Step inside an exploration of 12 breathtaking culinary spaces as 12 design firms from across the country invite you into their portfoliodefining works. Presented by Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Cove, the following pages celebrate the details and dedication that go into every kitchen project, from the overall aesthetic vision and lifestyle dreams to finish choices, careful measurements, spatial balance and—of course—appliance selection. Keep reading for an exclusive look into each designer’s creative world.
LAURA KEHOE OWNER, LAURA KEHOE DESIGN
Known for being great listeners, Laura Kehoe and her team have spent more than 15 years crafting beautiful environments that are entirely personalized.
TINEKE TRIGGS
OWNER, TINEKE TRIGGS INTERIORS
With a penchant for vibrant hues, bold patterns and unexpected combinations, Tineke Triggs considers herself an artist and mixologist, bringing eclectic spaces to life.
SUSAN MARINELLO FOUNDER, SUSAN MARINELLO INTERIORS
When Susan Marinello designs a kitchen, she is striving to make a place that enhances its owners’ well-being and elevates their perspective on every aspect of life.
JOY YOUNG
PRESIDENT, TOWNHOUSE KITCHENS
For Joy Young, kitchen design is all about expanding the boundaries of a traditional design approach to infuse personality into every moment and minute detail.
REYNALDO ROUCO
PRESIDENT, MIACUCINA
When a space must meet functional goals, look beautiful and stand the test of time, quality is key—and this is what Reynaldo Rouco and team’s millwork is known for.
BROOKE WAGNER
OWNER, BROOKE WAGNER DESIGN
The kitchen is where one begins and ends the day, and Brooke Wagner takes the mission of designing an environment that supports every functional need to heart.
FERN SANTINI
PRINCIPAL, FERN SANTINI
At the heart of every Fern Santini design is a love for mixing precious pieces with trendy elements—marrying the vintage and the new in delightfully unexpected kitchens.
YVONNE JACOBS
PRINCIPAL, JACOBS + INTERIORS
Design is the path toward living your best life. This belief drives every decision and selection made by Yvonne Jacobs and her expert team, no matter the project.
MICK DE GIULIO PRESIDENT, DE GIULIO DESIGN
For Mick De Giulio and his team, kitchen design is all about capturing the client’s essence to create spaces that have a distinctive soul and improve lifestyles, day in and day out.
BARETTE WIDELL AND CHRISTINA BOSCHETTI
PRINCIPALS, WIDELL + BOSCHETTI
Determined, motivated and imaginative, Barette Widell and Christina Boschetti combine their talents to achieve timeless, quiet luxury in every design.
MARIE-JOE BOUFFARD
PRINCIPAL, JFY DESIGNS
With a goal of crafting spaces that feel expansive and practical, yet imbued with cozy vignettes and personality, Marie-Joe Bouffard is beloved for her custom approach.
DONNA VENEGAS
OWNER AND CREATIVE DIRECTOR, VENEGAS AND COMPANY
A particular eye for the kitchen— with all of its precise measurements and practical needs—guides Donna Venegas and her team in a passion-fueled process.
laura kehoe , scottsdale , az
VIEWS TWO WAYS
When designer Laura Kehoe first stepped foot into this incredible home designed by PHX Architecture, one factor was immediately clear: she would have to do justice to some awe-inspiring views. Not only are the sightlines throughout the home expansive, but the kitchen is immediately seen upon leaving the foyer. “This felt perfect, because the kitchen always drives our direction throughout a project,” Kehoe shares. “It’s where people gather and usually the first space in which a family spends significant time each day everyone needs to love it.” In this project, it started with a goal of warming things up. “When the ceilings are so high, you often want to bring more warmth to the interior,” Kehoe explains. “We used aged brass and mixed finishes throughout to accomplish this. A suite of Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Cove products is the centerpiece. As designers, we love the flexibility the brand offers across all styles. We can do pretty much anything with creative paneling and color options through the knobs and bezels.” Plus, she enthuses, the local Arizona team makes the process a delight. “We couldn’t ask for better support. We love visiting the showroom to see what is new and experience the chef-led cooking demos, and they make the process simple from start to finish.”
With multiple Sub-Zero column refrigerators and freezers in the main kitchen, a refrigerator with freezer drawers in the butler’s pantry, two wine storage units, a Wolf dual-fuel range, a convection steam oven, multiple Cove dishwashers and more, the better question is really, what doesn’t this kitchen have?
photography by laura moss; styling by mandy cousins
susan marinello , seattle , wa STYLE + SUBSTANCE
It used to be that the living space was the center from which one took in the views of a home. Nowadays, it’s often the kitchen (or ideally, both). For Susan Marinello’s waterfront clients, crafting the dream kitchen was a threefold goal: emphasize and complement the views, choose light and bright finishes and incorporate nearly every culinary feature one could imagine. For the final, Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Cove was the obvious partner. “With the Designer Series refrigeration we used, you have these gorgeous cabinet fronts that blend beautifully, but then when you open the door, it is practical perfection,” Marinello says. “That form-meets-function balance embodies my overall philosophy.” To that end, she and her team are celebrated for their belief that design enhances the user’s well-being, lifestyle and perspective on everyday tasks. It’s little wonder they lean on Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Cove for many a project. “With this suite of products integrated into their new design, my clients have a kitchen that invites gathering, entertaining and experimenting with recipes.” It’s also a prime place to take in the views. “What we see outside the windows always guides the interior palette, furnishings and how we tell the client’s story,” Marinello says. “This kitchen showcases the stunning results of that influence.”
“I have lived with Sub-Zero for 30 years. My produce, salad greens and meat are always fresh, above and beyond what other brands can do.”
With two islands and a dedicated bar area, this kitchen is made for entertaining. The large appliance suite includes a Sub-Zero refrigerator, freezer, wine storage unit, beverage center and undercounter ice maker, a Wolf six-burner dual-fuel range with an infrared dual griddle and a Cove dishwasher.
photography by aaron leitz; styling by janna lufkin
DYNAMIC DUO
One could say that the kitchen is a carefully orchestrated marriage of two major elements: millwork and appliances. Enter, Reynaldo Rouco and his team at MiaCucina. He shares, “For this project, the bay views were key, so we wanted to achieve an open yet functional space that seamlessly integrates high-end appliances with our signature Italian millwork.” Naturally, Sub-Zero’s unparalleled panel-ready options provided a defining selection. “We were also excited about the performance features, from Sub-Zero’s exceptional preservation technology to Wolf’s precision and versatility to Cove’s advanced cleaning and quiet operation,” Rouco says. While on the subject, he offers up a personal anecdote: “The Wolf range revolutionized my cooking experience. Its precise temperature control and versatile cooking modes have elevated the quality of my meals, making it easier to achieve professional-level results at home and with little to no effort!”
It’s an experience the owners of his beautifully crafted project will now have as well, as they enjoy their contemporary Italian millwork masterpiece.
All about the views but also designed for supreme practicality and entertaining, this kitchen features numerous fan favorites: a Wolf convection steam oven, a contemporary gas cooktop, hood liner, coffee system and drawer microwave with a Sub-Zero refrigerator and freezer.
photography by kris tamburello; styling by joy bennett
reynaldo rouco , miami , fl
tineke triggs , san francisco , ca
PANACHE + PERFORMANCE
Most designers will say that every project has its special flair. But there is something extra enticing about the blank canvas of a new-build, whole-home dream concept. For Tineke Triggs, one San Carlos residence presented precisely this opportunity. “After living in the area for more than a decade, my clients jumped on the chance to purchase this corner lot when it became available,” she shares. “They envisioned a New England-style home with a white picket fence, made for entertaining … and that idea certainly extended to the kitchen.”
With aesthetics and high function both top of mind, Triggs and team immediately knew that their appliance selections would be a defining factor. “We turned to Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Cove and incorporated everything on the homeowners’ wish list,” Triggs says. “We wanted cabinetry akin to beautiful furnishings. We were able to accomplish this thanks to Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Cove’s panel-ready options, while ensuring that every appliance goal, from the refrigeration to the range to the wine column, was met.” It’s the best of style meets sophisticated practicality, which is Triggs’ modus operandi. Also core to her ethos is a focus on the experience to come for the homeowner. “Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Cove’s U.S.-based operations means that replacement parts are readily available and there is a large network of repair specialists, ensuring long-term support.”
“Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Cove appliances are energy-efficient, reliable and long-lasting, reducing the frequency of replacements and minimizing waste in landfills. Their commitment to sustainability aligns with eco-friendly home design.”
An expansive floor plan is a bonus when designing a kitchen, and this final concept makes the most of it. A Sub-Zero refrigerator, freezer and undercounter beverage center, a Wolf gas range, convection steam oven, warming drawer and microwave and a Cove dishwasher—it has it all!
photography by aaron leitz; styling by mikhael romain
joy young , new york city , ny
DRIVEN BY DETAIL
When couples share a home, does design become a compromise? Usually, this is somewhat true, but a great designer will take two halves and make them whole, merging both wish lists and influences into one environment. Take Joy Young and the kitchen she affectionately describes as having the “marriage” palette. “The wife of the two loved neutrals,” Young shares. “Meanwhile, her husband had a strong preference for wood grain and gloss finishes. The pairing of glossy wood veneer with the matte finish of other surfaces brought the two visions together beautifully.” Young continues to elaborate on the level of thought and detail she employed in sourcing for the project: “They often cook with saffron, turmeric and other spices that can stain marble. That made the countertop choice critical, and we went with a porcelain by Neolith.” They also chose a suite of Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Cove appliances for their performance capabilities and their aesthetic versatility. “I love that Sub-Zero’s refrigeration has flexibility on the weight and height of panels you can use,” Young says. “I can even utilize ribbed paneling that adds to the seamlessness.”
This sleek and striking kitchen includes two Wolf ovens alongside a Sub-Zero refrigerator and freezer hidden behind the project-defining custom panels.
photography by joshua mchugh; styling by frances bailey
brooke wagner , newport beach , ca
SMALL BUT MIGHTY
There comes a moment in every designer’s career wherein they have the chance to create their own personal oasis. For Brooke Wagner, this manifested itself in a waterfront home. “We moved from a larger house that we had custom-built, because we wanted beach access and great views for our family of ocean lovers,” she shares. “Downsizing to this updated 1950s cottage has meant that every square inch needs to serve a purpose.” Of course, this is especially relevant in the kitchen. The layout was given ample thought, but so too were the appliance selections. “Because we are so tight on space, I chose to eliminate the microwave and, in its place, installed a convection steam oven,” Wagner says. “We use it every day for everything, from reheating leftovers to baking, toasting bread and steaming vegetables, rice and fish.” She adds that it has brought a new level of flawlessness to her signature recipe: puffy German pancakes—“get in touch for the recipe!” The steam oven isn’t her only Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Cove love, though. “Years ago, when I purchased my first Sub-Zero refrigerator, I noticed such a difference in the duration of produce freshness,” Wagner says. “That is still true today, and I appreciate the continued innovations for style versatility, like the panel-ready design that eliminates the exposed vent.”
The indoor kitchen on this project features a Wolf gas range and convection steam oven, Sub-Zero refrigeration and a Cove dishwasher, but it doesn’t end there. A trip to the roof reveals a gorgeous outdoor kitchen complete with Sub-Zero refrigerator drawers and a Wolf grill.
photography by lisa romerein; styling by rebecca farr
fern santini , austin , tx
GALLERY FOR A CHEF
While every project a designer takes on has unique attributes that contribute to the joy of working on it, there are some endeavors that come to embody a special essence. Imagine, for example, a homeowner who is an Anglophile with a robust collection of English bird engravings and wants their residence to feel like the country houses of Sir Edwin Landseer Lutyens. This, indeed, would be a once-in-a-lifetime sort of project, and it is precisely where designer Fern Santini found herself with a recent client. “We decided to turn the kitchen into a gallery for those engravings, with the added twist of Simone Crestani’s blown-glass birds and animals hanging above the island like food larder,” Santini enthuses. “It’s not every day that a well-loved and functional kitchen can also serve as an art showcase.” As for the function element, Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Cove appliances played a key role. “The Sub-Zero integrated refrigerator and freezer make this concept oh-so-perfect,” Santini says. “With no exposed vents or metal trim, and the very best in performance, it brings the pretty together with the practical.” Meanwhile, the Wolf rangetop infuses a pop of bold color via its well-known knobs. “I personally feel this is the workhorse of the kitchen, but I appreciate the style element as well, especially since Wolf now offers so many finish options—I do love to mix brass with stainless!”
“Cove is my favorite dishwasher, bar none. It has all the bells and whistles, with added flexibility inside. It dries infinitely better than others ... and it has a six-year warranty!”
A unique kitchen demands a high-impact custom suite of appliances. A Sub-Zero column refrigerator and freezer with ice maker provide panel-hidden performance, while the Wolf built-in double ovens and the rangetop’s iconic knobs steal the show.
photography
by nathan schroder; styling by adam fortner
mick
de giulio , chicago , il
PRECISE PERFECTION
The kitchen is arguably the most high-function space in any home, so it’s natural that the homeowner’s lifestyle guides its creation. For designer Mick De Giulio, the featured project started out just this way. “Our repeat clients wanted to update their kitchen to accommodate a growing family—now including spouses and grandchildren—within the existing footprint. Refrigeration topped their list, so step one was to incorporate a 36-inch-tall column refrigerator as well as a drawer section for drinks.” Alongside these Sub-Zero upgrades, an impressive doubleoven Wolf range and a more spacious island bring the expanded capabilities the owner’s craved. For De Giulio, the invitation to focus on this culinary center made the project a favorite. “I’ve always been drawn to the challenge of precision,” he says. “Unlike placing a sofa, you can’t easily move an island if it’s a few inches off.” The same is true for appliances. For this reason, De Giulio says, “Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Cove has earned my trust. Over the years, I’ve experienced firsthand the quality, consistency and best practices by which they operate, and my clients are always thrilled with their appliances.”
This remodel for a repeat client certainly leaves nothing left to be desired, with a Sub-Zero refrigerator, refrigerator drawers, a freezer with an ice maker, a dual-fuel Wolf range and a Cove dishwasher.
photography by werner straube; styling by hilary rose
marie - joe bouffard , nashville , tn
SPATIAL INGREDIENTS
In the modern age of fast-paced lifestyles, open floor plans often lie at the heart of the high-end, high-function home. However, these layouts do present their own set of design challenges. Just ask Marie-Joe Bouffard. She elaborates, in discussion about her featured project: “The goal was to blend modern function with historical elegance, as the exterior of the home sits firmly in the classic camp but the floor plan is expansive. One of my aims was to create cozy moments within those larger rooms, especially the kitchen.” Indeed, touches of deep wood tones and golds bring the warmth back into the otherwise light and bright culinary space. Bouffard shares more about her influences, saying, “I come from a French-Canadian family who loves to cook and entertain. My approach to designing my clients’ kitchens is akin to how I cook, in a way. Most of the ingredients for a great kitchen may be similar: quality appliances, great lighting, functional storage, etc. But the result is always unique, flavored by the clients’ preferences.” In this case, a stunning shade of painted cabinetry gives way to pops of color in cool hues and the Wolf range’s iconic red knobs. Panel-front Sub-Zero refrigeration is beautifully concealed, contributing to the design while enabling the homeowners to take full advantage of stellar appliance performance.
Light, bright, beautiful and chock-full of culinary goodness—welcome to this stunning kitchen. A Wolf dual-fuel range complete with the iconic red knobs, hood insert and warming drawer pairs with Sub-Zero refrigeration and a built-in Cove dishwasher.
photography by zeke ruelas; styling by kendra surface
SLEEK + CHIC
When the source is meaningful, receiving recognition can feel like the culmination of years spent perfecting a craft. For Yvonne Jacobs, being named a Design Icon by a family of brands she has consistently leaned on to execute stunning concepts might just be that moment—especially because the featured project is so impressive. “The remodel was extensive, as the client purchased a traditional home but wanted to reimagine it in a modern-meetsmountain aesthetic,” Jacobs explains. “For the kitchen, function was of the utmost importance.” Jacobs and team incorporated storage wherever they could, commissioned custom-made dark oak cabinetry from Heartwood Custom Woodworks and craned in a steel beam as an alternative to an existing column that disrupted the design. The eye-catcher in the space? Those iconic red knobs on the Wolf range. “Everything else has a paneled front, but that appliance is the perfect standout,” she says. Jacobs elaborates on her love of Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Cove’s flexibility. “Every client wants a different feel for their kitchen, so I appreciate that you can go very classic or very integrated.”
Combining a Sub-Zero column refrigerator and freezer with undercounter refrigerator drawers takes this kitchen’s fresh-food functionality to another level. It also features a Wolf dual-fuel range, convection steam oven and hood liner.
yvonne jacobs , edwards , co
photography by eric lucero; styling by natalie warady
barette widell and christina boschetti , philadelphia , pa
A BAKER’S DREAM
Every so often, a single point of inspiration guides an uncommonly creative design concept. In the featured project by designers Barette Widell and Christina Boschetti—the latter’s personal residence—this is precisely the story. “We wanted to bring the outside in, since Christina’s home is surrounded by trees,” Widell shares. “The stone simulates roots of a tree, and we used it in unexpected ways.” Boschetti chimes in, “We also incorporated bold motifs and expressive colors, all of which were inspired by that organic sense of beauty. My intention was to create kitschy, unanticipated moments throughout the long, narrow space.” Alongside this, her appliance wish list came into play. Sub-Zero’s panel-ready refrigeration suited the design and provided an interior water dispenser, something Boschetti notes “isn’t always a given in luxury refrigeration” and which was essential for her family. But the Wolf range is the real star. “I bake a lot, and since baking is like a science, the temperature balance is a game changer,” Boschetti says. “My mom’s chocolate cake recipe, which she invented at 16 for her chemistry thesis, is extremely fragile. The varied reaction of a typical oven can change the outcome. Since using my Wolf appliance, it has been perfected with ease on dozens of occasions.”
From the Wolf gas range, microwave drawer and coffee maker to the Sub-Zero refrigerator, freezer and wine storage unit to the panel-ready Cove dishwasher, every appliance in this awe-inspiring, one-of-a-kind kitchen is a high-performance win.
photography by joshua mchugh; styling by helen crowther
donna venegas , boston , ma
HIDDEN GEMS
In the case of a especially unique property, an unconventional approach is sometimes necessary. Take Donna Venegas’ recent project in which a townhome in Boston’s Charlestown Navy Yard had all the makings of a wow-worthy residence. It faces an active marina and is just steps from the USS Constitution, but it needed a bit of help to reach its full potential. “Walls came down to share the light throughout the first floor, and the kitchen was relocated to the south-facing patio,” the designer shares. “The open plan was the trickiest bit how to design a kitchen that doesn’t feel like one? We layered materials and brought in metals, stained woods, textured metallic tile and leathered marble countertops.” Venegas and team also took full advantage of Sub-Zero’s concealed refrigeration, hidden behind panels that complement the aesthetic. “We were able to recess the Wolf contemporary gas cooktop into the marble countertops, too. The recirculating vent insert fits perfectly behind the custom brass hood.” Asked to share her personal favorite feature, Venegas says, “I just adore the integrated refrigerator drawers. I incorporate at least one into every kitchen. They are so compact and useful, whether in the kitchen, a primary suite or out on the deck.”
Designed for cooking and entertaining alike, this stunning space features a contemporary gas cooktop, wall oven and microwave from Wolf for multitasking at its best. The Sub-Zero refrigerators, wine storage unit and beverage center top it all off.
photography by joshua mchugh; styling by helen crowther
Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Cove’s extraordinary showrooms o er an experience like no other, with a focus on education and inspiration. Chef-led cooking demonstrations showcase capabilities while delighting the senses. Consultants explain features and finishes. Collaborative space welcomes conversations between homeowners and their designers. There’s only one element missing: the sale. For that, guests are directed toward Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Cove’s trusted network of dedicated dealers. Visit a showroom to be welcomed, enlightened and nourished.
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ON THE COVER: In the Los Angeles-based formal dining room of acclaimed rapper and record producer Dr. Dre, interior designer Joan Behnke paired a bespoke table of Calacatta marble and brass with Berenice Vien dal Mare chairs. A Lindsey Adelman Studio chandelier highlights groin-vaulted ceilings, the work of architect Richard Landry; below is a Scott Group Studio rug. At the far end, Pablo Picasso’s Tête de femme presides over the space. Page 136
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As an editor, I am not only captivated by images of great architecture and design— I’m obsessed with them. They become my inspiration and my escape, and I’m lucky to be surrounded by a like-minded staff As a team, we live for that alchemical moment when we review an extraordinary home, fall in love with it and immediately start planning how to best show it to you, our readers. That is our primary mission: to feature great design and the people who create it.
Inside this issue, you’ll nd inspiring ideas from top design talents who share strategies for the ultimate guest room, elegant festive decor, perfecting the powder room and all things relevant to prepping for this holiday season. As for gifting, we’ve curated a collection of designers’ favorites along with gift ideas from artisans we’ve previously featured. But before you dive into those stories, take a close look at the creatively designed kitchens from across the country in our opening pages.
You may view this as our endof-year issue, but for me it’s the beginning of a transformative year at LuxeInteriors + Design. In 2025, we will be evolving the look of the magazine and the way we tell stories, all while remaining focused on our goal of bringing you the very best of American design. It is this spirit that we bring to the season of gathering and gratitude while we celebrate the creativity of the design community.
Wishing you peace and happiness in the new year.
Cohen in Chief me @jilleditsluxe Jill Editor Follow me
At Alfredo Paredes’ Locust Valley, New York, home, the holidays call for mantels and banisters bedecked with garlands.
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Architect: Wright Design Builder: Morgan-Keefe Builders Interior Designer: Wright Design Interiors Studio Photographer: Rebecca Lehde Follow us on Instagram
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FACETS COLLECTION by Mat Sanders
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RADAR
With holidays on the horizon, leading talents share thoughtfully designed spaces that are sure to inspire a season of merriment and joy.
Merry Making
AT HOME IN LOCUST VALLEY, NEW YORK, ALFREDO PAREDES’ LOVE AFFAIR WITH CHRISTMAS COMES FULL CIRCLE.
WRITTEN BY GRACE BEULEY HUNT
photo:
björn wallander.
Honoring the timeless character of his English manorstyle abode’s front entry, designer Alfredo Paredes styled the scene with faux evergreens dressed up with gold and ruby ribbons from Mood Fabrics. The antlers above the door were purchased from Randall Tysinger Antiques.
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Wall: Indi Go-Go CSP-565, Regal® Select, Eggshell
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“With every house I have ever looked at or lived in, my first question has always been, ‘Where will the Christmas tree go?’ ” says designer Alfredo Paredes, who professes to mentally clocking where an outlet would have to be hardwired in the floor for every would-be residence in question. Paredes’ passion for all things holiday took root early in life. As a child growing up in Coconut Grove, Florida, the season began in early October, when he would promptly unbox decor (“I would drive my mother crazy,” he admits), assume the role of Santa’s elf, and fantasize about cold, snowy Northeast winters.
It’s not exactly surprising then that crafting Christmas magic came to be a cornerstone of Paredes’ prolific career.
Prior to launching his eponymous interior design studio in 2019, Paredes dreamt up and delivered dozens of inspired holiday themes, from Dr. Zhivago to Balmoral tartan to teddy bears, in exacting detail during his 33-year tenure at Ralph Lauren.
But at the enchanting Locust Valley, New York, residence that he shares with husband Brad, daughter Carolina and son Sebastian, the Christmas season calls for decidedly less production. “The house sits in a woodland setting and looks like an English manor or a hunting lodge,” says Paredes, describing the 1929 Long Island charmer. “It’s tailor-made for the holidays, so you don’t have to throw too much at it. I wanted to keep things low-key.”
The dining room is fit for a crowd with its Richomme table set with vintage candelabras. Fine & Dandy Co.’s Aegean mural juxtaposes an enormous Noguchi lantern. Dressed in his version of a Christmas sweater, Paredes (below) poses at his living room’s distinct fenestration.
Take the classic swags of evergreens that drape mantels and stair banisters, or the bountiful winter berry bouquets placed just so, or the miniature bellbedecked wreaths that hang at every door. They are all, Paredes shares without a shred of remorse, faux. “Who wants to vacuum and have fire hazards everywhere?” he posits pragmatically, crediting Afloral and Terrain as favorite resources for convincing artificial flora. Christmas trees, however, are the real deal and entail a solo pilgrimage to a favorite tree farm in Southold, New York, to chop down the most perfectly imperfect specimens.
When pressed for his holiday hosting mainstays, Paredes espouses white flannel
sheets for every bed (a “cozy but not crazy,” touch, he notes), a jazzy 1930s playlist on rotation, scented faux bois candles and always, he stresses, playful decorative accents to temper the architectural seriousness of the home—and tap into everyone’s inner Christmas child. Take, for instance, the chocolate Santa figurines that he tucked into napkins at last year’s dinner. Paredes’ approach to gift wrapping, which involves ordering rolls of sundry wallpapers and ribbons from Etsy for a bohemian mixand-match vibe, is another signature stroke that lends a certain je ne sais quoi
But the traditions that bring Paredes the most joy are those being built, brick by brick, by his young family: an ever-expanding stash of hand-selected
sentimental ornaments; a beautiful menorah scored at a Palm Beach antique shop to honor Brad’s religious roots; sheepskins artfully arranged into snowscapes beneath the tree and upon windowsills, where Paredes’ heirloom collections of ceramic figurines are set up for the children to delight in.
For the little boy who grew up loving Christmas, life in Locust Valley is proving to be a dream come true. Last year, 18 family members were hosted for the holidays a ‘la Alfredo. And while it “didn’t snow on the day of, it did a few weeks later, and it was just incredible,” he recalls. “It is a very, very romantic house for capturing that feeling.” alfredoparedesstudio.com
photos: björn wallander.
A stone-top console from Obsolete offers a beautiful decorating opportunity at the second-story landing, joined by a Jamb pendant and drapes of Kravet fabric. Synthetic garlands make a convincing case for faux on the stairwell banister and at the living room fireplace.
Hidden Gem
A CELEBRATED SOUTHERN DESIGNER’S EYE FOR AMBIENCE COMBINES ANTIQUES WITH INGENUITY.
WRITTEN BY KATE ABNEY
When a project has Tammy Connor at the helm, it’s clear from the very beginning that the designer’s trademark ability to introduce treasured antiques in livable, modern ways will transform and invigorate. Case in point: this historic Beaux Arts estate on Buckhead’s Tuxedo Road—a masterpiece completed by preeminent Georgia architect Philip Trammell Shutze in the early 20th century— that Connor’s Atlanta clients asked her to restore and revitalize.
The wife envisioned living among family heirlooms in a less fussy way than she had during childhood, and a pivotal sourcing trip to her ancestral homes in Europe endowed the Charleston- and Birmingham-based designer with a trove of meaningful heirlooms she could conceive anew. In the library, a Sarouk rug and 18th-century chinoiserie screen became focal points for the space, driving its palette, style and mood. Connor collaborated with architect Stan Dixon to seamlessly integrate the tall screen into Shutze’s exquisite casework, aided by new bespoke bookshelves enrobed in peacock blue.
To
an
To underscore the room’s welcoming purpose—the couple use it both for entertaining and as a serene retreat— Connor carved out a surprise pocket bar tucked within the intricate millwork. The clandestine cabinetry conceals walls lined with lush persimmon linen velvet, emphasizing the designer’s penchant for fabulous fabrics and bestowing a touch of luxury that whispers demurely. “This textile felt warmer and cozier to me than lacquer, and there’s just something about a sound-absorbing upholstered wall that I love for a quiet space,” the designer explains. Even when incorporating such sumptuous elements, “We choose not to take things too seriously, applying details in a way where it’s a little bit of a surprise,” Connor notes. “There needs to be some humor in a design, a little whimsy.” tammyconnorid.com
cultivate
immersive experience, designer Tammy Connor approaches historical projects with equal parts reverence and reinvention: Rooms incorporating antiques are intimate and inviting rather than precious or off-limits.
Rustic Warmth
FOR ONE WYOMING DESIGN FIRM, THE MAGIC OF ENTERTAINING STEMS FROM THE AUTHENTICITY OF THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT.
WRITTEN BY SARAH SHELTON
Every region of the country has its own brand of hospitality. Take the Mountain West, where the rugged landscape informs both the local design vernacular and the entertaining style. For Rush Jenkins, designer and founder of Jackson Holebased WRJ Design, the two are undeniably linked. “When you travel to an incredible restaurant, the question to ask—beyond the food—is, ‘How does this space make me feel?’ ” he notes. “What emotions
connect you to the architecture, and what about the space is welcoming, cozy and romantic?” Together with Klaus Baer, his partner in life and in business, Jenkins has found the answer to crafting entertaining spaces with an undeniable lure. One of their many secrets to success is living the Rockies lifestyle themselves. Consummate hosts at home—Jenkins oversees the vibe, Baer handles the food— the duo lets a refined yet welcoming rustic
In the former dining room of WRJ Design founders Rush Jenkins and Klaus Baer located in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, a Jonathan Browning Studios chandelier hangs over a Molteni&C table. Loro Piana draperies frame the surrounding windows.
Kashima. Michel Ducaroy Made in France
aesthetic take center stage. Their former dining room, the quintessential postcard of mountain living, featured the region’s triedand-true materials like reclaimed woods and stone, shearlings, and wools. For their tables, no fussy tablecloth is necessary, but elegant taper candles, earthenware ceramics and local ora are a must.
This authentically warm ethos is not limited to their lives at home. This year, Stags Landing—WRJ Design’s combination headquarters, gallery, event space and private residence—was unveiled.
A living, breathing manifestation of their vision and craft, Stags Landing draws inspiration from the traditional manor homes of the Cotswolds (Jenkins fell in love with the architectural vernacular while working for Sotheby’s in London), and is where the duo hosts clients one-onone and entertains large groups. The goal was clear: “It’s all about welcoming people into a home environment,” Jenkins says. Visitors are greeted in the great room, where two large stone replaces create a natural gathering place to relax with
ALPINE CHIC
a drink in hand. Steel-framed windows look out into the courtyard’s English garden—a dreamy backdrop for intimate client lunches.
“I think our niche is creating beauty and luxury using materials that are comfortable,” Jenkins re ects. Every corner, every nish is an opportunity to impart a feeling that will leave guests yearning to return, whether at home or work. “The mohair, the cashmere, the reclaimed wood—it is all an opportunity to romance design.” wrjdesign.com
CHANNEL THE ELEGANCE OF MOUNTAIN LIVING WITH COZY PIECES IN TIMELESS MATERIALS.
The great room at WRJ Design’s new headquarters, Stags Landing, situated at the base of Snow King Mountain in Jackson Hole, boasts wire-brushed hardwood floors, reclaimed wood ceiling beams and a large stone fireplace. The sofa is Poltrona Frau, and the desk is André Arbus for Baker.
DOUBT
Guest Book
MATTHEW PATRICK SMYTH SHARES HIS TRIED-ANDTRUE APPROACH FOR CREATING A CONGENIAL VISITOR EXPERIENCE.
WRITTEN BY SARAH SHELTON
When it comes to designing the perfect guest-ready country home, orchestrating the effortless balance between lively communal spaces and private retreats is essential. And no one understands this equation better than designer Matthew Patrick Smyth, a New York City dweller and Connecticut country mouse in his own right, who was entrusted to reimagine a Federalist farmhouse in Litchfield County, Connecticut, for a young family and their healthy roster of weekend visitors.
According to Smyth, the ultimate litmus test for any getaway home is an inviting dining area. “If I was hired to do only one space, it would be the dining
room,” Smyth admits. “It’s where you have a captive audience with guests sitting around the table for a couple of hours sharing a meal, which is the most intimate way to entertain.” Situated off the entry foyer near the library, his clients’ space offers up a warm first impression and serves as the backdrop for routine meals and special holiday gatherings alike. There, guests not only break bread and partake in joyful conversation but are also visually delighted by the room’s tableau of handmade glazed wallpaper framed by floral drapery and punctuated with contemporary artwork by local artist Lizzie Gill. The antiques peppered
The formal dining room plays host to gatherings yearround at this young family’s Connecticut weekend escape designed by Matthew Patrick Smyth. The Surfaces by David Bonk wallcovering is joined by Schumacher drapery and floral artwork by Connecticut artist Lizzie Gill.
photo: simon upton.
throughout the dining room—above the table is an original light fixture dating back to at least 1870—are equally appreciated by the young couple, who have a penchant for old things with provenance and aren’t afraid of anything too precious.
In this abode, the convivial common spaces are the yin to the private guest quarters’ yang. Upstairs, a cozy attic room is a storybook reprieve from the hustle and bustle of the first floor. Located in the oldest part of the home, the room’s original beams highlight the tall ceilings, but it’s the built-in bed nook, another original detail, that steals the show. It is both a perfectly cocooned suite for visitors with young children (adults on the custom horsehair bed, kids in the alcove)
and a quiet place where the homeowners can relax and curl up with a book when without houseguests. It is a space as physically comfortable as it is mentally— exactly what any host hopes to provide.
“An old house is like the game of telephone,” Smyth jokes. “You start with a communicated idea, and by the time you get to the end, you’re totally off message. The design is about returning to square one by peeling back the layers.” Though honoring its roots, the homeowners are undoubtedly writing a new chapter for this storied property, one that has seen generations of friends and family pass through, all looking for the same comfort of a New England country home. matthewsmyth.com
“There’s lots of activity going on here during the holidays,” says Smyth (above). The attic bedroom (top) is a guest favorite. Farrow & Ball’s Old White coats the bed nook and trim, and the walls are Benjamin Moore’s Dove Wing.
DISCOVERIES
Artistic Tile
Inspired by Lori Weitzner’s renowned textile design, Lola translates the woven layers and mix of materials signature to the designer’s luxurious fabrics into tile. A modern reimagining of an arabesque, Lola creates a palimpsest of pattern play. It is a tailored-to pattern, crafted entirely in-house. Starting at $220 per square foot. artistictile.com
Legno Bastone Wide Plank Flooring
Make a statement in style, with world-class flooring right beneath your steps. Legno Bastone Wide Plank Flooring products are timeless, resilient and long-lasting. Featured here is Teresa from the LaFamiglia collection. legnobastone.com
Lancaster
Relaxed sophistication describes Lancaster’s Alyce sofa in lush performance velvet. Classic familiarity meets a current aesthetic in this domestically handcrafted beauty. Made to order in your choice of materials, this profile is also available as a sectional or occasional chair. lancasterccu.com
MARKET
Dive into the Luxe Gift Guide, full of gorgeous handcrafted ceramics, divine design books and pretty hostess presents to please everyone on your list.
Artful Offerings
Nadia Stieglitz
WRITTEN BY FOLASADE OLOGUNDUDU
Look no further than the art of ceramics if you’re on the hunt for extraordinary pieces to make this season of gifting memorable. “Ceramics is a medium capable of exploring complex conceptual ideas,” Charleston-based artist Nadia Stieglitz explains. “These items are not simply decorative objects; they carry messages that can elevate an entire space.” Her own layered production process combines multiple hand-building techniques, beginning with fashioning her stoneware and earthenware forms around a bulbous object, and then contouring with slab molds and coils. A layer of watered-down clay is added in spontaneous patterns, and once the pieces are dry, Stieglitz embellishes them using the sgraffito, or scratched, method. These marks evoke a worldly beauty, referencing botanical or marine motifs and the resulting biomorphic silhouettes are utterly ethereal. nadiastieglitz.com; @nadiastieglitzstudio
Lindsey Wohlgemuth
WRITTEN BY LAURA FENTON
If you happen to be following Era Ceramics on social media for a behind-the-scenes dive into artist Lindsey Wohlgemuth’s creative process, you may just get an early clue as to when the next collection is being released. Act on it quickly—Era Ceramics often sell out the moment a new drop is announced, due, no doubt, to both this intimate inside look and the fact that craft and care are visible in every piece. The homegrown family business—Wohlgemuth and her husband are partners—began with a kiln on a porch and a deep love for working with clay, and now creates bespoke earthen ceramics that adorn some of the top tables in Austin. “Different clay bodies have unique textures and colors,” Wohlgemuth notes. “It takes practice to get to know all the materials and make refinements.” The artist’s experimentation with pit firing, in which smoke and ash finish the clay, gives the wood-fired bowls, plates and vases an amazing organic quality. eraceramics.com; @eraceramics
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JULIE NEILL LORELEI X-LARGE CHANDELIER IN GILD VISUALCOMFORT.COM
Cody Hoyt
WRITTEN BY SUSANNAH
GRUDER
The geometric and floral inlay ceramic creations of Brooklyn artist Cody Hoyt all share the mark of his unique style and aesthetic, with much of their design, in a way, left up to chance. “There’s an incidental quality to them that you can’t force by hand,” Hoyt says. Almost all his works begin as a slab of clay which Hoyt inlays (or rather, “mashes”) with gestural forms. In other cases, he extrudes shapes and assembles them together before slicing cross sections with wire. The resulting thin tiles become the building blocks for a vessel or mosaic. As Hoyt continues to hone his craft, his pieces are growing in creativity, with varying inspirations like Japanese Nerikomi pottery or the hypnotic optical art of Josef Albers, but he is careful not to coerce anything to fit his will. As Hoyt puts it: “I’m trying to figure out ways to coexist within the desires and inclinations of the material.” codyhoyt.com; @codyhoyt
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Liadain Warwick Smith
WRITTEN BY SHANNON SHARPE
Ceramist Liadain Warwick Smith takes a thoughtful and considered approach to her delicate heirloom objects, which are simultaneously rustic and sophisticated. “I try to make each piece completely unique and individual while repeating certain details,” the artist shares. She begins by slipping, scoring, pinching and building up her trademark red clay forms before beginning the long process of drying, firing and glazing each item. Known for her white pieces in which deep, red-brown clay tones peek through perfectly imperfect glazes, she’s recently begun experimenting with black finishes that, while different, still feel elegant and regal. Warwick Smith sees her wares as utilitarian: vases to be filled with flowers from the garden and plates on which to enjoy meals surrounded by loved ones—simple experiences elevated by the beauty of each work. liadainwarwicksmith.com ; @liadainws
photos: tria giovan. copy: excerpted from “slow burn,” luxe hamptons jul/aug 2024
Pretty Presents
TODAY’S TOP DESIGNERS WEIGH IN ON THEIR GO-TO PIECES PERFECT FOR JUST ABOUT EVERYONE ON YOUR LIST.
“ This bowl is my favorite gift for clients. It embodies the aesthetic and the optimism I try to infuse into all my projects.”
–RAYMAN BOOZER, apartment48.com
“We have these bottle openers made by an eccentric artist out of Portland, Oregon, who uses a lost-wax technique to cast them out of brass. It’s unexpected and special.”
Soleil d’Hermès Salad
Soleil d’Hermès Salad Bowl, hermes.com
“These handcrafted champagne coupe glasses by Fferrone are a stunning addition to any barware collection and perfect for celebrating special occasions. An ideal gift for those who love to entertain with a touch of class.”
–NINA MAGON, ninamagon.com
Margot Champagne Coupes, erronedesign.com
–BRADLEY ODOM, bradleyodom.com Gira e Bottle Opener, dixonrye.com
“Having an artisan create a gift always makes it special, and Christopher crafts the most unique objects. It’s a gift that can be presented as is or with fresh owers.”
“Soft, luxurious, and brimming with character, this throw is a guaranteed showstopper and makes an impeccable gift for him, her or both.”
–SUZANNE KASLER, suzannekasler.com Faux Bois Cache Pot, christopherspitzmiller.com
“My
–DENISE MORRISON, morrisoninteriors.com
Copper Salt & Pepper Mills, roaniris.co
favorite holiday gifting tradition is giving things we’ve created ourselves. These solid brass keepsakes are hand-cast from living sprigs of California mistletoe.”
tradition is mistletoe.”
MEIER
–AMY
Cast Brass Mistletoe, amymeier.com
“Handcrafted in Greece, these salt
“Handcrafted in Greece, these salt and pepper mills make a truly special hostess gift for enhancing someone’s kitchen and are the perfect mix of utility and elegance.”
“I love everyday functional items that are so beautiful they can stand alone as decor. This decanter is lovely lled or standing empty and set out for display.”
–GINGER CURTIS, urbanologydesigns.com
Pebbled Glass Decanter, thecollectivehome.com
“Each of these candles has a rich, long-lasting scent that transforms the ambience of any room. Their unique fragrances and elegant design make them a standout choice for holiday gifting.”
–CLAUDIA AFSHAR, claudiaafshar.com
Three Sisters Candle Set, flamingoestate.com
Three Sisters Candle
“I keep an eye out for unique nds that parlay into that perfect token of appreciation for a host or hostess. Recently, our studio gifted this Mous vase to clients as Christmas presents.”
“I keep an eye out for unique nds token of for a . our studio this Mous vase to clients as Christmas
From left to right by row: Veere Grenney: Seeking Beauty by Veere Grenney / vendomepress.com Cullman & Kravis: Interiors by Elissa Cullman, Lee Cavanaugh, Sarah Ramsey and Alyssa Urban with Judith Nasatir / rizzoliusa.com The Art of Gracie: Handpainted Wallpapers, Timeless Rooms by Jennifer Gracie, Mike Gracie, Zach Shea and Brian Gracie with Judith Nasatir / rizzoliusa.com The Savage Style by Jonathan Savage / gibbs-smith.com Forever Beautiful: All-American Style All Year Long by Mark D. Sikes / rizzoliusa.com The Perfect Room: Timeless Designs for Intentional Living by Marie Flanigan with Susan Sully / rizzoliusa.com Interiors Styled by Mieke ten Have by Mieke ten Have / vendomepress.com The Young Man and the Tree: Fernando Wong Landscape Design by Tim Johnson / vendomepress.com Outside In: Interiors Born From Nature by Brian Paquette / gibbs-smith.com
Michelle Gerson, Founder of Michelle Gerson Interiors, selected Artistic Tile’s Rosa Velluto Onyx for her office desk.
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Riviere wallcovering in Blue by Brunschwig & Fils. kravet.com
A clients’ love of ceramics inspired their Kansas City, Kansas, powder room designed by Mark D. Sikes, where a collection of Imari plates hangs in the vestibule (right) and runs along the bathroom’s lower walls (above); the Iksel wallpaper was custom colored and patterned to mimic them.
The console sink is Waterworks, the mirror is from John Rosselli & Associates and the sconces are Mark D. Sikes for Hudson Valley Lighting.
Small Wonders
DESIGNER MARK D. SIKES SHARES HIS SECRETS TO DECORATING THE ONE ROOM EVERY GUEST IS SURE TO SEE.
WRITTEN AND PRODUCED BY
GRACE BEULEY HUNT AND SARAH SHELTON
With the holidays—and their onslaught of parties and guests—upon us, Luxe decided to dive into what makes for a truly fabulous powder room. Proudly petite and designed to be admired, the space offers a rare opportunity for flash and fantasy. And who better to tap for their playbook than designer Mark D. Sikes? Beloved for his artfully layered schemes and luscious color palettes, Sikes has a reputation for elaborate, elegant takes on what he dubs “the jewel box of the home.” Fresh off the release of his bestselling third monograph, Forever Beautiful (Rizzoli), the designer sat down to share his expert tips for creating a loo that company won’t soon forget. markdsikes.com
What is your philosophy for putting together a distinctive powder room? This is the one place in the house where it’s universally accepted to be unique and innovative. And, because it’s a small space in terms of square footage, it provides a rare opportunity to splurge on something lavish, like a hand-painted wallpaper or beautiful wall upholstery, that might be cost-prohibitive in a larger space. It is a room for full creative expression.
Can you discuss design elements that are often overlooked? If you’re looking at the layout of a powder room, it’s important to have both a place for guests to sit and a place for bags and belongings. In a perfect world, the floor plan would include a little entry vestibule with a bench or stool, and then a small table inside the powder room where guests can rest their bag while they touch up their makeup, etc. I think you always need a table in the powder room for this reason. We try to make our spaces feel comfortable and functional, and these elements seem to work nicely in terms of hosting company.
Montecito Panel Set in Indigo by Mark D. Sikes schumacher.com
Ludaix Wallpaper in Pacific by Henry Holland for Harlequin sandersondesigngroup.com
Claire Wallpaper in Navy thibautdesign.com
Safi Wallpaper in Blue on Blue by Anna Spiro studiofournyc.com
Monica Wallpaper in Bluebird luliewallace.com
Creating a through line for his Kansas City clients, Sikes clad a secondary powder room in another customized Iksel wallpaper.
A Mark D. Sikes for Hudson Valley Lighting sconce injects a contemporary note into the mix and plays off the bone inlay mirror.
Is there a single most important piece for a powder room? Hanging a super special mirror is really important because this is one of the few utilitarian rooms where you have the liberty to do that. In primary or guest bathrooms, storage is a must, and mirrors are often medicine cabinets and more “apothecary” in look and feel. I love to use antique mirrors in the powder—something with a beautiful, unique shape. Then, when it comes to selecting hardware, I like to use something a bit more precious, such as antiqued silver or burnished brass; antique mirrors tend to look better with those finishes.
Talk to us about lighting. Dimmers are important in the powder room (and in every room) for functional purposes, but, generally, I like lighting in this space to be more subtle, romantic and moody. It’s a wonderful room to mix di erent types of fixtures—think modern sconces with an antique table lamp. It’s also an opportunity to play around with beautiful custom fabric lampshades. I particularly like
shades in a powder because they cast such a soft, beautiful light.
& White paolomoschino.com
silk pleated
Volver Single Sconce in Brass by Kelly Wearstler visualcomfort.com
Hector Pleat Wall Light originalbtc.com
Javelin Bathroom Sconce modernforms.com
Curves No.1 Wall Sconce by Mark D. Sikes hvlgroup.com
Luna Wall Light in Brass
A whimsical Morris & Co. wallpaper contrasts with Royal Makkum delft tiles from Country Floors in this Sun Valley, Idaho, powder room. Layered lighting, including a Jamb sconce and a table lamp with a marbled paper shade, complements an antique mirror.
How do you create personality when you’re starting with a blank slate? It’s all about the materials and the finishes. Most of the work we do now is completely original and very decorative. For instance, instead of doing a wallpaper, we will have our decorative painter, Joseph Steiert, come in and depict a mural on the walls. Or instead of having traditional painted cabinets, we will have an artisan hand-glaze them so that they aren’t a stark white and instead have a rich patina. We also love to source antique tiles and fabrics that give the appearance of years of fading in the sun.
What are your favorite finishing touches? Beautiful hand towels (my favorites are Julia B. Casa). Something alive, whether that’s a plant or flowers in a chic bud vase. A café curtain, Roman shade or sheers at the window for privacy. A candle with a great scent—my go-to is Orange Blossom by Jo Malone—and a book of matches in a pretty container because it’s the polite thing to do. The best houses are the ones that make people feel comfortable and welcome!
In a powder room (top) in Pacific Palisades, California, a wooden commode was stripped and given a Newport Brass faucet. An antique bone inlay mirror is backed by an Iksel wallpaper for a characterful look. The sconce is from Galerie des Lampes. Sikes’ third monograph (above), Forever Beautiful (Rizzoli) was released in September.
Clockwise from top left: Jacqueline Faucet
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Home Builder: Sean Counihan, Counihan Construction Landscape Architecture: Dustin M. Mizell, Environment Design Group
RETRO REFINED
Mixing whimsy and glam, a Regency-style residence channels the verve of 1960s Palm Springs.
WRITTEN BY MONIQUE MCINTOSH | PHOTOGRAPHY BY CARMEL BRANTLEY
A high-gloss blue hue from Fine Paints of Europe envelops the foyer, where Ralph Lauren Home’s Langley lights illuminate artworks by Alexi Torres and eL Seed. A bench from 1stdibs adds a playful accent atop Hakwood planks from Absolute Hardwood Flooring.
So much of South Florida unfolds like an architectural playground. Behind sculpted hedges stand varied settings, from grand Mediterranean estates to white Bermudastyle abodes. On the other side of one such living wall, a 1962 Regency-style home by influential developer Robert W. Gottfried enticed a New Jersey family searching for a holiday retreat. They adored the formal interior’s tall ceilings and abundant sunlight, while the backyard’s lush greenery and free-form pool “felt like stepping inside a Slim Aarons photograph,” the wife laughs. “All I needed was a caftan.”
Inspired by their first tour, the new owners imagined leaning into this unique combination of aesthetics. “They wanted to mix the architectural style with more contemporary furnishings,” describes interior designer Jenna Conte Olin, who was recruited to refresh the Palm Beach property. The goal: Regency elegance meets classic Palm Springs oasis.
Previous renovations had obscured the façade’s clean lines, adding elements such as an offset front door and a large portico. So residential designer Caroline Koons Forrest, with her firm’s Matthew Kragh as architect of record, went back to the drawing board—literally—by reviewing Gottfried’s original blueprints. Her plan included eliminating the portico, replacing the windows and doors, restoring the shutters and centering the entrance.
This march toward poetic symmetry continues inside. From the entry, a traditional hall serves as the home’s through line, with a library to one side and a lounge space on the other. The corridor then flows into the great and family rooms, all now visually aligned with uninterrupted views of the rear grounds. “We focused on finding those centerlines and axial moments,” Forrest explains, “so you can physically and visually proceed through the story of this house.” The structure’s classical conventions also loosened: Interior decorative columns were relocated to the façade, creating smooth thresholds between places such as the kitchen and breakfast room.
This dance between traditional and relaxed shaped the outdoor areas, too. “The front entry has more formality, with conical pleached trees,” observes landscape architect Dustin M. Mizell. “But the backyard becomes more casual and
organic.” Amid the latter’s mature palm trees, for instance, are buoyant clusters of ornamental grass and tropical flowers.
Taking the baton, Olin further blurred refinement and playfulness. The foyer introduces the residence’s formal side, with traditional wall paneling and oak parquet floors with brass inlays. But its sleeker details nod to the California modernism that unfolds. The space is enveloped in high-gloss teal paint, reminiscent of vintage cars, and flush molding makes a clean backdrop for displaying the couple’s contemporary artworks. Deeper in the home, “things take on more curved, fluid shapes,” the interior designer says. Furnishings feature the rounded arms and sloped backs of midcentury modern silhouettes, such as the great room’s arched sofa and armchairs. Multiple circular forms in the space—from the bubble chandelier to the silver-leaf porthole doors that lead to the kitchen—“further reinforce the lines of the furniture,” she adds.
Channeling the couple’s vibrant paintings, accents in pop art-worthy hues—particularly the wife’s beloved signature teal—weave a prismatic continuum throughout. “We created these sneak peeks of the color that gain strength as you go farther into the house,” Olin explains. “This way, each space gives a glimpse of what comes next.”
The foyer’s soft version of the shade seeps into the great room’s geometric consoles and reaches its full potency in the family room on the built-in and as a clever wall detail: “We incorporated the teal inside the 1-inch gap between the room’s veneer paneling,” shares general contractor Sean Counihan. Splashes of yellow and violet contribute to the color story, like the sunset ombre of the breakfast room’s resin table and the modular mauve sofa in the daughter’s purple-tinted lounge.
From upholstery to finishes, every surface became “an opportunity for art,” the interior designer says, pointing to the graffiti-like fabric on the family room armchairs and the geometric mosaic tiles in the daughter’s bathroom. In the couple’s bedroom, walls are covered with a floral pattern, and beadwork on the Roman shades “mimics the dripping of spray paint,” she adds.
Full of light and color, the renovated structure has become the family’s unique slice of paradise, where timeless proportions merge with retromodern revelry. “To be able to see beyond what was there to create our vision was a dream come true,” the wife says. “We never want to leave.”
In the great room, Apparatus sconces adorn walls in Benjamin Moore’s Swiss Coffee. The space flows into the family room—home to The Future Perfect lounge chairs— and onto the rear grounds by landscape architect Dustin M. Mizell.
Above: Holly Hunt mohair pillows top the great room’s sofa by O. Henry House, which cradles a coffee table from The Silver Fund on an L&M Custom Carpets rug. Leading to the kitchen are silver-leaf wood doors with gold-accented portholes.
Opposite: Apparatus’ Cloud pendant crowns the great room. Framing the fireplace of tourmaline granite from Stone Gallery are Martin & Brockett consoles painted Benjamin Moore’s Majestic Blue and Sabine Marcelis mirrors. Vintage armchairs, a custom side table and art by Cayla Birk complete the look.
White quartzite defines the kitchen, outfitted with cabinetry by High End Cabinets and Liebherr appliances. Lawson-Fenning’s Cruz counter stools offer a dose of color beneath Studio Van den Akker’s Dexter chandelier. The Rohl faucet, Rejuvenation hardware and custom stainless-steel hood introduce shine.
“ WE FOCUSED ON FINDING THOSE CENTERLINES AND AXIAL MOMENTS , SO YOU CAN PHYSICALLY AND VISUALLY PROCEED THROUGH THE STORY OF THIS HOUSE.”
– CAROLINE KOONS FORREST
Above: In the breakfast room, Tuleste Factory’s Ripple table partners with Artistic Frame’s Syrah chairs in Dualoy Leather’s metallic Bling-Bling textile. Osborne & Little sheers and Philippe Bertho art enliven the Phillip Jeffries wallcovering. The Urban Electric Co.’s Pop lights stud the ceiling.
Opposite: Highland House’s Auten swivel chairs wear Pierre Frey’s Street Diptyque cotton in the family room. Another Alexi Torres artwork decorates an oak-paneled wall outlined with Farrow & Ball’s Vardo in the grooves. Avo’s Sunburst Dash double-cowhide rug complements the Cowtan & Tout sheers.
Porter Teleo’s Floral Graffiti wallcovering acts as artwork in the primary bedroom, which is blanketed by a Rug & Kilim rug.
Verellen stools and The Urban Electric Co. sconces accompany the bespoke bed and nightstands.
The High Life
A couple explores their style from new vantage points in a Chicago skyscraper.
WRITTEN BY MONIQUE MCINTOSH PHOTOGRAPHY BY RYAN MCDONALD STYLING BY KIMBERLY SWEDELIUS
Interior Design: Steve Somogyi and Filip Malyszko, S&F Design
Home Builder: Adam Gobcewicz, Brayview Construction Group, Inc
Life takes on a whole new perspective from a Chicago skyscraper, as one couple discovered when they swapped their Bucktown single-family home for a condo inside the luxurious Streeterville high-rise One Bennett Park, designed by architect Robert A.M. Stern. The loss of quaint tree-lined streets and overall square footage proved a small price to pay for the glamorous Art Deco-inspired building and its breathtaking views.
To redefine their new life in the sky, the pair turned to designers Steve Somogyi and Filip Malyszko to customize spaces. Between the unit’s refined finishes and the couple’s lifetime collection of art and furniture, the designers had plenty with which to work. “The challenge was how to shift their tastes into a smaller space in a cohesive way that stands up against the view, the architecture and the scale of the rooms,” Malyszko explains.
The designers worked with builder Adam Gobcewicz on adding a few built-in elements, including more shelving in the home office and a new fireplace featuring a book-matched granite surround that slots into seamless cabinetry concealing a dry bar and wine storage. “But we always took inspiration from the existing millwork to keep everything consistent,” Somogyi notes.
Atmospheric wall finishes provide the greatest transformation. “We knew we needed something special and luxurious to set the stage for the whole apartment,” Malyszko says. Artist Danya Elbaridi answered the call, creating bespoke paints laced with finely crushed glass that catch the abundant sunlight. A pale hue creates a pearlescent luster in the living room, while an inky slate version submerges the dining room in shimmering blue. Honoring one of the client’s Asian roots, Elbaridi also hand-painted a mural of koi swimming through metallic champagne hues in the powder room. In other areas, wallcoverings lean tactile and luxurious—think a suede-inspired textile, charcoal herringbone wool and grass cloth. Satin linen drapes were custom color-matched to each wall finish—from pale ivory in the living room to silvery sage tones in the couple’s bedroom. The final effect “makes you feel awash
in the color,” Malyszko observes. Completing this sense of immersion, the designers borrowed tones from the surrounding views, building a palette of warm neutrals and “different shades of blue from the sky and water,” Somogyi adds.
These expressive strokes of color continue onto the floor, where custom artisanal rugs achieve painterly effects using lush wool and silk. In the dining room, undulating piles of midnight blue pool like water underneath the table. And in the living room, another expansive piece features swirling organic patterns of blue and gray pebbles. “We imagined them drifting, following the same traffic patterns you might take walking through the room,” Somogyi says.
How one circulates through the apartment was carefully considered, balancing the need for generous entertaining with “those dayto-day spaces they could enjoy with just the two of them,” Somogyi notes. The dining room embraces large festivities, anchored by a custom oversize table with integrated lazy Susan. Meanwhile, pairs of plush armchairs nestled by the windows, like the quiet sitting area in the primary bedroom, carve out more intimate tête-à-tête moments for the couple. Multiple seating clusters in turn break up the expansive living room, linked together by an elongated upholstered velvet bench that runs across the room’s north-facing windows overlooking the harbor. “You can perch there and admire the view while interacting with all the other seating areas within the room,” Malyszko explains.
Alongside these custom flourishes, the designers incorporated much of the couple’s existing collection of vintage midcentury modern furniture. But these familiar pieces feel newly animated with colorful upholstery, like their classic Eames lounge chair and ottoman now covered in boysenberry mohair. Newer additions maintain the couple’s affinity for classic streamlined designs but with characterful details reflecting their new environs, such as the cloud chandelier in the dining room, reflecting the fact that “you’re literally in the clouds,” Malyszko laughs. There is something special in “seeing pieces of someone’s past brought into a new space,” muses Malyszko. “We love interpreting those elements with new pieces. It gets all intermixed into the story of who they are and the place where they now live.”
Joined by an Arteriors side table, a bench upholstered in Pollack velvet runs along one end of the living room. Behind, glass-embedded wall paint by Danya Elbaridi of Studio Lunaris glimmers in the sunlight. The painting is by Jeff Hanson.
A new fireplace surrounded by book-matched granite from Terrazzo & Marble Supply Companies anchors the living room. Across an RH coffee table, a Ligne Roset sofa faces a sofa in a patterned Pollack velvet.
Taj Mahal quartzite and a Phillip Jeffries grass-cloth wallcovering cocoon the kitchen in warmth. Vanguard Furniture stools pull up to the island, which is illuminated by Thomas O’Brien for Visual Comfort & Co. pendants.
“The challenge was how to shift their tastes into a smaller space in a cohesive way.”
–FILIP MALYSZKO
Left: For the powder room, Elbaridi hand-painted a dreamy koi fish mural. Its golden hues complement the onyx-brass-andwalnut vanity, which features a Kallista sink and Newport Brass faucet, both from Studio41.
Opposite: Opuzen’s Gatsby print on the custom headboard brings an Art Deco flair into the primary bedroom. The metallic tones are complemented by an integrated Ralph Lauren for Visual Comfort & Co. sconce.
In the bedroom, armchairs covered in mohair from Fishman’s Fabrics and an Arteriors table create a cozy seating area, while a Watson Smith rug provides softness underfoot. The overhead fixture is by Visual Comfort & Co., and the floor lamp is by Arteriors.
Inner World
When rapper and record producer Dr. Dre set out to renovate a château-inspired manor in Los Angeles, his design team answered with a stately sanctuary precisely attuned to their legendary client.
WRITTEN BY KELLY PHILLIPS BADAL | PHOTOGRAPHY
BY MANOLO LANGIS
Architecture: Richard Landry and Suzanne Evans Shepela, Landry Design Group Interior Design: Joan Behnke, Joan Behnke & Associates
Home Builder: Ron Udall and Tyler Udall, Tyler Development Corporation
Arched openings enhance the first-floor gallery, where designer Joan Behnke placed custom cabinets with wood-carved handles facing the billiards room. There, bespoke swivel chairs dressed in Loro Piana fabric rest below built-ins displaying Dr. Dre’s award statuettes. The runners are Scott Group Studio.
The minute he walked in, Dr. Dre knew. This Los Angeles estate was it, the spot he could see serving as home base for, well, “The Next Episode” of his life. So just as he had many times throughout his genre-defining career, he trusted his instincts. “Nothing turned me on until I saw this place, and I decided to buy it on the spot,” Dre recalls. “The energy here is amazing; it’s bliss—that’s the first word that popped into my head.”
What he saw—an ultraprivate 3.6-acre hillside setting overlooking the city—exuded a strong siren song. The stately house features architecture that evokes the rustic refinement of a French countryside estate, with a limestoneclad exterior showcasing castle-like details. There’s a mansard slate roof, copper finials, zinc cupolas and an elegant covered breezeway, plus a water feature resembling a moat, complete with a charming wooden bridge. Inside, reclaimed elements like antique brick and French oak floors play off swooping groin- and barrel-vaulted ceilings, arched windows and exposed beams. The aesthetic effect is romantic, whimsical, even a tad fantastical. Dre arrived with a punch list of needs but, ultimately, he didn’t want to alter the existing atmospheric framework.
“It was a beautifully done house, and Dre fell in love with it; he wanted to maintain the architecture, but also make it his own,” explains architect Richard Landry, who, with firm partner and project lead Suzanne Evans Shepela, had initially dreamed up the dwelling. The new owner welcomed them back in for modifications, pulling in additional design pros from the home’s original build: interior designer Joan Behnke and general contractors Ron and Tyler Udall. Of his decision to reassemble the “absolute best” team of collaborators, the hip-hop artist quips: “That’s been the story of my life, and they made it easy.”
Easy is relative, though, as what Dre had in mind for his home’s remix went beyond a refresh. His goals were twofold: to modernize the interiors with contemporary elements and essentially double the square footage of the house. Notably, most of the changes aren’t visible from the showstopping exterior envelope he wanted to preserve. Landry and Shepela
devised an expansive addition that would bring to the home the extra amenities their client desired, but with a clever twist: They built it entirely underground.
There, a host of spaces devoted to health and wellness took shape. The new subterranean level houses a chic underground lap pool, which gets daily use, as well as a spa and sauna, salon, massage area and well-appointed gym. This is no dim basement expanse either. Bespoke elements including a water wall and sculptural lighting fixtures enhance the ambience, while light wells bring in sunlight in select spots. A major essential, Dre’s top-of-the-line, precisely engineered recording studio, also sits below the surface. Complete with its own private entrance and lounge, it’s designed for round-the-clock use as inspiration strikes: no windows, no noises, no distractions.
The above-ground spaces were transformed as well, particularly the great room, where an outdoor loggia between the living and family rooms was absorbed to create a larger entertaining area better suited to the flow of Dre’s lifestyle. Stylistically, “there was a conscious effort to keep the palette very neutral and calm, but also to go slightly more contemporary and even a little edgier with the furnishings and lighting,” describes Behnke. The designer traded the home’s former fixtures and antique pieces for a fresher range of geometric, glass and glam chandeliers and pendants.
Comfort, provided by ample inviting seating, ranked high on Dre’s list of priorities—“Comfort is number one for me; this is my sanctuary,” he says—as was striking a balance between classic and contemporary elements within the artfully layered spaces. “Our attempt was to create a form of visual symphony here, at a level that, like a Beethoven composition or a song by Dr. Dre, you can’t absorb it all at once,” Behnke muses. Unexpected moments such as origamilike pendants in a hallway or the entry stairwell’s curved-glass panels all achieve this effect. The overall attention to detail and artistry speaks to a perfectionism long associated with the exacting homeowner. “Imagine having a house you never want to leave,” Dre concludes. “That’s what’s been created here. I have my own world in my home with everything I’ve always wanted.”
A chandelier by Christopher Boots presides over the entry, with Oracle pendants by the same maker visible in the great room beyond. Furnishings, all custom pieces, include sofas of Loro Piana fabric and curved chairs wearing a Pierre Frey mohair.
Above: The formal dining room is anchored by a table of Calacatta marble and brass flanked by Berenice Vien dal Mare chairs. A Lindsey Adelman Studio chandelier hangs above. Draperies feature Weitzner’s Isis fabric and the rug is Scott Group Studio.
Opposite: In the same space, Behnke designed a walnut buffet table topped with Mark Albrecht Studio’s Eclipse Table Lamps. Pablo Picasso’s Tête de femme watches over it. The ceramic planter is by Kristina Riska, via Hostler Burrows.
“There was a conscious effort to keep the palette very neutral and calm, but also to go slightly more contemporary and even a little edgier.”
–JOAN BEHNKE
For the great room’s far end, Behnke designed a walnut-and-bronze table and chairs upholstered in a Holly Hunt leather. The table lamp is Eric Roinestad via The Future Perfect and the rug is Scott Group Studio. On the wall is Draw Me by Kerry James Marshall.
Farrow & Ball’s Skimming Stone refreshed the cabinetry, setting off Calacatta marble countertops, while matte porcelain tile from Stone Source backdrops a Wolf range. Alison Berger Glassworks pendants punctuate the barrelvaulted ceiling of reclaimed brick.
Loro Piana fabric envelops the primary bedroom walls, complementing the Studioart leather layered in a headboard niche. The chaise lounge and ottoman, both covered in Lauren Hwang New York alpaca, are bespoke, as are the bed and nightstand. The chandelier is Design Alliance LA.
Above: Stained walnut paneling lines the walls of Dre’s private, below-ground recording studio, which boasts a state-of-the-art mixing console. Herman Miller’s classic Aeron chairs stand at the ready in the creative space.
Opposite: Part of the home’s subterranean build out, a lap pool lined with blue mirrors reflects the ceiling’s geometric in-laid lighting. Hand-troweled plaster walls match those of the main floor. Custom oval benches with leather details dot the perimeter.
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