Some of the Washington area's top interior designers are unleashing their creative talent all in the name of charity. Organizers of the 2012 Washington, D.C. Design House announced the designers who will make over the 2012 D.C. Design Home.

“The selection [was] open to all area designers who wanted to apply,” said Susan Hayes Long, chairperson of D.C. Design House. “They started by coming to a design walk-through to get a feel for the space, and then [submitted] up to three proposals for rooms, with at least one presentation board. The board [included] their floor plan, color selections, and finishes they would use. Our design team selected the final 23 designers. We had more than 80 proposals this year, and so many fantastic presentation boards. The competition was really tough.”

The D.C. Design House serves as a bellwether of local design trends. “Being selected to design for the show house is a bit like being crowned homecoming queen then having to run a marathon in your ball gown while collecting items for a scavenger hunt," said Shazalynn Cavin-Winfrey of SCW Interiors in Alexandria, who was one of the designers selected. "It is the most prestigious invitation. .. For a committee of veteran designers and industry leaders to select a designer is truly one of the highlights of one's career."

With no paying clients to please, the designers unleash their creative talent. "I love participating in show houses for the freedom it allows me," said Annette Hannon of Annette Hannon Interior Design in Burke, who was also one of the designers selected. "For each house I've had the opportunity to engage in, I've gotten to conjure up an imaginary 'perfect' client and design according to their needs and desires. It's a bit like celebrating one's birthday and getting to create your perfect party.”

The Washington, D.C. Design House, a nonprofit entity, began in 2008 as a design event in which some of the region's most sought-after designers decorate a luxury home to raise funds for a local charity. After completion, the home is opened to the public for tours. Now in its fifth year, the D.C. Design House has attracted more than 30,000 visitors and raised nearly $600,000 for Children's National Medical Center (CNMC). Proceeds will go to CNMC again this year.

Built in 1956, the 2012 D.C. Design House is located in Washington, D.C.'s Spring Valley neighborhood. It is currently on the market for $3.9 million.