Oct 10, 2025 - Things to Do

D.C. creatives are transforming a former Union Market motel into a design showcase

Mimi Montgomery

Outdoor corridor of motel or hotel with peach bench, colorful pillows and blankets, two yellow pumpkins, colorful abstract American flag painting, people walking away, and decorative table. — Photo: Courtesy EDENS.

A former Motel 6 near Union Market is getting a major glow-up thanks to a stacked lineup of DMV creatives.

Why it matters: Design lovers can tour each of the rooms for inspo, where some of the items and artwork will be for sale.

State of play: "Room Service" is a pop-up design showcase in which 27 D.C.-area interior designers, artists, home goods groups, artisans, and gallery owners will transform each of the former motel's 16 rooms into their own masterpieces.

Participants include artist Maggie O'Neill, the home store Well Rounded, and the crew behind D.C. Walls Festival, with galleries like De Novo lending work.

Plus: There will be a cash bar on-site courtesy of nearby cocktail spot Bar Betsie.

If you go: "Room Service" runs Oct. 10-12 and Oct. 16-19, and it's free to attend.

Check it out at 1345 4th St. NE.

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D.C. creatives are transforming a former Union Market motel into a design showcase

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