DESIGNER PROFILE

Natural marble and sustainable white oak surfaces contribute to a kitchen that, albeit sleekly minimalist, conveys a sense of tranquility. LEFT Marciano finalizes the look of white oak shelving in the family room, where organic, sustainable finishes contribute to a modern aesthetic with unexpected warmth.

OPPOSITE TOP Ocean views and breezes in Emerald Bay allowed Marciano to blur the lines between indoors and out. The designer’s own ceramic sculptures grace a dining table with a splendid view.

OPPOSITE BELOW The white oak-clad library in Marciano’s Emerald Bay project reveals the designer’s warm, tranquil brand of modernism.

EXPERIENTIAL DESIGN

The Interiors Of Orange County Designer Dina Marciano Transcend Physical Spaces To Shape The Lifestyle Experiences Of Her Clients

BY ROGER GRODY | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALEX KROKE

INTERIORS MAY BE DINA Marciano’s area of expertise but the former professional athlete and model distinguishes her work from other designers, explaining she does not simply reimagine spaces but creates new lifestyle experiences for her clients. The founding principal of Laguna Beach-based Dina Marciano Design reports, “My overall approach is relatively simple— to me, less is more—yet my version of modernism is never cold or austere, but warm and tranquil.”

“After meeting with clients and learning about their preferences and priorities, I create a vision in my head that is based on their specific personalities and lifestyles, as well as the site characteristics of the home,” explains Marciano of her immersive approach. She then translates that vision to sketches and renderings for

presentation, but acknowledges that design is an ongoing process that welcomes new information.

A native of Belarus, Marciano suggests her work is best represented by the complete renovation of a 1960s residence in the Emerald Bay neighborhood of Laguna Beach, a project showcased in the designer’s upcoming book. Sweeping views and ocean breezes inspired an indoor-outdoor lifestyle, but Marciano drew upon a sleek, modern aesthetic in which blonde wood and a restrained color palette reinforce the open, airy vibe. “The project is very unique, representing a simplicity of eco-friendly design in a profoundly timeless yet futuristic way, where interior spaces, natural light and architectural elements become an expression of tranquil art, physically and emotionally impacting our wellbeing,” explains Marciano.

“My design concept was to establish a sense of simplicity with a powerful calming effect, enhanced by the consistent use of natural materials throughout the house,” states Marciano, citing marble slabs in the kitchen and bathrooms, paired with white oak wood finishes on floors and cabinets. “The goal was to create harmony between natural light, architecture and interiors, where the clients can physically relate to space and experience a timeless tranquility,” she adds. All of the cabinets, vanities and kitchen island are products of Dina Marciano Design, fabricated in Italy.

The Emerald Bay clients insisted that all materials and products be organic, non-toxic and sustainable, and Marciano was able to navigate those constraints without compromising her design concept. Complementing the integration of natural stone and sustainable wood finishes is a dramatic fireplace in the great room, another bespoke product from Dina Marciano Design. The designer’s own line of ceramic sculptures, whose graceful shapes are inspired by Buddhist iconography, bring warmth to minimalism in this distinctive residence. CH

In Emerald Bay, Dina Marciano with a classic Eames-designed lounge chair.

dinamarcianodesign.com

AS STUDIO DIRECTOR at Wade Weissmann Architecture (WWA), Tom Wynn has been instrumental in an eclectic portfolio of award-winning residential projects. As part of the national firm’s leadership team, Wynn and his colleagues enhance 21st century lifestyles through the expression of beloved classical design.

Wynn, who earned his Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Cincinnati, gained an appreciation for traditional design and craftsmanship while working for architect Thomas Beeby, a celebrated classicist in Chicago. “He taught me that once you learn the rules of a particular style—as opposed to slavishly applying its elements to a contemporary project—you can create a new architecture from historic precedent,” reports Wynn.

The architect joined Milwaukee-based WWA in 2015, excited to collaborate on luxury residential projects throughout the nation at a firm recognized for its meticulous attention to detail while showcasing traditional styles. “WWA offered me the opportunity to continue to practice the architectural vocabulary I was passionate about,” says Wynn, who was further attracted by Milwaukee’s approachable lifestyle.

21ST CENTURY CLASSICISM

Tom Wynn Of Wade Weissmann Architecture Addresses The Enduring Demand For Classical Aesthetics And Craftsmanship

BY ROGER GRODY | PHOTOGRAPHY DAVID BADER

ABOVE Light-flooded studio space at the Milwaukee headquarters of Wade Weissmann Architecture, where designers are inspired by a classically-themed, residentially-proportioned environment.

TOP LEFT WWA Studio Director Tom Wynn. Photography by Rocco Ceselin.