No. 14
winter 2011
$12.99
The CHICAGO ISSUE
Paris on the Prairie Kadlec Design exemplifies Chicago style in a citified, charming urban oasis HIGH-Minded Pappageorge Haymes changes the perspective / seaside estates Accolade shows Miami clients the ropes
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contents FEATURES
Latin Roots Approaching design in a holistic way, striving for aesthetic cohesion and collaborating with local artisans, Commune painstakingly returns a1920s Spanish-style home in Los Angeles to its former glory.
page 70
Chicago Style From architect and designer profiles to the showroom floors they frequent, get an insider’s look at the Midwest’s best on the luxury home market.
page 78
View from the Top
p 82 young and modern Beautiful touches adorn this high-rise penthouse by Alison Victoria Interiors, with Portofino Console by Cattelan Italia (cattelanitalia.com), Ambra stone tiles from Artistic Tile (artistictile.com)and lamp and birds from West Elm (westelm.com). Leather stool is custom made by Alison Victoria Interiors.
Pappageorge Haymes Partners picks up where Daniel Burnham left off over a century ago with One Museum Park East and West offering views from the South end of the Chicago’s Grant Park.
page 112
Beachfront Beauties By combining their talents, experience and expertise, partners Henrique Chor and Jorge Esteban of Accolade Construction Company create highstyle dream homes in southern Florida.
page 118
New Order The architectural power duo, Kuth/Ranieri Architects, implements multifunctional elements to give their commercial and residential projects mileage while placing sustainability at the forefront of their initiatives.
Photo: Alan Shortall; cover photo: Tony Soluri
page 127
ON THE COVER A warm but neutral color scheme starts in the foyer of Kadlec’s Urban Terrace residence, with a custom chocolatecolored rug by Tai Ping (taipingcarpets. com), Erato wall fabric by Jim Thompson (jimthompsonfabrics.com) and the sleek Marly Demilune console from Jean de Merry (jeandemerry.com). This home is one of three gorgeous spaces in our Chicago Home Tour: Kara Mann Design page 100 Kadlec Architecture + Design Gary Lee Partners page 108 WINTER 2011
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acclaim Custom-home projects of note 22
wilton poolhouse
24
dune house
BUILDERS
SWEEPING SEA VIEWS The exacting vision of Accolade Construction Company affords seaside dwelling Miami residents breathtaking views amid a tropical sanctuary.
Construction firms specializing in peerless residences 29
A. Vernon Allen Builder Inc.
32
Washburn Construction
PROJECTS Intimate look behind the scenes 34
The Heritage Home
36
River North Penthouse
REMODEL Tackling challenges of home renovation 39
Ken Gemes Interiors
41
Sroka Design
43
Foster Dale Architects
45
Tim Mathais Designs, LLC
model home Designers explore creative possibilities with their own homes 47
Mastiff Development
DESIGNERS Creative minds in interiors, landscapes, and furnishings Stephanie Wohlner Design
53
Susan Lachance Interior Design
55
Anne Coyle
56
Expressive Interiors
58
Deborah Wecselman Design
60
Kitchens by Design
62
Montgomery Roth Architecture
the plans A showcase of sleek, modern architecture— from plans to completion 135
architects Providing concepts and programs for deluxe homes
and Interior Design LLC
Designer Showcase An in-depth look at some of the industry’s most unique designers 64
Smith Boyd Interiors
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Phillipe Stuebi Architekten GMBH
141
Hackley & Associates Architects, Inc.
144
TKP Architects
146
Constantine D. Vasilios & Associates
148
Margolis Inc.
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Photo: Blue ocean photography
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contents
PLUS
Editor’s Note
page 6
What’s New Industry news, awards, and product innovations page 10
Calendar Trade shows and special events in the coming months page 12
On the Rise Spotlighting designs that stimulate the senses page 14
Books Industry expertise and inspiration page 25
Trends Home furnishing concepts en vogue page 18
Behind the Lines featuring Jaime Hayón page 26
Directory
page 160
Products+Services Spotlight At Home With Martin Horner
page 158
page 162
p 94 Tato Tattoo by Maurizio Galante for Cerruti Baleri cerrutibaleri.com
high-rise Taking luxury to new heights 150
Hariri & Hariri
Vacation Second homes and getaways across the globe 153
2010 House of the Year
ECO-LUXURY The best in sustainable living 156
Giulietti Schouten Architects
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editor’s note ROOM WITH A VIEW In the dining room of this Michigan Avenue residence designed by Kara Mann, a Lumiere chandelier by Jean de Merry (jeandemerry.com) and navy-striped Missoni curtains (missonihome.it) complement a floor-to-ceiling view of the city. Openbacked Bilou Bilou chairs (promemoria.com) allow view of the handcrafted Luna dining table (heleneaumont.com).
Much of the creative work we see is distinguishable for its rigor and sophistication. Sam Vintz of Volume Gallery (p.16) contributes the success of projects here to hard work and freedoms seldom found in other cities. “[Chicago] allows us to grow and explore in a way that can’t be done in bigger places, like New York,” he says. “We can experiment and try out new venues; it allows us to be more creative.” The wealth of talent from hard work is apparent here. With such a rich architectural and design history, Chicago is known internationally as a platform for creative achievement. In “View from the Top” (p.112) Pappageorge Haymes Partners establish a new landmark along the city’s skyline and reaffirm our faith in the spirit of site-specific building with One Museum Park Towers. Adding to the mix are Simeone Deary Design Group (p.86), Studio Gang (p.88) and Gary Lee Partners (p.108) all of whom include individual design perspectives that maintain the landscape on view in our city.
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This issue also showcases a number of projects in other cities that complete the well-rounded image of creative success. In Los Angeles, Commune’s Catalina Residence shared in “Latin Roots” (p.70), restores the character of a 1920’s Spanish-style villa with updates that speak to its original charm. Harkening pre-colonial Mexican and Moorish design as inspiration, this project is an on-point fusion of old world style and modern sensibility. Similarly, Florida’s Accolade Construction Company, featured in “Beachfront Beauties,” (p.118) stay true to stylistic roots with modern revivals. Informed by a variety of sources, including Mediterranean and French architecture, Accolade’s work brings a traditional aesthetic to contemporary vacation homes. Our cover story featuring Kadlec Architecture + Design’s Urban Terrace Project (p.104) is a complete vision of luxury—beautifully designed, supremely sophisticated, and true to the foundations of its character. The home, found in Chicago’s landmark art deco Palmolive Building, has a seamless flow between indoor and outdoor spaces which are perfectly complemented by city views. While this issue primarily features work from the city closest to our hearts, our hope is to acknowledge creative professionals everywhere for their commitments to innovative projects where informed decision-making and resourcefulness are paramount.
The Editors luxuryhomequarterly.com
Photo: Bill Timmerman
L
uxury Home Quarterly is thrilled to dedicate this issue to artists, architects and designers working in the city we call home: Chicago. A metropolitan oasis amidst endless waves of grain, the members of this dynamic community surmount obstacles with innovation, defy boundaries with improvisation and combat the mundane with a generous application of resourcefulness.
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NEWS FLASH Industry Blush - Design in Full Colour is a new book showcasing a retrospective of Scholten & Baijings work. Made in collaboration with Het Stedelijk museum ‘s-Hertogenbosch.
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what’s new
Industry news, awards, and product innovations
SUSTAINABLE INNOVATION
LEED Takes Measures to Recognize Green Initiatives The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) has introduced a new aspect of the LEED Rating System for green building certifications known as the Pilot Credit Library (PCL). Nine new credits have been added: Ergonomics Strategy, Site Assessment, HVAC Commissioning, Acoustic Comfort, Discovery–Analysis to Support Integrative Process, Implementing Synergies, Environmentally Preferable Non-Structural Products and Materials–Prescriptive Attributes, Responsible Sourcing of Raw Material, and Avoidance of Chemicals of Concern in Building Materials. This marks an important milestone in the history of LEED, placing a precedent on environmental responsibility and recognizing those builders who take measures to meet the Council’s accreditation. For more detailed descriptions of the credits and their point value visit usgbc.org. Source: USGBC
TECH UPDATE
Premium Residential Design Software Kicks into High Gear
INDUSTRY NEWS
2011 myMarvin Architect’s Challenge The 2011 myMarvin Architect’s Challenge recognizes the best architecture in the US, Canada, Ireland, Israel, Japan, Spain and the United Kingdom. Eleven winners were chosen this year, including Marcus Gleysteen for the Overlook House in Lexington, Massachusetts, and Michael Barclay for a the Dethlefs Residence in Happy Valley, Oregon. The use of Marvin windows and doors is a requirement for the contest, but judges also chose the winners based on beauty, sustainability and creativity. “These winning projects are an inspiring display of architecture,” says Brett Boyum, director of marketing for Marvin Windows and Doors. “These architects show what’s possible with inspiration and a focus on quality.” The myMarvin Architect’s Challenge winners are flown to Minnesota for an AIA tour of significant buildings and a trip to the Marvin factory. Source: Marvin Windows and Doors
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WINNING WINDOWS Inspired by the architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright, amenities abound in the myMarvin award-winning Dethlefs Residence (top), including a wine room and an exercise room with sauna. Built upon the footprint of an existing home, the Overlook Home (bottom) features live and work areas arranged around a central hall and stairway to unify the space.
Known for their go-to auto-rendering tools, SoftPlan software offers innovative solutions for residential and light commercial design, allowing architects to build digital models of their projects before they are built on site. SoftPlan has just released the much-anticipated SoftPlan 2012, multi-document interface and the 14th generation of SoftPlan software. The improved CAD package now includes a 3D rendering engine, which allows nearly every task to be completed in a 2D or 3D model. Users will love the convenience of building data now integrated directly with the U.S. Department of Energy’s REScheck Building Energy Codes Program. The programs libraries are now enhanced, with over 33,000 3D symbols, material textures and construction details. A trial version of the software, as well as a demonstration DVD are available through softplan.com. Source: Softplan
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what’s new
MATERIALS MERGER
Architonic, Material ConneXion create a nexus of materials
ing. The PaperCut panels are part of 3form’s Varia Ecoresin line of translucent, customizable panels that can be used for a wide variety of architectural applications. “3form is committed to its Path to Zero—the goal of sending zero waste to landfill,” says Crystal Frost, the company’s director of sustainability. “PaperCut is one of a growing family of products that is bringing us closer to that goal.”
The variety of material choices is ever-growing. Designers of every discipline will rejoice at this compendium of extraordinary materials and advanced processes. New York-based architecture and design resource Architonic is collaborating with global materials-consultancy group Material ConneXion to offer an online library with access to the world’s most innovative materials. Material ConneXion’s selections were juried by experts on the interconnections of science and design. This means that their vetted materials represent the most outstanding trends. These selections have been integrated under Architonic’s “Product & Materials” database on architonic.com where subscribers can begin browsing thousands of choices now.
Source: 3form
Source: ArchDaily
CREATIVE MATERIALS
3form’s PaperCut panes are a green use for old catalogs Eco-friendly material manufacturer 3form is putting their leftover catalogs to use by “re-issuing” them as panels. Each 4’x8’ PaperCut panel features roughly one catalog’s worth of colorful shredded paper, giving any space a vibrant look while adding sustainability to building and design projects. The panels are made from at least 40 percent pre-consumer recycled resin, and are terrific for projects seeking LEED certification for sustainable build-
PRODUCT INNOVATIONS
‘Shanghai’ i.light® Light-transmitting Panels by Italcementi Group When architect Giampaolo Imbrighi was commissioned to design the Italian Pavilion at the World Expo 2010 in Shanghai, China, he challenged Italcementi Group to develop a transparent, sustainable and cost-effective building material for the exterior walls. The ‘Shanghai’ i.light® light-transmitting panel was conceived. Enveloping exterior areas built with cementitious materials, the panels allow
interior light to filter out, and daylight to filter in. The result is an eco-friendly harmony between structure and environment. The Italian Pavilion was adorned with over 3,000 translucent cement panels, creating a stunning interplay between light and shadow. Composed of TX Active® “smog-eating” cement and reinforced with stainless steel fibers, the panels have polymer resin inserts for higher
luminous transmittance than fibre optics or glass. This year, Italcementi Group will begin marketing their latest innovative material to an audience encompassing the artistic and design sectors and will develop the product further to include greater variations in size, color and shape. Source: Italcementi Group
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calendar
Trade shows and special events in the coming months
JAN. 17- 21 Basel Exhibition Center Basel, Switzerland Swissbau strives to encourage a dialogue between industry professionals to lead to innovative solutions in building, energy and urban planning. This show will focus on building, reconstruction, renovation, energy supply and interior and exterior building materials.
JAN. 16-22
JAN. 25-28
LIVINGINTERIORS
Casa Salzburg
Koelnmesse, Cologne, Germany LivingInteriors celebrates its premiere at imm cologne. Exhibiting companies from Germany and abroad will come together to reveal the latest in bath, flooring, wall and lighting concepts.
swissbau.ch
livinginteriors-cologne.com
Salzburg Exhibition Centre, Salzburg, Austria CASA showcases new standards in design and functionality. Interior designers will see innovations and trends for the coming season and connect with others. casa-messe.at
JAN. 14-17
JAN. 20-22
JAN. 26-29
Canadian Home Furnishings Market Show
hanseBAU
IDS12 Interior Design Show
Toronto International Centre, Toronto
Bremen Exhibition & Conference Centre, Bremen, Germany
Metro Toronto Convention Centre, Toronto
Take a sneak peek at new furniture collections, bedding, home media innovations, lighting and decorative products. tchfm.com
Exhibitors specializing in renovation, interior design, furniture, plumbing, and more will be on hand to share information. hansebau-bremen.de
World-renowned designers and architects participate as keynote speakers and exhibit their latest ideas and developments. interiordesignshow.com
JAN. 14-17
JAN. 24-26
JAN. 27-29
CONTRACT WORLD EXPO
Surfaces
Lake Home & Cabin Show
Hannover Fairgrounds, Hanover, Germany Featuring flooring presentations, information forums on new flooring materials, sustainability and many other topics, exhibitors will have abundant opportunities to connect with visitors from around the world. contractworld.com
Mandalay Bay Convention Center, Las Vegas, Nevada The leading floor covering industry event brings retailers, distributors, installers and home builders for three days of face-to-face networking, product sourcing and education. surfaces.com
Alliant Energy Center Madison, Wisconsin Specializing in second homes and the second home lifestyle, this show introduces vacation property builders to buyers and vendors.
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photo: Courtesy MCH Swiss Exhibition (Basel) AG
Swissbau
CALENDAR
FEB. 1-3
FEB. 8-9
MAR. 16-25
Decoration+Design Sydney
Buildex Vancouver
The National Home Show
Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre Sydney Australia’s leading soft furnishings trades show gives interior designers, decorators, and architects the opportunity to connect and exchange ideas.
New Vancouver Convention Centre Vancouver Explore new products and problem-solving strategies for interior design, architecture, real estate management and construction professionals.
Place Bonaventure, Montreal The 2012 National Home Show will celebrate its 60th anniversary concurrently with the Canada Blooms festival, to showcase the single largest home and garden exhibition in North America.
decorationdesign.com.au
buildexvancouver.com
nationalhomeshow.com
FEB. 6-9
FEB. 9-12
ZOW Germany
Bauen & Wohnen Salzburg
Bad Salzuflen Messe Zentrum Bad Salzuflen, Germany This workshop-formatted exhibition is designed to bring furniture manufactures and suppliers together to exchange ideas, observe the latest trends, and discuss industry solutions. zow.de
Salzburg Exhibition Centre Salzburg, Austria 500 exhibitors come together to showcase great brands and new ideas for building, renovation, reconstruction, home furnishings and energy efficiency. bauen-wohnen.co.at
FEB. 7-9
FEB. 23-26
Surface Design Show
Calgary Home & Garden Show
photo: pietro sutera
Business Design Centre, London The only show in the United Kingdom focused exclusively on surface design materials. View the latest in natural stone, wood, tiles, recyclable materials, cladding, ceiling, wall coverings and more. A not-to-be-missed exhibition for architects and interior designers. surfacedesignshow.com
Big Four Building, Calgary Celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Calgary Home & Garden Show highlighting outdoor living trends, the latest in restoration techniques and tool and landscape demonstrations.
calgaryhomeshow.com
FEB. 7-10
FEB. 29-MAR. 2
Cevisama Expo
Eco House Expo
Feria Valencia, Valencia The Cevisama Expo explores the intersection of ceramics, natural stone, bathroom equipment and high-fashion. This exhibition will highlight design trends and creativity. cevisama.feriavalencia.com
Tokyo BIg Sight Tokyo Green building initiatives, materials and the latest eco-friendly technologies are the focus of this four-day expo. ecohouseexpo.jp
FEB. 7-10
MAR. 10-18
Ideo Bain Interclima + Elec 2012
Wohnen & Interieur
APR. 15-20 Light+Building Frankfurt Fair and Exhibition Centre Frankfurt The world’s leading trade fair for the architecture and integrated technology sectors, Light+Building presents the latest innovations in lighting, electrical engineering and house and building automation. LED technology, via photovoltaic and electro-mobility and intelligent electricity usages with smart metering and smart grids will be highlighted in seminars and product demonstrations.
Porte de Versailles, Paris Pioneering bathroom concepts and energy saving technologies will be the focus of this tandem exhibition. The 2012 Hotel Bathroom Prize will also be awarded. ideobain.com
Messe Wien Exhibition & Congress Center Vienna Featuring furniture, home entertainment, gardens and decorative accessories, this exhibition spotlights products, services and creative solutions for every indoor and outdoor space. wohnen-interieur.at
FEB. 7-11
MAR. 14-16
APR. 27-29
Stockholm Furniture Fair
GLOBE 2012
Stockholmsmässan, Stockholm This annual fair will be comprised of two parallel events. Interior design and innovative illumination solutions. Attendees will also discover a comprehensive range of furniture, office concepts and textiles. stockholmfurniturefair.se
Vancouver Convention Centre Vancouver One of the world’s largest and longest-running series dedicated to environmental innovations, sustainability and global networking opportunities.
Kitchen & Bath Industry Show
2012.globeseries.com
www.light-building.com
McCormick Place, Chicago, Ilinois An interactive exhibition experience, Kitchen & Bath Live! will serve as an interactive space for attendees to discover design solutions, products, trends and techniques. kbis.com
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on the rise
Popular trends and rising stars in the luxury-home market
TURN THE TABLES The 3:1 Table is a deconstructed cube that functions as a table or three objects. The Helic Table (right) creates unique spaces depending on its rotation.
Chicago method TJ Okeefe Furniture maker TJ O’Keefe is a lover of all things orderly. This designer presents unique, geometry-inspired tables, chairs and objects, which are distilled down to their most basic. “Everything I do is very precise,” says O’Keefe. “I think the simplest forms are the most beautiful and compelling, and I try to do the most with the least.” O’Keefe began creating his own furniture two years ago, and has found Chicago to be a city supportive of his trade. Looking close to home first, he uses only local craftsmen to manufacture his goods, and credits the Chicago furniture showroom Haute Living for being the first to sell his wares. Next up for O’Keefe is a new line of lighting and international exposure, as he reveals new pieces at the Qubique furniture tradeshow in Berlin, Germany. This methodical designer with an eye for detail is one to keep watching. –Saundra Marcel
tjokeefe.com
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on the rise
Chicago woodwork With these exemplary pieces from local designers, handcrafted furniture guarantees quality.
Bella CHAIR Deirdre Jordan and Bob Robinson, founders of Troscan Design, adhere strictly to the design principles of quality and relevance. Meticulous craftsmanship insures each piece will stand the test of time, not simply the moment’s trends. The versatile Bella chair blends seamlessly with modern or antique dining pieces. It is available in oak or walnut hardwood with aniline dyed leather upholstery in four color choices. –Lauryn Alison Lewis
troscandesign.com
Jason Lewis FURNITURE Though decidedly contemporary, mid-century modern warmth and timelessness are central features of the pieces fabricated at Jason Lewis Furniture by its founder, Jason Lewis. Close inspection of joinery and rich, artful woodgrains reveal Lewis’s commitment to Shaker traditional craftsmanship. Constructed of black walnut, the tandem CO1 bench will survive the rigors of everyday use with grace and understated beauty. –Lauryn Alison Lewis
jasonlewisfurniture.com
Photo of bella chair by: Jim Warych
DAN SULLIVAN The Franklin Series side table is unusual and captivating. Dan Sullivan, founder of Navillus WoodWorks in Chicago, envisioned the table with nine sides and patented the eye-catching, bifurcated leg design; a signature of every piece in the collection. Sullivan gleans influence from the contemporary and mid-century modern aesthetics, as well as the vibrant wilderness of Maine, where he was raised. –Lauryn Alison Lewis
dscdesign-build.com
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on the rise
design platform Felicia Ferrone, ON SPACE, 2010
VOLUME GALLERY In less than two years since it opened, Volume Gallery has presented four major design collections. Business partners Sam Vinz and Claire Warner believed that contemporary American design had been underappreciated and underrated, and so launched Volume Gallery to fill the void. “We wanted to give cutting-edge designers an opportunity to produce work,” says Vinz. “There are enough talented American designers to compete with European designers, but there was just no place for them to do it. We thought we could provide that platform.” Without a permanent physical space, the gallery, in fact, is not actually a gallery at all. The duo operates traveling exhibitions, which have taken place in various spaces in the Chicago area. The benefit of not being locked into one location is the flexibility of selecting environments for each event which best showcases the design work. –Saundra Marcel
Jonathan Muecke, OPEN OBJECTS, 2011
wvvolumes.com
light theory PHOTOS of volume gallery: Sam Macon; Portrait by: Dru Donovan
PERMUTATIONS Permutations, designed by Studio BA’s Brian Anderson, is a batchproduced series of configurable pendant and floor luminaires tailored for compact fluorescent bulbs. Each luminaire is composed of a spacer and two thermoformed shells of performance acrylic. Anderson, who has MFAs in writing and design from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, summarizes his approach as a hybrid of “the impulses of process engineering, sculptural approaches to materials, decisive responses to real world constraints of fabrication, and a painterly concern for color and composition.” Anderson is attracted to the problem of “ugly,” which is often reduced to the challenge of understanding how something unappealing in isolation, such as a color, can be transformed and activated in a larger system. –Jessica Kirby
studioba.com
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LUXURY H O ME quarterly
FALL 2011
EBB & FLOW
Kohn Pedersen Fox Ass latest high rise concep ociates unveil their t in Greenwich Village
composing a maste rpiece
Ken Tate invokes classic
styles in the Stanford Hou
hot young thing
Rafael de Cárdenas’ moo
dy, film-inspired rooms
DALLAS DREAM TEAM
Mark Molthan & his Plati
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TRENDS
home furnishing concepts en vogue
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complex geometry
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1. “R-Table” by Rainer Mutsch; rainermutsch.net. 2. “Fragments of Stars” bench by Periphere; periphere.com. 3. “Crystaline” series by Hariri & Hariri for AF Supply; afnewyork.com. 4. “Split” pendant by Palette Industries; paletteindustries.com. 5. “Edrar” chair by Etienne Hotte; etiennehotte.com. 6. “Arctic Rock” dressoir by Jasper van Grootel for JSPR; jspr.eu. 7. “Rocking Chair” by Rainer Mutsch for Sixinch; sixinch.be. 8. “Small block” by Jasper van Grootel for JSPR; jspr.eu.
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photo of rocking chair: Luc Romaine; photo of r-table: studio rainer mutsch;
multi-faced forms on the cutting edge
specializing in home & condo renovations. jcbconstructiongroup.com
239-398-4320 Miami, fl naples, fl
beginning with a foundation of trust.
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trends
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Technicolor dreamscape 8
1. “Framed” installation by Stuart Haygarth at the V&A museum for London Design Week 2010; stuarthaygarth.com. 2. “Accidental” carpet by Tejo Remy for Droog; droog.com. 3. “Colour Plaid 02” by Scholten & Baijings; scholtenbaijings.com. 4. “Pink Pleats” by Angharad McLaren Textiles; angharadmcLaren.co.uk. 5. “Neon Rippled Pleats” by Angharad McLaren Textiles; angharadmcLaren.co.uk. 6. “Neon Green Jacquard Shibori Pleats” by Angharad McLaren Textiles. 7. “Virgola” covered in geometric jacquard Mogle with sides in red knitted Trevira Mana by Missoni; missonihome.com. 8. “Acid Palm” wallpaper by Jonathan Adler; jonathanadler.com.
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photo of accidental carpet by Tejo Remy; colour plaid 02 by INGA POWILLEIT
vibrant-hued textiles recall free-spirted frame of mind
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The Downsview cabinetry collection is custom crafted in North America and available exclusively through select kitchen design showrooms SCOTTSDALE Downsview of Scottsdale
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CHICAGO (Highland Park) IL nuHaus (847) 831-1330
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BEVERLY HILLS CA Kitchen Studio Los Angeles (310) 858-1008
INDIANAPOLIS Kitchens by Design
IN (317) 815-8880
DALLAS TX Redstone Kitchens & Baths (214) 368-5151
COSTA MESA Kitchen Spaces
NEW ORLEANS (Harahan) LA Classic Cupboards Inc. (504) 734-9088
SAN ANTONIO/AUSTIN TX Palmer Todd, Inc. (866) 341-3396
SAN DIEGO (Del Mar) CA Folio Design (858) 350-5995
BOSTON Dalia Kitchen Design
WASHINGTON D.C. (Herndon) VA Design Solutions, Inc. (703) 834-6121
MONTEREY (Seaside) CA Kitchen Studio of Monterey (831) 899-3303
WASHINGTON D.C. (Bethesda) MD Stuart Kitchens (240) 223-0875
SAN FRANCISCO (Bay Area) CA Atherton Kitchens (650) 369-1794
BLOOMFIELD HILLS Kitchen Studio
MI (248) 332-5700
DENVER/VAIL CO Wm Ohs Showrooms, Inc. (303) 321-3232
MINNEAPOLIS North Star Kitchens, LLC
MN (612) 375-9533
NEW CANAAN Kitchens By Deane
CT (203) 972-8836
CHARLOTTE Downsview of Charlotte
NC (855) 473-4300
STAMFORD Kitchens By Deane
CT (203) 327-7008
MORRISTOWN NJ Leonardis Kitchen Interiors (973) 829-7112
CA (714) 545-0417
MA (617) 482-2566
CALGARY Empire Kitchen & Bath
Visit our website: www.downsviewkitchens.com
CANADA AB (403) 252-2458
VANCOUVER BC Living Environments Design (604) 685-5823 KITCHENER Kitchen Concepts
ON (519) 894-4020
OTTAWA Astro Design Centre
ON (613) 749-1902
TORONTO Downsview Kitchens
ON (416) 481-5101
TORONTO Yorkville Design Centre
ON (416) 922-6620
MONTREAL Cuisines Multiform
PQ (514) 483-1800
MIAMI (Dania at DCOTA) FL Downsview Kitchens (954) 927-1100
LAS VEGAS Ébéniste, Inc.
NV (702) 368-2280
PALM BEACH (Juno Beach) FL Downsview Kitchens (561) 799-7700
MANHASSET The Breakfast Room, Ltd
NY (516) 365-8500
NAPLES Elite Cabinetry
FL (239) 262-1144
NEW YORK Euro Concepts, Ltd
NY (212) 688-9300
ATLANTA Design Galleria
GA (404) 261-0111
CLEVELAND (Willoughby Hills) OH Faralli’s Kitchen & Bath (440) 944-4499
BAHAMAS Nassau Showroom
CARIBBEAN BS (242) 377-0004
HONOLULU Details International
HI (808) 521-7424
PHILADELPHIA PA Joanne Hudson Associates (215) 568-5501
SANTO DOMINGO Kitchen Design Studio
DR (809) 541-7707
DOWNSVIEW KITCHENS 2635 Rena Road, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada L4T 1G6 Telephone (905) 677-9354 Fax (905) 677-5776
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acclaim
custom-home projects of note
WILTON POOLHOUSE
The entire pool area acts as a sunken courtyard extending from the house, paved in sumptuous Italian travertine. The boxy poolhouse itself is comprised of a living, dining and entertaining area on the inside, clad a with series of metal and glass panels that can be opened to the outside. These connections continue with an indoor/outdoor shower area festooned with green mosaic tiles, which shimmer along with the water outside. The main structural form is the roof, clad in Brazilian ipé wood, which forms the ceiling and then extends to the ground at a gentle angle, forming an awning and wall. The nautical material and form faintly recall a yacht as the building hovers at the pool’s edge. Interior wood floors extend outside to become a pool deck. On the south side of the structure, the ipé wall has a rectangular opening that looks out to a fire pit on the edge of the terrace. The fire pit, also made from travertine, sinks into the surrounding terrace so as to highlight the theatrical, inviting fire emanating from within, making it ideal for gatherings on cooler Connecticut summer nights. –brian libby
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Credits Architect: Hariri & Hariri Design Team: Gisue Hariri Mojgan Hariri Markus Randler
Structural Engineering: Robert Silman & Associates, P.C.
general contractor: Willow Woodworking, John Larkin, Walter Giewat
surveyor: Ryan and Faulds, LLC
pool contractor: All American Pools
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Photos: PAUL WARHOL
Located in Wilton, Connecticut as part of a 3.5-acre property, the Wilton Poolhouse makes striking sculptural form out of what could have merely been utilitarian space. This is not a changing room where one goes before a swim. It creates the kind of space where one will linger, even without getting wet.
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accl aim
dune house
–teresa silva
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Credits Architect: Pereira Miguel Arquitectos, Lda Structural Engineer: Eng. Ramos
Photos: fernando guerra + sergio guerra
An underground house rests nestled under a bed of sand in Comporta, Portugal. Casa Monte, also known as the Dune House, is situated between two hills and covered by artificial sand dunes, fusing the natural and built environments. The Dune House is a design experiment in blurring the lines of architecture and landscape, exuding a symbiotic relationship. Built in 2008 by Pereira Miguel Arquitectos, the Dune House’s signature rooftop is an undulating, subtle wave that offers a walkway for residents to interact with the architecture and experience new points of view of the property and scenery. A pristine outdoor pool is adjacent to the home and is a sharp contrast to its rugged elegance. Warm, retractable wooden doors conceal the building when shut but are also inviting when opened to reveal more surprising architectural details inside.
Project Engineer: Alçado Nascente, Soluções de Engenharia, Lda. Builder: Unidois – Construções e Equipamentos Lda.
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BOOKS
Industry expertise and inspiration
Julius Shulman: Chicago Midcentury Modernism
Reveal: Studio Gang Architects
of Chicago, Archive of Bertrand Goldberg, gifted by his children through his estate, RX23664/75.57
photo of sketch: Bertrand Goldberg, American (1913–1997). Marina City, Chicago, IL, 1985. Marker on trace. The Art Institute
Author: gary gand Visionary photographer Julius Shulman committed over seventy years to documenting historically significant architecture. In collaboration with his partner Juergen Nogai, Julius Shulman: Chicago Mid-Century Modernism is a visual preservation of mid-century residences in Chicago. The work of Keck & Keck, Harry Weese, Edward Dart and many more are celebrated within this stunning collection. Rizzoli International Publications, Inc., rizzoliusa.com.
Author: JEANNE GANG Diagrams, sketches and even old emails were collected by Jeanne Gang to create what has become, essentially, an intimate diary of architecture, detailing every explicit detail that went into generating the eight projects featured in this book. Gang tackles many of the greatest challenges facing modern society head on; climate change, urbanization, and technology. Reveal: Studio Gang Architects is a testament to the exhaustive efforts made by Gang’s team to create inspired and responsible designs which will carry us into the next century and beyond. Princeton Architectural Press, papress.com.
BERTRAND GOLDBERG ARCHITECTURE OF INVENTION Authors: Zoe Ryan, Alison Fisher, Elizabeth Smith and Sarah Whiting Throughout his 50-year career, Bertrand Goldberg expressed a passion for urbanism, and sought to tackle some of the most architecturally challenging issues of his time. In this fully illustrated catalogue, readers are offered a full spectrum of Bertrand’s work, including a rare, interior view of Chicago’s iconic Marina City apartments. Art Institute of Chicago, artinstituteofchicago.org.
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behind the lines
CUSTOM COLLECTIONS FOR LUXURY HOMES—AND THE designers BEHIND THEM
MEDITERRANEAN MODERNISM As part of Hayón’s Sé Collection II, the Beetley Sofa, Arpa Armchair, Time Piece Side Tables and Tambor Table exhibit a curvilinear shape that is inspired by musical instruments such as violins and harps, and insects such as beetles (se-london.com).
Jaime Hayón The Spanish artist-designer talks about hybridity and experimentation in his work Jaime Hayón’s work is a seamless blend of art and design. When asked if one discipline is his true passion, he says, “I consider myself a creator and in there, there is room for all other categories… Creativity is not a job, it’s a way of life.” Hayón studied Industrial Design at the Istituto Europeo di Design in Madrid. While there, he was awarded a grant to study abroad, and went to the École Nationale Supérieure des Arts Décoratifs in Paris shortly after Philippe Starck had been appointed as Principle Lecturer. Hayón considers his time studying industrial design as a time to not only hone his skills, but begin considering the multiple uses for his skills. He says, “There is no division between art and design for me. I am a storyteller. To be able to create a world of inspiration with something new and transmitting it is what I look for. I put my own style into ideas.” Hayónstudio was opened in 2000, with the intention of creating a space where there were no bound-
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aries between art and design. Shortly after, Hayón decided to pursue projects full-time at his Barcelona studio, leaving his position at Fabrica. He sees his independence as a natural progression, “I don’t feel the term industrial designer is for me anymore. It’s a very tight definition. We are in the time of hybrids. I prefer to be called an artist working on design.” The diverse projects that Hayón is currently working on show his unique creative muse. In the recent past, he has launched the Showtime furniture collection for BD Barcelona Design, a cabinet and mirror for Pallucco Italia, the second volume of the Aqhayon bathroom line for ArtQuitect, the Funghi set of lamps for Metalarte, a line of shoes for Camper and a champagne bucket for Piper-Heidsieck. A softer side of modernist furniture, Hayón’s seven-piece living room set (shown above) emphasizes curvaceous, minimal design. The design also pays homage to Spanish modernist architect Antoni Gaudí’s organic-shaped buildings that take
cues from nature, particularly catenary curves. All pieces are part of Hayón’s Sé Collection II. The ArtQuitect bathroom line works to make the bathroom less clinical, to treat the typical fixtures and pieces as furniture. It has traces of Hayón’s Mediterranean Digital Baroque theme and Hayón says, “the new bath is, for me, an ode to glamour and luxury dedicated to those that enjoy this moment. It’s the ultimate bath experience: a bath you don’t want to come out of.” The line features accessories that encourage people to linger, such as an ashtray, a champagne container and a plant vase. Hayón’s personal touch fits in with what he sees as the future of design. “People are in need of things they feel are part of their personality and not just general, anonymous objects. There will be a strong comeback of the handmade objects, the craftsmanship and a definite appreciation of personality, especially in the luxury areas of development.” –Chris Terry
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FIERCE FLAIR Jaime Hayón’s transgressive style runs through all of his decorative arts (shown clockwise). Favn, the mortared-colored sofa, is named after the Danish word “to embrace” and combines the organic, clean and soft elements of Spanish and Danish design. The Beetley Bridge chair from Hayón’s Sé Collection II pictured in velvety gold. Luminous, rotating vases make up part of the Smart Grid Gallery that communicates offbeat ideas for honing energy to power technology in the home. The Rug Company joined forces with Hayón to create high-quality floor furnishings that defy traditional rug design. The redwinged Lounger for BD is a vixen but also a classy and comfortable lounge chair. Valencia for Gaia and Gino is a set of candle holders that dazzle. The black Tudor Chair is regal with sassy brass legs. Moving Ideas 3 is an exhibition of experimental prototypes for enlivening the home.
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J Allen Smith Design/Build is a residential remodeling firm specializing in projects for the discriminating homeowner who values flawless professionalism. Kitchens • Great Rooms • Master Suites Additions • Whole House Remodeling
www.jasdesign-build.com • 240.405.6158
Years of experience have equipped us with a thorough knowledge of techniques and an exceptionally high level of craftsmanship. We are firmly committed to providing our clients with meticulous attention to detail, while staying on-time and on-budget. Our five-year warranty is unrivaled in the industry. Owner Jesse Smith’s personal and friendly approach helps ensure the consummate remodeling experience. 28
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builders
Construction firms specializing in peerless residences
PHOTO: Taylor Photo Professional Color Labs & Studios, Bill Taylor Photographer
LAZY LAGOON With children and grandSERENE LIVING children oftena coming Featuring CoconutinWhite granite, for polished a visit, the homeownfireplace as its centerpiece, ersthe enjoy theliving serenity and main room area brought in privacy of a blues lush courtyard soothing and creamy whites to andcreate pool area. a calming atmosphere.
A Masterpiece in Progress
A. Vernon Allen Builder Inc. Creating a serene vacation home by Tricia Despres Building custom homes in the Naples area for more than 60 years, A. Vernon Allen Builder Inc. has seen the town of Naples change from a remote community into one of the most popular destinations in South Florida. The area’s pristine landscape and relaxed atmosphere attracts people from all across the country when they need a retreat. “Naples has always been a quiet community, but since I came here in the 1970s, it has grown sixteen-fold,” says John Remington, owner of A. Vernon Allen Builder Inc. “It’s a dynamic place to come work every day.”
A recent Naples project allowed the builders to work with local designers and craftspeople on a one-of-a-kind home featuring an open floor plan, unforgettable views, custom finishes and a lagoon-like pool, which brings the architecture together in an amazing courtyard area. “Everyone from the architects to the builders to the interior designers was local, so it made the project seamless, which is somewhat atypical these days,” explains project manager Ryan Benson. “The homeowners set the expectations and let us do what we do best. Right off the bat, we were given a timeline
The Naples Courtyard Home evolved throughout the 17-month building process. “We did add a second-floor deck around the midpoint of construction, mostly because the homeowner had noticed what an amazing view he could have of the lake area from that vantage point,” explains Ryan Benson, project manager. “It did have its challenges, but in the end, it was an added feature I can’t imagine the home not having. It was a view we didn’t want to miss.” As the interior and exterior intertwined in effortless harmony, a serene feel took precedence throughout the home. “This house was all about juxtaposition and the sophisticated mix that comes when you carefully blend antiques into a clean, modern environment,” explains Lisa Kahn, owner of Kahn Design Group in Naples. “Take for example the bathroom, which serves as a clear example of how successful this mix can be when it all comes together; dynamic, unexpected and memorable.”
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SERENE LIVING Featuring a coconut white granite, polished fireplace as its centerpiece, the main living room area brought in soothing blues and creamy whites to create a calming atmosphere. The dining room, adjacent to the main living area, features coffered ceilings with a complementary faux finish. The spacious bathroom (right) takes full advantage of the natural light coming in from three sides. Its exquisite white marble sparkles, allowing for a soft glow throughout the day.
and a strict budget. We were given the authority to execute many things, and they were confident that we would be able to deliver exactly what they were looking for. They also put great importance on quality, and they were willing to do what they needed to do to maintain that level of quality.” Situated over 11,000 square feet, the breathtaking Naples estate borders a serene lake, complete with a dock for the homeowners to sit and fish from. When the lake doesn’t fit into their plans for the day, the couple and their guests often congregate around the pool.
SARASOTA / NAPLES T: 866-4TEMPUS F: 941-316-8899 www.tempus-inc.com
“The home is basically one room wide all the way around,” explains Remington.“Every room has direct access to the courtyard. From the very beginning, the homeowners were looking for a natural, lagoon feel to the pool.” The secluded
pool area is surrounded by Turkish travertine and features a grotto-like retreat and water wall, which produces a calming quiet effect. “The water wall in particular is a feature that we look to create again in future projects.” Established in 1951, A. Vernon Allen Builder Inc. works on projects throughout the west coast of Florida and South Tampa, however, the company’s clients often come from outside of Florida, which can provide its share of challenges. “Eighty percent of our clients have homes somewhere else, so communication can get tricky,” says Remington. “Communication has to be constant and the desires of the client must stay clear, especially when they are coming from around the country and even from around the world.” Yet, once the project is done, the A. Vernon Allen
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PHOTOS: Taylor Photo Professional Color Labs & Studios, Bill Taylor Photographer
Home Communications- Voice & Data Lighting Systems & Window Treatments Home Integration & Control Systems Home Theater & Audio/Video Systems Security Systems
“Communication has to be constant and the desires of the client must stay clear, especially when they are coming from around the country and even from around the world.” John Remington, owner Builder Inc. team finds moments to sit back and relish the fruits of their labor. Soon after the Naples Courtyard Home was finished, the homeowner threw a lavish celebration to honor all who had worked on the project.
“The homeowner told me that if he was still working, he would have swapped any of those guys away from me to work for him,” says Remington. “It was a wonderful compliment and a true testament to the strength of our team.”
BUILDERS
Rhode Island Cottage This coastal cottage features a lavish landscape with a kidney-shaped pool and natural stone deck. The fully equipped pool house serves double duty as a guesthouse. Tennessee Crab Orchard Stone anchors the front façade, while ample porches allow the family to enjoy the picturesque view of the coastline and indigenous plantlife.
Washburn. The 3,000-square-foot home has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, a small wine cellar, and includes a pool house that doubles as a guest cottage. The backyard pool is kidney-shaped, framed by a stone deck with a path that leads to the main house. The site is picturesque, with the feel of a larger home, taking advantage of the beauty of the area.
Washburn Construction BUILDERS’ LONG HISTORY IS A TESTAMENT TO THEIR SUCCESS by Eugenia M. Orr Building coastal homes is in the blood of Steve Washburn, owner and president of Washburn Construction located in Quonochontaug, Rhode Island. Specializing in second family homes for clients from, New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and California to Florida, Washburn Construction has been crafting coastal vacation homes for nearly half a century. Washburn’s father started the business in the 1950s and the tradition is being passed down to a third generation, through Washburn’s three sons who also work in the family business. The longevity of Washburn is attributed to the systematic schedule essential to building homes within the popular vacation spot. The time between Memorial Day and Labor Day is prime summer time for coastal living. So much so that large construction work is not permitted during June, July and August. To ensure the satisfaction and happiness of owners, “Our philosophy is to get jobs done right, on time by following a regimented schedule,” states Washburn. That means construction for these
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unique homes, which must be built to withstand hurricane-force winds, must be completed in roughly nine months. Hurricane proofing includes roofs that are anchored through to the foundation, high-impact windows, stainless steel nails and miniseptic treatment systems for each home. Building homes in an environmentally sensitive area requires an in-depth understanding of the engineering, survey, architectural and legal issues inherent to the process. More than just a construction company, Washburn is also a neighbor on the coast, providing an uncanny perspective and commitment to building homes that will endure the elements. One of Washburn’s recently completed projects, Rhode Island Cottage, was finished with all the safety details to withstand hurricane-force winds, and refined with natural stone, light fixtures from old steamships and a lush landscape. “The Rhode Island Cottage is a quaint cottage, perfect for the family in coloring, size and detail,” says
“We are best known for the amount of stonework we incorporate into our homes, the masonry and hardscaping set our designs apart,” says Alex Michelman, project manager. Yet, even more vital is the way Washburn Construction builds homes. To stay on schedule, Washburn has a full complement of trades in-house. From electrical to mechanical to plumbing to carpentry, the Washburn construction process is completed on-site. “Having our own trades gives us complete control over the timetable, which can be impeded when you have to wait for an electrician or plumber to complete another job,” states Washburn. “Despite careful planning, you don’t know how jobs are going to flow. We are able to eliminate further delays because we can send our crew out as the project dictates,” explains Michelman. Yet it is Washburn’s commitment to Old World artisan craftsmanship that sets the company apart. Washburn not only crafts cabinetry and other built-ins, they also build raised-panel doors with attention to detail that produce works of art that are timeless. Other signature details of a Washburn designed and constructed home are the stone walls and archways that accentuate the architectural features of the design. “We also make sure our homes take advantage of the lifestyle of the region, such as clamming, scalloping and fishing,” remarks Washburn. “For example, the Rhode Island Cottage has a fish cleaning station outside.” From excavation to stonework to handcrafted original woodworking, Washburn Construction is creating homes that are tough enough to withstand the elements and beautiful for the most discerning eye. “Building homes is not just a job. I get excited with every new project,” concludes Washburn.
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RI Phone: 401.322.0889 • CT Phone: 860.459.9262 • info@washburnconstruction.com • www.washburnconstruction.com
Construction firms specializing in peerless residences
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The Heritage Home
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Jimmy Jacobs Custom Homes and mary dewalt design group add modern flair to Mediterranean style by Brian Libby
“We went through probably five different plans before we hit on this one,” says designer Kevin Fleming of Jimmy Jacobs Custom Homes. “Jimmy [Jacobs] kept saying, ‘It just doesn’t wow me.’ Mary [DeWalt Desgin Group] helped us make things lighter, and to pick up a couple of elements that really made it click. It has to be something you know will have a presence and a feel.” Model-home design is a kind of industry unto itself, requiring a bold yet attainable design strategy. “It’s
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working with imaginary families rather than real ones,” DeWalt explains. “All of the large volume production builders do merchandised models. It’s a proven entity. It excites the buyers and shows them how they want to live. We always want to project emerging trends in the model. Everything we put into the model has to be something they can see themselves purchasing.” The house includes three bedrooms as well as a media room, game room and study. The center of the home is the great room, which opens onto a large outdoor living area at the rear. “What’s unique about this house is the volume,” says Fleming. “There are these 14-foot ceilings in the entry that carry through to the great room and kitchen/breakfast area. And as you come into that great room, the outdoor fireplace becomes a focal point.”
Both the kitchen and the master bathroom feature large circular rotundas. In the bathroom, the rotunda creates the impression of a private getaway. “That’s where you get some wow. It’s unusual, something memorable,” Fleming says.Your eye is drawn upwards by the light.You’re going, ‘Oh my god,
luxuryhomequarterly.com
PHOTOS: Robert H. McGee
For the past several years, Jimmy Jacobs Custom Homes has built a succession of Texas Hill Country residences rooted in Tuscan style; but, for its latest subdivision and model-home, the company partnered with Austin-area interior designer Mary DeWalt on a new look that blends aspects of contemporary and Mediterranean style.
PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS 1. Great room The great room includes sumptuous materials like travertine above and below the hickory kitchen cabinets. “They wanted to get away from the heavy stone of the outside. It gives it more of a refined look,” says Dewalt.
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2. Bathroom as spa Besides the open shower beneath a 19-foot-high turret, the master bathtub is set in a Carrera marble base beside a flat-screen TV and fireplace. 3. Outdoor room A brick fireplace and rattan sofas in the outdoor patio make for an inviting space, thanks in part to a large 16-foot picture window. “As you come into that great room, that outdoor fireplace becomes a focal point drawing your eye,” Fleming says. “It expands the living room to this exterior space.”
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4. Dining room The dining room features ample builtin cabinetry for storage and a row of mirrors to distribute natural light. But the star of the room may be the ceiling, which is finished in a silver-hued Venetian plaster. “We wanted it to be kind of a romantic and kind of elegant place to have your formal meal and entertain,” DeWalt says. 5. Flattened arches The exterior de-emphasized gently curving Tuscan arches for a more flattened shape to the windows.
5 there’s a tower there.’ People want to spend more leisurely time in the master bath.” The rotunda helps to define the kitchen and breakfast nook from the living room area. In the bathroom it creates a dramatic open-shower area that feels like a spa retreat. “It has a really nice, simple finish; a very light Venetian plaster with a silvery look to it, really smooth and reflective,” DeWalt explains. “The whole living room, dining room and kitchen area is so expansive, but it has an intimate feeling about it. To me, this area is how people want to live.” The adjacent outdoor room provides an opportunity for occupants to enjoy Texas’ warm climate throughout much of the year. A rustic brick fireplace with rattan sofas makes the space an extension of the living room itself. DeWalt likes contrast, which is exemplified in the interiors throughout the house. Gray and earthtoned walls give way to colorful artwork and white
accents in the draperies, bedding and furniture. Rustic wood ceiling beams and rustic hickory cabinets are juxtaposed with ebony furniture and clean lines. “To me one of the most important things in our interiors is contrast,” DeWalt reveals. “People are afraid to paint their own homes in bold colors
but they like to see it. We always talk about today’s environmentally neutral; grays and golds, green for the grass, terra cotta oranges because of clay. Those are colors that go with anything. It’s a transitional scheme, a little uptown in some areas, but has that comfortable, Lowcountry feel.”
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PROJECTS
1 CHICAGO
designer
Interior Design Firm jamesthomas and Builder Michael Mariottini Re-imagine an Elegant Chicago Penthouse by Brian Libby The 24th-floor penthouse of a downtown Chicago condominium that interior design firm jamesthomas and builder Michael Mariottini, of Mariottini Inc., created for a young British transplant working in the commodities market is a balance of cleanlined simplicity and colorful pizzazz. Jamesthomas, led by partners James Dolenc and Thomas Riker, helped the client select the space from among three downtown condominiums. “It had amazing terraces on all four sides,” recalls Riker. “It has great views in every direction.” The interior was equally breathtaking. Although the color palette for the 4,500-square-foot space is based upon white tones, from walls to lacquered built-in bookshelves, interwoven throughout are bright pops of color, including the client’s extensive modern art collection. There is also iconic modern furniture such as a Mies van der Rohe Barcelona chair and an Arne Jacobsen egg chair in hot pink.
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“He put together a ‘look book’ for us; things cut out from magazines, spaces he liked,” Riker remembers of the client. “They were all cool and modern with bright colors. He said he loved the idea of a gallery feel, mixed with a SoHo loft.” The long, thin living room is anchored by an Sshaped sectional that divides the space while providing a variety of separate seating areas. The walls of an adjoining alcove-like room were removed in order to extend the common space and highlight the skyline views. Other rooms have a deliberately cheeky sense of style. For instance, the library is, “a modern take on an English country house library,” Riker explains. A wood veneer wall covered in a chevron pattern is anchored by what looks like a classic Louis XIV chair with a twist. Upon closer inspection, the Moooi chair’s wooden armrests have been deliberately charred. “It’s kind of wacky,” the designer admits.
2. Postcard Shot Originally divided from the living/dining area, the office was opened up to take advantage of the breathtaking south views of the Chicago skyline. An oversized white desk adds drama and relates to the white lacquer millwork that is found throughout the unit. The Mummy chairs (luminaire.com) and shag rug add a bit of wimsy. 3. Ready To Hatch White walls and cement floors are punctuated by an Arne Jacobsen egg chair, a tufted leather ottoman and a piece from the client’s contemporary art collection. 4. Burn Before Relaxing The Smoke Chair, a Louis XIVinspired chair with charred wood armrests created by Moooi, (moooi. com) adds a modern touch to the countrified library.
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PHOTOS: SCOTT SHIGLEY
River North Penthouse
1. light accents Bright, floral wall covering (osborneandlittle.com) juxtaposed with the raw concrete walls creates an entry that pops. Two illuminated benches from Design Within Reach (dwr.com) greet guests as they exit the elevators that open directly into the home.
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Michael Mariottini, a thirty-year veteran of the building industry. “It’s a challenge of a different type to accomplish something [with] so little detail. The less there is, the more your eye is drawn to those fewer things,” Mariottini says. “Trim has a tendency to mask imperfections. It wasn’t that way here. It had to be just right.” Staining the entire unit’s flooring had to be done all at once, which meant clearing out all the other subcontractors for a day. Mariottini also helped untangle a knot of plumbing from the previous resident’s his-and-hers bathrooms, which was eventually converted into a single master bathroom.
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“He said he loved the idea of a gallery feel, mixed with a SoHo loft.” Tom Riker, Partner, jamesthomas Since the penthouse occupies the entire floor, the building’s elevator opens directly to the unit. This entry area, accented with porcelain light fixtures hanging from the ceiling, became an opportunity to add more color to the home’s interior. The jamesthomas team chose bold floral wall coverings, which extend into the adjacent powder room and recall the Pop Art movement of the 1960s. “We painted the rest of the walls white so it would be this bright box, especially when you add in that high-gloss, white lacquered millwork in the living room and down the hallway corridor. We always think powder rooms are an opportunity to go crazy
and do something fun,” the designer explains. “It can be a little jewel. And if you don’t like it in five years? Change it.” Although the Windy Cindy is not without its blustery months, the outdoor terrace is like a private observation deck overlooking a cluster of glass and steel skyscrapers. Wood decking and a cube-shaped fire pit are an homage to Chicago’s traditional backyard landscapes, but with a modern twist. Because of the minimalist palette, details and workmanship have to be exact. Enter general contractor
The home’s many sleek and soft surfaces are contrasted with concrete walls, which were left exposed after the previous resident’s wood paneling was removed from the living and dining room. “He loved that raw industrial look,” Riker remembers of the client. “The whole place is this play in contrasts.”
a message from Peerless Rug COMPANY Established over 70 years ago, Peerless Rug Company is a full service floorcovering dealer/ contractor. Their residential and commercial product mix includes carpeting, contemporary and traditional rugs, ceramic and stone tile as well as cork and wood flooring. Peerless has the tradition of serving today’s high-end market—designers, architects, developers, home owners—offering many exclusive lines from quality driven weavers and manufacturers. Peerless specializes in a variety of custom work—exquisite bordered area rugs, dramatic stair case installations, an almost limitless variety of glass mosaics and natural sisal products of all kinds. All these wonderful flooring products are beautifully displayed in the Peerless Chicago Showroom.
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There is nothing like the beauty of a Natural Fiber Rug to enhance the mood of a room. Whether it’s the focal point or the ďŹ nishing touch, the wide array of rugs made from Sisal, Wool, Seagrass and Jute available today afford unlimited design possibilities.
KEN GEMES INTE RIORS www.kengemes.com
remodel
tackling challenges of home renovation
Westchester County Family Home This 1930s Colonial-style residence in Lower Westchester County, NY, is home to a family of four. The 4,325-squarefoot home includes five bedrooms and five baths. It originally held heavy, large-scale furniture that contrasted jarringly with the owners’ extensive art collection. Ken Gemes Interiors reupholstered several of the family’s heirloom pieces while also introducing new furnishings, designed to be at once less imposing and more modern. New LED lights replace the former recessed cans, and glass-topped tables contribute to an airier appearance. The renovations achieve a style that better resonates with the home’s abstract artwork.
Ken Gemes Interiors A balanced hand and thoughtful eye creatE DISTINCT, luxurious homes by Frederick Jerant
PHOTO: NAT REA
Business manager-turned-interior designer Ken Gemes creates spaces that offer simplistic, understated elegance, with a nod to British Colonial style. “Instead of strewing things everywhere, I prefer to place them in groups. I think objects have more impact that way,” he says. Before founding his own firm in 1999, Gemes was known only as a successful businessman. He had spent years in management positions for a major retail chain and as the senior vice president of merchandising and design for a sportswear company before starting to conceptualize, import and sell British Colonial-style furniture as a sideline. “Some of my early customers bought my furniture only after I agreed to arrange it, showing them how seamlessly it combined with their other furnishings,” he says.
Gemes approached this initial practice arranging furniture with a cue from the fashion world. “When you’re dressing a model for a photo shoot,” he says, “you often remove the last accessory you put on.” My spaces have a balanced, Zen-like quality, so my clients feel relaxed when they enter.” He later brought this philosophy to a number of specialized, high-end residential projects, and his opportunities began to compound. “They liked my work, and I got more design projects from their referrals,” he says. “I gave up the furniture end in 2001 and solely focused on interior design.” Gemes’ firm, Ken Gemes Interiors, has worked in River Oaks, Texas; Watch Hill, Rhode Island; Pinehurst, North Carolina; Boca Grande, Florida; The Plains, Virginia; and other states. But, its primary market area is Bronxville, New York, a village
Watch Hill Residence The Watch Hill residence was a major renovation of a former carriage house built at the turn of the century in Watch Hill, Rhode Island. Awkwardly expanded by previous owners, it sat on a 1.4-acre lot, but tight lot lines and an adjacent wetland precluded any construction beyond renovations. Ken Gemes Interiors, working with Clifford M. Renshaw Architects, completely revamped it. This shingle-style, 3,036-square-foot second home now includes five bedrooms and four baths, a finished basement that can sleep 10, a screened-in porch ideal for outdoor entertaining and relaxing, and a sense of openness and lightness—all ideal qualities for a seaside getaway.
within easy reach of Manhattan that brings its own challenges. “Often, the homes are rather large, but their small lots prohibit large additions,” Gemes says. “I have to make sure that every room in the house draws you in and functions as well as possible, and I encourage my clients to repurpose existing spaces— turning a former nursery into a library, for example.”
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Blue Echoes The Watch Hill kitchen and living room open onto a screened porch (left) with an additional dining area, Haze gray wicker furniture and a blue-gray beadboard ceiling. A series of electrified hanging lanterns, used in tandem with tall pillar candles, provide ambient lighting in the evenings. The master bedroom (below) features soft blues that echo those on the first floor. Tropical-print linencotton window treatments and a dark tobacco-caned bed continue the island vibe. A chaise longue in Spot Check from GP&J Baker (gpjbaker.com) offers another space for unwinding or napping.
and the existing décor simply don’t mesh. “One client in Lower Westchester County, New York, had planned the complete makeover of a 1930s vintage Colonial home but—after living through extensive construction work, new furniture, carpet and window treatments for certain rooms—never fully completed the interior spaces,” Gemes says. The biggest challenge of the job was finding a way to feature the owner’s extensive (and impressive) art collection while replacing oversized sofas and club chairs that crowded and dated the rooms. After extensive consultations, Gemes hit on several satisfactory approaches, and two rooms serve as prime examples: the living room and dining room.
A beach house project in Watch Hill, Rhode Island illustrates how Gemes achieves marvelous results within restricted spaces. Previous owners had awkwardly expanded the former carriage house. “It was very linear,” Gemes says. “Each room led straight into the next.” The results of the complete renovation are dramatic. On the first floor, delicate muted blues, greens, seafoams and grays reflect the nearby beach, and pewter and khaki accents complement the home’s touches of stainless steel and antique pewter hardware.
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The large living room’s three-cushion sofa is covered in sea-glass chenille. Four club chairs—in an indigo-blue and bottle-green batik pattern in hemp fabric—can easily be rolled into place to enjoy the 50-inch flat-screen TV above the fireplace. Black granite surrounds the fireplace, and other black furniture punctuates the room, contrasting with the softer furnishings, wall color and rugs. Mother of Pearl lamps and framed sea fans offer gentle nods to the sea. Sometimes Gemes must resolve a bit of culture clash—a situation that results when owners’ tastes
People are thinking less about adding on, and more about maximizing every square inch and making their spaces as aesthetically pleasing and as functional as possible, Gemes says. “The owners often want a grown-up look, but they choose the same dark oriental carpets and the burgundies, blues and golds found in their parents’ or grandparents’ homes,” he says. “Sometimes they even use their old furniture. It gives the home an old-fashioned look right at the start.” When this happens, Gemes and his team are prepared to turn the home around with a design aesthetic based on simplification.
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PHOTOs: NAT REA
“In the living room, we used light taupe on the walls to highlight the collection of American abstract paintings in black-and-white,” Gemes says. “We replaced the large recessed canned lights that checkered the ceiling with tiny LED lights around the periphery,” he says. “They wash the walls with light for a more robust but less intrusive appearance.” Smaller-scale furniture with clean lines provides a more tailored look and permits easier navigation around the room. Pale aqua accents contrasted with upholstery in shades of mushroom, tobacco and off-white, eliminate the previous “precious and untouchable” look.
Remodel
Sroka Design
Skip Sroka on the Custom Bethesda Home
Emphasis on Balance Creates an Inviting, Family-Friendly Environment by Frederick Jerant To some designers, it might have seemed like a tall order: create a new home that fits into an existing neighborhood, and make it look completely different from another home you have designed for the same client. The clients, who have several children and grandchildren, wanted the 7,000-square-foot home to have a modern edge, balanced with comfort and practicality. “They didn’t want to worry about youngsters careening through the rooms, and I liked that,” says Skip Sroka, principal owner of Sroka Design Inc. in Bethesda, Maryland. “Too many people focus on preserving a room instead of actually enjoying it.” Sroka Design’s first challenge was complementing the neighborhood’s architecture, which dated from the 1920s and 30s.“We were very fortunate to work with architect Glenn Fong, who designed a stone-and-stucco façade that fit beautifully with the other homes,” Sroka adds.
But everything changes once you pass through the front door. “The clients wanted some spicy colors in the décor—reds and oranges—but none of the colors we used are overpowering,” Sroka says. “We believe that good design requires balance among colors, textures and lighting.” In the dining room, triple pocket doors with etched glass inserts provide privacy and easy access to other rooms. A coral accent wall is echoed in the microsuede upholstery; floor-to-ceiling windows admit abundant sunlight, and a randomlyset tiled floor promotes informality. The first floor master bedroom exudes spaciousness. A softly reflective silver-leaf ceiling and silver accents in the room’s furnishings enhance the effect. The subdued palette is warmed by pops of orange in a Murano glass lamp and a pair of throw pillows.
“It’s a lovely home that was designed to be durable. It’s well-used—children and grandchildren visit frequently, and the owners host many parties and other events. Nothing in the home is off-limits to anyone.” “Light and warmth are two features that run through the home. It’s evident as you approach the front door. The stucco and stone finishes are light limestone, and inside we used many understated colors to catch and reflect light. Swatches of red and orange add warmth, but are not overpowering. Frosted glass panels create physical separations of spaces without visual heaviness.” “The living room is actually a substantial space—ceilings are 10-feet high, and the fireplace is 7-feet wide—but the warm colors and casual arrangement of the chairs, table and other furnishings create a sense of intimacy in a room that could easily appear oversized.”
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Comfy master suite Soothing luminous shades are punctuated with persimmon in this updated master bedroom. Playful patterns enliven the office (below) with a rug designed by Sroka Design.
The abstract painting above the fireplace disguises a high-definition television. “We all watch TV,” Sroka says, “but it can interfere with conversation. That’s why we downplayed its presence. The painting actually rolls up, much like a window shade, when the TV is turned on.” The seating area is anchored by a custom-designed wool rug, a custom mahogany coffee table and leather ottomans. “The upholstery fabric is lightcommercial,” he says. “It has a nice hand and will stand up to rigorous use.”
The geometrically shaped Lewis Mittman ottoman is sculptural, and the headboard, “almost tucks you in,” says Sroka. “The king-size bed doesn’t overpower the room because of the headboard’s cozy shape.” The first-floor master bathroom features heated mosaic marble flooring, a large walk-in shower, two separate water closets and a large bathtub. “You always want to have the most pleasant, most functional bathroom possible,” Sroka says, “because it’s the first thing you see in the morning, and the last thing you see at night.” One side of the room features a symmetrical cabinet flanked by a pair of large oval mirrors. “[The client] wanted to have a large make-up mirror,”
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Sroka explains, “so we added a second mirror and a set of sconces to balance it.” Because the room looks out onto a street, a mirrored lambrequin around the window conceals a window treatment that offers privacy. The furniture’s upholstery is fabric suited for indoor or outdoor use. Sit on it while wet from the shower, and you’ll do it no harm. A grand living room adjoins the dining area. “It’s a warm room,” Sroka says, “and almost gives you a hug when you walk into it.” It’s a room of ovals, a recurring motif in the home, found in the mantle and glass screen of the gas fireplace, and in the arches of the windows as well.
The custom Bethesda home reflects Sroka Design’s philosophy. “We’re all about making people comfortable in their homes,” the owner says. “We spend a lot of time creating designs that look effortless. You can’t see the process of choosing lights, tiles, fabrics and other elements, but you can see that everything comes out right the first time.”
a message from J Allen Smith Design/Build J Allen Smith Design/Build congratulates Sroka Design on the recognition they have received for their excellent work. It has been our pleasure to collaborate with Sroka Design on several projects, from small cosmetic transformations to whole house renovations. We at J Allen Smith Design/Build wish continued success for Skip and his team and look forward to our ongoing relationship well into the future.
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Remodel
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architect
Foster Dale Architects Melding Innovative Solutions with Sustainability in Chicago Renovations by Kaleena Thompson
photo: ANTHONY MAY
“We love to design renovations as much as we love to design new construction,” says architect Foster Dale. His firm, Foster Dale Architects, is widely known for its expert renovations throughout Chicago. Foster Dale Architects works throughout The Windy City and along the North Shore, and their portfolio includes renovation, addition projects and new custom homes. Foster Dale’s success with historical renovation projects has earned him and his team a highly sought-after reputation. “Our success with renovation projects has resulted in clients seeking us out for remodeling projects,” says Dale. “I always joke that I am a modernist who loves to renovate old buildings. We seem to have a knack for finding
the character of a building and working with, rather than against, that character.” His team considers a building’s historical aspects, and the people who will be using the space, to create homes that flow well and have an abundance of light. “We say that our job is to listen well and to craft designs that exceed the expectations of our clients,” Dale explains. “This means that we need to be truly engaged...offer creative design options that meet the client’s needs, but also have a poetic, architectural sensibility.”
Highland Park Residence Foster Dale Architects renovated a 10,975-square-foot landmark house in Highland Park, built on the bluff overlooking Lake Michigan. The reconfigured interior creates a more cohesive relationship between the rooms, linking the new kitchen to the family room, and allowing for an amazing view of the lake. By making the existing woodpaneled den a little smaller, Foster Dale Architects was able to create a larger kitchen. Dale turned the old roof into a roof deck that is accessed from the master bedroom. Other redesigns include the master bedroom suite and the addition of the new study on the second floor. There is a stone terrace that is ideal for large gatherings and leads to a path down to the bluff.
The firm’s approach to renovation projects begins with a conversation between the client, the building
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SOCIAL SPOT The rear yard of this former threeflat in Chicago is bordered by a steel stair that winds over the garden, reaching the brick garage’s roof deck.
“The existing building has a voice, and we work hard to understand what the building tells us.” Foster Dale, FOUNDER
Employing innovative systems and sustainable materials are a way a life at Foster Dale Architects. “We are serious about integrating sustainable design approaches because we care deeply about making our projects help––rather than hurt––the world that our children and the children of our children will be living in.”
Providing superior construction and remodeling services in the Northwestern Chicago area since 1996.
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The firm has applied its sustainable design philosophy to a variety of projects. Recently, Foster Dale Architects renovated a Chicago three-flat into a bachelor pad with all of the key ingredients of modernity and sustainability. The building, located near Wrigley Field, originally had a common entrance that gave way to three identical apartments. This provided Dale and his team with an opportunity to redesign new layouts on each floor. In addition to the extensive renovation, Dale says the client was very specific in his requirements. The client wanted a new, elegant and open house that retained its vintage charm, and allowed for entertainment spaces and privacy.
“Originally, this building had a wood-frame porch across the back, and we came up with a novel way to use a steel frame stair and turn it 90-degrees to run alongside the property and against a new brick garden wall,” Dale explains. As a result, the steel stairs connect the house to the backyard garden and a roof deck above the new garage. “In Chicago, we make the most of our outdoor spaces because summer is so brief and we need to soak in the warmth to get us through the cold winters.” As for the design elements of the 4,272-squarefoot home, Foster Dale Architects retained the limestone façade and incorporated a much more contemporary window design, capturing a modern sensibility. “The urban garden and courtyard becomes a visual backdrop for many of the rooms in the house,” Dale adds. Like their other renovations and new construction projects, Foster Dale Architects’ homes are built to a high level of sophistication and innovation. “I love the creative process and the emotional charge that I get when a design that we’ve worked on gets built and the client is really happy with the results,” Dale beams. “Their excitement is contagious, and there is great satisfaction in that for us.”
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photo: ANTHONY MAY
and the firm. “The existing building has a voice, and we work hard to understand what the building tells us,” says Dale.
Remodel
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designer
Swim Step The “window” on the landing is the 1,500-gallon saltwater aquarium. The windows below the staircase separate the living room from the indoor lap pool and hot tub. The mezzanine, accessed by the stairs at right, functions as a TV and family conversation area, complete with a wetbar and an undercounter refrigerator.
Tim Mathais Designs, LLC Chicago designer brings a subtle touch to historic properties by Chris Terry Tim Mathias’s design career began in a strange way. In the early 1980s, he was using his computer science and business degrees to work for one of the fastest-growing computer retail chains in the United States. He was driving around South Bend, Indiana when opportunity struck.
photo: Vis-Home, Inc.
“I came across this big huge home that was going to be torn down for a hospital extension.You could buy it for a dollar, but you had to move it. That was my first real estate project,” says Mathias. The home was an 8,000-square-foot Victorian that Mathias, working with a local historic group, got certified for historic rehab by the Department of the Interior. Mathias plunked down his dollar, jacked up the house and moved it a mile away. It was the largest house move in Indiana at the time. Mathias allowed local designers to each reimagine a room in the mansion as a fundraiser for the symphony. Since then, he has owned a nightclub, a small
hotel and a restaurant. His design career was evolving the entire time. “In all of those things, there was a design element that I enjoyed doing,” says Mathias. “All along the way, I was buying real estate. Usually, the things I bought were things that should have been torn down. I found myself attracted to the projects that needed tons of work.” Over the years, Mathias has moved three different threatened historical houses, confronting the challenges of bringing these homes into the 21st century. “I generally try to keep the amount of changes in terms of the space plan to a minimum,” says Mathias. “Usually in older historic properties, the bedrooms are very small and there aren’t any closets. I find myself taking two or three smaller bedrooms and reconfiguring them for a master suite.” Mathias employs a subtle method, with the goal of making the home look unchanged, even though it
has been brought to the cutting edge of comfort. While the historic properties that Mathias specializes in all have their quirks, he says that the most unusual place that he has worked on is in Chicago’s classic Lincoln Park neighborhood. The residence, an 11,000-square-foot house, was once owned by R&B legend R. Kelly. Built in the late 1800s, the building was originally a church, and later a warehouse space for a nearby hospital. In the 1980s, a commodities broker bought it, put a lot of money into making it a single-family home with an indoor pool, basketball court and gigantic saltwater aquarium, then sold it to R. Kelly. Three owners later, the house had been foreclosed on, and the space was in terrible shape. The floors were warped, a ceiling had collapsed, and there was water damage and mold everywhere. Enter Tim Mathias. The design directive was based around the new owner’s love of mid-century furniture pieces, like Eames and Platner. “It’s a balancing act, working with what’s already there, which lends itself to that style, and keeping in mind the pieces she wanted to use,” says Mathias. The original floor was quarter-sawn oak. For consistency, Mathias ordered more of that wood to replace the plywood and carpet found on the
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Marble • Travertine • Terra Cotta Granite • Pebbles • Stone • Glass P: 773.961.8280 4124 W. Peterson Ave., Chicago, IL 60646
stairs and mezzanine. The home is layered on multiple levels that were only accessible by stairs. “In order to kick it up a notch, we wanted to put a nice, big deck on the roof, but by the time you schlepped up the stairs to the deck, it was too much,” says Mathias.
closet. And the house’s old parking pad? It’s now a fenced-in kitchen garden with new windows and doors providing access, more light, and a sense of privacy that lets owners go outside without going all the way to the roof.
So, he pierced the roof to put in an elevator that makes four stops before reaching the new tigerwood deck. Mathias replaced the smaller, old, AstroTurf deck with a multiple-level space with a fireplace, outdoor kitchen and bar. Mathias is always making the most of the space that he is given to work with. The home didn’t have a garage, but inspiration struck when Mathias saw the basketball court.
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“We cut that space in half horizontally, so we had two 10-foot-ceiling rooms,” he says. The lower level was divided into a two-car garage and a workout room, which kept the original basketball floor. The upper level was kept open and converted into a new master suite with sitting room, bedroom, a his-and-hers-bathroom and a walk-in
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photo: Vis-Home, Inc.
skylit corridor The main staircase travels from the upper level to the main floor, with guest rooms located to the right. The skylights have automated solar shades that can be closed during the day as needed.
MODEL HOME
designers explore creative possibilities with their own homes
TITLE A two-bedroom, twobath apartment above the garage and workshop, which are housed in the building adjacent to the main house.
Mastiff Development ROn AMASS, Owner of mastiff Development, uses bold concepts in his own home to lead clients by example
photos: Brent Bingham Photography
by Tricia Despres As the owner of Mastiff Development, Ron Amass has spent the past 20 years building homes in the traditional mountain style popular with Colorado residents.Yet, when the time came to build his own home, Amass turned his attention away from the traditional, and he and his wife set their sights on a more contemporary style, taking inspiration from the bygone mining history of the Telluride area. “This place doesn’t resonate with everyone, and I admit that it definitely pushes the contemporary limits,” concedes Amass, whose company specializes in custom homes, remodels and additions. “It was an experiment that I loved.” Ron and his wife, Amy Miller, had seen the piece of land on which their home would be built many
times before, and confess that it wasn’t love at first sight due to various land ordinances and the inability to cut down any trees to create a better view. But six years later, Amass took another look at the property and decided it might actually be the perfect setting for his home and his family. “I hand selected every single board that went on the house,” says Amass. The home is sided with reclaimed lumber from the backwoods of Austria, and highlights the property’s true uniqueness. He and his wife made every aesthetic choice together, from the art that would adorn their new home, to the type of tiles they would use. “We loved all the colors and textures that we had to pick from, but not everyone could understand what we were trying to accomplish. I remember
Statement-making Elements Ron Amass and Amy Miller’s custom home is filled with a number of distinct characteristics that set it apart from other homes built in the same area of Colorado, in a more traditional mountain style. The entryway makes an impression right from the start, welcoming friends and family under a remarkable turret reminiscent of a mine shaft, and upon a glass floor that hints at the wine room below. The scenic mountain landscape served as inspiration when the couple first designed their home; customized floor plans and strategically placed windows allow stunning views to become an ever-present feature. The home’s fivecar-garage is built in a diagonal pattern to best reflect the countryside in which it is situated.
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model home
“It was an experiment that I loved.” Ron Amass, President one of the craftsmen asking, ‘Why would you put old garbage on a brand new house?’ I told him, ‘You have to have a vision.’ When the project was complete, he finally understood the vision I’d had all along.”
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One of the most unique features of the project is the breathtaking blue-green glass floor at the entry of the home. “I saw a picture years ago of a house that had a glass floor in the office that looked down to the cars in the garage,” says Amass, who
often invites prospective clients to his home to experience his building style firsthand. “We knew from the beginning that we wanted some sort of entry tower resembling a mine shaft. Since the space below the entry would be the home’s wine
luxuryhomequarterly.com
photos: Brent Bingham Photography
RECLAIMED, REIMAGINED The home’s exterior is comprised of mixeduse materials including corten siding, copper gutters, stone and reclaimed 100-year-old Austrian barn wood. The deck (below) extends the indoor dining space and offers panoramic views of the hills and forest beyond.
KEEP IT GLASSY Master bathroom tub (above) custom made by Diamond Spas (diamondspas.com). Glass bridge at entry, as seen from below (opposite page) and glass countertop (right) created by Walter Gordinier, (waltergordinier.com).
room, we started wondering if a piece of clear glass would work.” Amy quickly consulted renowned Portland glass artist Walter Gordinier, who encouraged them to, “create something even more special,” with a piece of glass floor art. However, the creation of the bluegreen glass was an extremely long and tedious process. “Each piece of glass had to stay in the kiln for at least 21 days, so it literally took months. There was a point when the kiln broke down, and one of the pieces broke while it was being unloaded from the truck. We lived with a plywood floor for a long time, and we began to have our doubts that it was ever going to happen. We had almost lost sight of what it was going to look like.” Still, after 14 months, the project was finally complete. And now, three years later, Amass looks back fondly on the project, but wonders what lies ahead. “This home was built during an entirely different
economy. At 9,000 square feet, this was [a] big one. I find myself thinking about the next [project], and how I would love to do something super efficient, more in the 3,500-square-foot range.” No matter the size of the home, Amass says it’s the people inside that truly matter. “The best sound of my day is my daughter’s voice yelling out, ‘Daddy’s home!’ when I walk in the door. That’s what it’s all about.”
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designers
Creative minds in interiors, landscapes and furnishings
CHICAGO
designer
The dining room with its upholstered walls is a womb like space thatinvites gathering. The clean Christian Liagre table and chairs along with the Kevin Riley light fixture give the room a clean streamlined effect.
Stephanie Wohlner Design A Chicago Interior Designer Breathes New Life Into a Brownstone with an Elegant Color Palette and Vibrant Finishes by Kaleena Thompson Many young girls admire their mother’s pearls, red lipstick and high-heeled shoes, and Chicagobased interior designer Stephanie Wohlner was no exception. Be it gardening, cooking or staging a dinner party, Wohlner sought to emulate her mother’s polished ways, the beautiful results of her attention to the smallest details. “My mother contributed most to my direction in life,” Wohlner reveals. “Everything she did, she did with grace.” Although she first pursued a degree in special education, at 30 years of age Wohlner enrolled at Harrington College of Design in Chicago and has since blossomed into a highly acclaimed interior
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designer. Her firm, Stephanie Wohlner Design, is considered a treasure among clients seeking luxury interiors in Chicago and throughout the United States. Wohlner has built a portfolio that showcases an artful mix of time periods and textures. “I think the mix makes things interesting. I love the yin and yang.” The results are classic and contemporary interiors that are stylish, yet still warm and inviting.
CITY GRACE The master bedroom (above) with its antique rug is a mix of masculine and feminine. Headboard in leather by Christian Liaigre (christian-liaigre.fr) is juxtaposed with mirrored bedside tables by John Himmel (johnhimmel. com) and Venetian glass lamps by Donghia (donghia.com). The tweed chairs, reminiscent of men’s suiting, add a twist to the mix. A long rug by Matt Camron Rugs & Tapestries canvasses the room (mattcamron.com). The classic white kitchen (above right) features pot racks by Ann-Morris Antiques (annmorrisantiques.1stdibs.com), as well as leather barstools from A. Rudin (adrudin.com). The exterior (right) is statuesque and strong. It gives the feeling of a safe haven in a busy city.
No matter how diverse the projects are, Wohlner is sure to incorporate a few signature design elements;
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“The needs of the family and their lifestyle requirements help me to create beautiful and balanced living spaces.” stephanie wohlner, oWNER the mixture of vintage and contemporary styles are both bold and elegantly understated textiles and bamboo accents. “Bamboo adds depth and brings the floor up visually,” Wohlner explains. Combining design with functionality, Wohlner juxtaposes seemingly disparate objects to create interest through contrast. She explains that her expertise for commingling textures stems from a love of nature and natural materials. “My garden boasts vibrant colors that work together naturally.” Wohlner adds, “My travels to Europe influence my designs in a fresh way. I am always inspired by the contrasts and differences.” Yet the designer’s greatest source of inspiration is her clients. “The needs of the family and their lifestyle requirements help me to create beautiful and balanced living spaces.” When beginning a design project for the 7,000-square-foot, three-story house in Chicago, Wohlner studied her clients: a young couple with two children. “They looked like they walked out of a fashion magazine,” she gushes. “They wanted a place that was kid-friendly, but still a reflection of their personal style.”
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A custom drapery workroom for the interior design community since 1989.
MULTI-FUNCTIONAL LIVING The living room is a glamorous retreat used for entertaining and family leisure. Console table by Rose Tarlow (rosetarlow. com), chairs by Baker Furniture (kohlerinteriors.com).
She envisioned a design that complemented the French features of the house with an upscale, glamorous-meets-edgy motif. Throughout the house, Wohlner used neutral upholstery as a backdrop for vibrant finishes and accessories. “I’m a simple drapery type of person,” she admits. “I pull color from the pillows and accessories.” The family room is resplendent in sheer neutral tones, a wide-plank oak floor and a sisal rug. Finishes were chosen to balance with the stone found in the interior architectural details. A long, curvy walnut table echoes the floors and increases visual interest. Wohlner strongly advocates for choosing eye-catching touches that stand out when one enters a room.
Barbara Vincent, Principal
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Adjoining the family room is the classic, white kitchen with a built-in hutch that adds a country feel to the more contemporary space. A center island is topped with end-grain walnut with intricate dark squares, intended to boost the room’s texture palette. On the third floor, a master bedroom reflects a mix of feminine and masculine glamour, with a gray and navy color palette and a crystal chande-
lier. “I wanted it to feel like the homeowners were in a gorgeous hotel,” Wohlner says. She found an antique rug, which became the anchoring point for the entire bedroom’s design. “I love antique rugs because they have soul and life in them.You can’t duplicate them.” Wohlner also bracketed the bed with two petite, mirrored side tables and Venetian lamps. Wohlner prides herself on a finished, cohesive look; a reflection of her love of the process and the ability to translate her clients’ ideas into timeless designs that reflect their personality and style. a message from Dezign Sewing Dezign Sewing is a drapery workroom that has served the interior design community since 1989. We enjoy participating in the creative process of turning drawings, pictures and ideas into reality. Over the years, Dezign Sewing has gained the expertise to complete projects that are beautiful and achieve the design objective. Attention to detail and our ability to work closely with our clients ensures a successful and enjoyable relationship that translates into exceptional interior design.
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designers
LAVISH LAYERS The powder room (above) features a luxurious silk damask wallcovering, paired with a marquetry chest retrofitted as an elegant vanity. Hand–painted Gracie wall panels (graciestudio.com) adorn the dining room (left), featuring pastel flowering trees and colorful birds. Lalique crystal swans (cristallalique.fr) atop the circular table add to the understated elegance of the room.
Susan Lachance Interior Design ORNATE DETAILS ABOUND IN A TRADITIONAL HOME FOR EMPTY NESTERS
photos: robert brantley photography
by Kaleena Thompson Growing up in England among magnificent palaces and glorious cathedrals is bound to affect a young girl. Such an upbringing gave interior designer Susan Lachance a profound love for vaulted ceilings, crystal sconces and chandeliers. “My appreciation for architecture and design has definitely been due to my early exposure to design and construction,” says Lachance, owner of Susan Lachance Interior Design, based in Boca Raton, Florida. “Working with my father as a girl helped me understand how things are built. So why not
take that knowledge and make something with my signature on it?” During her 35-year career, Lachance has created quite a signature with her traditional, metropolitan and contemporary residential designs. She claims Fortune 500 designer status and has had her work featured on the covers of several magazines. Lachance’s main focus is channeling the client’s lifestyle and personality. For a designer, that personal relationship can make for a more harmonious and engaging interior. “Getting to know my client
comes first,” says Lachance. “Learning what their lifestyle is and trying to get them to verbalize their dreams is key.” When a retired Manhattan couple bought a vacation home in South Florida, they wanted to bring their posh New York City lifestyle with them. Lachance gave the 6,000-square-foot empty nest a traditional feel that complemented the Mediterranean-inspired architecture and created an elegant appearance by introducing luxurious fabrics such as silk, velvet, and damask in beige and gold tones. Serving as a harbinger of what’s to come, the foyer is remarkably unique. “The walls are Venetian plaster, and we applied silver leaf to the ceiling,” notes Lachance, who has a reputation for meticulous detailing. “The stained glass on the front door has a champagne color, which helps add sparkle to the foyer.” She scoured antique shops for finds such as the tall standing vases and settee, which she reupholstered in silk damask.
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European Elements European elements in the foyer (right) set the tone for the traditional home, featuring an antique French settee below a tea leaf inlayed tray ceiling and dramatic Italian-inspired oil painting. The bedroom (above) features a hand-painted ceiling in 18th-century European-style ornamental composition, with 3-D trompe l’oeil effects marrying the period pieces of furniture reflected in the antiqued beveled bedside paneled mirrors.
In the dining room, Lachance kept the feeling elegant and simple with hand-painted grace paper wall coverings. “The idea was to resemble Manhattan, so we contrasted the living room with rich dark cabinetry accents.”
ENTERTAINING IN STYLE The custom, curved walnut bar is accentuated with a backlit ivory onyx countertop.
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She continued the design aesthetic in the library and study. An intricate hand-painted grasscloth wall covering serves as a graceful Asian backdrop for the soaring ceilings, dark wood cabinetry and earth-toned Oriental rug. Every element throughout the home is carefully considered. For example, the first-floor powder room features a Venetian mirror with walls upholstered in silk damask fabric. Recycled from the
couple’s previous home, Lachance transformed their dresser into a powder room vanity. “I replaced the top with onyx,” the designer reveals, breathing new life into an existing piece. Another design standout is the master suite. Nestled on the first floor, the designer expanded the European influence with a gold and soft blue color scheme. “My inspiration was that the room needed a ‘wow’ factor,” she notes. Lachance says the hand-painted ceiling was inspired by an Aubusson area rug, which serves as the focal point and medallion for the antique chandelier to hang from. “At first, the homeowners had raised eyebrows, but once my vision was complete, they were in awe of the masterpiece and how it enhanced the room by drawing one’s eye to the ceiling.” “I like to find ways to create new and refreshing designs by sometimes clashing the use of materials and colors, creating the unexpected,” Lachance says. “The best compliment to me is for someone to say, ‘I never would have thought of doing what sounded so bizarre, but looks so great!’”
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photos: robert brantley photography
She sought classic furniture scaled to counter the living room’s round coffered ceiling. The room also boasts Saturnia flooring, embroidered cream silk draperies, paired red velvet ottomans and a chenille sofa. Next to the dining room, Lachance carved a peninsula for the towering dark wood and onyx wet bar, perfect for entertaining.
designers
CHICAGO
designer
loves shocking hues, and the only color she hates is brown. “Who wants to look like everybody else?” she asks. “That’s no fun!”
Eclectic and Electric Anne Coyle is always mixing it up. “My style is a more modern Knoll chair with a very old dining table. It’s a crystal chandelier over a picnic table. I think it’s the relationship between the pieces that really makes a room vibrate.”
Anne Coyle This decorator’s color-focused interiors feature rare, reclaimed objects and finely-tuned finishes by Saundra Marcel Anne Coyle found a second career as a decorator almost by accident. Without any experience and operating solely on instinct, she transformed her own 3,500-square-foot Chicago apartment into a colorful wonderland. What began as a personal project quickly became a new career, and she’s been doing it ever since. Coyle had been an advertising copywriter before beginning a second life in design. She hadn’t been to design school, had never run a business, had never even worked at a design firm. “I found my true love, and I had a great time doing it,” she says. “No one really knew I had this talent.” Even Coyle confesses that she was surprised by the extent of her own passion. Still, she knew almost instantly that inte-
rior design was her calling, and launched full-speed ahead into the trade, simultaneously opening a furniture retail store and interior design consultancy. “I had no idea what I was doing,” admits Coyle. “It was definitely one of those ‘jump off a cliff and figure out how to fly on the way down’ sort of situations.” Figure it out she did. After ten years, Coyle is still flying high. She’s been featured on interior design blogs and in a number of publications for her distinct style and intoxicating color combinations. “I like to do things untraditionally—a purple couch or a huge, highlighter-yellow TV cabinet. I don’t like to be bored. There always has to be an element of surprise and drama in any room.” Coyle loves pastels—particularly lavender—as much as she
Coyle possesses an eclectic taste for the unconventional, and hunts for object that fit this description in local antique stores. “I know it when I see it, and I won’t stop until I find it,” says Coyle. She rarely selects new furniture, orders nothing from a catalogue and depends almost exclusively on her ability to find and refurbish old and unique pieces. “The trick is to find something that other people think is ordinary, see the beauty in it, and then either recover it, rewire it or repaint it.” She points to her own living room as an example, which is illuminated by palm trees, discovered on one such hunt and consequently brought back to life. In fact, Coyle also has a special affinity for lamps. “I think lamps are an opportunity to show some style,” she says. According to Coyle, it’s the infusion of color, unique lighting, and “a great sofa,” that are the hallmarks of a great space. Recently, Coyle has commissioned a number of her own furniture pieces and sells them on her company’s website (annecoyleinteriors.com). Her “candy coated” collection is particularly enchanting, and her brightly colored end tables, television cabinet, bookshelves and coffee tables are often incorporated into her rooms. “I have a secret weapon,” she reveals. The weapon is a lacquer-like shell which can be applied to almost any surface in almost any color. “It feels like a candy shell, like an M&M.” Despite her initial lack of experience, the road has been relatively smooth for Coyle. “The cliffjumping really paid off,” she says. “That would be my advice to anyone: If you really love something, you’re probably good at it.” The decorator promises that things get better each day for those who follow their passion. “Over time, the running of a business gets a lot easier, and you have more time to explore more ideas, and things you wouldn’t necessarily have thought of before.”
A MESSAGE FROM Jagoli Founded by Daniel Garcia, Jagoli is a full-service furniture manufacturing firm, complete with millwork, metal, and upholstery departments. Jagoli utilizes state of the art construction techniques and materials that are specially selected for outstanding structural integrity and visual character to enhance their products. In addition to creating its own product, the firm fabricates for design and architect firms to their specifications nationwide and also offers expert interior design services.
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Expressive Interiors Chicago’s Marietta Calas designs homes with character and style
TRANSFORMING CLASSICALLY
by Eugenia M. Orr
INSPIRED WORKS INTO DISTINCTLY THREE GENERATIONS.
ADEX AWARD FOR JAGOLI 15-LC
JAGOLI DESIGN + FABRICATION 2600 W. 35TH. ST., STE. 300 CHICAGO, IL 60632 P: 773-523-8230 / 773-972-2523 F: 773-523-8247 WWW.JAGOLI.COM 56
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For Marietta Calas of Expressive Interiors, blending elegance and comfort is a key component of her successful interior style. She has built an impressive reputation as a luxury interior designer and has spent more than fifteen years creating designs that express her clients’ personalities and lifestyles. From 2006 to 2010, Calas was recognized as one of Chicago’s Top Ten Designers by the Chicago Design Team, and in 2009 was awarded Best in Design from the International Furnishings and Design Association. In addition, her work has been featured in Chicago Luxury Home and Condo, Trends and CS Interiors. After ten years in the corporate world, Calas chose to follow her true passion and study interior design. She soon began working with a prominent luxury homebuilder, making selections for cabinetry, flooring, fixtures and finishes for spec homes.
“The partnership was a wonderful fit,” says Calas. “I gained firsthand knowledge about the planning and blueprint stages of home building, as well as the experience of working with architects and builders. That has been invaluable to my business.” It also refined Calas’ focus on ideal room layout, allowing her to maximize and accentuate each room’s architectural detailing. “Residential design allows for so much expression of mood, taste and personality,” Calas says. It is standard for Calas to include clients’ existing pieces, which, she says, provide the space with personality and individual meaning. “The key is to incorporate the item into the room so it works with the intention of the design,” she says. While her favorite design projects include family and living areas, she also has a special a penchant
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PhotoS: norman sizemore
MODERN PIECES FOR OVER
designers
Custom Beauty Every home is unique, and Marietta Calas of Expressive Interiors knows how to make the most of a room’s features. Custom-designed stained glass adds a measure of privacy while still maintaining beauty. Ordinary walls become extraordinary by incorporating stunning faux finishes and one-ofa-kind murals. Custom cabinetry maximizes functionality and storage, and window treatments and floor coverings create a warm and luxurious atmosphere.
for designing children’s rooms. “There are so many ways to be creative with themes in decorating children’s rooms; it is a lot of fun to let your imagination go,” Calas says. She recently produced a Harry Potter-themed children’s room in a Barrington showcase home that was featured in Draperies &Window Coverings magazine and the Home & Garden section of the Daily Herald. Highlighting this medieval room with function and style is a custom “castle” wall unit, which Calas designed with the bed doubling as the drawbridge. Calas’ breadth of services includes designing for new homes; renovations and additions; kitchens and baths; custom wall murals and faux finishes; one-of-a-kind window treatments; floor coverings and beautiful stained glass windows. It’s not uncommon for Calas to add a personal touch by designing a wall unit or occasional piece to complete a space. Calas has built a successful busi-
ness that continues to grow, due in large part to client referrals. She has built relationships with skilled tradesmen, builders and architects, allowing her to provide consistent service to her clients. “My business has become successful because I take such pride in what I do, and maintain my priority of superior customer service,” Calas explains. When asked what her legacy to the design field would be, Calas replied, “I love to create memorable rooms that are elegant, comfortable and welcoming. I’d like to be remembered for my originality, creativity and ability to combine all
of these features together in a room that fits my client’s personality.” Calas does not foresee her passion for interior design waning. She plans to continue working on high-end residential projects, creating designs that are recognizable in their uniqueness and quality and made complete by her exceptional attention to client needs. Whether your preference is contemporary, traditional, transitional or NeoClassical, her spaces have an expression all their own. Interior spaces find their inner voice with Expressive Interiors by Marietta Calas.
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Deborah Wecselman Design Miami-based designer marries contemporary with vintage in this waterfront home by Tricia Despres Located on the lush grounds of Florida’s Williams Island, a successful couple was looking for a contemporary, yet classic retreat for their growing family. Finding a designer that best understood their tastes and design desires was of utmost importance. “They came to me and immediately we made plans for whirlwind shopping trips to both New York and South America,” explains Deborah Wecselman, the award-winning designer and owner of Deborah Wecselman Design in Miami, Florida. “Whenever you spend 24 hours a day with a client, they seem to let their guard down, and you begin
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to not only understand who they are but how they feel about certain things.” At 7,500 square feet, the residence is flanked on both sides by water, an element that inspired many of the home’s comfortable, unforgettable design features. “They were looking for a Zen feeling within the home, so the choice to use soothing colors such as pale blue, taupe and grays seemed to work seamlessly,” says Wecselman, who opened her design firm in 2000, and provides both interior design and architecture services. “We also chose to use an amaz-
DECADENT DRESSING The majestic canopy fabric is by Clarence House (clarencehouse.com), as is the headboard fabric. Stately table lamps are by Ralph Lauren (ralphlauren. com). Elegant bedding is from Carlotta’s Fine Linens in Florida, and the understated nightstands are custom DWD (dwdinc.com).
ing limestone flooring both in and out of the home, changing only the finish, which then created a rather gentle but important impact.” The calming color scheme is best demonstrated within the luxurious living room, where the pale walls are complemented by teal and orange accents and vintage pieces. “This room’s inspirations were undoubtedly the built-in mirror that seems to reflect everything within the room, especially the material of the flooring,” says Wecselman. “The room also comes together via a number of rather minute details, such as the vintage lamps or the custom bronze pegs on the sofa.”
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www.orangecountywoodworks.com
Vintage Mix Vintage pieces were used throughout the home, especially in the living room, dining room and master bedroom. From the Tommi Parzinger cabinets (palumbogallery.com) to the vintage armchairs, these pieces create a sense of eclecticism. Decorative lighting came from Argentina and New York, and helped to create a focal point in each space. Marsh Industries’ (marsh-ind.com) custom draperies add warmth and enhance drama.
With a love of combining vintage with contemporary, Wecselman says she especially loved the inclusion of a number of French chairs from the ‘40s and ‘50s. “I find myself often more excited than my clients when I come across a vintage piece that I know is going to work remarkably well within the space,” she says. “I was in Los Angeles once and came across this Paul Evans piece that I had to have.... I knew it was a piece I would never be able to recreate or find ever again.” The dining room of the home connects directly to the kitchen and was inspired by the rich tone and color of the carpet paired with chandeliers that Wecselman had fallen in love with during a buying trip. “This is by far one of the most sophisticated rooms within the entire house,” says Wecselman. “The 12foot ceilings paired with an amazing art collection displayed on the walls of the room was breathtaking. It did take a little convincing when it came to the
Serving Southern California, we provide premium custom cabinetry and architectural millwork uniquely tailored to our customers needs, offering a blend of old world craftsmanship with modern conveniences.
wall coverings though, since my vision was to use the shiny tea rose foil paper. I think it worked perfectly. And to finish it off, the water fountain right outside the dining room window seemed to give the space the soothing feeling we were going for.” While the couple’s teenage daughter is now off at college, her bedroom remains one of the home’s design jewels. The room’s fabric canopy headboard created a soft and sophisticated feel, while still playful for the teen. Custom curtain rods, drapery and a nightstand custom built in Argentina complete the look of the room. While Wecselman’s reputation as an impeccable designer continues to spread, she admits that she fears becoming too big too quickly. “It is very easy to get big and then lose control,” she says. “I tend to be a real micro-manager when it comes to my business. Right now we are a small firm, which is the only way I believe I can truly be the most available to every one of my clients and be at my best for every single project.”
ORANGE COUNTY WOODWORKS, INC. 605 E. Alton Ave., Ste. E Santa Ana, California Phone (714) 540-9663 | Fax (714) 540-9664
STYLISH STORAGE An existing butler’s pantry was transformed to add additional storage and ambiance. One wall contains a sink and storage for barware while the other has refrigerator drawers and pantry storage.
Kitchens By Design Known for its award-winning kitchens, this Indianapolis-based interior design firm considers itself a diverse lifestyle studio
Lee Supply’s Kitchen & Bath Showroom 415 W. Carmel Dr. Carmel, IN 46032 Ph: 317.844.4434
It seems fitting that a company located in a state whose motto is “The Crossroads of America” should have clients on both coasts, as well as in neighboring states and even in the Caribbean. “Most of our clients are in the Indianapolis area,” says Kristin Okeley-Balduino, ASID, CKD, principal of Indianapolis-based Kitchens By Design (KBD). “But in 2009, I started a business in New York City as well, so we do work here and there now. Then, we have a lot of clients who have relocated to different parts of the country. As a result, we’ve done work in California, Ohio, Illinois, Georgia and Missouri. We’re doing several jobs in Florida right now. We’ve also done a project in the Cayman Islands. We’ll pretty much go anywhere.”
ity interior design. According to Okeley-Balduino, the company has remodeled a country club—even winning a national award for the project—and a 110-foot luxury yacht. “We really have opportunities to do some different things,” she says.
The interior design firm’s approach to its projects is equally flexible. While most of its business is residential, it is no stranger to commercial and hospital-
What KBD does not consider itself to be, however, is an interior design firm that caters exclusively to high-end clients. “That’s really not the
Still, Okeley-Balduino reiterates that KBD’s focus primarily is on residential interiors, specifically kitchens. “We have a wonderful showroom full of great accessories and gift ideas, and an extensive library of materials,” she says. “So, we accessorize people’s homes and do a lot of decorating, interior design and space planning, in addition to our breadand-butter cabinetry design. We do everything and anything. We consider ourselves a lifestyle studio.”
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Photos: Anthony Valanis
by Romy Schafer
designers
Recipe for Success Kitchens By Design had already executed several projects for one of its affluent clients— a lake house and most of their Indianapolis home—so when these homeowners were faced with a “horrendous” kitchen they turned to principal Kristin Okeley-Balduino, who salvaged the space, revealing a new kitchen, butler’s pantry, breakfast nook and hearth room. The two islands (above) contain a variety of features including both prep and cleanup sinks, special drawer inserts. A soapstone inset in the granite tops is great for baking, while an end grain walnut butcher block top on a walnut pedestal add contrast to the neutrality of the cabinetry. An existing alcove (right) was used to create a built-in seating area with a custom table and padded fabric panels on the walls to soften the space.
case, although that is our reputation,” OkeleyBalduino says. “We’ve done $10,000 kitchens and $310,000 kitchens. I’m the owner of the company, and I’ll sell somebody a sink, if they need it. We don’t discriminate.”
ors, trim, detailing,” Okeley-Balduino says. “We selected and installed all the lighting, window treatments and furniture—everything. It really was a turn-key project. We’ve done the whole house that way.”
“I think our client is someone who has a reasonable budget given the scope of work and an appreciation for creativity, and is open to ideas and change.”
The homeowners were so delighted with the results that they opted not to sell the house and began entertaining at home again.
But KBD does have affluent clients, many of whom repeatedly seek out her company’s services. “We’ve gone room by room, over the past 10 years, and we’ve done every space,” says Okeley-Balduino about the home of one Indianapolis couple.
Another past project that garnered repeat business for KBD was a kitchen remodel. About two years ago, KBD interior designer Nancy Stanley redesigned and expanded the client’s kitchen, incorporating an unused dining room into the space and addressing a lack of wall area due to sliding glass doors installed by the homeowner.
Most recently, the homeowners hired KBD to update their kitchen, butler’s pantry, hearth room and breakfast nook. The eight-week-long project involved tearing up all old materials; removing bulkheads and walls; replacing all the materials and flooring; re-facing the hearth room’s fireplace; and other construction. “Demolishing the space was kind of an undertaking.” Okeley-Balduino says. Once the space was reinvented structurally, KBD redesigned the interior. “We specified and implemented the interior design—the wall col-
Additionally, Stanley was charged with creating a space that complemented the house’s simple architecture, yet also met the client’s request for a more contemporary look. The resulting product was a functional space that successfully combined both traditional and contemporary elements and offered the homeowner a place in which to entertain and relax. The client recently retained KBD to work on his new home. “One thing that makes us so successful is that we’ve learned how to over deliver on what we
tell people [we will do],” says Okeley-Balduino, but adds that the relationships her firm has forged throughout the years have also contributed to its success. “[Clients] allow us to do the $5 million or $10 million projects in Sanibel, [FL] or the Cayman Islands. You earn the trust of the people you’re working with, and you truly do develop friendships. As the years go by, it doesn’t even feel like work.”
a message from Santarossa Mosaic & Tile Santarossa is the premier supplier and fabricator of natural stone for your home. Whether you desire natural stone and tile surfaces, handcrafted fireplaces or a one of a kind terrazzo vanity and vessel sink, Santarossa will exceed your expectations. Our firm has access to virtually every major domestic and foreign supplier of ceramic, stone, and terrazzo in the world bringing it home to you. Santarossa is a great resource for homeowners and their designers, to help make your home a “work of art.”
a message from Lee supply Lee Supply was founded in 1949 as a specialty plumbing supply house. Our showrooms feature luxury plumbing products, closet ware, cabinetry, counter tops, and accessories. The Carmel, IN showroom is located at 415 W Carmel Drive. Hours are: Monday-Friday 9-5, Tuesday 9-7, and Saturdays 9-1.
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Apogee Condominium
Renowned Architect and Designer, Lisa Roth, creates an unforgettable South Beach condo by Tricia Despres As entrepreneur Richard Gray looked for a Miami condominuium, he had a firm idea of incorporating his appreciation for the art deco style of the 1920s into his new home. When he came across a new construction development on the tip of South Beach in 2008, he knew he had found a coastal home that could easily be transformed by renowned architect, designer and Montgomery Roth owner, Lisa Roth. “I was first struck by the incredible and unobstructed views of the harbor,” explains Roth, who had worked with Gray previously on his home in Roxbury, Connecticut. “Every room has phenomenal views, with all bedrooms and living spaces open to
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a grand terrace covering three sides of the condo. Essentially, it is a glorified wraparound porch that made this condo exceptional. I knew the owner would utilize the large areas of outdoor entertainment space, and of course, the fishing boat he could house in the marina just below.” The Apogee condominium project started with an interior of 3,900 square feet of unfinished concrete floor space, with no architectural details or finishes. It would ultimately take two-and-a-half years to complete the project. “The homeowner trusted that the design team from the very beginning would make the appropriate
decisions for the condo, inspired by the overall design of the building,” explains Roth, who has been in business for 13 years with locations in both Houston and New Orleans. “Although the condo was unfinished at that point, we could easily see that the building style would perfectly complement with the contemporary, art deco feel our client was looking for. Fortunately, Miami had a number
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PHOTOS: Carlos Domenech
Montgomery Roth Architecture and Interior Design LLC
Walking into this Miami masterpiece in the sky, one can’t help notice the 1934 refurbished Steinway piano (steinway.com) sitting in the living room, silently inviting guests to sit down and play a few notes. From the marble in the entryway to the solid wood wenge floors, every element within the Apogee Condominium harkens back to the glory days with area rugs from Stark (starkcarpet.com), and various art deco accessories from Dallas-based Global Views (globalviews.com). Custom cabinetry and millwork by Cabinets and Beyond (cabinetsandbeyond.com). Artwork by Roberto Matta (mattaart.com). The general contractor for the project was John Brechel from JCB Construction Group, Inc. in Naples, Florida.
designers
SOUTH BEACH STYLE The entry foyer features exquisite leather custom wall panels by Spinneybeck Leather (spinneybeck.com). Bamboo slab marble graces the floor. Lighting is done by Leucos (leucos.com). The office has a refurbished art deco Loop Chair with leather seat by Garrett (garrettleather.com). Pendant chandelier is by Boyd (boydlighting.com), with custom Macassar veneer wood and leather desk by A. Rudin (arundin.com). Drapery fabric and trim are by Schumacher (fschumacher.com). Front terrace landscaping created by Foliage Design, and furniture by McKinnon & Harris (mckinnonharris.com). Porcelain tile floors by Cotto D’ Este (cottodeste.it) add dashing detail.
of fabulous re-sale stores including Vermillion and MADE Goods, who both specialize in mid century modern and art deco furnishings. Another great local resource was Raul Carrasco located in the Miami Design District, where we found beautiful Italian handmade glass pieces by Venini.” Roth and her team of 30 architecture and interior design professionals began the redesign of the Apogee condominium, relying heavily on exquisite lighting, custom furnishings and exotic wood veneers to create a masterpiece in the sky of Miami. “The complex design of the entry foyer leading guests into the home was by far one of the most unique spaces of the home, and also one of its most challenging,” explains Roth. “The custom laser-cut slab floors within the entryway were
completed by laying slabs of hard wood around the marble in a pattern that aligned all the surfaces, whether on the floors, walls or on the vaulted ceiling, collectively resembling an intricate jewel box.” Each piece of artwork was specifically chosen for the space by Roth and art consultant Isabella Garrucho of Isabella Garrucho Fine Art. “The collection is comprised of well selected paintings and sculptures representing the best of Modern Latin American Masters,” explains Garrucho. “The composition and period of each piece reflects the collector’s taste and passion for exceptional works of art. The collection also houses some American stars such as Donald Baechler’s notable black and white flowers, and the amazing iconic silver gelatin photographs from the 60s by British celebrity photographer Terry O’Neill. The collection was assembled with ease thanks to the tastefully muted
colors chosen by Roth, allowing the art and the design to integrate in perfect harmony.” a message from JCB Construction Group, Inc. JCB Construction Group serves both coasts of Florida with offices in Miami and Naples. JCB has taken both commercial and residential remodeling to a new level. 30 years of passionate commitment to remodeling in south Florida have honed the company’s capabilities to “perfection.” John Brechel, President of the company, demands the highest of standards from himself and his highly skilled staff. JCB never conducts “business as usual.” Every remodeling effort shows forth the art of innovation when JCB is at work. It’s understood that you, as a client, have your own unique needs and desires. And those are the bottom line.
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designer showcase
HAMPTON LUXURY The Hampton Townhome dining room features wall art by Fornasetti (fornasetti.com), an Allegreto Suspension Lamp (foscarini. com), Tashkent Ikat wallcovering (schumacher.com), a custom chair and cornice by Smith Boyd Interiors (smithboydinteriors. com), and vases by Ligne Roset (ligne-roset-usa.com). Custom mirrors by Carter House Gallery (carterhousegalleryandframing. com) don the walls of the living room (opposite page below). Wingback chairs by Belvedere (belvedere.com), Shagreen coffee tables (bungalowclassic.com), and the Disc chandelier (propertyfurniture.com), increase the drama factor. Custom window coverings were made by Smith Boyd Interiors.
Smith Boyd Interiors For Atlanta-based interior designer Michel Boyd, oneroom projects often happily turn into whole-home makeovers. “I love the idea of continuity in a house— one room transitioning into the next—to make it look like one point of view. I think consistency is really important in creating a serene environment.”
text by Romy Schafer photos by allen cooley
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DESIGNER’S SHOWPLACE Boyd’s living room showcases his knack for layers and texture. On the walls trim work and Fall Stripes by Bisazza mosaic tile (bisazza.com) add a punch of color. Sofa, Held gold side chairs and Ceasar accent table by Minotti (minotti.com). Auckland chairs (cassina.com), a Canopy chair (armourandco.com), and Smoke side chair (moooi.com) provide seating options. The d70 lightshade (moooi.com) ties the space together.
F
or most business owners, a referral is the highest compliment they can receive from a client. For Michel Boyd, owner of Smith Boyd Interiors, referrals are the mainstay of his up-and-coming, Atlanta-based design firm. “I’ve been referred from one client to the next, which is an amazing compliment to my business. I really appreciate that,” says the Louisiana native, who studied design at The Art Institute of Atlanta and cites New Orleans, New York City and Europe as some of his early design influences. Since launching Smith Boyd Interiors approximately six years ago, Boyd has executed residential and commercial projects for clients in Georgia, Louisiana, New York and Massachusetts’ affluent Martha’s Vineyard. His numerous commercial projects include doctor’s and dentist’s offices, a cosmetic surgery clinic, an upscale salon and most recently, a gourmet cupcake shop in Atlanta’s Vinings neighborhood.
“It’s called CamiCakes,” Boyd explains. “The owner and I met by chance, and I was given the opportunity to design the next Atlanta store,” which will serve as the prototype for future CamiCakes stores around the country. Given the caliber of Boyd’s commercial clients, it’s not surprising that his residential clients are equally discerning. “Most of my clients are professionals who work hard to hone their skills, so they understand and respect what my team does,” he says. Still, educating clients about his firm’s services is an essential part of Boyd’s job. “I think a lot of clients don’t realize how much of a luxury this service
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PLAYFUL AND PRACTICAL Colors pop with a sectional by Mitchell Gold Bob Williams (mgbw.com), and Numbers and Sounds I & II artwork by Leftbank Art (leftbankart.com).
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designer showcase
OPULENT REST In the bedroom a Hawthorne Bed by Henredon (henredon. com), mirrored side tables by Century Furniture (centuryfurniture.com), a mirror from Decor Professionals (decorprofessionals .com), and Nina Campbell Wall coverings by Osbourne & Little (osborneandlittle.com) create a glamourous sleeping environment.
A Townhouse Retreat This guest bedroom commission became an 18-month-long renovation of a four-story townhouse. “This client is incredibly opulent,” says Boyd. “She loves, loves, loves fashion. She really let me have fun with her space.” This meant installing a wall of custom mirrors and a metal chandelier inspired by the movie “Sex and the City” in the living room, embellishing a dining room wall with a Piero Fornasetti wallcovering (fornasetti.com) and decorative plates, pairing a blue velvet sectional with an orange accent chair and a black-andwhite zebra area rug in the entertainment room; and, of course, filling each space with lavish textures, fabrics and accents. “I enjoy luxury aesthetics and fabrics … layering textures and palettes that speak to luxury that is approachable and well-edited,” Boyd explains.
is,” he adds, noting that Smith Boyd Interiors is a full-service firm that offers interior, textile, furniture, product, event and luxury-lifestyle design. To create a space that fully meets a client’s expectations, it’s vital for a designer to learn about the person’s needs. “The most important part of being a good designer is listening, to clients,” Boyd says. “I want their wish list; everything they wish for their home, everything they love about their favorite hotel, everything they’re inspired by when they look at magazines. I want to know about their lifestyle and how their home functions.” Boyd creates his own wish list of features, and then partners with the client to merge his list with theirs. “I want [the space] to feel like a collaboration.” Boyd insists. “Once I’m gone, they have to live there, so it’s really important to
DINING IN STYLE A Foscarini Allegro Light (foscarini.com) hung above a Palermo dining table (emmemobili.it) pairs well with “It’s funny, but when you have too much [creMoooi Smoke chairs ative] freedom, it’s just as challenging as when (moooi.com). you have too many rules,” says Michel Boyd of his experience decorating his three-story loft in Atlanta’s SoNo district. “I really had to let the architecture of the space speak to me and lead me in the direction of how to design the space.”
SoNo Place like Home
Also influencing Boyd’s design choices was the need to create a space that would allow him to showcase his work to potential clients while living there comfortably. “There are a lot of things I want to show clients that they can’t quite visualize because they push the envelop a little bit,” the designer explains. For Boyd, pushing the envelop means using layers of finishes and fabrics throughout the space; embellishing the living room walls with trim work and Bisazza mosaic tile; ( HYPERLINK “http://www.bisazza.com” www.bisazza.com) installing hornlike, porcelain floor tiles on the main floor; and creating a sleek, contemporary kitchen filled with custom cabinetry, concealed appliances and Carrera marble surfaces.
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SoNo Place Like Home “It’s funny, but when you have too much [creative] freedom, it’s just as challenging as when you have too many rules,” says Michel Boyd of his experience decorating his three-story loft in Atlanta’s SoNo district. “I really had to let the architecture of the space speak to me and lead me in the direction of how to design the space.” Also influencing Boyd’s design choices was the need to create a space that would allow him to showcase his work to potential clients while living there comfortably. “There are a lot of things I want to show clients that they can’t quite visualize because they push the envelop a little bit,” the designer explains. For Boyd, pushing the envelop means using layers of finishes and fabrics throughout the space; embellishing the living room walls with trim work and Bisazza mosaic tile; (www.bisazza. com) installing hornlike, porcelain floor tiles on the main floor; and creating a sleek, contemporary kitchen filled with custom cabinetry, concealed appliances and Carrera marble surfaces.
offer clients solutions they haven’t tried and a way of looking at their home that makes it better than before I came along.” It’s apparent that Boyd consistently achieves this goal.
LUXURY AMENITIES The stately cabinet by Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams, (mgbw.com) provides the perfect stage for a Valet vintage vase and bench by Bungalow Classic (bungalowclassic.com). In the kitchen (right) custom cabinetry built by SMFD (smf-d.com), a Bourgie table lamp (ylighting.com), gold basket (arteriorshome.com) and green malachite boxes by Arteriors Home (arteriorshome.com) create a clean and inviting space.
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Potential clients can experience the designer’s style firsthand at his loft in Atlanta’s SoNo (South of North Ave.) district. In addition to serving as his residence and office, the structure offers Boyd a place to layer lots of finishes and push the envelop a bit. “From the epoxy floors and Bisazza tile, to all of the trim on the walls and the layering of fur and embroidery, the space is just a lot of fun,” says the designer. “It’s supposed to be a visual feast; all these great textures laid on top of each other in one space.” Once clients feast their eyes on these opulent applications, they’re more likely to want to try them in their own homes. “I’m always excited when a client is excited,” Boyd says. “I feel so gratified. I feel like I’ve done my job. My small contribution has enhanced their lives, their family’s lives and their living experience. That makes me feel really, really good.”
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BOYD’S SONO RETREAT The Napoli tub by Victoria and Albert (vandabaths.com), pebble stone wall by Ann Sacks (annsacks.com), Caufield Table (minotti.com) and artwork by Donna Hughes (donnahughes.com) offer a calming respite. The silk Moire Wallcovering (robertcrowder.com) adds a touch of softness. In the bed room (left) a Sarfatti chandelier (flos. com) and Fontana Lamp (fontanaartestore.com) add visual interest, while larger pieces such as the dresser by Linge Roset (lingeroset.com), Thurman Bed (meridiani.it), Hide-covered ottoman (owenlawrence.com), Ernie Table w/petrified wood top and Rhett sofa (bradleyhughes. com) anchor the room.
“I enjoy luxury aesthetics and fabrics … layering textures and palettes that speak to a luxury that’s approachable and really well-edited.” Michel Boyd, Owner WINTER 2011
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Latin
Los Angeles design firm, Commune, creates a dashing residence with a touch of vintage
LIVING COLLECTION The clock is Gustavian c1790 from Lief (liefalmont.com), chaise is by Arthur Casas for Espasso (espasso.com). Next to the Sofa One tufted sofa by Dana John (danajohn.com) is a David Weeks tripod lamp from Ralph Pucci (ralphpucci.net). Custom coffee table by Commune. Vintage chairs from Brenda Antin. Stump side table by Alma Allen (allenpearce.com). Under the window is a bench by William Stranger (strangerfurniture. com). Tango rug by Grand Splendid (grandsplendid.com).
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by Julie Edwards
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WARM WELCOME The entry features Argentinian tile mosaic pots, a George Smith sofa (georgesmith.com) and a Jacques Adnet mirror. The entry table from JF Chen (jfchen.com) is petrified wood from the Appalachian Mountain region and the rug is Chinese Khotan from the 1920s.
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amed for its street in the stylish Los Angeles neighborhood of Los Feliz, the classic 3,600-square-foot Catalina residence was completed in three phases, with design firm Commune providing interior architecture and design. The first phase involved restructuring the 1920s Spanish-style home’s interior architecture by reconfiguring the entry, coving the ceilings to make them appear higher, adding rounded archways between the rooms on the main floor and opening up the floor plan. The results are contemporary, with a splash of vintage, giving the home a timeless quality. “Catalina was a challenge in that the residence had underwent a major renovation in the ‘80s that took away much of the home’s character,” says Pam Shamshiri, one of Commune’s partners. “The owners wanted to take the home back to the ‘20s, the era when it was built, and restore much of its original charm.”
The Spanish feel of the home fit well with the owners’ love of pre-colonial Mexican and Moorish design. Taking this cultural mix as the focus for the project’s second phase, Commune created the home’s design by mixing rich color with beautiful custom pieces and vintage touches. One of the first elements to change was the home’s entryway, which was revamped inside and out. The exterior features a new glass front door sur72
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rounded by reclaimed Spanish ceramic tile. Added light comes from a two-story arched stained glass window. Inside, visitors immediately sense the home’s eclectic feel, reflected in tile mosaic pots from Argentina and a striking 1960s Murano chandelier. For cohesion in the main living areas, Commune changed all of the flooring to walnut stained oak, with the exception of the kitchen. Wanting to create an open area where friends and family could spend time together, Commune combined three smaller rooms to create the new, larger kitchen, opening into a wellappointed exterior courtyard. Divided into various zones, the kitchen features dark green cabinetry set off by American walnut butcher-block countertops, stainless steel appliances and a reclaimed wood table by Lawson-Fenning, with Hans Wegner Wishbone chairs. “We created the area to resemble an old Spanish-style kitchen—we wanted it to look like it had always been part of the house,” Shamshiri says. “The cementstamped flooring tile was designed by our firm and custom made in Mexico, and it flows from the interior to the exterior seamlessly, tying together the two areas into one space.” Outside, the courtyard features a dining and cooking area as well as conversation nooks. To maintain privacy and mask ambient noise, Commune topped an existing wall with seven additional feet, planted the top of the wall with vines and added a fountain featuring handcrafted Moroccan tile luxuryhomequarterly.com
FINDING LIGHT The dining room table (above) is custom-made and surrounded by vintage Spanish chairs from Lucca Antiques (luccaantiques.com). Commune raised the height of the windows with custom valances. Sheers by Missoni (missonihome. com), painting by Douglas Bond. Commune coved the dining room ceiling and added the archway into the kitchen. A 14th-century Argentinian church door hangs by the arch (left). The chandelier is Paul Ferrante (paulferrante.com) and the painting is a restored flea market find.
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EATING AND SEATING The kitchen (above, left) was created from three smaller rooms and designed with references to pre-war cabinetry, 1920s Spanish kitchens and industrial kitchens. Walnut butcher-block countertops. Field tile by Ann Sacks (annsacks. com), custom-patterned floor tile by Commune. Theo lights from Paul Ferrante (paulferrante.com). Viking hood and range (vikingrange. com). Original Van Kepple & Green stools. Reclaimed wood table by Lawson-Fenning (lawsonfenning. com) with Hans Wegner Wishbone chairs. Commune added seven feet to the courtyard walls (right). Ceramic fireplace frieze created by Stan Bitters (stanbitters.com). Viking outdoor kitchen (vikingrange. com). Ten 10 travertine table (ten10site.com) with vintage Brown Jordan chairs (brownjordan.com).
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“We’re very focused on salvaging as much as possible from the original design of a project—it’s amazing what you can find under years of decor.” Roman Alonso, Partner by Ann Sacks. The warm focal point of the courtyard is a stunning two-story fireplace with frieze tile by Stan Bitters.
cussing our belief that there was a niche for a company that approached design in a holistic way, and that belief became our firm’s vision.”
The final phase for the project was landscape design that complemented the revitalized exterior and the addition of a pool. “We worked with architect Bruce Bolander to design the pool area and, basically, we carved out a place for it on the property,” Shamshiri says. Surrounded by lush, green plantings, the pondshaped pool features black volcanic tile and a fabulous view.
Bringing diverse yet complimentary backgrounds ranging from publishing and public relations to commercial design and production design for films, the foursome built a firm that has become known for the unique, customized vision that it brings to each individual project. “We don’t have a style we try to put on projects,” Alonso says. “Instead, we try to interpret the client’s personality and apply it to our work.”
Such exemplary design could only come from a strong, cohesive team, which is exactly the case with Commune. Seven years ago, four close friends met for dinner and, by dessert, created the Los Angeles-based design firm and its novel approach. “We’d all known each other for years, we’d all worked together before, and we all knew we worked well together,” says partner Roman Alonso. “We began dis-
Alonso notes, however, that Commune’s aesthetic has some common threads. “We’re very focused on salvaging as much as possible from the original design of a project—it’s amazing what you can find under years of décor.” But, perhaps most importantly, is the firm’s unofficial motto of, “Don’t decorate, collect.” Commune’s collecting process includes mixing styles, such as vintage and
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SPANNING THE DECADES The den ceiling (left) was wallpapered to create an alcove space. The curtains were extended to the ceiling to elongate the room. The Monteverdi Young sofa is covered in Clarence House (clarencehouse. com) yellow linen. The ottoman is a blanket box by George Smith (georgesmith.com) covered in a kilim rug. The rug is a 1940s Moroccan Beni Ourian from Amadi Carpets (amadicarpets. com). Custom bed (below left) by William Stranger (strangerfurniture. com). Grand Splendid Patagonia Sheepskin rug (grandsplendid. com). Brazilian Hammock bedding from Matteo (matteohome.com). Artwork by Anne Delfieu from Lief (liefalmont.com). Lamps from Plug (pluglighting.com).
antique pieces, with modern or imported objects and natural finishes, a process that is clearly reflected in the Catalina project. As of March 2011, Commune has even started offering a line of floor coverings that fit naturally with their other design offerings (For more information on Commune’s rug collection, please visit luxuryhomequarterly.com). When a special touch is needed, Commune works with notable artisans like wood and metal sculptor Alma Allen, veteran lighting designer Robert Lewis and renowned furniture designer George Smith. Commune also collaborates with many artisans on lines for its Community Shop, which currently features Robert Lewis lamps and dinnerware by Heath Ceramics. A line of furniture designed in collaboration with Allen is slated to debut later this year. “Some homeowners want a look, but that’s not what we do,” Alonso says. “Custom design work allows you to create one-of-a-kind items with a very personal feel, so we work with clients to create custom pieces and acquire objects for their home that they love because, if you love something, there isn’t the need to change as trends and fads come and go.”
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GARDEN ENTRY On the front patio, the glass and iron Klismos table and painted Gazelle chairs by Dan Johnson for Brown Jordan (brownjordan.com) are from Reform Gallery (reform-modern. com). Vintage lamp from Palm Springs. The iron wall mount and terra cotta pot are from Inner Gardens (innergardens.com).
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FINE VINTAGE The painting and mirrored cabinet are restored flea market finds. The rug is the Greenland pattern by Pure (purerugs.com). The chairs around the custom table are vintage Spanish from Lucca Antiques (luccaantiques.com). Vintage murano glass ashtray and a 1960s Bengt Orup vase.
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chicago style Follow our exclusive guide of Chicago’s luxury market, complete with elegant homes, chic showrooms and the people who make them unmissable. 78
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Other renowned Chicago firms in this issue 36 JamesThomas 43 Foster Dale Architects 45 Tim Mathais Designs, LLC 50 Stephanie Wohlner Design* 55 Anne Coyle 56 Expressive Interiors 141 Hackley & Associates 146 Constantine D. Vasilios & Associates
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DESIGNER SPOTLIGHT
APPETIZING ARRANGEMENT In the kitchen, the impact of the clean-lined La Cornue cabinetry (lacornueusa.com) is heightened by traditional touches like a classic plate rack and an oversized island with a honed limestone countertop, turned spindle legs and a handpainted taupe stain.
Powerful design meets personalized beauty with Jessica Lagrange Interiors
“I really enjoy the intimate relationships with clients,” says Lagrange, principal at Jessica Lagrange Interiors. “I didn’t find it as satisfying working with commercial projects.” At her firm, which she founded in 1998, Lagrange has a staff of just seven—including a licensed architect, senior and junior designers and a business manager—and is personally involved in the dozen or so projects the company handles at any given time. Each project is fueled by the client’s personality and lifestyle and a desire to create beautiful spaces that comfortably transcend the everyday. While you won’t find a signature “Lagrange look,” the firm often incorporates a mix of “high and low”
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pieces and puts an unexpected spin on established design styles. In an apartment on North Lake Shore Drive, clients moving into a new high-rise building needed inspiration and furnishings. The couple was moving from the suburbs and wanted to entertain and host fundraising events. When clients don’t have an established style, Lagrange and her team help find a creative starting point. And so the building’s architectural elements and La Cornue stove and kitchen cabinetry inspired the creation of “a Parisian-style apartment that you might find on Rue du Bac,” says Lagrange. Hand-painted wallpaper with a delicate wisteria pattern graces one of the guest bedrooms, and in a rotunda between the living room and art gallery, a custom-made light fixture and console table were designed in the style of famed French designer Gilbert Poillerat. In the home’s courtly sitting room, gilded accessories and panels of recycled antiqued rolled mirror from Armand Lee & Company celebrate the ornamentation of the Beaux Arts apartments in Paris. –Amy Howell Hirt
PHOTOS: tony soluri
Textiles first ignited Jessica Lagrange’s interest in interior design, while working in the materials library at world-renowned architecture firm, Skidmore, Owings & Merrill. But for the past 25 years now, it’s been her relationships with clients and co-workers that has sustained her love affair with interior architecture and design.
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Tom Stringer Design Partners consider every possibility when reimagining a client’s space Tom Stringer Design Partners, a luxury interior design firm with its own travel-inspired home furnishing collection, TexStyle, has made a name for itself by offering unique, multidisciplinary, client-friendly services. The 15-year-old, Chicago-based company creates spaces that nod to local architecture, while acting as a client’s agent. Often, that means consulting with acoustic specialists and architecture and landscape teams
to bring projects to fruition, worry-free. That’s true whether he’s creating a pied-à-terre in his hometown, imagining spaces for Grant Achatz’s restaurants and lounges or outfitting a large Santa Barbara estate. “Many people don’t have the time, capacity or interest in managing a project themselves,” says Tom Stringer, principal. “We make things as easy
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as possible for our clients.” Meanwhile, Stringer’s upholstered furniture and rug collection—available to the public in showrooms nationwide— features rugs inspired by Moroccan mosaics and modern-meets-classic furniture inspired by highly romantic European hotels. –Jennifer Olvera
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Anne Kustner Lighting Design is fluent in the language of lighting As lighting designer for an engineering firm in the 80s, Anne Kustner Haser saw herself as something of a marriage counsellor. “The architect would want a big, beautiful fixture while the engineer would say ‘That’s not going to give you the light you need.’ I had to find solutions to bring form and function together,” Kustner Haser says. Since establishing the Chicago-based Anne Kustner Lighting Design in 1994, Anne and her team continue to marry
LIGHT SHOW 1. An onyx bar incorporates a color wheel in the illuminated surface that changes colors at the touch of a button (fiberopticstudio.com).
form and function, offering energy-efficient and adaptable lighting that enhance a space in unexpected ways. An illuminated, white onyx bar featured in a recent Chicago penthouse does just that, creating continuity between the lighting and the sleek, clean design. “The lighting became a part of the vocabulary of the architecture, it added a rhythm to the space,” Kustner Haser says. “That’s really what we do; creativity with refinement and restraint.” –Jamie Farshchi
2. IO Linear LED lighting (iolighting. com), tucked into an architectural slot, bring out the deep colours and rich feel of the marble wall. Downlights by Deltalight (deltalight. com). Zero Sightline downlights in the background by Lucifer Lighting (luciferlighting.com).
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DESIGNER SPOTLIGHT #1 Atlantis chandelier by Hudson Furniture Inc.: The chandelier is scaled to meet the calling of the space and is in juxtaposition with a needletipped skyscraper outside the window, creating elegant balance and a striking view. hudsonfurnitureinc.com
PERFECT MATCH Alison Victoria Gramenos was able to implement many pieces she had her eye on for years in this 2,700-square-foot penthouse. The bar stools are Costantini Pietro (costantinipietro.com) and fabric is Holly Hunt leather (hollyhunt.com).
Key pieces of Alison Victoria Interior Design’s penthouse suite fuse natural elements and urban sophistication the space as she would her own, implementing pieces she’d had her eye on for years, but had yet to find a context for.
“If I did that I’d be out of a job,” she says. In a competitive, convoluted industry, the ability to be versatile and accessible is what breathes life into her work.
The client was transitioning from a single family home with a traditional design to a 2,700-square-foot, two-bedroom suite and wanted to retain the subtle, natural look they were used to, but have a modern space. To achieve this, Gramenos used natural elements like wood millwork and flooring, and stone and marble finishes to bring contrast and texture to the neutral color palette. A water feature trickles behind cantilevered floating shelves and is lit with LED lights and the city skyline for tranquil evenings.
“Whether I’m designing a boutique in LA with bubble gum pink floors or an American Indian themed cabin in Park City, I always do as my client asks,” says Gramenos.
Custom selections from Gramenos’ AVC furniture line—influenced by shoe designer Christian Louboutin and architects Frank Gehry and Antonio Gaudi —complete the look. An inspiration the client appreciated.
Her work on the 53rd-floor penthouse suite in Chicago’s Trump Tower—inspired by the skyline and an insatiable desire to infuse every detail with clean, timeless sophistication—was an unusual treat because she was able to design
“Every job starts with some sort of inspiration,” says Gramenos. “It’s a team effort, but I remain in the lead by opening clients’ eyes to different ideas or applications for that initial inspiration.” –Jessica Kirby
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PHOTOS: alan shortall
Chicago’s own Alison Victoria Gramenos debuts as a television host this fall on the new DIY Network series “Kitchen Crashers” in which she will follow unsuspecting, home improvement store shoppers home and transform their kitchens over a weekend. It is a spot she’s earned after ten years blending the industrial with the glamorous in residential and commercial spaces in Las Vegas, Park City, Los Angeles and Chicago, but she’s been careful not to label herself with a particular style.
CHICAGO STYLE #2 Carnegie Fabric drapery by Design Window Solutions: Roller shade sheers with a vertical, metallic silver stripe easily keep the view unobstructed and stay with the design’s clean sightlines, which allow the focus to remain on the skyline. designwindowsolutions.com
#3 Water feature wall Natural elements bring texture to an otherwise neutral palette. The water feature trickles behind cantilevered shelves, and at night the city lights and color-changing LEDs create a dynamic surface and an element of tranquility.
#4 Calacatta marble by Calacatta Luxury Stone: The client’s lifestyle is such that we were afforded a rare opportunity to use marble to achieve a sophisticated, clean look that is often sacrificed for functionality. calacatta.com
#5 Wave tile by Artistic Tile: The fireplace is boxy, but the Wave tile is whimsical and creates fluid movement throughout the space. artistictile.com
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DESIGNER SPOTLIGHT Here to There From the vantage point of the antique secretary desk, gracious views— from framed, found art to an elegant French tapestry—abound.
Michael Del Piero Good Design’s Gold Coast Vintage Project showcases global finds and a penchant for understated elegance
“About seven years ago, I was traveling with a friend in Europe,” says the Gold Coast resident. “I decided to buy a bunch of things and fill an empty North Shore home I owned and have a sale. It sold out in three days.” Del Piero went on to offer two more annual sales, the second one garnering blocks-long lines and before long, she was being asked to oversee redesign projects. Interior design publications began to take notice, and her industry credibility and confidence began to grow. In late 2006, Chicago-based Michael Del Piero Good Design was born. “I knew I needed a staff,” Del Piero admits. “So, in 2008 I hired a few designers and started a home furnishings boutique in addition to my design firm.” Del Piero’s sense of style melds the rustic with the luxurious, the rough with the refined. “To me, that’s what makes a space livable,” she says. “A ‘real’ home is a place you want to bring your friends and family.” The designer favors limited edition and singular accessories, and she finds that simple, upholstered furniture typically serves her clients well. “I have a preference for quality pieces with clean lines,” explains the designer. This approach affords a blank canvas.
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Michael Del Piero Good Design is rooted in stylish sensibility and team collaboration, with a focus on personalized customer service. “I head every project and dictate my vision, but my designers and I always work as a team,” says Del Piero, pointing to recent projects such as a traditional Lake Bluff home now decked in gray-blue tones and eye-catching antique furnishings. “My preference is to redesign whole spaces, from the painting and flooring to the art placement.” Or take the noteworthy three-bedroom, two-bath Gold Coast Vintage project as another case in point. The 2,500-square-foot graystone replete with 14-foot ceilings and original crown moldings, strikes an urban-yetromantic tone. “We scoured auctions and flea markets for artifacts and took trips to Argentina, France, the Netherlands and several places in Africa, including Morocco,” Del Piero reveals. A Fortuny silk-topped table, a charcoal nude from France and custom-upholstered Edelman Leather bench were just a few of the treasures Del Piero found on her journeys. Meanwhile, Del Piero sells rugs, art, textiles and furniture—including custom and salvaged pieces—nationally from her home furnishings boutique. It’s also where you’ll find exclusive, sculptural Lucy Slivinski lighting and Janet Mesic Mackie photography. –Jennifer Olvera
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PHOTOS: bill hogan
Michael Del Piero has always had an appreciation of, and keen sense for, smart design. A longtime businesswoman and executive corporate coach, she has traveled extensively, collecting unusual artifacts to display in her home. One particular trip abroad proved to be life-changing.
Kitchen Comforts Mid-century chairs sealed in resin and burlap hold court with antique candlesticks and a vintage steel table.
CHICAGO STYLE
At the Heart The living room exudes warmth and sophistication with an oversized, linencovered sofa, Parisian charcoal nude and a custom Edelman Leather hide-upholstered bench (edelmanleather.com).
Go Global The welcoming den features an 18th-century Swedish secretary procured from the Netherlands, offset by a flea market-found antique Buddha statue, antique leather books and an African textileswathed slipper chair.
Far and Wide Arts and crafts benches team with a framed, embroidered French silk tapestry and a 19th-century Swedish chandelier, hung above a wrought iron wreath-topped, blacklacquered Argentine table. WINTER 2011
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ACCOMODATIONS
Cool Wave Simeone Deary Design Group’s Europeaninfluenced Elysian Hotel
PARIS CALLING For their inspiration, Simeone Deary Design Group turned to the Paris of Coco Chanel and Christian Dior. The team adopted a black-and-white palette punctuated by jewel tones like the emerald panel behind the intimately scaled front desk. Dressmaker details embellish the drapery and furnishings, while lighting—including a spectacular crystal chandelier—accents the design like jewelry.
where the land meets the sea Art created for the restaurant RIA, reflects a water theme. In the dining room, a school of fish, fashioned from customcast resin hooks, swim across a wall.
by Jennifer Olvera
Before beginning a project, interior artists Lisa Simeone and Gina Deary of Simeone Deary Design Group craft a clear vision for their clients. Seeking inspiration from films, books, runways and museums, the Chicago-based firm is a creative force to be reckoned with. Among their recent work is the posh and highly-acclaimed Elysian Hotel. “Typically when we approach a project, there’s a story we’re trying to tell,” says Lisa Simeone, principal and owner. “In this case, it was one rooted in the glamour of 1920s and ’30s Paris, and the timelessness that emerged during that period.” Responsible for the early concept for this property as well as for the design in its entirety—guest rooms, public spaces, two restaurants, a bar and a 14,000-square-foot spa—the goal was to further the structure’s Europeaninfluenced exterior while abstracting Parisian sophistication.
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RUNNING WATER Guests enter RIA through a lounge with a polished granite floor and a curving wall of glass and metallic mesh that ripples like a current.
DREAMLIKE STATES The pool (top) was designed to fulfill the designer’s secret wish: to swim in a pool of roses. Beneath the turquoise water, the bottom of the pool is lined with rose-patterned mosaic tiles. Simeone Deary was challenged to create the five-star hotel bar, Bernard’s (bottom) to become not only a neighborhood hot spot, but a hideaway “departure” for hotel guests. The space was designed to feel decadent, secret and stylish.
ROMAN BATH The spa’s design harkens an idyllic resting place befitting of mythical gods.
“I realized it was a leap of faith to subtract color from the lobby, but we wanted it to exude the glamour of black and white photography,” says Simeone. The lobby is a study in black and white with pops of jewel tones. Dressmaker details embellish the black velvet Miceli drapery and a chandelier custom designed by Simeone Deary to mirror the look of a Coco Chanel broach, which was built by Baldinger in New York. Simeone Deary also designed both of the hotel’s restaurant spaces. Balsan, the artisanal bistro, is inviting and casual. Its “cocoon-like niches” are perfect for an early morning cup of coffee. As the day progresses, the room looks crisp and clean, while dusk ushers in warm, atmospheric lighting. The plush, oversized chairs and gourmet seasonal menu befit any late-evening rendezvous. “We worked with Patti Gilford Fine Arts to procure provocative pieces, ones that feel collected,” Simeone explains, noting the unique Maya Romanoff wall coverings and art elements designed by Howard Harris of Rareform. The hotel’s signature restaurant, RIA, was inspired by the idea of “land meeting sea.” Simeone Deary mirrored this merging with a palette of greens and grays, warmed by rich golds. In the lounge, a polished granite floor and a curving wall of glass and metallic mesh ripple like a current. The main dining room is translucent with metallic leather chairs, silk wall coverings and rattan panels interwoven with a platinum strands. Glistening surfaces contrast earth tones in ebony wall panels and carpets the color of volcanic rock.
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BUILDING GREEN
AQUA TOWER
GLOBAL REACH
VANCOUVER PAIR TOWERS
STUDIO GANG’s Customized Sustainable Solutions from Chicago to Shanghai With the crowded skyline of Chicago as its headquarters, Studio Gang Architecture has established its presence worldwide by combining cutting-edge environmental-building practices with a unique, research-based discovery process. “Our internal design process includes a lot of material exploration and experimentation,” says Jeanne Gang, founder and principal of Studio Gang Architecture. “Our ongoing materials research separates us from our competitors. The result of our creative process speaks for itself; we are not a firm with one single standard style.”
ZHONG BANG VILLAGE
The styles of Studio Gang range from the customized concept of “courtyard fabric” in response to the sun and wind at their Zhong Bang Village project in Shanghai, to the design of Canada’s Vancouver Pair towers, which has a sculptural exterior appearance of driftwood to match the region’s wooded mountains and seascape. Green-roof gardens will reduce the heat-island effect on the towers, and water, solar, geothermal and ventilation strategies will reduce the towers’ energy footprint. “Our goal is to integrate green architectural, mechanical and structural systems into our research-based discovery process,” says Gang. –Rodric J. Bradford
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PHOTO of aqua tower exterior, overall view from southeast corner: steven hall / hedrich blessing
Studio Gang’s Aqua Tower, appeals to Chicago’s luxury residential demographic by expanding and lightening the typically closed-in high-rise living experience. Curved balconies add private outdoor space while shading apartments from sunlight, and concrete decks minimize the solar load on the glass façade. “Aqua Tower is about connecting to the city and allowing people to engage in the outdoors with large terraces,” says Gang. “It is not just about the interior—this is why our clients have an appreciation for our work and collaboration process. Our clients receive the benefits of lessons learned over time and the result is customized, sustainable solutions.”
AIA RESIDENTIAL DESIGN COMMITTEE CHAIR, Bill Bickford, valueS responsible building
Eco-conscience Chicago-based architect and American Institute of Architects (AIA) residential design committee chair Bill Bickford says that within the Chicago luxury home market, focus has shifted from opulence to efficiency.
PHOTOs of lynch residence: christopher barrett / hedrich blessing
“The current residential market is strong in custom, high-end homes that are a bit more responsible,” he says. Project square footage is slightly down, and clients want to fully engage their spaces. High-quality material and high-level building technology is still in demand, but for rooms that are fully integrated into daily life in an efficient, comfortable and classic manner. Bickford’s 12-person firm, Northworks Architects + Planners, which primarily handles custom luxury homes, places a strong emphasis on sustainable technology and a contextual and consistent design approach. High-quality insulation and mechanical efficiency contribute to environmental responsibility as much, if not more, than technologies such as geothermal heat and solar panels, Bickford says. “The true idea of green architecture is a well-designed home that is less expensive and less wasteful to heat, cool and operate.” –Jessica Kirby
Go to luxuryhomequarterly.com to see Northwork’s latest project.
GRAND VISTA Radically, this home incorporates the largest residential windows in the country. Sheets of glass more than 10-feet high and 14-feet wide intersect with an expansive floor, stretching 63 feet on the first level. Lateral steel bracing at the front, middle and back of the building free the structure of interior walls.
Leading the City in Residential Innovations Specializing in high-rise renovations and historic restorations, Jake Goldberg of Goldberg General Contracting works with some of the most prominent architects in Chicago. One recent project, the two-story home of Chicago architect Brad Lynch, defined by its geometric façade, open spaces and clean lines, received the 2009 Builder’s Choice Award and was named one of the “World’s Greenest Homes” by Planet Green of the Discovery Network and HGTV. Also in 2009, one of Goldberg’s projects, the Yannell House in Ravenswood, became Illinois’ first LEED Platinum-certified home and Chicago’s first Net Zero Energy building— producing 40 percent more energy than it consumes. For Jake Goldberg it’s not about the money. “Our focus is quality before profitability,” says Goldberg. “We build the best way we can even if we make less money on a project.”
MODERN MARVEL Located on a narrow city lot, the home incorporates 19th-century materials with a 21st-century design. With a startlingly open, geometric façade, this home exemplifies the essence of modernity, using traditional brick, concrete, and steel building materials.
“We feel we are part of an intimate community of general contractors operating at a very high level of execution,” Goldberg says. –Malcolm Garcia
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SOURCES Orange Skin owner Obi Nwazota shares some of his favorite store items
Hexagon Bench by Casamania “The distinctive hexagonal structure is born from research into cells and atoms, which develop into a potentially infinite modularity.”
Jensen armchair by minotti “The Jensen was created to set the standard in design and comfort. The rigid external structure lends stability to the shape, while the goose down cushioning invites surrender.”
Quartier by Tacchini “Quartier is a family of three ottomans that have been designed to be miniature building volumes. For each ‘building’ the designers developed a grid pattern, reminiscent of the glazed façades of modern high-rises.”
Flash Tables by Tom Dixon “A series of tables with uncompromisingly metallic surfaces. The dark bronze tabletops and antique brass bases result in a highly reflective object.”
Orange Skin Chicago-based Orange Skin recently launched a new, designer-interactive website as part of a refocusing and refreshing of the brand. The store was founded as a retail shop in 2001, but quickly evolved into a trade-focused showroom featuring a repertoire of worldly designers’ work that was new to the West. “Access to international design was a limited thing for the American market,” says owner Obi Nwazota. “Our job was to scour the world trying to make the best design available for people in Chicago and beyond.” African-born Nwazota studied architecture in Chicago and considers the city important in what defines the field. “Chicago has gross potential from a cultural perspective,” he says. “When the dust settles, it can also be a provincial city. We learned early to have an international outlook and not sacrifice creativity, professionalism or quality just because someone down the street doesn’t get it.”
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The company fills a niche in the industry. The purpose is not to sell a couch to someone who needs something to sit on, but rather to enrich a client’s life and create a lifestyle with an eye to detail and innovation. Designers featured at Orange Skin, like Antonio Citterio, Ichiro Iwasaki and Hector Serrano, push the limits of contemporary design with visible influences from unexpected industries; aerospace, automotive and old-school handcraftsmanship. “When you look at a finished product...and then buy it because you appreciate the quality, it boosts morale and then it’s like you are flying.” Nwazota is looking to expand the store’s client base by exploring projects in emerging markets. “I am curious and excited to see what opportunities exist beyond the West,” he says. Visit orangeskin.com for more information. –Jessica Kirby
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CHICAGO STYLE
Jayson Home & Garden Jayson Home—a bastion of good taste set amid a sea of big box retailers in Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood—houses everything needed to outfit one’s home in style. “From upholstered furniture, dining tables and chests of drawers, to one-ofa-kind statement pieces, accessories and lighting, our selection is pretty large without being overwhelming,” says Devin Kirk, vice president of merchandising. Mixing antique finds with new pieces, modern with ethnic, it’s a full-out hodgepodge of style. “We’re not big on sets or matching,” Kirk admits. “Most of what we have can be mixed together for a look that is timeless.” Kirk works with small manufacturers while sourcing one-of-kind items. The result is a flea-market-like vibe, complete with everchanging, oft-unexpected European antique furniture, accessories, lighting and artwork. “We travel around the world yearlong in search of items for our store,” says Kirk, who finds treasures in the south of France and searches for must-haves in small workshops in India. “We look for pieces that are beautifully designed, regardless of their provenance.” Lately, more and more items are being designed and manufactured under the Jayson Home label, including a line of upholstered furniture. Expect to find statement-making furnishings, along with bedding, tabletop accessories, centerpiece-worthy florals and container gardens, as well as pieces from John Derian, Cire Trudon, Oly Studio and John Robshaw. Visit jaysonhome.com for more information.
Devin Kirk, vice president of merchandising, shares some of his favorite store items
Nolan Console “These are made for us by a small workshop in the South that salvages metal scraps and patchworks them together so that each one is unique. It is such a simple design, but the scale gives it real presence.”
–Jennifer Olvera
Campbell Bench FRANK TABLE
“This piece is inspired by a classic Belgian design, but the bleached oak wood finish and citrine silk make it feel really fresh. Pieces like this are so great for dining rooms because you can squeeze in as many people as you need to and they’re a really simple way to add a little drama.”
“We have carried this table for years and it just never goes out of style. The top has a limed finish that is just about indestructible. Because the shape is so clean and modern, it always looks great balanced with antique French chairs.”
BALTUS COLLECTION, specialists in a variety of customizable wares, is among Chicago’s distinguished contemporary furniture showrooms. With elegant designs rooted in classical forms, the modern atelier uses juxtapositions between finishes and materials to engage a space. Known for carrying large-scale pieces, one of the goals of this Erie St. showroom is to offer high-quality furnishings that embrace a “Mediterranean lifestyle.” –Josh Hauth
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SOURCES Manifesto owners, Richard and Barbara Gorman, share some of their favorite store items
Brancusi cabinet by DARC “‘Functional art piece’ best describes this timeless, modern masterpiece from Spanish architect Fermin Verdeguer, featuring a strong balance of warm, highly polished ebony wood and mirror-polished stainless steel.”
Big Bean desk by Ceccotti “Made from solid American cherry-wood or walnut, this unique, limited-edition workspace is the product of only two craftsmen, hundreds of individual pieces and months of labor.”
Carlo by RB Gorman
Manifesto Furniture
As time passed, the Gormans were called upon to custom-design millwork and
furniture for interior and architectural projects, but it wasn’t until recently they got serious about designing pieces themselves. The company’s in-house furniture line, RB Gorman, carried at both Manifesto and The Bright Group’s showrooms, includes everything from a sleek wooden credenza to a blackened steel desk. “We work with local builders when creating the pieces,” says Richard Gorman, noting this has earned the company a local “green” following. “That’s true of custom-built, custom-finished, ‘off-the-rack’ and one-of-a-kind designs.” Today, the elegant and modern showroom thrives on Wells Street in Chicago’s Gallery District. There, you may encounter a refined, angular desk from Promemoria, sculpture-like pieces from Ceccotti Collezioni or elegant 1930s-inspired seating from Hugues Chevalier. Visit manifestofurniture.com for more information. –Jennifer Olvera
Subzero-Wolf’s recent opening marks the first kitchen appliance showroom in Chicago’s Merchandise Mart. With almost every product available on display in the 5,500-square-foot space, new kitchen seekers get up close views of the brand’s offerings. In order to best inform their clientele, the showroom hosts live cooking demonstrations twice a month. Subzero-Wolf chefs curate six-course meals to demonstrate features included in new products and to show how seamlessly the lines of products work together. Currently included are induction stovetops, ethaline gas removers and air purification systems that keep SubzeroWolf at the forefront of technological progress in refrigeration and cooking appliances. –Josh Hauth
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photo of subzero showroom: rick sistus photography
Architect Richard Gorman and interior designer Barbara Gorman, the husband and wife team behind Manifesto, are pioneers of Chicago’s luxury furniture market. Their multi-level, sunlight-drenched design atelier—nestled in Chicago’s River North neighborhood—got its start in 1986, selling designs and reproductions from 1890 to 1940, a stark contrast to the contemporary European designs that were de rigueur. That focus softened to include the work of modern masters, though, when poorly crafted knock-offs flooded the market. “We’ve kept our point of view and maintained our focus on licensed, early modern pieces, be it flatware, objects or lighting,” says Richard Gorman, who previously worked for FCL Associates, a successor to the firm of Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. “But we have since picked up different, additional lines.”
“Sporting brave architectural expression in wood and metal, the beauty is in the details of this proprietary design, which may be modified for the client’s individual taste.”
CHICAGO STYLE
Wright Auction House
Uusi is many things. Most obviously, Uusi is a place; a 7,500-square-foot, multifaceted design studio based in Chicago and founded in 2010 by Linnea Gits and Peter Dunham. More conceptually, Uusi is the wellspring where objects and prints acquire meaning through mindful creation and careful editing. In a culture overrun with disposable-design, fad and novelty, Uusi is an aesthetic oasis, operating always under the philosophy that the objects one lives with should tell a story and exude a sense of timelessness.
It began as an obsession.
Richard Wright had been an aficionado of design and decorative objects for nearly thirty years, curating his own collection before opening Wright Auction House in 2000. With a focus primarily on 20th-century design, Wright scouts for unique works that often represent notable points in design history. And his eye for important material, as it turns out, has proven to be spot-on, as Wright Auction House is now known as one of the country’s most respected venues for modern design. Wright Now, an online venue for purchasing work, was launched in 2003 for private clients, architects and interior designers who don’t want to wait for objects to go to auction. Three years ago the business expanded yet again, this time with Wright 21. By commissioning works from emerging 21st-century designers and hosting exhibitions, Wright 21 hopes to pioneer a new contemporary design market. –Saundra Marcel
Uusi enlivens the everyday
Coming soon In addition to Wright Auction House’s yet-tobe announced Spring collections, and Wright Now’s continuous online venue, keep a lookout for exciting new shows from Wright 21 by guest curators. Pictured above are American designer, George Nakashima’s long chairs, 1951.
Recently, Uusi partnered with Design Within Reach to bring their playful yet elegant Moderne Farm series to a larger market. The slotted-together wooden animals are made of domestic white oak and black walnut veneer and handfinished in the production space, which equals roughly one half of the Uusi design studio. Rivaling the team’s love for conscientious design is their love for Chicago. “We could not have a studio like this in New York City,” Dunham insists. “It just wouldn’t be economical.” Gits adds, “This is a great city for professional contacts and customers. Chicago is geographically supportive and provides us with great access to manufacturing resources.” –Lauryn Allison Lewis
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photo of manning console: fanjoy labrenz; photo of tato tattoo: ezio manciucca; photo of effervescence champagne rug: david meredith
& FINDS
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Finders Keepers A SELECTION OF LHQ’S FAVORITES FROM CHICAGO’S SHOWROOMS
PHOTOs of gianduja silk lampas and tartaglia: federico cedrone; photo of morris console: fanjoy labrenz
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1. “Manning” entertainment console in ash veneer and polished stainless steel from Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams; mgbwhome.com. 2. “Space Stools” in stained oak by Signe Bindslev Henriksen and Peter Bundgaard Rützou for Mater, found at Haute Living; haute-living.com. 3. “Gianduja” silk lampas by Rubelli for the Venezia 2011 collection, found at Donghia; product.donghia.com. 4. “Tartaglia” liseré cotton fabric by Rubelli for the Venezia 2011, found at Donghia; product.donghia.com. 5. “Tato Tattoo” seating or footrest in ecological flexible polyurethane by Maurizio Galante for Cerruti Baleri, found at Orange Skin; orangeskin.com. 6. “Sky Charcoal” rug, a Tufenkian showroom exclusive; tufenkiancarpets.com. 7. “Effervescence Champagne” rug by Barbara Barry for the Radiance collection, found at Tufenkian; tufenkiancarpets.com. 8. “Zigzag” indoor/outdoor textiles in polyester and acrylic sunbrella from Donghia; product.donghia.com. 9. “Louis XVI Fauteuil” in authentic silver leaf with antiquing, upholstered in authentic zebra hide from J. Robert Scott; jrobertscott. com. 10. “Morris” entertainment console in trembsei wood veneer, polished-nickel from Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams; mgbwhome.com. 11. “Christopher” chandelier (left), “Ralphie” chandelier (right), “Joe” dining chairs from Bradley Hughes; bradleyhughes.com. 12. Dining or occasional chair with signature “Chris-X” legs in Java Café Varnish from Christopher Guy; christopherguy.com. 13. “Veio” table lamp in painted aluminum with LED and My White Light technology by Neil Poulton, found at Artemide; artemide.us. 14. “Lesbo” table lamp in handblown venetian glass and polished metal by Angelo Mangiarotti, found at Artemide; artemide.us.
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INSPIRATION DEBUT DESIGN GUIDES FOR OPULENT LIVING
Chicago Spaces: Inspiring Interiors Star-studded contributions to new book on Chicagoland’s most impressive interior designs
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photos: nathan kirkman
Editor-in-chief of Chicago Home + Garden, Jan Parr, releases a new guide that showcases Chicago’s design culture of domestic spaces. Local celebrities who’ve garnered national attention for Chicago, such as Nate Berkus and Alessandra Branca, have contributed to this publication to help contextualize and position the importance of the city’s interior spaces within the broader landscapes of architecture, design and decoration. The book, published by Agate, is divided into two sections. The first profiles homes and offers an overview of the holistic design sensibility of each construction. The second focuses on specific rooms—such as foyers, living and dining rooms, kitchens, and libraries, providing insight about the furniture and accessories that set these spaces apart from other homes. Chicago Spaces is beautifully cataloged, replete with full-color photographs and object lists, making this new publication a valuable resource for those enthusiastic and serious about interior design. –Teresa Silva
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COLLABORATION
Chiamera
Artistic Interiors: Designing with Fine Art Collections
Ornately Modern Furniture
Celebrated architect and interior designer, Suzanne Lovell, publishes book with an eye to designing couture settings Fine art, architecture, and luxury materials take center stage in Suzanne Lovell’s debut book published by Stewart, Tabori & Chang. From Art Deco to American Arts and Crafts to Eclectic, Lovell explores it all and makes the process of pulling together a home’s interior design effortless. Lovell accomplishes this by guiding readers on design choices. Color photographs and accompanying essays are informative and empowering, with examples of luxurious residences of all shapes and sizes: from intimate Manhattan
Seth Deysach and Casey Gunschel are stepping back from their respective design practices to engage across disciplinary lines. “Who’s got time to make their own speculative pieces?” Deysach wonders. Through this process, both Deysach and Ginschel are beginning to speculate and celebrate their own points of view, exclusively.
apartments to vast suburban Chicago lake houses to a Fort Sheridan rehabbed artillery shed. A boon to the reader is a glimpse into the private art collections of some of the homes’ occupants. Art collections range from modern to contemporary, and from fine art to decorative arts, with works by Vik Muniz, Kara Walker and Dale Chihuly, as well as ethnographic photographs and ceramics. –Teresa Silva
Deysach’s company Lagomorph Design (lagomorphdesign.com) is a furniture and product design service that uses the medium of wood and a modern sensibility to produce pieces of muted elegance. Deysach has designed everything from cabinetry to tables to a wooden track bike. His practiced is situated in a collaborative warehouse space located in Chicago’s Hermosa neighborhood and shared by seven designers, simply called Dock 6 (dock6collective.com). Casey Gunschel’s (caseygunschel.com) ornate leatherwork is seemingly opposed to Lagomoprh’s minimalism. Gunschel uses the ornamental tooling of an authentic leatherworking process to bring dead leather to life, producing skin-cover for tables, chairs, and wall-hangs.
“Lagomorph Design is successful because we respond to people’s needs and give them what they want. If they give us a drawing and say ‘make it like this,’ we make it like that. The whole endgame is to give someone his or her tailored piece. The neat thing about the collaboration with Casey is that we are saying to the design world: We don’t care what you want; we’re not compromising our point of view for one second because we don’t have to.” Seth Deysach
Through a self-described ‘ignorance of each other’s abilities’, Chimaera is able to transcend industry standards. Working on wooden furniture that cannot be more than 1/64” off, Deysach dabbles in near perfect construction to accommodate Gunschel’s expertly tooled leather pieces. The resulting furniture exudes an ornate modernism; imagery-based decorative leather structured around a minimal clean-lined wooden body. –Andrew Santa Lucia
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INDUSTRY INSIGHT Robert Berg of Foster Design Build integrates structure to allinclusive their all-incluse practice. How can a construction firm be innovative in a tried and true delivery method? Foster Design Build and its founder Robert Berg, deploy an all-inclusive project structure flexible enough to deal with normal, as well as unforeseen, issues that arise during the construction and realization of their work. An innovation in contemporary construction is exemplified best not only in the work they produce, but how they produce it, creating a delivery method relative to the efficiency and successfulness of the project. Berg has a family lineage in construction and the custom home industry, as well as decades in MEP and HVAC general contracting. “Construction management…was in my DNA from very early on,” Berg says, implying that his background was formative not only in understanding the individual processes that make up the custom-home industry, but also in centralizing them into the design-build delivery method. Foster Design Build’s ability to integrate all aspects of design, budgeting and construction seamlessly, have set them apart from other firms in Chicago. They have become a premiere boutique construction-management firm in the city because of this. Through a dedicated relationship with their clients, as well as a delivery method that includes architects, interior designers, construction managers and engineers, Foster Design Build is not only able to offer an all inclusive delivery process, but also place their clients in a realistic, detailed and honest construction process. “We are going to be nimble and keep the schedule moving and get you into your home on time.” –Andrew Santa Lucia
“When I was reintroduced back into the residential world (in Chicago), I was amazed at how unstructured it was. I really began to think about how different it would be if we could take the structure and organization of a commercial project and deploy it into the residential world.” Robert Berg
URBAN OASIS, REDUX “New Construction Home #3” in the Lakeview neighborhood of Chicago, built for a prominent surgeon and his family, exemplifies Foster Design Build’s innovative construction process. This unique project includes a luxurious heated pool for eight on the roof of a typical Chicago lot, as well as an unprecedented Brazilian style barbecue.
CUSTOM DETAILS Heisner revamped this entire Keck & Keck home, including this addition, which features a hidden coat closet and built-in wine rack.
Kevin Heisner’s distinctive spaces are a product of a unique perspective. Chicago-based general contractor Kevin Heisner is not interested in maintaining a run-of-the-mill status quo, and his clients couldn’t be happier. They desire unique and artful renovations. They want custom-built furniture and cabinetry, color palettes that reflect their personality and lighting fixtures that delight the eye. “I’m not interested in designing a bathroom that looks like all the other bathrooms on the block. I don’t want to design a commercial interior that feels like something you could find everywhere else.” The growing list of commercial projects Heisner is credited with attest to his sentiment. Little Branch Cafe, Bar Deville and Nightwood are incredibly divergent in atmosphere, menu and purpose. In fact, the only common denominators among these projects are Heisner himself, and the uncompromising degree of care he put into re-imagining each space. While his business expands to include more residential projects, such as a Keck & Keck home in Evanston, which Heisner has entirely refinished and reconfigured, he insists on keeping his team small and specialized. “This way nothing gets lost in translation and I know everyone is working toward the same vision.” Heisner’s exacting standards produce consistently beautiful results. –Lauryn Allison Lewis
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photos of robert berg and foster design build: paul schlismann; photo of the keck & keck home: jim newberry
Two Chicago builders take a bold turn, segueing from commercial to residential projects, and build their names in the process
A MAGAZINE DEDICATED TO DELUXE CANADIAN DESIGN
High Grove Residency by Insight Design Inc. is featured in LHC’s Winter Issue. Subscribe to learn about their recent projects.
FROM THE PUBLISHERS OF LHQ
SUBSCRIBE TODAY LHCanada.com
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CHICAGO HOME TOUR
AN ARTFUL APPROACH Interior designer Kara Mann collaborated with an art adviser to enhance the owners’ collection of contemporary artwork. An enlarged photograph titled “Unknown Land” by Ori Gersht rests on the mantel in the dining room.
Ethereal Edge Chicago-based interior designer Kara Mann isn’t afraid to mix things up and push a boundary or two. In her reinterpretation of a stately home in Lake Forest, Illinois, she took to combining seemingly inappropriate objects, textures and styles for a look that’s decidedly edgy and fun, while still managing to maintain an aura of elegance and refinement. text by Bridget Herman photos by Werner Straube
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AIRY AND BRIGHT A muted color palette and drapery panels made of open-weave linen drench the family room in sunlight.
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n Lake Forest, Illinois, there’s a sprawling estate with peaked roofs and charming green shutters that gives off a definitively traditional vibe. So when the homeowners—a young couple with two small children and a menagerie of pets—geared up to redesign the interior, they hoped to balance that traditionalism with a bit of edginess and glamour. Enter Kara Mann.
The Chicago-based founder of Kara Mann Design is known for mixing the eclectic—spiky chandeliers and nontraditional color palates—with classic touches such as tailored drapery and balanced compositions, to create a style that looks effortless and chic. Drawing inspiration from unconventional sources like the Windy City skyline, friends’ quirky personalities and the form and flavor of certain foods, the designer thrills at unexpected elements and bold contrasts, and the Lake Forest redesign project was no exception. Mann cultivated a refined rock-star aesthetic so as not to clash with the home’s stately exterior. The look is particularly evident in the master bedroom, where a color palette of gauzy grays and silvers dominates. “It’s dreamy and ethereal,” says Mann, painting a mental picture. A dramatic custom-designed bed with tufted headboard upholstered in smoke-colored mohair, anchors the room. A pair of luxe nightstands, painted with a shagreen-like finish, flank the bed. Mann chose light-reflecting twin bedside lamps to add a dose of glamour while keeping with the room’s careful symmetry. Above the bed hangs an aluminum butterfly sculpture. Butterflies are
PHOTOS: Werner Straube
LOFTY LIVING A crystal-and-wood chandelier drifts gracefully above a French chaise, a modern chair with a silver frame, and a coffee table of Asian influence. The room is cloaked in french gray hues, imparting a feeling of serenity.
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METALLIC BUTTERFIES ABOUND The eco-conscious butterfly wall sculpture by Paul Villinski, (paulvillinski.com) is framed nicely by pairs of shagreen-like bedside tables, silver-leaf mirrors, and rock-crystal lamps. A spirited atmosphere, yet still mature.
“I’m inspired by the friction between hard and soft, masculine and feminine, gritty and glamorous.” Kara Mann, Owner usually considered to be sweet and feminine but artist Paul Villinski imparted an element of toughness by painting it dark and constructing it out of metal. The piece is also eco-friendly, as its composed of reclaimed materials. “The butterflies are made from aluminum soda and beer cans,” Mann explains. “Have you seen a better example of turning trash into treasure?” Equal parts luxury and rock-and-roll, the bedroom epitomizes Mann’s style. The Chicago native has been honing her style since she moved to Miami,
Florida to work as a fashion stylist. A few years later, she returned to her hometown where fashion-industry jobs were scarce. It was then that Mann shifted her focus to interiors and began styling tabletops in advertisements for clients including Hedrich Blessing. The work deepened Mann’s interest in décor, and she returned to school, earning a BFA from Tulane University. During this time, Mann continued to refine her aesthetic, which she describes as a study in contrasts. “I’m inspired by the friction between hard and soft, masculine and feminine, gritty and glamorous,” she says.
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Urban Oasis Kadlec Architecture + Design brings elegant calm to the banks of Lake Michigan. Unifying this high-rise home with neutral color choices, Kadlec offsets vibrant artwork and carefully selected pops of color to create a warm, feminine and balanced space that meets the needs of a client excited to downsize her space. text by Amy Howell Hirt photos by Tony Soluri 104
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“We refined and layered the space so you didn’t feel like you were in a high-rise building.” Steve Kadlec, Owner
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teve Kadlec, a registered architect and principal at Kadlec Architecture + Design, has a residential portfolio that runs the gamut from stamp-sized urban lofts to sprawling country getaways. Throughout his 20 years in the world of architecture and interior design, Kadlec has cultivated a common thread that runs through his work; each project has an elegant simplicity based on his reverence for the basic tenets of individual design styles. “Most of our work, whether contemporary or traditional, is based on the essence of a particular style,” said Kadlec, who founded his company in 2004. In the Urban Terrace Project, located on the 18th floor of Chicago’s iconic Palmolive building, Kadlec created a refined sanctuary that embraces the owner’s classic tastes, the building’s art deco history and its jaw-dropping location overlooking Lake Michigan. Affording a sweeping panoramic view of the Chicago waterfront and an additional 2,600 square feet of livable space, the terrace was a major player in the layout and use of the rooms. It wraps around three sides of the unit and can be accessed from all three bedrooms and the living room.
A polished view Luxurious Samar drapery by Jim Thompson (jimthompsonfabrics.com), Briza sheers by Coraggio (coraggio. com) and the owner’s “quirky antique” baby grand piano—the only furnishing that came from her previous home— punctuate the view from the spacious 800-square-foot living room, which opens to the terrace.
To conceal the roof’s exposed unfinished structure, Kadlec created a border of planters with boxwoods and other evergreen varieties to provide year-round color, supplemented by seasonal annuals, lilac bushes and crabapple trees— hardy enough to withstand brutal Chicago winters—to complete the vision of a modern-day Eden, set against the backdrop of the city’s skyscrapers. Because the owner was moving from a large suburban home, most of her traditional furnishings were not appropriate for the space. “She was transitioning from a home for the family to a home for herself,” Kadlec said. “It gave her the latitude to do things the way she wanted.” To give the space “a feminine quality that wasn’t too overt,” Kadlec used a mix of antique and contemporary pieces with soft curves and a lighter scale.
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The owner loves bold colors and collects an eclectic mix of art, so Kadlec limited vibrant hues to the kitchen—separate from the living and dining rooms—and drenched the rest of the home in delicious creamy neutrals. The dining room has warm taupe walls. The entry hall boasts sepia-toned floral wallpaper and a rich chocolate area rug. In the living room, a glossy white sideboard contrasts with the brown of the rift white oak flooring that flows throughout the living spaces and bedrooms. “The ‘restrained’ neutrals won’t compete with the art and will provide a unifying backdrop for the diverse styles,” explains Kadlec. To add variety to the neutral scheme, Kadlec loaded up on warm textures, luxurious fabrics and sleek, metallic finishes.
Layers of sophistication The damask-upholstered slipper chairs, a faux-crocodile wingback chair and silk velvet sofa, add warmth and interest to the living room. The Isabel sofa by Estudio Furnishings (estudiofurnishings.com) features Polidoro fabric by Manuel Canovas (manuelcanovas.com). The Emma wingback chair by Victoria Hagan (victoriahaganhome.com) is covered in Croco by Bergamo (bergamofabrics.com).
“When you use a concentrated amount of pattern, and within a limited color range, texture is important for creating warmth,” Kadlec states. Working with already selected interior finishes, like the granite countertops and espresso-stained oak cabinetry, Kadlec focused on accessories and finishes that bring soft sophistication to the space. His team added delicate chandeliers in the master bedroom and bath, and a mural of a landscape in the dining room—created by framing out a section of handpainted wallpaper. Perhaps the most impressive change is in the foyer, where Kadlec married classic fabric wall paneling—used to disguise a series of closets—with a recessed ceiling detail that is a nod to the building’s art deco design.
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Room with a View A sophisticated sitting area with dramatic views of Lake Shore Drive and Lake Michigan is appointed with a rich silk rug by Atelier Lapchi, (lapchi.com) patterned Missoni fabrics (missonihome.com) and sleek Roman Thomas slipper chairs (romanthomas. com). The expansive terrace provides multiple seating areas for various activities. The outdoor dining area off the kitchen is framed by lilac trees and lush landscaping.
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GOLDEN AGE By creating a muted palate and scale conducive to showcase their collection, Gary Lee designed this couple’s remodeled interior with art in mind. A photograph by Michael Eastman (eastmanimages.com) hangs over a Chai Ming Studios sofa (chaimingstudios. com), with a cast-bronze sculpture by Fernando Botero (fernandobotero.com) at home on the coffee table.
High Style in Highland Park The family-friendly suburban Highland Park residence is one example of Gary Lee Partners’ diverse range of work. The interior design features wide open spaces and a subdued color palette. The effect is intentionally demure, allowing pieces from the homeowners’ vast art collection to be appreciated without disrupting the overall design of the space. text by Saundra Marcel photos by Tony Soluri
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A STUDIED GRACE A significant part of the design concept comes from the home being located in the center of a gorgeous wooded plot. Inspired by the surroundings, Gary Lee Partners founded the color scheme on the concept of bringing the outdoors, including the pool and the garden, in.
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t took Chicago-based design firm Gary Lee Partners three painful years to complete a monograph of its work. Published in 2002, The Complete Interior: Gary Lee Partners, is a textual history of the company’s steady success since it was founded in 1993. But even as he admits that this particular project was among the firm’s most stressful, principal Gary Lee reflects on the time with good humor. “I don’t give up on anything if it’s worthwhile,” he says. The book is a testament to a do-itright ethic that has earned Lee the reputation of a man able to accomplish just about anything.
Combined with a stunning sense of style, the Gary Lee Partners’ portfolio of work is also one of beauty. The company’s core business is designing commercial interiors, but they’ve expanded dramatically into private residences, creating breathtaking homesteads that sing of high style. They also work in the hospitality arena, with design projects in the works for the Park Hyatt and Ritz Carlton hotels, along with several restaurants. Lee doesn’t stop at interiors—he also oversees product development, designing for a number of manufacturers including Knoll, Halcon and Decca as well as for its own luxury furnishings company, Chai Ming Studios, which injects artisan flair into its range of work. On top of all this, Chicagoans this past fall witnessed the opening of Atelier Gary Lee, a furniture design showroom located in the Merchandise Mart complex. Always one to maximize opportunities, Lee combines his own products with a number of carefully curated pieces from around the world. The col-
FAMILY AFFAIR A Chai Ming Studios sofa (chaimingstudios.com) and Tai Ping rug (taipingcarpets.com) provide a cozy place for family visits. Hans Wegner chairs from Morlen Sinoway (morlensinoway.com) anchor the space. The desk chair from Manifesto (manifestofurniture.com) defines a work space.
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BALANCING ACT A pair of refurbished wrought-iron sconces (above) with Iron-Patina backplates from New Metal Crafts (newmetalcrafts.com) flank Robert Longo lithographs in the dining room. Colors are neutral in the master bedroom, (left) where subtle textures—linen on the walls, a slightly raised pattern in the custom-made carpet—provide visual interest. Chai Ming Studios bed and a Chai Ming Studios end table (chaimingstudios.com) comprise the space. In the kitchen (opposite page), a Bocci Clustered Pendant chandelier hangs above the dining table, both by Luminaire (luminaire. com). Knoll stools (knoll.com) surround the substantial Calculta marble countertop.
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lection contains hand-selected vintage works, museum quality art deco reproductions, and handmade work from contemporary craftsmen like Nicholas Mongiardo, Pollaro Custom Furniture, and Bolier & Company, to name a few. Drawing from a number of inspirations and combining pieces in interesting ways is just one aspect of what Lee calls his company’s “school of thought,” although he notes that the firm’s work cannot truly be classified. “So many design firms have a signature style. We choose to think that we don’t. Each new project and each new concept is unique to an individual client.” Lee and his loyal “right hands”—long-time senior staffers—are interested in mixing things up. “I don’t do trends,” says Lee, “but I’m always looking for something that adjusts the edge a little bit.” A recently completed Highland Park residence in suburban Chicago is an example of Lee’s flexible style, this one an ode to art and nature. “The clients had an extensive art collection, so the furniture just needed to be high-style,” says Lee. “I wanted every room to look outside; to be able to use the outside as a wall, so to speak. So we didn’t use a lot of color in the furnishings. Whatever time of day it is, they will reflect the color of the light [outside]. It’s beautiful in the morning. It’s beautiful at night.” Lee’s favorite space is the central living area, where he plays within a subtle color palette and has included precious-yet-comfortable pieces like a gray, silk mohair sofa by manufacturer J. Robert Scott, silver upholstered arm chairs by Dessin Fournir, and a custom bronze and silver patina coffee table by designer Gary Hutton. Lee was specifically challenged to make this home family-friendly, and his clients have reported that it’s become a hub for get-togethers. Contrast the Highland Park residence with some of Lee’s other projects and his flexibility is immediately apparent. For example, he designed Chicago’s Sepia Restaurant, a warm and eclectic French American bistro with antique lighting and refurbished chairs. “That was in my eBay days, when I was madly scouring for vintage Knoll pieces,” Lee recalls. Lee was eventually commissioned to design the Knoll Lee Lounge collection. “It was really the dream of a lifetime for me, being such a Knoll junkie anyway,” Lee admits. “The big joke in the office is that finally, after all these years in business, I get a commission from Knoll, and it ends up being one of the cheapest things they’ve ever produced.” But the result is translatable to different environments, and Lee offers, “it’s one of my favorite things that we’ve done.” On his success, Gary Lee credits the support his loyal team, many of whom have been with him since the very beginning. But looking back over his portfolio through the years, this somewhat modest designer can’t help but boast just a little. He’s proud of every project, and his work, he says, “just gets better and better.”
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View from the Top Pappageorge Haymes Partners’ One Museum Park East and West exchange cues in elegance and stellar design
Photo: Mark Segal Photography
by Lori Sichtermann
URBAN OASIS Museum Park is uniquely positioned in the city, with Grant Park to the north and Lake Michigan to the east. “This project was our flagship project,” says Jeff Renterghem, lead architect. “It consists of 11 high-rise, town homes and new loft developments, including One Museum Park East and West residence towers—two of the largest all-residence towers in the country.”
Chicago-based architectural firm Pappageorge Haymes Partners de signed the buildings. According to Jeff Renterghem, lead architect for the project, the East and West towers are the first phase in completing the south side of Grant Park. “These buildings sit on an amazing site,” Renterghem says. “When [Daniel] Burnham originally laid out Grant Park in Chicago, tall buildings were not planned for this location. One Museum Park East and West are defining architectural statements that complement the north bookends and the historical Michigan Avenue streetwall.” The two towers punctuate Chicago’s skyline with height and sophistication. One Museum Park East soars to 760 feet—the second-tallest all-residential tower in the country, while its neighbor, One Museum Park West, rises 520 feet.
According to Renterghem, the One Museum Park East and West towers were designed to be neighbors. “We wanted to make sure they danced together,” he says. “They’re not twins—they are two very individual buildings. They respond to each other, take cues from each other and solve the design issues with similar tools.” Creating a seemingly endless wall of glass, the curved surface of each tower is orientated toward the Chicago skyline, Grant Park and the vast beauty of Lake Michigan. According to Renterghem, this design element was a priority from day one. “The curved design of each tower was meant to ensure that all units in these buildings received a fantastic view,” he says. “We used the shape to develop the core and the sheer
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Creating the Urban Experience For the past 25 years, Chicago-based architectural firm Pappageorge Haymes Partners has contributed to their city’s iconic skyline. The firm has designed projects ranging from adaptive reuse and single-family renovations to beaming residence towers that rank among the 10 tallest Chicago structures. “We’re a full-service firm and a very design-oriented company,” says Jeff Renterghem, lead architect for One Museum Park East and West. “We focus our efforts on urban environments.” For nearly 12 years, the firm has been applying ingenuity to the Museum Park project. Pictured above is the east lobby lounge. The expansive, yet serene lobby is inspired by nature to evoke a relaxing atmosphere. An underlying Zen influence is evident in the design’s use of abundant wenge wood, stone and onyx accessories, and a tranquil glass-tile water wall. 24-7 doormen and on-site concierge contribute to the luxury urban environment.
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Photos: Pappageorge Haymes Partners
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dding to the majesty of the Chicago skyline are two luxury residential towers of striking beauty: One Museum Park East and One Museum Park West. The towers create a glimmering south wall for the city’s celebrated Grant Park, providing residents with breathtaking views. Completed in 2008, the towers have already become one of the most prestigious addresses in the city.
“We wanted to make sure they danced together. They’re not twins—they are two very individual buildings. They respond to each other, take cues from each other and solve the design issues with similar tools.” PhotoS: (above) Mark Segal Photography, (right) Pappageorge Haymes Partners
Jeff Renterghem, Lead Architect
wall structures in order to stabilize the tower,” Renterghem explains. “As a result, residents either get a view of Lake Michigan, the city skyline or Grant Park.” One Museum Park East is a single-orientation building, such that there are no units in the back of the tower. Instead, Pappageorge Haymes Partners designed the structures so that storage, staircases, elevators and electrical components are located in the back corridor of the building. The interiors of the One Museum Park East and West buildings are just as elegant and beautifully designed as the exteriors. Both buildings feature premium floor plans, ranging in size from 3,426-square-foot four-bedroom units to sleek and space-efficient 875-square-foot one-bedrooms. Each unit was customized per the request of the homeowners, but a number of high-end finishes were used throughout the building, including engineered wood floating floors, high-end cabinetry and custom millwork. “There was a large cross section of natural stones available for flooring, bathroom and kitchen countertops,” Renterghem explains. “Because of the location, this is a high-end building, and these were finishes that were needed to fit that marketplace.”
STRUCTURAL SYNERGY Exterior views (top, left to right) southwest faÇade, southeast faÇade and northeast faÇade. Exterior view of the north faÇade (bottom) from the park.
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HOERR SCHAUDT Your home is more than what’s contained within four walls. Read about these gardens and others at hoerrschaudt.com.
SUMMER IN THE CITY One Museum Park East features a rooftop pool deck, shown here with Museum Park Towers III and IV in the background.
“Because of the location, this is a highend building, and these were finishes that were needed to fit that marketplace.” Jeff Renterghem, Lead Architect
Residents of the One Museum Park East and One Museum Park West towers are privy to a host of luxurious amenities, including indoor and outdoor pools, a large green roof and recreational decks. Banquet rooms, fitness centers, spas and business centers also are available to residents. Although the buildings are amenity rich, the luxurious tone of the One Museum Park East and West towers is set in the design of the public spaces in each tower. According to Renterghem, the lobbies, common corridors, banquette rooms and party rooms in each tower feature high-end finishes and exquisite detailing. “The common areas were detailed and finished with upscale design statements and quality materials, such as stone flooring and wenge customized millwork wood paneling,” he says. “In One Museum Park East, we’ve included a water feature in the lobby made of Italian glass. It’s a very elegant and contemporary statement.” In a city that is renowned for its iconic architecture, the One Museum Park East and West residential towers are an elegant addition to the skyline. “No matter where you are in the city, the images of these structures change,” Renterghem says. “Sometimes they look sleek and narrow, while other times they look wide and strong.” Built as a pair, the buildings are as unique as their location. “These buildings could only fit on this piece of property,” Renterghem says. “I can’t imagine these buildings being replicated anywhere else.”
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Photos: Pappageorge Haymes Partners
landscape architects
Coconut Lane With the style of a Palladian villa and outdoor spaces meant for entertaining, Coconut Lane is a yin-yang of elegance and verve. Walking out of the residence, there is a reflecting pool courtyard that opens to a lower pool deck that seems to extend to the bay. The infinite waterways project a feeling of privacy for entertaing guests but also a sense of connection with the cityview. The covered terrace shows spiral stairs that lead to the master bedroom and rooftop terraces above.
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beachfront
BEAUTIES
Miami Beach’s Accolade Construction Company is a one-stop shop of architectural and construction services that excels at creating dream homes with stylistic authenticity words by Brian Libby photos by Blue Ocean Photography
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INSIDE OUT Additional outdoor entertaining occurs in a private courtyard with lush vegetation adding to the intimacy. Stairs provide access to guest quarters (above). “You’re bringing the bay into the house,” Accolade’s Henrique Chor says of the infinityedge pool on the back side of the house (below); an arm of the pool extends down the middle of the courtyard between the living room and family room. “You feel like you’re surrounded by water.”
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SUNNY-SIDE UP The home’s formal dining room opens to south-facing windows of the entrance courtyard, receiving ample daylight for a full breakfast or early evening gathering.
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f success is what one makes of it, Henrique Chor and Jorge Esteban have left very little to chance. Not only does their Miami Beach company, Accolade Construction, offer an eclectic array of styles from Mediterranean to Modern to French chateau, but also a range of design and construction services provided in-house. These aren’t off-the-shelf builder plans, but exquisitely refined homes that stay true to their stylistic roots.
“We try to say, ‘When you hire us, you’re hiring everything,’” says Esteban, who leads design for the firm while his partner oversees construction says. “Our product is very eclectic: we do a little bit of everything. Typically architects don’t get out of one style, or they try not to. We approach it differently. A client hires us to provide them a service. We try to build what they dream.” Natives of Cuba and Brazil, respectively, Esteban and Chor have applied a strong immigrant’s work ethic to their education and careers; between them the pair have engineering, architecture and graduate business degrees, and each a contractor’s license. After working separately in the 1980s, Esteban running an architecture firm and Chor a construction company (and sometimes collaborating on the same projects), they came together in the early 1990s at another company, Breakstone, before buying out its architecture-construction wing to form Accolade. Though
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“Typically architects don’t get out of one style, or they try not to. We approach it differently. A client hires us to provide them a service. We try to build what they dream.” –Jorge Esteban, partner
Hibiscus Built on a narrow, deep lot, the Hibiscus residence presented a design challenge. “Typically entering a house you have public spaces to the left and bedrooms to the right. We had to be able to locate all the rooms within the width and keep it open, while also take advantage of the views from the back,” Esteban explains. The answer? An entertainment level on the third floor, where a Jacuzzi and a barbecue invite residents to hang out outside. “When you wake up in the morning in the master bedroom and you open your eyes, the only thing you see is the bay,” Chor says. “You feel like you are in the presidential suite of a cruise ship.”
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the wild west
“Our clients love water, sound and views.” –Jorge Esteban, partner out of school for a few decades, their education is continuous as well, for central to an Accolade home is the extensive research that went into its style, function and form. They even once produced an illustrated book of homes in 60 different styles to teach clients. “I would have clients tell me, “I want a French house.’ And I’d say, ‘I’m sorry but that’s not French,’” Esteban laughs. “Sometimes people who grew up here and never moved out are never exposed to different cultures. But If I go to Italy, the first thing I want to see is the Italian architecture. The same thing goes for France or Israel.” “We have here in South Florida something people call Boca Rattan style,” Chor adds. “They build these villas that are a mix of everything and end up having nothing. Jorge tries to stay true to one style. I think he has this gift, this gift of understanding, and the willingness to do his research. The firm’s Coconut residence, for example, has an exterior befitting a Roman emperor: creamy white curving arches and columns with intricate carvings beneath rooftop master suite and deck, overlooking a pool that comes all the way into the courtyard between two wings. The kitchen is a study in contrasting tones and textures, from the rich red-brown cabinetry to the white marble countertops. The master bathroom is more like a spa, with its elaborate shelved vanity and generously sized tub. The Hibiscus Island house in Miami Beach, by comparison, is a modern design. Clad in classic Miami white stucco, its simple geometric lines and curves give way to the view outside to an
GRAND ENTRANCE Guests receive grand treatment when they arrive through a path with water on both sides (above) and enter into a high-ceilinged foyer, with architectural insets and large framed windows.
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outdoor pool and the bay just beyond. Besides its 8,000 square feet of interior space, a highlight is the outdoor kitchen under a pergola, nestled alongside an open spa overlooking the bay. “Our clients love water, sound and views,” Esteban says. We try to make that a focus, while staying true to the original style. But we also give clients the best they can get. Today these houses are intelligent houses where the client can be on vacation and if someone rings the bell of his front door he can see on his phone who is there and even open the gate for a delivery. It also should be designed in a sustainable way. It’s all about putting a lot of thought into the design, and being a true style. But at the end of the day, whatever they’re looking for, we try to accommodate.”
A MESSAGE FROM BELT “For BELT achievement means more than merely forging metal, it means making the metal bond with the architecture and its occupants in a significant way. Along with Accolade and the owners of the Forte Residence, we have worked as a team to transform dreams, concepts and ideas from wrought metal into masterpieces of art; married permanently and seamlessly to a splendid architectural space, full of taste and luxury. Believing that everything is possible and being able to interpret people’s dreams in this artistic medium are the greatest secrets that BELT has to share.” -Louis Beltran Maestro
VERSATILE VIEWS The kitchen, lvining room and foyer are open to each other; changes in flooring creating distinct areas. The dining room (top) features gorgeous ocean views with floor-to-ceiling windows and adjustable curtains to redirect the flow of light.
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photo: roger davies
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Hand Carved Natural Stone. Custom Fireplaces, Columns, Balustrades, Moldings, Fountains, Flooring and much more. Our services include consultation, shop drawings, high quality manufacturing and timely installation. luxury home quarterly
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photo: jeremy jachym
NEW ORDER San Francisco Kuth/ Ranieri Architects’ projects are fueled by local environs and artistic vision words by Frederick Jerant SOUND SYSTEM CNC-cut plywood bench built to absorb audio in the entryway of the Russian WINTER 2011 luxury home quarterly 127 Hill Apartment.
HIGH LEVEL The view to dining room from the living room, kitchen beyond. Outdoor fireplace on the roof terrace (below).
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he expression, “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade,” surely holds true for Byron Kuth and Elizabeth Ranieri, partners at Kuth/Ranieri Architects in San Fransico. dining room photo: Jeremy Jachym; roof terrace photo: Cesar Rubio
The duo came to California in the late 1980s to teach at the California College of the Arts. As a side project, they were involved in a small interior design project in St. Helena. But things took a major turn on October 17, 1989. After the Loma Prieta (or “World Series”) earthquake rocked the area, the project became a major renovation, and served as the impetus for forming Kuth/Ranieri Architects in 1990. Today, the full-service architectural firm—licensed to practice in California and Massachusetts—employs two architects, three draftspeople, a project manager and two support staff members. It focuses on three market areas: high-end single-family dwellings, commercial interiors and institutional facilities. “We take a collaborative approach on projects,” Kuth says, “and the client is a key part of the team, which also usually includes a project architect and interior designer, as well as engineers and other consultants.” Architecturally, each project is influenced by the client’s desires, budget and even the site itself. For example, the landscape of the San Francisco Bay influenced the relationship between the intimate living spaces and the dramatic exterior views in the 1,100-square-foot Russian Hill co-op. Its interior features light-brown Plyboo flooring and white and gray-stained cabinetry. The custom dropped ceiling forms a lofty sanctuary in which CNC-cut panels are composed to absorb audio, electrical and mechanical systems. The wood panels and fasteners provide warmth and scale to the expansive view.
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Kuth/Ranieri Architects
NOB HILL RESIDENCE Location: San Francisco, California Client: German industrialists Program: Private single-family residence including master suite, guest suite, living room, dining room, kitchen, terrace and a four-car garage. Square Footage: 2,000
Project description: Located on a narrow alley that seamlessly evolves from street to garden at the building’s front door, the project capitalizes on the spectacular sights of the Marin County Hills and the Golden Gate Bridge. Each floor’s plans are airy and open, with centrally placed living zones bracketed on either side by support areas, such as stairs and bathrooms. The project includes a new laminated-glass garden wall, placed at the south side of the building, where the main floor opens to an adjacent garden. The wall surmounts two challenges by providing privacy to the occupants and reframing the landscape. It’s dappled by the constantly changing sunlight during daytime hour. In contrast, an internal lighting system infuses the nighttime exterior walls, patio and interior rooms with a softly glowing iridescent sheen. The exterior façade features a series of horizontal ledges and panels, made from clear-sealed mahogany. The regimented ledges contrast visually and texturally with other exterior elements. By fusing the regular and indeterminate systems of city, garden and building, a singular and integrated image emerges.
“We take a collaborative approach on projects, and the client is a key part of the team.” —Byron Kuth, partner.
patio photo: David Wakely
“Not all of our clients can travel [the LEED-certification] road, but we always bring environmentally friendly choices to the table.” —Elizabeth Ranieri, partner.
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DAY POOL Entry canopy of translucent glass and corten steel with fountain and black polished concrete.
Ranieri adds that, while some firms just work up designs and present them to clients, “We spend a lot of face time with them, and we constantly sketch while we talk.” This painstaking process enables Kuth/Ranieri to develop forms that fulfill their clients’ desires while accommodating the site’s spatial constraints. “By the time the design phase is done, the client has a deep understanding of the interplay of light and materials, of spaces and furnishings,” Ranieri says.
The Nob Hill residence is an excellent example of this. “The entry, living room, dining room and serving areas are located in a single space,” Kuth says. “We used multiple elevations to help differentiate the living room from the dining room, and incorporated elements that actually fold into a wall. It provides a simple way to transform the space, depending on the needed function,” he adds. The concept applies to larger structures as well. “We’re currently designing a university’s campus center. Part of it is a 300-seat dining room for students and faculty,” Kuth says. “But we’re using sound isolation and other techniques to expand its use for lectures, fund-raising dinners and other activities.” With LEED accreditation under both partners’ belts, it’s no surprise that they place such a high importance on building responsibly. “All of our architects are
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photos: Joe Fletcher
The firm also implements multifunctionality whenever possible.Years ago, families had formal parlors and other purposeful spaces, but today’s families prefer to get more mileage from a room.
HILLSBOROUGH HOUSE Location: Hillsborough, CA Client: Real estate developer and designer Program: Private single family residence including master suite, five bedrooms, study, living room, family room, gallery, dining room, kitchen, breakfast room, terrace and garage. Square Footage: 6,250
Project description: This 1970s vintage Chicago-modernist home originally included a 5,500-square-foot main house, motorcourt and exterior gardens. The extensive renovation project included the redesign of all the primary interior spaces, the creation of a new front entry, reflecting pool, site stairs and corten-steel garden walls. The rear garden court and perimeter decks were also extensively redesigned.
A few key features include: • broad concrete site stairs and retaining walls at the front garden/main entry, punctuated by corten-steel blades that carve through mature oaks • a canopy of crystalline translucent glass resting on black concrete, and a reflective sheet of water that flows over a twelvefoot by eight-foot block of polished concrete • a palette of rich, tactile materials that brings character and consistency to the interior zones, and amplifies the color and texture of the gardens. The home is eco-conscious too, using hydronic solar heating, high-performance windows and doors, dramatically reduced water consumption/runoff, drought-resistant plants and a satellitecontrolled irrigation system.
LIVING COURT View from breakfast room/kitchen to courtyard, gallery, and living room (below). View of breakfast room/kitchen, courtyard and gallery (right). The front door includes an aluminum louver system (opposite page, bottom).
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TERRACE FORWARD Dining and terrace beyond. Translucent glass doors (below) looking out from bedroom to terrace.
LEED-accredited,” Ranieri says, “and we’ve completed several LEED-certified projects. Not all of our clients can travel that road, but we always bring environmentally friendly choices to the table.” The firm’s concern with sustainability led to the establishment of the Deep Green Design Alliance in 2003; a think-tank that explores ways to synergize environmental and cultural factors in urban environments. One outcome is the Mission Bay project, a 303-acre area with 41 acres of open space near the San Francisco Bay and Route 280. Currently, it is home to the San Francisco Giants, the research campus of the University of California–San Francisco, commercial and municipal facilities and 6,000 units of new housing. But the master plan includes construction of an eco-park, a college branch-campus and an eco-magnet high school for environmental studies. “The study program will return a sense of urban agriculture to the district by using the whole park as a lab,” Kuth says. “It will also integrate resource-efficient buildings with natural surroundings, forming a complete ecological continuum.”
a message from WNT Design Distinctive Cabinetry For over thirty years, WNT Design (wntdesign.com) has been providing fine distinctive cabinetry in the Bay Area. Our success is the result of maintaining high standards of professional service and supplying our clientele with superlative woodwork. From innovative design ideas through expert production to meticulous installation, our craftsmen take pride in your cabinets and millwork from start to finish… on time and on-budget. Six years ago, we developed EarthWise Cabinetry. For environmentally conscious wood products using sustainably managed forest material certified by the Forest Stewardship Council; recycled, reclaimed, or salvaged material; low-VOC finishes; and No material with urea-formaldehyde added to it. For more information, please vist: eathwise-salvage.com.
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photos: Jeremy Jachym
“One thing that really distinguishes us is that we are thinkers as well as designers,” concludes Ranieri. “Whether the challenge is finding a custom cabinet handle or solving an infrastructure problem, we create unique solutions.”
design
Distinctive Cabinetry &
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ENTRY HALL Kitchen on right, terrace beyond.
RUSSIAN HILL APARTMENT Location: San Francisco, CA Client: Two doctors Program: Condominium residence including master suite, living room, dining room, kitchen and terrace. Square Footage: 1,110
Project description: This 1960s tower features interior surfaces of bamboo, maple, terrazzo, marble and translucent glass to help blur the distinction between indoor and outdoor environments. That’s a key consideration because the site offers expansive views of the bay and its surroundings. In fact, the entire floor plan integrates the various rooms with their window views. The vestibule’s massive bamboo wall and bench fold and undulate, echoing the area’s topographical contours. Another wall, a luminous and watery surface, directs your eye to a view of the Golden Gate Bridge, the bay and the mountains beyond.
Custom Cabinetry and Millwork Specializing in: ♦ High-end Residential ♦ High-end Commerial ♦ High-end Hospitality ♦ Millwork & Design ♦ Green & Recycled Materials
A key goal was improving the unit’s energy efficiency, accomplished through highperformance windows, automated window coverings, a multi-zone HVAC system and high-efficiency appliances. Low-flow plumbing fixtures and faucets reduced water use by twenty percent. Other sustainable strategies include the extensive use of recycled and rapidly renewable materials, including bamboo flooring and cabinetry, and terrazzo countertops.
Since 1979 Phone: (707) 665-9060 Fax: (707) 665-9063
651-A Portal St Cotati, CA 94931
info@wntdesign.com • www.wntdesign.com www.earthwisecabinetry.com WINTER 2011
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Photo: Chandler Prude
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THE PLANS A showcase of sleek, modern architecture —and the blueprints that started it all
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PhilipPe Stuebi Architekten GMBH An innovative designer plays with bold shapes and patterns to make his clients’ lives the star attraction of their homes by Brian Libby photos by Dominique Marc Wehrli
Although architect Philippe Stuebi grew up in Geneva and Berne, Switzerland and has headed his own firm in Zurich since 1995, his architecture feels more Italian in its playful approach and expressive interplay of form and function. Stuebi cites the Casa Malaparte hugging the rocky coastline of Capri, and the old-world feel of palaces and silks portrayed in films like Luchino Visconti’s, The Leopard as influences. Whether creating a façade comprised of perforated circles or a glass wall displaying inside and out a rare book collection, Stuebi deftly mines stylistic panache from his clients’ lives, making them the stars. “Here in Switzerland people prefer to make simple boxes,” Stuebi says. “There is always a little bit missing—the opportunity to create joy, like a fantastic music piece. A building with sexiness. It’s difficult to create with architecture, but possible.” Stuebi enjoys studying his clients and creating a narrative of their lives that drives the architecture.
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the plans
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Guest entrance Guest bedroom Bathroom Orangery Bedroom Bathroom Toilet Loggia Garden house Library lounge Office Closet Entrance hall Kitchen Dining Living Pool Boathouse 12-car garage Fitness room Wine cellar Bar Showers Steam room Sauna Jacuzzi Storage
O House Situated along Lake Lucerne in Switzerland, the O House is designed to take advantage of the views of the water and adjacent mountain peaks. “In one direction from the kitchen you see Mount Pilatus. It’s really very close,” Philippe Stuebi says. “Then at the same time you see through the living room and dining room the lake. There are two nice important views of Mount Rigi and Bürgenstock.” The building façade is a decorative array of circular openings that allow glimpses into the house and its treasures, be it high-performance sports cars or exotic plants. Although appropriately the openings resemble automobile wheels, Stuebi was instead inspired by old palaces in Venice with façades that combine screening and artistry. “They have big holes and then sometimes two, three meters behind the façade,” he explains. “It’s like this abstraction, a strong decorative façade, and you don’t know what is behind. I love this idea. It’s like a little bit of a show.” He also believes this is what won his firm the juried competition for the commission. “I just saw that it was possible to go in this direction, to be expressive with volumes.”
HARMONY OF PURPOSE The basement nestles along the slope and opens into a large fitness area with a 25-meter pool, half inside, half outside, which is inserted in a white terrazzo plate. This terrazzo plate extends gracefully from the pool bar located inside along the boathouse made of white-tinted, rough-jetted concrete into Lake Lucerne.
The home’s dramatic rounded staircase was also inspired by Italian architecture, as were the terrazzo floors, which surround a 25-meter indoor/outdoor pool located on the basement level. Stuebi’s design also takes advantage of its sloping site to allow the clients to engage in business and pleasure at the same time. “The client likes to make business deals not just in his office but also at home. So they can go directly to this big entrance in the garage downstairs, which continues through the spa and bar to the boathouse and the lake. One part of the house is very private, the other is for parties. The wife can be in the living area with a friend, and the husband with a business partner at the lounge.”
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the plans
L House If the O House is distinct for its circular patterning, the L House is about trapezoidal forms, which contour to the angular shape of the site. “Following the property line created this special form, while the other guys in the [design] competition made rectangular blocks and lost a lot of space,” Stuebi says. Stuebi’s intent was to design from the outside in with form, and then to place emphasis on a sequence of key spaces such a two-story entrance hall, which not only adds drama but helps create a dramatic adjacent double-height library. The books—part of an extensive rare book collection passed down through generations of the family—become a sculptural component of the architecture. “You have these bookshelves directly behind the glass, so you have books all around you, but also light coming through the bookshelves,” Stuebi explains. The idea was to have books around you and the light. I make windows in a way like a lamp.” There is a special glass protecting the books, which helps to add a special color of light in the space.
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Like the O House and much of his work, Stuebi also oriented the window openings to specific views, such as a Japanese cherry tree visibly framed for the ground-floor office.
STEP BY STEP The general program requested by the client is resolved through a sequential plan, in which all the rooms are linked and each serves as an entranceway to the next. However each room has its own character, depending on its form, the materials used, and its color. The double-height entrance hall and library, characterized by its elliptic form, or the loggia, painted in pink, illustrate this trait. In the library, the façade is a glass mirror, which allows us to discover the garden hidden behind the books.
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After winning the commission via design competition, Stuebi and his clients worked to achieve the right balance. “The clients were always a little bit fearful when they saw the designs,” Philippe Stuebi confesses about construction of the L House. “For example, I wanted to have rooms with completely different characters and colors, but at the end it was only white.” The result is a pristine ambiance that emphasizes materials such as white marble flooring on the ground floor and an exterior façade of concrete with marble stones.
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the plans
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OPTICAL ILLUSION The three-sided glass walls of the library in the basement are glazed to make them reflective. Depending upon time of day and lighting conditions you can see the stored books or the reflected garden.
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“Here in Switzerland people prefer to make simple boxes. There is always a little bit missing—the opportunity to create joy, like a fantastic music piece.”
Philippe Stuebi, Principal
“I’m really interested in what clients are dreaming of, how people live. Really listening and observing. It’s not so obvious but it’s important to know how people are, what they like, what they don’t like. And the fine details—how we move in a kitchen— there are movements we’re doing a thousand times. So I’m visiting their houses and looking at their furniture, then I try to make something that is really fitting to them, not to me. A lot of architects want to make projects for themselves, not their clients. That’s not for me.” Like a film director, Stuebi embraces collaboration with a host of specialists. “A lot of architects love to create a project but don’t like the part of realizing it,” he adds. “We involve specialists from the beginning of a project: a structural engineer, landscape architect, scientists, artists, graphic designers. I really have lots of fun working with them and seeing how the project is growing.” Starting out in the early 1990s, Stuebi worked for a short time for other architects, but yearned to establish his own firm, which he did 1995. Today, the Phillipe Stuebi Arketekten portfolio includes projects like a recent beach house in Croatia, which overlooks the water with a dramatic terrace and parapet, and a moveable wall on one side. A glass wall on the back side of the house reveals the up-close texture of the rocky landscape.
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A pair of recent projects go by a single letter: the O House and L House, each of which have won prizes in design competitions. The O House is located in Vierwaldstättersee, Switzerland and was designed in collaboration with Eberhard Tröger. Designed for a young couple with a valuable historic automobile collection, the house is a kind of living sculpture. Its large multi-car garage, for example, is camouflaged by white concrete with a pattern of large circular holes. Central to the L House in Zurich is a glass wall which shows off the clients’ rare-book library. “I was in LA and heard once that David Lynch had a house designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. Then I found out it was his son, Lloyd Wright,” Stuebi recalls. “He built this little studio like a lighthouse on the top, with glass all the way around. I was very inspired.” In all his work, Stuebi takes pride in building forms driven by the landscape. Often a sloping hill or an angular plot of land become an opportunity to create more varied spaces and sequences with bold architectural gestures, such as a wide circular staircases or walls that fold away into the structure. The surrounding landscape becomes an opportunity to view the drama of nature through wide picture windows. “It’s like its own little world for itself,” Stuebi says. “I like the idea of this exoticness.”
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architects
Providing concepts and programs for deluxe homes
STYLE ON SHERIDAN ROAD This Lake Forest treasure includes a number of unique details, such as exquisite masonry work laid in a herringbone pattern, to bring out both texture and individuality.
CHICAGO
architect
Hackley & Associates Architects, Inc. timeless inspirations result in long list of prestigious clients by Tricia Despres As a child growing up in an 1893 Victorian house, Hackley & Associates owner Chip Hackley spent many hours staring up at the 12-foot high ceilings and down at the intricate details of his family home. It was in this home that he would spend his time drawing and painting, but never fully realizing his designing and architectural talents until many years later. “I was attending Kent School, a boarding school in Kent, Connecticut and taking a class called The Art of Volume,” recalls Hackley. “It was my junior year, and I specifically remember the instructor
coming up to me and telling me rather sternly that I should consider architecture as a career path.” After schooling at both Miami University in Oxford, Ohio and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and working under a number of architects, Hackley says he began to consider opening up his own firm. “I was thirty years old, with a house payment, a two-year-old and a baby on the way, so the timing was interesting to say the least,” he recalls. “More and more people were becoming aware that I was a young architect, but I would have to refer them to my boss.
Sheridan Road Home Nestled between an impeccably restored historic frame farmhouse to the north and large, beautiful new home to the south in the heart of Lake Forest’s Sheridan Road Historic District, this home is designed to respect and reflect the extreme contextual spectrum of the streetscape. Through many concepts and under the watchful eye and strong opinion of the Lake Forest Historic Preservation Commission, the home is designed to not only blend into the vintage aspect of its surroundings, but also to bridge the gap between its immediate neighbors. Careful attention was paid to the general form in regard to scale, material and subtle texture, providing a design reflecting development over time and age instead of new construction infill.
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ARCHITECTs
Timber Nogging Detail Utilizing reclaimed Chicago common brick and old-world masonry, detailing provides beautifully subtle and unique textures that are ever-changing with the light throughout the day. As outdoor spaces (above left) were important to the Sheridan homeowners, the connection of these spaces became critical to the outdoor circulation around the rear of the home.
make it feel like they have been there for a while,” he explains. “Even within the recent dips in the economy, we have been able to work with countless clients in the North Shore area who are looking to invest in tangibles, which often mean they are ready to pull the trigger on renovations.”
Ridge Road Home An interesting transition from preliminary thoughts of addition and renovation to the design of a completely new home, this home takes full advantage of its vast wooded property. A Southern Colonial with its materials, details and forms deeply rooted in the South, the home sits proudly upon a hill with views to the private yard. From the functional shutters, cornices, dormers and cupola, authentic traditional details and finishes were studied and evaluated to complete the composition. The result is a welcoming family home of warmth and integrity.
The fact was that these were young people who didn’t have the money at the time, so I started working on the side. And before long, I was getting busy…really busy.” So in 1996, from the basement of his Evanston home, Hackley began to build exposure for his company and reputation for himself as an upand-coming architect. “My wife and kids were in a playgroup, and I’m relatively sure that I
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renovated everyone’s basement,” laughs Hackley, who currently oversees five full-time employees within the firm. Known for creating seamless architecture between old and new, Hackley & Associates constantly strives to provide homes that not only fit within the contexts of the neighborhood they reside in, but also within the everyday lives of their clients. “When we build a new house, we work hard to
One of the firm’s earliest but most recognized projects is the home of a local businessman who had moved to the Chicago area and purchased “a lovely piece of land on Sheridan Road,” in the heart of Lake Forest’s historic district. Wedged between a petite historic wood frame farmhouse to the north and a newly built palatial estate to the south, Hackley found himself striving to work with the “conditions [that] come from all directions.” When it was finished, the residence was one of exquisite beauty and understated privacy. “I would say that I have a good handle on proportion and what feels right,” he explains. “I can clearly see the layers of a given space. Take for example, the layers from where I am sitting right now. The layers begin with me, then the table, the wall, the window and the road beyond. Knowing how those layers respond together in a given space, and having a clear understanding of how everything works together, is vital.”
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Form and function Much like the box bays on the front façade, the authentic pergola abutting the library provides a strong human scale for the home’s rear terrace. The pergola-filtered light and shadows play as the sun moves across the sky and through the trees.
The Lake Forest project utilized Southerninspired design features and exquisite landscapes. This particular project began as an additionremodel. After the old basement flooded during a rainstorm, the renovation evolved into a new home design, which took cues from the original home it was replacing. “It was interesting during the design process to take full advantage of the lot in which it sat, in which the beautiful backside was as important as the front side,” he explains.
And while the company has done its share of new construction throughout the country, it is the renovations that hold a special place in Hackley’s heart. “I have always had this design mentality of having a tolerance for age,” he explains. “So many people want to tear down a house and build something in its place that looks just as old. The homes we have a hand in building are going to be here a long time after we are gone, and I thrive in creating them to withhold the test of time.”
20 Green Bay Road | Winnetka, IL 847-446-1648 AndersonBuilt.com
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ARCHITECTs
Whimsy and Surprise Whimsical elements found their place within this mountain home. The perforated steel entry ceiling and river rock door handle at the foyer are small details that direct the eye and make a big impact. The incredible circular wine room with arched timber ceiling and huge curved pocket doors, was a surprise to the husband of the home from his wife. When the day winds down, the beautiful pool and waterfalls at the rear patios of the house provide the perfect setting for a relaxing evening.
TKP Architects A HAWAIIAN OASIS NESTLED IN MOUNTAINS OF MONTANA by Susan Lahey The element of surprise is something design professionals and architects strive for within the homes they build. Around every corner and down every hallway lies the opportunity to enter a new realm of unsurpassed design. For TKP Architects’ principal, Karen Keating, it was this “strive for surprise” that motivated her and her team on a 24-monthlong project in the Ironhorse neighborhood of Whitefish, Montana.
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“This could have been a typical heavy, mountain rustic home,” explains Keating, who works alongside husband and co-designer, Paul Deardorff. “From the very beginning, the homeowners had a very distinct vision to blend the surrounding mountain images with a Hawaiian vibe, to temper the mountain rusticity and take inspiration from their second home in Hawaii. The stucco elements on the outside definitely contribute to a much lighter feeling.”
“There is just something so whimsical about mounting something as light as paper on something as heavy as a rock wall,” says Keating, whose Colorado-based firm recently celebrated over 26 years in business. “Our clients’ witty creativity contributed to marrying these sorts of elements together so seamlessly.” The ability to see beyond the surface is an attribute Keating has had her entire life, and something she attributes as a reason for her current success within the industry. “I was born with this love for both mathematics and art,” explains Keating. “I couldn’t stop drawing when I was young, and I loved sculpting. I also noticed that I had a natural ability to easily understand things three dimensionally, and when
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photos: living images photography llc
This element of surprise indeed runs through the entire home, from the steel encased river rocks serving as the doorknobs for the front door to the striking paper wall sculptures on the stone stair walls.
ARCHITECTs
A TREE FALLS IN THE FOREST A single huge polished slab from a fallen forest giant forms the kitchen bartop. Reclaimed wood inlaid with polished concrete give character to the floors.
“There is just something so whimsical about mounting something as light as paper on something as heavy as a rock wall. There is definitely a psychology behind marrying these sorts of elements together this seamlessly.”
MAKE THEM BOTH COUNT The exterior features (top) of this unique mountain home showcase graceful massing with clean-lined, distinctive, contemporary details. Beautiful woodwork, fabric sound panels and indirect lighting enhance the home theater (bottom).
Karen Keating, Principal I was introduced to architecture through a high school class, I definitely had an “aha” moment, where I could see that this profession offered me a unique opportunity to use my innate talents.”
residence and a home in Hawaii, the homeowners brought the very best architects, builders and interior designers together for this one of a kind, 7,800-square-foot project.
Keating and her dedicated team have designed well over 1,000 projects, many of which have garnered significant national and international attention. “Several years ago, there was a mountain home tour in Beaver Creek [Colorado] and of the seven houses on the tour, three were designed by our firm,” she recalls. “That’s probably when we really broke out of the state and began to receive inquiries from across the country.”
“It seemed like we were herding a group of wildly creative cats,” chuckles Keating. “Denman Construction from Kallispell, Montana is one of the best and most creative builders we have ever worked with.”
Another goal of the design was to provide collective spaces where family and friends could gather. In the kitchen, old and new friends routinely congregate at the island, made entirely of a single huge slab of richly grained wood reminiscent of those found on the ground of an ancient Montana pine forest. The family studio also stood out as a rare element of the home that supports the lifestyle of this active, creative couple.
Their construction expertise was showcased in other standout elements of the home, including the curved, backlit, quarter-inch thick steel sheet with an artisan-designed pattern creating the dynamic ceiling of the entryway, the concrete and wood floor pattern, framed fossil stone panels on the powder room walls, and a bathtub carved from a single, 7,000-pound piece of granite.
“The family studio was the setting for everything from crafts to laundry to fly tying and golf-club cleaning,” concluded Keating. “It was a place to join together with family, friends and especially grandkids to come together and get creative. It was refreshing to see a space such as this not hidden away, but open, where people could truly share in the experience.”
In fact, this was how the Whitefish residence homeowners first contacted the TKP Architects team. Splitting their time between their Whitefish
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Constantine D. Vasilios & Associates
CROSSOVER KALEIDOSCOPE The interior is planned around an axis that penetrates the house. Through arches inlaid with thousands of spheres pinned to trim the sides, focus is bought to the fireplaces, stairways and kitchen. On top of the columns are blownglass capitals.
FORGING A VERTICAL VISION IN THE HEART OF WRIGLEYVILLE
As a child growing up in Athens, Greece, architect Constantine D. Vasilios would spend many a summer night on the rooftop of his family’s home, gazing at the Parthenon crowning the Acropolis. With nothing to interrupt his thoughts, he would relish the beauty of the golden lit columns and the cobalt sky behind it, dreaming of ancestors who had witnessed similar moonlit visions. “Of course, when one looks backwards on their life, you think of these moments and begin to appreciate the effects they had on the direction your life would ultimately take,” says Vasilios, who went on to study the art of design and architecture all over the world. “I have always loved creating stages for people to live their life on. Life is a series of acts, and providing a three-dimensional canvas in which to live is my specialty.”
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Vasilios received his Bachelor of Architecture in Design from the University of Illinois at Chicago, where he studied with Peter Pran and Richard Whitaker, and his Master’s Degree from the University of Texas at Austin, where he studied with Charles Moore. Working with these industry pioneers had an impact on Vasilios in terms of design and later in terms of teaching. Vasilios would go on to work with Moore at his firm in Austin, and Stanley Tigerman in the Chicago offices of Tigerman McCurry Architects. Vasilos established Constantine D. Vasilios & Associates in 1991, after a brief stint working as a consultant for the Chicago Park District. “At the time, we were a small practice with little money,” he recalls. “But even then, I had a clear vision of what I wanted to achieve. Art was always going to
be first, and business came in second. Ultimately, we are lucky getting to do what we do.” So far, “Doing what we do” has included a wide range of impressive projects in Chicagoland, the greater Midwest and Florida. One recent project was the Lakeview residence of a client who had moved to Chicago from Los Angeles with dreams of creating an urban oasis within steps of baseball Mecca Wrigley Field. The 6,000-square-foot, three-story vertical building would eventually result in an architectural gem featuring natural flooring, railings and two 26-foot high custom made water walls. “The project took just about three years to complete, and it did in fact have its share of challenges, most of which were due to the vertical nature of the home,” explains Vasilios. “There were some very technical construction issues that we faced, requiring us to dig below the ground to both enlarge and strengthen the foundation. There was also the com-
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photos: Peter Bosy
by Tricia Despres
ILLUMINATED LUXURY The master bathroom concept (above) marries rich wood and reclaimed alabaster for a tranquil environment. The skylight is positioned above the jacuzzi to permit skygazing. The entry sequence (left) displays wrought iron and copper, plus exterior lighting that showcases the house in the evening.
GENERAL CONTRACTING HOME REMODELING HOME BUILDING RENOVATIONS
mon permit issue with the city in regards to the use of larger-than-normal inlets of water and electricity being used to service the home.” The true design centerpiece of the home is arguably the water walls, created specifically to flow without a splash effect onto the wraparound stairway. The stairways were designed using a mix of steel, wood and stone, creating an ascension vision within the center of the home. Vasilios describes other unique aspects of the home as having been “designed within axes celebrating space in horizontal and vertical manners. Each detail and each client request is weaved as a symphony of experiences in three-dimensional light, sound, color and texture.” The home’s two fireplaces are examples of the results of this process. “The first level fireplace and surroundings are a testimony of precise design requirements executed in fine craftsmanship. The second level fireplace is surrounded by art and cabinetry, housing the owner’s glass.”
Open space within the property was also of great importance to the homeowners, who have used the space for many intimate parties and gatherings. Therefore, Vasilios says it was essential for the interior space to “meander and flow without interruption, while keeping specific spaces where people could gather.” “I really enjoy collaborating with people,” he says. “I love hearing about what their dreams are, and I have enough of an ego to make it often beyond what they thought could be accomplished.”
a message from Grimsley Group High quality, dependability and commitment; these are the standards the Grimsley Group has brought to Chicago’s North Shore for over 25 years. As an American Institute of Architects award winning Home Builder and General Contractor, the Grimsley Group knows how to meld the desires of the Owners and interests of the Architects into lifetimes of pleasure and reward.
1116 W. BARRY AVE., CHICAGO, IL 60657 T:773.935.6500 / F:773.327.8961 INFO@GRIMSLEYGROUP.COM WWW.GRIMSLEYGROUP.COM
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distinction
Serving a unique niche in the custom-home industry
Society Man
Margolis Inc. LOOKING TO THE CLASSICS FOR MODERN IDEAS by Lori Sichtermann For nearly two decades, John P. Margolis’ boutique firm has been transforming Boston-area living spaces, both indoors and outdoors, into works of art. As Margolis explains, his firm, Margolis Incorporated, is unique in its ability to cultivate environments of serenity and respite. “In each of our projects, we create a place that transcends everyday chaos. We create seamless environments that integrate the inside and the outside in a unified way.” John P. Margolis never had a doubt about entering the field of design. “I’ve been interested in architecture since the second grade,” he says. “I really didn’t have a desire to be anything else but an architect.” Margolis Incorporated, founded in 1994, offers a full array of services, including interior design, architectural illustration and garden design. The firm’s past projects range from neoclassical influences to bungalow adaptations. Margolis’ passion for architecture provides an all-encompassing approach to his clients’ desires. “We may have gotten different stylistic requests from
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clients over the years, but we’ve been able to create the seamless environments for a broad range of budgets,” Margolis adds, “Some budgets are very modest, and some are very extravagant. What makes us unique is that we’re able to give clients exactly what they want by being creative and efficient.” While the breadth of the firm’s talents is vast, Margolis repeatedly finds inspiration in classical architecture. He believes that classical architecture’s historical precedence provides the foundation for efficient and elegant construction today. “Classical architecture and its applications are like grammar for writing,” he notes. “It’s a language to use when problem solving. No solutions are the same. Instead, they’re grounded in some larger, cultural basis that goes beyond the signature of the architect.” Every home in Margolis Incorporated’s portfolio receives individualized attention from the firm’s founder, but one home in particular received a special dose of loving care. In 1995, Margolis had the pleasure of designing and building his own home in Beverly Farms, Massachusetts. He took influence from some of the most renowned structures in classical architecture. “It was the
Margolis Incorporated is dedicated to the future of classic architecture. John Margolis has traveled the world to view inspiring works of art and has worked alongside legends in architecture. While his influences are far-reaching, classical architecture remains his passion. Today, he strives to make this profound period center stage for others in his profession. For more than a decade, Margolis has been a part of the Institute of Classical Architecture & Art (classicist.org) and the Boston Society of Architects (architects.org). Currently, he serves as President of the New England Chapter of the ICAA (classicist-ne.org). ICAA provides a resource for professors, students and other architects to learn about and discuss classical architecture. The organization is informative, inviting, and as Margolis reveals, its membership is growing. “I’m happy to report that our Chapter has grown 35 percent since I’ve been president,” he says. “We celebrate not just architects and interior designers and their talents, but landscape designers and their applications in the allied arts. Artists who make furniture, plaster work, ornamental metal work, figure drawings, paintings and mural paintings are all part of the design field. We’re finding that many of these artists also are passionate about classical architecture, which is wonderful for its resurgence.”
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“Classical architecture and its applications are like grammar for writing. It’s a language to use when problem solving. No solutions are the same. Instead, they’re grounded in some larger, cultural basis that goes beyond the signature of the architect.” John Margolis, Principal culmination of my exploration into classical tradition. I was able to design every aspect of the house,” Margolis says. “I designed all the gardens and planted them and maintained them. I lived there for 10 glorious years.” The Beverly Farms home was a pure, paviliontype villa. “My thesis in graduate school was ‘The Villa and the Garden – Suburbia Reexamined,’ so I was looking to find a modern application and how it could be applied to people today—people who weren’t monarchs. It also had to satisfy today’s needs and lifestyles.” Designing a home for today’s needs and lifestyles means considering the home’s impact on the environment. “Many of the classical buildings that we love are very sustainable from the way they were built. These buildings were designed to accommodate their locations,” Margolis explains. For instance, classical buildings in the Spanish style throughout the Southwest often have deep arcades to shade rooms and walkways from the hot sun, and the walls are thick to keep the interior cool. In the Southeast, Antebellum mansions feature cupolas to cool the structure naturally. Margolis further explains, homes in New England have a different variation of this classical design, where double-hung windows vary in size and proportion so they can be adjusted to accommodate the realities of the East Coast climate.
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“All of these classical design elements work in modern-day applications,” Margolis adds. “The cost of materials is going to force us to take a look at how we reuse the structures currently standing. The amount of new construction, and the impact on a landfill every time we tear down a new building, has horrific consequences. As an architect, I’m doing my part to change the way we think about architecture and how it can be used to better the environment.”
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HIgh-RISE
taking luxury to new heights
Park Millennium Tower Penthouse
Iranian-born sisters show the interconnectedness of design at all scales by Brian Libby In the late 1970s, Gisue and Mojgan Hariri were studying in America when revolution transformed their homeland of Iran. The sisters decided to stay stateside, quickly showing a complementary design prowess that led them to the nation’s top-ranked architecture school, Cornell, and internships with leading firms. “We decided it was perhaps a blessing,” Gisue Hariri recalls. “We’d wanted to learn all the skills, hoping to help build Iran. But beginning from scratch in another country, you become tougher and more independent. You have to work very hard.” From an early age, Gisue and Mojgan quickly came to see their partnership as greater than the sum of
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its parts. “I think we pushed each other’s boundaries. Each project became phenomenally better,” Gisue says. “It wasn’t just hard work, but a continuation of our childhood dialogue. Because there is no ego involved, it becomes about design.” Today, that same collaborative and passionate spirit informs a range of Hariri & Hariri projects, from large-scale master-planning and architecture, to product design including chandeliers, jewelry and bath fixtures. What’s more, the sisters take pride in an open office culture that encourages its six employees to view design holistically. “We do a lot of brainstorming, a lot of sketching, until it sits well for both of us,” Gisue says. “We really encourage
all our staff and interns and architects not only to come up with ideas and discuss them with us, but also to feel the freedom to criticize our thinking. Our office has always remained small so we can all learn everything: thinking about an idea first, coming up with a concept, and learning how that translates into construction.You become one big team.” The Hariri & Hariri-designed Park Millennium Tower penthouse exemplifies the firm’s interconnected approach to interiors, architecture, sustainability and technology. Located on the 45th-floor
luxuryhomequarterly.com
photos: paul warchol
Hariri & Hariri
Hariri & Hariri’s Park Millennium Tower penthouse matches its high-tech controls for audio/video, lighting and shades with standout interior pieces. A Swarovski (swarovski.com) crystal chandelier hangs over the dining table. “It almost looks like a horizontal skyscraper,” Gisue Hariri says. Most of the furniture is from Holly Hunt New York, designed by Christian Liaigre (hollyhunt.com). The dining table and coffee tables were made by Ralph Pucci International (ralphpucci.net).
high-rise
On the Horizon Salzburg Sternbrauerei (bottom) is one of Hariri & Hariri’s biggest projects yet, the commission won an international design competition. Luxury apartments, restaurants and an art gallery are nestled together in a former quarry. Other upcoming projects include: Two Arts Plaza (top), a luxury high-rise residential tower in Dallas with its own park. “You see how architecture extends itself from the small details to a larger urban scale,” Gisue Hariri says. “It’s a path we always wanted to follow.”
“Our office has always remained small so we can all learn everything: thinking about an idea first, coming up with a concept and learning how that translates into construction. You become one big team.” Gisue Hariri, Principal
on Manhattan’s Upper West Side, one could be forgiven for staring endlessly at the panoramic view of the Hudson River, Central Park and the Lincoln Center.Yet the array of comforts and toys seamlessly tucked inside may be just as engrossing. Digital keypads in the penthouse give occupants the ability to control lighting, heating and cooling, audio and video systems and window shading. At the same time, materials such as radiant floors embedded with water tubing help provide an energy-efficient means of distributing ambient temperatures without solely relying on forced-air and ducts. But this is not an overly futuristicfeeling space. Whether it’s in the plentiful master
bedroom suite, the open living/dining/bar area or the his-and-hers studies and bathrooms, handmade details such as Tibetan carpets, glass mosaic tiles, silk drapery and an array of artwork celebrate human touch and creativity. Richly toned wenge wood and sleek translucent glass lit with LEDs provide a continuing contrast of natural and modern. For inspiration, Hariri & Hariri looked to the past: the art deco style popularized in the 1930s with its fusion of glamour, craft and technology. Today, Hariri & Hariri’s reach is growing. The firm’s first European project, Salzburg Sternbrauerei, is currently under construction, showing
their hand in its urban design and fine details. Upcoming projects also include a portable, inflatable museum called Odyssey that can be moved to display art anywhere in the world. “We decided early on we were not going to be a usual kind of office,” Gisue says. “We wanted to be open and to celebrate every challenge and constraint. Whether it has geological constraints or is a difficult site to build on…we want to have an open mind. It’s not about doing just houses or just hospitals or any other project type, but anything that needs creative blood.” A MESSAGE FROM All American Custom Pools & Spas With more than 34 years in the business, All American Custom Pools & Spas is the most highly awarded pool company in the area for design and construction excellence. All American works closely with each client to perfect a design that complements their home while enhancing the total experience of pool ownership. The company’s insistence to adhere to higher standards results in better pools and has earned All American a reputation for quality and service that is second to none.
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E. S. U N L I M I T E D , I N C . OV E R
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Y E A R S I N B US I N E S S
S W I M M I N G P O O L S • W AT E R F E AT U R E S
W E P R OV I D E Q UA L I T Y A T A R E A S O NA B L E P R I C E A LWAYS O N T I M E A N D O N S C H E D U L E 10 2 5 8 R I V E R S I D E D R . , # 6 , P A L M B E AC H G A R D E N S , F L 3 3 4 1 0 P H . 5 6 1.7 7 5.1 8 8 7 DESIGNED
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BY
K R E N T W I E L A N D D E S I G N , I N C ., L A N D S C A P E A R C H I T E C T U R E
C O N T R AC TO R S : P L E AS E luxury home quarterly
WINTER 2011
CA L L F O R A L I ST O F B U I L D E R S’ R E F F E R A L S
luxuryhomequarterly.com
vacation
second homes and getaways across the globe
FLUID DESIGN Large flagstone stepping stones under lit with fiber optics separate the living room windows from a lagoon pool with three waterfalls, beach entry and weeping wall.
2010 House of the Year Paskoski construction’s South Florida 2010 House of the Year Combines Craftsmanship and Glamour by Kaleena Thompson
photo: ROBERT STEVENS
“We like challenging projects, to be pushed to our limit, and surround ourselves with the best team in South Florida,” says contractor Steven Paskoski, summing up his work on an award-winning vacation home in South Florida. The Paskoski Construction portfolio includes many architectural styles, from Mediterranean to modern contemporary homes, as well as commercial properties and high-end renovations. “We believe in the best value,” says Paskoski, referring to the support and commitment of his office staff. Founded in 1980, Paskoski Construction has cemented a reputation as experienced luxury homebuilders. A full-service residential and com-
mercial contracting company, Paskoski credits his success to a simple philosophy. “We build a great team—from architects and designers to the sub-contractors—to fulfill the customer’s needs.” So when high-profile clients asked interior designer Louis Shuster to put together a dream team to design and build their third vacation home, Shuster sought out the best in South Florida. Paskoski Construction, along with architects Colestock & Muir, and landscape archtect Krent Wieland, built the 20,000-squarefoot home for the empty nesters. The home earned recognition as the 2010 House of the Year by the Construction Association of South Florida for “Overall Outstanding Craftsmanship on a Residential Project.”
Boca Raton, FL Population: 86,396 ATTRACTIONS: Boasting four miles of pristine beaches, Boca Raton is also home to three universities, the Gumbo Limbo Nature Center and the famous Boca Raton Resort and Club.
The award-winning estate combines Mediterranean style, cypress wood and natural stone, with contemporary touches, such as a slate roof. Paskoski, who nominated the home for the award, reveals, “We had issues with the homeowner’s association because of the slate roof. However,
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A porte-cochere entry welcomes guests into the six-bedroom, nine-bathroom home. Birdseye maple, interlaced with onyx, canvases the floors throughout, while a transitional design aesthetic fills out the bones. Mindful of their adult children and grandchildren, the clients wanted privacy and space for visiting family members and other guests. “An entire section is dedicated to their family,” says Paskoski, “while their bedroom suite takes up another side of the house. The guest section of the house encompasses two suites, complete with bathrooms, an exercise room and enough bedrooms to sleep all of the client’s grandchildren comfortably when they come to visit. Additional features include a playroom, two fitness rooms, staff quarters, a state-of-the-art home theater, a library and an outdoor kitchen. Warm and welcoming, the interior abounds with extraordinary craftsmanship, and the attention to detail is evident. Paskoski achieves continuity
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Comfort Zone Colestock and Muir Architects (cmarchitects.com) designed the home, while interior designer Louis Shuster (shusterdesign.com) focused on the finishing touches. Landscape architect Krent Wieland (kwdesign. net) designed the lagoon pool, water features and landscape. A significant feature of the home is an integrated management system; computers control the music, theater room, lighting, air conditioning, security and window treatments. Paskoski credits companies Energy Efficient Electric, Inc. and Definitive Electronics, Inc. (desflorida.com) for creating the system. Custom cabinetry and millwork by Noell Design Group, Inc. (noelldesigngroup.com) add to the home’s comfort. Capped by a 20-foot-high, round, coffered ceiling, the living room (above) looks out over the infinity edge pool to the lake. Custom back-lit stained glass art hangs over the fireplace.
luxuryhomequarterly.com
photos: Kim sargent
once [it was] installed, they wanted to re-roof the club house with it!” The home’s roof wasn’t the only challenge. The contractor says the clients wanted their home completed sooner than the typical timeframe for a home of its size and scope, which is two-to-three years. “The architects, designers and subcontractors banded together and finished it in just 17 months,” says Paskoski.
DETAIL-ORIENTED The master bathroom (top) features exotic stones and bubinga wood cabinets and millwork. Overlooking the lagoon pool, the formal dining room (bottom) features custom chandeliers over twin tables that seat up to 16. The floors are made from birds eye maple with onyx inlays.
with the application of rounded shapes, stained glass and up-lit onyx throughout the home. A large terrace overlooking a lakefront island gazebo and swimming pool creates the feeling of a luxury retreat designed for a family. “Being in this home is more satisfying than any other home I’ve ever been in,” says Paskoski. “Every room is comfortable; you just don’t want to leave!”
a message from Powertech Interiors, Inc. Established in 1993, Powertech is a custom luxury home and commercial drywall contractor, specializing in interior architectural design. We have completed homes ranging from 5,000 to 30,000 square feet and maintain a work force of highly skilled supervisors and dedicated employees. At Powertech, we are proud of our reputation and achievements and are looking forward to the privilege of working with you.
Specialty Contractors for Custom Drywall • Framing Finishing • Groin Vaults Domes • Plaster Drywall Finishes 560 S. Andrews Ave., Pompano Beach, FL 33069 P. 954.788.6788 / F. 954.788.6468
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ECO-LUXURY
The best in sustainable living
Giulietti Schouten Architects Differences converge to create modern, eco-friendly design
HILLSIDE JEWEL In the evening, the warm and welllit interior exemplifies the idea of a modern “jewel box” nestled on a sloping site in rural Oregon. The client desired a house with clean modern lines and low maintenance materials.
by Kaleena Thompson
As Giulietti Schouten Architects grew, they embraced the clean, distinct lines of modern architecture. Giulietti credits this transition to the firm’s clients. “Recently, the public has wanted more of the modern look,” he says.
His partner, firm principal Tim Schouten, has roots in Idaho. “Growing up in the West taught me a lot about the environment,” he recalls. “You have to be selective in finding buildings that give you some sort of lasting impression, which is why I admire the old mountain lodges.”
The small firm has been successful at applying clean and unique design to all projects. “We learn from clients, and with that we learn something new,” Schouten says. “Beyond solving the client’s program, we try to make architecture that is done in an artful manner.”
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Their buildings draw upon a vein of sustainable principles such as integration of materials, response to the site, the use of low-VOC paint, formaldehyde-free installation, and even rainwater reclamation and solar hot water. One of the firm’s notable projects is the Walnut House, a low-profile residence set on a 2.5-acre property in McMinnville, Oregon, with all the right ingredients for simple eco-luxury. The project required a considered approach to the landscape. “It was a former walnut farm with a number of walnut trees,” Schouten says. “The existing house had been remodeled a number of times, but the client wanted a fresh start.” The original house was completely deconstructed and every element donated to Habitat for Humanity.
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photos: David Papazian
Together, Giulietti’s urban upbringing and Schouten’s rural backdrop have produced enticing buildings ranging from art galleries to awardwinning residences.
The two architects heading this Portland-based firm come from diverse backgrounds, but have found a connection in their love for eco-friendly modern design. “I grew up in Queens, New York, where it was a heavily populated building environment,” says David Giulietti, founder of Giulietti Schouten Architects. “Growing up in the late ‘50s and ‘60s, I was around a lot of new building construction. During the 1964/1965 World’s Fair as a boy, I saw and visited buildings of the future.”
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Walnut Sustainability
They worked with a simple material palette of wood, glass and metal with ample volume to create a very inviting place inside and out. “We opened up the rooms to the outdoor spaces,” says Schouten.
The client chose a 2.5-acre walnut farm, surrounded by walnut and Douglas-fir trees. The site soaks in views of Mt. Hood and Mt. Jefferson. The new 3,000-square-foot house is low-maintenance due to its sustainable features. For the single-level, two-bedroom, three-bath home, Giulietti and Schouten designed large wall windows, which bring in light in the winter. They employed rainwater harvesting, solar water-heating and storage, in-floor radiant heat, cork tile floors, expandable spray-on insulation, a single-ply membrane roof and low voltage lighting. Each room also has its own thermostat.
The Walnut House impresses not only with its contemporary design but its sustainable features. Material features include boxcar galvanized metal siding, insulated aluminum curtain-wall windows, exposed interior/exterior concrete walls, composite veneer wood panel siding and ceiling finishes, exposed steel framing at the roof, and window walls.
The Walnut House is divided by north/ south and east/west concrete walls. The north side provides privacy for the master bedroom suite, home office and private garage and driveway; the south side combines the living, dining and kitchen areas separated by a guest suite to the west.
Giulietti Schouten Architects commits to providing what’s needed to create the overall home experience. “Our goal is to provide good design to all projects, regardless of style, budget and scale,” says Giulietti. “And more specifically, we understand the clients’ needs, functions and aesthetics.”
The galley kitchen (above), with its 17-foot-long natural quartz counters, opens to the living and dining areas, creating a space where both cooking and entertaining can take place at the same time.
The client, a writer, was a fan of the mid-century modern courtyard homes in California. In this case, the architects designed a U-shaped house where every room has a view of the courtyard. At the center of the Walnut House is a semi-covered outdoor dining terrace leading to a lower sculpture garden and fountain, then farther to the lower landscape and orchards.
Wood, Fiberglass, & Aluminum Windows & Doors Custom Entry & Interior Doors Moulding & Millwork doors@portlandmillwork.com windows@portlandmillwork.com www.portlandmillwork.com
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products + services spotlight
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Decode Vessel Series, designed by Samuel Wilkinson, consists of three mouth-blown forms cut across individual angles. When illuminated the glass tint mutes the light without hiding the form and produces an unexpected irregular reflection that appears holographic. Every piece is mouth blown by eye, without a mould, by master craftsman Stewart Hearn. +44 (0)20 7254 9026 info@decodelondon.com, decodelondon.com
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An environmentally friendly open fireplace, the EcoSmart Fire is an Australian innovation featuring remarkable design flexibility. The EcoSmart burner is fueled by denatured ethanol, which burns clean and is virtually maintenance-free—no flue or hard connection is required for installation. Available in a variety of ready-made designs, the EcoSmart Fire is also customizable in that it can be installed into any accommodating design. (310) 914-3335 ecosmartfire.com
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Special Advertising Section
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products+ services spotlight The Spotlight is Designed To:
showcase the top trends, innovations, and amenities
connect LHQ readers—elite
custom-home builders, contractors, architects, interior designers, landscapers, and more—with high-quality products and services for their luxury-home projects
provide
a resource for LHQ readers to use when presenting project ideas to clients Formatted 1/3- or 1/6-page four-color ads are available. To learn more, contact: Cory Bowen Publisher (773) 987-0300 cory@bowen-enterprises.com
Foscarini Inspired by a material that has always been linked to the world of construction, Aplomb, designed by Lucidi and Pevere for Foscarini, translates concrete from large-scale architecture to a small suspension light for interiors. An elegant product with a simple formality, the lamp has an airy design, the shape of an upside-down funnel, and creates precise, direct lighting, ideal for tables, peninsulas or counters, alone or in composition. Federica Giacchetto +39 (041) 595-3811 foscarini.com
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*advertisers in blue
directory
Professional Services & Organizations
Gary Lee Partners, garyleepartners.com, 3, 6, 108-111 Hoffman Vest Judaken Design, hvjdesign.com, 158 Jessica Lagrange Interiors, jessicalagrange.com, 80 Kahn Design Group, kahndesigngroup.com, 29 Kara Mann, karamann.com, 3, 6, 100-103
ARCHITECTURE
Ken Gemes Interiors, kengemes.com, 38-40
Bruce Bolander, brucebolander.com, 75
Kitchens By Design, kitchensbydesign.net, 60-61
Charles Moore, moorearch.com, 146
Taylor Photo Professional color Labs & Studios, taylorphoto.com, 29-31 Tony Soluri, soluriphotography.com, cover, 80, 104-111 Vis-Home Inc., vis-home.com, 45-46 Werner Straube, wernerstraube.com, 100-103 Pools & Spas: All American Custom Pools & Spas, allamericanpools.com, 22, 149, 151
Colestock & Muir Architects, cmarchitects.com, 153-154
Mary DeWalt Design Group, marydewaltdesigngroup.com, 34-35
Constantine D. Vasilios & Associates, cvadesign.com, 146-147
Michael Del Piero Good Design, michaeldelpiero.com, 84-85
Surveryors:
Eberhard TrĂśger, eberhardtroeger.net, 140
Nate Berkus, nateberkus.com, 96
Ryan and Faulds, LLC, ryanandfaulds.com, 22
Dwyer Design, dwyer-design.com, 140
Shuster Design Associates, shusterdesign.com, 153-154
Walls:
Foster Dale Architects, fosterdalearchitects.com, 43-44
Simeone Deary Design Group, simeonedeary.com, 6, 86-87
NanaWall, nanawall.com, back cover
Gleysteen Design LLC, gleysteendesign.com, 10
Smith Boyd Interiors, smithboydinteriors.com, 7, 64-69
Powertech Interiors, powertechinteriors.com, 155
Guilietti Schouten Architects, gsarchitects.net, 156-157
Soucie Horner Ltd., souciehorner.com, 162
Hackley & Associates Architects, Inc., hackleyarchitects.com, 141-143
Sroka Design Inc., srokadesign.com, 41-42
Hariri & Hariri, haririandhariri.com, 18, 22, 150-151 Kadlec Architecture, kadlecdesign.com, cover, 3, 6, 104-107 Kuth Ranieri Architects, kuthranieri.com, 3, 127-133 Margolis Inc., margolisinc.com, 148-149
Stephanie Wohlner Design, swohlnerdesign.com, 50-52 Susan Lachance Interior Design, susanlachance.com, 53-54 Suzanne Lovell, suzannelovellinc.com, 97
ACCESSORIES & DÉCOR
jamesthomas, jtliving.com, 36-37
Accessories & Decor:
Landscape Design:
Northworks Architects + Planners, nwks.com, 89
Foliage Design, foliagedesign.com, 63
Pappageorge Haymes Architect, pappageorgehaymes.com, 3, 6, 112-116
Hoerr Schaudt Landscape Architects, hoerrschaudt.com, 116
Preter Pran, peterpran.com, 146 Phillippe Stuebi Architekten GMBH, philippestuebi.ch, 135-140 Richard Whitaker, richardwhitakerarchitect.com, 146 Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, som.com, 80 Studio Gang Architects, studiogang.net, 6, 25, 88 Tigerman McCurry Architects, tigerman-mccurry.com, 146 TKP Architects, tkparch.com, 144-145 Audio/Visual:
Products
Tom Stringer Design Partners, tomstrigner.com, 81
Montgomery Roth Architecture & Interior Design, LLC, montgomeryroth.com, 62-63
Pereira Miguel Arquitectos, Lda, pm-arq.com, 24
E.S. Unlimited, Inc., esunlimited.com, 152
Krent Wieland Design, Inc., kwdesign.net, 152-154 Millwork:
Armand Lee & Company, armandlee.com, 80 Arteriors Home, arteriorshome.com, 68 Carter House Gallery, carterhousegalleryandframing.com, 64 Cerruti Baleri, cerrutibaleri.com, 5 Christian Liaigre, christian-liaigre.fr, 50
Noell Design Group, Inc., noelldesigngroup.com, 154
Cire Trudon, ciretrudon.com, 91
Portland Millwork Inc., portlandmillwork.com, 157
Decor Professionals, decorprofessionals.com, 67
Photography:
Donghia, donghia.com, 50
Alan Shortall, alanshortall.com, 3, 82-83
Droog, droog.com, 20
Allen Cooley, allencooley.com, 64-69
Elements Chicago, elementschicago.com, 162
Anthony May, mayphoto.com, 43-44
Etienne Hotte, etiennehotte.com, 18
Anthony Valanis, tonyvalainis.com, 60-61
Gaia & Gino, gaiagino.com, 27
Bill Hogan, billhoganphoto.com, 84-85
Global Views, globalviews.com, 62
Bill Timmerman, billtimmerman.com, 6
Hector Serrano, hectorserrano.com, 90
Blue Ocean Photography, blueoceanphotography.org, 4-5, 118-125
Inner Gardens, innergardens.com, 76
Brent Bingham Photography, brentbinghamphotography.com, 47-49
JSPR, jspr.eu, 18
Carlos Domenech, domenechphoto.com, 62
Jayson Home & Garden, jaysonhome.com, 91
Cesar Rubio, cesarrubio.com, 128
Jean de Merry, jeandemerry.com, 3, 6
David Meredith, davidmeredith.com, 94
John Derian Company Inc., johnderian.com, 91
David Papazian, papazianphoto.com, 156-157, 159
John Himmel, johnhimmel.com, 50
David Wakely, davidwakely.com, 129
Lalique, cristallaique.fr, 53
Dominique Marc Wehrli, dominiquewehrli.ch, 135-140
Lief Almont, liefalmont.com, 70, 76
Ezio Manciucca, eziomanciucca.it, 94
Ligne Roset, ligne-roset-usa.com, 64, 69
Fanjoy Labrenz, fanjoylabrenz.com, 94-95
Moooi, moooi.com, 36, 65, 67
Federico Cedrone, cedrone.it, 95
Palette Industries, paletteindustries.com, 18
Jimmy Jacobs Custom Homes, jacobshomes.com, 34-35, 134
Hedrich Blessing, hedrichblessing.com, 88-89, 103
Pallucco Italia, pallucco.com, 26
Mariottini, Inc., 312-617-8592, 36-37
Inga Powilleit, ingapowilleit.com, 20
Ralph Lauren, ralphlauren.com, 58
Mastiff Development, mastiffdevelopment.com, 47-49
Janet Mesic Mackie, janetmesicmackie.com, 84
Scholten & Baijings, scholtenbaijings.com, 8, 20
PO Construction, poconstruction.com, 44
Jeff Millies, jmillies.com, 162
Sixinch, sixinch.be, 18
Paskoski Construction, paskoskiconstruction.com, 153-155
Jeremy Jachym, newworldphoto.com, 127-128, 132-133
Tom Dixon, tomdixon.net, 90
Tim Mathias Designs LLC., timmathiasdesigns.com, 45-46
Jim Newberry, jimnewberry.com, 98
Uusi, uusi.us, 93
Tom Krips Construction, Inc., 954-522-2086, 154
Joe Fletcher, joefletcherphoto.com, 130-131
Art:
Definitive Electronics Inc., desflorida.com, 154 R & M Systems Group, Inc., rmsysgroup.com, 163 Tempus Inc., tempus-inc.com, 30 Construction & Design-Build: A. Vernon Allen Builder Inc., avernonallenbuilder.com, 29-31 Accolade Construction Company, accolade.cc, 3-6, 118-125 Denman Construction, denmanconstruction.com, 145 Edward A. Anderson Compnay, andersonbuilt.com, 143 Foster Design Build, fosterdesignbuild.com, 98 Goldberg General Contracting, ggcinc.com, 89 Grimsley Group Inc., grimsleygroup.com, 147 J Allen Smith Design/Build, jasdesign-build.com, 28, 42 JCB Construction Group, Inc., jcbconstructiongroup.com, 19, 62-63
Iwasaki Design Studio, iwasaki-design-studio.net, 90
Washburn Construction, washburnconstruction.com, 32-33
Kim Sargent, sargentphoto.com, 154-155
Alma Allen, allenpearce.com, 70, 76
Engineering:
Living Images Photography LLC., 406-270-2162, 144-145
Dale Chihuly, chihuly.com, 97
Robert Silman Associates, rsapc.com, 22
Mark Segal Photography, segalphoto.com, 112-113, 115
Dock 6, dock6collective.com, 97
HVAC:
Michael Eastman, eastmanimages.com, 108
Donald Baechler, donaldbaechler.com, 63
Conditioned Air, conditionedair.com, 31
Nat Rea, natrea.com, 39-40
Donna Hughes, donnahughes.com, 69
Interior Design:
Nathan Kirkman, nathankirkman.com, 96
Fabrica, fabrica.it, 26
Alessandra Branca, branca.com, 96
Norman Sizemore, normansizemore.com, 56-57
Fornasetti, fornasetti.com, 64
Alison Victoria Interiors, alisonvictoriainteriors.com, 3, 82-83
Paul Schlismann Photography, schlismann.com, 98
Isabella Garrucho Fine Art, igifineart.com, 63
Anne Coyle Interiors, annecoyleinteriors.com, 55
Paul Warchol, warcholphotography.com, 22, 150-151
Kara Walker, learn.walkerart.org, 97
Anne Kustner Lighting Design, akld.com, 81
Peter Bosy, peterbosy.com, 146-147
Leftbank Art, leftbankart.com, 66
Commune Design, communedesign.com, 3, 6, 70-77
Robert Brantley Photography, brantleyphotography.com, 53-54
Patti Gilford Fine Arts, pattigilford.com, 87
Deborah Wecselman Design, dwdinc.com, 58-59
Robert H. McGee, robertmcgee.com, 34-35
Paul Villinski, paulvillinski.com, 101, 103
Expressive Interiors, expressiveinteriors.net, 56-57
Scott Shigley, shigleyphoto.com, 36-37
Robert Longo, robertlongo.com, 110
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Roberto Matta, matta-art.com, 62
McKinnon & Harris, mckinnonharris.com, 63
Reform Gallery, reform-modern.com, 76
Stan Bitters, stanbitters.com, 74-75
Minotti, minotti.com, 65, 69, 90
The Bright Group, thebrightgroup.com, 92
Thomas Masters Gallery, thomasmastersgallery.com, 162
Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams, mgbw.com, 66, 68, 95
The Golden Triangle, goldentriangle.biz, 162
Venini, venini.it, 62
Navillus Woodworks, dscdesign-build.com, 15
Vermillion, galleryvermillion.com, 62
Vik Muniz, vikmuniz.net, 97
Nicholas Mongiardo, Inc., nicholasmongiardoinc.com, 111
Volume Gallery, wvvolumes.com, 6, 16
Cabinetry:
Oly, olystudio.com, 91
West Elm, westelm.com, 3
Cabinets and Beyond, cabinetsandbeyond.com, 62
Owen Lawrence, owenlawrence.com, 69
Wright Auction House, wright20.com, 93
Downsview Kitchens, downsviewkitchens.com, 21
Periphere, periphere.com, 18
Specialty:
EarthWise Cabinetry, earthwisecabinetry.com, 132-133
Pollaro Custom Furniture, pollaro.com, 111
ArchDaily, archdaily.com, 11
Elmwood Fine Custom Cabinetry, elmwoodkitchesn.com, 9
Promemoria, promemoria.com, 6, 92
Architonic, architonic.com, 11
WNT Distinctive Cabinetry, wntdesign.com, 132-133
Property Furniture, propertyfurniture.com, 64
Camper, camper.com, 26
Carpets & rugs:
Rainer Mutsch, rainermutsch.net, 18
Jagoli Design + Fabrication, jagoli.com, 55-56
Amadi Carpets, amadicarpets.com, 76
Ralph Pucci International, ralphpucci.net, 70, 150
Material ConneXion, materialconnexion.com, 11
Atelier Lapchi, lapchi.com, 107
Raul Carrasco, raulcarrasco.com, 62
Piper-Heidsieck, piper-heidsieck.com, 26
Grand Splendid, grandsplendid.com, 70, 76
Robert Scott, jrobertscott.com, 95, 111
Rareform Architectural Products, rareform.cc, 87
Kyle Bun ting, kylebunting.com, 63
Roman THomas, romanthomas.com, 107
Softplan, softplan.com, 10
Peerless Imported Rugs, peerlessrugs.com, 37-38
Rose Tarlow, rosetarlow.com, 52
Steinway & Sons, steinway.com, 62
Pure Rugs, purerugs.com, 77
Rudin, arudin.com, 50, 63
Swarovski, swarovski.com, 150
Stark Carpet, starkcarpet.com, 2, 62
Skylar Morgan Furniture + Design, smf-d.com, 68
Stone & Tiles:
Tai Ping, taipingcarpets.com, 3, 109-110
TJ O’Keefe, tjokeefe.com, 14
Ann Sacks Tile & Stone, annsacks.com, 69, 72, 74
The Rug Company, therugcompany.info, 27
Tacchini, tacchini.it, 90
Artistic Tile, artistictile.com, 3, 83
Tufenkian, tufenkiancarpets.com, 95
Ten 10, ten10site.com, 74
Bisazza Mosaico, bisazza.com, 65, 68
Fireplaces:
Tommi Parzinger, plaumbogallery.com, 59
Calacatta Luxury Stone, calacatta.com, 83
EcoSmart Fire, ecosmartfire.com, 158
Troscan Design, troscandesign.com, 15
Cotto D’Este, cottodeste.it, 63
Flooring:
Victoria Hagan Home Collection, victoriahaganhome.com, 106
Heath Ceramics, heathceramics.com, 76
AstroTurf, astroturf.com, 46
William Stranger, strangerfurniture.com, 70, 76
Italcementi Group, italcementigroup.com, 11
Plyboo, plyboo.com, 128
Kitchen & Bathroom Fixtures:
Prestige Architectural Stone, Inc., prestigearchstone.com, 126
Pure Wood Flooring, purewoodflooring.com, 49
AF Supply, afnewyork.com. 18
Santarossa Mosaic & Tile Co. Inc, santarossa.com, 23, 61
Furniture:
ArtQuitect, artquitect.net, 26
Antonio Citterio and Partners, antoniocitterioandpartners.it, 90
Diamond Spas, diamondspas.com, 48
Sauganash Stone & Tile Design, sauganashstoneandtile.com, 46
BD Barcelona Design, bdbarcelona.com, 26-27
Kohler, kohler.ca, 159
Baker Furniture, kohlerinteriors.com, 52
La Cornue, lacornueusa.com, 80
Textiles:
Baltus, baltuscollection.com, 91
Lee Supply, leesupplycorp.com, 60-61
Angharad McLaren Textiles, angharadmclaren.co.uk, 20
Belvedere, belvedere.com, 64
Subzero-Wolf, subzero-wolf.com, 92
Bergamo Fabrics, bergamofabrics.com, 106
Boiler & Company, bolierco.com, 111
Victoria + Victoria Baths, vandabaths.com, 69
Carlotta’s Fine Linens, 305-861-6245, 58
Bradley Hughes, bradleyhughes.com, 69, 95
Viking Range, vikingrange.com, 74
Casey Gunschel, caseygunschel.com, 97
Brown Jordan, brownjordan.com, 74, 76
Lighting:
Clarence House, clarencehouse.com, 58, 76
Bungalow Classic, bungalowclassic.com, 64, 68
Artemide Inc., Artemide.com, 95
Casamania, casamania.it, 90
Bocci, bocci.ca, 110
Cassina, cassina.com, 65
Boyd Lighting, boydlighting.com, 63
Cattelan Italia, cattelanitalia.com, 3
Decode, decodelondon.com, 158
Ceccotti Collezioni, ceccotticollezioni.it, 92
Deltalight, deltalight.com, 81
Century Furniture, centuryfurniture.com, 67
Fiberoptic Studio, fiberopticstudio.com, 81
Chai Ming Studios, chaimingstudios.com, 109
Flos, flos.com, 69
Christopher Guy, christopherguy.com, 95
FontanaArte Store, fontanaartestore.com, 69
TX Active, txactive.us, 11
Coraggio Textiles, corragio.com, 105 Dezign Sewing, dezignsewing.com, 52 Donghia, donghia.com, 95 Edelman Leather, edelmanleather.com, 84-85 Fortuny, fortuny.com, 84 Garrett Leather, garrettleather.com, 63 Jim Thompson Fabrics, jimthompsonfabrics.com, 3, 105 John Robshaw, johnrobshaw.com, 91 Manuel Canovas, manuelcanovas.com, 106
Costantini Pietro, costantinipietro.com, 82
Foscarini, foscarini.com, 64, 67, 129
Dana John, danajohn.com, 70
IO LED, iolighting.com, 81
Decca Contract Furniture, us.deccacontract.com, 109
Leucos, leucos.com, 63
Dessin Fournir, dessinfournir.com, 111
Louis Baldinger & Sons, Inc., baldinger.com, 87
Emmemobili, emmemobili.it, 67
Lucifer Lighting, wwwluciferlighting.com, 81
Espasso, espasso.com, 70
Luminaire, luminaire.com, 110
Estudio Furnishings, estudiofurnishings.com, 106
Metalarte, metalarte.com, 26
Gary Hutton Design, garyhuttondesign.com, 111
Paul Ferrante, paulferrante.com, 73-74
George Smith, georgesmith.com, 72, 76
Plug, pluglighting.com, 76
Helene Aumont, heleneaumont.com, 6
Stuart Haygarth, stuarthaygarth.com, 20
Wallcoverings:
Henredon, henredon.com, 67
Studio BA, studioba.org, 16
3form, 3-form.com, 11
Holly Hunt, hollyhunt.com, 82, 110, 150
YLighting, ylighting.com, 68
Gracie Studio, graciestudio.com, 53
Hudson Furniture, hudsonfurnitureinc.com, 82
Metals:
Jonathan Adler, jonathanadler.com, 20
Hugues Chevalier, hugueschevalier.com, 92
Belt Forge, beltforge.com, 117, 125
Maya Romanoff, mayaromanoff.com, 87
JF Chen, jfchen.com, 72
New Metal Crafts, newmetalcrafts.com, 110
McCaren Design Inc., greenwalls.com, 158
Jaime Hayón, hayonstudio.com, 26
Retailers, Distributors, & Suppliers:
Osborne & Little, osborneandlittle.com, 36, 67
Jason Lewis Furniture, jasonlewisfurniture.com, 15
Amour & Co. Home Emporium, armourandco.com, 65
Robert Crowder, robertcrowder.com. 69
Knoll, knoll.com, 36, 109-111
Ann-Morris Antiques, annmorrisantiques.1stdibs.com, 50
Windows & Doors:
Lagomorph Design, lagomorphdesign.com, 97
Design Within Reach, dwr.com, 36, 93
Design Window Solutions, designwindowsolutions,com, 83
Lawson-Fenning, lawsonfenning.com, 72, 74
Haute Living, haute-living.com, 14, 95
Marvin Window & Doors, marvin.com, 10, 157
Lewis Mittman, ef-lm.com, 42
Lucca Antiques, luccaantiques.com, 73, 77
Woodwork:
Luminaire, luminaire.com, 36
Manifesto Furniture, manifestofurniture.com, 92
Maurizio Galante, maurizio-galante.com, 5, 95
Orange Skin, orangeskin.com, 90, 95
Orange County Woodworks, Inc., orangecountywoodworks.com, 59
Marsh Industries, marsh-ind.com, 59 Matt Camron Rugs & Tapestries, mattcamron.com, 50 Matteo, matteohome.com, 76 Miceli Drapery, draperyman.com, 87 Missoni Home, missonihome.it, 6, 20, 73, 107 Rubelli, rubelli.com, 95 Schumacher, fschumacher.com, 63-64 Spinneybeck Leather, spinneybeck.com, 63
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At home with
HOME IN chicago lived there 7 years
Martin Horner designer Martin Horner of soucie Horner ltd. draws on local culture and Clients’ lifestyles to create homes that add Depth and texture to everyday life
LHQ: How has your time in Paris and at Taliesin affected your views on design in the Midwest? MH: These experiences allowed me to appreciate the correlation between design and lifestyle. Paris and Taliesin each had their own color, texture and form. Even food, how it’s presented and served, is important in people’s lives. Taliesin is a collective community: fellows and students gather and share local produce from their gardens. The idea of harvest was complemented by local flora found on the property and used as decorative accents. Being a part of the experience left a memorable impression on my design education. LHQ: Do you consider yourself a Chicago designer? MH: I was born in the Midwest, educated in Chicago and my firm is based here. My inspiration was born in, but not limited to, Chicago. My team and I come from diverse backgrounds and experiences and are open to other perspectives. From the Caribbean and Mexico to London, we have exciting projects nationally and internationally that allow me to share my sensibility. I try hard to incorporate the local color and cultural differences in my design work at every opportunity.
MH: The two antique chairs flanking my desk are “Decorator Chairs.” I purchased them at a local antique store while I was studying at Butler University, and these playful items remained a staple in my home over the years. The books with folded origami pages above my desk were found at my local coffee shop in Chicago. Betsy Berkey was having an art show that day and I fell in love with them, and purchased the entire exhibition! I still purchase these works of art for my clients and incorporate them into my designs as well. LHQ: Are there any rooms you favor in your home?
Buy Local Chicago shops and galleries are both a souce of inspiration and material for the designer’s work:
ECLECTIC ANTIQUES & FURNISHINGS: The Golden Triangle, goldentriangle.biz
UNIQUE TABLETOP & DECORATIVE OBJECTS: Elements, elementschicago.com
LOCAL & GLOBAL CONTEMPORARY ART: Thomas Masters, thomasmasters gallery.com
MH: The living room is one of my favorite places in my apartment because of its abundance of natural light and distinctive architectural elements. A comfortable space, I enjoy relaxing and having drinks in front of the fireplace on cold winter nights. I love my foyer because of its grand, formal scale and proportion. It also houses many of my favorite art and my standout wooden clock.
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photos of living room and foyer: jeff millies
LHQ: You have a lot of interesting pieces in your office. What are a few of your favorites and where/when did you get them?
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