There’s plenty of seating for when the gang’s all here, from the acrylic benches perched in front of the exotic wood entertainment center to the pale gray sofa trimmed with brass nailheads. The maroon in the pillows and accent chairs by a mirrored side table was inspired by the deep color of the lotus, one of Nilam’s favorite flowers. It provides a striking contrast to the room’s neutral palette, while the soft area rug introduces a subtle pattern. To warm up the space, Gerts deftly incorporated a mix of metals, such as polished gold with the marble coffee table. Gerts describes the formal living room as “soft and luxurious. It has a lot of texture, and at the same time it’s very European.” The curved silver velvet sectional teams up with a glasstopped coffee table that lets the beauty of the hand-knotted, wool-and-silk rug show through. Another standout piece, the mirrored credenza, is topped with roses in the artwork above. The chandelier reflects the shimmer of the textured walls, and the velvet drapes with crystal finials have a jewelry effect, she says. Are you getting the vibe of a Parisian hotel lobby?
The formal dining room is also dressed up with velvet drapes, complete with handmade trim. The custom table in dark brown oak is just the right size for a family that loves to entertain. The crystal in the dual chandeliers is mirrored in the array of candle holders grouped together as a centerpiece. Again, Gerts warms up the room with touches of gold, as seen in the base of the acrylic sculptures atop the serving console with curved acrylic legs. Also curved are the dining chairs upholstered in a luxurious, light gray velvet. An abstract painting with a floating gold frame above the serving console delivers another touch of sparkle. Even the tray ceiling commands attention with its silver leaf wallpaper for “a wow factor from top to bottom in the room,” she says. Was all this attention to detail worth the effort? When relatives gathered for Thanksgiving before COVID, they were “blown away” by the design, says Nilam, proving her point that elegant style has its place in a busy family’s daily life. No one, apparently, was too awed to enjoy the feast.
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This page, left: In the formal dining room, gold-based acrylic sculptures top the serving console with acrylic legs. The abstract painting above is also framed in gold. Diamonds may be a girl’s best friend, but gold is design’s treasure for its warmthinfusing power. This page, right: With a dining room table this size, one centerpiece would hardly do the job. Here Gerts uses a row of candle holders, in crystal like the dual chandeliers, to provide the right dimension and balance. Opposite page: Perfect for a family that’s passionate about get-togethers, this dining room table of dark brown oak is paired with curved chairs in light gray velvet. The velvet drapes with handmade trim dress it up even more. Similar curves can be found in the grand room accent chairs and the formal living room’s sectional. “Using those elements provides a nice flow from one room to another,” Gerts explains.
APRIL/MAY 2021
3/29/21 1:11 PM