Contemporaria is a full service design firm which sets it apart from other retailers.

The store opened its doors in 1999 in an old printing plant that was approximately 2500 sq. ft. in the heart of Bethesda.  With concrete floors and tall white walls, Kalkstein filled the space with some of the most important names in the world of contemporary furniture, lighting and accessories from companies such as Minotti, Cappellini, MDF Italia, Flos, Foscarini, Ingo Maurer, Kartell, and Paola Lenti to name a few.

The recognition came fast, with immediate writings in the most prestigious magazines and newspapers in the area, Washington post, Washington flyer, Washingtonian, and Spaces magazine amongst others.  In 2001 when the space next door became available, Contemporaria grew to double its original size with an enclosed courtyard showcasing outdoor furniture. The store became very involved in art openings and architectural lectures, showcasing the most important names in contemporary architecture in DC such as Mark McInturff, David Jameson, Sophie Prevost and Robert Cole, and Robert Gurney.

In 2003 when Anthony Lanier developed Cady's Alley as a location for upscale and contemporary objects, art, furniture, clothiers, and restaurants, Kalkstein decided it was time to become part of the prominent group that would create the contemporary furniture district of the DC area.

Kalkstein opened Contemporaria Georgetown in 2004 and closed the Bethesda location soon after.  With almost 4,000 sq. ft. of showroom space open to the public, Contemporaria exposed consumers to good design. For 16 years, Contemporaria was seen as a staple to the Georgetown scene.

Beginning March of 2020, Kalkstein transformed into Contemporaria LLC and moved the showroom to Potomac, Maryland near Potomac Village. In an updated 100 year old home, the new location gives clients a unique experience while being able to visualize Contemporaria’s style within a home environment.

Contemporaria LLC offers a complete range of services from interior design and interior architecture to remodeling and construction. Contemporaria is a one stop shop for all your design needs.

Out of respect for the purity of design, and the respect for our clients, Contemporaria is committed to creating environments that will affect people's lives and bring them most relevant items in contemporary design.  We aspire to share this philosophy through our special events program with the community that surrounds us.

GOODBYE LETTER.

2/22/2023

Dear All,

It is with mixed emotions that I’m writing this - after realizing my lifelong dream and opening Contemporaria in Bethesda in 1999, moving to Cady’s Alley in Georgetown in 2004 and Potomac before the pandemic in 2020 - that I have decided not to retire completely, but to focus my energy and creativity in other things rather than retail.

I would like to thank all my vendors that by now are my dear friends and all my clients that supported me through almost 25 years and have made this the most beautiful job I never thought I would have.

I would also like to thank everyone that work with me at the store - from my first employee, Jenny Garcia, to my last one, Hayley Hartner, and all the beautiful and talented ones in between, thank you so very much, I would not have done it without you.

I have been blessed to work with so many amazing individuals, travel to incredible places, and be surrounded by the most beautiful objects, creativity, and design, all of which has enriched me tremendously and made me the person I am today.

I have decided to focus my “second" half of this incredible journey in pursuing my interest in art, working for a nonprofit trying to give back as much as possible, travel, spend more time with my family and friends here and abroad and do some design work if I see fit (since is in my DNA).

Thank you all for being part of this spectacular journey.

Keep in touch!

To life and happiness...

Sincerely,

Deborah