MAXI SLIDING PANELS, SELF BOLD CABINET. DESIGN GIUSEPPE BAVUSO
Century believes that style and service are personal and best provided by passionate local businesses. We are proud to be family owned and operated in Hickory, North Carolina since 1947.
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Architect: Michael Anderson of Abstract Architecture Photographer: Kim Smith Photography Follow us on Instagram
Casual, formal, something in between, no meal goes unnoticed when thoughtfully furnished with remarkable design, including an entrance that is both grand and seamless. Another evening gathering of family and friends, made more poignant by doors and windows that never compromise. Learn more >
ENDLESS INSPIRATION at every turn
This This space was designed by John Beckmann of Axis Mundi, space was John Beckmann of Axis featuring the Cerebral Matter mantle from his Altared States the Cerebral Matter mantle from his Altared States collection collection exclusively for ABC Stone. for ABC Stone.
THE ITALIAN SENSE OF BEAUTY
| AUGUST 2025
MINDSET Vacation
AS OUR SUMMER ISSUE BEGAN TO BLOOM, we found ourselves enchanted by projects designed as tranquil oases in a frenetic world. It seems the order of the day is fostering a vacation mindset at home, and what a perfect sentiment to celebrate this season. With escapism as our north star, we’ve assembled a summer issue that invites you to dive into a sea of inspiration lled with ideas for enjoying the ultimate at-home vacation—no suitcases or passports needed.
In every region of LUXE, it is evident that modern architecture is blurring the line between indoors and outdoors as more residences are being designed to integrate inhabitants with the surrounding landscape. Nature is the perfect place to unwind, which is why it takes center stage in our pages. You’ll nd bucolic properties with lush garden rooms, cozy guest quarters from New York to Southern California and alfresco entertaining ideas throughout.
If a remodel isn’t on your agenda this summer, we have a plethora of instant grati cation accessories to quickly transform your porch, deck or patio. Read on for vibrant enamelware, gem-hued outdoor lighting, the prettiest woven pool umbrella and much more.
In this and every issue, we feature eye-catching design from across America, and we are particularly excited to showcase a greater emphasis on the Hamptons in our Greater New York, The Hamptons + Connecticut issue, which embodies the essence of relaxation and indulgence. You can also see these projects on luxesource.com, along with more stunning abodes from coast to coast.
Whether your adventures take you near or far, we wish you a summer lled with beauty, serenity and joyful moments.
Jill Cohen Editor in Chief
Follow me @jilleditsluxe
P.S. Check out this year’s RED Awards winners, honoring the very best in residential and product design.
PALMERA
Mural Wallcovering on Manila Hemp
JUL AUG
Scene
The little black book of all things new and fabulous in the local community.
Radar
Stan Dixon recalls the Kiawah Island courtyard he crafted as a Lowcountry love letter.
Nature-forward modern architecture sweeps across LUXE editions from coast to coast.
Visit posh guest quarters by McGrath II, Patina Home & Garden and Studio Gutow.
Architect Paul Wanzer’s own Seattle houseboat is where we all want to be this season.
Market
A selection of playful finds just in time for peak summer fun.
Designer hotels beckon travelers looking for a bespoke hospitality experience.
Read about the aesthetic behind Max Humphrey’s distinct product lines.
At a dreamy Napa Valley property, Peter Dunham shares his entertaining ethos.
Morris & Co.’ s iconic Arts and Crafts motifs are ready to go alfresco.
From sconces to lamps and lanterns, take your pick of lighting perfect for the outdoors.
Living
Refined patina unifies a Healdsburg property’s kitchen, bathrooms and outdoor living spaces.
125 Excellence in residential architecture, interior design, landscape architecture, and products.
FEATURES
158 Modern Marvel
Wide expanses of glass selected by the architectural team at Booth Hansen, plus thoughtful interiors by Soucie Horner Design Collective, ensure the landscape by Hoerr Schaudt is the focus of this lakeside home.
Written by Lara Hallock
172
Modest Elegance
Views of Lake Michigan take the starring role in this Chicago-area dwelling by interior designer Alexis Bednyak with architects Greg Howe and Pam Lamaster-Millett.
Written by Mary Jo Bowling
Photography by Frank Frances/OTTO
Styling by Kimberly Swedelius
184
Timeless Sophistication
Ready for a fresh start, longtime Hinsdale residents turn to builder Julie Laux, architect Michael Abraham and designer Brynn Olson to devise an abode fit for a new stage of life.
Written by Judith Nasatir
Photography by Werner Straube
Styling by Darwin Fitz
ON THE COVER: In the living room of this Southwest Michigan residence by Booth Hansen and Soucie Horner Design Collective, a custom John Procario chandelier hangs above a Jiun Ho sectional and Christophe Delcourt coffee table. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame views of the landscape by Hoerr Schaudt and the lake beyond.
COLORADO + THE ROCKIES, LOS ANGELES, SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Kelly Phillips Badal
PACIFIC NORTHWEST, SAN FRANCISCO + NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
Mary Jo Bowling
AUSTIN + SAN ANTONIO, DALLAS + FORT WORTH, HOUSTON
Lara Hallock
GREATER NEW YORK, THE HAMPTONS + CONNECTICUT
Grace Beuley Hunt
MIAMI, PALM BEACH + BROWARD, NAPLES + SARASOTA
Jennifer Pfaff Smith
ART
ART DIRECTORS
Candace Cohen, Maria Pluta
SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Jamie Beauparlant
GRAPHIC DESIGNERS
Kyle Anderson, John Griffin-Santucci
SENIOR RETOUCHER
Christian Ablan
DIGITAL
SENIOR SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER
Claire Evans
WEB EDITOR
Brooke Robinson
CONTRIBUTERS
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Alexa Mulvihill
ART DIRECTOR
Doug Turshen
FEATURE DESIGNER
Steve Turner
PHOTO EDITOR
Catherine Armanasco
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, EDITORIAL + BRAND CONTENT
Kathryn Given
STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER
Hannah Lavine
ADAM I. SANDOW CHAIRMAN
FOUNDING EDITOR IN CHIEF EMERITUS
LUXE INTERIORS + DESIGN
Pamela Lerner Jaccarino
CONTROLLER
Emily Kaitz
CHIEF OF STAFF
Stephanie Brady
DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS OPERATIONS
Monica Del Borrello
DIRECTOR, INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Joshua Grunstra
VICE PRESIDENT, HUMAN RESOURCES
Lisa Silver Faber
SENIOR MARKET EDITOR
Sarah Shelton
ERICA HOLBORN
CHIEF
EXECUTIVE OFFICER
CHIEF MARKETING & REVENUE OFFICER
Bobby Bonett
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
Michael Shavalier
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT, INDUSTRY RELATIONS
Kate Kelly Smith
VICE PRESIDENT, FINANCE
Jake Galvin
VICE PRESIDENT, DIGITAL
Caroline Davis
VICE PRESIDENT, BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
Laura Steele
SENIOR VIDEO DIRECTOR
Steven Wilsey
SANDOW was founded by visionary entrepreneur Adam I. Sandow in 2003, with the goal of reinventing the traditional publishing model. Today, SANDOW powers the design, materials and luxury industries through innovative content, tools and integrated solutions. With its diverse portfolio of assets, SANDOW has established itself as the largest design media company in the world which includes the following brands: LUXE Interiors + Design, Interior Design, Metropolis, DesignTV by SANDOW; ThinkLab, a research and strategy firm; and content services brands, including The Agency by SANDOW – a full-scale digital marketing agency, The Studio by SANDOW – a video production studio, and SURROUND – a podcast network and production studio. In 2019, Adam Sandow launched Material Bank, the world’s largest marketplace for searching, sampling and specifying architecture, design and construction materials. Other SANDOW brands include definitive authority on all things beauty, NewBeauty; luxury sampling platform, Test Tube by NewBeauty; Leaders Magazine; and exclusive private airport newsstand network, MediaJet.
STAY EXTRAORDINARY
Discover limitless experiences at over 475 luxury hotels and resorts globally. From the natural beauty of Six Senses to the modern decadence of Regent, exquisite escapes await.
Contact your Luxury Travel Professional or visit ihg.com/luxuryhotels to book today.
Regent Santa Monica Beach
Thoughtfully crafted moving glass walls and windows redefine the boundaries of indoor-outdoor living, offering you the freedom to design, build, and live in spaces that inspire.
TANYA SUBER
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT, BUSINESS OPERATIONS
VICE PRESIDENT, NATIONAL PUBLISHER
Michelle Blair
NATIONAL SALES DIRECTORS
HOME FURNISHINGS DIRECTOR
Sarah Smith
WEST COAST DIRECTOR
Lisa Lovely
MIDWEST + SOUTH CENTRAL DIRECTOR
Tanya Scribner
MARKETING
SENIOR DIRECTOR, MARKETING OPS Rachel Senatore
DIRECTOR, CREATIVE SERVICES Carly Colonnese
DIRECTOR, CLIENT STRATEGY Kasey Campbell Thompson
CLIENT STRATEGIST Verity Lister
SENIOR MARKETING MANAGER Mery Nikolova
INTEGRATED GRAPHIC DESIGNER Antoinette Childs
EVENTS + AWARDS MARKETING
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, EVENTS + AWARDS MARKETING James Nolan
MANAGER, EVENTS + AWARDS MARKETING Dana Jensen
MANAGER, EVENTS Janice Hyatt
PARTNER + PROGRAM SUCCESS
DIRECTOR, CLIENT SERVICES Brittany Watson
SENIOR PARTNER SUCCESS MANAGERS Lauren Krause, Susan Mallek
PARTNER SUCCESS MANAGERS Brittany Blackwood, Chelsea Petrey
NATIVE CONTENT EDITOR + TEAM LEAD Greta Wolf
NATIVE CONTENT EDITORS Heather Schreckengast, Matthew Stewart
LUXE PREFERRED, PROGRAM SUCCESS MANAGER + ANALYTICS SPECIALIST Victoria Albrecht
LUXE PREFERRED, PROGRAM SUCCESS MANAGER Stephanie Fritz
DIGITAL OPERATIONS
SENIOR MANAGER, DIGITAL ADVERTISING Molly Polo
ADVERTISING OPERATIONS COORDINATOR Rosemary Leo
REGIONAL SALES DIRECTORS
ARIZONA PUBLISHER Adrienne B. Honig
AUSTIN + SAN ANTONIO PUBLISHER Jim Wilson
GREATER CHICAGO PUBLISHER Kathleen Mitchell
MANAGING DIRECTOR Carolyn Funk
DIRECTORS Christine Bowman, Ashley West
COLORADO + THE ROCKIES PUBLISHER Katie Martin
DIRECTOR Travis Gainsley
DALLAS + FORT WORTH PUBLISHER Rolanda Polley
GREATER NEW YORK, THE HAMPTONS + CONNECTICUT
PUBLISHER Trish Kirsch
DIRECTORS, NEW YORK Kara Pfeiffer, Maritza Smith
HOUSTON PUBLISHER Amy McAnally
LOS ANGELES WEST COAST PUBLISHER Lisa Lovely
ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Virginia Williams
MIAMI, PALM BEACH + BROWARD, NAPLES + SARASOTA
DIRECTORS Jennifer Chanay, Susan Goldstein, Karina Gonzalez
PACIFIC NORTHWEST WEST COAST PUBLISHER Lisa Lovely
DIRECTORS Cathy Cruse, Jay Jensky
SAN FRANCISCO + NORTHERN CALIFORNIA WEST COAST PUBLISHER Lisa Lovely
DIRECTOR Sara McGovern
SOUTHEAST MARKET DIRECTOR Jim Wilson
REGIONAL MARKET DIRECTOR Natalie Hood
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA WEST COAST PUBLISHER Lisa Lovely
ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Kali Smith
SALES ADMINISTRATION
SALES OPERATIONS DIRECTOR John Baum
REGIONAL SALES OPERATIONS MANAGER Addie Szews
SALES ASSISTANT, NATIONAL & GREATER NEW YORK Sylvia Coulson
SALES ASSISTANT, CALIFORNIA Gabriella Picano
CIRCULATION + DISTRIBUTION
SENIOR DIRECTOR, STRATEGIC OPERATIONS Keith Clements
VICE PRESIDENT, REGIONAL Kathleen Mitchell This magazine is recyclable. Please recycle when you’re done with it. We’re all in this together.
Design A Level Above The Rest
KERRIE KELLY X FEENEY
LASERCUT COLLEC TION
SCENE
WRITTEN BY ZLATA KOZUL NAUMOVSKI | PRODUCED BY COLLEEN MCTIERNAN
FAB COLLABS
FROM RICHLY PATTERNED TILES TO BOLDLY COLORED TRIMS, THESE POWERHOUSE COLLECTIONS ARE CATCHING OUR EYE.
WRITTEN
BY
LAUREN GALLOW
Donghia x Artistic Tile
Known for its Italian-inspired textiles and upholstery, Donghia is bringing its retro feel to new parts of the home in its latest collaboration with Artistic Tile. “We thought their patterns and designs would translate well to tile,” explains Zachary Epstein, president and chief product officer of Artistic Tile. “Looking through the Donghia archives, there were many patterns that spoke to us.” Drawn to those with an elegant ’60s vibe, the team selected two heritage designs—Decadence (far right), a refined demilune, and Donghia’s signature Casino Royale (right) with lantern-like shapes that have been oversized in this tile incarnation. For the material, the team opted for mosaic tile in natural stone. “The colors have a warmth and softness that relates to the original fabrics, and mosaic tile has an old-world charm that expresses the patterns in a way befitting of their heritage,” Epstein says. The timeless craftsmanship of mosaic offers a striking contrast to these highly graphic patterns, making for tiles with a bold, stylish appeal. “Donghia inhabits a rich intersection of style and culture, and is known for its seductive glamour,” Epstein adds. “We’re excited to see these patterns live in spaces they never could as fabrics.” artistictile.com; kravet.com/donghia
Samuel & Sons x Elizabeth Ashdown
Once the adornment of royalty, today the art of passementerie is available to one and all. This heritage craft of elaborate trimmings—like tassels, braids and fringes—dates back centuries, and Samuel & Sons is one of the few companies continuing the intricate art form. For their collaboration with London-based Elizabeth Ashdown, the company sought to celebrate the passementerie artist’s proclivity for punchy colors and modern patterns, a vibrancy embodied in the collection’s name: Kaleidoscope. “Collaborating with Samuel & Sons felt like a natural evolution,” Ashdown says. “It was an opportunity to push the boundaries of what decorative trimmings can be while celebrating the artistry and tactile beauty that makes passementerie so special.” With every piece representing hours of meticulous handwork, each cord, braid and fringe in the collection is a colorful work of art. And while the craft itself may be ancient, Ashdown’s collection is decidedly modern, with playful pompoms and geometric cretes finding expression in brilliant primary colors.
“I wanted to showcase its potential to transform a space with bold, contemporary flair,” she explains. “It’s about creating a meaningful connection between art, craft and everyday life.” samuelandsons.com; @ashdowntextiles
TALKING SHOP
STUDIO W INTERIORS
After two and a half years in a studio in downtown Hinsdale, designer Diana Wagenbach, principal and founder of Studio W Interiors, took a bold risk. She opted to renovate a historical building, the oldest in the town’s business district, for Studio W’s new digs. “It’s pretty special,” she says of the Victorian built in 1898. “The space sat empty for eight years. It kind of felt like it was meant to be for me.” Clad in brick and lined with large windows, the location offered tall ceilings and inherent character. “It was an opportunity to showcase my work and expertise,” she says. Warm white oak floors and a massive island topped in limestone now set the scene. Steel-and-glass doors delineate her office, while a communal round table with a built-in banquette is the perfect spot for team and client meetings. There’s also more space for her shop, Curated by Studio W, where she offers tableware— including custom plates and bowls from Japan— and the latest design tomes for sale. In addition to contemporary frames, bowls, vases and objects, she also sells vintage pieces and a rotating selection of art from neighbor Celestial Art Curation. studiowchicago.com
CARVED IN STONE
CALIA STONE BOUTIQUE
Stone is having a moment, and few are more hip to its varied uses than Kristin Schloemer, owner and founder of Calia Stone Boutique. Their Chicago showroom recently underwent a refresh, and now visitors can virtually view the entire collection slab by slab through innovative technology. “I personally like to use stone to express my personality,” Schloemer says. “In our stone warehouse, you can go from bold and extra to sophisticated and elevated all within one tour of the yard.” Here, Schloemer shares more about what she’s seeing when it comes to stone in design. caliastone.com
Why do you think clients are increasingly gravitating to stone? Using a natural product such as stone gives you the ability to create a story in your own home. Materials that patina and build character are something you simply cannot replicate. Not to mention no one in the world could have the same exact piece. That alone starts the story.
Tell us about the most interesting or unusual application of stone you have seen I am loving stone door jamb enclosures and baseboards! Talk about making an entryway even more grand. Those stone-wrapped door casings are impeccable. I may have to consider this in my own home!
Do you have a favorite stone? Onyx (shown left), simply because the pure vibrant colors that it provides are superior. It creates excitement and really sets the tone for each room.
What do you tell people who are concerned about staining their marble countertops? What does every hotel, restaurant and all of Europe use for their main countertop surface applications? If it’s been good enough for all these spaces for decades, it’s going to be OK in your home. We also help to educate on all the precautionary products on the market, which I do know firsthand actually work.
COLOR THEORY
BNF STUDIO
At bnf studio, Ben Newman and Mary Numair have ample room for playfulness. The pair design and build sculptural chairs, benches, mirrors and tables from hardwood, often rendered in bold color. Pieces have a lightness and softness to them, with upholstered cushions and rounded corners. “I wanted to bring in more irreverence and play,” Numair says. It’s a contrast from the work they do while helming Ben Newman Furniture, where the duo focuses on highly crafted, client-driven pieces rooted in traditional design. “The attention to detail and material integrity has always been central to our work,” Newman explains. “But over time, we felt the pull to create something more self-directed. Bnf studio grew out of that shift. It’s an outlet for our own design language and sculptural ideas.” The pair co-own and co-run both businesses, and everything is built in-house at their studio in Avondale using a blend of traditional and modern tools. Their work with bnf studio, though, is more open and allows them to take more risks. For example, though fond of natural finishes, they leaned into bold color choices for their latest collection, mt. curve. Whether painted or not, the goal is always the same: to highlight form and create furnishings that invite interaction. “I want people to see one of our chairs and feel excited to sit in it,” Numair says. Adds Newman, “We’re letting the shapes, material and colors push us further than we used to.” bnf.studio
GIVING BACK
DESIGNS FOR DIGNITY
Chicago-based charity Designs for Dignity, founded by interior designer Susan Fredman on the belief that everyone deserves access to good design, helps create restorative environments for nonprofit service organizations and at-risk populations. In celebration of its 25th anniversary, LUXE checked in with CEO Jennifer Sobecki to learn more about the organization. designs4dignity.org
Tell us more about Designs for Dignity. We harness the talents and resources of the design community at large to renovate and revitalize the spaces of nonprofit organizations that provide social services to marginalized communities. Whether it’s a counseling center, food pantry, affordable housing, youth empowerment center or community health center, we create environments that heal and provide dignity. We recognize that these organizations service many people who have experienced some form of trauma in their lives. Our goal is to design spaces that minimize the retraumatization of these individuals.
Who helps you in this mission? We engage the design industry via volunteer designers and event volunteers for our fundraisers. We also leverage the vendors and manufacturers in the industry to provide excess furniture and materials to outfit our project sites. Using the power of design, we have positively impacted hundreds of thousands of lives by transforming more than 290 nonprofit spaces and leveraging over $18 million in pro bono design services and donated materials.
What fundraising events should readers be on the lookout for?
We host about six fundraisers, depending on the year, with our largest being our Spirit of Design event held every May. In August, we will have our annual Swing for Dignity golf outing, and every other fall we host a Kitchen Walk in Michigan’s Harbor Country. This year’s tour will have six to seven homes and feature food or beverage tastings along the way. Later this fall we will also host Carpets for a Cause in partnership with Oscar Isberian Rugs, a charity auction for which designers create one-of-a-kind carpets.
RADAR
ARCHITECTURALLY SPEAKING | SNAPSHOT | READ THE ROOM | BLUEPRINT
Take a visual vacation with INSPIRATION FIT FOR THE SEASON , from a charming courtyard to plush guest spaces and homes BUILT TO MINGLE WITH NATURE .
SALT & STONE
ATLANTA ARCHITECT STAN DIXON REFLECTS ON THE MATERIAL MEDLEY BEHIND A KIAWAH ISLAND PROJECT THAT SPEAKS TO ITS LOWCOUNTRY LOCALE.
AS TOLD TO KATE ABNEY PHOTOGRAPHY BY ERIC PIASECKI/OTTO
A Kitchen in Full Bloom
Composing a retreat on Kiawah Island for designer Jackye Lanham, my longtime friend and collaborator, felt very much like a natural extension of our shared love for the area. We both have worked extensively in and around Charleston, so we were drawn to materials that reflect the historical architecture of the coast.
The house and garden structures are built from tabby—an aggregate of mortar and shells used in the Lowcountry since the 1600s. The material was originally structural, not decorative, but it has this extraordinary texture that feels right at home on a barrier island. For contrast, we incorporated handmade Charleston brick—its gray-brown coloring reminiscent of the bark of a live oak, or the pluff mud of Charleston’s salt marshes.
We spent a lot of time designing the courtyard, which is central to the home’s
layout, and were very intentional about the gate. Rather than wood, we chose wrought iron—light in profile and historically resonant for the Lowcountry. Collaboration with a local ironworker produced a design that feels early 1800s in spirit, not overly ornamental, but softened with a repeating circle motif.
Jackye found the 12-foot antique metal trough, repurposed here as a fountain basin, while landscape architect Glen Gardner sourced the bronze spouts. This component adds a beautiful sound of trickling water and nods to our idea of the home rising from the remnants of an old stable block. Final touches include the copper gas lanterns and sculptural pieces sourced by Jackye, such as garden statuary and the zinc pedestal table. The result is a space that feels rooted in its setting, quietly storied and timeless in style. dsdixonarchitect.com, jackyelanham.com
Architect Stan Dixon collaborated with designer Jackye Lanham on her enchanting Kiawah Island home and property. In the courtyard, Lanham’s elegant collections of glass and linen reflect the ease with which she and her husband use their outdoor spaces.
Outside IN
LUXE’s bird’s-eye view on American design reveals sublime modern architecture built to embrace nature’s bounty.
PRODUCED BY GRACE BEULEY HUNT
“The objective was to erase the distinction between interior and exterior, throwing focus on the lakeside bluff siting (above). To enhance a sense of calm, we made the home acoustically quiet so that the sounds of waves hitting the beach or wind in the meadow were what the clients heard.”
-Larry Booth, boothhansen.com
“This home is thoughtfully designed to highlight views and maximize natural light. Framed by exterior walls clad in limestone, this doubleheight stair volume (top right) features a decorative screen of glass channels that shift in appearance from day to night, offering layered transparency and diffused sunshine.”
-Svend Fruit, bodronfruit.com
“The intent was to keep this gallery space (right) neutral and clean so that you are immediately drawn to the desert and mountain range beyond. The building is merely a tool for allowing the clients to enjoy the serenity of the canyon it is located in, protecting them from the climate, while also enjoying the beauty of the surroundings.”
-Scott Carson, cosanstudio.com
Michigan
Arizona
Texas
“Throughout the project, this was never referred to as the ‘living room.’ Instead, we always called it the ‘view room’ (left). The perimeter is predominantly glass to invite the ocean into the space. The coolness of the sea is contrasted by the warmth of the old-growth redwood paneling that lines the interior.”
-Brad Krefman, bkinteriordesign.com
“Whether the owners are hosting in their great room or soaking in the primary bathroom’s sculptural freestanding tub (below) watching eagles fly by, this house is the epitome of waterfront living. It offers a peaceful, luxurious and comfortable lifestyle that is an effortless extension of its stunning lakeside surroundings.”
-Christopher Tellone, mcclellan-tellone.com
“This midcentury-inspired home celebrates Southern California’s indoor-outdoor lifestyle—as seen at this interior ‘elbow’ with courtyard views (below left). The material palette reinforces the Zen architecture and creates a calm haven for relaxing.”
-Mark Kirkhart, designarc.net
BE OUR GUEST
SUMMER MAY BE SYNONYMOUS WITH LONG WEEKENDS AWAY, BUT DON’T FORGET ABOUT THE COMPANY COMING BY. HERE, DESIGN PROS SHOW HOW TO CREATE WELCOMING, COZY SPACES FOR BOTH SURPRISE VISITORS AND LONGTIME INHABITANTS.
WRITTEN BY LISA BINGHAM DEWART
PHOTO: WILLIAM WALDRON / OTTO.
In upstate New York, Studio McGrath designed a mountain escape with Joan Heaton Architects that boasts sweeping views and interiors that are both relaxed and inviting.
UPSTATE ABODE
Mother-and-daughter design duo Suzanne and Lauren McGrath knew that the interiors of their clients’ mountain retreat in the Adirondacks needed to speak to its surroundings. “The house has such beautiful views from every angle, so we wanted that to take center stage,” says Lauren. “We chose soft, painterly colors and a neutral backdrop to let the outside in.” The eggshell, seafoam and taupe hues yield muted backdrops for a collection of vintage rattan, wicker and twig furniture appropriate to the area, giving the spaces a layered, collected effect. For both the homeowners and their guests (they entertain throughout the summer and play host to an annual family reunion), comfort was paramount: “You can sink into the furniture and relax,” she notes. As such, they outfitted guest rooms in a variety of ways. One features a pair of twin beds, a must in a vacation house, Suzanne maintains, while another has a simple upholstered bed with an Indian blanket at the foot. The designers particularly like to use vintage blankets and coverlets in guest spaces. “It’s an inviting accessory and adds color and pattern,” says Suzanne. “They don’t have to match—it throws things off a little and feels timeless.” The designers also suggest outfitting rooms with a desk and cozy chair for lounging. Adds Lauren, “It’s always nice to have a bookshelf stocked with easy reads, a nice glass on the bedside table and fresh flowers.” For them, small, thoughtful details create a welcoming landing spot away from home. mcgrath2.com
COUNTRY IDYLL
“The idea was a deconstructed house,” architect Steve Giannetti says of the vision for the Franklin, Tennessee, property he shares with his wife and designer, Brooke. “The guest rooms are separate from the main house and entertainment space, so it feels like its own selfcontained world.” While the buildings share a palette that references the greens and earth tones of the gardens around the couple’s 1850s log cabin, the guest quarters make visitors feel transported. “It was inspired by our travels to the Cotswolds, and the quirky places we’ve stayed,” says Brooke. While the open layout feels modern, antique barn wood frames the ceiling; the hearth is clad with rough-hewn stone; Inchyra textiles from Scotland cover the walls and ceiling; and the roll-arm sofa and Gustavian chairs would feel right at home in a cozy English cottage. To welcome visitors, says Steve, “There are always fresh eggs and flowers with pottery from our studio.” There’s even an extra car for guests to use. “It gives them a layer of independence,” says Brooke, and allows guests “the chance to feel what it’s like to live here.” patinahomeandgarden.com
COZY CORNER
“We wanted it to feel like a warm hug, so everything is very cozy and indestructible,” designer Melissa Rohani says of the multipurpose pool and guest house on her clients’ Ventura County, California, property. She and her partner at Studio Gutow, Lisa Berman, opted for warm, earthy shades with durable tongue-andgroove Douglas fir ceilings, flagstone flooring and raw wood cabinetry that underscores an overall rustic feeling. The relaxed vibe extends to the furnishings, which are mostly vintage and intended for heavy use. “The clients love that their guests don’t have to worry about putting a coaster down or a popsicle spilling on the floor,” says Rohani, who adds, “Everything is uber functional to fit as much in as tiny a space as possible.” The kitchen island, for instance, doubles as a table and can be moved outside for gatherings or for overnight guests to use for work. “Visitors need to have a spot other than a bed,” notes the designer. But when it does come to the bed, the designer advises, “If you can fit a king size, you should.” studiogutow.com
HOPE FLOATS
ON SEATTLE’S PORTAGE BAY, A DESIGN TEAM CREATES A LONG-DREAMED-ABOUT HOUSEBOAT.
WRITTEN BY MARY
JO BOWLING
For Paul Wanzer of Hoshide Wanzer Architects + Interiors, designing his own houseboat was a dream realized. “I grew up in Seattle,” he says. “For many people here, living on the water is the ideal.” When Wanzer and his wife took the plunge, they found a partner in Ren Chandler of Dyna Builders, a firm experienced with the style. “Houseboats are in the fabric of the Northwest, and people have a romantic nostalgia about them,” Chandler notes. “You must love them to build them, they are a special kind of challenge.”
The modernist Wanzer floating home isn’t the rustic dwelling you might picture. For privacy, the front façade is composed of black HardiePanel, two runs of narrow clerestory windows, and an oversized sliding door made with strips of cedar. Inside, glass walls wrap the rear exterior to capture water views. “It’s a constant parade of sailboats, kayaks and marine life,” says Wanzer. And when the family wants solitude, they simply pull exterior wood shutters over the glass. It’s a case of reality living up to the fantasy and as Wanzer explains, “I look at the view and pinch myself to make sure I’m not dreaming.” hw-architects.com, dyna.builders
A floating home designed by architect Paul Wanzer and constructed by Dyna Builders is shielded on the front by sliding wood screens (below). The back of the home is lined with glass to take in dazzling views of Portage Bay.
NOTABLES
Boyd Lighting
The Nest is the latest design collaboration between Boyd Lighting and designer Jake Oliveira. Bringing the beauty and craftsmanship of blown glass to life, its grooved interior is nested within a larger transparent form. It is available in various standard colorways. boydlighting.com
Idlewood Electric Supply
Idlewood Electric Supply is Chicagoland’s premier lighting showroom and electrical supply distributor. With every project, Idlewood takes a customer-first approach for superior results. idlewoodelectric.com
ABC Stone
Since 1992, ABC Stone has aimed to meet the needs of the design industry in an ever-changing global market. By diversifying its material portfolio and service o erings, and providing its clients with a superior customer experience, ABC is redefining how the A&D industry conducts business. abcworldwidestone.com
SuzAnn Kletzien Design
Founded in 2008, SuzAnn Kletzien Design has elevated homes in Chicago and beyond for nearly 20 years. Principal SuzAnn Kletzien brings her distinct flair, bold sensibility and memorable use of color to every project, resulting in livable luxury with a defined personality. suzannkletzien.com
Terrazzo & Marble Supply Companies
Terrazzo & Marble Supply’s recent collaboration with PROjECT. interiors features T&M’s Scandinavia quartzite in a satin finish. The bold stone plays perfectly with the unique design of this kitchen space. tmsupply.com
Photography by Mike Schwartz Photography
Designed in partnership with Matt Lorenz Design
morgantewilson.com | 847.332.1001
DISCOVERIES
eggersmann USA
Inspired by nature, the eggersmann Nami Island kitchen, designed with Yabu Pushelberg, embodies organic elegance. Its sculptural form and seamless stone surface balance artistry and function, creating a serene, sophisticated focal point for modern living. eggersmannusa.com
Newport Brass
The new Taft pull-down faucet by Newport Brass® pairs timeless, traditional design with solid brass construction and an intuitive trigger spray, offering versatile, elegant functionality in over 20 decorative finishes. newportbrass.com
Scavolini
Designed by Luca Nichetto, Jeometrica is a furniture solution by Scavolini characterized by the study and development of graphic design shapes and lines, where memory and innovation merge harmoniously. scavolini.com
DESIGNER FANS SHOP NOW
SEAN LAVIN ADLER 60" CEILING FAN IN AGED PEWTER HOUSING WITH LIGHT GREY WEATHERED OAK BLADES VISUALCOMFORT.COM
LUXE is leaning into ALL THINGS SUMMER with beautiful outdoor fabrics and entertaining ideas, must-see hotels and a wish list of finds that DELIVER ON COOL FACTOR .
SPLASH zone
DIVE INTO THESE PRETTY POOLSIDEINSPIRED PRODUCTS PERFECT FOR A STYLISH SUMMER SPENT OUTSIDE. PRODUCED BY KATHRYN GIVEN AND SARAH SHELTON
HANG TEN Los Angeles-based artist and illustrator Mary Matson’s line of wallpapers and fabrics, created exclusively for Temple Studio, is a playful ode to summer, as evident in the Surf Peeps wallpaper that's perfect for a beachside escape. templestudiony.com
TOWEL OFF Leave it to Weezie to deliver on fun towel motifs for the season with a collection of scalloped, Palm Beach-inspired floral patterns in collaboration with designer Meg Braff. weezietowels.com
SUNNY SEAT The Woven outdoor collection from Douglas & Douglas has the appearance of woven wicker, but is actually made of 100% recyclable fibrecane, making it durable against the elements in a range of shades, including Marigold. ngalatrading.com
LIGHT SOURCE Zafferano America’s cordless, outdoorfriendly Poldina Pro lamp can move about and brighten up tabletops that are far from an outlet. A fun addition? Handpainted, striped ceramic shades that slip over the model’s existing aluminum shade. zafferanoamerica.com
GROUND COVER Handwoven in London using high-performance silicone, Shore’s range of Mats offer the utmost comfort underfoot, while being heatproof, UVresistant, and available in a variety of covetable colors, such as this Lime shore-studios.com
MADE FOR SHADE The Regency Double Decker Umbrella in Cabana Blue Stripe by Santa Barbara Designs adds a bold statement to poolside hangs, complete with a crisp white-fringe trim. santabarbaradesigns.com colorway.
LUXE LOUNGER Molteni’s new outdoor collection, Pantalica, designed in collaboration with Italian designer Elisa Ossino, is named after the UNESCO World Heritage Site in Sicily. The sculptural, cylindrical cushion construction and chunky aluminum base nods to the rocky outcrop setting in Southern Italy. moltenigroup.com
Paint that painting experts trust.
Wall: Indi Go-Go CSP-565, Regal® Select, Eggshell
Trim: Indi Go-Go CSP-565, Regal® Select, Satin
California Dreaming
Design changes everything.
Every moment becomes more if you dare to design it. Presenting the Veil®
smart toilet in Honed Black, starring creative director Laura Kim.
Texas designer Chad Dorsey was tapped to refresh Primland Resort, an Auberge property located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, where he focused on communal spaces like the cozy and welcoming Lodge, shown here. aubergeresorts.com, chaddorseydesign.com
Clockwise from top right: Prairie Plaid Wallcovering in Beige on Light Blue / Price upon request / phillipjeffries.com Odile Lamp by Julie Terestman / Price upon request / lizobrien.com Solana Lounge Chair with Neil Zuleta / Price upon request / quintushome.com Mariner Cabinet / Price upon request / us.julianchichester.com Soup Bowl in Prune / $44 / eastfork.com Blue Branches Tray by Anūt Cairo / $198 / goodeeworld.com
Shades and Lighting
Part of a home ecosystem. Designed by Lutron.
MAX EFFECT
DESIGNER MAX HUMPHREY IS EMBRACING HIS PACIFIC NORTHWEST SURROUNDINGS TO DEVELOP COVETABLE PRODUCT LINES.
WRITTEN BY SARAH SHELTON
In a sea of neutral bouclé sameness, Max Humphrey is a breath of fresh mountain air. The Portland, Oregonbased interior and product designer’s penchant for Americana aesthetics and nostalgic references sets him apart from the pack. This signature style is at the heart of Humphrey’s new collections with Sunbrella performance fabrics and Crow Canyon enamelware—both of which were driven by a desire to create the types of pieces he seeks out for his own projects. So, on the heels of his debut line with Sunbrella in 2023 (available exclusively through Pindler), the designer assessed what he found himself reaching for most and how the line could grow to include even more gingham, classic stripes, easy plaids and forest-inspired motifs.
In a seamless crossover, gingham is also at the forefront of his Crow Canyon tableware collection. “While I present in a more Paci c Northwest or lodge style, I made everything so it could lean preppy or more transitional,” points out Humphrey, who takes pride in getting the scale and coloring just right, along with the silhouette of what he lovingly refers to as “cowboy flower” botanicals. “I’m learning that I don’t have to hold back in terms of quirkiness,” says Humphrey. “If I water things down, it doesn’t work. Authenticity is what people want.” pindler.com, sunbrella.com, crowcanyonhome.com, maxhumphrey.com
A mug and dinner plate Max Humphrey designed for Crow Canyon mixes effortlessly with performance fabrics from his second line with Sunbrella for Pindler, including Little Gingham, Pacific Plaid and Lodge Stripe.
SEE THROUGH HIS EYES
SWEET SUMMER
DESIGNER PETER DUNHAM MAKES THE CASE FOR CRAFTING ELEVATED OUTDOOR SPACES THAT DRAW EVERYONE TOGETHER.
WRITTEN BY KELLY PHILLIPS BADAL
“Especially in California, there are so many opportunities outdoors to create inviting areas I like to call ‘come hither’ spaces,” quips Peter Dunham. That kind of irresistible draw is exactly what the Los Angelesbased designer strives for in all his work, no matter the locale—and it’s certainly an ethos personified by this soiree-ready alfresco dining “piazza” in Yountville. Featured in his debut book, The World of Peter Dunham, the elongated double-table setup is situated on the grounds of a former 19th-century working farm, and is ringed by mature oaks and sycamores. The dual tables allow seating to vary from intimate to large gatherings, and by placing them parallel to a rustic stone wall—part of a larger outdoor living area created by landscape architect Scott
Lewis—“they feel grounded and connected, like they belong in this poetic place,” explains Dunham. He envisioned the spot as a destination for casually elegant luncheons or summertime suppers. Colorful roses snipped from the estate’s gardens fill a collection of blue-and-white vases, which the designer placed atop paisley print outdoor fabric from his Peter Dunham Textiles line. (A passionate host, Dunham’s first dedicated tabletop collection, in collaboration with Hudson Grace, recently debuted). The pattern-onpattern effect is spirited and delightfully unfussy. “Successful design is a sort of sublimination,” Dunham observes. “As in, you don’t realize why a space makes you feel good, but it activates your senses—and then it just does.” peterdunham.com
Designer Peter Dunham paired his own textile collection’s Samarkand outdoor fabric with Hudson Grace linen napkins in a breezy Napa Valley setting.
Hollywood at Home indoor-outdoor chairs line the two dining tables.
Meaningful Design to Inspire People’s Lives
SILESTONE | DEKTON | SENSA
hollywoodathome.com
Mori Glass Hand-Blown Striped Tumblers / $350 for four abask.com
Colorblock Embroidered Linen Napkins / $160 for four misettetable.com
Sanderson Ceramic Vase / $89 markandgraham.com
Pretty Perch
Indoor/Outdoor Pouf in Asha Textile by Peter Dunham / $1,200
Sleek Service
Painted Border Dinner Plate with Kashmir Paisley Salad and Appetizer Plates by Peter Dunham x Hudson Grace / From $28 each hudsongracesf.com
Fine Lines
Glowy Glassware
Floral Frenzy
FLORA & FAUNA
IMBUED WITH THE ROMANCE OF AN ENGLISH GARDEN, MORRIS & CO.’S FIRST WOVEN OUTDOOR TEXTILE COLLECTION CELEBRATES THE BEAUTY OF NATURE AND PAYS HOMAGE TO THE ENDURING LEGACY OF THE ARTS AND CRAFTS MOVEMENT.
Clockwise from top: Bird & Anemone Weave in Sage. Thistle Weave in Hares Coat. Hammersmith Woven Stripe in Teal. Thistle Weave in Teal. Amble in Standan Clay. Amble in Wheat. Acorn Weave in Moss. wmorrisandco.com
PHOTO: COURTESY MORRIS & CO.
LUXE INTERIORS + DESIGN IS TURNING 20!
To mark this milestone, LUXE is presenting Visionaries—a special program showcasing the stories of designers and brands who are defining—and redefining—residential design.
In our November/December issue, LUXE will present these champions of groundbreaking design, innovation and craftsmanship in “The Story of Home.”
A special thanks to our current Visionaries partners: Adriana Hoyos (Miami), California Closets (Miami), D'Amore Interiors (Colorado), Drewett Works (Arizona), Eichholtz (Los Angeles), Fabricut, Kat Black Interiors (Dallas), Pittet Architecturals (Dallas), The Luxury Bed Collection (Chicago + Dallas) and Walker Zanger.
ADESIGN FINDS: EXOTIC ESCAPES
mong the inspirations that guide interior designers in their work, nature certainly proves a timeless muse. As Mia Rao puts it, “We live in an organic, vibrant world. We like to explore texture, shape and rich color with every project. We are inspired by the beauty of nature in every corner of the globe.” Indeed, Rao and her team at Mia Rao Design have become known for their ability to blend a client’s narrative with an eclectic perspective on aesthetics. “We do not have a speci c ‘look’ to our work,” says Senior Designer Robyn Swanson. “We enjoy the journey each project takes, from modern to traditional, and we o en mix styles in unexpected ways.” Of course, critical to this process is having the right sources for furnishings, nishes, accessories and more. at is where THE MART comes in. With a new studio located on Fulton Street in the West Town area of Chicago, Mia Rao Design is a mere 12 minutes from the mecca of all things design— and that suits the MRD team perfectly. With more than 250 premier design showrooms, space for collaboration and vignettes full of ideas, THE MART
CHICAGO’S HOME OF INSPIRATION
222 Merchandise Mart Plaza, Chicago, IL themart.com | themartchicago Open To The Public
is a haven for Rao, Swanson, their team and their clientele. When collecting a suite of products to showcase, Rao and Swanson turned to a recent pop culture muse. ey share their thoughts on how the products come together, saying, “We imagine them woven throughout a faraway vacation home, perhaps in ailand with lush jungle or beach landscapes surrounding the home. We feel these nishes can coexist throughout the main living areas, adorning the oors and walls. Perhaps with this wink to the latest season of White Lotus, we can all dream of an exotic getaway!” e idea of the escape plays into the rm’s indoor-outdoor and activity-centric design penchants as well. “We enjoy every interior space in a home, but we frequently bring the inside out with livable outdoor spaces, too,” Rao shares. “We have also recently been creating more ‘adult’ gathering spaces, like moody parlors and speakeasies.” At the heart of it all is the idea of sanctuary. “We strive to bring energy, soul and balance to a space, infusing it with the client’s personality.” ey do just that for homeowners throughout Chicago, as well as Michigan and Wisconsin.
THE MART encompasses 3.7 million square feet, spans two city blocks, rises 25 stories and is visited by an average of 30,000 people each business day. An icon since the 1930s, it is Chicago’s home for inspiration and the best of everything design has to o er under one massive roof.
Designer Picks
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT:
• WATSON SMITH
The natural abaca Jaya rug with a rust tribal pattern brings rich heritage and history to mind.
• SANDERSON
We love Zoffany’s Rhombi Abstract wallpaper in Antique Copper for its broken geometry and unexpected deep blue pops within the warm palette.
• THIBAUT
In Armani Casa Excelsior, subtle tone changes with a slight shimmer from the Lurex are stunning and add a pop to the design scheme.
• PHILLIP JEFFRIES
We are always drawn to green, and the Peaceful Plumes wallpaper in Enchanted caught our eye immediately! We like the soft feel and dimension of the quilting, too.
• TAI PING
Lengfeld, from the Raw collection, explores the origins of our planet via minerals, transposing hard material into something soft.
OPPOSITE :
• EXQUISITE SURFACES
Color variations in Terracotta Hex evoke an old-world charm and relaxed sophistication.
LIVING
KITCHEN + BATH
Tour A MAJESTIC VINEYARD PROPERTY whose alfresco emphasis celebrates its quintessential California setting. Plus, TIMELY MATERIALS AND PRODUCTS for the kitchen and bath.
Rustic
A design team finds inspiration in the patina of Healdsburg for a home that encourages connection with the outdoors.
WRITTEN BY LAUREN GALLOW
REFINEMENT
photo: paul dyer.
Landscape firm Lucas & Lucas worked with Surround Architecture to create levels of outdoor living, including terraced gardens, a firepit area and a pool house. A striking reclaimed log from a local slab yard and a metal dish fountain double as sculptures.
Set in Stone
After spending an enjoyable evening with Healdsburg, California, clients on the patio of their 1970s ranch home, architect Dale Hubbard couldn’t help but feel enchanted.
“As the day turned to evening, I was struck by the site’s combination of long vistas across Dry Creek Valley, a Jack pine forest running up the hill, and its own vineyard,” recalls Hubbard, founder of Colorado-based Surround Architecture. “This experience became the driving force for the project, inspiring us to create a seamless connection between interior and exterior.”
After discussing various renovation approaches, Hubbard and the project team, including general contractor John Rechin of Total Concepts, decided to bring the aging structure down to the foundation and design a new residence atop it, with the addition of an open-air pool house.
“Everything we did was inspired by the agrarian character of the area,” explains Kyle Greenhill, a designer at Surround.
An appreciation for handmade elements defines the kitchen, where quartzite counters and white-oak cabinetry are accented by House of Rohl fixtures and Sossego barstools. The outdoor dining area cantilevers over the yard and is capped by a corten steel pergola above RH furniture.
Bowery is a captivating symphony of modern whimsy and timeless elegance. With clear glass shades adorning both top and bottom, enveloping integrated LED lights within its vintage brass or urban bronze frame, Bowery reinvents the classic mid-century dome pendant. Illuminate your space with a masterpiece that marries vintage charm with contemporary sensibility.
In plan, the home is oriented toward valley views, stepping down from the open living area to a covered outdoor kitchen, firepit, pool pavilion and vineyard designed in concert with landscape firm, Lucas & Lucas. “The client had this idea of ‘pajama gardening,’” recalls Hubbard. “She wanted to be able to get up in the morning and move seamlessly outside to tend to her plants.”
Inside, materials like honey-toned hemlock and blackened steel lend a sense of history, which the couple appreciated in their favorite Healdsburg haunts and wanted to emulate within their own home. “We drew a lot of inspiration from the town and its maker culture,” says designer Jesse Brew of Surround. White-oak cabinetry and a patinated range hood in the kitchen were fabricated by local artisans while aged limestone masonry, similar in color to the local soil, unifies the kitchen, deck and pool house bathroom. Notes Hubbard, “this creates architecture that feels like it belongs.” surroundarchitecture.com, lucas-lucas.com, totalconcepts.net
caps
shower area, creating pattern play with the sunlight. Outdoor fixtures, including a faucet and wallmounted showerhead in an oil-rubbed bronze finish, are Sonoma Forge.
ASPEN AIR
The goal was clear for celebrated kitchen designer Mick De Giulio: make his client’s Aspen kitchen a real showstopper by creating a connection to the outdoors and capitalizing on the sweeping mountain views. Working in lockstep with said client and collaborator, Houston-based interior designer Cherie Hassenflu, the duo surely succeeded. A vaulted ceiling and large Arcadia Custom picture window frame the postcard-worthy backdrop,
A COLORADO VACATION HOME LOOKS TO ITS SURROUNDINGS TO INFLUENCE ITS INTERIORS. WRITTEN BY SARAH SHELTON
accented by De Giulio Collection distressed silver cabinetry, Belgian bluestone floors and an apropos antler chandelier. The materials, says De Giulio, weren’t dictated, but rather selected by instinct and feel. In warmer months, a sliding door makes way for easy access to the outdoor kitchen and entertaining area.
“The floorplan is almost completely open—it’s how I would want to live,” admits De Giulio. degiuliodesign.com
Kitchen designer Mick De Giulio partnered with interior designer Cherie Hassenflu of Savant Design Group on her Colorado kitchen, and collaborated with architect Bill Pollock of Zone 4 Architects, general contractor Chris Trautner of Trautner-Long Construction, and landscape designer Gyles Thornely on the project at large. The space boasts a paneled Sub-Zero refrigerator and Wolf range.
photo: draper white.
NATURAL MUSE
TIMELESS APPEAL IS FOUND THROUGH ORGANIC MATERIALS IN ELEVATED ENVIRONMENTS.
WRITTEN BY SARAH SHELTON
SERENE SOAK
WRJ Design created the ultimate indoor-outdoor oasis for one lucky client situated on 35 acres of scenic Jackson Hole terrain. There’s no question that the stunning Teton setting was a source of inspiration for the home’s lowerlevel terrace, where a wood-surround spa is framed by sandstone walls and a border of stones plucked from the mighty Snake River. wrjdesigns.com
INSPIRED BY NATURE, TAKE YOUR PICK OF THE SEASON’S LATEST SURFACES AND APPLICATIONS.
EL DORADO STONE RoughCut in Ranchers Ridge eldoradostone.com TIMBER TECH Harvest+ in Toasted Wheat timbertech.com
NEOLITH Fusion in Artisan neolith.com
Interior Design by Jasmin Reese Interiors | Photography by Michael Alan Kaskel
TAKE NOTE
FROM MOMENTS OF RELAXATION TO ENTERTAINING IN STYLE, THE SEASON CALLS FOR ENJOYING YOUR KITCHEN AND BATH TO THE FULLEST.
WRITTEN BY SARAH SHELTON
HOT SEAT
While the practice of sauna bathing in dry heat has been around for thousands of years—with bene ts ranging from stress relief to improved cardiovascular health— Klafs is reimaging wellness spaces for today. The Ariso model, left, is made of solid Scandinavian spruce and is available in four diff erent sizes and two exterior wood options. Klafs, now part of the Kohler family, re ects the brand’s growing commitment to turn-key, spa-like environments designed for the home. klafsusa.com, kohler.com
SINK IN
Cosentino and Urban Bon re have joined forces for the ultimate alfresco kitchen experience. In uenced by nature, this powerhouse partnership combines Urban Bon re’s innovative outdoor kitchen systems with Cosentino’s Dekton cladding. Shown here is Dekton Ukiyo x Claudia Afshar, which has a textured uted nish. (Dekton Slim, a more minimalist iteration with sleek lines, is also available.) Each system can be customized to include sink basins, power burners, grills and refrigeration to meet any cooking or entertaining need. urbanbon re.com, cosentino.com
entertaining need. urbanbon re.com, cosentino.com
COOK’S CORNER
easy to be green with envy over the new collection from Brown Jordan Outdoor Kitchens. Created in partnernship with Italian design rm Nichetto Studio—marking a rst-time collaboration for the brand—Cube embraces sleek architectural lines and bold powder-coated nishes, like Dark Highland, shown. Crafted from Danver’s signature stainless steel cabinetry, the models are designed to mirror indoor kitchens adapted for outdoor use—from large outdoor living spaces to small rooftop terraces. brownjordanoutdoorkitchens.com
It’s easy to be green with envy over the new collection from Brown Jordan Outdoor Kitchens. Created in with Italian rm Nichetto a rst-time lines and bold nishes, like Dark shown. Crafted from Danver’s stainless steel the models are to mirror indoor kitchens for outdoor use—from outdoor spaces to small terraces.
Introducing the 2025 LUXE RED Awards, honoring excellence and innovation for the best in residential projects and product introductions.
MEET THE JUDGES
LUXE Interiors + Design invited design professionals from across the country to compete in the 2025 RED Awards. After receiving more than 1,770 entries, a panel of industry experts weighed in to select our project winners, and the public voted for our Readers’ Choice awards. Read on to learn more about our judges.
SUZANNE LOVELL
PRINCIPAL, SUZANNE LOVELL INC.
Suzanne Lovell is widely recognized as a preeminent designer specializing in interior architecture, design and fine art. She started her namesake firm, Suzanne Lovell Inc., in 1985 and has completed projects across the globe. Lovell creates couture residences that reflect a masterful approach to architectural detailing and an imaginative dialogue around her clients’ collections and aesthetic. She has built an experienced team of professionals well-versed in coordinating all aspects of residential projects to create award-winning work. The Chicago-based firm has been featured in numerous publications and was inaugurated into the Chicago Merchandise Mart Hall of Fame.
FERNANDO WONG
CO-FOUNDER, FERNANDO WONG OUTDOOR LIVING DESIGN
Fernando Wong, called “one of the best landscape designers in the world” by the Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour in London, started Fernando Wong Outdoor Living Design in Miami Beach in 2005. Since then, the award-winning firm has expanded with offices in both Palm Beach, Florida, and Southampton, New York. His television show with Martha Stewart, Clipped, airs on discovery+ HGTV, and his work has been featured on The Today Show as well as in magazines and newspapers around the world. In 2024, he published his book, The Young Man and the Tree (Vendome).
KENDALL WILKINSON
CEO & FOUNDER,
KENDALL WILKINSON DESIGN
Known for creating interiors centered around connection and experience, Kendall Wilkinson fashions spaces that elicit an emotional response. The California native has been widely celebrated for her artful interpretations of her clients’ discerning visions. It was through the lens of aesthetic individuality that she established her eponymous San Francisco firm in 1992. Now, Kendall Wilkinson Design has a second office in Los Angeles, and the studio continues to render residences that accentuate both beauty and comfort. Wilkinson, who has an array of successful textile collections with Fabricut, has been widely recognized in esteemed publications and national press outlets.
CHAD DORSEY
PRINCIPAL, CHAD DORSEY DESIGN
Chad Dorsey makes spaces where people feel their most comfortable. The Tennessee-born designer has more than two decades of experience creating luxurious yet approachable interiors that reflect his clients’ personalities. Trained as an architect, Dorsey balances scale, proportion and light with honest materiality, enticing color and curated collections of sculptural furnishings and objects in every project. With offices in Dallas and Los Angeles, his studio has gained a loyal following of clients who share his penchant for clean-lined architecture and warm, inviting interiors. In 2025 he released his debut monograph, Relaxed Luxury (Assouline).
JESSE CARRIER
FOUNDING CO-PRINCIPAL, CARRIER AND COMPANY INTERIORS
Jesse Carrier is one of the founding principals of New York-based Carrier and Company Interiors, where, alongside his wife and co-founder, Mara Miller, he creates rooms that offer a confident mix of timeless and contemporary design. The Carriers, who have garnered accolades from the world’s most prestigious publications, have been sought out by leading furnishing manufacturers to bring their unique vision of home to a wider audience. Their latest monograph, Defining Chic: Carrier and Company Interiors (Rizzoli), showcases dwellings that express their clients’ personalities and dreams through the practical filters of lifestyle and location.
JILL COHEN
EDITOR IN CHIEF, LUXE INTERIORS + DESIGN
Jill Cohen was named Editor in Chief of LUXE Interiors + Design in 2024. Prior to taking the helm, she had an accomplished book publishing and direct marketing career. She has held numerous positions in the industry, including founder, president and publisher of Conde Nast Books; president of Random House Direct Marketing; vice president of new business development at QVC; and vice president and publisher of Time Warner Book Group, Bulfinch Press. In 2006, Cohen founded her agency, Jill Cohen Associates, which has produced hundreds of best-selling architecture and design books. Today, JCA continues as a Sandow Company.
RESIDENTIAL EXCELLENCE IN DESIGN AWARDS
PROJECT WINNERS
BATHROOM
NATIONAL WINNER
Maros Designs
REGIONAL WINNER
Emmy Couture Designs ARIZONA
Alison Giese Interiors
AUSTIN + SAN ANTONIO
BBA Architects
GREATER CHICAGO
Smith + Drake
COLORADO + THE ROCKIES
Maros Designs
DALLAS + FORT WORTH
Krista + Home FLORIDA
Paris Forino
GREATER NEW YORK, THE HAMPTONS + CONNECTICUT
Linda Eyles Design
HOUSTON
Jaqui Seerman Design
LOS ANGELES-SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Six Walls Interior Design
PACIFIC NORTHWEST
MJM Interior Design
SAN FRANCISCO + NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
River Brook Design & Construction
SOUTHEAST
EXTERIOR ARCHITECTURE
NATIONAL WINNER
Bates Masi + Architects
REGIONAL WINNER
Rains Design, Inc. ARIZONA
A Parallel Architecture
AUSTIN + SAN ANTONIO
dSpace Studio
GREATER CHICAGO
Studio B Architecture + Interiors
COLORADO + THE ROCKIES
SHM Architects
DALLAS + FORT WORTH
Melhorn Architecture & Construction FLORIDA
Bates Masi + Architects
GREATER NEW YORK, THE HAMPTONS + CONNECTICUT
M Architecture
HOUSTON
Studio William Hefner
LOS ANGELES-SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
William / Kaven Architecture
PACIFIC NORTHWEST
Walker Warner Architects SAN FRANCISCO + NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
Summerour Architects
SOUTHEAST
INTERIOR ARCHITECTURE
NATIONAL WINNER
The Construction Zone, Ltd.
REGIONAL WINNER
The Construction Zone, Ltd. ARIZONA
Ryan Street Architects
AUSTIN + SAN ANTONIO
Kadlec Architecture & Design
GREATER CHICAGO
Centre Sky Architecture
COLORADO + THE ROCKIES
Lark Interiors
DALLAS + FORT WORTH
The Wall Studio
FLORIDA
Merrell Soule Architects
GREATER NEW YORK, THE HAMPTONS + CONNECTICUT
Fifty Seventh & 7th Luxury Homes
HOUSTON
Sophie Goineau Design
LOS ANGELES-SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Farmer Payne Architects
PACIFIC NORTHWEST
Studio Schicketanz
SAN FRANCISCO + NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
T.S. Adams Studio Architects, LLC
SOUTHEAST
INTERIOR DESIGN
NATIONAL WINNER
Hoedemaker Pfeiffer
REGIONAL WINNER
David Michael Miller Associates ARIZONA
Chupik Design
AUSTIN + SAN ANTONIO
Centered by Design
GREATER CHICAGO
WRJ Design
COLORADO + THE ROCKIES
Erin Sander Design
DALLAS + FORT WORTH
Collarte Interiors FLORIDA
Alfredo Paredes Studio
GREATER NEW YORK, THE HAMPTONS + CONNECTICUT
Benjamin Johnston Design
HOUSTON
Marmol Radziner
LOS ANGELES-SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Hoedemaker Pfeiffer
PACIFIC NORTHWEST
Lindsay Gerber Interiors
SAN FRANCISCO + NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
Suzanne Kasler Interiors SOUTHEAST
JEWEL BOX SPACES KITCHEN
NATIONAL WINNER
Sarah Coe Design
REGIONAL WINNER
Deluxe Designs of Arizona ARIZONA
Greer Interior Design
AUSTIN + SAN ANTONIO
Sarah Coe Design
GREATER CHICAGO
Nest Architectural Design
COLORADO + THE ROCKIES
Alexis Pearl Design
DALLAS + FORT WORTH
Lisa Erdmann & Associates Interiors FLORIDA
Michelle Gerson Interiors
GREATER NEW YORK, THE HAMPTONS + CONNECTICUT
Ecco Design
HOUSTON
@LuisFern5 Creative Design Agency
LOS ANGELES-SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Kat Lawton Interiors
PACIFIC NORTHWEST
Tineke Triggs Interiors
SAN FRANCISCO + NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
Colordrunk Designs
SOUTHEAST
NATIONAL WINNER
Historical Concepts
REGIONAL WINNER
Iconic by Kaitlyn Wolfe ARIZONA
Annie Downing Interiors
AUSTIN + SAN ANTONIO
Anna Knight Interiors
GREATER CHICAGO
Julie Kay Design Studio
COLORADO + THE ROCKIES
SHM Architects
DALLAS + FORT WORTH
KasaMia Interiors
FLORIDA
Enda Donagher Architect PC
GREATER NEW YORK, THE HAMPTONS + CONNECTICUT
Katie Davis Design
HOUSTON
Morrison Interiors
LOS ANGELES-SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Heliotrope Architects
PACIFIC NORTHWEST
Kristen Peña Interiors SAN FRANCISCO + NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
Historical Concepts
SOUTHEAST
PROJECT WINNERS
RESTORATION OR RENOVATION RESIDENTIAL
LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE
NATIONAL WINNER
Scott Lewis Landscape Architecture
REGIONAL WINNER
Berghoff Design Group
ARIZONA
Mariani Landscape
GREATER CHICAGO
Design Workshop
COLORADO + THE ROCKIES
Osterberger Design Group
DALLAS + FORT WORTH
KWD Landscape Architecture FLORIDA
Hollander Design
Landscape Architects
GREATER NEW YORK, THE HAMPTONS + CONNECTICUT
Christine London Ltd.
LOS ANGELES-SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Land Morphology
PACIFIC NORTHWEST
Scott Lewis
Landscape Architecture
SAN FRANCISCO + NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
OUTDOOR SPACES
NATIONAL WINNER
Dejager Design Inc.
REGIONAL WINNER
PHX Architecture ARIZONA
McWalters Collaborative Architecture and Design
AUSTIN + SAN ANTONIO
Liederbach & Graham Architects
GREATER CHICAGO
Design Workshop
COLORADO + THE ROCKIES
Maestri Studio
DALLAS + FORT WORTH
Strang Design FLORIDA
Austin Patterson Disston Architecture & Design
GREATER NEW YORK, THE HAMPTONS + CONNECTICUT
Paul N. Brow, Architect, LLC
HOUSTON
Dejager Design Inc.
LOS ANGELES-SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Jackson Design Build
PACIFIC NORTHWEST
Regan Baker Design
SAN FRANCISCO + NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
Well x Design
SOUTHEAST
NATIONAL WINNER
Rowland+Broughton
REGIONAL WINNER
BedBrock Remodel
ARIZONA
Avery Cox Design
AUSTIN + SAN ANTONIO
Refined Renovations
GREATER CHICAGO
Rowland+Broughton
COLORADO + THE ROCKIES
Yates Desygn
DALLAS + FORT WORTH
MHK Architecture
FLORIDA
Mimi & Hill Design Studio
GREATER NEW YORK, THE HAMPTONS + CONNECTICUT
Nadia Palacios Residential Design
HOUSTON
Assembledge+
LOS ANGELES-SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Studio TJP
PACIFIC NORTHWEST
William Duff Architects
SAN FRANCISCO + NORTHERN CALIF ORNIA
Ruard Veltman Architecture + Interiors
SOUTHEAST
WOW-FACTOR ROOM
NATIONAL WINNER
Tucker & Marks
REGIONAL WINNER
Candelaria Design Associates
ARIZONA
Bambi A’Lynn Interior Design
AUSTIN + SAN ANTONIO
James Thomas
GREATER CHICAGO
Tumu Studio
COLORADO + THE ROCKIES
Maestri Studio
DALLAS + FORT WORTH
Wecselman Design
FLORIDA
Eric J. Smith Architect
GREATER NEW YORK, THE HAMPTONS + CONNECTICUT
Creative Tonic Design
HOUSTON
Kovac
LOS ANGELES-SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Prentiss Balance Wickline Architects
PACIFIC NORTHWEST
Tucker & Marks
SAN FRANCISCO + NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
J.Banks Design Group
SOUTHEAST
READERS’ CHOICE BEST OF THE REST
Nash Design Group
SAN FRANCISCO + NORTHERN CALIFORNIA BATHROOM
Aardvarchitecture
GREATER NEW YORK, THE HAMPTONS + CONNECTICUT EXTERIOR ARCHITECTURE
Collective Design
COLORADO + THE ROCKIES INTERIOR ARCHITEC TURE
Artistic Elements
FLORIDA | INTERIOR DESIGN
NJA Interiors
GREATER NEW YORK, THE HAMPTONS + CONNECTICUT
JEWEL BOX SPACES
Orange Coast Interior Design
LOS ANGELES-SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA KITCHEN
Strata Landscape Architecture
SAN FRANCISCO + NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE (SHOWN ABOVE)
Cheryl Dempsey ARIZONA | OUTDOOR SPACES
McWalters Collaborative
Architecture and Design
AUSTIN + SAN ANTONIO RESTORATION OR RENOVATION
Haywoodmade Interiors
GREATER CHICAGO | WOW-FACTOR ROOM
Visible Proof
RICHMOND, VA BATHROOM
PKA Architecture
MINNEAPOLIS, MN EXTERIOR ARCHITECTURE
Catalano Architects BOSTON, MA INTERIOR ARCHITECTURE
Woogmaster Studio LAS VEGAS, NV INTERIOR DESIGN
Woogmaster Studio LAS VEGAS, NV JEWEL BOX SPACES
Fowlkes Studio WASHINGTON, D.C. KITCHEN
Dan Gordon Landscape Architects
WELLESLEY, MA LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE
Philpotts Interiors
HONOLULU, HI OUTDOOR SPACES (SHOWN ABOVE)
Neubauer Ennis Architects FALMOUTH, MA RESTORATION OR RENOVATION
Tartan & Toile
SWARTHMORE, PA WOW-FACTOR ROOM
PRODUCT WINNERS
BATH: ACCESSORY
ROBERN
Sculpt Hanging Mirror in Brass
BATH: FIXTURE
SHERLE WAGNER INTERNATIONAL
Sierra Faucet Set
BATH: BATHTUB
KOHLER CO.
Freestanding Bath from Landshapes™ by Daniel Arsham
BATH: SINK
STONE FOREST
Bronze Edo Vessel Sink by Tod Babick
BATH: COLLECTION
KALLISTA
Guise Collection
BATH: SYSTEM DORNBRACHT
Aquahalo by Michael Neumayr
BATH: VANITY
NATIVE TRAILS
Winemaker Series DOOR
FLOORING: COLLABORATION
TEXTURES WITH JEFFREY DUNGAN
Norfolk No.17
COLLECTION
LACANTINA DOORS
V2 Swing Door
FURNITURE:
ACCENT TABLE
MR. & MRS. HOWARD FOR SHERRILL FURNITURE
Amy Game Table from Nellie Jane Collection
FLOORING: DESIGN
LEGNO BASTONE
Copenhagen from European Elegance Collection in Herringbone
FURNITURE: CASE GOOD
UNA MALAN
Pulse Nightstand
PRODUCT WINNERS
FURNITURE: COLLECTION
FOUR HANDS
Modern Noir
FURNITURE: SEATING
AMERICAN LEATHER
Orion Accent Chair
FURNITURE: DINING TABLE
BERNHARDT FURNITURE
Agnès Dining Table from Bernhardt Interiors
HARDWARE COLLECTION
EMTEK
Select Program
FURNITURE: INNOVATION
ANN SACKS TILE & STONE
Genevieve Collection
KITCHEN: DISHWASHER
DACOR
24-Inch Dishwasher
KITCHEN: FIXTURE COLLECTION
RIOBEL BY HOUSE OF ROHL Authentica™ Kitchen Collection
KITCHEN: RANGE
SUB-ZERO GROUP
Wolf Dual-Fuel Range with Colored Accent Doors
KITCHEN: INNOVATION
BRIZO ® KITCHEN & BATH COMPANY
Pristive™ Tankless Reverse Osmosis System
KITCHEN: REFRIGERATION INNOVATION
GAGGENAU
Vario Cooling Expressive Series
KITCHEN: OVEN
SIGNATURE KITCHEN SUITE
30-inch Double Wall Oven from Transitional Series
LIGHTING: CHANDELIER ARTERIORS
Melt Chandelier by Workshop/APD
RESIDENTIAL EXCELLENCE IN DESIGN AWARDS
PRODUCT WINNERS
LIGHTING: COLLECTION
WILDWOOD Shiga
OUTDOOR: COLLABORATION
CENTURY FURNITURE WITH CARRIER AND COMPANY
Gio Outdoor Chaise
LIGHTING: INNOVATION
LUTRON
Ketra D2
OUTDOOR: COLLECTION
HARBOUR
Como Collection
LIGHTING: SCONCE
BLUEPRINT LIGHTING
Staten Island Sconce from The Boroughs Collection by Brownstone Boys
OUTDOOR: SEATING
TUUCI
Luma Collection
RUG: COLLECTION
SHIIR RUGS
The Odyssey Collection
SURFACES
COSENTINO
Le Chic Bohème by Silestone XM
RUG: DESIGN
Layers from Missoni Collection RUG: INNOVATION
STARK
TEXTILE:
COLLABORATION
GP & J BAKER WITH KIT KEMP
Robina’s Dinner Party
TAI PING CARPETS
Alizea I from The Biophilic Program
TEXTILE: COLLECTION
RAD GOODS
Inaugural Collection
PRODUCT WINNERS
Accent Bleu RESIDENTIAL EXCELLENCE IN
TEXTILE: DESIGN POLLACK
Weather Report from Happy Hour Collection
WALLCOVERING: COLLABORATION
KRAVET COUTURE WITH JOSEPH ALTUZARRA
Colorscape Panel
TILE: COLLABORATION
ARTISTIC TILE WITH LORI WEITZNER
Lola
WALLCOVERING: COLLECTION
ARTE
Essentials Brushed Suede
TILE: DESIGN
WALKER ZANGER
WALLCOVERING: DESIGN
PERENNIALS
Palmetto Wallcovering
READERS’ CHOICE
Photography by David Turner
ON LOCATION
LAKE ESCAPES
Lakeside living is synonymous with timeless elegance, tranquil vistas and effortless leisure. In this special section, uncover the trends, design inspirations and distinctive touches defining luxury homes along the Midwest’s most stunning shorelines, and meet the creative minds shaping refined waterfront retreats where relaxation and style converge.
DIVE INTO THE ART OF LAKESIDE LIVING.
Culliton Quinn Landscape Architecture
Culliton Quinn Landscape Architecture
There is a special energy that comes alive each summer across the Midwest’s lakefront communities, where days are spent swimming, boating and savoring the fleeting, sundrenched season with family and friends. Culliton Quinn Landscape Architecture, led by Owners Brian Culliton and Tony Quinn, expertly captures that spirit, creating landscapes that blend natural beauty with thoughtful design. “Our clients are looking to create a 360-degree experience around their property, with the lake as a standout feature,” Culliton shares. This holistic approach has the team focused on everything from entry drives and sport courts to pools and lush plantings. The aesthetic influences vary widely, too. “Design styles range from formal to casual and are reflective of our clients’ tastes,” Culliton says. “I believe today’s tastes are b ecoming less fussy. However, many clients still like their landscapes tidy and structured. We can achieve this look with clean-lined hardscapes and looser planting design.”
OUR CLIENTS ARE LOOKING TO CREATE A SPECIAL SENSE OF PLACE IN THEIR OUTDOOR ENVIRONMENTS.”
Early Collaboration Matters
Culliton Quinn encourages clients to involve landscape architects at the earliest stages of a lakefront project. “Too often, we’re brought in after the house is already sited,” Culliton shares. “Early collaboration gives owners more flexibility with critical site elements like setbacks, grading and impervious surface requirements. This leads to a stronger, more cohesive design from the ground up.”
Plant Paradise
A recent Culliton Quinn project in Northport, Michigan, showcases their plant-forward approach. With minimal hardscape and no lawn, the property was transformed using aspen groves, pine and spruce borders, and over 5,000 perennial plugs representing 50 different species. “It was about blending the site back into its woodland setting,” Culliton says. Gravel paths and massive Michigan boulders add texture and artistry, creating a landscape that feels both curated and organic.
Top Lush perennial plantings spill over a soft gravel walkway, which also functions as a golf cart path for busy family weekends. Bottom A striking infinity pool blends seamlessly into the lake view beyond.
Photography Courtesy of Culliton Quinn Landscape Architecture
Mariani Landscape
Embracing nature’s beauty defines lakefront living. That’s why the right landscape team is key when designing, building and maintaining the ideal lake escape. For over 65 years, Mariani has been creating and caring for landscapes from the North Shore to Lake Geneva, Harbor Country and beyond. “In 1958, Mariani began as a one-truck maintenance company on the North Shore,” says Design Principal Carrie Woleben-Meade. “Today, we are a full-service landscape design, construction and maintenance firm that is always in pursuit of perfection.” In that pursuit, the Mariani team considers many important factors for their lake projects. “Due to wind and varying temperatures, the lakefront climate can be very different from one side of a house to the other,” Design Principal Sara Furlan adds. “As d esigners, we take that into account when choosing plant materials and creating exceptional lake-inspired spaces.”
Top An infinity pool overlooking the lake is surrounded by a cascading landscape that brings color and texture to the changing elevation. Left The lake trail has never been more inviting as it passes through the layered plantings and hardscaping of a property on the shores of Lake Geneva. Right At this Lake Michigan gem, the ascent from beach to bluff represented an opportunity to create a sea of color, texture and fragrance as one passes through.
COMMITTED TO OUR CLIENTS, CONNECTED WITH NATURE, GROUNDED IN FAMILY VALUES … THAT’S THE MARIANI DIFFERENCE.”
Eden, By Design
Sara Furlan and Carrie WolebenMeade share their insights and expertise.
• How would you describe the design styles in the lakefront communities you serve?
Furlan: Because many of the communities we work in are well over a century old, there is a wide variety of architectural styles. From classical to contemporary, we embrace this rich aesthetic tapestry and create landscapes that complement and elevate each home.
• Describe how a home’s street and lake sides are varied and unique.
Woleben-Meade : Lakefront home design is often inverse, with a street front that is quiet and reserved and a lakeside that is more expressive and expansive to maximize the spaces where the homeowners spend most of their time and capture stunning water views.
• What makes Midwest lakefront living different from other parts of the country?
Woleben-Meade: The seasonality. From dazzling springs and summers to the storms that start blowing in in October, Lake Michigan is dynamic and extreme. No matter which community we’re working in, we’re always contending with Mother Nature.
Photography Top + Left by Tony Soluri; Right by Reagan Taylor
MARIANI LANDSCAPE
MARIANI LANDSCAPE ®
Precision Stone Design
The quiet beauty of lakefront living is found in the details—the gathering spaces designed for effortless entertaining, the textures that mirror nature and the surfaces that withstand the seasons. Enter, Precision Stone Design. Led by President Gina Saran, the firm specializes in crafting countertops and stonework that embody the spirit of lakeside life across the Midwest. “Our countertops become the beautiful backdrops to life’s most cherished moments,” Saran says. With projects ranging from cozy cottages to grand estates in places like Lake Geneva and New Buffalo, their work reflects a deep understanding of the rhythm of lake living. Whether creating oversize kitchen islands for lively family gatherings or designing durable, organic-inspired surfaces for outdoor kitchens, the team blends artistry and functionality seamlessly. “It’s about balancing beauty with performance,” Sarah says. “We strive for elegance, durability and ease.”
Top left Combining dark and light colors is a popular trend. This island with black granite and white cabinetry showcases how beautiful it can be. Bottom left This dark cabinetry is harmonized with a timeless, beautiful soapstone . Right Blonde wood cabinets contrast with darker hardware, while a marble vanity adds extra sophistication.
Photography Shanna Wolf of S. Photography
Elevated Outdoor
As outdoor kitchens gain popularity generally, and especially across Midwest lakefront homes, Precision is helping homeowners embrace materials built for the elements. “Now, we can make outdoor spaces as beautiful as indoor ones,” Saran says. Using granite, porcelain and ultracompact surfaces like Dekton, their installations resist UV rays, rain and temperature extremes, ensuring that lakeside patios, bars and pizza oven surrounds are as durable as they are stunning.
EVERY STONE SURFACE SUPPORTS A LIFESTYLE BUILT AROUND NATURE, FAMILY AND TIMELESS MOMENTS BY THE WATER.”
Design For The View
In lakeside homes, the water is the star. “It’s not about curb appeal; it’s about lake appeal,” Saran enthuses. This infl uences a home’s orientation, but the lake has an impact for Precision, too. With organic tones like sandy beiges and water blues, as well as the thoughtful placement of durable stonework, the PSD team complements the surroundings while crafting environments that support an amenity-rich lifestyle for their clients.
Scintillating water, bucolic beaches and a laid-back lifestyle are the allure of lakefront living. But when one is building a waterfront dream home, there is much to consider. “Lakeshore projects require very specialized knowledge and expertise,” says Scott Christopher. As the Owner of Scott Christopher Homes, he knows this well. Since founding his firm in 1986, Christopher and his team have amassed an impressive portfolio of award-winning custom new-builds and thoughtful renovations—many of which are found on the lakes. “With a full team of in-house site superintendents and carpenters, we have a clear understanding of the requirements and challenges of working on water,” Christopher shares. “In addition, we have a strong sensitivity when it comes to the environment and to neighboring property owners.” That combination of skill and care is what makes Scott Christopher the ideal lakefront builder.
An Unparalleled Project
“As a custom home builder, we consider each of our one-of-a-kind projects remarkable, but one that stands out is The Dunes project,” Christopher states. “Made of glass, steel and copper, the entire house is supported by helical piers and is only accessible by an elevated boardwalk that runs for a quartermile over wetlands and critical dunes. When we were building this home, materials, equipment and people had to traverse this path, which proved to be a constant logistical challenge that required full utilization of all of our available resources and a true team effort. With that said, the amazing home that resulted was well worth it.”
Expert Advice
Whether one is planning a new home in the city, the suburbs or on a lake, Christopher believes that working with a knowledgeable, trusted general contractor who understands the entire building process is the key to success. “And that’s precisely who we are at Scott Christopher Homes,” he says. “When we are involved in a project from the earliest stages, we’re able to utilize our years of building experience to provide valuable input on design decisions and material choices to ensure they’re in sync with budget and construction timeline goals, which streamlines the entire build process.”
Top Perfectly perched above Lake Michigan and accessible only by its boardwalk and bridge, The Dunes project proved a logistical challenge to build, but the results are stunning. Bottom The extensive use of stone, intricate millwork and reclaimed wood beams—salvaged from an old Michigan dairy farm—give this custom-built residence a 17thcentury European look and feel.
Photography Top by Roger Wade; Bottom by Andrew Miller
Scott Simpson Design + Build
There is a certain magic to lake living, with its slower pace, deeper connection to nature and spaces designed for true togetherness. For more than 30 years, Scott Simpson Design + Build has been helping families capture that magic, crafting custom lakefront homes across the Midwest with a signature blend of creativity and craftsmanship. Partners Scott Simpson, Tom Kenny and Kathleen Henrikson, alongside Principal Architect Amy Berka, guide clients through a seamless design-build process that begins at home and extends to beloved destinations like Lake Geneva, Green Lake and Harbor Country. “Building a lake home should be as relaxing as living in one,” Simpson says. To that end, the team’s thoughtful approach embraces each site’s natural beauty, with expansive windows, native landscaping and inviting indoor-outdoor living spaces. Berka explains their perspective, saying, “It’s about creating homes that disconnect you from the ordinary and immerse you in the moment.”
Top Floor-to-ceiling Marvin windows frame perfect views to the lake and outdoor entertaining patio from this versatile living room. Left Custom-fabricated steel bunk beds with walnut headboards and cabinetry add 10 comfy sleeping spots to the upstairs. Right Two large glass sliders keep the focus on the outdoors. Interior design by David MacKenzie and landscaping by ReVi enhance the pictured project.
Photography Courtney Terry Photography
Design That Flows
The SSDB team is guided by a belief that lake homes should feel as fluid as the water they overlook. “Maybe even more so than a primary home, lake house design should anticipate big gatherings, providing multiple social spaces with accessibility to the outdoors,” Simpson says. These may include everything from pickleball and other sport courts to infrared saunas, rain gardens, fire pits, impressive outdoor dining patios and more.
LAKE HOUSES ARE SOME OF THE MOST WONDERFUL PROJECTS WE DO, BECAUSE AT THE CENTER OF THEM IS A FAMILY THAT WANTS TO SPEND TIME TOGETHER.”
Nature
First
For Berka, one overarching mindset is key: the lake itself is the starting point for every project. “The front of the home is always on the lakeside,” she emphasizes. Designs embrace expansive windows, n atural materials and uncluttered spaces to frame the views and foster a sense of calm. In the standout project pictured at right, a mushroom-gray palette and low-profile structure allowed the home to blend organically into its wooded Wisconsin surroundings.
Wade Weissmann Architecture
As the nexus of get-togethers, celebrations and reunions, a lake home is an idyllic place where family and friends gather to create memories. That is something Wade Weissmann, President of Wade Weissmann Architecture, has known his entire life. “Having grown up in Wisconsin, I am immersed in the culture of spending time at a lake,” he says. “And since I’ve always had a passion for architecture, I’ve kept my creative eye focused on lake properties.” Armed with that cognizance, Weissmann knows that not all lake homes and communities are alike. “There are distinct, yet subtle differences in Wisconsin’s architectural styles,” he shares. “Great Lakes properties usually have a Northeast coastal feel to them, while in the Northwoods, there is a “great camp” Adirondack a esthetic and in the southern part of the state, you’ll find Shinglestyle homes that are influenced by Wisconsin’s agricultural heritage.”
A Waterfront Wonder
“We recently completed a family compound on an inland lake in southern Wisconsin that consisted of multiple properties,” Weissmann says. “As luck would have it, there were several existing structures, including two boathouses, which are impossible to get permits for now. One was a boat storage facility with a top deck that felt like it was floating above the water. This allowed us to provide a unique space for relaxing and taking in the amazing lake views. The other had living quarters on an upper floor that we converted into a remarkable gathering space. The property also offered ample bedrooms for the homeowners’ growing family and the opportunity to utilize the buildings and the program to capture open-air space for large, multigenerational gatherings with big fire rings, outdoor fireplaces and screened convertible spaces.”
Lakeside Essentials
What do Wade Weissmann’s clients want most in their lakefront properties right now? The noted architect explains:
• “Seamless indoor-outdoor living where the graciousness of the home’s interior flows outward.”
• “An outdoor fire ring or fireplace for gathering on chilly nights and enjoying views of the lake.”
• “Screened porches that can be converted for year-round use with heating, portable glass panels and even a fireplace.”
Top Traditional architectural elements like arched entryways and paneled walls create an effortlessly relaxed flow between rooms that are accented by clean, crisp nautical decor.
Photography
Dustin Halleck
Architecture: Larry Booth, Chris Guido, Chad Hanley and Landry Root, Booth Hansen
Landscape Architecture: Douglas Hoerr and Simon Prunty, Hoerr Schaudt
PHOTO: STEVE HALL.
Modern Marvel
BLURRING THE LINES BETWEEN INDOORS AND OUT, A LAKESIDE MICHIGAN HOME CREATES ARTFULLY EFFORTLESS FAMILY LIVING.
BY
WRITTEN
LARA HALLOCK | PHOTOGRAPHY BY KEVIN SCOTT
Perched on a lakefront bluff in Michigan amid a grove of trees, a glass dwelling simultaneously reflects and camouflages with its idyllic environment. The homeowners, whose family has had ties to the neighborhood for some 100 years, held the land in high regard when designing their new house. In fact, the first professional they connected with on the project was landscape architect and longtime friend Douglas Hoerr. “The home sits right where two worlds meet—the powerful energy of the Great Lakes and the calm rhythm of Southwest Michigan’s woods and meadows,” Hoerr explains. “It’s a place where these opposing landscapes have been crashing into each other for
thousands of years.” Working with partner Simon Prunty, architects Larry Booth and Chris Guido, and general contractor Ryan Stetler, he set to work creating what he called a “nothouse.” Booth agreed on the approach. “It was like you couldn’t make the property any better by adding a structure,” he muses. “So, we put up a big mirror.”
An arbor of native greenery guides the approach, creating a sense of compression before opening to an expansive meadow and transparent view through the abode’s glass façade. Bookending the structure to blend with the mature trees are two side volumes covered in ipe, which the architect laid across sawhorses on-site in advance to ensure a uniform patina.
Inside, interior designers Shea Soucie and Rebecca Lecey envisioned a stylish environment that wouldn’t detract from
Opposite: In the backyard, furnishings were placed strategically so as to not obstruct the lake views. To the right, B&B Italia chairs surround a Link Outdoor dining table.
Previous page: High-performing glass by Tradewood Windows & Doors gives this Southwest Michigan home a sleek exterior. The side volumes are clad in ipe.
A Jiun Ho sectional curves around a Christophe Delcourt coffee table in the living room. Overhead is a John Procario chandelier; underfoot is a floor covering by Shiir Rugs.
EOOS for Carl Hansen & Søn chairs and a banquette crafted by Barron Custom Furniture join twin walnut tables by Atelier Gary Lee in the dining area. Art adviser Shashi Caudill commissioned the Jacob Hashimoto piece, lit by Boyd Lighting sconces.
Opposite: A Jim Lutes painting from Richard Gray Gallery hangs against the living room fireplace’s limestone surround from Halquist Stone. On either side stand Liaigre floor lamps.
“ THE APPROACH IS ALL ABOUT THE OUTDOORS AND SERENITY. IT’S RESPONDING TO WHAT LAKE MICHIGAN LOOKS LIKE AT ALL TIMES OF YEAR.”
—SHEA SOUCIE
the views. Inspired by photographer Lincoln Schatz, who captures nuanced landscape shots of the Midwest and Lake Michigan, Soucie’s team pulled up photos of the lake in every season. “We laid those on a table, and they inspired our color palettes,” the interior designer recalls. “Nothing was supposed to stop the eye; the focus is kept on the outside.” As such, most of the lighting is recessed and unobtrusive, with one major exception: an orbital chandelier in the living room that serves as an artful focal point upon entry.
While remaining sleek and minimal, it was important the abode feel warm and welcoming. “Although we all love the beauty of glass boxes, the family is going to sit in here at night having conversations,” Soucie recalls thinking, prompting her to ask, “How are we going to bring ‘cozy lake house’ to this?”
To that end, she focused on inviting, textural fabrics, as in the decadent living room and bedroom rugs.
Because the home is all about gathering family, the layout needed to flow logically. Instead of following the natural inclination of connecting the bar to the kitchen, for instance, Soucie suggested delegating it to the opposite side of the living room to encourage movement during events. Meanwhile, a breakfast bar inside the kitchen allows the owner to set out coffee and pastries so that guests can help themselves in the morning.
With the guidance of art adviser Shashi Caudill, the homeowners collected meaningful and dimensional pieces to punctuate each room, from a Saint Clair Cemin sculpture in the kitchen to a woven copper totem commissioned from D’lisa Creager for the primary bedroom. In this space, too, the outside serves as the key artwork, with vistas of the lake and evergreen canopy framed by window walls on two sides. “The approach is all about the outdoors and serenity,” Soucie says. “It’s responding to what Lake Michigan looks like at all times of year.”
Outside, gathering areas spill from one scene to the next, encouraging meaningful conversations amid unforgettable views. On the stone patio, a 10-foot bowl planter filled with seasonal color marks the border to a lovely outdoor kitchen and dining area; further in the yard, Adirondack-style chairs encircle a fire bowl. As a grand finale approaching the lake, a deck enclosed in glass is cantilevered from the side of the bluff to feel as if it’s floating midair. All the while, each outdoor vignette and its exterior furnishings are kept out of view of the main home to preserve sight lines and natural pathways. “There’s a really nice flow in and out of the house,” the wife observes. “It just works seamlessly, exactly as we had hoped it would.”
Walnut cabinets by Woodlogic Custom Millwork line the kitchen, where dual islands are topped with a combination of walnut and leathered Taj Mahal quartzite. One features an integrated Wolf cooktop, and the other welcomes Maxalto counter stools. The sculpture is by Saint Clair Cemin.
Above: Shiir Rugs’ Contour rug enlivens the bathroom’s porcelain Waterworks flooring. Next to the window sits a bench by Barron Custom Furniture upholstered in Perennials’ In The Loop fabric.
Right: Full-draw draperies crafted by Zirlin Interiors with a Coraggio textile frame the primary bedroom’s panoramas and backdrop a Ruth Asawa-inspired totem commissioned from D’lisa Creager. Two swivel chairs by Bright Chair Company and an ottoman by Barron Custom Furniture are poised to take in the views.
“NOTHING WAS SUPPOSED TO STOP THE EYE; THE FOCUS IS KEPT ON THE OUTSIDE.”
—SHEA SOUCIE
On the patio, Janus et Cie sofas and tables form a seating area. Behind, a Jürgen Paas piece titled Targets and Boyd Lighting sconces hang above the family room’s sectional by Barron Custom Furniture.
The pièce de résistance is a glassenclosed patio cantilevered from the bluff to appear as if it’s floating. A cabinet by Weatherend, purchased at Janus et Cie, provides storage next to the clients’ RH chairs.
Architecture: Greg Howe and Pam Lamaster-Millett, Searl Lamaster Howe
Home Builder: Harold O. Schulz and Eric Schulz, Harold O. Schulz Co., Inc.
Landscape Architecture: Simon Prunty, Hoerr Schaudt
Modest Elegance
THOUGHTFUL ARCHITECTURE BY THE TEAM AT SEARL LAMASTER HOWE AND DESIGN BY ALEXIS BEDNYAK MAKES LAKE MICHIGAN SEEM JUST STEPS AWAY FROM THIS CHICAGO-AREA ABODE.
WRITTEN BY MARY JO BOWLING | PHOTOGRAPHY BY FRANK FRANCES/OTTO STYLING BY KIMBERLY SWEDELIUS
The broad line created where Lake Michigan’s waves meet the sky calls to mind a Mark Rothko painting that uses the intersection of colors to evoke an emotional response. Similarly, the lake’s horizon stirs powerful feelings for many. But nature’s creations are ever-changing, and the water’s hues can evolve from a moody cyan to a breathtaking cobalt in the course of a day. For the design team behind a Chicago-area abode perched on a bluff overlooking this dynamic landscape, the challenge was dreaming up spaces to frame the scene perfectly.
Interior designer Alexis Bednyak, who created the residence with long-time collaborators architects Greg Howe and Pam Lamaster-Millett, says it was clear from the start that they would be making a house for the ages on this rare site. “Perfecting the floor plan took months,” she says. “We wanted a layout that cultivates a symbiosis with the outside and makes the lake the focal point of every room.”
It begins with an element of surprise that’s so dramatic, Howe calls it radical. Approaching the home, there is no hint of the lake. “But once the gates of the motor court swing open, large expanses of glass at the front and rear allow you to see straight to the water,” he says. “It’s breathtaking.” Howe notes the design was inspired by Wrigley Field, where fans pass through the entrance of the tightly enclosed stadium to be awed by the wide-open-sky baseball diamond. “ We made that same sense of compression and release here,” he adds.
A sleight-of-hand move gives the illusion that you could run off the edge of the emerald-green lawn and cannonball into the blue lake. At the architects’ request, general contractors Harold O. Schulz and Eric Schulz lowered the grade past the pool by roughly four feet, allowing a previously visible retaining wall and fence to drop out of sight. “We debated doing it,” Bednyak recalls. “At the end of the day, the seamless visual transition between land and water was worth every effort.”
Also up for discussion was the style of the residence. “The idea was to honor the view by paring the home down to the essentials while taking inspiration from the classic dwellings in the area,” Howe says. So, while the abode has simple and crisp contemporary
lines, they are softened by traditional materials such as cedar shingle siding and patinated zinc. “The water and the woodland nature of the region influenced us to design something that looks like a modern house on the East Coast but translated for the lake,” Bednyak says. Although it’s brand new, the efforts of landscape architect Simon Prunty and his team to preserve large trees and strategically place new plantings allow the residence to nestle into the site, giving it the feeling of long being there. Altogether, this creates a timeless structure whose proportions are grand but also warm and approachable.
The designer pulled that idea throughout the rooms. “Outside, the lake is a chameleon, so we went for a mostly neutral palette that allows nature’s colors to always be the star,” she says. Materials like white oak and blackened metal are the backdrop for furnishings with substantial, sculptural silhouettes. Of equal importance were durable fabrics and finishes. “This is a family home with kids,” Bednyak notes. “It was important to them that visitors not feel like they need to walk on eggshells.”
Every space includes bespoke elements tailored to provide the family joy—take the primary bed positioned so the couple can go to sleep and wake up to the view as well as the sheltered patio that offers the husband a place to enjoy his end-of-day cigar rain or shine in the warm months. Another happy-making move: a landscape designed to facilitate gathering, including a pool, fire pit and dining area. “Like most Chicagoans, the owners are determined to be outside as much as possible in the summer,” Bednyak says.
In fact, inside or out, the dwelling has become the family’s favorite landing place. “Everything in this home was designed to feel effortless—comfortable, warm and easy to live in,” Bednyak says. As Lamaster-Millett notes, “This is the kind of house where you have the feeling of ‘ah I’ve arrived’ when you drive through the gates.”
Previous page: Upon entering the motor court, guests are greeted by an expanse of Marvin windows that frame stunning Lake Michigan views. Lush, layered plantings by landscape architect Simon Prunty lend a sense of warmth to the approach.
Opposite: Facing each other across Jiun Ho nesting coffee tables are a sectional crafted by Barron Custom Furniture with Métaphores fabric and an armchair by Leo’s Upholstery in Pierre Frey mohair. Underfoot is a wool rug by Oscar Isberian Rugs.
“We wanted a layout that cultivates a symbiosis with the outside and makes the lake the focal point of every room.”
—ALEXIS BEDNY AK
of
Janaina Tschäpe’s Valley 2, sourced from Sean Kelly Gallery with EAB Fine Art Services, draws the eye in the dining room. Apparatus pendants hang above the Rohan Ward Designs table, Molteni&C chairs and Erden rug.
Opposite: Playful stepped detailing in one corner
the front façade softens the home’s grand scale. The unfinished red cedar shingles will age to a silver-gray with time.
Above: Red cedar shingle siding continues onto the roof. The chimney is clad in patinated zinc from VMZinc.
Right: To fully embrace the sweeping vistas, the team chose to forgo upper cabinets, opting for oak lowers fabricated by KWI Cabinetry topped with black soapstone from Tithof Tile & Marble. Petite Reggiani pendants keep the focus on the lake.
Above: Beneath an Imi Knoebel artwork, a Nadia Yaron sculpture mimics the natural landscape as seen from the primary bedroom. At the foot of the bed, dressed in Celso de Lemos linens, is a 1950s Charlotte Perriand bench.
Opposite: Tucked beneath mature trees is a secluded outdoor lounge space. Weathered teak Crate & Barrel chairs surround the custom fire pit.
Expansive alfresco living areas dissolve the boundary between indoors and out. Prunty kept the grounds restrained so that the lake beyond is the focal point. Teak Harbour lounges encourage poolside relaxation.
Timeless Sophistication
AN ALL-STAR DESIGN TEAM CRAFTS A NEW HINSDALE DWELLING THAT EMBRACES PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE.
WRITTEN BY JUDITH NASATIR | PHOTOGRAPHY BY WERNER STRAUBE | STYLING BY DARWIN FITZ
Architecture: Michael Abraham, Michael Abraham Architecture
Interior Design: Brynn Olson, Brynn Olson Design Group
Every family follows its own design narrative, shaped by evolving choices about house and home that reflect life’s phases, and these longtime Hinsdale residents are no exception. With an empty nest and a desire for a fresh start, the couple decided to build a new abode after an unsuccessful house hunt.
Once they found a lot in their preferred neighborhood, the couple engaged friend and builder Julie Laux. Having talked through their musts—a house crafted for comfort now yet large enough to suit any future additions to the family, along with a gracious outdoor space and pool—the homeowners and Laux assembled a dream team of architect Michael Abraham, interior designer Brynn Olson and landscape architect Aldo Burcheri.
As much as the owners intended this new place for themselves, they also wanted it to feel welcoming to their four grown children. So, plans encompassed a fivebedroom second floor—a primary suite and dedicated rooms for each kid—plus a third floor that can easily be reconfigured into another bedroom if needed.
When it came time to establish the look of the residence, the neighborhood’s historical context proved key. “It was important that the architecture fit in with some of the older homes in the area,” Abraham says of the English-inspired gabled beauty he designed and clad in harmoniously colored Wisconsin stone, wood planks and a slate roof. These exterior materials informed the selection of interior finishes, including rift-cut white oak floors and paneling. “The clients appreciate quality but are very casual,” Laux notes, so she prioritized the palette for livability, with nothing too precious or untouchable.
Olson’s brief for the decor was just as precise. “The homeowners wanted the interiors to reflect the architecture; to celebrate all things light, bright and airy; and to be welcoming, elevated and elegant without being fussy,” she explains. The designer opted for tailored furnishings in soft ivories, warm browns and subtle earth tones, a real departure from the homeowners’ previous traditional, colorful residence. Because the interiors also “needed to grow with the family,”
Right: In the dining room, a Visual Comfort & Co. chandelier lights the custom table. A Ben Soleimani host chair upholstered in Mariaflora fabric is joined by Highland House chairs dressed in Wolf-Gordon vinyl with Fabricut backs. The custom Watson Smith rug features an Opuzen binding.
Previous page: Beneath Thom Filicia’s Grand Salt Marsh sourced through Wendover Art Group, the foyer’s JF Fabrics-covered sofa is flanked by Highland House tables topped with Hudson Valley Lighting lamps. A Jaipur Rugs floor covering grounds the Ben Soleimani coffee table and Arteriors chair.
Visual Comfort & Co. pendants and sconces bring functional style to the kitchen. Highland House stools in Wolf-Gordon vinyl cozy up to the second island. O’Brien Harris custom cabinetry sports Buster + Punch hardware. Dual faucets by California Faucets face the Wolf cooktop.
“ THE HOMEOWNERS WANTED THE INTERIORS TO REFLECT THE ARCHITECTURE; TO BE WELCOMING, ELEVATED AND ELEGANT WITHOUT BEING FANCY OR FUSSY.”
—BR YNN OLSON
Above: The primary bath’s Signature Hardware tub with Brizo plumbing surveys the view through Marvin windows framed by Fabricut drapes. Visual Comfort & Co. fixtures illuminate the cabinetry by Arbor Mills.
Opposite: In this guest room, the Universal Furniture bed’s button-tufted headboard and Serena & Lily linens add layers of texture and comfort. A Palecek pendant hovers over the Alder & Tweed nightstand. Underfoot is a Loloi Rugs floor covering.
Olson says, she homed in on performance fabrics, layering in durable wool rugs alongside organic textiles such as linens, Turkish kilims, velvets and grass cloth.
The foyer sets the tone for all that follows. “The piano,” Olson notes, “was absolutely the most important piece to the puzzle.” Alongside this cherished piece of family history, the designer sowed the seeds of the serene refinement that prevails throughout. She also inserted the one or two statement pieces—here, a custom Parsons-style console and sculptural lounge chair—she likes to add in every space to heighten the visual temperature.
Just through the foyer, the family room, dining area and kitchen flow seamlessly. In the latter, designed in collaboration with Laura O’Brien of O’Brien Harris, the homeowner envisioned standing at the sink and taking in the views through the wide wall of windows. This required relocating the cooking elements to a working island, which in turn meant getting creative with downdraft systems and lower storage to avoid obstructing sight lines with a hood and upper cabinets. A second island offers a perch for family and friends to keep the homeowner company while she’s cooking.
Virtually every room looks to the outdoors, so Burcheri felt strongly about creating an exterior space that wasn’t a garden, per se, “but a landscape that extended the language of the warm interior to the outdoors,” he says. This insight inspired the courtyard, centered on the pool house, with its carpet-like lawn and inset pool.
With that pool, plus plenty of space for family visits, the finished residence meets the homeowners’ original musts and then some. “One afternoon, we had a friend over to watch a football game,” the homeowner recalls. “It just so happened that all our kids and their partners were on the sofas in the family room. Our friend said, ‘This is why you built this house, isn’t it?’ ” It most certainly is.
All year the homeowners look forward to spending summer days on the covered porch, relaxing with friends and family in the Four Hands chairs surrounding the RH dining table. The lounge chairs and striped pillows are also by RH.
Prioritizing greenery and minimizing the amount of paving, the custom pool and spa by Sun Pools & Spas are set into a rug-like lawn. Columnar ginkgo trees dot the yard like exclamation points. The outdoor lighting is by Visual Comfort & Co.
THANK YOU TO OUR YOUR TIME, TALENT & TREASURES ELEVATED OUR SUCCESS AND WE ARE BEYOND GRATEFUL!
