's been featured nationally on Live with Regis and in Essence magazine. TC can be seen hosting shows on DC's Cable TV-13, and she is CEO of her public relations company "TCB Publicity," promoting entertainment events across the DC metro area. She has penned articles for the national Black Elegance magazine and columns for publications in major cities across the country, including Houston, Philadelphia and Washington, DC. She gives back by producing her award-winning website as a vehicle for women's empowerment at www.SistaCircle.com. Send email to tc@sistacircle.com

Celeb Homes
by Internet Staff Writer

When DC media personality T.C. had her home built a few years ago in Silver Spring Maryland, she wasn't exactly ready for the task of decorating all of the square footage and open spaces that her traditional 3 level had to offer. "I became a bit overwhelmed," says T.C. who is Lead Host of DC TV-13 , covering the DC City Council and a personality on Smooth Jazz 105.9 FM; perhaps best known as co-host of the former "The Real DC Morning Show" on WHUR. I'm pretty artistic by nature, but by the time I decorated my master suite and painted murals on my kid's walls, I was creatively tapped out. T.C., a mother of three and native Washingtonian, really wanted to do justice to her entry way parlor room because it's the first room seen when entering the house. "But I guess you could say it became my spare odds and ends room. I stored office files, odds and ends, and even my tribal mask collection from trips to Senegal and South Africa. I told myself I'd get to it sooner or later, but sooner became much later," she laughs.

Last year, T.C. was hired by an advertising agency as a voiceover talent and teamed up with actor and national voiceover artist Greg Williams for a commercial. Williams, who is also a reoccurring actor on the popular HBO series The Wire, mentioned that his wife, Wanda Alexander, was a talented celebrity interior designer. He arranged a meeting at the couple's home and the two ladies hit it off immediately.

From our first conversation, I knew that Wanda would be able to take my personality and reflect it in my home with a real 'wow!' factor, says T.C. Once I saw the way she decorated her own house, I was sold!" Alexander, known for designing the interior homes of celebrities like TV Judge Mablean Ephriam , wanted to know how this "parlor room" would be used.

"I wanted a space where I could just sit and have conversations with girlfriends over a glass of champagne," T.C. says. "Or where I could have quiet time alone with a cup of tea once the kids were in bed. And I also wanted a comfortable area where I could pre interview guests for my television segments if need be. But what I definitely did NOT want, was that room we all grew up with that you were not allowed to even use! It probably had plastic covering the couch, it was so off limits," she laughs. "It's as if a light bulb went off with Wanda, and the next thing I knew she put her plan into action."

"I knew it had to be plush and I wanted it to set the tone for the rest of her home. Elegant, sophisticated with a touch of urban chic. Why not call it a conversation room" says Alexander.

"T.C. is down to earth, yet classy with a lot of personality," says Alexander. "She wanted to paint one wall red and display her beloved mask collection. Immediately, my creativity kicked in and that wall became the focal point for the room. I chose ornate wood frames with a linen inlay to give structure to the masks, and an abstract painting hung on the adjacent wall to tie all the colors together. Top of the line, custom silk drapery panels with a fabulous trim were hung at the windows; a jazzy artistic sculpture on a tall pedestal to reflect her love of music, and soft lighting that could dim down to create a certain mood. The chairs I chose are a bit pricey, but what I consider to be 'investment pieces' from The Barbara Barry Collection of Henredon. All four chairs were placed on a cream, low, shag rug surrounding a round, glass-top table with a trio of crystal candle holders, and a few other accessories that fit TC's girly side.

My goal was to create a room that was very inviting . To make this happen , I literally kicked T.C. and her kids out of the house so I could work my magic. When they returned, one look at their faces and I got what I love most about what I do..."

"Once I picked my jaw up off the floor, I hired Wanda to design my family room and the entire first level of my home," says T.C. I'm a believer, the woman is gifted. No doubt, she's soon to be a premiere designer for the stars, and those of us who just like to feel like one sometimes."

For more information on Wanda Alexander's Panache Interiors, visit the web site at www.waainteriors.com

Copyright 2008 TCB Enterprises. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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