Timeless Elegance

David Millett reconnects with the Zicka Family Builders to create a timeless estate.

Photography by Rachel Lutz of Andrew Kung Photography

When the Zicka family decided to take on a special project in their newest development in Anderson, they decided to collaborate with their old (business) neighbor David Millett for the interior design direction. Originally founded in 1967, Zicka Homes has been synonymous with custom creative home building. Now under the leadership of second-generation siblings, Julie, Patrick, and Katie, the team continues to develop some of the most prime custom homes in the tri-state area. Likewise, David A. Millett, Inc. and his team of designers have been designing custom timeless interiors since 1976. Together the two teams put together an updated modern French masterpiece.

Situated at the end of a cul-de-sac, the homes’ gables pitch slightly higher than normal, reminiscent of Normandy's traditional design. The exterior is presented in whitewash brick with limestone accents around black framed windows and doors; elements which are mimicked throughout the interior.

Upon entering the home one will immediately notice the updated open concept floor plan as the main foyer opens into the great room, kitchen, and dining room. To the right of the entrance sits a study with custom built-in bookshelves, decorated with black and gold contemporary patterned wallpaper. Here the black-framed windows are accented with gold, which becomes the persistent accent tones throughout the home, gold and black accents against a neutral cream color palette.

The 13’ high great room is flanked to the right with a beautiful limestone mantel and hearth while the remaining fireplace is decorated in the same whitewashed brick as the exterior. To the left, natural finished pillars and corbels ‘support’ the weight of the high pitched ceiling, also decorated with natural beam accents. The far wall of windows basks the room in natural light adding warmth to the large space. The elegant cream furniture is accented with patterns on the 15’ long sectional and outside backs of the comfy oversized swivel chairs. Black chests with gold accents below gold-framed mirrors adorn either side of the fireplace. The otherwise neutral color scheme helps to assert the original Dutch Oil Painting fishing scene that sits over the fireplace mantel adding color and timeless elegance to the room.

Beyond the great room rests the kitchen and dining room areas. The far exterior wall host the kitchen built-in cabinets that morph into custom display cabinets farther down the wall for the dining area. The natural warm wood tones of the floor and great room beams and pillars are continued through these areas in accent doors into the pantry, on the oven hood, in the display cabinets near the dining area, and also in the kitchen island. Cream leather counter stools with gold frames pick up the gold tones overhead in the pendant lighting, in the dining room sconces and chandelier where a creamed finished dining table and chairs rest. The dining room is adorned with a black and white patterned oversized floral abstract wallpaper, adding depth and dimension into the space.

The rest of the first floor is mainly utilized for the master suite. Upon entering the private master hallway, the hardwood turns to a plush tone-on-tone cream patterned carpet. Further down, the hall opens to the right to reveal a large expansive master bathroom. The bright white tiled floor is continued up the far exterior wall that is framed in gold. Behind the frame sits a soaking tub within the master shower. On either side, custom his and her built-ins and a vanity await. Gold-finished sconces and decorative chandelier overhead complete the cream and gold tones found throughout the other main living spaces.

Beyond the master bath, the hall opens into a large bedroom. Here a high cream headboard with inset upholstery decorates the main wall that is flanked on either side by oversized matching cream bachelor chests. A pair of high accent chairs, chest, and dresser completes the furnishings of the room. Touches of gold throughout the room in artwork, lighting, and furniture accents outfit the room.

While the first floor is akin to elegance and sophistication, the lower level is appropriately appointed for entertaining and casual grace. The white-washed brick accents are more pronounced surrounding a 100” television on one side of the room and also in the barrel-vaulted ceiling of the wine cellar on the other side of the room. In between is another large counter island perfect for entertaining, and a large sitting space for television viewing. For non-wine drinkers, a fully operational beer cave sits to a side, complete with dual beer taps. In between the beer cave and wine cellar sits a cozy tasting room. In the back of the lower level rests a full-size shuffleboard table just off the exterior patio. The lower level is decorated with more pops of color through large vertical paintings from local artist Susan Schular, adding vibrancy and energy into the entertaining space.

The rest of the house continues the theme of neutral cream tones with accents of black, gold, and other colors in its three upstairs bedrooms. The large rear exterior looks onto a beautiful pond and green space and hosts three lower-level sitting areas, one complete with a fire pit, as well as an upper level covered sitting space outside of the great room, master, and dining rooms.

Timeless elegance is imbued throughout the Zicka Home, from the exterior accents to the inside of the home. The touches of gold accents in furniture and lighting elements add class and contrast against the refined neutral palette. Timeless execution and design by designer David A. Millett are effortlessly presented in this one-of-a-kind statement estate.