VIE Magazine May 2023

PHOTO BY ED GUTENTAG

Khoury Vogt Architects, led by principals Marieanne Khoury-Vogt and Erik Vogt, was recently honored as the Institute of Classical Architecture & Art’s 2023 recipient of the Arthur Ross Award for Architecture. This annual award recognizes the lifetime achievements and contributions of architects, painters, sculptors, artisans, interior designers, landscape designers, educators, patrons, and others dedicated to preserving and advancing the classical tradition. The home on this cover is a Gulf-front beauty in Alys Beach, Florida, designed by KVA, who are also the town architects for the New Urbanist community. It was built by Hufham Harris Construction and features custom architectural millwork, trim, windows, and doors by E. F. San Juan.

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FEATURE

24 Designing Dreams: Khoury Vogt Architects Receives Top Honor

LA MAISON 23

31 L’intermission: Elegant and Spacious

34 Edwardian Whimsy in South London

40 Timeless Taste: Built to Last a Lifetime

44 Small Homes, Big Appeal: Wheelhaus Redefines the Modern Tiny Home

49 Petite pause: On the Horizon

75 L’intermission: Seaside Sophistication

78 Gold in Motion

84 A Crystal Vision: Experience Lalique Like Never Before

91 Petite pause: The Art of Mixing

92 An Arizona Oasis: Restore, Explore, and More

C’EST LA VIE CURATED COLLECTION 100

105 L’intermission: Suspended in Time

VISUAL PERSPECTIVES 107

Vie is a French word meaning “life” or “way of living.” VIE magazine sets itself apart as a high-gloss publication that focuses on human-interest stories with heart and soul. From Seattle to NYC with a concentration in the Southeast, VIE is known for its unique editorial approach—a broad spectrum of deep content with rich photography. The award-winning magazine was founded in 2008 by husband-and-wife team Lisa and Gerald Burwell, owners of the specialty publishing and branding house known as The Idea Boutique®. From the finest artistically bound books to paperless digital publication and distribution, The Idea Boutique provides comprehensive publishing services to authors and organizations. Its team of creative professionals delivers a complete publishing experience—all that’s needed is your vision.

PUBLISHED BY

50 The Power of a House

54 A Desert Haven: Synergetic Design in Joshua Tree

VOYAGER 61

62 A River Runs Through It

68 Creating Timeless Spaces: The Hearth Homes Interiors Way

108 Handcrafted with Passion: Fine Jewelry with Global Inspiration

114 Dreaming in Watercolor

117 Petite pause: Custom Glamour

THE LAST WORD 121

AU REVOIR! 127

Photo by Layne Lillie, courtesy of KVA

Photo courtesy of The Brexley

CREATIVE TEAM

CEO / EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

LISA MARIE BURWELL

Lisa@VIEmagazine.com

FOUNDER / PUBLISHER

GERALD BURWELL

Gerald@VIEmagazine.com

EDITORIAL EDITOR

JORDAN STAGGS

Jordan@VIEmagazine.com

ASSISTANT EDITOR

EMME MARTIN

Emme@VIEmagazine.com

CHIEF COPY EDITOR

MARGARET STEVENSON

COPY EDITOR

WENDY ANDERSON

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

SARAH FREEMAN, ANTHEA GERRIE, MYLES MELLOR, CAROLYN O’NEIL, SUZANNE POLLAK, COLLEEN SACHS

ART AND PHOTOGRAPHY

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

TRACEY THOMAS

Tracey@VIEmagazine.com

SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER

SALLY NEAL

CONTRIBUTING DESIGNER

HANNAH VERMILLION

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

HUNTER BURGTORF, KARINE FABY, JACK GARDNER, BRITTANY GODBEE, ED GUTENTAG, NICOLA HARGER, GREGORY HARRIS, MIKE KELLEY, BRENNA KNEISS, JEFF LANDRETH, LAYNE LILLIE, GILLES PERNET, CARLO PIERONI, ROMONA ROBBINS, JIM STEPHENSON, CHANDLER WILLIAMS, 311 DESIGN PHOTOGRAPHY, ERIN FEINBLATT PHOTOGRAPHY, MODUS PHOTOGRAPHY, SHUTTERSTOCK, UNSPLASH

ADVERTISING, SALES, AND MARKETING

DIRECTOR OF MARKETING

KELLY CURRY

Kelly@VIEmagazine.com

MARKETING COORDINATORS

ADDIE STRICKLAND

HAILEY BETHKE

BRAND AMBASSADORS

LISA MARIE BURWELL Lisa@VIEmagazine.com

ALEX CURRY Alex@VIEmagazine.com

MARTA RATA

Marta@VIEmagazine.com

AD MANAGER

ADDIE STRICKLAND

Addie@VIEmagazine.com

LIVING LIFE by DESIGN

We are all designed as unique, original, and gifted human beings created in God’s image—as one of a kind. When you see yourself on those terms, that you are a work of art, you begin to understand you are qualified to reach your destiny in life. No one else can fulfill and achieve your destinies better than you can. In a world filled with 7,942,645,086 people, if we really understood how special each and every one of us is, we would celebrate ourselves and others with so much more intention, purpose, and even joy.

Life isn’t easy. I am not negating that fact, but living a full life requires absolutely everything you’ve got—determination, passion, love, commitment, desire, and an unbridled tenacity to finish what you started. I included love as one of the key ingredients as, over time, I have learned that even if you have everything else, if you don’t have a love for yourself and others, you don’t have much.

Curiosity, problem-solving, altruism, hope, and faith have been part of my DNA since childhood. I did not make myself like this; it’s just who I am. Along the road toward my Damascus, through maturing and naturally evolving, I have grown a deeper faith with each passing year that good things are always around the corner. At times, I’ve felt like my life was so surreal I was watching it as if it were a movie. I’ve had endless moments that I am so grateful to have experienced with others along the journey—it’s been filled with so much joy, even in times when there was so much sadness. That, too, is part of life. If I didn’t choose to follow my heart and my

dreams, I would have missed out on so much. It has taken much courage and faith to walk on the water put before me, and I thank God that he equipped me with courage. I would never have accomplished anything without God as my constant companion, the author and finisher of my faith.

What does all this have to do with home, design, and living our best life? It’s to know that beauty in our surroundings is lovely, but we know that without happiness, friends, family, and community, there would be an emptiness in place of a rich life. So in this issue, we celebrate life by design—to live and walk out our own stories with a purpose and resolve to become all that we were made to be in this world.

It’s time for us to write our next chapter in our individual stories of life and seize this moment in time with gusto and excitement.

To Your Story!

—Lisa Marie CEO/Editor-in-Chief

Photo by Romona Robbins

lazy beach days. summer sunsets. vacation vibes.

We collaborate with talented photographers, writers, and other creatives on a regular basis, and we’re continually inspired by how they pour their hearts and souls into their crafts. Follow these creatives on social media and don’t forget to check out our account, @viemagazine.

IN THIS ISSUE, WE ASKED THE CREATIVES: WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE SPACE IN YOUR HOME OR RENTAL PROPERTY, AND WHY DO YOU LOVE IT?

MILA MORRIS

Owner & Designer, Le Chacuel

@lechacuel

It’s hard to choose just one favorite space in Le Chacuel, as each area has a unique charm and purpose. However, if I had to choose, I would say that my favorite space is probably the outdoor shower. What I love most about this space is the feeling of relaxation and rejuvenation it provides. The water pressure is just right, and the temperature is always perfect, which makes it easy to let go of stress and tension. Plus, the views of the surrounding landscape from the shower are absolutely breathtaking, which adds to the overall sense of tranquility and peace.

I LOVE BEING IN THE BACKYARD, WORKING ON ALL THE VINES WHILE LISTENING TO THE SOUNDS OF THE WATER AND BIRDS. THE HUMMINGBIRDS ARE MY FAVORITE; THEY LOVE THE CANOPY ABOVE THE POOL.

I would have to say the exterior. It’s always changing. The growth of all the landscaping from the day The Brexley opened—January 1, 2018—to today is incredible; almost a different house on the exterior now, with vines almost covering the home and enveloping the entry. I love being in the backyard, working on all the vines while listening to the sounds of the water and birds. The hummingbirds are my favorite; they love the canopy above the pool. One of my favorite times of year is summer at The Brexley, with a full backyard misting system that keeps the temps up to 30 degrees cooler. You can hang out all day in and out of the pool. It is so relaxing like you’re in your own private resort.

Owner & Designer, Marie Leoni Jewelry & Gifts

@marieleoni.jewelry

It’s almost dinner time, and everyone is coming home. “Ooh, something smells good,” my husband and daughters say, walking into the house. The kitchen is by far my favorite space in my home. It’s a place where everyone can hang out and catch up. I can spend hours browsing through the cookbooks I have collected over the years. Creating and perfecting recipes and cooking with my family bring me joy. They each have their favorite meal, and mine is Mother’s Day breakfast cooked by my kids.

KATIE LABOURDETTE-MARTINEZ & OLIVIA WAHLER

Owners & Designers, Hearth Homes Interiors @hearthhomesinteriors

Katie: Because Santa Barbara, California, has such beautiful weather most of the year, our family loves to spend time outside in our backyard. We have a huge table to host guests for dinner, a fire pit with ample seating, and a fun play structure for the kids to hang around while the adults can sit back and relax.

Olivia: We love entertaining, which works really well with our open-concept layout. When we host guests, and even at home on our own, we love to sit in our dining space to enjoy long dinners and a glass of wine (or two). We have a smooth venetian plaster fireplace on one side and a huge pocket door to our backyard on the other, so it’s really nice to open that up in the summer months for the most epic indoor-outdoor living experience.

MARIE NGUYEN

CINDY STEINMAN

Owner & Designer, The Brexley @thebrexley

Hey, hey, hey!

Here are some of our favorite shared posts from this past month. If you know VIE, you know that we love engaging with our readers and local community whenever we can! With summer coming up, stay connected and show us how you enjoy the stories in VIE Keep us tagged in your posts; we love seeing our readers’ creativity and experiences!

@theideaboutique We are so excited for this year’s @dgalysbeach x VIE party! Stay tuned for some sneak peeks!

@kdb17 Wish I was reading the latest issue of @viemagazine at the @thewauwinet this morning.

@burwell_associates A team walkthrough at The Heritage, a @viemagazine Show Home, back in its building process. @grandbayconstruction did a wonderful job executing the plans, and @duce_and_company brought life to it with their interior design expertise. We design with intention.

@30afoamfest Cheers to being one day closer to #30aFoamFest. With a little over a month away, tickets are going fast! Be sure to grab yours at foamfest30a.com before we sell out! Benefiting @foodforthoughtfl

@e.f.sanjuan #repost @burwell_associates: There are always blue skies ahead! The fourth floor of The Heritage, a @viemagazine Show Home, offers a bird’s-eye view of the neighborhood and nearby beach. @eurowallsystems custom folding windows sourced by E. F. San Juan, along with @weather_shield impact-rated windows and doors around the rest of the exterior.

@jordanlstaggs NYC, I love you this matcha (and dim sum). @viemagazine’s new Culinary Issue is online now at VIEmagazine.com, and I’m just reliving this food-filled weekend in Manhattan with @amelia.louise08!

LET’S TALK!

Send VIE your comments and photos on our social media channels or by emailing us at info@viemagazine.com. We’d love to hear your thoughts. They could end up in the next La conversation!

VIEmagazine.com

La maison

WHERE THE HEART IS

This isn’t your typical home! Cabo de Vila embraces and reflects the surrounding landscape. Two concrete slabs with concave sides sit atop walls made of darkened wood and floor-to-ceiling windows. Natural light seeps through the cut-out roof to provide sunlight and warmth to the courtyard, while the unique shape of the house stretches across the land.

Cabo de Vila is located in the picturesque hilltop town of Paredes, Portugal. It was designed by spaceworkers® architects. Visit spaceworkers.pt to see more projects.

This page and opposite: A stunning private corner residence in Alys Beach, Florida, designed by Khoury Vogt Architects and built by Alys Beach Construction. The custom wood details, including the twostory oriel around the outdoor lounge and the courtyard pergola, were crafted by E. F. San Juan of Youngstown, Florida.

Photos by Jack Gardner, courtesy of KVA

K DESIGNING

houry Vogt Architects (KVA) has become known for its dreamscape-worthy town projects along the Northwest Florida coast. The unique Gulfside communities of Alys Beach and Kaiya Beach Resort have inspired and delighted homeowners and visitors alike. As the town architects for these communities and other stunning luxury homes across the area and beyond, including South Central Florida, Nashville, Miami, and the Caribbean, KVA is a bastion of excellence in architecture, interior design, town planning, and more.

Founding partners and principal architects Marieanne Khoury-Vogt and Erik Vogt are excited to celebrate as they recently received one of the most prestigious awards in the field of architecture. The Institute of Classical Architecture & Art (ICAA) has selected KVA as the 2023 recipient of the Arthur Ross Award for Excellence in the Classical Tradition in the Architecture division.

KHOURY VOGT ARCHITECTS RECEIVES TOP HONOR

By JORDAN STAGGS

Dreams

Established in 1982, named for the noted Manhattan philanthropist, investor, military veteran, and classicism devotee, and co-established with architecture critic Henry Hope Reed, this award recognizes the lifetime achievements and contributions of architects, painters, sculptors, artisans, interior designers, landscape designers, educators, patrons, and others dedicated to preserving and advancing the classical tradition. The Arthur Ross Awards are considered tantamount to the Academy Awards of the design world, “acknowledging and honoring a living, human-centered tradition while building upon those ideals for invention, progress, and a future-oriented trajectory,” according to ICAA.

“Receiving the 2023 Arthur Ross Award for Architecture is the highest honor of our professional careers to date,” says Marieanne. “We are humbled and honored by their recognition of our work, especially when we realize we are in the company of many past winners we have long admired. We are indebted to many of them personally for

mentoring us and championing our work, so we feel especially grateful that their support allowed us even to be considered.”

KVA has been integral in realizing the vision of Alys Beach, Florida, a keystone project that Marieanne and Erik describe as being a twenty-year journey. They have guided the designs of the homes and shared spaces down to every thoughtful detail. As full-time residents, the depth of their involvement and understanding in implementing the original master plan of DPZ CoDesign, and the collaborative design code, is paramount. “We continue to be grateful for the many opportunities that this town and its founder have given us, up to and including several projects on the boards that we are excited to see come to fruition in the next year. We will have to leave it to the sales team to say more about these.”

The defining architectural footprint of Alys Beach was thoughtfully and sentimentally sculpted by KVA. It created a canvas to which other world-class architects have since added their flourishes through residential and commercial designs, resulting in one of the most beautiful New Urbanist towns in the United States—possibly the world.

“We are also excited about our continuing contributions to Kaiya Beach Resort, next door to Alys,” Marieanne expounds. “These include, in coming years, a boutique hotel with a state-of-the-art spa and fitness center. The developer, Jason Romair, has been unwavering in his vision and faith in us to realize it.”

Above and opposite left: The Todd Residence in Alys Beach, Florida, is a courtyard row home by Khoury Vogt Architects and Davis Dunn Construction, featuring more custom architectural millwork, doors, and gates by E. F. San Juan.

Photos by Nicola Harger, courtesy of Alys Beach

Opposite right: Travel and a life of simple luxury inspire KVA’s many projects in Alys Beach and beyond.

Photo by Jack Gardner, courtesy of KVA

Custom wooden courtyard gates, screens, doors, columns, and other trim—plus impactrated glass windows and doors—are some of the custom details that make a house a dream home.

KVA’s architectural language has been described as a union between the modern form and function of the present day and the vernacular traditions, drawing on influences of the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, and the Middle East, with distinctively Moroccan characteristics. Its principals also credit their success to working with their incredible internal team and the builders and artisans outside their firm. “KVA’s success is very much due to the extraordinary team we have,” says Erik. “We have been fortunate to be able to attract real talent here, and they work alongside us through each project.”

Marieanne adds, “The extraordinary team of local builders and craftsmen here in Northwest Florida is remarkable, and we at KVA take advantage of that! There is nothing we can draw that they cannot build. And they do it with relish and excitement. Having worked in this area for twenty years, we have developed long and enduring relationships with many; this is something we cherish and nurture.”

E. F. San Juan, a custom architectural moulding, millwork, and cabinetry firm located in nearby Youngstown, Florida, has worked closely with the KVA team on many custom homes in Alys Beach since the town’s inception. Their wooden courtyard gates, screens, doors, columns, and other trim—plus impactrated glass windows and doors—are some of the custom details that make a house a dream home. “We’d like to congratulate our friends and longtime colleagues at Khoury Vogt Architects on being named the winner of the 2023 Arthur Ross Award for Architecture!” says company president Edward San Juan. “We are proud to have worked on many incredible projects as part of the KVA team in the beautiful community of Alys Beach. Thank you for your partnership, and congrats again on this well-deserved honor!”

Alys Beach’s vice president of marketing and communications, Stacy Hamilton, adds, “As Alys Beach Town Architects, Erik and Marieanne have shaped not only Alys Beach and their broad portfolio of works, but the world of architecture itself. This award recognition, based on KVA’s full body of work to date, is a distinction that acknowledges their place as icons within the architectural realm.”

Of the firm’s success, Marieanne says, “It’s not so much the particular projects that we think contribute to whatever success we may have; it’s our clientele who trust in and inspire us to achieve our best work. We have always seen a direct correlation between engaged, thoughtful clients—indeed patrons—and our best projects. We have been very fortunate to have many of these patrons along the way.”

No doubt this engagement with their patrons and the creative thinking and solutions of Marieanne, Erik, and their team are to thank for gaining such an honor as the ICAA’s Arthur Ross Award. The American nonprofit membership organization, headquartered in New York City, chooses its honorees annually by a selection committee of distinguished members in the fields of classical architecture and the arts. The 2023 awards ceremony will occur in May at the University Club in New York City.

Please join us in congratulating KVA on this momentous honor! We look forward to seeing what is to come for this incredibly talented team.

Head to KhouryVogt.com to learn more and see more projects. Visit AlysBeach.com or follow them on social media @alysbeach for more information on the community.

“This award recognition, based on KVA’s full body of work to date, is a distinction that acknowledges their place as icons within the architectural realm.”

Courtyard living is a staple of Alys Beach, whose town architects at KVA have cited influences from Moroccan riads, among other international design elements, in much of their work.

Photo by Nicola Harger, courtesy of Alys Beach

Elegant & Spacious

To learn more about the Crown Suite or book your stay, visit Banff-Springs-Hotel.com.

The Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel in Alberta, Canada, is a fairy tale-worthy getaway. The lavish Crowne Suite offers unsurpassed luxury and was designed for royalty, dignitaries, and extraspecial occasions. The two-bedroom suite is tucked into the pinnacle of a castle turret among the idyllic mountainside. The gold Calacatta marble-clad bathroom, with its slanted roof and large windows, invites guests to relax, linger a while, and enjoy the uninterrupted landscape outside.

Photo courtesy of Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel

Seaside

A TOWN OF IDEAS

—robert davis Seaside Founder/Visionary

Photo by Chandler Williams

Edwardian

W h i s m y

The gray-and-white ceramic tiles in the sunroom were inspired by the transparent background of digital computer programs like Photoshop— “a tongue-in-cheek ‘invisible’ wall,” says architect/owner Mat Barnes.

F

by Anthea Gerrie Photography by Jim Stephenson, courtesy of CAN

With a theatrical living room evoking midnight twenty-four hours a day, a faux-Matterhorn framing the back porch, and a set of M c D golden arches taking pride of place in the kitchen, you could suppose the home of Mat and Laura Barnes was the playful creation of an American architect. However, Mat is British, and the award-winning home he designed for his family and named Mountain View is a classic Edwardian “semi,” part of a row of identical red brick homes on an unassuming suburban London street.

rom the road outside, the house looks thoroughly sober, belying no hint that the interior is a riot of color and pattern Mat describes as “taking cues from theater sets, geography, a fake Disneyland mountain, and an Edwardian bread plate.” And whimsical or not, his structural transformation of a near-derelict house has attracted top-tier recognition: shortlisted for the 2022 House of the Year award by the Royal Institute of British Architects, Mountain View won Mat and his CAN Studio the association’s London Regional Project prize.

Unknowing passersby could be forgiven for supposing Mountain View was simply an ironic name for a house in a distinctly flat neighborhood, but it is, of course, a homage to the cutout of jagged peaks framing Walt Disney’s theme park Matterhorn that so intrigued Mat when he saw it in a picture. “I loved the idea of something as monumental as a mountain being balanced on a skeletal frame, and now I love hearing our daughter tell everyone she has a mountain on top of her house!” laughs the father of two.

The project dates back a few years to when the couple was house hunting and got word of an unoccupied home facing a park whose owner didn’t want to renovate it herself. “It had been empty for six years and inherited by the great-niece of the previous owners, who lives in Poland and had no interest in moving to London. We made an offer of £600,000, which was 20 percent less than market value, but it was barely habitable, with just one hot water tap. We lived in the house for the first few weeks to get a sense of how we wanted it to be—but when the ceilings fell in, we moved out!”

Hidden from public view, the rear facade of the Mountain View house is dominated by a cut-out makebelieve peak inspired by the Matterhorn at Disneyland.

The couple converted a small bedroom next to the master into an en suite bathroom, but the most dramatic layout changes were on the ground floor. A big step down from the original house to the patio and an even steeper drop to the garden below were modified by utilizing more than three feet of space below the old floorboards to create a new, lower floor more accessible to the garden and a huge family room with a fifteen-foot ceiling. “The height of the room brings us such joy; it feels grand and cavernous,” Mat shares.

The evolution of this bold, new twenty-first-century home is best appreciated from the back, where the “mountain,” carved from a thin sheet of foamed aluminum, looms high above the new glass-walled family room and wraps around the side of the house. The family room and kitchen beneath are stunning, with more geographic references (Laura was a geography major) in the dining area. Here the seating wall has been textured to resemble a cave, while the table is a bespoke ocean of dappled blue-green steel designed by Mat.

Only an architect would think of integrating fragments of a demolished original back wall into a newly extended room, and Mat is pleased he saved bricks to create stepped-up shelves for displaying plants where the kitchen steps down into the new family room.

While the McDonald’s sign—procured by Mat on eBay to remind himself of his days jockeying burgers as a student—is a striking feature of the kitchen, it’s eclipsed by the hand-built cupboards and island, which are recycled not from any old plastic but specifically from culinary items whose origins he has researched. “The blue and white is milk bottle tops, the black and white is chopping boards,” he explains.

After the Technicolor explosion of the kitchen, the living room at the front of the house—a space that would have been called the parlor back in the day and used only for formal entertaining—is a study in midnight blue monochrome. Every surface, from walls to floor to ceiling, is this exact shade of an intense, Klein-like blue, with textural interest added by architectural fragments reclaimed from a salvage yard and pinned to the wall to create a series of sculptural reliefs. “I approached a plaster works in the neighborhood and asked if they had any offcuts I could buy. They invited me to take any I wanted free of charge just to get them off their hands!”

I loved the idea of something as monumental as a mountain being balanced on a skeletal frame, and now I love hearing our daughter tell everyone she has a mountain on top of her house!

An

Left: The blue-andwhite checkerboard tiles in the family bathroom were inspired by the old Victorian fireplace tiles in the primary bedroom, and a pop of tomato-color paint makes for a vibrant contrast.

Opposite, top to bottom: Bricks salvaged from the original back wall of the house make stepping-stone shelves for planters at the entrance to the sunroom and garden.

authentic McDonald’s sign takes pride of place in a corner of the kitchen, reminding Mat of his student days working at McD.

Close-up of the Matterhorn motif wrapping around the top of the new back and side walls of the extension to Mountain View

Exiting the living room, which the Barneses keep deliberately dark to create a sense of “moving from dark to light like walking from the shadows of the wings onto the theater stage,” it’s back to the light and playful at the tangerine staircase accented with mint-green risers and balustrade. The second floor is equally bright and beautiful, but the shades are softer beneath the sunlight. “The corridor was really dark, so we transformed it by removing a low ceiling, painting the exposed rafters pastel pink and blue, and installing light wells,” says Mat.

The only dramatic pop of color upstairs is in a bold family bathroom dressed in tomato red, which sits in striking contrast to the blue and white tiles below. The tiling was inspired by a faded patch of original blue and white tiles in front of the fireplace in the primary bedroom. Here, at the front of the house, the couple has created a new master bathroom in nature-inspired shades of leaf green, jade, and lilac—the perfect foil for a dramatic midnight-blue concrete washbasin.

While visiting can feel like being suddenly plunged into an Alice in Wonderland world, Mat argues that the surreal aspects of the decor are a true reflection of today’s fast-paced, ever-changing outside world. “We’re surrounded by so many colors and textures that it felt natural to bring so many different patterns and fabrics inside.”

But he insists that however playful at ground level, the upper floor has been carefully designed to encourage a serene sleep for the whole family. “The bedrooms and hall are intentionally neutral to provide a sense of calm and quiet, and the bathroom is the only upstairs space where pattern reigns.”

For more information on Mountain View and CAN Studio, visit CAN-Site.co.uk.

Anthea Gerrie is based in the UK but travels the world in search of stories. Her special interests are architecture and design, culture, food, and drink, as well as the best places to visit in the world’s great playgrounds. She is a regular contributor to the Daily Mail, the Independent, and Blueprint.

Above: Monochrome but richly textured: the midnight-blue living room is decorated with fragments of an ornamental architectural detail from a plaster company in South London. Solid lemon and patterned cushions relieve the intensity of the dark shade across the walls, floor, and ceiling.

“

We’re surrounded by so many colors and textures that it felt natural to bring so many different patterns and fabrics inside.

Photographer: RACHEL ALYSE MANNING

TIMELESS

By ADDIE STRICKLAND Photography courtesy o f BEVOLO

We’ve all passed through neighborhoods and admired the lovely homes with green grass, warm lighting, and lush wreaths or floral arrangements invitingly hanging on the front door, creating a sense of comfort. If you’ve strolled through the French Quarter of New Orleans, you likely were greeted with a similar warmth from the welcoming glow of every Bevolo copper lantern adorning a home or business. These familiar lights are beacons of craftsmanship and community, whether on a residential or commercial building.

dmiring the design and architecture of homes in a beautiful place is a small, fun luxury for those who love architecture and design. Of course, one standout feature of any exterior is the lighting choice— that’s where the experts at Bevolo Gas & Electric Lights create magic. The easily recognizable copper gas lanterns are an ornate trademark that can elevate any style of architecture. Standing the test of time, Bevolo has been manufacturing the highest quality lanterns for generations since Andrew Bevolo, Sr., and architect A. Hays Town created the French Quarter Lantern in 1945. Its craftsmanship and collection of products have grown to include hundreds of style combinations.

Today, Bevolo lanterns are paired with many architectural styles, from neoclassical to popular modernist vernaculars. Bevolo has dozens of lantern styles, brackets, and yokes for gas and electric fixtures to complement any home or commercial property. In particular, Bevolo created the Contemporary Series and Modernist collection to accompany the expansion of architects and designers favoring modern and contemporary builds. Bevolo’s creative director states, “We saw an increasing demand for a more modern design with simple lines and decided to fill the gap in our product line about a decade ago.”

The Modernist line launched in 2014, and within the collection, there are four scale sizes with six bracket and mounting choices. The options vary so homeowners or industry professionals can create precisely what they want. The sleek collection, just like the brand’s classic ones, is built to withstand the test of time. “It’s a simple design that works well with modern architecture, but that same simplicity makes it versatile across a wide range of architectural styles,” Bevolo says. Paired with streamlined contemporary homes or adding a touch of juxtaposition to more traditional

structures, these statement fixtures are available in the Bevolo classic copper and bright stainless steel finishes.

With over seventy-five years of crafting and producing quality handmade lanterns, this family-owned company is a trademark to the New Orleans French Quarter area. Still, it serves clients across the globe, with a concentration in the Southeast and coastal US markets. The Bevolo lantern has become a recognizable symbol of excellence, continually inspiring many architects and other building professionals. As Bevolo has grown, it has maintained its product integrity by holding onto the old-world craftsmanship that has kept the original lanterns in the French Quarter burning.

Opposite: The Bevolo Modernist lantern in stainless steel adorns a charming entryway in Alys Beach, Florida

Photo by Brittany Godbee

Above: Bevolo’s Governor Pool House portable lanterns in stainless steel offer a sleek design you can place anywhere to create an ambience with large candles inside.

ne of the best parts of owning a Bevolo lantern is the peace of mind that it gives. It will undoubtedly last for generations, adding a beautiful sentimental value to any home. The craftsmen and lighting designers at Bevolo take special care in creating every lantern. “All fixtures are handmade and can involve as many as half a dozen people to create them over the course of a couple of days,” the company shares. “Every detail of the Modernist collection is touched by many expert hands. Although it’s one of our simpler designs, it receives the same quality materials, amount of craftsmanship, and attention to detail that go into all our products, making it an investment in your home.”

The Bevolo Contemporary Series and Modernist collection expand upon a rich heritage as Bevolo continues to evolve its styles to meet the needs of every customer. Each lantern is produced in the heart of the French Quarter and crafted to symbolize luxury, tradition, longevity, and class. With the most energy-efficient burner in the world and the purest materials, no other fixture holds a light to the quality of a Bevolo lantern.

To learn more about Bevolo, visit their website at Bevolo.com or follow them on Instagram at @bevolo.

Left: Bevolo’s Modernist lantern in copper glows outside a contemporary home

Above, left to right: Modernist Flush Mount electric lantern in stainless steel

Modernist Original Bracket gas lantern in copper Contemporary gas lantern in copper

Every detail of the Modernist collection is touched by many expert hands. Although it’s one of our simpler designs, it receives the same quality materials, amount of craftsmanship, and attention to detail that go into all our products, making it an investment in your home.

SMALL HOMES, BIG APPEAL

WHEELHAUS REDEFINES THE MODERN TINY HOME

By EMME MARTIN

Tiny homes have taken the housing industry by storm in recent years, providing an affordable and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional abodes. With housing costs skyrocketing across America, many people are turning to the minimalist lifestyle of tiny houses. But what exactly are tiny homes, and why are they becoming so popular? We spoke to Jamie Mackay, the founder and CEO of Wheelhaus, a leading tiny home company, to get the answers.

According to Mackay, a tiny home is a fully functional dwelling typically ranging from one hundred to four hundred square feet. These homes are designed to make the most of every inch of space with clever storage solutions and multifunctional furniture. Despite their size, tiny homes can be equipped with all the amenities of a traditional home, including full kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry facilities.

One of the main draws of tiny homes is their affordability. Mackay notes that a typical tiny house can range from $30,000 to $150,000, depending on size, location, and materials. This is significantly less than the cost of a traditional home, which can easily reach high six or even seven figures in many areas of the country.

Another benefit of tiny homes is their environmental sustainability. These homes are often built with eco-friendly materials and designed to be energyefficient, with features such as solar panels and composting toilets. As a result, a tiny home can be an attractive option for those looking to minimize their carbon footprint.

But what is it like to actually live in a tiny home? Mackay says that while there can be an adjustment period, many people find the experience liberating. “Living in a tiny home forces you to simplify your life and focus on what really matters,” he explains.

“You learn to let go of material possessions and prioritize experiences and relationships.”

As the founder of Wheelhaus, Mackay has seen firsthand the growth of the tiny home movement. His company specializes in building luxury tiny homes that work with the owners’ high-end lifestyles while remaining efficient. Each Wheelhaus model is thoughtfully designed with a unique aesthetic and range of features, from rustic cabins to sleek modern designs. While the units are not fully custom-built, customers can choose from various floor plans and finishes to make their tiny homes feel like their own.

We believe that luxury and sustainability don’t have to be mutually exclusive,”

Mackay says. “Our homes are built to last and designed to be beautiful and functional.” Wheelhaus homes are built in a factory and then transported to the final site, making the process faster and more efficient than traditional on-site construction.

Mackay believes the popularity of tiny homes will only grow in the coming years. “People are realizing that they don’t need a lot of space to be happy,” he says. “Tiny homes offer a simpler, more sustainable way of living that is increasingly attractive in today’s fast-paced world.”

TINY HOMES OFFER A SIMPLER, MORE SUSTAINABLE WAY OF

’S FAST-PACED WORLD.

Whether you’re looking to downsize, minimize your environmental impact, or live more intentionally, a tiny home could be the perfect solution. With their affordability, sustainability, and clever design, it’s easy to see why these homes have become such a popular choice for people nationwide. And with companies like Wheelhaus leading the way in luxury tiny home design, the possibilities for this exciting new housing trend are endless.

LIVING THAT IS INCREASINGLY ATTRACTIVE IN TODAY

Photo

THE POWER OF A HOUSE

BY SUZANNE POLLAK

ILLUSTRATIONS BY SALLY NEAL

HOW IS IT THAT A SERIES OF HOUSES SHAPED MY LIFE?

My childhood abodes in Africa birthed my faith in the power of houses. Because my father was a diplomat and we moved frequently, our homes were more than shelters for our family. They were tools that helped us quickly connect with the communities where we were sent, until my father was posted somewhere else—or until a civil war erupted and we evacuated. Although temporary segments of our lives, those houses of my younger life sparked my feelings of how to be in this world—that it is possible for homes to reflect and respect our privacy while providing a conduit to the community around us.

Before my father passed away, he told me stories of some of our earliest homes: the penthouse overlooking the golden dome in Beirut, with fish tanks so large they were room dividers, and villas with terraces overlooking the Mediterranean in Tripoli and Benghazi. Those visions passed to me from my father’s memories have hardened over time into myths.

However, the first house I remember, from corners to rooftop, outside gate to garden hideout, was the one in Mogadishu. We jumped on the rooftop water pipes till they sprung leaks. I dangled my legs over the pink wall separating us from the bush, learned how to make pasta with Hassan in the tiny back kitchen, and lay in a bathtub filled with gin to bring down typhoid fever. My father planted flame trees in our walled garden, and that light pink house surrounded by the grown red flame trees looked beautiful before the war that ruined the country.

In Enugu, Nigeria, we had an upstairs terrace where my father explained the constellations to me as we stared into the night sky, the color of the deepest ink with not a flicker of light except for the stars. In Accra, Ghana, our house was prefab, on stilts, and shaped like a donut. The walls upstairs were all glass,

overlooking mango, papaya, coconut, and flame trees. At the bottom of the donut hole, we gave Sunday afternoon chicken curry parties.

In all these places, we met the world through our houses. People came and went for dinner parties, cocktail parties, huge parties, Sunday lunches—and who knows what else was taking place? Coups might have been launched from our dining room table.

I came back to the United States for college, and at age twenty-one, I suddenly found myself married with one baby and twins on the way. We lived in a rented tworoom basement apartment in Savannah, Georgia, and it was nothing like the light-filled houses in Africa.

Living as a nomad as a child made me crave an adult house to serve as a foundation for life. At a bare minimum, I wanted stability; no more houses like movable feasts roaming a continent. But that was not to be. With a growing family and business ups and downs, we continued to move—in retrospect, I see there was a silver lining in that situation.

IT TOOK ME DECADES—ACTUALLY, IT TOOK UNTIL NOW—TO UNDERSTAND THAT ACQUIRING THE SECURE FEELING THAT “EVERYTHING WILL BE ALRIGHT” DOES NOT COME FROM A PHYSICAL STRUCTURE BUT FROM AN INTERNAL ONE.

I’ve learned the long and hard way that authentic personal connections bring about a stable foundation, not the structures in which those connections were formed and nurtured. It took losing many houses to realize that it wasn’t those houses that gave my life its purpose, no matter how beautiful they were.

And I have lived in some wonderful settings. During my first marriage, I restored several eighteenth-century houses, oozing with character and patina. They became glorious places that soothed my soul like a monastery or cathedral is meant to do. We also built new houses, which helped me learn about construction and materials. Through all this, I developed instincts for creating beauty with space, structure, paint, and objects.

However, six years ago, I had a massive shift and needed to restructure my life. I moved out of a historic row home and into a tiny pink house, circa 1780, with a little balcony perfect for one or two people. And it is here that the seeds for the next and most satisfying branch of life were planted, grew, and blossomed. Instead of reaching for grand theories that could explain how I became a different person after the recent crisis and disruption in my life, I have one that is fundamentally simple: My house helped to create the new me, leading to a remarkable change. This time around, I thought about flow and how to use my home best, discarding the past and anticipating how I wanted to live for today and tomorrow. I aimed to build a loving space for my connected community—especially the people who were my bridges between my old life and my new one—a group I hoped would grow over time.

I used all my design experiences to determine which spaces to fill and which to leave empty, and this time I put my hands to work as well as my head. I learned to paint and do some basic handiwork instead of hiring others. Although the tiny rooms were unattractive and felt restrictive when I first moved in, the changes I made to my environment started to make me feel inspired, open, connected, and less stressed.

Things ended, things changed, and now they begin again. I have the great privilege of starting over in a marriage, and I am already forming the new home we will have together in my head.

We are starting a life together in a new house in another city, not needing to think of raising children this time but imagining life together, a way to learn from each other, listen, and entwine our rhythms. Our house will be a way to capture the special magic we feel every day we are together. What is more important than the place where we will be sharing our morning coffee? Where we will sip a cocktail while playing backgammon. Where we will invite friends to dinner parties organized

in new ways, family for Christmas, and friends from out-of-town all year round. Saturday mornings hanging out in bed and talking. Discovering how we want to live in the house in summer and winter, in the day and the night, together and with others. I just feel good in this house. It’s a little gem that needs attention, and now my future husband will be my partner in creating the spaces for the two of us and for more than a dozen grandchildren when they descend.

We bring nothing. He leaves his furniture behind because this is our house together. And as we will continue to live in Charleston part of the time, I leave my little pink house as it is there. Our new “together house” has great proportions, character, and patina, and our plan is practical furniture, with finer details paid to lighting and hardware. Most of all, I want the house to make everyone—not just us—feel taken care of the moment they walk in and discover the magic that a well-loved, personally designed house can bring.

Suzanne Pollak, a mentor and lecturer in the fields of home, hearth, and hospitality, is the founder and dean of the Charleston Academy of Domestic Pursuits. She is the coauthor of Entertaining for Dummies, The Pat Conroy Cookbook, and The Charleston Academy of Domestic Pursuits: A Handbook of Etiquette with Recipes. Born into a diplomatic family, Pollak was raised in Africa, where her parents hosted multiple parties every week. Her South Carolina homes have been featured in the Wall Street Journal Mansion section and Town & Country magazine. Visit CharlestonAcademy.com or contact her at Suzanne@CharlestonAcademy.com to learn more.

“I WANT THE HOUSE TO MAKE EVERYONE FEEL TAKEN CARE OF THE MOMENT THEY WALK IN AND DISCOVER THE MAGIC THAT A WELL-LOVED, PERSONALLY DESIGNED HOUSE CAN BRING.”

Synergetic Design in Joshua Tree

A Desert Haven

Interview by Hailey Bethke

Photography courtesy of Le Chacuel

Situated in the heart of California’s Yucca Valley, just minutes from Joshua Tree National Park, lies

Le Chacuel. This desert refuge celebrates timeless luxury by honoring the past—the property was formerly home to a deteriorating ranch-style house from the 1980s—as well as its transformation into a chic vacation getaway by designer Mila Morris.

Le Chacuel, meaning “each of her own,” is a project envisioned and executed under Morris and her partner, Jøna Maaryn. Each contributed her specialty to the renovation process; Maaryn, whose background is in furniture design, created custom pieces for the home, while Morris specialized in architecture and design. This, combined with Morris’s design philosophy that honors simplicity, functionality, and aesthetics, created a space that seamlessly blends with the breathtaking landscape of the Mojave Desert and offers guests the ultimate retreat.

The home features three bedrooms, a spacious living and kitchen area, and an outdoor entertainment space with a sleek infinity pool and seating that overlooks the expansive desert scenery. The property is remote and gated for ultimate privacy, yet it’s fully stocked with luxury amenities to delight the modern traveler. Morris and Maaryn also offer add-on services like private chef dinners, airport transfers, fridge stocking, excursion planning, and massages to customize your stay.

Above: Le Chacuel is available for vacationers to rent and experience the simple, chic desert oasis.

Opposite: The property celebrates the calm, zen-like landscape with seamlessly designed outdoor spaces and 360degree views.

believe that simplicity is the ultimate sophistication,” Morris remarks. “However, I also believe in incorporating elements of surprise and delight that can elevate a space beyond its basic function. Building this house was a particularly exciting project for me, as it allowed me to bring all my skills and experience to create a space that reflects my vision and values and those of my team.”

What sets Le Chacuel apart from other luxurious, short-term rental properties is that Morris and Maaryn designed and built nearly every element of the home themselves. “I have always been drawn to the idea of creating unique, one-of-a-kind pieces that are tailored specifically to the spaces they occupy. I find that designing and building something from scratch allows for a greater degree of creativity and personalization than simply purchasing premade pieces,” Morris says. “We also wanted to work with natural materials and incorporate sustainable design principles into the project. By sourcing materials locally and designing pieces built to last, we were able to create a space that is both aesthetically pleasing and environmentally responsible.”

The custom-build route, however, certainly has its challenges. One of the biggest hurdles was finding skilled workers familiar with unique building techniques and natural materials—and not afraid to stray outside of the traditional building process. Although finding local workers was an evident struggle, Morris and Maaryn were committed to their vision and decided to train workers on the job.

“When you’re working on a project or facing a challenge, it can be easy to get tunnel vision and feel like you have to do everything yourself,” she explains. “However, I think it’s important to remember that collaboration and communication can be incredibly powerful tools. By seeking advice and input from others, you gain new insights and ideas that can help you overcome challenges more effectively. And by working with others to find solutions, you may also build stronger relationships and create a sense of shared ownership and accountability for the project or situation at hand. In our case, such challenges helped us grow and learn as a team while creating a truly one-of-a-kind space.”

I have always been drawn to the idea of creating unique, one-of-a-kind pieces that are tailored specifically to the spaces they occupy.

This page and opposite: Mila Morris and Jøna Maaryn combined their talents for architectural design and custom furnishings, respectively, to create Le Chacuel’s tranquil interiors and indooroutdoor inspiration.

The people you surround yourself with are important beyond measure. At Le Chacuel, a synergetic team united under the same vision was crucial to the success of the build. “From conception to completion, the process involved a lot of collaboration and iteration as we worked to refine each design element to ensure that it was both practical and visually appealing,” Morris says. “Overall, I feel this was the right choice, as it allowed us to create a space that truly reflects our vision and values. It was a lot of work, but it was also a labor of love. I am proud of what we were able to achieve.”

Le Chacuel was inspired by nature, which is evident by how the spaces invite the outdoors inward. Morris says her favorite element of the home is the outdoor shower. “The water pressure is just right, and the temperature is always perfect, making it easy to let go of stress and tension,” she muses. “Plus, the views of the surrounding landscape from the shower are absolutely breathtaking, which adds to the overall sense of tranquility and peace.” Moreover, the standalone “Canyon House” is a one-bedroom casita that effortlessly complements the desert vista thanks to its minimalist design. The guest home was featured on the cover of the Italian edition of Architectural Digest and is perfect for those looking for more privacy and restoration in a group setting.

From organic aesthetics to the natural beauty that emanates from the surrounding landscape, Le Chacuel is a whimsical desert haven for creatives. Every corner of the home offers a fresh perspective and Instagramworthy shot. Even daily tasks like washing the dishes and sipping morning coffee are made magical under desert sunsets and sunrises. Plus, Joshua Tree is widely recognized for its vibrant artist community, outdoor immersion experiences, and star-speckled skies—a delight for the senses.

“When I designed Le Chacuel, one of my main goals was to create a space that felt like a sanctuary—a place where people could come to escape the stresses of daily life and experience a sense of peace and relaxation,” Morris emphasizes. “We hope that guests will appreciate the beauty and uniqueness of the space and be inspired by the natural surroundings. We encourage guests to take advantage of all the amenities and activities the property offers: hiking and exploring the surrounding landscape, relaxing in the outdoor hot tub, or taking in the views from the deck. Ultimately, we want people to feel refreshed, rejuvenated, and inspired. And, we hope that the experience will stay with them long after they leave.”

To book your stay, head to LeChacuel.com for more details. We’ll see you in Joshua Tree!

This page and opposite: Search “Le Chacuel” on Airbnb.com to schedule your escape to this chic Yucca Valley hideaway.

From conception to completion, the process involved a lot of collaboration and iteration as we worked to refine each design element to ensure that it was both practical and visually appealing.

C R E A T E D B Y N A T U R E . C R A F T E D B Y U S .

The life of a tree, with each unique grain and texture, brings its majestic beauty to every home bearing the E. F. San Juan fingerprint. Since 1976, this third-generation family business has evolved from modest facilities and equipment to a state-of-the-art facility featuring the world’s finest woodworking equipment. Coupled with a highly skilled and dedicated workforce, the company continues to set the standard for quality architectural millwork, mouldings, stair parts, trim, paneling, cabinetry, and more in the Southeastern Coastal US and beyond. EFSANJUAN.COM

PHOTO BY KYLE CARPENTER

For more information, visit CashelPalaceHotel.ie.

Cashel Palace, a Palladian manor in the heart of Ireland, is located by the Rock of Cashel in County Tipperary. It is a boutique luxury hotel led by the land and locality. Rich with history and tradition, Cashel Palace offers forty-two staterooms and suites individually designed to promote rest and relaxation. Guests can enjoy a day at the spa along with a culinary journey that travels through light bites and afternoon tea to formal evening dining. Experience enchantment firsthand!

Photo courtesy of Cashel Palace

By SARAH FREEMAN

THROUGH RUNS RIVER A IT

Photography courtesy of SHINTA MANI WILD, A BENSLEY COLLECTION

Wading waist-deep into the water, I edge closer to the mesmerizing white veil where luminous butterflies are dancing in its spray.

Scarcely an hour earlier, I’d enjoyed a hornbill’s-eye view of this lost-world waterfall on an exhilarating canopyskimming, 350-meter-long zipline, which delivered me to an aptly named Landing Zone Bar. No sooner had I stepped out of my harness than I was sipping a spice-addled “Pineapple Trap,” surrounded by curios such as a carousel horse strung from the bar’s thatched ceiling.

This surreal scene unfolds in a wildly remote but beautiful tract of jungle in southwestern Cambodia, which was nearly scratched off the map until American architect Bill Bensley and Cambodian hotelier Sokoun Chanpreda stepped in. In 2010, they won the Central Park-sized wildlife forest corridor—wedged between two national parks—at a logging auction. Seven years later, Shinta Mani Wild was born: a low-impact luxury tented camp where conservation converges with world-class design.

This page and opposite: Shinta Mani Wild is an environmentally conscious resort in southwest Cambodia featuring immaculately designed tented accommodations, unparalleled outdoor activities, educational and wellness programs, and stellar cuisine.

If you can’t stomach the aerial arrival, 1960s army jeeps shuttle guests to Shinta’s indoor-outdoor HQ. The stylish basecamp for excursions like orchid hunting, tenkara lessons (a meditative form of fly-fishing), and mountain bike trails is where you’ll find the hotel’s river-facing restaurant. The Timor Rung River is the wilderness camp’s life force, transforming from a trickle in March to a terrific torrent come August. Strung one mile along its snaking course are fifteen stilted safari-style tents that blend seamlessly into their jungle locale. Like a snazzily lined blazer, inside, they’re bursting with Bensley’s signature eclectic style.

The centerpiece of each tent is a bespoke bed that’s elevated to ensure you wake up to watery vistas. A wood-brass double vanity runs the width of the tent, while a walk-in rain shower invites the forest indoors through a cut-out canvas window. Recalling the golden age of explorers are vintage trunks and centuries-old leather-bound books. In true storytelling fashion, Bensley (himself a prolific explorer) wanted to evoke the spirit of traveling on a luxury Cambodian safari with a tribute to former First Lady Jackie Kennedy’s visit with Cambodia’s King Norodom Sihanouk. Tent #2 is a tribute to America’s de facto roving ambassador, who realized her long-held dream to visit the Kingdom in 1967.

Meanwhile, National Geographic-themed #14 overlooks a gushing waterfall, and “The Bohemian” tent is hung with alternative art. But it’s nature that serves as

This page: Each tent is inspired by old-world luxury travel and outfitted with exquisite decor in addition to all the modern amenities visitors expect from a high-end resort.

Opposite: The Shinta Mani waterfall pool, spa, and outdoor clawfoot bathtubs bring wellness and relaxation to the forefront in a forest full of adventure.

Shinta’s main muse. Inspired by Cambodia’s most charismatic species are the tents called “Terrapins,” “Gibbons,” “Elephants,” and (my very own) “Butterfly.” Its most colorful corner is the muralled washroom, emblazoned with painted jezebels and peacock pansies—just two of the one hundred butterfly species that flutter in the fragile forests of the wider Cardamom Mountain ecoregion. Brimming with biodiversity, it’s home to one of Southeast Asia’s last virgin forests.

Getting better acquainted with wildlife is something my dedicated adventure butler, Tom, is tasked with organizing later that afternoon. So, at his direction and powered on char kadao (a wok-fried minced chicken dish laced with local herbs), I embark on a two-hour riverside ramble led by in-house naturalist Munny van Caan. As we weave between untamed jungle and boulder-strewn banks, he imparts his encyclopedic knowledge of medicinal barks, wild stingless beehives, and acrobatic pileated gibbons, who noisily rustle in the canopy above. “No tree bigger than Bill’s Bensley’s arm was felled in the build of Shinta!” Caan reveals as we scramble over supersized rocks to admire a new-to-Cambodia subspecies of wild vanilla.

The same sandstone boulders protrude through the Landing Zone Bar’s walls and spa huts’ floors, where my knotted shoulders are magically loosened with a healing hot volcanic stone massage. Limited only by your imagination, the all-natural Khmer Tonic treatments can be enjoyed pretty much anywhere: at the edge of a waterfall pool or while enjoying the comforts of your tent’s sprawling wooden deck. Outfitted with custom-designed furniture and a chest refrigerator maxi bar, the decks’ pièce de résistance is a claw-foot bath, which promises a serene soak—until the siren-like crickets warm up, that is!

Strung one mile along its snaking course are fifteen stilted safaristyle tents that blend seamlessly into their jungle locale.

Above: After a day of exploring the rain forest or enjoying the resort’s wellness activities, guests are further pampered with incredible locally sourced cuisine by Chef Bernard Hartzenberg.

With one tent to every sixty-six acres of forest, immersion in nature comes easy here. Ripe for foraging, it’s also Chef Bernard Hartzenberg’s bountiful backyard larder. Depending on the season, everything from sour leaves to edible ferns finds its way into his fifteen-mile-radius tasting dinner. Thankfully, the crocodile resting on an overhead beam is not on the menu! Rather it’s one of Bensley’s whimsical wooden finds that festoon shelves and fill dressers at HQ, along with antique sextants and pinhole cameras. A confessed “lover of all things peculiar,” he trawls thrift stores, bazaars, and art dealers’ attics far and wide from England’s cathedral city of Lincoln to Laos.

Bensley’s maximalist flair is dialed down at the camp’s thirty-three-meter-long pool, linked to the Landing Zone Bar via a series of natural stone steps. Despite being christened “The Cistern,” the giant black steel bathtub— the perfect post-excursion cool-down—manages to be a thing of beauty by reflecting its greened surroundings. It’s filled from a borehole that also supplies the property’s double-filtered drinking water—one of Shinta Mani Wild’s many sustainable initiatives, including a plasticfree supply chain and organic farm.

Another way to commune with nature (and stave off the daytime humidity) is from one of Shinta’s shaded day beds, which nestle on natural rocky platforms jutting out over the river. To begin my second day, I enjoy an alfresco breakfast spread with a side of

waterfall spritz before trading Timor Rung for the sleepy backwaters of the upper Srey Ambel Estuary. A tidal waterway tethered to the Gulf of Thailand, it’s best explored on Shinta’s fleet of pontoon-style expedition boats, custom-designed by Bensley. Stretched out on the upper deck’s daybeds with a chilled glass of rosé in hand, I enjoy a front-row seat to egrets skimming the shallows and canoe fishermen (the only boat traffic to speak of) drifting by. The highlight is washing up on a private river beach—a pristine lick of golden sand known as “The Royal Terrapin” after the critically endangered freshwater turtle species occasionally spotted here.

They’re one of a handful of threatened animals that include sun bears, clouded leopards (an elusive wild cat), and pangolins, which local NGO The Wildlife Alliance is striving to safeguard from illegal hunting as well as from loss of habitat due to mining and logging in the Southern Cardamom. The Alliance’s tireless work (directly supported by Shinta) even inspired Tent #6. It’s decorated with elephant wall art, khaki colors, and a coffee table upcycled from ammunition boxes—one of the many illegal items WA’s rangers recover on their daily anti-poaching patrols, which intrepid guests can accompany them on.

By day three, I’m moving between pool and hammock at the pace of a pygmy three-toed sloth, another of the river valley’s residents. As the fading sun gives way to twilight, I gather with my new glamping friends for preprandial drinks quite literally on the rocks! General Manager David Steyn reveals how this stretch of the dried riverbed—located a stone’s skim from the Wildlife Alliance’s onsite Ranger Station— vanishes under roiling white rapids from August to October. The camp syncs with the rhythm of the river, which does more than dictate excursions and the location of pop-up sundowners. The waterway and its surrounding forest are a living, breathing part of Shinta’s shape-shifting design, rendering the tents raised on rocky pyramid plinths in February and surfing on the water come August.

And with that realization, I vow to return in the rains to be swept up in Shinta Mani Wild’s magic in a new and unfamiliar way.

Since each month ushers in a new adventure—from bird-watching kayak expeditions in July to river beach picnics in December—there’s no wrong time to visit Shinta Mani Wild. Rates start from $1,900 per couple per night with a minimum three-night stay. The stay includes all meals, drinks, excursions, unlimited spa treatments, and roundtrip private transfers from Cambodia’s Phnom Penh International Airport, located a two-hour drive away. With easily accessed pickup points, 300 meters is the most guests need to walk from their tent to HQ. For more details, visit ShintaMani.com/wild.

Featuring David Yarrow Photography

HomesHearth Interiors Way

Olivia Wahler and Katie Labourdette-Martinez, sisters-in-law and owners/designers of Hearth Homes Interiors based in Santa Barbara, California

Photo by Public 311 Design Photography

Opposite: Hearth Homes Interiors Park House project, available as a vacation rental

Photo by Erin Feinblatt

Photography By Emme Martin Photography courtesy of Hearth Homes Interiors

to transform their home into a stunning, functional space.

e had the pleasure of sitting down with Katie and Olivia to learn more about their approach to design, luxurious stays, and their latest venture, The Craft House Inn. From their signature blend of refined style and organic textures to their unique perspective on the world of interior design, these talented professionals are sure to inspire you. So let’s dive into the world of Hearth Homes Interiors and discover how Katie and Olivia are revolutionizing the interior design scene, one project at a time.

VIE: How did you meet?

Katie: We initially met when I started dating Olivia’s brother (now my husband), Lucas.

Olivia: I was still in college at that point, though, and the thought that we would start a business together one day was the furthest thing from my mind.

VIE: Have you always had a knack for interior design?

Olivia: I think we both were always drawn toward interior design—I was always rearranging the furniture in my bedroom when I was a kid. Some said I had an eye for design, but I didn’t really realize that it was something we could do professionally until people started asking us for design help when they saw the homes we staged.

Katie: My dad is a general contractor, so I’ve been around construction my whole life, but I always saw interior design more as a passion than a career path. I didn’t think I had what it took to be a professional designer.

VIE: Did you go to school for interior design?

Olivia: We didn’t, which is probably part of why we had a case of imposter syndrome when we first got going.

Katie: I think the imposter syndrome is still there some days because we weren’t formally trained!

VIE: What prompted you to open the business one month before Katie’s wedding, and how was that experience?

Katie: That’s a great question! I guess we just figured we might as well consolidate all the stress at once instead of pacing it out like normal, sane people.

Olivia: You guys also started renovating your house when your first kid was one month old.

Katie: Yeah. I’ve got issues.

Katie Labourdette-Martinez and Olivia Wahler are not your average sisters-in-law. They are the creative force behind the successful Santa Barbara design firm Hearth Homes Interiors. With an innate sense of style and a passion for creating comfortable, livable spaces, they have established themselves as go-to designers for anyone looking

VIE: What constitutes a “full-service” design firm?

Olivia: It means we’re involved in the construction process from beginning to end. We go from mood boards to conceptual plans to construction drawings and act as a liaison between our client and the other tradespeople involved in the project. We ensure the project turns out just like our clients envisioned and help troubleshoot and adjust as needed. Then we furnish the home, choose art, and style the whole space before they move in.

Katie: Some of our clients live across the country and say, “OK, I’m going back home for the next nine months. I’ll see you when it’s done, and I’ll bring my suitcase!” It feels incredible to have our clients trust us so much!

VIE: You mention your designs are recognizable and adaptable. What do you mean by that?

Katie: We feel like we have a distinct aesthetic, but we are always very conscious of adapting our style to the style of the home. We work with many older homes and try to build around the beautiful elements that each offers rather than just shoehorning one “trademark” style into every home we work on.

Olivia: We’ve done French Countryside, Mexican Colonial, Modern Farmhouse, Traditional Spanish, Craftsman—even a Modern Moroccan home! We always ask ourselves, “What would a Hearth Homes take on this style be?”

VIE: How do you strive to balance functionality and visual appeal?

Olivia: We’re in the business of creating homes, not showpieces, so functionality is always at the forefront. There are so many beautiful materials and furnishings out there that we always feel like we can find something functional, comfortable, and visually stunning.

Katie: I think that’s why many of our clients come to us. It’s easy to find something beautiful online, but hard to know how comfortable it will be or how it will work in a specific space. We’ve been doing this long enough and have great relationships with vendors, so we generally know what will work well for our clients’ lifestyles.

Above and left: Park House is one of seven immaculately designed Hearth Homes Stays available to rent in Santa Barbara.

Photos by Erin Feinblatt Photography

Right: No detail is left untended when Olivia and Katie are on the job!

Photo by Public 311 Design Photography

We’re in the business of creating homes, not showpieces, so functionality is always at the forefront.

VIE: Speaking of functionality, you offer Hearth Homes Stays in Santa Barbara, which are properties you designed for a relaxing vacation home. What are some design elements within your vacation rental properties that achieve this goal?

Olivia: What separates a good stay from a great one comes down to the details. Of course, we want to ensure we design a functional and comfortable space. Still, we always like to take it one step further to surprise and delight our guests with the little details we consider, such as having easily accessible chargers at each nightstand, games for family time, or gear for the beach.

Katie: Pretty versions of all those things, of course.

Olivia: Duh.

Katie: It’s really about designing the experience. If we can remove as much stress as possible, our guests will have a better time. That plays into our design process, too; we always think about using materials and furnishings that will last for a long time, guest after guest. The last thing we want is something breaking down while guests use it because that’s all they’ll remember.

VIE: Where did you come up with the idea to offer “stays,” and how do you decide which properties to design?

Katie: We had been flipping houses for a few years, and every time we sold one of them, it was like selling one of our babies. We always aimed to hold onto some investment properties and knew Santa Barbara would always be a travel destination. So a few years ago, we designed a beach house, and instead of selling it, we kept it as a Hearth Homes Stay!

Olivia: We focus on picking Stays with something unique to offer guests. We gravitate toward architecturally interesting homes or homes that have amazing locations. Most of our Stays are larger homes because we want to provide beautiful, well-designed spaces where families can stay together.

Above and right: One of Hearth Homes Interiors’ most recent projects is The Craft House Inn, the most recently opened Hearth Homes Stay. This fully remodeled Craftsman home in Santa Barbara is available for families and larger parties to rent for their next vacation.

VIE: How does the location of a home, such as Santa Barbara, influence how you design it?

Katie: Being in Santa Barbara, we know people will want to spend time outside. So, we always focus on the indoor-outdoor flow and try to design elements that help our guests enjoy the outdoors to the fullest while they’re here.

Olivia: Our beach houses, for example, have outdoor showers for the guests to rinse the sand off, and we always focus on building great outdoor dining areas.

VIE: The word on the street is that you recently opened an inn! Please tell us a little about this exciting new venture.

Katie: Yes! We are so excited about that project! We bought a turn-of-the-century inn a little over a year ago that we’ve been bringing back to life. It had this incredible Craftsman architecture and many amazing design details that had all been covered and forgotten.

Olivia: In one room, they actually covered up the most incredible oak pocket doors with drywall!

Katie: Ugh, yeah. So, we spent much time refurbishing and bringing it back to life. It’s called The Craft House Inn and recently opened this spring!

Book The Craft House Inn or any of Hearth Homes’ other stays at Stays.HearthHomes.com! Visit HearthHomesInteriors.com to see more design projects.

Photos by Public 311 Design Photography

In one room, they actually covered up the most incredible oak pocket doors with drywall!

From the GULF to the BAY to the DUNE LAKES of 30A, We Are Your WATERFRONT SPECIALISTS.

“Our approach to real estate is different. We strive for excellence. We take the responsibility our clients give us with abundant gratitude. We’re knowledgeable. We’re enthusiastic. We love what we get to do every day. We work hard. We work smart. Whether you are selling property or buying property here on 30A or all across the Emerald Coast – we provide you with the experience, community knowledge, and commitment that fulfills your needs. Our “clients first” business philosophy provides you with the reassurance that every action we put in motion is with your best interest in mind.”

BRIAN BEASLEY, Broker Associate

brian.beasley@compass.com | 828-337-3492

Seaside Sophistication

Rich with history and hospitality, Ocean House in Watch Hill, Rhode Island, is a luxury beach resort that pays tribute to New England’s timeless elegance. Positioned high atop a bluff overlooking Block Island Sound, the forty-nine guestrooms and twenty signature suites are inspired by the resort’s oceanfront setting and adorned with twentieth-century decor and early New England art. As it is the only AAA Five Diamond and Forbes Five Star hotel in Rhode Island, guests can be sure that their stay here will be the pinnacle of luxury.

To learn more or book your stay at the Ocean House, visit OceanHouseRI.com.

Photo courtesy of Ocean House

The Seaside story that hasn’t been told . . . from the perspective of cofounder/visionary Daryl Rose Davis.

Gold Motion in

by jordan staggs

rt and design converge often, and a golden opportunity arose recently when New York City’s Hall des Lumières and The Conrad New York Downtown paid homage to Austrian symbolist painter Gustav Klimt with a special interior design collaboration in its iconic Conrad Suite penthouse.

The 1,500-square-foot Conrad Gold in Motion Suite was adorned with over thirty arrangements and an oversized statement piece by Florabrook, the Manhattan florist-meets-interior-design team known for creating “living arrangements,” terrariums, and dramatic floral installations. Caroline “Flora” Lahti of Florabrook and her team made the arrangements using over ten thousand dried gold florals and plants inspired by Klimt’s gilded paintings.

Klimt (1862–1918) was one of the most prominent members of the Vienna Secession movement, and prints of some of his most popular bold expressionist works were on display throughout the Conrad Gold in Motion Suite, including Adele Bloch-Bauer I, Water Serpents, Lady with Fan, Mother and Child, and The Kiss. Gold furnishings and decor, female-forward vases and busts, and books highlighting Klimt and his works were also present throughout the space. Views of the Hudson River and Battery Park City create a quintessential Downtown experience year-round in this luxe one-bedroom penthouse.

Gustav Klimt: Gold in Motion is a digital art exhibition on display at Hall des Lumières in New York City through June 30, 2023.

Photo courtesy of Hall des Lumières

Opposite: The Conrad New York Downtown hotel celebrated the Klimt exhibit by transforming its onebedroom penthouse into the Gold in Motion Suite for a limited time this spring.

Photo courtesy of Conrad New York Downtown

“Art is prevalent throughout the hotel, with more than two thousand unique pieces of contemporary artwork throughout its guest suites and common areas, including a ten-story installation in the lobby.”

he Gold in Motion Suite was designed in partnership with Hall des Lumières, Manhattan’s “new permanent cultural destination for digital art,” where the immersive digital exhibit Gustav Klimt: Gold in Motion is currently running through June 30, 2023. Similar to the popular Van Gogh and Monet traveling exhibits that have no doubt crossed your Instagram feed in the past few years, Gustav Klimt: Gold in Motion offers guests the chance to become part of the art as they stroll through moving floor-to-ceiling digital projections of some of the artist’s most iconic works. It has been called “a thematic journey through the golden, sensuous, and revolutionary art of the Viennese painter.” The exhibit was created exclusively for Hall des Lumières by an artistic team led by Culturespaces Digital’s Gianfranco Iannuzzi.

Conrad New York Downtown guests staying in the Gold in Motion Suite were given a Hall des Lumières welcome amenity and a pair of tickets to Gustav Klimt: Gold in Motion

All hotel guests were also invited to celebrate with The Gold Kiss, a Klimt-inspired specialty cocktail comprising a well-balanced mix of bourbon and acidity from lemon and bitters with the sweetness of simple syrup. Cocktails at the hotel are available in the comfort of your guest suite or downstairs at the hotel’s ATRIO Wine Bar and Restaurant. ATRIO’s open concept allows guests to watch its chefs create fresh, seasonal-inspired menu items while enjoying a lively atmosphere and views of the Manhattan streetscape below.

This page and opposite: Manhattan florist Florabrook created over thirty arrangements and an oversized statement piece for the 1,500-squarefoot suite inspired by Klimt’s artwork.

Photos courtesy of Conrad New York Downtown

Below: VIE editor Jordan Staggs

Opposite bottom: Photo by Jordan Staggs

he Gold in Motion Suite has now transformed back into the hotel’s chic downtown penthouse, but art and culture are in motion year-round at Conrad New York Downtown. The 463-suite luxury hotel is less than ten minutes from some of the city’s most iconic attractions, including One World Trade Observatory, Tribeca, Greenwich Village, SoHo, and Wall Street. Art is prevalent throughout the hotel, with more than two thousand unique pieces of contemporary artwork throughout its guest suites and common areas, including a ten-story installation in the lobby. The impressive collection is inspired by the public art tucked in many corners of Battery Park City. Guests will also find panoramic views of the Hudson River and the Statue of Liberty from the seasonal Loopy Doopy Rooftop Bar (open May through October), where they can sip creative cocktails while enjoying the work of art that is New York City from above.

“The museum’s beaux-arts landmark building is teeming with new life thanks to an array of unforgettable immersive experiences.”

uests are always encouraged to visit Hall des Lumières, as new digital exhibits continually rotate throughout the year. Set in the former Emigrant Industrial Savings Bank just a handful of blocks from Conrad New York Downtown, the museum’s beaux-arts landmark building is teeming with new life thanks to an array of unforgettable immersive experiences.

Visit HallDesLumieres.com to see what’s on at the museum and to buy tickets. Head to ConradNewYorkDowntown.com to book your stay.

Top: Gustav Klimt: Gold in Motion features two floors of digital art in motion and set to music, taking viewers on a journey through Klimt’s evolution as an artist.

Photo courtesy of Hall des Lumières

Right: Photo by Jordan Staggs

Above: After the exhibit, head back to ATRIO Wine Bar and Restaurant at the Conrad for seasonally inspired light bites, craft cocktails, or a delicious dinner.

Photo by Jordan Staggs

EXPERIENCE IS THE DIFFERENCE

EXPERIENCE Is The Difference

EXPERIENCE IS THE DIFFERENCE

UNFORGETTABLE

Is The Difference

La Florida Coastal Properties believes buying a home is about creating lifelong memories. Our associates are dedicated to making your experience just as memorable as your new home. With a warm approach, attention to detail, and deep understanding of the market, we guide you every step of the way. We will make your home-buying experience nothing short of extraordinary and truly unforgettable.

We do what we do because we are passionate about the field of Real Estate and we execute with objectivity. With more than 40 years of experience coupled with our strong community alliances, La Florida has evolved into the ultimate brand for expertise, advice and support.

We do what we do because we are passionate about the field of Real Estate and we execute with objectivity. With more than 40 years of experience coupled with our strong community alliances, La Florida has evolved into the ultimate brand for expertise, advice and support.

That’s the La Florida Difference.

That’s the La Florida Difference.

That’s the La Florida Difference.

32 East County Highway 30A, Suite J Santa Rosa Beach, Florida Office 850.231.7896

laflorida.com

Coastal Dune Lake on 30A as photographed by Jeff Landreth.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JEFF LANDRETH

Coastal Dune Lake on 30A as photographed by Jeff Landreth.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JEFF LANDRETH

SAND CLIFFS AS PHOTOGRAPHED BY JEFF LANDRETH

A

VisionCrystal

Experience Lalique Like Never Before

By Anthea Gerrie

Photography courtesy of Lalique

Crystal dragons embellish my headboard and console, elegant backlit art nouveau reliefs flank my matching ebony bed, and even my marble bathtub is embedded with mythical creatures sculpted in the same frosted crystal as the precious, intricately carved faucets. It’s only what you would expect of the home built in 1920—at the point where art nouveau meets art deco—for the greatest glass artist the world has ever known.

Welcome to the Villa René Lalique, now a five-star boutique hotel in the French village from where the worldwide output of the most famous brand name in crystal is shipped to galleries and style emporiums worldwide, from Beijing to Bal Harbour.

I opted for the Dragon suite because it is the only one of the six that has a terrace. I imagined it would be the one from which René surveyed his factory down the road in Wingen-sur-Moder, a town associated with glass and crystal manufacture for more than three centuries. However, it turns out René chose to sleep in Hirondelles, named for the swallows that are a signature motif of Lalique; this is the room whose big picture window overlooks the plant.

As I was to learn in the exquisite museum down the road devoted to this master designer and craftsman, jewelry was the subject that preoccupied him at the start of his career in Paris during the belle epoque. He was forty-five before glassware for the boudoir crept into the exquisite collections he showed at his shop on the Place Vendôme, and a friendship with neighboring perfumer François Coty led to the ornate fragrance bottles that would soon become a Lalique signature—most famously the L’Air du Temps flacon for Nina Ricci with its frosted swallows adorning the stopper. They would be followed by everything from wine goblets and decanters to vases, lamps, and chandeliers for homes and palaces, hood ornaments for luxury automobiles, and even fountains for the Champs-Élysées, with the apotheosis of Lalique’s craftsmanship reflected in magnificent fixtures and fittings for the French ocean liner the Normandie.

Given the need for endurance and a desire for permanence, it is no surprise that since 1945 Lalique has produced only crystal—glass fortified with lead oxide, which not only brings strength to intricate designs that must be hand-sculpted and polished by artisans after coming out of their molds but also adds a level of brilliance second to none—surely the origin of the expression “crystal clear.” An invitation into the factory where the magic takes place—at both the “hot end,” where the furnaces and glassblowers live, and the “cold end,” where the hand finishing is done—is rare. I feel privileged to be allowed in to watch craftspeople considered the very finest in their profession at work. More than two dozen artisans are involved in producing iconic pieces like the Bacchantes vase designed by René Lalique in 1927, from harvesting the molten crystal with a blowing iron to pressing it into a mold, firing, hand-finishing, frosting, and polishing on a wheel—a process of thirty hours.

The factory is closed to the public, but admirers are welcome to sleep and dine at Lalique’s pair of palatial properties in Wingen-sur-Moder. While only a dozen people can be accommodated overnight in the sixroom villa to which René retired after a demanding workday, many more are fed nightly in the glamorous modern extension housing a two-Michelin-starred restaurant. My fellow gastronomes and I feast on dishes perfectly complemented by gorgeous crystal serveware and wine glasses. Pastry chef Nicolas Multon even mimics the anemone motif that adorns classic Lalique vases by hand-sculpting tiny individual edible replicas in quince peel for one of his signature desserts.

Opposite:

Pastry chef Nicolas Multon even mimics the anemone motif that adorns classic Lalique vases by hand-sculpting tiny individual edible replicas in quince peel for one of his signature desserts.

Left: Dishes at Villa René Lalique accompanied by crystal sharks as part of the elegant display

The villa, once home to crystal designer René Lalique, is now a luxury inn with six staterooms.

Photos by Karine Faby

In their way, Multon and Paul Stradner, the chef who creates multi-course tasting menus for the restaurant, are part of the stable of artists with whom Lalique has collaborated as a company for so many decades. Other great names include Yves Klein, Damien Hirst, Skyspace creator James Turrell, and Arik Levy, who designed the magnificent RockStone sculpture in the garden dividing the art deco villa from the twenty-first-century restaurant. Even artists who have passed enjoy a lasting legacy in crystal, including the surrealist Magritte, whose signature bowler hat and pipe motifs have been immortalized by Lalique.

While René spawned a creative dynasty—his son Marc, daughter Suzanne, and granddaughter Marie-Claude all produced legendary designs—the Swiss art and fragrance company headed up by Silvio Denz has taken the company one step further since acquiring Lalique in 2008. Now known as Lalique Group, it commissions new designs and reissues some great classics. It has also diversified into crystal-enhanced furnishings and gastronomic hotels—in addition to Villa René Lalique and neighboring Château Hochberg, there is The Glenturret in Scotland, Château Lafaurie-Peyraguey in the Sauternes vineyards of Bordeaux, and coming soon, Villa Florhof in a former fifteenthcentury silk mill in Zurich.

Even artists who have passed enjoy a lasting legacy in crystal, including the surrealist Magritte, whose signature bowler hat and pipe motifs have been immortalized by Lalique.

As the company strives to remain faithful to the spirit of its founder, its artisans work in both the maxi scale of Lalique in his art deco heyday and minuscule items inspired by the natural world René infused with so much fine detail. Iconic bars of the future, including those of the restaurant Daniel in New York City and the Artist Bar at London’s Dorchester Hotel, recall the wealth of glorious crystal with which the Normandie was endowed. Items like tiny Lalique fish in twenty-three different colors and the brand-new mezuzah created by Israeli sculptress-architect

Irma Orenstein are emblematic of collectibles that can be cradled in the hand to admire their artistry and enhance any home. Like the four-figure Bacchantes vase, they are available online but best appreciated in person at high-end stores across the US or the company’s newest Lalique boutique at Bal Harbour in Miami.

Visit VillaReneLalique.com to learn more or book a stay, or head to Lalique.com for shopping and store locations.

Anthea Gerrie is based in the UK but travels the world in search of stories. Her special interests are architecture and design, culture, food, and drink, as well as the best places to visit in the world’s great playgrounds. She is a regular contributor to the Daily Mail, the Independent, and Blueprint

Above: Stylish bar at Villa René Lalique

Left: The wine cellar at Villa René Lalique designed by Mario Botta, with Lalique 100 Points wine glasses and decanter

Photos by Gilles Pernet Opposite, clockwise from top left: Dessert at the two-Michelin-star Villa René Lalique by Chef Nicolas Multon

Photo by Karine Faby Merles et Raisins vase at the factory in Alsace with 18-karat gold applied by hand

A pair of Lalique Facet tumblers

Bacchantes vase

Heritage Dunes, Seagrove Beach, Florida

Art of

VIEMAGAZINE.COM | 91

Petite

An ArizonaOasis

By Hailey Bethke

Photography courtesy of The Brexley

Restore, Explore, and More

The modern traveler is demanding more. White-walled hotels with geometric-patterned carpets are no longer satisfactory. Instead, consumers crave next-level services and amenities; they want to experience luxury and comfort in one place. Most of all, they seek experiences to broaden their horizons, complete with a home base that inspires, grounds, and soothes.

I know a place that exceeds these expectations. Behind lush green hedges and an artisan-crafted wrought-steel door lies The Brexley, an exclusive luxury villa in Scottsdale, Arizona. This residence remains a well-kept secret among its guests, who have consistently rated it five stars since it opened in 2018. Here, gorgeous architecture meets high functionality, and open-air living is encouraged thanks to the sliding glass doors and expansive windows. The private backyard is ideal for connection to nature and one another or relaxation with a heated pool and sun shelf, a fire bowl with circular seating, and comfortable lounging and dining spaces—not to mention the whimsical foliage and fairy lights that illuminate the property at night. If you’re lucky enough to visit during the spring, you’ll find yourself surrounded by blooming white roses, but hummingbirds frequent the canopy above the pool year-round.

The owners furnished the entire property with Restoration Hardware and Crate & Barrel pieces to merge aesthetics with functional living. Guests have the ease of resort living: fully stocked amenities, ranging from the espresso machine and accompanying handmade ceramic cups to plush monogrammed bath robes and curated silky lotions to combat desert dryness— all in the comfort of their own space. Even the minor details, including rain-style showers and stone-washed linen bedding, effortlessly transport guests to a state of tranquility.

The front door, one of my favorite elements, is a signature statement piece that greets visitors from the moment they step foot on the property. Inspired by Brazilian architect Guilherme Torres, craftsman Cody Carpenter designed an intricate, eye-catching entrance using hundreds of steel circles.

Opposite: The Brexley, a five-star luxury villa in Scottsdale, Arizona, is available for vacationers to rent and enjoy its tranquil indoor-outdoor spaces, surrounding nature, and nearby activities.

Below: The main entry, designed by craftsman Cody Carpenter, offers a wow factor upon arrival.

This page and opposite: The Brexley’s owner, Cindy Steinman, meticulously renovated the property in 2018 to create this chic, spa-like oasis for guests.

The kitchen is abundantly stocked with a chef’s dream appliances, each drawer consciously curated with every gadget and utensil possible. Minimalist white Yeti cups line the shelves alongside a collection of Porter glass reusable containers to merge style with sustainability. Then, when you think you have seen it all, you open the last cabinet to find a proper set of custom-made ceramics stamped with The Brexley logo. The Brexley has creatively blended a crisp, modern-minimalist interior with a beyond adequate supply of everything you could ever need during your stay, even classic board games and outdoor lanterns.

During my stay at The Brexley, I was pleasantly surprised not to find a single object out of place. To ensure cleanliness and meet the high expectations of a five-star property, owner Cindy Steinman personally inspects the home after the departure of each guest. This means that each drawer and cabinet is organized to perfection and fully stocked, prepped to meet your needs before you even step through the door.

The Brexley has creatively blended a crisp, modernminimalist interior with a beyond adequate supply of everything you could ever need during your stay.

“W

e call this ‘the last line of defense’ before our guests arrive,” Steinman says. “There is no stone left unturned. As our guests are on their way to The Brexley, driving through an unassuming neighborhood, we want them to arrive and have the wow experience. When they walk through the handmade entry door and into the minimalist living area, we hope they feel an immediate sense of relief from the outside world. Our goal was to create a private oasis that allows our guests to rest and restore with luxe amenities at their fingertips, excellent concierge services, and privacy.”

Before The Brexley opened its doors to the public in 2018, Steinman underwent a three-year renovation to create her dream home. Yet her greatest challenge didn’t even involve construction, but the neighbors. “Some of them didn’t want the home remodeled and protested to the City of Phoenix before we even started the project,” she remarks. “Then they didn’t like how long the construction took. Most people don’t understand how long it takes to build a home of this caliber after watching so many home-remodeling TV shows portraying cheap and quick flips. I used top artisans in the community to create The Brexley, which meant I had to wait my turn for each of them as they were working with all the best architects. The greatest reward was the experience of it all, the good and the bad, and having the opportunity to work with the top craftsmen in Arizona. I learned a lot.”

The Brexley is the ultimate luxe retreat, perfect for restoring the spirit or exploring all Scottsdale has to offer. For a relaxing stay, lounge by the pool and turn on the outdoor misting system (which keeps the backyard up to thirty degrees cooler during the summer), or hire Brexley private chef Nick Bahan to curate an exceptional in-home culinary experience. For adventurous guests, hikes like Pinnacle Peak and Inspiration Point are a must, while Old Town Scottsdale, Kierland Commons, and Scottsdale Commons offer premier shopping and restaurants.

Our goal was to create a private oasis that allows our guests to rest and restore with luxe amenities at their fingertips, excellent concierge services, and privacy.

Right: Cody Carpenter was inspired by Brazilian architect Guilherme Torres when he created the wrought-steel entry.

Opposite: Whether dining indoors or out, The Brexley offers magical spaces for connecting with friends and family, along with the option of a private chef.

Every detail was accounted for as Steinman and her crew of artisans designed, built, and outfitted The Brexley.

When asked if she would consider tackling another renovation project, Steinman says she has thought about creating a sister property to The Brexley. “The Brexley is still my main focus, and I want to build an even stronger foundation here before starting another project. But when I do, I would love to renovate a home down the street from The Brexley focused on privacy, wellness, slow living, and minimalism.”

The bar is set high for service, impeccable design, and top amenities in luxury travel and accommodation. The Brexley has seamlessly executed all these expectations with fine attention to detail while acknowledging the utmost importance of the guest experience.

To reserve your stay at this dreamy desert oasis, head to TheBrexley.com for more information.

The Brexley is still my main focus, and I want to build an even stronger foundation here before starting another project.

Elevate your living space with our curated selection of chic furniture, enchanting candles, and fashionable pieces in this month’s design-centric issue! Indulge in eloquent entertaining with effortless style, luxury linens, and delightful accents that infuse warmth and charm into any private room or gathering space. Discover the allure of sophistication and let your inner designer shine because, after all, a well-appointed home is the ultimate expression of personal taste.

Lily Ottoman by Rafael de Cardenas MGBWhome.com

Suspended in Time

The checkered floor of the pool at the Baccarat Hotel New York adds depth and character to the dreamlike space. Surrounded by a meditative atmosphere and lined with crisp white cabanas, the Côte d’Azur-inspired pool area is complete with a La Mer dedicated spa. The incomparable skin-care brand brings delight to all the senses and suspends time with its custom treatments.

Photo

Janie blue by Suzy Accola

“This high-stakes thriller offers a great balance between romance, mystery, and edge-of-your-seat action. It’s the perfect beach read for this summer!”

Visual Perspectives

The exclusive Adidas x Marimekko Collection brings color and action to your wardrobe. The balance between prints and performance expresses a colorful celebration of art. This summer’s best colors and artist-inspired patterns are paired with the comfort of athleisure, so getting out and looking good is easier than ever.

To view the collection, visit Adidas.com.

Photo courtesy of Adidas

By JORDAN STAGGS

Photography courtesy of MARIE LEONI JEWELRY & GIFTS

Capturing the beauty of nature through jewelry is a tradition as old as time; finding new ways to do so deserves applause. Marie Nguyen is a fine jewelry designer from Texas with an online storefront and a charming brick-and-mortar shop in the beach resort town of WaterColor, Florida. Her passion for creating exclusive and one-of-a-kind necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and more comes from a love of rare and unexpected materials and inspiration from cultures and stones found throughout different parts of the globe.

Shoppers visiting Marie Leoni Jewelry & Gifts in WaterColor or on the web can find pieces ranging from African pendants and trading beads, jasper, bone, horn bib necklaces, rare Egyptian clay beads, freshwater pearls, centuries-old hand-hammered pieces from Tibet, rare Sleeping Beauty turquoise, lava rocks, African opal, and Brazilian agate.

love how beautiful these types of stones and beads are and how each one has different patterns or veins running through it to make a piece of jewelry truly unique,” says Marie.

Making a statement is the name of the game for the designer. Thanks to the rare materials she uses to craft each piece of jewelry, no two pieces are the same; buyers can take pride in knowing they have one of very few or, sometimes, the only one of a specific design. Like fine art, this makes Marie Leoni jewelry highly collectible and a true thing of beauty, which is even more evident when it’s worn. Each necklace, pair of earrings, or cuff stands out as a focal point to any ensemble. Still, the materials and shapes are versatile enough to accessorize formalwear, office attire, or a casual beach outfit, depending on the wearer’s mood, style, or occasion.

Marie has been making jewelry for years to sell online and through select boutique retailers. She says she always wanted to open a store and was finally convinced to do so by her children a couple of years ago when she told them about the storefront available in WaterColor. “They told me, ‘Mom, this is your chance; you have to try it, or you’ll never know what could have happened,’ so here I am,” she says.

The shop, tucked into the beautiful WaterColor Town Center, just steps from the white-sand beaches and sparkling Gulf of Mexico, has a selection of Marie Leoni handcrafted jewelry and other pieces at various price points. It also carries designer and boutique gifts, including handbags, decorative trays, home decor, candles, soaps, books, artwork, and more.

The owner’s passion for the area came from many vacations there, eventually leading her to buy a second home along Scenic Highway 30-A. “My passions for the area and for making fine jewelry were finally able to combine when we opened the store,” Marie says. “I love that there is a market here for the high-quality materials and designs I create. Our customers shopping for themselves or others can find something in the store to match any style, and we can take custom orders if there’s something in particular they want but don’t see immediately.”

Recently, Marie enlisted the services of architect Gerald Burwell, principal at Burwell Associates, to reconfigure the space and optimize the flow and atmosphere with a focus on displaying fine jewelry. New lighting and other updates to the store will enhance the customer experience so they feel they have walked into a luxury jewelry store akin to those in any larger city. “Our goal is to really brighten up the space and emphasize the beautiful merchandise Marie designs and carries,” says Burwell.

Buyers can take pride in knowing they have one of very few or, sometimes, the only one of a specific design.

Jewelry designer Marie Nguyen

The Marie Leoni Summer 2023 Couture Collection is now available in the store and online, as well as custom-order options. New pieces include a 14-karat gold palm tree pendant design and limited-edition Pink Edison, Akoya, and Tahitian pearls.

Marie invites shoppers to visit the store or her website to learn and see more. “I’m very excited to focus more on these designs that are all limited-edition and handcrafted in the USA,” she says. “We really hope customers will come into the shop so they can experience and fall in love with the pieces, try them on in person, and chat with us about any custom ideas they have.”

Visit MarieLeoni.com to learn more or shop now, or follow her on Instagram @marieleoni.jewelry to see more. Marie Leoni Jewelry & Gifts is open daily at 4 WaterColor Boulevard South, Unit 4-101B, Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, 32459.

(850)

Photo by Matt Jozwiak

I’m very excited to focus more on these designs that are all limited-edition and handcrafted in the USA.

VIE Presents the 2023 Digital Graffiti Awards Party, celebrating the intersection between past and future and the winners of this year's festival. Don your best Bridgerton-inspired frocks and join us for sips, sweets, and the musical stylings of the evening's string quartet and pianist, The Whistledowns.

Friday, May 19 // 6–8 PM // The Gulf Green in Alys Beach, FL

Music by Top Hat Live // Gulf Water Wines // Coastal Coffee Bar Co. // Florals by Rose & Co. // Local Artists // And More

Dreaming Watercolor in

photography courtesy of Teil Duncan x Erika M. Powell

With a shared love of color, texture, and pattern, artist Teil Duncan and textile and interior designer Erika M. Powell naturally found their way into a collaboration that captures their playful sensibilities. Their appreciation of the coast— a shared subject focus of each artist—is celebrated through this collection of beach scenes and coordinating patterns, first painted by Duncan and then transformed into textiles by Powell.

Powell and her team coordinated closely with Duncan to bring her exuberant, iconic artwork into the home in the form of colorful, 100-percent linen textiles. The collection includes nine exclusive prints; three are based on Duncan’s iconic beach scene watercolor paintings, and each of those has two coordinating patterned fabrics “to make mixing and matching a breeze,” says Powell.

With summery names and inspirations, such as Dragon Fruit, Berry Beach, and Honeydew Shark Bite, these bold fabrics are perfect for homes on the coast or those who wish to evoke endless summer all year long from any corner of the globe. Each pattern is also offered as a wallcovering on grasscloth and can be specially ordered on traditional wallpaper or indoor-outdoor fabric.

It’s possible this collection could instantly brighten your space this season and sate your island wanderlust in one stroke—bon voyage!

Explore the fabric collection at ErikaMPowell.com. See more of Duncan’s artwork or shop prints and paintings at TeilDuncan.com. Those interested in purchasing fabrics should email sales@erikampowell.com for more information.

Their appreciation of the coast—a shared subject focus of each artist—is celebrated through this collection of beach scenes and coordinating patterns, first painted by Duncan and then transformed into textiles by Powell.

This blue velvet-draped whiskey lounge was designed by Lori Morris and features a custommade sofa, making it a cozy and intimate space for conversations with family and friends. The built-in seating, designed especially for the room by Lori Morris, is elegantly adorned with vibrant color, creating a luxurious ambience that invites guests to sit back and take it all in.

To learn more, visit LoriMorris.com.

Custom

Glamour

Photo courtesy of Lori Morris Design

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MOTHER’S DAY

BY MYLES MELLOR

SINCE 1995

The best thing that I can ever be is me. But the best gift that I will ever have is being a mother.

—C. JoyBell C.

With every donation you help us create healthier, happier smiles for kids.

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SEASON 2

Tuesday, February 14th ............. DARYL ROSE

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Tuesday, March 14th ............... DEMETRIUS FULLER

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Tuesday, April 4th ...................... VALE OF PARADISE

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Au revoir!

BEFORE YOU GO . . .

South African artist William Kentridge is best known for his hand-drawn animated films, but this work, Walking Frame, is a bronze sculpture that stands ready to capture the gaze of all passersby. With an impressive weight of 122 kilograms (about 269 pounds), the statue is one in a series of five. The sculptures are symbols or “glyphs” of everyday objects represented in a way so that they can stand on their own. Its juxtaposition gives the illusion of movement even though it is stationary.

To learn more about Walking Frame by William Kentridge, visit Goodman-Gallery.com.

Photo courtesy of Goodman Gallery