


THE DESTINATION FOR DESIGNER LIGHTING


SHOP NOW: VISUALCOMFORT.COM
KEARS LARGE BRACKETED WALL LIGHT
IN AGED IRON WITH CLEAR GLASS
DESIGNER: IAN K. FOWLER













THE DESTINATION FOR DESIGNER LIGHTING
SHOP NOW: VISUALCOMFORT.COM
KEARS LARGE BRACKETED WALL LIGHT
IN AGED IRON WITH CLEAR GLASS
DESIGNER: IAN K. FOWLER
Your private showcase awaits at a Thermador Experience and Design Center. Explore luxury bespoke kitchens and discover how true craftsmanship, design, and innovation can bring your unique vision to life.
What does it mean to live well? To be perfectly at ease, in comfort and style?
Innovative product designs pair with gorgeous fabrics and control systems so advanced, shades can be scheduled to automatically adjust to their optimal position throughout the day. Creating a new world of beauty, convenience and energy efficiency — morning, noon, and night.
TERRA COLLABORATES WITH AN EXTRAORDINARY TEAM OF DESIGNERS, MANUFACTURERS AND ARTISANS ACROSS THE GLOBE TO CREATE EXCEPTIONAL OUTDOOR FURNISHINGS. OUR PREMIUM QUALITY AND CONTEMPORARY EUROPEAN DESIGNS ARE IN-STOCK AND READY TO TURN YOUR OUTDOOR SPACE INTO A PERSONAL SANCTUARY.
54 DESIGN DISPATCH
The little black book of all things new and fabulous in the local community.
66 EVOLUTION
Leading landscape designers weigh in on the growing appeal of showcasing art in natural surroundings.
70 HUE
Gardener Ellen Ogden Ecker pens an ode to the sights of spring and the color of new beginnings.
72 INSPIRATION
Florida-based sculptor Jorge Blanco is on a mission to spark happiness through eye-catching art.
74 INNOVATION
With a line of outdoor planters and a new Miami outpost, Adam Sirak is making waves in landscape design.
98 MATERIAL
Textile artists stitch one-of-a-kind creations for Luxe featuring this season’s performance fabrics.
108 TREND
Find inspiration in the jaw-dropping terrain of three U.S. National Parks.
116 SPOTLIGHT
From benches to loungers to dining chairs, herald alfresco living with colorful outdoor seating.
146
KITCHEN + BATH
Hotelier Liz Lambert unveils her collection with Perennials and her charming ranch in Marfa, Texas.
160 THE REPORT
A look at how today’s pool houses are being designed as backyard vacation destinations.
1. MODERN CLASSIC MASTERPIECE | WATER MILL
$11.995M | 4.89± Acres | 8 BR | 10.5 BA 9,460± sf
Top-of-the-Line Finishes and Details Throughout Heated Gunite Pool + Spa | Pool House | Tennis 357EdgeOfWoods.com
Iwona Rokosz | 631.655.9737 | irokosz@bhsusa.com
2. SOUTH OF HIGHWAY CLASSIC | WATER MILL
$8.995M | 1.4± Acres | 6,300± sf | 7 BR | 7.5BA
Heated Gunite Pool + Spa | Farm Field Views Near Bay and Ocean Beaches | 3PiersonCourt.com Christopher J. Burnside | 516.521.6007 cburnside@bhsusa.com
Aubri Peele | 631.252.5434 | apeele@bhsusa.com
3. EXQUISITE ESTATE | WATER MILL SOUTH $7.995M | 0.93± Acre | 4,520± sf | 5 BR | 4.5 BA
Beautifully Detailed | Water Access
Heated Gunite Pool | 294RoseHillRoad.com
Christopher J. Burnside | 516.521.6007 cburnside@bhsusa.com
Aubri Peele | 631.252.5434 | apeele@bhsusa.com
4. PRE-CONSTRUCTION MODERN SAG HARBOR VILLAGE
$3.75M | 0.18± Acre | 4 BR | 4 BA | 3 Roof Decks
3,050± sf Including Finished Lower Level Heated Gunite Pool | 87HarrisonStreet.com
Sarah Ferguson | 917.626.3922 | sferguson@bhsusa.com
Kimberly Kakerbeck | 917.374.5985 kkakerbeck@bhsusa.com
5. ICONIC PYRAMID HOUSE | FIRE ISLAND PINES
$6.5M. Adjacent to Fire Island National Seashore Ocean and Bay Views | 2,100± sf | 3 BR | 2.5 BA
Heated Pool | Hot Tub FireIslandOceanviews.com
Glenn A. Rice | 347.820.3665 | grice@bhsusa.com
MASTERY OF THE CRAFT IS ACHIEVING THE HIGHEST AVERAGE PRICE POINT PER REAL ESTATE AGENT –- IN THE COUNTRY.
On Long Island’s Gold Coast, a midcentury ranch gets a luminous refresh with curves galore.
A designer adopts a Parisian sensibility to create a dynamic family home in Greenwich Village.
Natural and industrial worlds collide in the boundary-bending creations of J McDonald.
A Westport farmhouse proves contemporary decor and Colonial charm can mingle with style.
DESIGN DIRECTOR
Pam Shavalier
ART DIRECTOR
Candace Cohen
PAMELA LERNER JACCARINO VICE PRESIDENT, EDITOR IN CHIEFEXECUTIVE EDITOR
Brittany Chevalier McIntyre
SENIOR MANAGING EDITOR
Colleen McTiernan
MANAGING EDITORIAL DIRECTOR
Kelly Velocci Jolliffe
MANAGING EDITORS
Krystal Racaniello, Clémence Sfadj
HOMES EDITORS
SOUTHEAST
Kate Abney
COLORADO, LOS ANGELES, SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Kelly Phillips Badal
PACIFIC NORTHWEST, SAN FRANCISCO
Mary Jo Bowling
GREATER NEW YORK
Grace Beuley Hunt
STYLE DIRECTOR
Kathryn Given
ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Khadejah Khan
AUSTIN + SAN ANTONIO, DALLAS + FORT WORTH, HOUSTON
Paulette Pearson
ARIZONA, CHICAGO
Shannon Sharpe
MIAMI, PALM BEACH + BROWARD, NAPLES + SARASOTA
Jennifer Pfaff Smith
DIRECTOR, SPECIAL EDITORIAL PROJECTS
Katy Olson Wenzel
ART
ART DIRECTOR
Maria Pluta
SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Jamie Beauparlant
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Ellen Antworth
ASSOCIATE GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Kyle Anderson
SENIOR RETOUCHER
Christian Ablan
MARKET
SENIOR MARKET EDITOR
Sarah Shelton
DIGITAL
SENIOR DIRECTOR, CONTENT DISTRIBUTION
Amanda Kahan
SENIOR MANAGER, DIGITAL CONTENT
Ileana Llorens
WEB EDITOR
Michelle Yee
ADAM I. SANDOW CHAIRMAN
ERICA HOLBORN
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
Michael Shavalier
CHIEF DESIGN OFFICER
Cindy Allen
CHIEF SALES OFFICER
Kate Kelly Smith
CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER
Margaux Caniato
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT + DESIGN FUTURIST
AJ Paron
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT, DIGITAL + STRATEGIC GROWTH
Bobby Bonett
VICE PRESIDENT, HUMAN RESOURCES
Lisa Silver Faber
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, PARTNER + PROGRAM SUCCESS
Tanya Suber
VICE PRESIDENT, BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
Laura Steele
VICE PRESIDENT, STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS
Katie Brockman
DIRECTOR, VIDEO
Steven Wilsey
SANDOW DESIGN GROUP OPERATIONS
SENIOR DIRECTOR, STRATEGIC OPERATIONS
Keith Clements
CONTROLLER
Emily Kaitz
DIRECTOR, INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Joshua Grunstra
SANDOW was founded by visionary entrepreneur Adam I. Sandow in 2003, with the goal of reinventing the traditional publishing model. Today, SANDOW powers the design, materials and luxury industries through innovative content, tools and integrated solutions. Its diverse portfolio of assets includes The SANDOW Design Group, a unique ecosystem of design media and services brands, including Luxe Interiors + Design, Interior Design, Metropolis, DesignTV by SANDOW; ThinkLab, a research and strategy firm; and content services brands, including The Agency by SANDOW – a full-scale digital marketing agency, The Studio by SANDOW – a video production studio, and SURROUND – a podcast network and production studio. SANDOW Design Group is a key supporter and strategic partner to NYCxDESIGN, a not-for-profit organization committed to empowering and promoting the city’s diverse creative community. In 2019, Adam Sandow launched Material Bank, the world’s largest marketplace for searching, sampling and specifying architecture, design and construction materials.
magazine is recyclable. Please recycle when you’re done with it. We’re all in this together.
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, OPERATIONS
Tanya Suber
GENERAL MANAGER Scott MacClements
VICE PRESIDENT, PROGRAMMING + EXPERIENCES
James Nolan
NATIONAL PUBLISHER Michelle Blair
HOME FURNISHINGS DIRECTOR
Blaire Rzempoluch
NORTHEAST DIRECTOR
Amy McMillan Tambini
WEST COAST DIRECTORS
Lisa Lovely, Carolyn Homestead
MIDWEST + SOUTH CENTRAL DIRECTOR
Tanya Scribner
SALES OPERATIONS DIRECTOR John Baum
EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT Bianca Buffamonte
SALES ASSISTANT Janice Hyatt
INTEGRATED MARKETING
DIRECTOR, DIGITAL STRATEGY Samantha Westmoreland
DIGITAL STRATEGY MANAGER Kasey Campbell
SENIOR MARKETING DIRECTOR Jana Weill
INTEGRATED MARKETING MANAGERS Verity Lister, Frank G. Prescia
INTEGRATED GRAPHIC DESIGNER Antoinette Childs
EVENTS MANAGER Gabriella Laimer
EVENTS COORDINATOR Rachele Daszkal
PARTNER + PROGRAM SUCCESS DIRECTOR, PARTNER SUCCESS Jennifer Kimmerling
PARTNER SUCCESS MANAGER + TEAM LEAD Brittany Watson
SENIOR PARTNER SUCCESS MANAGERS Lauren Krause, Susan Mallek, Molly Polo
PARTNER SUCCESS MANAGER Isabel Tragos
LUXE PREFERRED, PROGRAM SUCCESS MANAGER + ANALYTICS SPECIALIST Victoria Albrecht
LUXE PREFERRED, PROGRAM SUCCESS MANAGER Stephanie Fritz
NATIVE CONTENT EDITOR + TEAM LEAD Greta Wolf
NATIVE CONTENT EDITORS Elizabeth Johnson, Heather Schreckengast, Matthew Stewart
DIRECTOR OF PRODUCTION Kevin Fagan
CIRCULATION + DISTRIBUTION
SENIOR MANAGER, MANUFACTURING + DISTRIBUTION Stacey Rigney
ARIZONA PUBLISHER Adrienne B. Honig
SALES ASSOCIATE Catherine McGlynn
AUSTIN + SAN ANTONIO PUBLISHER Jim Wilson
SALES ASSOCIATE Addie Szews
CHICAGO REGIONAL PUBLISHER Kathleen Mitchell
DIRECTORS Tracy Colitte, Carolyn Funk, Taylor Greene
COLORADO REGIONAL PUBLISHER Kathleen Mitchell
PUBLISHER Terri Glassman
DIRECTORS Travis Gainsley, Katie Martin
DALLAS + FORT WORTH PUBLISHER Rolanda Polley
SALES ASSOCIATE Addie Szews
GREATER NEW YORK PUBLISHER Trish Kirsch
ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER, NEW YORK Donna Herman
ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER, CONNECTICUT Amy McMillan Tambini
DIRECTOR, NEW YORK Maritza Smith DIRECTOR, HAMPTONS Michelle A. Giannone
HOUSTON PUBLISHER Amy McAnally
SALES ASSOCIATE Addie Szews
LOS ANGELES PUBLISHER Tiffany O’Hare
ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Virginia Williams
MIAMI, PALM BEACH + BROWARD, NAPLES + SARASOTA
REGIONAL PUBLISHER Stacey Callahan
DIRECTORS Jennifer Chanay, Susan Goldstein, Karina Gonzalez
PACIFIC NORTHWEST PUBLISHER Debby Steiner
DIRECTOR Cathy Cruse
SAN FRANCISCO PUBLISHER Lisa Lovely
DIRECTOR Sara McGovern
SOUTHEAST PUBLISHER Sibyl de St. Aubin
DIRECTOR Suzanne Brandt
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA PUBLISHER Alisa Tate
ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Kali Smith
Luxe Interiors + Design (ISSN 1949-2022), Arizona (ISSN 2163-9809), California (ISSN 2164-0122), Chicago (ISSN 2163-9981), Colorado (ISSN 21639949), Florida (ISSN 2163-9779), New York (ISSN 2163-9728), Pacific Northwest (ISSN 2167-9584), San Francisco (ISSN 2372-0220), Southeast (ISSN 2688-5735), Texas (ISSN 2163-9922), Vol. 21, No. 2, March/April, prints bimonthly and is published by SANDOW, 3651 NW 8th Ave., Boca Raton, FL 33431. Luxe Interiors + Design (“ Luxe ”) provides information on luxury homes and lifestyles. Luxe Interiors + Design SANDOW, its affiliates, employees, contributors, writers, editors, (Publisher) accepts no responsibility for inaccuracies, errors or omissions with information and/or advertisements contained herein. The Publisher has neither investigated nor endorsed the companies and/or products that advertise within the publication or that are mentioned editorially. Publisher assumes no responsibility for the claims made by the Advertisers or the merits of their respective products or services advertised or promoted in Luxe Publisher neither expressly nor implicitly endorses such Advertiser products, services or claims. Publisher expressly assumes no liability for any damages whatsoever that may be suffered by any purchaser or user for any products or services advertised or mentioned editorially herein and strongly recommends that any purchaser or user investigate such products, services, methods and/or claims made thereto. Opinions expressed in the magazine and/or its advertisements do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Publisher. Neither the Publisher nor its staff, associates or affiliates are responsible for any errors, omissions or information whatsoever that have been misrepresented to Publisher. The information on products and services as advertised in Luxe are shown by Publisher on an “as is” and “as available” basis. Publisher makes no representations or warranties of any kind, expressed or implied, as to the information, services, contents, trademarks, patents, materials or products included in this magazine. All pictures reproduced in Luxe have been accepted by Publisher on the condition that such pictures are reproduced with the knowledge and prior consent of the photographer and any homeowner concerned. As such, Publisher is not responsible for any infringement of the copyright or otherwise arising out of any publication in Luxe Luxe is a licensed trademark of SANDOW © 2011. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording or any information storage and retrieval system, without
Founder, Curated by Krysta Rodriguez
DRESS IN: TAMBOURINE TRAPS
Redding, CT | $8,500,000
Welcome to 229 Umpawaug Road, the quintessential estate of exceptional quality on the premier scenic road in Redding, Connecticut.
William Raveis Real Estate, Mortgage & Insurance
Stacy Young — 917 816 6733
Search FXFL on luxuryportfolio.com
Minusio, TI | CHF7,950,000
Mediterranean holiday villa — Sophisticated ambience, spacious rooms, heated outdoor pool and lots of sunlight.
WETAG Consulting
Iradj ALEXANDER-DAVID — +41 91 601 04 40
Search DQKH on luxuryportfolio.com
La Jolla, CA | $3,495,000
Incredible opportunity to indulge in oceanfront living at La Jolla’s premier high-rise building offering an unparalleled lifestyle of luxury.
Willis Allen Real Estate
Drew & Tim Nelson — 858 215 3739
Search XRVK on luxuryportfolio.com
Islip, NY | $1,299,000
Historic 6,000 sq. ft. home located in the South Shore Hamlet of Islip. Coach Real Estate Associates, Inc.
Susan Simmons — 631 338 1936
Search LKQL on luxuryportfolio.com
©2023 Luxury Portfolio International.® Offering is subject to errors, omissions, change of price, or withdrawal without notice. All information has been supplied by third parties and should not be relied on as accurate or complete. Equal Opportunity Employer and pledged to the letter and spirit of Equal Housing Opportunities.
Welcome to our March/April issue! It’s the season of renewal, green shoots and bucolic surroundings. In this issue, our editors bring fresh perspectives on landscape design and sculpture gardens, the latest in outdoor seating and incredible pool houses. We also head to a west Texas ranch that’s both laid-back and chic for a primer on alfresco entertaining. And, of course, our line-up of fabulous homes. May it all bring you endless inspiration.
Pamela Jaccarino VP, Editor in Chief @pamelajaccarino“Lois Dodd roots her work in place,” says Margarita Karasoulas, curator of art at the Bruce Museum, where a retrospective of the New Jersey-based artist’s oeuvre is on view from April 2. This exhibition is the perfect opportunity to discover the Greenwich, Connecticut, institution’s highly anticipated 45,000-foot extension. In partnership with the Hall Art Foundation, “Lois Dodd: Natural Order” is the largest survey of the artist’s career to date and the first monographic show devoted to her work in the New York metropolitan area. An important figure of the city’s 20th-century art scene, Dodd was instrumental in establishing the Tanager Gallery platform, one of the New York’s first artist-run cooperatives. “Now in her 90s, Dodd has never succumbed to the pressures of following trends or classifications,” Karasoulas notes. “She’s maintained a steadfast commitment to painting from life and from what she sees in her surroundings.” brucemuseum.org
with carnelian carvings, rare coins and old door flourishes reflect our love of and the items that people leave Huh says.
Designer Young Huh has been imbuing New York interiors with warmth and harmony since 2007. Combining modern and classical elements, no two of her projects ever refl ect the exact same concept. Her recent collection of ornate hardware for Modern Matter has provided her with the opportunity to extend her vision even further. Drawing from global influences and comprising jewel-like handles and pulls, the line alludes to the innate forces of nature as much as it does ancient culture. “We came across beautiful artifacts from the Silk Road. Cameo rings coins and old door history and the behind,” Huh says.
All meticulously crafted, the metal-smithed
the metal-smithed adornments are inlaid with various gemstones and come in a variety of sizes and shapes. modern-matter.com; younghuh.com
of sizes and
THE NEW YORK ART SCENE IS IN FULL BLOOM. WHAT BETTER TIME THAN SPRING TO DISCOVER NEW GALLERIES ACROSS THE CITY?
Expert Art Deco purveyor Benoist F. Drut of New York mainstay gallery Maison Gerard has teamed up with leading Italian architect
Achille Salvagni to open a grand Upper East Side salon dedicated to the latter’s multidisciplinary oeuvre. The 4,000-squarefoot gallery places Salvagni’s playful yet restrained, Deco-inspired furnishings and accessories in a setting that is simultaneously warm and palatial. New pink editions of his limelight-stealing Spider Chandelier have taken center stage at the sophisticated, lightfilled locale, as well as pieces such as the Alcyone sofa in a fabric made in collaboration with textile designer Toyine Sellers or a pair of Tutankhamun armchairs, all against a backdrop of elegant architectural details that lend themselves to monumental displays. achillesalvagni.com; maisongerard.com
Taking you to Brooklyn’s Crown Heights neighborhood is “B” Dry Goods, a gallery presenting a mix of collectible art, design, rare books, manuscripts, music and ephemera. Paying tribute to the site’s history, its name honors the “stocking what’s essential” mentality of historic working-class areas and nods to a cultural heritage based on community values. In a similar spirit, the gallery mandates to exhibit artists that embrace diversity and multiculturalism while demonstrating prowess in their craft. On view from March 10, the “Fully Furnished” exhibition will survey recent paintings and drawings by New York-based Jeannie Weissglass (who often depicts antique tables, sofas and chairs in her art) in dialogue with pieces from the private collections of Igor Stravinsky, Ringo Starr, Andy Warhol and the Metropolitan Opera House, to name a few. bdrygoods.com
Artemest, one of the world’s foremost purveyors of Italian craft, has cemented its place in New York by setting up shop in Chelsea. At Artemest Galleria, pieces ranging from home decor to furnishings to lighting from a network of 1,400 artisans are highlighted in four distinct areas: a gallery, project room, sample room and garden. In addition, a workshop space allows design professionals and private clients to experience Artemest’s selections firsthand. Through May, the “Marmo” exhibition celebrates marble through creations that reflect on the material’s tradition and innovative possibilities—with pieces by makers and brands including Alimonti, Atelier Terrai, Del Savio 1910 and many more. artemest.com
Set along Madison Avenue, L’Objet’s Upper East Side boutique is a testament to the artisanal savoir faire and experimental spirit that the luxury home decor brand promotes. Founder Elad Yifrach worked closely with interior architecture agency Rigos Mills to create an environment that is as much a destination as it is a backdrop for the brand’s rich catalogue. A succinct interplay of terrazzo, suede, travertine, glass and cedar makes all the difference. “We want the space to be an immersive platform for our customers,” Yifrach says. Alongside anthropomorphic sculptures by the Haas Brothers and works by local talent Sourabh Gupta and renowned Portuguese ceramicist Bela Silva, the storefront and apothecary areas also place a special emphasis on home fragrances. l-objet.com
Taking over nearly 2,600 square feet of Manhattan’s D&D Building, Donghia has brought its full product range under one roof. There, over 20 furnishings from the company’s celebrated gamut are on view, from the iconic Manhattan Sectional to the Origami Cocktail and Side Table (below) to the brand-new Bond Street sofa. And, contained in a smart display case system, a whopping 500 fabrics can easily be referenced. Artful lighting—including the brand’s most recent, limitededition vintage collection—and floor covering solutions are also in abundance, further confirming that the space will serve as an important resource for customers and design professionals alike. kravet.com
Marking the 20th anniversary of Foley & Cox, Monacelli Press has released a comprehensive monograph of the interior design firm helmed by architect Michael Cox. Surveying illustrious projects in the greater New York area, Language of Home: The Interiors of Foley & Cox is organized into themes that aptly define the region: “Waterfront,” “Cityscapes,” and “Countryside.” Taking an in-depth look at homes as varied as Manhattan prewar apartments and summer homes in the Hamptons or New England—with private jets and yachts to boot— Cox’s notes on each project distill the approach that has now characterized the firm for two decades: establishing long-lasting relationships with both clients and skilled craftspeople. monacellipress.com
There's a word for the way an expanse of doors blends the indoors and outdoors into one space. It's called biophilic design. But whatever you choose to call it, the effect is the same – your favorite spaces become better, sunnier, and filled with fresh air as they're transformed into a paradise of nature. Another defining element of doors made with rich wood interiors, aluminum clad exteriors, and no compromises.
Invite More Outside, Inside.
From boundary-pushing landscape design to alfresco art, the world of outdoor living is as dynamic as ever.
THE LATEST SCULPTURE GARDENS FEATURE MUSEUM-QUALITY WORKS THAT ENGAGE WITH THE ENVIRONMENT, INVITING WONDER AND INTROSPECTION.
WRITTEN BY MICHELLE BRUNNERIt would seem that Mother Nature shouldn’t need much embellishment, but in his new book, Intersection of Nature and Art, landscape architect James Doyle makes a convincing case for using world-class sculpture to enhance outdoor environments. “Once you set the right piece in a meadow, it ends up making sense; the scale is correct, and it adds whimsy and artistry to the natural surroundings,” he says. For art connoisseur clients, outdoor sculpture gardens provide an opportunity to expand their collection and experience pieces while communing with nature. “Some homeowners may want these works front and center, while others will prefer them to be more of a surprise that’s discovered as the landscape gradually unfolds,” says Justin Quinn, partner at JDDA. At a historic estate outside Philadelphia, an Antony Gormley sculpture punctuates the expansive grounds. Whether situated to inspire public awe or private contemplation, an artfully placed sculpture has the power to beguile onlookers. jdda.com
While northern California vistas take pride of place in landscape architect Gretchen Whittier’s designs, even the most breathtaking scenery can need a little coaxing. “Sometimes you have to reshape the view, and we often use sculpture to accentuate the end of a vista or create a focal point,” she says. For a Napa Valley project, finding the right location for a monumental tree sculpture by Ai Weiwei required much deliberation. Whittier ultimately landed on the entry courtyard, where it serves as a crowning centerpiece. Placing art en plein air also helps to create a dialogue between interior and exterior spaces, visually extending the living area. “When you see a piece of sculpture through a window, and it feels like part of the decor, a beautiful connection is made.” arterrasf.com
For architect Jerry Hooker, using sculpture in landscape design isn’t just about creating an aesthetically pleasing composition—it’s an opportunity to craft a personal narrative. A partner with Mirador Group, Hooker has used art to enhance the grounds of many projects, including the private roof terrace of a new condominium in Houston. Hooker created three separate garden “rooms” housing a sculpture that holds special meaning to the homeowner. Providing clients with such thoughtful landscapes encourages the kind of introspection one might experience in museums, a similarity not lost on Hooker. “Every single person will have a different interpretation,” Hook er says. “That’s the purpose of art.” miradorgroup.com
It’s a gardener’s spring ritual: waiting and watching for hints of green. Who knew that a color could hold so much promise and ll me with such a sense of hope. Like listening to music wafting through the air, shades of emerald and sage begin to layer through my garden the surrounding Vermont hills. I notice how fresh, minty green buds give to blooming leaves, and celadon spears of asparagus poke through the soil. Emerging plants move to a tempo all their own like a well synchronized orchestra.
Weeks ago, I went through the sacred processes symbolizing spring: cupping a handful of soil and inhaling as I put it to my nose. Healthy and organic, the mixture smelled sweet like chocolate cake and felt rich and crumbly in my palm. Preparing soil was only my rst act before pushing and sowing seeds for peas and lettuce in long, straight rows. Within a week, tiny sprouts have given way to tendrils, then so much more.
garden in a lush valley between the Green Mountains and Taconic Range, where pine, pistachio and jade tones blanket the verdant landscape like a giant tapestry of color coming together to create a rich work of art. As I follow a well-worn path from the woods, freshly punctuated with lime-colored buds peeking through the ground, back to my own garden, I pause. A medley of green hues will soon emerge to mean one thing—spring is here.
Whether soaring 20 feet above a bustling city street or punctuating a serene park, Jorge Blanco’s vibrant, aluminum sculptures are instantly recognizable. The playful silhouettes—depicting everything from human forms in motion to fruit and abstract shapes—are his vehicle for spreading joy. “Art is communication and feeling,” says the Sarasota-based artist, whose practiced sculpture for nearly 50 years. “I always have the same intention in my work: communicate happiness, energy and enthusiasm.”
Blanco’s penchant for art began in his native Venezuela. As a child, he discovered Auguste Herbin’s colorful and geometric paintings, which had a profound impact on
CAPTURE THE DELIGHT HE FINDS IN LIFE’S SIMPLE PLEASURES.
WRITTEN BY KELLY VELOCCI JOLLIFFEhis work. While Blanco’s early sculptures portrayed darker subjects, his artistic language shifted to express a more positive point of view upon meeting his wife, Elena, in 1984. “The world has two sides,” Blanco explains. “One is sad, scary and painful, whereas the other is about beauty, smiling and comfort. I choose to focus on the latter because it is encouraging.”
Bold primary hues or bright white coloring are hallmarks of his work, which include 30 permanent public sculptures, in addition to private commissions, throughout the U.S. and abroad. His pieces directly reflect the inspiration he finds in day-to-day life, whether that be sports or the color of a piece of fruit.
Before embarking on a new sculpture, Blanco closely surveys the site where the work will live, observing shadows cast by the sun, wind conditions, vegetation and surrounding architecture. Each design originates as a humble paper sketch, evolving into a model and then a technical drawing before reaching its final machinecut, powder-coated form. “It’s important to me that people smile when they see my work,” Blanco muses. “It is a gift that encourages me to continue working.”
jorgeblancosculpture.com
Nueve a large-scale, aluminum powder-coated commission, is a tribute to life and nature that lives on the grounds of a large Caribbean estate.BETWEEN A THRIVING LANDSCAPE AND EXTERIORS BUSINESS, A DEBUT LINE OF PLANTERS AND A NEW MIAMI OUTPOST, THERE’S NO TIME FOR MOSS TO GROW UNDER ADAM SIRAK’S FEET.
WRITTEN BY MAILE PINGEL
“My practice is about telling stories,” Adam Sirak explains. Whether creating the garden at Art House of San Clemente, an artist-in-residency program outside Los Angeles, or a rooftop green oasis in West Hollywood, Sirak takes an uber-creative approach to exterior design. This approach has brought him residential projects throughout L.A., where he lives, and new hospitality work including a forthcoming hotel near Joshua Tree National Park.
His love of gardens was inherited from his parents, both of whom are landscape designers in South Florida. “I grew up in a masterpiece garden, and we were always taking trips to botanical gardens or the Everglades. It was plants, plants, plants,” he says, laughing. Now, Sirak is working with them to establish an office in Miami from which he can operate.
“Gardens are transportive, they’re living expressions of time and place. I find that endlessly inspiring.”
For his latest venture, a line of planters, the designer was inspired by an interest in classical antiquities and ancient civilizations. “I’ve used every planter under the sun and thought, where’s the one that’s really cool?” Sirak let ideas develop organically, sketching hundreds of prototypes by hand. Soon a collection developed; the drawings digitized, the molds made, and casting done at his California facility.
The made-to-order planters caught the eye of David Alhadeff, founder of The Future Perfect, who now carries the line, which takes cues from the Byzantine, Roman and Ottoman empires of Istanbul’s history. At once ancient and modern, the designs can tell any story one might imagine. sirak.com
“I think of front yards as portals: They should welcome you into the garden and set the tone,” Sirak explains of this West Hollywood project. Although short on space, the fountain acts as a centerpiece while the sound of bubbling water adds a serene note.
“The key to the design was openness. We wanted to bring the outdoors in, especially on the main level, and allow for outdoor areas on different levels of the home.”
The XO range of bathroom fittings, covering showers, taps and accessories, takes inspiration from designs of the 2000s. This modern, minimalist collection offers clean, straight, angular lines. Available in polished chrome and brushed nickel. lefroybrooks.com
Grothouse crafts the ultimate in luxury wood surfaces, making gorgeous bespoke pieces for every room in the home. Designs are fully customized, like this walnut butcher-block table with brass accents. grothouse.com
A premier builder of custom-designed sink bases, J. Tribble’s handcrafted cabinets are a valuable asset for designers with a discerning eye, and for homeowners looking for something truly distinctive. jtribble.com
Modern and eclectic in design, this hand-poured concrete tabletop with warm teakwood legs would make a bold statement in a clean, contemporary home or turn-of-the-century villa. teakwarehouse.com
Your private showcase awaits at Thermador Experience & Design Centers. Explore bespoke kitchens and discover how true craftsmanship, design and innovation can bring visions to life. thermador.com/showrooms
the collection to enhance Experience
real wood can without on and unlimited
Explore the reimagined VistaWood window and door collection to enhance unique architectural style. Experience the warmth and character only real wood can provide, without compromising on today’s designs—narrow sight lines, large glass and unlimited configurations and customizations.
arcadiacustom.com
The Mars chair is a unique statement in hand-carved walnut that features an arching back and armrests with a graded arch design on each plane of the frame. Arch reliefs are highlighted in white for a graphic emphasis. Priced at $2,607. noirfurniturela.com
A contemporary take on a traditional Moroccan design, the Lesa rug features soft neutrals and bold graphics. Stark Performance Acrylic fibers provide the perfect union of luxury and high-end performance. starkcarpet.com
With over 47 years of award-winning projects, Scenic Landscaping is the premier landscape design-build firm in the New York/New Jersey area providing residential and commercial gardens, custom pools, outdoor living spaces and complete property transformations. sceniclandscaping.com
JerMar Designs is a full-service luxury interior design studio based in New Canaan that has earned numerous accolades for residential construction projects, including the 2022 Luxe Red Awards. jermardesigns.com
Vaughan introduces the Monxton Table Lamp for spring. A ceramic vase defined by a new porphyry finish, the mottled glaze achieves light-reflecting stippling that complements the earth tones of this delicate piece. vaughandesigns.com
Circa 1956, this handmade Tuareg Moroccan rug features a traditional design of a broad row of diamonds and four symmetrical chevron patterns on a striped background in shades of beige, brown and burgundy. Measuring 8'6" x 14'4". Priced at $18,000. dorisleslieblau.com
Discover performance fabric masterpieces, America’s diverse natural terrain and must-have outdoor seating.
WITH SPRING RENEWAL AS THEIR PROMPT, FOUR ARTISTS CRAFT ORIGINAL WORKS OF ART USING THE LATEST PERFORMANCE FABRICS.
“It’s like a bouquet of flowers,” says Atlanta-based Jamele Wright Sr. of his colorful creation drifting, 01 The piece was made with Pierre Frey’s newest performance lines—Outdoor Prints, Guethary and Enchantee—as well as objets trouvés like copper wire, broaches and driftwood from nearby Lake Lanier. “I’m always bringing found materials into fine art,” says the multidisciplinary artist. Wright’s hanging
pouches are reminiscent of gris-gris bags carried by African Americans during the 20th century’s Great Migration from southern states to northern and western cities (Wright’s own grandparents were among the millions who uprooted, moving from Alabama to Ohio). The pouches held good luck charms and tokens for those in search of a better quality of life. septembergrayart.com; pierrefrey.com
Textile artist Maggie Dillon specializes in portraiture, and while her color palette is usually more subdued, the saturated hues and bold prints of Sunbrella’s new Perspectives collection led her to compose the stunning portrait, You Belong Among the Wildflowers
“I seek a feeling of calm in my work, and the title felt like a deep breath of fresh air,” says the
Sarasota resident. The collection’s orangey red fabrics inspired the striking scene featuring a woman surrounded by poppies (a fitting choice as the flower blossoms in springtime).
“I toyed with the idea of a woman smelling the flower,” says Dillon, “but came up with a more playful version with her hiding behind the bloom.” maggiedillondesigns.com; sunbrella.com
Dana De Ano starts each piece with an examination of the materials. “I hear what they have to say,” says the Chicago-based visual artist. “We have a conversation and then I play.” In this case, De Ano listened to the colors and textures of Donghia’s Lake Hill Performance/Outdoor collection. She was particularly drawn to the neutral colors and textural feel of its rich boucle and chenille designs.
For Front Lawn, the artist was inspired by Chicagoan’s determination to regrow their surrounding landscapes after the long winter months. An alumna of the Art Institute of Chicago, she categorizes the piece—and her work as a whole— as drawings that use untraditional materials, whether that be paint, fabrics or found objects. danadeano.com; kravet.com
“I love working with textiles because there is such a wide range of possibility and freedom to experiment,” says Liz Collins, a Brooklyn artist and designer who conceived Blue Window No stranger to performance fabrics, Collins recently launched a capsule collection with Pollack which she used here alongside standouts from the brand’s latest line, Art School. Collins relied on her years of
textile experience to create this graphic arrangement featuring layers of rectangular cuttings in an echo chamber-like framework that successfully aligns with her selfdescribed “vibrant, electric, textured and contrasting” style. When it came to color, Dynamic Expansion on the outer frame (a personal favorite) guided her selection of blue patterns that followed. lizcollins.com; pollackassociates.com
lloydflanders.com
Today’s elevated outdoor lifestyles demand furnishings that offer elegant design, and enduring quality and ease. Since 1906, Lloyd Flanders has been crafting superior furniture that takes outdoor living to new heights. “The outdoor environment can be harsh, so designing products that withstand the elements while providing beauty and comfort drives our design team daily,” says CEO and creative director, Jess Flanders. “To achieve this, we use
all-aluminum frames, the highest-quality vinyl and our unique loom material.” Patented in 1916, Lloyd Loom is the firm’s proprietary process for creating wicker furnishings. “And our special loom material comes in 20 different finishes to meet the aesthetic wants and needs of our clients,” says Warren Juliano, president of Lloyd Flanders. “We’re proud to be the only manufacturer of woven outdoor furniture made entirely in the United States.”
Bryan Echols, senior vice president of sales and marketing, shares the ins and outs of outdoor excellence.
Name some unique places that have included your designs. We’ve seen our furnishings on cruise ships, high-rise condominium balconies, in outdoor seating areas at restaurants and breweries, at landmark locations like New York’s Waldorf Astoria and The Breakers in Palm Beach, in films like The Green Mile, TV series like Revenge, as well as music videos like Kenny Chesney’s Old Blue Chair
How do you include clients in the creative process? We offer Lloyd Loom Lounge Galleries with a dedicated Lloyd specialist to our retail partners to showcase our multitude of design, material and color options. Digitally, clients and salespeople can build their own look online and collaborate with us virtually to achieve a final custom design.
How are you responding to the increased demand for sustainability? We pay careful attention to the availability and sustainability of the materials we use, the energy resources required during the manufacturing process and the impact our products have on the environment.
What’s new and next? While neutrals will always be important aesthetically, we’re seeing significant growth in our brightly-colored finishes and fabrics. Our Sea Glass, Denim Blue and Woodland Green are all extremely popular right now.
Top From the Southport Modular Seating Collection, this sofa, lounge chair and square end table boast an ebony frame finish with Peacock color panel inserts. Bottom An All Seasons settee, settee swing and end table in ivory are the perfect complement to these high-back porch rockers and ottoman in a charcoal finish.“We design and create outdoor furnishings that deliver exceptional durability, style and comfort right here in the U.S.”
New Mexico’s ethereal White Sands marks state’s second addition to the National Park name hails from the rolling gypsum dunes 275 square miles, earning it bragging rights world’s largest gypsum dune field. Not your beach sand, gypsum is a hydrous, soft mineral that’s used in a wide range of applications, including architecture and art. The otherworldly terrain is a popular backdrop for commercials, music videos and films. nps.gov/whsa
the to list. Its name hails from the gypsum dunes covering 275 square it as the world’s gypsum dune field. Not your typical beach sand, gypsum is a soft sulfate mineral that’s used in a wide range of architecture and art. The terrain is a for commercials,
The origin of California’s Pinnacles National Park traces back some 23 million years after volcanos erupted and formed the unparalleled landscape that exists today. From caves and foot trails to woodlands and canyons, the park’s extraordinary reddish rock formations are particularly noteworthy. Located east of the Salinas Valley in Central California, near the infamous San Andreas Fault, and just 40 miles from the Pacific Ocean, the climate is as diverse as the land, with cool, wet winters and hot, dry summers. nps.gov/pinn
Don’t be fooled by its name: Though West Virginia’s New River Gorge was recently added to the National Park Service, the New River is one of the oldest rivers in North America. Nestled in the Appalachian Mountains, the park covers 70,000 acres of forestland which provides visitors plentiful opportunities for hiking, whitewater rafting and rock climbing. This postcardworthy destination is also home to the New River Gorge Bridge—the third highest in the country. nps.gov/neri
Sourcing the highest quality marble, quartzite, quartz, granite, and soapstone for a meticulously curated collection to ensure your search for surfaces ends with Architectural Surfaces. Visit a showroom today.
Some say that three is a magic number. For Lillian August, it certainly is. For more than three decades she has been a leading figure in the world of high-end interior and lifestyle design. With her son and co-founder, Dan Weiss, and now the addition of her granddaughter and marketing director, Eliza Weiss, by her side, August’s world-renowned brand boasts three generations of talent, skill and expertise that continues to bring traditional elegance and innovative ideas to her celebrated lines of fine indoor and outdoor home furnishings, textiles, wallcoverings, lighting, wall décor and rugs. In the following interview, August shares insights into her history, design aesthetic and unique eye for quality, detail and color, as well as the 15-year partnership she shares with Sherrill Furniture– all of which has made both Lillian August the woman and Lillian August the brand truly legendary.
Share a bit of your brand’s history and evolution. I began designing textiles in the 1970s with a line of English country house-inspired quilts and crafts. This allowed me to expand into licensed collections of fabrics, wallcoverings, and later, furniture with outstanding makers like Sherrill Furniture. With my granddaughter joining, we are reaching younger lifestyle customers with fresh designs and creative expressions like our recent outdoor fabric license with Tempo Fabrics and exciting new wallcovering designs with Wallquest.
Describe your aesthetic. Whether it is historic or fresh from the Paris runways, color, patterns and textures have always inspired me.
What are the hallmarks of your brand’s personality? Lillian August is a go-to brand for interior designers wanting to achieve unique lifestyle looks with exceptional quality and classic design.
We work in a wide variety of styles because our customers live in different parts of the country and have different wants, needs, tastes and visions. And the fact that we offer so many fabrics, finishes, colorways and customization options allows our pieces to adapt to any fresh design ideal our clients can dream up.
What is exciting you creatively right now? Our latest designs are leaning into three unique lifestyles. First is Hollywood Regency, which blends maximalist glamour with bold, bright colors and patterns. Next is New Traditional, which will expand into indoor and outdoor textile collections that combine a traditional coastal concept with a fun, youthful twist. Finally, our Vintage Roundtop mixes natural materials and relaxed finishes for a masculine, mountain house feel that represents Dan’s aesthetic point of view.
What constitutes good design? Timelessness, great taste and an original mix of colors, materials and creature comforts.
“I am so proud to be celebrating 30 years and 3 generations of hard work and success with our family, friends, colleagues and fans of great design.”
LILLIAN AUGUST
TAKE A SEAT ON ONE OF THESE FABULOUS ALFRESCO FINDS AND SAVOR A MOMENT IN THE SUN.
WRITTEN AND PRODUCED BY KATHRYN GIVEN AND SARAH SHELTON PHOTOGRAPHY BY FRANK FRANCES
Los Angeles-based Bend Goods takes cues from modern architecture and midcentury design to craft their wide range of wire furniture. The sleek powdercoated Rachel Chair, shown in Peacock Blue, White and Yellow, features grated construction that allows air to easily filter and water to drain from the seat, making it an ultra-practical outdoor option. On the floor, Chilewich’s Boucle Woven Floor Mat in Tangerine and Bamboo Woven Floor Mat in Spring Green are fitting en plein air accompaniments. bendgoods.com; chilewich.com
Silicone rubber is Philadelphia-based designer Nick Missel’s material of choice. For his Cube series—exclusive to Frampton Co. in New York City—Missel devised perfectly imperfect textured perches that begin as a mold made from discarded cardboard and layered with silicon until the ideal shape and size are achieved. The gel-like surface of each one-of-a-kind piece comfortably cradles the sitter, allowing them to ever so slightly sink into its surface. shop.framptonco.com
Meet the Sloth Chair, the latest debut from Maximilian Eicke’s studio Max ID NY. Portable, foldable, stackable and handwoven of a synthetic fiber, the dramatic curves of the chaise mimic the shape of waves and sand dunes. Available in six colors, this uniquely cool take on the classic sun chair remains lightweight for toting to the beach yet stylish enough to be a permanent poolside fixture. maxidnystore.com
French flair is synonymous with Fermob, the chic outdoor furniture and accessory company whose work can be found scattered across Paris’ parks and green spaces. Fermob tapped Frédéric Sofia to rethink legendary designs in their Luxembourg collection (shown), which are inspired by the iconic garden of the same name and its original furniture from 1923. The low-back, aluminum Compact Bench (in foreground) is Sofia’s latest interpretation. The 57" Bench in Ice Mint, 2/3-Seater Bench in Frosted Lemon and 2-Seater Garden Bench in Opaline Green—their newest hue—round out the colorful offerings. fermob.com; chilewich.com
Quincy Ellis is the color guru behind Facture’s molded resin furniture and objects. Working out of a large Brooklyn warehouse, he brings designs to life that push the boundaries of color to realize striking combinations and gradation shifts that appear simple to the eye but require complex construction. Featuring smooth, matte finishes with gradual hue variations, the Meld Stool, Scale Pyramid and Meld Side Table (from top), can function as compact outdoor perches or bold tabletop surfaces. Custom shapes and colors are available. tulestefactory.com; chilewich.com
Fortina is an exceptional architectural system that deceives the senses by mimicking the appearance of wood slats and louvers using lightweight aluminum with hyper-realistic nonPVC surfaces.
This system was the ideal choice for this luxury residential home as it not only provides the same organic feel and warmth of real wood, but also offers several advantages such as lower cost, reduced environmental impact, ease of installation, fire rated, and consistent color and finish. The Fortina Louvers offers the perfect solution for emulating the look of wood without any of the limitations.
On the cusp of their 20th
FIRST PLACE | PRIMARY BATH
Mary Maney, CKBD
Crystal Kitchen + Bath
crystalkitchen.com | crystalkitchenbath
Photography Rob Grosse of Spacecrafting
The Serene Luxury primary bath by designer Mary Maney, CKBD, of Crystal Kitchen + Bath in Crystal, Minnesota, won Best Overall Bath due to an elegant design that overcame myriad structural challenges. Marble is incorporated throughout the bath to add a feeling of luxury, while a rug pattern with a mosaic inlay centered in front of the freestanding tub creates interest. The resulting space, with its minimalistic style and fluid lines, combines a mix of tradition and modernism for a truly compelling bath.
There are many different rooms and moments that make up a home. But it is an undeniable truth that the kitchen and bath are at the center of it all. They bring the function every household must have, but they’ve also become the hub of the home in another way: they often serve as a design foundation, setting the tone for everything else. Each year, the National Kitchen and Bath Association celebrates the very best of these all-important spaces in its Kitchen & Bath Design Competition. Keep reading to explore the iconic concepts that are taking their place in NKBA history in 2023. nkba.org/designcompetition
Sarah Robertson, AKBD Studio Dearborn studiodearborn.com | studiodearborn
The Creek Lane Kitchen by Sarah Robertson, AKBD, founder and principal of Studio Dearborn in Mamaroneck, New York, was designed for privacy, serenity and a connection to nature. It was also a kitchen that had to effectively accommodate the homeowners’ five cats, hence the “must-have” floor drain for the pets’ watering station. The beautiful mix of materials and integrated details combined with the practical storage and functionality of this kitchen made it a clear winner.
FIRST PLACE
Crystal Kitchen + Bath Crystal, Minnesota crystalkitchen.com | crystalkitchenbath
Photography Rob Grosse of Spacecrafting
FIRST PLACE
D’Amore Interiors Denver, Colorado damoreinteriors.com | damoreinteriors
Photography Tim Gormley of TG Image
SECOND PLACE
Kendall Ansell Interiors Coquitlam, British Columbia kendallansell.com | ka_interiors
Photography Janis Nicolay Photography
Kendall Ansell Principal Co-designer: Katelyn Woods, Senior Interior Designer
THIRD PLACE
EOLO A&I Design Miami, Florida eolodesigns.com | eolodesign
Photography Eugenio Willman of Emotion Works
Sandra Diaz-Velasco Principal Architect
SECOND PLACE
Henrietta Heisler Interiors Inc. Lancaster, Pennsylvania henriettaheislerinteriors.com
henriettaheislerinteriors
Photography Justin Tearney Photography
THIRD PLACE DeMane Design Gig Harbor, Washington demanedesign.com
Photography Tammy Dwight Architectural Photography
Lori Carroll & Associates
Tucson, Arizona loricarroll.com | lori_carroll
Photography Jon Mancuso
Lori Carroll
Interior Designer
Co-designer: Kat Saucedo, Designer
Welton Design Group Surrey, British Columbia
welton_design_group
Photography Tracey Ayton Photography
SECOND
Jaque Bethke Design
Scottsdale, Arizona jaque.design | jaquebethke
Photography Edward Zak Photography
Jaque Bethke Interior Designer and Architect
THIRD
Jaque Bethke Design
Scottsdale, Arizona
jaque.design | jaquebethke
Photography Phil Johnson of Provisuals Media
Jaque Bethke Interior Designer and Architect
SECOND
Doug Walter Architects Denver, Colorado | dougwalterarchitects.com dougwalterarchitects
Photography Justin Tearney Photography
THIRD
Studio Stratton
San Diego, California studiostratton.com | Studio Stratton Inc.
Photography Martin Mann Photography
Lance Stratton
Residential Designer
Co-designers: Kate LeCount and Tom King
FIRST PLACE
Bluebell Kitchens Wayne, Pennsylvania | bluebellkitchens.com bluebell_kitchens
Photography Christian Garibaldi
FIRST PLACE
Studio Dearborn Westchester, New York studiodearborn.com | studiodearborn
Photography Adam Kane Macchia, Macchia Photography
SECOND PLACE
Marla Nazzicone Designs Toronto, Ontario mndesign.ca | marlanazzicone
Photography Mike Chajecki
THIRD PLACE
Bluebell Kitchens Wayne, Pennsylvania | bluebellkitchens.com bluebell_kitchens
Rebecca McAlpin
SECOND PLACE
Estee Design Interiors
Toronto, Ontario esteedesign.com | esteedesigns
Photography Mike Chajecki and Victoria Malanowski, Mike Chajecki Photography
THIRD PLACE
Nar Design Group Sacramento, California nardesigngroup.com | nardesign
Photography Fred Donham, PhotographerLink
Photography Lori Kurnitsky Designer Marla Nazzicone Integrative Designer Lori Kurnitsky Designer Sarah Robertson AKBD, Founder and Principal Svetlana Tryaskina Co-FounderNKBA’s 2024 Kitchen & Bath Design Competition opens for submissions on April 1, 2023. All entries are welcome, including non-member submissions. Cash prizes of $100,000 will be given out to award winners, with Best Overall Kitchen and Best Overall Bath each taking home $20,000. For more information and to enter, please go to nkba.org/designcompetition.
Chosen by a panel of NKBA-Certified Master Kitchen & Bath Designers, these distinguished projects and their creators represent the best and brightest in the industry.”
- BILL DARCY, CEO
Detail Flexible brass arms
Bone China
Handmade at our factory in Stoke-on-Trent, England
Free Shipping
Within the US on all orders
Detail Adjustable brass feet
Elevated entertaining in west Texas and a round-up of next-level pool houses have Luxe yearning for sunny days ahead.
THE MARFA, TEXAS, RETREAT OF HOSPITALITY MAVEN LIZ LAMBERT SPEAKS THE LANGUAGE OF PLACE.
WRITTEN AND PRODUCED BY KATHRYN GIVEN
PHOTOGRAPHY BY BUFF STRICKLAND
STYLING BY LAUREN SANDERS
“I strongly believe that a home should feel of a place,” Liz Lambert explains of her Marfa, Texas, abode, which is a true reflection of the surrounding area’s distinct culture. For the Austin-based hotelier, who made her mark designing some of the country’s top hospitality destinations, far west Texas inspires everything from materiality and building techniques, to the items she uses for decorating and entertaining.
Lambert’s residence is situated on her family’s sprawling cattle ranch located between
the Chinati and Davis Mountains. When she returned home to Texas after a stint in New York City, Lambert set out to find a home near where she grew up. Fortunately, she didn’t have to search far after realizing an existing bunk house structure on the property could be transformed with a few tweaks. Soon, a screened-in porch and section of the kitchen were built using traditional adobe masonry and outfitted with regionally sourced furniture. “A lot of friends helped me put this house
together,” Lambert explains. “Most of what you see in here is local and really speaks to where we are.”
Whether guests prefer lounging by the water tank or escaping the Texas heat with a dip in the alfresco bathtub, the ranch celebrates life outdoors and the natural beauty found in this corner of the country. When it comes to the interiors, there is an honest purity to the space that allows for an easy, laid-back lifestyle in which friends
come and go with ease. Most meals are served family style by Lambert’s brother, acclaimed chef Lou Lambert, who uses the Wolf Range for pinto beans as much as he does the campfire for grilling dinner.
For the table, Lambert gathers pared down native flora and fauna along with objects collected from the land. Place settings feature beautiful terra-cotta plates and bowls made in neighboring Mexico. “I think simplicity is beautiful,” Lambert notes.“I gravitate towards places where things fall away; the simpler a place is, the more you feel at home.”
One motif the aesthete does collect in abundance, though, is stripes. The classic print was the starting point for her new textile collection, Perennials by Far West, made in collaboration with the performance fabric and rug company. “I’ve had a history with stripes,” Lambert explains. “From using them in projects to collecting hand-woven Peruvian
textiles and Nepalese saddle blankets. So we began by examining each of these patterns.” And what evolved was a colorful, bohemian-inspired line comprising five fabric and three rug designs that work just as well indoors as they do outside.
Lambert, a partner at MML Hospitality, and her team at Lambert McGuire Design, put their heads together with Ann Sutherland at Perennials—bonding over Texas and tequila— to dream up patterns fitting in any number of applications while still evoking the place for which they were inspired: far west Texas. “T he idea was to start with stripes and put together a collection where each pattern could live on its own while also complementing one another,” she says. The line is already right at home on the ranch: Lambert’s used it for upholstering vibrant throw pillows, dog beds and even a camper van. At home indeed. perennialsfabrics.com; farwestcollective.com
Turn your child’s bath into a dreamy space of pure relaxation with a BainUltra tub. A cozy nighttime bath ritual with gentle massaging air bubbles and soothing chromatherapy lighting can help ease anxiety, relax muscles, and improve sleep.
TODAY’S HAUTE POOL HOUSES ARE BEING DESIGNED AS DESTINATIONS UNTO THEMSELVES.
Elly Poston Cooper’s clients would have loved a vacation house, but there simply wasn’t time for one. The solution? Transform their South Carolina property into a getaway. “They wanted to create the magic of taking a holiday in their own backyard,” elaborates Poston Cooper, who joined forces with McAlpine on the design of an enchanting pool house boasting a chef’s kitchen, bunk room and lofted lounge. “We wanted it to feel like a destination,” she adds, pointing to kicky flourishes like the rattan drums, shuffleboard table and Peter Dunham Fig Leaf fabric on the lounge chairs and pillows. “It plays off the grounds and feels great for summer, but fresh and funky the rest of the year,” the designer notes. Meanwhile, beanbag chairs in Heather Chadduck’s Little Bamboo print can easily move to the pool deck or lawn, where the thoughtful addition of a white stone wall caters to movie screenings. While the outbuilding has hosted fundraisers, birthday parties, and even a wedding, the everyday delights are what assure Poston Cooper of a mission accomplished. “On Sunday nights, they’ll order pizza to the pool house and have family dinner,” she says. “It’s where they go to unplug.” ellyposton.com
“It truly is a catchall,” shares Julie Massucco Kleiner of the souped-up pool house she designed for a sports-loving family of entertainers. Kleiner’s clients sought to create a party HQ on their new San Juan Island, Washington, property, and an existing storage barn at the edge of the forest was just the answer. In collaboration with Studio AM Architecture & Interiors and Wygal Builders, Kleiner revamped the structure from head-to-toe, refinishing the exterior with a dramatic charcoal stain. Inside, the team implemented a world-class entertaining program tailored to large gatherings that includes a full kitchen and bar (replete with beer keg and wine systems), “the world’s largest sectional,” per Kleiner, and rolling pool and ping-pong tables wi th hard-top covers that can easily be pushed together to create a makeshift 60-person dinner table. Carrying the space’s blue-and-white scheme through to the exterior living areas, Kleiner selected an Ann Sacks tile with “a retro, Slim Aarons feel,” to rim the pool, complemented by striped chaises and scalloped umbrellas. From its flexible, fun-first amenities to the preppy palette that nods to the family’s east coast roots, the finished result is “very atypical,” Kleiner admits. Just as intended. massuccowarner.com
It’s not often that clients buy a house specifically because its acreage is perfect for erecting the pool house of their dreams. But that’s exactly why a young family purchased their Scarsdale, New York, abode, tasking Alisberg Parker Architects and Lucy Harris Studio with rendering an entertainer’s paradise on its outskirts. “It was our job to design something that belongs with the landscape and aligns with the architecture of the main house,” says principal Ed Parker, who echoed the existing structure’s palette and stonework while spinning things in a decidedly modern, laid-back direction. “It really feels like a retreat—almost like having a weekend home in the backyard,” reflects director of architecture, Shaun Gotterbarn.
“They wanted a place to relax, k ick back with friends and feel like they’re getting away from it all,” adds designer Lucy Harris who, aided by team members Kelley Roach, Jaclyn Doherty and Stephanie Saltzman, channeled the hospitable, hard-living chic of a boutique hotel for the interiors. Custom furnishings in sinuous shapes, natural material details and a fresh palette of blues and neutrals energized with red accents lend an off-duty vibe that’s “still elegant, but less buttoned up,” Harris notes.
While boasting plentiful amenities (including guest quarters and a semisubterranean basketball court), the beating heart is the pool-level lounge with its showstopping wet bar backed in book-matched marble. “It’s a little bit show business and a little bit sculpture,” muses director of interior architectural design, Will Jameson. “We got to play with some fun ideas, like the wooden slats on the front that shimmer as you move like a Bridget Riley painting.” The swank space merges seamlessly to the outdoor living areas, aided by bifold glass doors and garage-style windows. “You can have 30 people over at the drop of a hat with all the different seating areas,” notes Parker—and the clients often do. The husband hosts a basketball league, the wife runs a tennis group, and the kids’ entourage lives in the pool come summer. Concludes Harris, “It really is a playhouse for everyone.” alisbergparker.com; lucyharrisstudio.com
Conceiving, creating and installing the ultimate outdoor kitchen is second nature to AjMadison.
Just like inside the home, the heart and soul of any outdoor living space is its kitchen. This is where family and friends gather to prep food, mix refreshing drinks and cocktails and keep the chef or grill meister company as they create amazing alfresco meals to celebrate special occasions or elevate the everyday. Outdoor kitchens are also a wonderful way to add interest and excitement to any renovation project and bring greater value to the home.
When it comes to outdoor kitchen appliances and accessories, there are endless makes, models and options, as well as boundless opportunities for customization that suit every need, taste and price point. This is where AjMadison comes in. Their highly-trained showroom staff and team of installation experts are here to help design and deliver an appliance package that will make outdoor dreams a reality for years to come.
The Built-In Grill vs. The Freestanding Grill
Built-in: A built-in grill is finished only on the top and front and is installed into an outdoor cabinet or hardscape. It’s best to install it into a non-combustible surface like cement or stone. Built-in grills can either be installed into a custom enclosure or used on a freestanding grill cart (sold separately). For those who entertain often, it will provide an impressive focal point to any outdoor eating area.
Freestanding: A freestanding grill can be used almost anywhere and is the most popular choice among homeowners. It can stand alone since it has matching paneling on all sides that give it a complete and finished look from every angle. It is convenient to install and many models offer storage that hides the gas tank or gas connection from view.
The extra ingredients for the outstanding outdoor kitchen.
AjMadison reveals the latest outdoor living trends.
Heats up to 700 degrees in minutes to cook artisan pizzas, baked bread or a favorite skillet dinner.
Lynx Pizza Oven SKU: LPZA
Extra burners for preparing sides or sauces are particularly helpful if the grill is far from the kitchen.
DCS Power Burner SKU: PBE124
Offering more capacity and flexibility, a flat-top griddle allows the menu to expand.
DCS Griddle SKU: GDE130
Keep hot food at a safe temperature without overcooking or drying it out.
DCS Warming Drawer SKU: WD130SSOD
The first thing to decide is what type of grill to purchase. But no matter which is chosen, great outdoor cooking will be the result!
Gas Grills
• Easy to ignite and lets cooking start in 10 minutes
• Precise temperature control for even cooking
• Available in many brands/sizes/colors/prices
• Sear stations provide concentrated high heat to lock in juices and flavor
• Smoker box accessory allows for flavored chips to deliver more authentic flavor
• Side burners provide more cooking space
Charcoal Grills
• Rich, smoky barbeque flavor only a flame can provide
• Briquettes or lump charcoal are lit with a match and take 15-30 minutes to heat up
• Cooking with charcoal can be messy, so select a grill with a high-capacity ash collection system for easy cleanup
• Less expensive, but the cost of charcoal might surpass the cost of gas over time
Electric Grills
• Great option for apartments or condos with residential restrictions
• Easy to start and heats up evenly using existing electricity
• Powered from a 120-volt or 220-volt outlet
• Least expensive type of grill
More builders and remodelers More are committing to a built-in are outdoor kitchen setup as well as outdoor durable furniture and living essentials for an exceptional outdoor lifestyle. outdoor
Appliances enhance creative recreational spaces, so adding amenities like a poolside bar, a putting green and outdoor exercise area brings outdoor joy and personality to exterior living spaces. exterior
If extreme temperature change is a factor, extend the outdoor living season with a fire pit, heater or a fan to keep family and friends comfortable all the year round. all
A mere six feet is all it takes to incorporate a number of small space appliances into an exciting and highly-functional outdoor living environment. outdoor
Pellet Grills
• Available in several shapes and sizes
• Uses small wooden pellets crafted from compressed sawdust as fuel
• Simply fill the pellet hopper with the perfect wood pellets, hit the ignition and let the pellet grill do the rest
• Some models offer smart features to monitor grill temperature and progress
Kamado Grills
• Also known as ceramic charcoal grills, they combine smoky charcoal flavor with an oven’s superior insulation and temperature control
• Multilevel racks make it possible to cook at different temperatures simultaneously
• Thick ceramic walls provide excellent temperature control
Hybrid Grills
• Gas grills with an option for charcoal or wood chips provide added flavor and versatility
• Provides the ability to cook with gas and charcoal or wood chips at the same time
• Available on select professional grills
Bringing comfort and comfort and convenience to a larger property might include a poolside refrigerator in the cabana or in the cabana or multiple grills for guesthouses or recreation areas located or away from the main away from the main outdoor kitchen.
Exceptional outdoor appliances and accessories that are the host’s best friends.
Entertaining at home has become a social rite over the past few years. Because of this, beautiful, functional outdoor living areas are a top priority with anyone undertaking a new build or remodeling a beloved family home. And at the heart of this movement is the properly-equipped outdoor kitchen, which is the key to making alfresco entertaining easier and more enjoyable.
One of the best things about today’s outdoor kitchens is that appliances and accessories can be customized to express the aesthetic tastes, cooking needs and entertaining styles of each and every host. Customization can take on many forms, including colorful outdoor appliances, custom configurations and a curated appliance package that reflects the wants, needs and visions of the homeowner and family chef. And the appliance authorities at AjMadison are the perfect team to help conceive and create a one-of-a-kind outdoor kitchen.
Creating the quintessential custom wet bar.
These are the four essential work zones that make the outdoor kitchen a welcoming and highly-functional oasis for cooking and entertaining with gusto.
COOKING
Grills, side burners, warming drawers and vent hoods
REFRIGERATION Refrigerators, freezers, wine coolers, ice makers and more
Doors, drawers, cabinets and islands
CLEANUP Trash and recycle centers, sinks and faucets and outdoor dishwashers
Refrigerator and Freezer Drawers
Provide ready access to drinks Provide and perishables with easy-to-reach drawer designs.
Ice Makers
Produce up to 75 pounds of crystal clear ice per day, keeping the drinks colder and the party cooler.
Wine Coolers
Available in single or dual zones to keep the collection at the optimal temperature.
Beverage Centers
Combine wine racks and refrigerator storage for extra versatility.
Cocktail Stations
Multipurpose appliances that combine a sink, faucet, ice bin, space for garnishes and more, which means that all wet bar essentials are easily accessible in one place.
From the professional chef with a taste for great outdoor cooking to the backyard barbeque enthusiast who enjoys hosting family and friends on the weekends, the appliance experts at AjMadison have the exact right grill to suit their
wants, needs and styles. The AjMadison team created a simple breakdown that showcases the bells and whistles of a luxury model and highlights the streamline and straightforward features found on a standard model.
For 20 years, thousands of trade professionals have trusted AjMadison as their go-to appliance resource. With more than 140 brands, AjMadison is the number-one online destination for every appliance need. From blueprint to installation, millions of customers around the country look to them for everything from top-rated smart, integrated-living appliances to the perfect fit for compact or small spaces. Warranties, surveys, delivery and installation—they offer it all.
On Long Island, a designer rounds out her boxy, midcentury ranch with all things curvy, sensuous and fun.
hen it comes to bringing work home, Cara Woodhouse is having a ball. Designing for clients certainly taps her creativity, but a full renovation of the modernist Long Island ranch that she and her young family call home gave the New York-based designer leeway to throw whatever curves she wanted—and there were lots. From the get-go, the front door’s Swiss-cheese cutouts hint at a circle-fest within, then a voluptuously oversized entryway ottoman in elevated, pearly lavender tones creates a sense of Old Hollywood colliding with the Space Age.
Circles, orbs and arcs of every sort bounce around the home, from kitchen cabinet pulls to throw pillows to mirrors and bed frames. “My eye is just drawn to that shape,” says Woodhouse, who likes to place what she calls “eye candy” in every room to provide “an unexpected, surprise moment—not something shocking, but something soothing and cool. For me, that’s often the visual softness of curves.” The former Los Angeles resident also loves midcentury modern architecture, but never imagined she’d find a home so purely in that vein on Long Island. “This style of house in New York, especially an original one, is rare,” Woodhouse notes. When she happened upon the 1961, split-level abode tucked into a hillside in a wooded neighborhood, the designer knew she’d found a gem.
“I walked in and immediately told my real estate agent ‘this is it, this is my home,’ ” says Woodhouse, who, undaunted by the work needed, saw potential in the living-slash-dining room’s 11-foot ceilings and the house’s smooth entertaining flow, with living spaces on one side and bedrooms secluded on the other. Plus, the location is right across the street from Roslyn Harbor, with water views visible from the upstairs balcony in the winter. “Even in such a state, I loved the vibe and all the big windows and original skylights. It was like a tree house with such a presence of nature, and there was so much architectural character throughout.”
That character revealed itself more fully after Woodhouse and her husband Dean set about
banishing the dated balloon shades that obscured every window, the “reddish-orange” Formica countertops and dark paneling, and the shag carpet that was hiding elegant herringbone planks in the main spaces. Meanwhile, a deep cleaning of the foyer revealed glamorous terrazzo floors complete with inset divides that, once polished, proved to be real brass. “That was one of those ‘OMG’ magic moments,” she says. The home’s overhaul, however, did not entail changing the footprint or even significantly altering the floor plan (except for a slight reconfiguration of the children’s bedrooms to add a shared bath). “People really knew how to entertain back then,” says Woodhouse, who embraced how the vintage layout offered numerous gathering spaces, including a super-1960s bar room and groovy outdoor terraces.
While the couple saw eye-to-eye on the gut renovation, the home’s far-out funkiness is all Woodhouse. “My husband appreciates contemporary design, but he’s a Brit—if he had a choice, it’d be English antiques everywhere,” she laughs. Instead, her spirited custom designs, like the pair of curvilinear consoles in the entryway with resin tops commissioned by Canadian artist Martha Sturdy, the rug with a mischievous monkey motif that she designed in the living room and most of the bedroom furnishings, are anything but old school. In fact, the only antiques are the pair of 200-million-year-old, 300-pound each butterflying amethyst geodes gracing the front door. “Ripping out the old radiators left holes that we couldn’t repair without more terrazzo and, because I’m obsessed with rock crystals, I thought of adding geodes,” Woodhouse says. “They’re amazing, plus they add such great energy!”
Indeed, playful energy and whimsy roll from room to room, including the den of creativity downstairs where sons Cash, aged 11, and Lennon, 7, play music, games and do homework amid a plush sectional with art bins at the ready. Imagination is clearly encouraged and prized in this household where shapes, colors and textures overlap in orbits of delight. “I love that all the rooms in this home are so usable and accessible,” Woodhouse says. “We hang out in the entrance and even take turns sleeping in the guest room because we love it so much.”
“I wanted every space to be usable,” says designer Cara Woodhouse, who imagined the entry’s Nathan Anthony ottoman as a hangout perch. A Surfaces by David Bonk wallpaper “makes it feel like it’s snowing.” The front door is flanked by geodes from The Phillips Collection.
“Whimsical, but elevated and chic,” was Woodhouse’s direction for the sun-drenched living area. A semicircle sectional, pillows and ottoman from Nathan Anthony are neutral in tone but plush in texture. Prints by British artist David Shrigley add pops of color.
When she happened upon the 1961, split-level abode tucked into a hillside in a wooded neighborhood, the designer knew she’d found a gem.
Above: The primary bathroom’s floating his-and-hers vanity features sculptural Nest Studio pulls. Wall-mounted Kohler faucets disappear against the Arabescato Corchia backsplash. The same stone is used across the counters and floors, all fabricated by Formia Marble & Stone.
Opposite: The primary bedroom is luxurious and serene, with hints of funk in the drip-like Calico Wallpaper wallcovering and curvy shapes of a Woodhouse-designed bed and Pablo table lamp. A contemporary Entler Studio chandelier is softened by the layered textures of Matouk bedding.
Dressy meets down-to-earth in a designer’s inspired vision for a family’s downtown condo.
Iwould say their primary request was just to have a lot of color and personality,” shares Kevin Dumais, the designer of this artful Greenwich Village residence. Dumais’ clients—a couple with two young children—had outgrown their former white-onwhite apartment in both space and style and were seeking something “cheerful, fun and a little more unique,” he notes. Their wishes fell upon him like pixie dust and the result is a jewel-toned, Parisian-inspired condo that deftly mixes new sculptural pieces with fine antiques, contemporary art and statement lighting, achieving, undeniably, a certain je ne sais quoi. Set within a boutique, new-construction building, the unit had many enticing assets upon purchase. See: a gracious foyer leading off the central elevator bank, a sensible layout of common areas to the south and private quarters to the north, and expansive windows running the length of the living, dining and family rooms. Still, certain improvements would help better align it with the aesthetic and functional goals. In collaboration with general contractor Zach Rockhill, Dumais reimagined the kitchen with forest-green cabinetry, brass hardware, creamy marble countertops and an oak-topped eat-in island. Additionally, the residence was given a fresh lighting program and new millwork throughout, from sleek, recessed bookshelves in the family room to built-ins in the bedrooms.
Dumais began his ensuing decorative efforts underfoot, selecting rugs to create intimacy within the grand floor plan and ground the vibrant milieu to come. Take the living room, where an enormous celery-silk number with a watercolorlike band of purple down the center echoes the similarly sinuous lines of a Vladimir Kaganinspired sofa joined by vintage Scandinavian club chairs. Or the primary bedroom, where a patterned shag-and-flat-weave rug provides a nubby, neutral counterpoint to a blue tufted headboard that runs the length of the space. Texture and color enrich the family room as well, with its enveloping, smoky-green walls, pink-
mohair sectional and tangerine-leather reading chair. Hints of persimmon continue into the children’s bedroom, where a palette of orange, soft aqua and sage is drawn from graphic-print curtains with Picasso-like faces.
That fabric was chosen to celebrate the siblings’ love of art projects and underscores Dumais’ commitment to crafting a fun, freewheeling home, despite its fancier attributes. The living room’s thoughtful floor plan offers another example, with its fireside games table and cuddled up sitting area which were chosen not for the sake of formal entertaining but because “this is a ‘games and puzzles’ family” the designer says. “When you walk into our apartment, you might not immediately think, ‘Oh, this is family friendly,’ ” shares the wife. “But everything is low-maintenance and very comfortable. Every chair is a cozy place to put a kid on your lap and read to them.”
Throughout, a Parisian sensibility—refined, collected, composed with ease—imbues the design, but in a subtle fashion that feels thoroughly apropos for a modern family at home in Manhattan. In Dumais’ view, it’s “the scale and soft curvature of everything” that lends this flavor, as well as the exacting eclecticism of the mix. “We strove to pick pieces that don’t quite go together in theory yet somehow do, perhaps because the scale works or because the composition of materials is complementary,” Dumais explains. Thanks to this approach, the entirely new interiors feel “curated and not one-note,” he adds.
“When you envision a Parisian apartment, it doesn’t look like your grandmother’s house, and it’s not white-box-modern either,” the husband elaborates. “It looks like a place where you could throw an elegant dinner party or just be sitting around reading together, which is the balance we wanted.” Now settled into their new home, the family delights in the versatility of their environs, not to mention their aesthetic appeal.
“I remember my reaction when we first saw Kevin’s design,” the wife says, “and it’s the same thing I say to myself all the time: I can’t believe we get to live in this beautiful place.”
“WE PICKED PIECES THAT DON’T GO TOGETHER IN THEORY YET SOMEHOW DO BECAUSE THE SCALE OR COMPOSITION OF MATERIALS IS COMPLEMENTARY.”
– KEVIN DUMAIS
Left: For this family who loves to cook, Dumais conceived kitchen cabinetry painted Benjamin Moore’s Backwoods Green appointed with Buster + Punch hardware. The counter and backsplash are honed Danby marble from Stone Source.
Opposite: At the butcher-blocktopped kitchen island are a pair of walnut-and-leather stools from 1stdibs donning custom back slipcovers. Black accents on a chandelier from Two Enlighten tie to the limited-edition, matte-black Viking range.
The idea was to take an organic, sculptural form and collide it with a rectangle,”
J McDonald says of his wall-mounted Innersection Vanity.
“Think of a Venn diagram, but instead of two circles, there’s a strange, spiraling bean-shaped boomerang overlapping with a square,” he notes of the gypsum-cement-andbronze-plate creation. This particular piece—like much of McDonald’s practice—is about reconciling disparate materials, approaches and environments while ensuring one doesn’t overpower the rest.
“There are forms in nature that are endlessly fascinating and inspiring, and there are geometries within urban settings that infinitely intrigue me,” McDonald shares. “Yet I find none of
these as interesting in themselves as the places in which they meet—the moments of displacement or transition.” The multifaceted artist recently traded the hurried pace of Brooklyn for the Hudson Valley, where, from his new studio, this complexity can be explored with “more space and trees, ladybug infestations and solitude,” he says.
McDonald began his career in architecture, gaining technical know-how and learning traditional West African construction methods such as waddleand-daub building. This foundation carries over to his contemporary practice. “I still use techniques that can be traced back to this training,” the artist notes, adding, “Plaster and gypsum are just a more finished and durable iteration of earth.” McDonald often merges these tactile media with metal detailing, evoking the contrasting rigidity of man-made industry.
His one-of-a-kind, sculptural furnishing designs progress “from hand-sketching to the digital world, where they are overlaid with engineering, and then back to the physical world where they are produced using a combination of modern technologies and age-old methods,” McDonald explains. In many ways, this approach embodies the dualities his finished pieces represent: Since many of the tools we employ are tailored to produce rectilinear forms, the introduction of a more amorphous shape requires the reintroduction of the human hand.
The designer’s ability to juxtapose these complementary qualities results in works that are as aesthetically stimulating as they are visceral. And, with upcoming shows at New Zealand’s Bonham Gallery and Objective Gallery’s Shanghai flagship, the questions they posit are propelling his quickly expanding practice oceans away.
In Westport, an 18th-century farmhouse is gracefully adapted for contemporary tastes.
evamping an almost-250year-old New England house for a modern aesthetic might seem potentially problematic, but in the hands of designer Kathleen Walsh, it turned out to be a match made in heaven. Having grown up in Massachusetts, Walsh was well-versed in the language of old houses, and thus enthusiastic, when repeat clients—a Manhattan couple with two teenage children—asked her to compose a new chapter in the Westport farmhouse they purchased as a weekend residence before deciding to relocate full time.
While the original structure dates to the late 1700s, the property had undergone a historically sensitive renovation in the early 2000s resulting in a large addition, as well as the refurbishment of a connecting barn. The infrastructure was brought completely up to date and its prize period details, including wide-plank pine floors, carved-wood fireplace surrounds and rustic ceiling beams, were beautifully preserved. Walsh tapped general contractor Sean Desmond for key cosmetic upgrades (a facelift for the barn’s wet bar and bathroom; a redesign for the breakfast nook) and the stage was set for decoration.
Averse to discarding the beautiful contemporary furnishings Walsh had sourced for their Upper East Side apartment, the owners had another idea: Could she find a way to use them anew? Rather than feeling stymied, the designer instead saw the brief as an opportunity to do something unexpected. “My desire was never to make this a typical, ‘ye olde’ New England home,” she explains. “I wanted to approach this with a clear vision and having modern furniture to work with opened the door for us to do so.”
And so, the collection made its way to Connecticut, with Walsh reconceiving, reupholstering and filling in holes with newly purchased bells and whistles. Working with a backdrop of predominantly white walls and warm wood details—a combination the wife appreciates for making “the oldness of the house pop”—the designer looked to rich hues and lively patterns for a fresh perspective. “I hadn’t worked with pine in so long, and it was really invigorating,” Walsh recalls. “It brings a natural warmth to everything,
which allowed us to use color differently.” Take the guest room, where tangerine curtains and lilac upholstery spice up the quiet country ethos. In the dining room, chair backs beg a second glance with splashes of mauve-and-navy floral fabric. And the living room’s cosseting palette of mustard, aubergine and charcoal feels decidedly au courant yet appropriate for the context.
There and throughout, the designer relied on tricks of the trade to imbue a 21st-century sensibility. “When you walk into a room with low ceilings like this, it can either feel super charming or really off,” Walsh muses. To prevent the space from achieving the latter, she employed strong vertical design elements, such as columnal drapes at the windows and linear contemporary wall sconces. “We had to create some kind of vertical rhythm to counter the horizontal lines of the beams and how low all of the furniture is,” she explains. Together these details embiggen the room while unifying the architecture with its ground-hugging Vladimir Kagan sofa, Wendell Castle coffee table and barrel-backed lounge chairs.
Although the house might cater to every aspect of modern life, Walsh has interpreted it in ways that allow the family to enjoy its history. The barn, a structure dating back to the days when the property was an onion farm, has been reimagined as a lively hangout for the couple’s teenage children and their friends. And the breezeway, composed of materials salvaged from centuries-old former outbuildings, now serves as an indoor-outdoor lounge in the summer and garden room in the winter, when potted plants are brought indoors. Its French doors lead to mature gardens thoughtfully designed by landscape architect Brook Clark, who has since opened her own eponymous firm, and which similarly mingle past with present, situating new amenities such as a hot tub and fire pit within the timeless, pastoral setting.
While the compatibility between an antique house and a contemporary lifestyle was never really doubted by the homeowners or Walsh, the union ultimately proved so successful that the designer admits to being struck by it. “Eighteenth century met 21st century, and they liked each other and got along really well,” she says. “I think it surprised all of us completely.”
The living room marries centuriesold architecture with modern furniture, including a Vladimir Kagan sofa, Holly Hunt armchairs and barrel-back chairs by A Rudin. The coffee table is Wendell Castle, the watercolor is Nicole Schmölzer and the sconces are from Lightmaker Studio.
Membership with ASID NY Metro gives you access to the industry’s most prestigious society, offering professional credibility and connecting you to a network of peers, thought leaders, and luminaries.
Engage in educational and leadership opportunities spanning every design specialty and discipline. ASID membership offers the support you need to reach your full potential as a designer.
nymetro.asid.org/get-involved
Barlow Tyrie – Crafting exceptional outdoor furnishings since 1920. Premium collections in sustainable teak wood, brushed stainless steel, powder-coated aluminum, and hand-woven synthetic fiber. Recipient of twenty international design excellence awards.
Tel: 800 451 7467 Email: USsales@teak.com Visit: www.teak.com