4 minute read
RUSTIC REFINEMENT
An Indian Hills home designed with comfort in mind
“It just goes to show that with the right people in place, you can accomplish anything,” said the owner of this Indian Hills home when asked about the property’s complete transformation, which involved everything, including the kitchen sink. Gone were touches of 70s retro and 80s garish, and in its place emerged a home that uses an earthy color palette, interesting architectural elements, and an eclectic mix of rustic and refined antiques to create spaces that are conducive to the homeowners’ penchant for casual living and entertaining.
Voracious readers, the homeowners requested built-in repositories for books in nearly every room, including the living room and adjacent study. In both cases, faux artist Steve Wesley simulated a rich woodgrain on the bookcases. The eclectic mix of furniture and accessories in both rooms spans many eras.
Interior designer Lori Andriot, an 18-year veteran of Bittners, served as the project’s unofficial team leader. Her mantra that a home should truly reflect the personality of its occupants and not the interior designer was a perfect fit for the design-savvy homeowners, who tasked Andriot with repurposing the majority of furnishings from their prior home. “I thrive on the challenge of bringing out the individual personalities of the homeowners in each of my projects,” said Andriot.
Exterior changes were substantial, and the homeowners enlisted the services of Barbie Tafel Thomas to develop a landscaping plan and revamp the pool area and the breezeway connecting the garage to the home. A salvaged gate painted a rich shade of hunter green (just one of several found doors repurposed for use inside and out) is flanked on either side by treillage and opens to a flagstone courtyard. During warmer months, seasonal plantings create an intimate spot for al fresco dining. Architect Fred Etchen is credited with the redesign and expansion of the decrepit deck that now spans nearly the entire length of the home.
A canopy of mature trees envelops the property; their seasonal colors and textures are reflected in the home’s interior design. A botanical-inspired wallpaper in the foyer sets the tone for what is to follow. Tall plantation-style shutters in a rich color reminiscent of the breezeway gate grace an abundance of windows in each of the rooms on the front side of the home.
Voracious readers, the homeowners requested built-in repositories for opuscles to tomes in nearly every room, including the living room and adjacent study. In both cases, faux artist Steve Wesley simulated a rich wood grain on the bookcases. The eclectic mix of furniture and accessories in both rooms spans many eras.
The combination of warm leather and saturated hues found in the upholstery and tapestry accent pillows evokes the splendor of the trees at the height of fall.
A salvaged gate painted a rich shade of hunter green is flanked by treillage and opens to a flagstone courtyard. During warmer months, seasonal plantings create an intimate spot for alfresco dining.
Arguably the most dramatic transformation took place in the kitchen and dining room. A dividing wall was removed so that the rooms can function as a cohesive space. Wesley lent a painted patina to the existing cabinetry. New honed granite countertops and stainless steel appliances were added. A second island with a distressed painted finish provides additional serving and prep space and breaks up the darker colored cabinetry.
SteveWesley is responsible for the painted finish on the kitchen cabinetry.
Textural grasscloth wallpaper, hand-hewn reclaimed barn timbers repurposed as molding and a stone fireplace imbue the dining room with bucolic charm. An 1820s dining table, ladder-back chairs with crewelwork-cushioned seats and framed botanicals complement the mood. Crystal rope beading on the painted Niermann Weeks chandelier adds an unexpected touch of whimsy.
Textural grasscloth wallpaper, hand-hewn reclaimed barn timbers repurposed as molding, and a stone fireplace imbue the dining room with bucolic charm. An 1820s dining table, ladder-back chairs with crewelwork-cushioned seats and framed botanicals complement the mood. Niermann Weeks chandelier.
A photograph of a room in a book highlighting the work of noted interior designer Bunny Williams served as the impetus for the design of the great room. Originally the home’s garage, the light-filled space is graced with vaulted ceilings and a fireplace. Andriot added additional architectural interest with further application of hand-hewn barn wood as decorative trusses and off-white V-grove board on the walls and ceiling, which adds to the airy appeal. The husband’s primary request was for a “comfortable chair” from which he could enjoy the large-screen television (cleverly concealed behind a painting when not in use), and he ended up with two in the form of a pair of leather recliners masquerading as club chairs. For ease of entertaining, the room features a bar tucked into one corner. Its painted finish recalls the colors of the kitchen cabinetry, and the unique countertops are fossil stone.
At the homeowners’ request, interior designer Lori Andriot of Bittners modeled the living room after a photograph of a Bunny Williams’ designed room. Originally the home’s garage, Andriot added additional architectural interest with further application of hand-hewn barnwood as decorative trusses and off-white V-grove board on the walls and ceiling.
“We really wanted this to be an entertaining house, but above all, we wanted it to be comfortable, which it is,” said the homeowner. Andriot concurs, adding, “We were able to meld the many fine pieces they already owned into their current approach to living, and it was exciting to see the transformation.”
