NEST Magazine - Winter 2023

table of contents

in every issue

4 EDITOR’S NOTE

A new way of looking at things.

5 ASK A NESTER

The agents of Nest Realty share their thoughts on what happens when you look up.

design

8 HOUSE TOUR: Organic Modern Bungalow

A tiny space gets a major makeover from Ginger Curtis of Urbanology Designs.

16 THE ART OF HANGING ARTWORK

Get the look you want with our quick guide for hanging artwork.

28 HOUSE TOUR: Refined Retreat

Andrea Schumacher Interiors designs a primary residence that feels like a restful resort.

40 HOUSE TOUR: Natural Wonder

A stunning home designed by House Seven Design incorporates timeless materials, natural elements, and organic textures.

home

20 LOOK UP!

Exploring ways to take your ceiling to new heights.

36 ARCHITECTURE OF A ROOFLINE

The history behind the intricacies of the most popular roof types.

life

6 LOCAL LOVE

Design, build, and love your nest, locally.

48 EXPLORE THE DARK SKIES

Why it’s important to protect the night sky.

~ Leonardo DaVinci

When it comes to the convergence of art, design, and philosophy, it’s hard to compete with Leonardo DaVinci. But what did he mean by this seemingly strange quote?

In a world that feels chaotic and overwhelming, we are often too busy to slow down, take a deep breath, and revel in the natural beauty that surrounds us. But what happens if we stop to look up…to appreciate the magnificence of the universe above us, and the community that surrounds us, even the home that houses us? Maybe, just maybe, our perspective will shift.

We hope this issue inspires you to take it all in. Let’s spend more time gazing up and less time looking down—more time appreciating the beauty in the small things like the reflection of a sunbeam dancing across the ceiling, and the grand things like a lunar eclipse on a clear night.

Inside your own home, we encourage you to make use of the space above. Explore various ways that you can enhance your ceilings in our feature article, Look Up (page 20). In our House Tours (pages 8, 28, and 40), join us as we visit three exquisite homes where the designers elevated the ceilings, architecturally and visually. Draw the eye upwards with properly-hung artwork (page 16), and then head to our story on Dark Sky Communities (page 48) to better understand why it’s important to protect the night sky.

In harmony with this new perspective, we also took a look at our own house. Now that we are in our 18th issue of NEST Magazine, we took a beat to redefine our ethos—the fundamental character of our spirit. We landed on: Design. Home. Life. The three defining pillars of this and every issue, and the core elements of what makes us different as a real estate brokerage. We hope these new words on the cover, and the sentiment within these pages, resonate with you.

Here’s to a fresh perspective,

JASMINE LISTOU BIBLE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

“Once you have tasted the taste of sky, you will forever look up.”

ASK A NESTER: What happens when you look up?

We asked the agents of Nest Realty to share their opinions on what happens when they take the time to stop and look up. What do you think? How do your own experiences compare to our flock?

GET ARTSY

When displaying artwork in their homes, Nesters were split nearly 50/50 on whether one large oversized piece of art versus a collection of smaller framed pieces “gallery style” is best.

LOOK UP

Gabled roofs are the most common construction style in the Lower 48, and they’re also the most popular, with 66% of our flock saying go gabled. But a strong 23% of Nesters also love the simplicity and romance of an A-frame roof.

LET THE LIGHT IN

A whopping 60% of Nesters say to let the light into your home with skylights whenever possible. But that 40% must be saying NO for a reason…

NORTHERN EXPOSURE

When it comes to ceiling embellishments, more than two-thirds of Nesters say “exposed beams” are the way to go. Basic painted ceilings or more intricate coffered tray ceilings were tied around 15%, and 4% prefer good oldfashioned wallpaper.

MIRROR, MIRROR

More than half of Nest agents and brokers adorn their walls with artwork. 35% prefer family photos, and 11% prefer to utilize mirrors on an empty wall.

STAR GAZING

When was the last time you sat out in your backyard and simply took in the night sky? We were happy to hear that almost half of Nesters indulged in this simple pleasure every night, and 36% take in the stars at least once a month.

TO PAINT OR NOT TO PAINT

The controversy over painted ceilings was finally resolved when 84% of our Nesters surveyed said they would paint their ceilings at least some color different from the walls. 37% opted for complimentary colors, 36% opted for one shade lighter or darker, and 11% will go for something bold and contrasting. Which camp are you in?

DARE TO DREAM

When it comes to Disney dream homes, Encanto’s La Casita steals the show with 48% of our votes, followed closely by Clay Calloway’s cottage in Sing 2 The Little Mermaid’s underwater castle grabbed 10% of votes, and only 6% would choose to freeze in Elsa’s icy castle.

Publisher Jonathan Kauffmann Editor-In-Chief Jasmine Bible Design Director Paigelee Chancellor

Senior Editor Aaron H. Bible Contributing Staff Taylor Ahn, Megan Chandler, Willy Clair, Gilly Davison, Liz Eure, Emily Fenger, Elise Moya-Watkins, Taylor Titus

Contributing Photographers/Videographers David Iwane, Graeme Jenvey, Jennifer Morgan

Cover Photo Jennifer Morgan Creative

Published Twice Annually in Charlottesville, Virginia

love LOCAL

Put down your phone and taste the night sky.

Day or night, the universe holds wonder. Whether you are taking in the glory of the New River Gorge, a sunset along the Cape Fear River, ethereal uplighting on a local monument, or the glow of the full moon from your backyard, looking up is our human nature, our duty as tiny beings on a spinning rock in the vastness of the galaxy.

Here on Earth, we love supporting the local builders and craftsman, the artists and artisans, the movers, the shakers, and the dreamers who are raising new rooflines, beautifying homes, enticing us to spend more time outdoors, and perhaps even inspiring us to take in the wonder of the universe.

Organic Modern Bungalow

TEXT BY JASMINE BIBLE + PHOTOGRAPHY BY MATTI GRESHAM

DESIGNER Ginger Curtis

FIRM: Urbanology Designs

YEAR BUILT : 1990

SOCIAL : @urbanologydesigns

One glance at her Instagram feed and it’s immediately apparent interior designer Ginger Curtis’ approach is ethereal, energy-evoking, bold, and elevated yet approachable. It’s no wonder that a space she created for herself would possess these same elements—organic, serene, and inspiring, with a touch of romanticism.

The tale of Curtis’ journey includes passion born from despair. When one of her five children was diagnosed with leukemia, she spent a significant amount of time living in a Ronald McDonald House— homes provided near care facilities for families to call home while their child is hospitalized. “The particular home we stayed at was exceptional. After hours upon hours of staring at the walls, I realized someone had the foresight to understand that the home could have an impact on how a family felt and coped during this trying time,” shared Curtis. “I realized that a space itself can be healing and rejuvenating.”

If her family could feel so profoundly comforted by a space they occupied, then others could as well, she reasoned: “More people need this, and I can help.” Upon returning to her own home with her recovered and healthy family, Curtis launched Urbanology Designs to fulfill this mission. Her firm now services clients nationwide, bringing a new level of consciousness and passion to each project.

“This bungalow is about embracing the quirks and valuing the flawed beauty.”

“A space itself can be healing and rejuvenating.”

Curtis posits, “In a world riddled with anxiety, why are we not taking this more seriously?” An author and public speaker, Curtis speaks on this very topic: Neuroaesthetics—a relatively recent sub-discipline of applied aesthetics. Neuroaesthetics uses neuroscience to explain and understand aesthetic experiences at the neurological level. i.e., can a space that looks beautiful actually make you feel better? For Curtis, the answer is a resounding yes. When Curtis herself was later diagnosed with breast cancer, she felt the pull to create a serene space for herself that was happy, healing, and joyful.

In her backyard, an old, leaky, dilapidated gardening shed sat patiently waiting for its revival. Originally intended to be a tiny home, the structure was sound, so she and her team stripped the building down to the studs and rebuilt a quiet bungalow, a healing oasis she could call her own.

“This bungalow is about embracing the quirks and valuing the flawed beauty,” explained Curtis. “The gabled ceiling had great height, so we ripped out the attic portion and removed the pull-down ladder.” She left the front and back portions of the attic, which she cleverly turned into lofts—one as a sleeping zone, one as a chess nook complete with a window that overlooks the backyard pool.

Underfoot, European white oak flooring balances the wood tones from the now-exposed trusses under the sleeping loft. The ceiling and walls, including a section of cinder block, have been given a generous coat of bright white paint, “So the wood trusses would pop—and the earthy brown wood could sing and have its own moment.”

In small spaces, scale is of the utmost importance, and Curtis’ team at Urbanology custom-designed furniture pieces to fit into the dining nook, including the pill-shaped bench, made of white oak with brass detailing, and the architectural black chairs. Always eager to incorporate personal items into any space, the gallery of artwork is comprised primarily of oil landscapes painted by Curtis’ grandfather, who happened to be color-blind. The muted tones of the paintings serve as a neutral, but with intrigue. For a gallery-style layout, Curtis suggests starting with the largest piece first, then working outwards, creating an intentionally asymmetrical pattern. The gaps are varied to keep it from looking to quaint. Bookending the artwork are two black minimalist disc light fixtures, sourced from a flea market and chosen for their sculptural feel.

The living room area is defined by a cream rug from Loloi. “The high-backed cane chair scales large, but it works. It adds so much texture,” says Curtis. Above the artwork, which is actually a small framed vintage rug, is a sconce from Blueprint Lighting NYC (a NEST Magazine fave). The custom-made ladder is durable yet lightweight enough to easily move from one side to the other and serves as a great place to set a drink or hold a book when not in use.

A botanical wallpaper from Livette adorns one wall of the chess nook. “The pattern was restrained enough to be interesting but not steal the show,” Curtis says. “The design as a whole needed to be a narrative that carried itself naturally around the bungalow, letting your eye play throughout the room, without having competing moments.” N

To see more of Ginger’s inspiring style, pick up her book:

Beauty by Design: Refreshing Space Inspired by What Matters Most, available at: barnesandnoble.com

Luminous Touch

The matte white, powder-coated metal sings alongside the burnished brass arms of this chandelier. Tersa Four Light Chandelier, $563, visualcomfort.com

Whimsical Walls

For just a touch of fun, go with this oversized botanical print that feels organic and natural.

Magnolia Garden Floral by Heather Dutton, $89/roll, spoonflower.com

Patinaed Painting

Etsy is a great source for original vintage artwork. Choose a subject matter or color palette to keep things cohesive. We love the muted tones of this vintage seascape from the 1960s. Vintage 1960s Seascape Oil Painting, etsy.com/shop/ModRendition

Architectural Accent

Make a statement with this Wingman lounge chair. Organic materials are set in a dramatic architectural curve—the hand-woven cane resting against the solid wood frame. Wingman Lounge Chair, $2,302, burkedecor.com

Little Black Table

Even neutral spaces need a touch of black for grounding. The asymmetrical lines of this blackstained wood table achieves both form and function. Kalle Sculptural Oak Side Table, $418, anthropologie.com

Mid-Mod Flare

The white enamel and beautiful brass pair perfectly in this sconce by Blueprint Lighting NYC. It feels at once both modern and retro. Monolith Wall Sconce, $875, blueprintlighting.com

Inside scoop: Be on the lookout for a upcoming lighting collaboration between Ginger Curtis and Blueprint Lighting NYC!

Woven Warmth

The hand-knotted wool of this rug by Loloi feels soft and supple underfoot. A subtle pattern keeps it interesting without being too boisterous. Iman Area rug by Loloi, 5’6” x 8’6”, $1,095, lumens.com

HANGING STYLE: EYE LEVEL

Photo Courtesy of Renee Richards, Ochre Studio, @ochre_studio

THE ART OF HANGING ARTWORK

No one wants to look up and see empty walls. But where to start adorning your home with meaningful, beautiful artwork? Are there really hard and fast rules when it comes to selecting and installing artwork in your home? What best practices for hanging artwork are based on science, and what is up to the viewer to decide?

Like in art itself, the answers to these questions can often be controversial, but let’s dig in and see what the experts say. Read on to find out how to maximize the space and impact of your rooms through art.

HANGING STYLE: DIPTYCH

Hang Art at Eye Level

Eye level is typically considered to be 57-60” up from the ground on which you stand, despite wide human variances in height. And while all your artwork on a wall does not have to be at the same center height, it is often best to choose a number and stick with it. Hanging all framed pieces at 57” on center will put everything at eye level and look cohesive, no matter the size of the frame, creating an organized, purposeful look down a hallway or in a room. That said, hanging a large piece of art higher than eye level can make a room feel larger and take advantage of vertical space in your home. Concurrently, hanging small pieces below eye level can make a setting feel more intimate. Artwork ascending a stair well can also be hung at a chosen point on center, then measured up from each stair to maintain consistency.

The 2-3 Rule and Rule of 3s

There are many “2-3 rules” out there, from politics to design, and art is no exception. Experts say a piece of art should be two-thirds the width of the furniture it hangs above, such as a bed, bathtub, sofa, or fireplace, and fill no more than three-quarters of the space (see the 60-40 rule). Additionally, the popular “rule of threes” states that things tend to be more visually appealing to the eye and the brain when arranged in odd numbers—three, six, nine.

Centered

Center art on the furniture for a more balanced look in a room. Height in these cases should be adjusted for back-of-head clearance and the amount of space available overhead.

The 3-6 rule

This common rule says to leave between 3 to 6 inches of space between each piece of art. Closer than three inches and the pieces can’t breathe and look crowded; and more than six inches of space causes them to lose their relationship to each other.

Salon Style

When hanging a group of smaller prints on a wall, typically referred to as salon style or gallery style, try staggering the pieces around your line of sight. Stagger them so that none of the pieces line up at the top or the bottom, but overlap using the 3-6-inch rule to maintain visual connectedness.

Triptychs

Oftentimes an artist will create a large piece of horizontal artwork that is presented in three separate but conjoined pieces. They are often framed separately or mounted flat to a gallery box or other type of modern float mount. Some nature photography and modern abstract paintings lend themselves well to this treatment. They could also be presented as a diptych or even as four separate vertical pieces that together make one large landscape, but the rule of three tends to make the triptych the most popular and pleasing approach.

The 60-40 rule

This common bit of advice says to leave at least 40 percent of a wall blank, whether that’s a gallery cluster or a large scale installation. The art shouldn’t take up more than 60 percent of your wall space.

HANGING STYLE: SALON

HANGING STYLE: CENTERED

Photo Courtesy of Sonia, @s.o.n.i.a.d

Photo Courtesy of Lisa Staton Design, @lisastatondesign

Leaned Art

Sometimes the best way to present art is to not hang it at all. Large-scale vertical pieces sometimes sit directly on the ground, leaning against a wall or in a corner. Other times framed pieces might sit on a mantle or a coffee table, or even on a chalk railing, making it easy to switch out different pieces depending on your mood or the season. If you have a wall that is troublesome in terms of its surface or material, consider hanging art from the ceiling.

Now, we’re not suggesting that all of this is necessarily easy or should be done on your own. Most galleries and designers offer professional installation and that’s often a great idea. Professional installers know how to transport, handle, and install your art in ways that you might not even think of, or have the ability to execute. If you’ve got an expensive painting or photograph in a heavy frame, it can be best to enlist the help of a professional. But that said, if you follow some of our handy tips and insights listed above, you should be able to tackle most of your art hanging needs yourself if you’ve got modern drywall walls and properly framed artwork.

Oftentimes you’ll encounter art that looks nicely framed but is lacking a wire or hangers on the back. A professional frame shop can take care of this for you. But another word of warning: beware of sticker shock at frame shops. For a myriad of reasons, framing can quickly get absurdly expensive, often more than the piece of art itself, so get a price before dropping off your piece.

POINTERS FROM THE PROS:

Asheville, NC,-based artist and gallery co-owner Alicia Armstrong has been working with designers, art consultants, and homeowners for more than 20 years.

PRO: Alicia Armstrong

SOCIAL : @avlalicia

“The only basic rule for me is hanging work at eye level. Some people like a lot of white space around the piece, others prefer more of a salon style. The preference is so personal,” she explains. “A lot of people are hanging work above something. Obviously if you hang a piece over a sofa you want to be sure you clear the top of the head. Or if it’s a buffet, you want to be over the top of the glassware, that kind of thing. Just like people’s homes, people hang artwork according to their own aesthetic.”

Linda Shropshire, founder and gallery director of Durham’s Ella West Gallery, agrees, “Your style will dictate whether you want artwork that is hung closely as in a salon style or if you want one singular painting or sculpture to carry an entire space,” she says. “For larger walls, I do enjoy a triptych. This is a perfect way to add life and energy to a spot where furniture is needed. Your mood, style and weight of the artwork will need to be considered in making a decision.”

PRO: Linda Shropshire

SOCIAL : @ellawestgallery

HANGING STYLE: LEANED

+ Avoid direct sun exposure

“If there’s one spot in the house where the sun is glaring all day, that might be a concern with certain materials,” says Armstrong. Even with UV coatings or protective

glass, direct sunlight every single day can take its toll on paintings and photographs. Of course museums and galleries use even more caution when considering direct sun on works of art, but ultimately it will come down to what spaces are available to you, how badly you want art in those spaces, and the price tag of the works you want to hang there.

+ Use the proper hangers

While the art of framing—and employing the right types of hangers and hardwear—is the subject of its own article, it’s important to consider. Always read the instructions on hangers you buy, or use the hangers provided by the frame shop. Protect your investments by using weightappropriate hangers at all times and be mindful of the surface you are going in to.

+ How high is too high

When consulting with clients on art installation, Shropshire says she has no hard and fast rules except one, “Avoid hanging art too high! I usually set the center my art to be about 5’ 4”.”

“Most importantly,” says Shropshire, “purchase art you want to live with everyday. Let it be something that speaks to some part of your story, your history, your future or your wildest dreams.”

Photo Courtesy of Lisa Staton Design, @lisastatondesign

LOOK UP

If you’re like us, you may spend countless hours scrolling, pinning, and planning to design the various spaces in your home. You’ve narrowed in on the color palette, style, and maybe even pieces of furniture…but have you looked up? An often forgotten area when it comes to design is the fifth wall—the ceiling. This valuable piece of real estate is just hovering patiently waiting for your attention.

TEXT BY JASMINE BIBLE + PHOTOGRAPHY BY JENNIFER MORGAN CREATIVE

In this remodeled home, the ceilings played a large role in the design ethos of the project. As you enter the home, the exposed trusses command attention and set the tone for the entire home—both rustic and refined. Finished with a clear coat of polyurethane, the natural grain and tones of the wood are permitted to shine through. The light fixture from Joss & Main feels modern and fresh, with milk glass bulbs set against a spider web of matte black hardware and a flash of antiqued brass.

Clever design tricks call attention to the height of the ceilings; the fireplace is clad in large-scale black slate tiles that extend all the way to the roofline, while the subtle warm greige trim calls attention to the soaring windows. Restrained uplighting is added to the inner crease of the wood trusses.

In the adjacent dining room, the simple act of painting the ceiling a rich black (Iron Ore by Benjamin Moore), creates a cozy, cocoon-like feel.

For the walnut wood slat wall, the wall behind was also painted black before installing, further enhancing the visual depth of the room. At the lower sixth of the wall, a horizontal black beam creates an exaggerated break in the slats and allows for a diffused lighting effect, glowing above and below the crossbeam.

As you descend the iron staircase, you are wrapped in warm woods and soft lighting. Slat walls are again utilized to bring texture, depth, intrigue, and

continuity to the home. Within the slats, a hidden door is camouflaged to the left of the fireplace, leading to a secret playroom for kids. On the ceiling, walnut wood panels were installed in a checkered pattern, alternating between lighter and darker. Medium-toned walnut panels clad the front of the bar, illuminated by the soft glow of under-mount lighting. White oak floors underfoot add one more species of natural wood to the palette.

Balance is created by the multitude of blacks on the bar top, walls, floor, and fireplace. On the bi-level bar top, a rich black quartz with high-contrast white veining was chosen for its beauty and durability (Marqunia Midnight by MSI). Spanning the wall behind the bar, a 2”x 9” picket tile with a soft, suede-like finish offers subtle texture, thanks to the matching black grout. For the floors behind the bar, a custom pattern was created in situ, peppering gold Schluter pieces in between the grout lines of 9” black hexagon tiles. On the fireplace, black marble tiles with faint white veining house a discreet Samsung Frame television, sound bar, and ultra-modern rectangular gas fireplace. Overhead, the scale of the deliciously decadent light fixtures transport you to a swanky hidden bar…one that requires a password for entrance.

exposed beams + skylights

Exposed beams, whether dramatic or subtle add visual dimension and presence to any room. The effect is magnified when paired with skylights.

1 - Design by Kate Pickford, House by Kate, @housebykate

2 - Design by Julia Rossi, Grey Domain, @greydomain

3 - Design by Dagan Design, @dagandesign + Alexis Garrett Design, @alexisgarrettdesign

4 - Design by House Seven Designs, @housesevendesign // Photography by Joseph Bradshaw, @josephgbradshaw

painted ceilings

A painted ceiling is a simple yet utterly effective way to create a mood. Take it one step further by painting the walls and trim the same color.

1 - Design and Photography by Julia Rossi, Grey Domain, @greydomain // Paint color on ceiling: Back of Beyond by Valspar

2 - Design and Photography by Tiffany DeLangie, Pretty Real Blog, @prettyrealblog, prettyrealblog.com // Paint color on ceiling and walls: Mountain Pass by Sherwin Williams

3 - Design and Photography by Romana Biedermann, @thrifyrosehome // Paint color on ceiling: Castilian Pink by Behr Paint

4 - Design and Photography by Shawna Freeman of Glamohemian Girl, @bellybaila // Paint color on ceiling and walls: Custom color, mixed by Sherwin Williams

wallpaper + murals

Wallpaper isn’t just for walls! Adding wallpaper, murals, or a sumtuous texture like Venetian plaster, is a perfect way to add intrigue to any room.

1 - Design by Alice Byrom, @alice_byrom // Photography by Brent Darby Photography, @brentdarbyphotography // Wallpaper on ceiling and walls: Sanderson by Hedera Wallpaper

2 - Design by Julia Rossi, Grey Domain, @greydomain // Wallpaper on ceiling: Feathered Flock by Tempaper Designs

3 - Design by Travis London, @TravisLondon // Photography by Venjhamin Reyes // Ceiling treatment: Venetian plaster

4 - Wallpaper on ceiling: Vapour Dawn Mural by Fine & Dandy Co. // Photography by SpaceJoy.com

Refined Retreat

Interior designer Andrea Schumacher’s career began with an unexpected twist. What began as an internship as a set designer on the soap opera Days of Our Lives evolved into a successful interior design career spanning more than two decades with degrees and accreditations along the way. Launched in 1999, Andrea Schumacher Interiors is now a highly sought-after design firm with a national clientele.

Schumacher’s signature style is modern, clean-lined upholstered goods mixed with antiques. Top notes include organic patterns and Asian-inspired adornments. The result is an effortlessly chic look this is actually painstakingly planned and carefully curated.

In this home, the clients had worked with Schumacher on two previous projects and trusted her to oversee the entire build process from start to finish, requesting a “mountain meets the Hamptons” vibe. Throughout the home, exquisitely tailored pieces anchor each room, allowing unexpected found objects to breathe life and personality to each space.

DESIGNER Andrea Schumacher

FIRM: Andrea Schumacher Interiors

YEAR BUILT : 2015

SOCIAL : @andreaschumacherinteriors

TEXT BY JASMINE BIBLE + PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROGER DAVIES

At the center of the home is the family room, resplendent with vaulted tongue and groove ceilings. The wood was given pickling treatment, which stains the wood in order to brighten the color and accentuate the grain. The beams, walls, and trim were coated in a creamy white, Benjamin Moore’s Swiss Coffee OC-45. Schumacher explains, “For the structural elements, I like to use blacks and whites, then layer on pops of color.”

In this central space, shades of blue are introduced in the artwork and accessories. The dual opposing mirrored sectionals allow you to enjoy every vantage point—whether looking at the fireplace, the beautiful exteriors beyond the accordion doors, or the towards the entertaining kitchen. The custom sectionals with added nailhead detailing are finished in an outdoor chenille, perfect for a busy family with kids and dogs.

The black marble surrounding the fireplace counterbalances the jet mist honed-granite used as the backsplash above the stove, across the room in the entertaining kitchen. A back kitchen houses additional workspaces, storage, and appliances.

“I like to say that lighting is the jewelry of the home, and this fixture is like bangles,” laughs Schumacher. Big, gorgeous, gold rings that add just a touch of bling and glamour. Above the kitchen island, two large pendants in mixed metals carry a distinct Hamptons sentiment. Schumacher’s take on mixing metals? “Mix your metals! It looks less contrived and less like a model home.”

“I like to say that lighting is the jewelry of the home, and this fixture is like bangles!”

Beyond the kitchen is the bar area and dining room. “Since guests tend to gather in the kitchen, the owners wanted an appealing space to draw people into when entertaining large groups,” says Schumacher. To define the bar space, an open and airy free-standing marble-topped bar counter is placed across from the built-in cabinetry. Directly above hovers a custom ironwork and glass shelving system, the shimmer of glassware beckoning the eye upwards to the 15’ coffered ceilings. The walls and ceiling of the wine cellar are painted a matte black to create an alluring, restaurant-like feel.

Chairs finished in a black and gold cut velvet fabric by Clark and Clark surround the live-edge black walnut table, and sit atop a custom wool and viscose rug by Shaver-Ramsey. A pair of matching yellow ginger jars lend a pop of color.

Schumacher’s skillful fusion of patterns and textures is also evident in the primary bedroom. A stunning hand-painted and embroidered wallpaper from Fromental adorns the wall behind the bed. “We originally intended to use the wallpaper in the entire room, but when we realized the total cost, we scaled back to just one impactful square,” shares Schumacher. The layout of the koi fish was carefully and exactingly planned to swim above the floating nightstands.

The dramatic canopy bed mimics the height of the room and was brought in from the owner’s previous home and reupholstered in the handsome black and white woven fabric. The bed pillows and bench are done in the epochal Chiang Mai Dragon fabric by Schumacher (the iconic fabric house—no relation to this Schumacher!). If you’re fearful of mixing patterns in your design, don’t be! Follow Schumacher’s advice, “Staying within your desired color palette, mix small-scale prints with large-scale prints for variation.”

Across from the bed, the soaring fireplace is clad in horizontal slats (please don’t call it shiplap!). Chairs in white linen with open arms allow light to pass through, keeping the seating area light and bright. A luxurious black Moroccan rug sits beneath a fuchsia tufted ottoman. The floors are a darkstained white oak laid in a herringbone pattern.

Each element balances another, creating symmetry and a sense of calm—a restful retreat, indeed. If Schumacher’s style resonates with you, read on to find out you can achieve a similar look. N

Nautical Nod

Heritage brass boldly plays with polished nickel in this industrial-meets-coastal pendant. The confident structure of the piece is counterbalanced by its soft, domed, etched opal glass shade. Nautique Pendant by Hinkley, $575, lumens.com

Vintage Vases

Ginger jars, which originated in the days of the Qin Dynasty, were initially used to store spices like ginger and salt, and are now used as beautiful display pieces and vases. Available in a wide array of colors, we love this bold yellow with vines, flowers, and colorful birds.

Chinese Yellow Porcelain Vase, $581, etsy.com/shop/GoldenLotusAntiques

Elegant brass rings appear to float in the air, producing radiant rings of illumination. The geometric orbital silhouette casts a dimmable soft, spacious glow. Gianpiero LED Chandelier by Huxe, $1,933, lumens.com

Piercing Portraits

Etsy is our go-to source for finding original vintage artwork. Choose something that speaks to you, in your specific color palette. Portraits are always sophisticated and intriguing. We dig this outsider art self-portrait from the 1970s. Vintage Outsider Art Portrait, $400, etsy.com/shop/ArtisAtticus

Delicate Dragons

To see more of Andrea’s inspiring style, pick up her book:

Vibrant Interiors: Living Large at Home, available at: barnesandnoble.com

This iconic Chiang Mai Dragon fabric by Schumacher was originally inspired by an Art Deco print. In this chinoiserie motif, the powerful dragons are softened by an abundance of florals.

Schumacher Chiang Mai Dragon Pillow in Smoke, 24” x 24”, $185, etsy.com/shop/PillowFever

Architecture of a Roofline

TEXT BY AARON H. BIBLE

The history behind the

Look up and you’ll see a stunning variety of roof lines, shapes, and designs, no matter what age or style of neighborhood you live in. As homeowners and lovers of architecture and home design, our curiosity had finally gotten the best of us, so we decided to dig in on this seemingly basic concept in home building.

What are the most common types of roof lines, what are they called, where do they come from, and what practical purposes do they serve? While there are at least 30 different types of roofs globally, there are a handful of more common constructions, especially here in the U.S. From flat to saltbox, gambrel, and everything in between, let’s take a look at what happens when you look up.

Gable

Arguably the most popular and most common roof type across North America is the gable roof, which takes its name from the triangle formed where two pitches meet their apex. Gable roofs are simple, and straightforward to build, popular in all types of Cape Cod and ranch-style homes, and they shed water and snow with ease. They also facilitate ventilation well, and can be constructed, even off site, at any pitch (degree of steepness), adding to their versatility and affordability. Within the gabled family are cross gabled, side gabled, flying gabled, and open gabled.

Dutch

Slightly more complex but still popular, the Dutch style roof could be considered, in essence, a hip-style roof, with a small gable at the top, although in its finished product this can take many forms. Beautiful and spacious, they are sometimes called Dutch gable or Dutch hip, and are known to let in sunlight and increase usable square footage. But they can be more complicated and expensive to build. A Dutch gable is sometimes called a Flemish gable, and is known for its roof-top pediment.

intricacies.

Flat

Flat roofs of course are not typically completely flat, but are built at varying degrees of very low angles. Often several layers and tiers of “flat” roof lines will come together in a modern or mid-modern home to create a unique and striking visual effect. The downsides are obviously drainage, which must be managed, and/or snow buildup.

Dormer

A dormer is typically an addition to a gable or hip building that provides and protects a window with its own small roof (gabled, hip, flat or other), extending from the slope of a roof. These highly functional and fun additions bring in natural light and open up upper level spaces, adding height both inside and out. A true dormer roof then would be a gable or gambrel roof with windows protruding from each side, and variations in size, symmetry, and functionality would be limited only by the builder’s imagination.

Hip

A more challenging construction that looks like a gabled roof but with four sides instead of two, is the hip or hipped roof. Hip construction is popular, and suits many larger builds, especially in high wind areas. But some builders will find it is more challenging to build, and to ventilate. That said, a hip roof could work well on an addition. A hip roof typically slopes down and meets the home’s walls, whereas the gable roof reaches out to the bottom of the eaves. The “hip” is the angle formed where two sides meet.

Shed

The shed style roof may be the simplest and easiest to build of all roof types, although it will not work for all home designs. Essentially a single-pitch, the shed roof is most commonly used for things like additions, porches, sheds, cabins and in conjunction with other roof styles.

Gambrel

The gambrel roof is also known as the barn roof, so called for the additional second-story standing or storage space it can provide. A two-sided roof with two slope angles on each side, the lower slope is steeper than the upper. Common throughout the U.S. and Europe, a gambrel opens up valuable interior space while still providing a well-draining sloped roof. Popular for hundreds of years beginning in the late 1600s, the style is making a comeback for its farmhouse style and practicality.

Saltbox

Mansard

A European variation of a gambrel roof (some sources say British, some say French in origin), the mansard roof slopes on four sides, like a hipped roof, with each side becoming steeper halfway down the pitch (giving it two slopes on each side, the lower one steeper). It is often adorned with dormers and/or a gambrel on top. Most believe the advantage is added headspace, especially in an attic. They are stunning to view but complex to build, and although they are versatile, mansard roofs can also be expensive and difficult to maintain.

You might recognize a “saltbox” home due to its distinctive New England roots and its characteristic asymmetrical sloping roofline, designed to expand interior space. A saltbox will typically have one story in the front and two stories in the back, lending an uneven pitch slightly more complicated to build than a traditional gable style roof. The long, sloping front is also intended to shed wind and rain, and encourage snow to melt quickly. Traditionally fireplaces were placed in the center of saltbox homes so you’ll often see chimneys protruding from the roof ridge.

The more we learn about these historic individual styles, the clearer it becomes that no two roofs are alike, and most of today’s homes and buildings are a combination of various elements. And while modern roof lines may be a mash up of multiple styles, it’s interesting to understand the origins of rooflines and why they matter. N

Natural

TEXT BY JASMINE BIBLE + PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOSEPH BRADSHAW

Step

Anissa Zajac has an uncanny eye for design that people are magnetically drawn to. Her serene and approachable aesthetic resonates and inspires. What started years ago as documenting her passion for designing her own home quickly led to an Instagram following and a demand for her design services. She launched House of Seven Design eight years ago and hasn’t looked back. The fullservice design house now focuses on large-scale residential design with clients nationwide.

Known for curating designs with timeless materials that emphasize the use of natural elements and texture, the clients of this 1930s-era home set in the woods knew that Zajac was the ideal choice. Along with her husband, Brian Zajac of H7 Renovation, they reimagined what the house could be, working from the studs up.

The vision for the project started with a strict color palette of deep tones of wine, dark greens, and chocolate browns, along with a commitment to using materials that could have been available when the home was built in the 1930s. This led to an ethereal blend of textures and materials that feel at once luxe and inviting.

Zajac shares, “With any project, we find four or five elements that really set the tone for the home and subtly, or not so subtly, repeat them throughout.” In this home, those standout elements included arched doorways, statement-making light fixtures with milk glass and brass, and supple fabrics like Belgian linen, boucle, and velvet.

As you enter the home, you are greeted by a long hallway, referred to as the atrium, with white oak herringbone floors, stunning wooden archways that lead to the living room and the dining room, and three angular brass and glass milk light fixtures. “It was a great opportunity to create something cool, a special moment,” says Zajac. A geometric black console sets anchor at the end of the walkway, with a round mirror above to reflect the light through the space.

In the living room, the ceiling had two different heights, thanks to an addition to the front of the house at some point. To embrace this oddity rather than hide it, Zajac got creative. “The ceilings are such an important part of the design, and I love trim. I try to put some form of it on every surface—walls, trim, and ceilings.”

She clad the lower eight-foot portion of the ceiling in white oak planks with perpendicular beams. In the taller portion of the living room, larger wood beams stretch across the ceiling in the opposite direction. This dual approach visually separates the two spaces into a sitting area and a music salon that houses the owner’s piano and her grandmother’s antique grandfather clock.

The focal point of the sitting area is the fireplace built of limestone, a material indigenous to the area. The rustic limestone stones above are juxtaposed with the polished limestone fireplace surround below, adding a dash of modernity.

The entire room feels intimate and relaxing thanks to the Belgian linen and velvet furnishings in varying deep neutral tones. “Belgian linen looks luxurious but it’s still really comfortable, an important request for my laid-back clients who entertain often,” says Zajac. Subtle patterns and textures keep it interesting yet refrained. The brass cylinder lights are a chic way to add overhead lighting without the need for blasé recessed can lighting.

“You can have color and it still feels neutral as long as the color is a deep tone.”

Through the spectacular arched opening, across the atrium, and through a second arched opening, sits the dining room. “The clients wanted moody, and I was happy to oblige,” laughs Zajac.

Choosing a dark mossy green color that can be found in nature, Benjamin Moore’s Calico Blue 707, Zajac used the paint liberally on the walls, trim, door, and ceiling. “If you’re going with a dark color, you have to place it everywhere so that it feels soothing and all-encompassing,” she says. “It creates a complete mood. Otherwise, there would be a harsh visual break between the walls and a white ceiling.”

The dark color is balanced by the cream boucle dining chairs and custom draperies with a block-print Indian pattern. The oversized vintage wooden cupboard from Asia brings a bit of history and soul to the room. An original piece of artwork by Jordan Thompson hangs on the board and batten wall, a subtle textural treatment seen throughout the home. Zajac adds, “It felt authentic to the house. It’s not too ornate but complemented other elements of the home.”

The primary bathroom is what restful dreams are made of. A free-standing soaker tub set in front of a window, with cobblestone-like tiles below, and a mesmerizing light fixture above. The beams above are painted the same white as the ceiling, giving just a bit of subtle textural interest.

The custom vanities with reeded wood drawer fronts are topped with Carrera marble and unlaquered brass fixtures. The same Carerra marble is used in the luxe shower with dual heads. The arched wood door leads to the walk-in closet. “With so many straight lines in the house, the arched doors were a great place to add interest,” says Zajac. Offering a counterpoint to the doorway is the arched hutch in a matte black, providing a space to store towels and display objects. N

A Glass of Bubbly

Light shimmers through multiple swirled glass orbs attached to metal baskets in this chandelier by Julie Neill. Talia Large Chandelier, $2,529, visualcomfort.com

EverGreen

The name for this paint color, Calico Blue 707, is utterly confusing because it isn’t blue at all. But shhh, don’t tell the paint. She’s a deep mossy green and she knows it. Benjamin Moore, Calico Blue 707, benjaminmoore.com

Treasured Teak

This natural teak wood bowl with its craters and crevices brings an organic shape to a coffee or dining table. Teak Bowl, $20, jamaligarden.com

Terracotta

Crafted in terracotta with a hand-painted whitewashing for a naturally distressed look, and carefully wrapped in rattan, Matilda makes the perfect organic-yetsimple accent. Matilda Table Lamp, $189, arhaus.com

Lovely Linen

A beautifully handblocked Indian pattern atop a luxe Belgian linen fabric. Soft and subtle, this pillow brings just a dose of pattern.

Ayo-Indian Hand Block Linen Pillow Cover, $55, ruffledthread.com

Sculptural Buffet

A striking addition to your dining room or entryway, this carved buffet brings a modern texture to a vintage-inspired silhouette. Carved Pattern Buffet, $1,899, westelm.com

Sit a Spell

A sleek and soft lounger that won’t impede on any views, ideal for sitting a spell in front of a fireplace, window, or at the foot of a bed. Opt for a luxe fabric like velvet or chenille. Sloan Daybed in Eggplant, $1,195, interiordefine.com

Explore THE DARK SKIES

Looking up at the night sky can be a beautiful, humbling, and grounding experience. Unfortunately, the “light pollution” that obscures the night sky is an increasing problem that continues to plague the health of both humans and animals. More than 80% of people living in the United States cannot see the Milky Way from their backyard because of urban and suburban light pollution. This can come from exterior and interior building lighting, sporting venues, commercial properties, homes, advertising, factories, and streetlights.

Fortunately, DarkSky International works to protect the night skies for present and future generations. They work to reduce light pollution globally through education and policy. The organization also certifies lighting for homes and businesses through the Dark Sky Rating certification process.

“Our minds are cluttered with all the noise of dayto-day living. The constant bombardment of all the social media chatter, advertising, personal interactions, politics, and the distractions of others in our lives overwhelms our sense of who we really are,” explains astronomer Tim Frazier. “The seemingly simple act of looking inward becomes so difficult that we lose our sense of self. To look up on a starry night is to see ourselves. The beauty of the night sky is within us all.” Frazier is a retired Professor Emeritus from Idaho State University and former department chair, with an undergraduate degree from Vanderbilt University and an MFA from the University of Florida.

Minimizing the impacts of artificial light has other benefits besides helping us to see starry skies. Artificial light at night has adverse effects on creatures including amphibians, birds, mammals, insects, and even plants. Adult female sea turtles have difficulty finding dark beaches for laying their eggs, while newborn sea turtles have trouble making their way to the ocean. Just as undersea sound pollution affects whales and other sea life, light pollution affects migratory birds and animals, even causing birds to collide with illuminated buildings and towers. Astrotourism is also a growing part of the travel and tourism industry. Many hotels and resorts are partnering with local astronomers to help people gain an appreciation for the night sky.

“We need to place ourselves within the larger sphere of existence and get outside of the static that surrounds us. Looking outward, away from all the circumstances of living, provides a perspective from which we gain clarity. Fundamental questions of how we are living become clearer; things of quiet significance emerge,” continues Frazier. “One of the best ways of achieving this calm state is to simply look up on a starry night and see the swath of stars that is our larger home. We are an integral part of this universe, literally made of the remnants of ancient stars. As we breathe, we are inhaling the oxygen and nitrogen created inside stars. We are not simply surrounded by the universe—we exist as part of its vastness. From this place of acceptance, we can more fully see who we are.”

Scan for more information on Dark Skies and how to enjoy them:

TEXT BY AARON H. BIBLE + PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAVID IWANE

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