HAUS IM
Welcome to HAUS IM, our design studio and our creative home that we hope to share with you. It's a space steeped in rich history, buzzing with energy, and dedicated to helping our clients craft a life well-lived through exceptionally personal design. It's also an invitation to you to explore, create, and connect with others who share your passion to make the most out of the very brief time we have on this planet.
Design That Tells Your Story
At Interior Matter, we believe that a well-designed space is vital for a wholehearted life. Our surroundings profoundly affect our daily experiences, emotions, and well-being. Interior Matter’s mission is to transform spaces, so they mirror our clients’ uniqueness and aspirations, enhancing their lives in every way. We listen to your story and collaborate with you to create a space that genuinely supports and delights you.
Through a collaborative process, we listen intently to your desires and aspirations, then translate them into a design plan that reflects the essence of who you are. Home should be an island of safety, but also where you truly feel alive as well.
Honoring the Past, Designing the Future
Our HAUS IM studio embodies the very essence of Interior Matter. This historic space was once a vibrant hub for the local LGBT community in the 1970s, a legacy rich in activism and uninhibited self-expression. We honor this spirit by fostering a welcoming and inclusive community around design, a space where collaboration, inspiration, and genuine connection flourish. Before we called it HAUS IM, our studio was a home to (among many others):
- The New Playwrights Theatre, started by the late Harry Bagdasian and Ken Bloom (pictured in this section). It occupied the basement, performing for intimate crowds as part of DC’s small theatre movement in the mid-1970s.
- DC’s first gay bookstore, Lambda Rising, founded in 1974 by activist L. Page “Deacon” Maccubbin and his partner, Jim Bennet. Originally known as Earthworks, a head shop with gay books and periodicals, Lambda Rising inspired DC's first Gay Pride Day event in 1975, held right on our block along 20th Street.
You Are Invited
Haus IM welcomes everyone who appreciates good design. Participate in workshops, chats, and hands-on projects. Share ideas, learn from others, and discover the joy of creating together. Join us to ignite your creative spark, share knowledge, and connect with fellow design enthusiasts. From immersive workshops like “Art Smart” (stay tuned) to intimate gatherings that spark conversation, there’s something for every curious mind.
Calendar of Events
Soon, our friends will be able to book a guest desk in our creative studio. This invitation will become available in August.
Calling all kindred spirits and design aficionados! Our HAUS IM studio offers a haven of inspiration and energy for you to tap into. Whether you need an office space in Washington, DC for a couple hours or simply a change of scenery to refresh your perspective, we'll gladly be sharing the small but very cool space. More soon!