Not every opportunity begins with a very formal interview, but this one certainly did. My clients were Asian, very structured, very intelligent and very private. They were a delight to work with and the process was professionally and culturally enriching. Language presented it’s challenges, but the wife and I soon found our own way to communicate. We began by meeting with Rick Jones of NSPJ Architects and Rick Standard, their builder of choice. My clients wanted a new home with a modern and fresh approach. They brought nothing from their previous home, not even a towel. My role was to accompany the wife at every single meeting and to be involved in absolutely every decision at the jobsite and with every vendor. It was a wonderful experience and one of my most rewarding and consuming projects.
Entry:
The entryway foretells the importance of ‘the arch’ in the design of the home. The ribbed vaults in the entry repeat down the corridors to the master bedroom on one side and the kitchen and hearth room on the other side. Tom Corbin’s Standing Woman is dramatic framed by the repeating vaults.
Dining:
Those arches frame entries into the dining room. The wallcovering is patterned wood vaneer by Maya Romanof. The French crystal chandelier is from Niermann Weeks and the matching sconces will appear in the living room. I love the red lacquer Marion Buffet from Kneedler Fauchere. Unfortunately it is difficult to see the de Sousa Hughes Axis Kenya Dining Table.
Living Room:
Once again, the arched entry to the Living Room is mirrored by the great window overlooking the golf course. Of particular beauty are the twin custom Marseilles Cabinets by Therien Studio which flank the fireplace. I have to call out the Holly Hunt sofa with Moss Green ‘hair on hide’ upholstery!
Office:
My client’s magnificent office features a Canterbury cast limestone fireplace. The custom desk crafted by David Polivka is complemented by the cherry cabinetry. Conrad shades at the window are flanked by linen drapery. A coffered ceiling reflects the lighting plan designed to facilitate serious study.
Kitchen and Hearth:
We worked with Randy Sisk at Kitchens by Kleweno to design and implement the spectacular kitchen. Granite counters, full height glass pantry doors and glass mosaic backsplash surround the Red Dragon Granite topped floating island with stainless doors. The base cabinets are high gloss veneered wood. The kitchen opens to a comfortable hearth whose mantel echoes the tone of the granite island. Custom cabinetry on either side of the fireplace suggests an oriental design, most appropriate for this client.
Master Bedroom:
The wall behind the master bed is upholstered in pillowed channels, thus eliminating the need for a headboard.
Master Bath:
We collaborated with Porter Teleo for the custom hand-painted wallcovering. We designed the jacuzzi base out of tempered glass and backlit it in a repeating pattern. The cabinet doors are Sycamore Veneer with a pillowed edge.
Lower Level:
The intricate patterns in the cherry wood flooring define a seating area as well as space for a pool table and bar. The pattern in the custom area rug is created with both wool and silk yarns. My client’s appreciation of beautiful wood tones and sleek, oriental forms is obvious throughout the home.
Wine Room:
We created a beautiful and functional wine room for the next owner!
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