This home went through a full transformation to fit this young family of four’s goal of a functional, comfortable, welcoming home that is updated, sophisticated and incorporates “stand-out, interesting” pieces. The look went from dated and stuffy to a hip, forever home that embodies its owners’ joyful personalities and balances her transitional and his modern aesthetic preferences. The couple also wanted the design to incorporate art including an emphasis on supporting artists of color, specifically Black and Hispanic artists. Overall, the inviting home now exudes a chic and artful character.
The formal foyer provides a bright, stunning first impression. The entry showcases a large-scale glass tiered tube chandelier with an ombre effect of clear to white glass. The winding stairs are warmed with a gray Wilton wool graphic patterned runner, while the ground floor area rug includes metallic threading. The modern white encaustic art, “One of Many” by Susan Stover, introduces the couple’s love of art from the first step into the home. The cut velvet upholstered settee in the step-down area provides a welcoming seating area.
The brief for the living room was to create a formal space for their grandmothers and family to lounge and feel special. This was delivered with a twist of urban chic including both an acrylic & spray paint on canvas by graffiti artist Sandro ‘Sen2’ Figueroa over the gas fireplace and a leather sculptural artwork encased in acrylic. Walls are painted with a subtle silver metallic plaster finish so the special feeling for guests is literally like being inside a jewel box. Pink velvet channeled swivel chairs sit opposite a tight back linen sofa on a textured grey loop and pile rug with a dressy sheen. A faux shagreen cocktail table and a sculptural glass console provide rich design details. Bookshelves flanking the front window incorporate an antiqued mirror back panel.
Her office transitions smoothly from the living room with its pink wood veneered bookshelf back panels and the pair of organic ink on paper artworks by Laura Moriarty. Feminine details are balanced by a large white power desk with champagne curved metal legs fit for a successful lawyer who works from home part-time. Fine reeded bleached wood shades allow for privacy and light filtering, while also allowing beautiful views of the backyard.
The formal dining room vibe is moody and mysterious with reflective, cloud-like patterned ceiling wallcovering, high gloss charcoal walls and the repetition of cloudy mirrored panels across from the front windows. Modern dining chairs feature leather channeled backs and blue velvet seats. The modern linear light is like a star in the midst of a midnight sky, setting the mood for intimate and formal occasions. Artwork “Vientos de Invierno” by Ricardo Wagner is the perfect theme for this room with a celestial look, while a commissioned colorful glass sculptural work by David Licata near the bar creates an visual axis point that is enjoyed from the dining room. The blue bar with geometric metal backsplash provides an appropriate connection to the dining area.
The large family room draws attention with its gas fireplace and dramatic, custom designed black and white marble modern façade that creates the stage for the abstract, colorful artwork by Patrick Alston. Walls are wrapped with a textured blue/gray vinyl wallcovering, making the large space more cohesive. Custom charcoal rift oak floating millwork with metal mesh door detail and dark hardware provides ample storage and space for TV viewing. A custom u-shaped sofa sectional in blue cut velvet and a soft yet hard ottoman, where feet can be put up and food and drinks can be placed, create a cozy destination for family time. A round black and blue paper cord area rug designates the space for a round black wood table and leather chairs, adding an area for board games, coffee in the mornings and snacks. The smoke-colored glass globe lights connect to the dark elements of the table and fireplace façade.
The kitchen received hardware upgrades and a transformed eating area. The pedestal wood kitchen table enables ease when coming or going, while a custom black wood banquette combines a blue and textured faux leather for sleek, yet family-friendly seating. Glass and black metal large-scaled pendants create a focal point without obstructing the outside view and the “Friend of the Station” painting by Al Johnson adds a note of energy and color for this family center.
The powder room is wrapped in a sculptural blue wallpaper with subtle metallic. The dark modern faucet is a striking contrast to the thick custom marble sink. Two small works, called, “Rudo El Color” by Sandro ‘Sen2’ Figueroa are reflected in the mirror.
The primary bedroom exudes sophistication and romanticism with its plush materials, atmospheric plum and gray grasscloth walls and tailored details. The plush upholstered bed with plum sheets mix with silvery charcoal textural drapery and Roman shades for a moody cocoon feel. A custom designed armoire with smoked leaded mirror doors and shagreen hardware reflects the beauty of the room. A velvet purple chair and arched iron floor lamp create a welcoming reading nook. Small self-portrait shadow cut-out art by Jessica Maffia to each side of the armoire and Vincent Keele’s “Transcommunication” painting over the bed elevate the richness that only artwork can provide.