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.
1 Boston, MA; 2 Milford, MA; 3 South Norwalk, CT; 4 Manhattan, NY; 5 Roslyn Heights, NY; 6 Pine Brook, NJ; 7 Syracuse, NY; 8 Bu alo, NY; 9 Philadelphia, PA; 10 Columbia, MD; 11 Richmond, VA; 12 Cleveland, OH; 13 Auburn Hills, MI; 14 Cincinnati, OH; 15 Charlotte, NC; 16 Atlanta, GA; 17 Miami, FL; 18 St. Louis, MO; 19 Chicago, IL; 20 Glendale Heights, IL; 21 Minneapolis, MN; 22 Kansas City, MO; 23 Houston, TX; 24 Dallas, TX; 25 Denver, CO; 26 Salt Lake City, UT; 27 Scottsdale, AZ; 28 Costa Mesa, CA; 29 San Francisco, CA; 30 Seattle, WA
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While adding modern function to a century-old Seattle dwelling, architect Aaron Mollick and interior designer Kat Lawton were careful to preserve its charm.
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The design team at Workshop/APD channeled the excitement of driving through the glorious Montana landscape to create an abode that embraces outdoor living.
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This Idaho residence by designer Denise Morrison and architect Rory Foubister captures the summer camp feel its adventure-loving owners desired.
ON THE COVER: In the winter months, the view from the living room window of this Montana residence by Workshop/APD looks like a charming snow globe scene framed by curtains crafted with a Dedar fabric. Inside, a custom sofa, stools from The Bright Group and an EJ Victor coffee table pull up to the fireplace. Page 180
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Photo by Adahlia Cole and Colin Peck
Experience the Difference: Club 1683
Gaggenau, maker of luxury kitchen appliances and the Home Kitchen Appliance Brand Partner of the MICHELIN Guide, prioritizes partnerships with its trade network. Club 1683 was developed to offer a select group of top tier industry trade professionals the opportunity to participate in the exclusive membership program promoting excellence in residential kitchen design. Qualified participants, including luxury designers, residential architects, kitchen studios, and single-family builders, gain access to personalized guidance, professional assistance, rewards and exclusive experiences.
For those who know the extraordinary.
Learn how to qualify.
The difference is Gaggenau
Company’s Coming
Design isn’t just our business, it’s our passion.
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.
NEW YORK CHICAGO DALLAS NASHVILLE BOSTON SAN FRANCISCO GREENWICH SHORT HILLS CANNES JAKARTA
SCENE
WRITTEN BY LAUREN GALLOW | PRODUCED BY COLLEEN MCTIERNAN
NEW CHAPTERS
DESIGN POWERHOUSES HOLLY HUNT AND MOLTENI&C SHARE AN INSIDE LOOK AT THEIR DEBUT BOOKS AND RECENT ACHIEVEMENTS.
WRITTEN BY ELIZABETH EXLINE
HOLLY HUNT
If you want to know what to expect from Holly Hunt’s recently published monograph, look no further than the title: Holly Hunt: Fearless in the World of Design Minimalist, direct and full of personality, it embodies what Holly Hunt (both the designer and the brand) is all about. “The central question in the book is, ‘How did you find so much success without any professional training?’ ” Hunt observes. The answer is deeply personal: As a single mom of three sons, she knew fear and failure played no part in her future. Accordingly, the book’s selected projects all shine a light on how she redefined American design by leveraging craftsmanship, precise proportions and the collective expertise of a team that came to feel like family. As she says, “Innovation and inspiration are imperative to success.” Accordingly, this summer the brand launched its Series II line of sculptural furniture (left), which incorporates their trademark artful lines and comfort-inducing proportions. “Each of the pieces has a personality and a refined story to tell,” Hunt observes. hollyhunt.com; rizzoliusa.com
MOLTENI&C
Just as its cover evokes a movie set, Molteni Mondo: An Italian Design Story tells the saga of a family legacy that owes its success as much to creative vision as to exquisite craftsmanship. Marking the brand’s 90th anniversary, the recently released monograph takes readers through the triumph of Molteni&C’s iconic designers (including Vincent Van Duysen), its production processes, its details and designs (with a special focus on the Gio Ponti collection showcased within the Venezuelan villa) and its museum in Italy. “At the center is the representation of a world of objects and thoughts, ambitions and imperfections, rooted in the desire to cultivate a deep knowing of how to do and be,” says Giulia Molteni, chief marketing officer of Molteni Group. The family-owned company has also opened seven flagship stores this year in major cities across the globe that exemplify their approach to Italian design: Take a passion for art and functionality, factor in collaboration with the industry’s brightest minds and stay open to reinvention. molteni.it/us; rizzoliusa.com
OPEN HOUSE
BRUME BELLEVUE
With its cult following among the local design set, Brume’s design showroom in Seattle’s Georgetown neighborhood has become a favored destination for one-of-a-kind furnishings, artisanal home goods and artforward finishes. Now, founder Renate Ruby is bringing her singular perspective to the east side with the opening of Brume Bellevue. “I began my career as an artist and a maker, and staying connected to the craft of making high quality pieces is at the core of my work as a designer and curator,” she says. With plans for a host of in-person events at the Bellevue shop, local designers and design enthusiasts can share in Ruby’s passion for artfully crafted spaces. “I get a lot of joy out of making connections, whether it is mixing objects with care, bringing makers together, or offering beautiful things for people to take home,” Ruby says. “I love creating a place for people to be themselves in comfort.” brume.house
INSPIRING MINDS LOVE
SCHACK ARCHITECTURE
In a moment when definitions of “sustainable design” have never been more fluid, Love Schack Architecture is focusing on something tangible: materials. With offices in Montana, Idaho and Wyoming, the firm designs with natural materials that are healthy for both people and the planet. Luxe sat down with founder Lindsay Schack to learn more. loveschackarchitecture.com
Why natural materials?
The reasons are many—some are aesthetic, that we enjoy the textures and appearance of materials we recognize from the natural environment. Then there are the health benefits: When we build new, we have the opportunity to mitigate, if not eliminate, materials that invite toxins inside, assuring we will have clean, healthy indoor air. We can also create buildings with a lower carbon footprint when we use materials that are carbon neutral or even carbon negative.
You have been working with straw bale insulation. Tell us about that. Straw bale construction has been around for a long time but has never really been embraced by the conventional building industry. Straw is readily available in our region, is regenerative and is a carbon sink, meaning it absorbs more carbon than it releases. The potential of the material is vast, and we have been exploring straw panels—structural wall panels framed in wood and infilled with chopped straw. The result is a material that is cost competitive, low-carbon and easy to install.
Why is this work important to you?
As architects, we should be advocates for the best buildings that we know how to create. For us, that means being accountable for the materials that find their way into our buildings. It is not enough to just create beautiful spaces; we need to both ensure comfort in a harsh climate and protect the health and wellness of our users for years to come.
STATE OF THE ART
SEATTLE ART MUSEUM
The Northwest’s leading visual art institution, the Seattle Art Museum is beginning a new chapter with the appointment of Scott Stulen as the Illsley Ball Nordstrom Director and CEO. A practicing visual artist, Stulen brings a wealth of museum experience to the position. Here, he shares his vision for SAM moving forward. seattleartmuseum.org
What are you most looking forward to? Bringing people together to create an inspired, connected and joyful community. It’s my goal to make SAM the most welcoming, relevant, sustainable and engaging cultural institution in the country with dynamic programming and unexpected experiences.
Can you give us an example of one of those “unexpected experiences”? Museums should serve many different audiences. Visitors can expect programs that blend digital with analog and academic rigor with pure fun. Right now, I’m excited about evening hours at the Seattle Art Museum on Free First Thursdays, providing more opportunities for people to experience art, programming and community.
RETAIL THERAPY CASA PATINA
Hailing from a long line of creatives, including her interior designer mother and architect great-great grandfather, Seattle-based Ingrid Reid is carrying the torch with her art and vintage sourcing business, Casa Patina. Offering an ever-evolving mix of European antiques, vintage objects and furniture, and original artworks, Casa Patina has become a favorite source for interior designers in the Northwest and beyond. “When my family moved from Spain to Cuba in the early 1900s, they brought along many special pieces that now have a spot in my family’s home,” recalls Reid, who founded Casa Patina in 2021 to help spread her love and appreciation of objects with history. “Collecting vintage, for me, has always been about celebrating those who came before us and keeping us connected to people who lived inspiring lives.” Today, Reid offers her vintage wares via her e-commerce site and at design events in New York City and the Pacific Northwest. With several in-person pop-ups planned for 2025, Reid’s newsletter and Instagram are the best places to keep tabs on her events. “I believe many of the world’s most beautiful objects have already been created. When a space achieves the right balance between old and new, there’s an unexpected tension that inspires storytelling.” casapatina.com
BRINGING YOUR TECHNOLOGY DREAMS TO LIFE
Unmatched expertise, exceptional service and a superlative client experience are what set Garrett Integrated Systems in a class apart. From smart home automation to audio/video, security, home theaters, lighting and shade control, solar and power management and so much more, Garrett will be there from concept to completion and beyond. Official Savant ambassadors and the recipient of the brand’s coveted Gold status, Garrett can supply, install, automate and service Savant’s world-class solar and power systems with peerless know-how and care. As the most trusted and capable curators of cutting-edge technology in the Pacific Northwest, Garrett Integrated Systems are industry leaders who help craft today’s most innovating and exciting homes.
DOUBT
FACETS COLLECTION by Mat Sanders
30" LED Bath Vanity Sconces
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.
Paint that painting experts trust.
Wall: Indi Go-Go CSP-565, Regal® Select, Eggshell
Trim: Indi Go-Go CSP-565, Regal® Select, Satin
“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.
Sourcing the highest quality marble, quartzite, quartz, granite and soapstone for a meticulously curated collection to ensure your search for surfaces ends with Architectural Surfaces. Visit one of our luxury showrooms today.
Featuring Alexandrita Quartzite
Natural Stone | PentalQuartz™
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.
showroom ideas in our stunning Explore your
NOTABLES
Wolf Ceramics
Pottery for joyful living that is handmade in Hood River, Oregon. Timeless, durable and dishwasher safe are just a few of the words that describe the beautiful, useful works of art Wolf Ceramics creates that elevate the everyday.
wolfceramics.com
White Bird Gallery
Jeni Lee’s atmospheric paintings capture the luminescence of our natural world. Then The Mountain Turned Twilight is an original 36" x 48" acrylic on canvas painting. Visit the gallery or its website to view the newest collections of artwork. Priced at $4,400.
whitebirdgallery.com
Smoke & Fire Designs
Unique, high-quality pieces that blend functionality with artistry. Each item is designed for durability and aesthetic appeal. Discover the craftsmanship in every creation, whether commissioned or premade. smokeandfiredesigns.com
Northwest Outdoor Lighting
Create a warm and welcoming ambience with The Dwelling address sign from Northwest Outdoor Lighting. Inspired by the Pacific Northwest, this handcrafted, weathered steel design combines beauty with durability. nwoutdoorlighting.com
Woman-owned showrooms in featuring luxury furnishings & designed objects from Bomma, Minotti, Poliform, Poltrona Frau, USM & so many, many more
Yellowstone Club Residence & table designed by Silk | Cavassa | Marchetti
constructed by Charter Construction, photographed by Whitney Kamman
FROM VISION TO VIEW
Thoughtfully crafted moving glass walls and windows redefine the boundaries of indoor-outdoor living, offering you the freedom to design, build, and live in spaces that inspire. Scan the QR code to learn more.
MORE SELECTIONS ORE FOR EVERY STYLE OR
Discover premier cross-category sourcing at Las Vegas Market Winter 2025!
Explore Building B, Floor 2, where new and expanded elevated design resources await. B2 is packed with captivating brands and products, perfectly complementing the 120 lines open 2 year-round at the Las Vegas Design Center. In the vibrant city of Las Vegas, it’s your ultimate one-stop-shop for exceptional product discovery. Preview some of the incredible brands at Las Vegas Market below, including Caracole, Elegant Furniture and Lighting, Empire Art Direct, Four Hands, O.W. Lee, Theodore Alexander, and Varaluz. our
Varaluz
O.W. Lee
Elegant Furniture and Lighting
Theodore Alexander
Caracole
Four Hands
Empire Art Direct
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
DESIGNER LIGHTING SHOP NOW
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
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.
It’s All in How You Frame It.
Bring the natural textures of the outdoors into the interior with Feeney®’s DesignRail® resin infill options with organic embedded materials.
Welcome to the World of Feeney, where our designer custom options make it easy for you to create your own masterpiece, all while keeping it perfectly within frame.
Reach out to a Feeney Design Specialist to learn more: design@feeneyinc.com
architect
Ripple Design
Studio
interior design Lisa Staton
photography Michael Clifford Photography
For more than three decades, we’ve been manufacturing paving stones right here in the PNW. Our goal is to furnish you with materials that simplify the creation of the outdoor haven you’ve always envisioned. With the largest selection in the region, we’re sure to have something that fits your needs!
The Concrete Advantage.
The Concrete Advantage.
With
Cella Architecture
ARCHITECTS
Hoshide Wanzer Architects
Located on a 2-acre site, this house is perfectly nestled into the mature landscape, while its butterfl y roof captures the light and enhances views to the lake.
206.325.6441 | hw-architects.com
Janof Architecture
A traditional home impeccably reimagined to showcase a modern art collection—Janof Architecture provides fully integrated architecture and interior design for urban, island, equestrian and resort residences. 206.795.4038 | janofarchitecture.com
Kasa Architecture
Interweaving contemporary with traditional was Seattle-based architect Susan Ingham’s goal when transforming this 1906 Capitol Hill home to meet the 21st-century needs of the homeowners.
206.334.2521 | kasaarchitecture.com
With projects reaching from the Pacifi c Ocean to the Rocky Mountains, Lane Williams Architects has been recognized as a top Seattle-based residential architecture fi rm for over 30 years.
206.284.8355 | lanewilliams.com
Leisure Architecture & Interiors
Located on Puget Sound, this sophisticated residence connects seamlessly to the outdoors through a sliding wall where a cantilevered deck frames the expansive water view.
206.322.6249 | designleisure.com/residential
Scott Edwards Architecture
Floating above the natural landscape, The Expanse takes in panoramic views of the Cascades while offering an immersion into the high desert.
503.226.3617 | seallp.com
ARCHITECTS
Photography: Andrew Giammarco Photography Architect: Conard Romano Architects
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 (opposite) 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.
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 & White
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!
GO GOLD
TAPS BRING A JEWELRY-LIKE FEEL.
Widespread Lavatory Faucet in Unlacquered Polished Brass franzviegener.com
rockymountainhardware.com
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.
Wall Mount Faucet with Arched Escutcheon in Silicon Bronze Light
3 Hole Lavatory Filler in Antique Gold with Gloss Black Chrome samuel-heath.com
No. 16600 Swirl Basin Set in Polished Brass peguerin.com
Griffey Widespread Lavatory Faucet in Antique Brass newportbrass.com
Classic
DREAMBUILDLIVE
Dyna Builders is a Seattle-based custom builder of high-quality, distinctive homes. Our projects are comfortable, functional, and above all else, wellmade. Design and construction are about turning dreams into reality, and we know the journey can sometimes be an arduous one. Our approachable, seasoned staff brings decades of expertise to every project, ensuring an outcome that is just as enjoyable as the process.
Dyna Architecture Kara Mercer Photography
Clockwise from top left: Jacqueline Faucet
palm desert
Photographer: John Granen
Garden design: Kenneth Philp
ONES TO WATCH
THE CREATIVE MINDS REIMAGINING THE FUTURE
From architecture to interior design to building, remodeling, manufacturing and beyond, innovators with groundbreaking ideas, concepts and ways of working breathe new life into their projects as they redefine excellence for their clients and industries.
TURN THE PAGE TO MEET THESE EXCEPTIONAL VISIONARIES.
It starts with client likes and dislikes. This allows us to better understand who we’re designing for so that we can then turn their requests into workable documents and materials that can be used to design, build and outfit their dream spaces.
• De fine success.
To me, success means having a steady flow of outstanding projects and clients, and an amazing team to support them! It’s wonderful to know that we’ve already achieved this as we look forward to exhilarating new projects and relationships.
• Wh at’s on the horizon?
My team and I are looking forward to finishing our much anticipated new office space as we continue to crush design expectations for our clients, while allowing them to enjoy the process.
Approaching each new project as a chance to create something truly special is the key to achieving great design. Enter Sarah Latham. As the Principal Designer at Ketchum, Idaho-based Latham Interiors, she leads her firm of eight design experts who are celebrated for their worldclass homes and environments. “Because no two projects are alike, each one provides us with an exciting opportunity to learn, grow and expand our abilities,” Latham says. Another important facet of Latham’s award-winning work is her collaborative spirit. “We pride ourselves on getting to know our clients and their projects so that we can find unique ways to achieve their design goals,” she shares. When asked to describe what she’s best known for, Latham adds: “Having worked on a wide range of projects both near and far, we have a special affinity for designing and building custom homes here in the Mountain West.”
Far left An arched plaster entryway leads the eye down the hall toward a pair of custom antique doors that open onto the primary bedroom.
Top right Rich white oak cabinetry and quartzite countertops create a subtle welcome to the kitchen of this ski retreat that Latham Interiors created for an East Coast family.
Bottom right The custom linen bed and Fisher Weisman chandelier bring an inviting and elegant air to the primary bedroom.
Photography + Headshot Mike Schirf
Proform Builds
206.910.0303 | proformbuilds.com | proformbuilds
In any field or industry, the right blend of passion, expertise and teamwork yields excellent results. As the Founder and Principal at Proform Builds, Joey Fentress has found that perfect balance. Since 2007, he’s applied his talent, skills and collaborative spirit to creating awardwinning homes for his clients in the Pacific Northwest and beyond. When asked to share his greatest achievement, Fentress says, “Assembling and leading a remarkable team that embraces taking on increasingly complex projects and devising innovative solutions.” That approach has allowed Proform to thrive and grow in exciting ways. “As we continue elevating our level of craftsmanship from our Seattle homebase, we’re excited to announce our expansion into Austin, Texas. Currently, we have key team members working on several impressive projects in what I feel is one of America’s most vibrant and inspiring cities.”
Expert Constructs
• What sets you and your team apart? We prioritize building strong relationships with our clients, as well as the architects, interior designers and trade partners we work with. By fostering clear and effective communication, we minimize errors and maximize the value we deliver to our clients.
• Define success. While we’re always thrilled to see an increase in annual sales, it’s not our sole measure of success. For us, true success is being the top choice when architects and designers are referring a builder to their clients.
• What motivates you most? My commitment to creating a company where our team members can build meaningful, long-term careers so that we work together to make Proform one of the best building companies in the country.
• Share what’s new and next. We were thrilled to expand to Austin last year and look forward to building our brand in that amazing market! Top Working in collaboration with Shuler Architecture, Allison Lind Interiors and Sculpted Sites, Proform Builds created a home and property that’s both elegant and inviting. Photography Anton Benedikt
JOEY FENTRESS, FOUNDER AND PRINCIPAL
LUXURY
NEW CONSTRUCTION & LARGE-SCALE RENOVATIONS
SUSTAINABLE FURNISHINGS & WINDOW TREATMENTS
Creating ethereal gardens
Architecture: Aaron Mollick and Lisa Sidlauskas, Studio AM Architecture | Interiors Interior Design: Kat Lawton, Kat Lawton Interiors Home Builder: Jay Nygaard and Dan Garman, Gallagher Co. Construction Landscape Architecture: Richard Hartlage, Land Morphology
Old as New
A Seattle family restores their century-old waterfront Dutch Colonial to its former glory while adding modern functionality.
WRITTEN BY LAUREN GALLOW | PHOTOGRAPHY BY KARA MERCER | STYLING BY TERESSA JOHNSON
The home’s entry features a reconstructed stair crafted by Oka Woodworks Inc. A Visual Comfort & Co. lamp sits atop the antique console from Lolo French Antiques. The rug is from Andonian Rugs, and the pendant is by Hudson Valley Lighting.
The remodel of this traditional Dutch Colonial abode in Seattle’s Laurelhurst neighborhood started small with just a few planned upgrades, but as work got underway, its scope quickly increased to become a down-tothe-studs renovation designed to marry the best of old and new. Although the effort was more than initially expected, it was familiar and rewarding territory for the clients. “We’ve always loved Seattle’s older homes,” says the owner, whose family has lived in a handful of classic properties in Seattle over the years. “When we learned that this 100-year-old house was coming on the market, we were excited at the prospect—and when we set foot on the grounds and saw the expansive lawn leading down to the water, we knew we had found the perfect place for us.”
From the beginning, the owners wanted to keep the home’s character intact, and as the project expanded, they hired architects Aaron Mollick and Lisa Sidlauskas as well as interior designer Kat Lawton to make it happen. “The house is a gem, but they wanted to modernize it,” Lawton recalls. “It was an important goal to preserve the original charming aesthetic while making it more functional for modern living.”
Though the residence was in relatively good structural shape, there were certain aspects that weren’t ideal for the family (which includes two teenagers and a dog) and their shared active lifestyle. “The layout, one we commonly see in older homes, was based on bygone behavioral patterns, and the formal spaces, such as the living room and dining room, were separate from work areas, like the kitchen and pantry, with very little visual connection between them,” Mollick says. With the help of general contractors Jay Nygaard and Dan Garman, the team set to work reimagining the four-story dwelling. The first item on the docket was to open the main living level’s floor plan and expand the then-cramped kitchen to enjoy the waterfront views and give the family, who loves to host gatherings, an expansive entertaining space.
Throughout the house, history was the guide. The team retained original details like leadedglass entry windows, arched passage doors and an appealing multipaned window in the pantry, then
went to great lengths to echo these features in other spaces. “The goal was to make new elements look as if they had always been here,” Lawton explains. That objective was carried out by weaving explicit period-inspired details, such as beamed ceilings and traditional moldings, into many rooms. Other elements, like the kitchen’s oversize geometric floors, give history a more subtle nod.
“Wherever you are in this house, you are cocooned in charming details,” Lawton says. Take, for instance, the traditional string ties on the kitchen nook chair cushions. Antiques, such as the entry console, have pride of place throughout, and vintage accessories and artworks (including a portrait in the command center) are set against a palette of blues, whites and greens inspired by times passed.
While renovations on the main floor were straightforward, the other levels yielded more complex challenges. To create more usable space in what was once a low-ceilinged basement, the house was lifted and the ground underneath excavated to make way for a new recreation room, which has become a favorite family hub for movie nights. In the attic, the discovery that the entire floor was several inches from level required it to be detached with surgical precision to prevent damage to existing finish carpentry before being raised to perfect plumb. “It’s extremely rare for people to make the choice to preserve rather than to scrap and replace, but keeping original details was important to these owners,” Nygaard says. “It was truly a labor of love for us all to create something so timeless and true to the original.” Mollick agrees, adding, “In this process, everyone proved to be a good steward of the old home.”
Outside, the architects designed a new wellness pavilion containing a golf simulator, gym and yoga studio. With its dark exterior walls and green roof filled with blooming perennials specified by landscape architect Richard Hartlage, the smaller building recedes into the landscape. Not only does this permit the main house to be the focus, but it also allows the eyes of those inside to pass over the structure to the water views.
The care taken with the dwelling has proved worth it to the family who resides here. “It’s amazing to see it all come to fruition,” the homeowner says. “We are now living the reality we dreamed about when we first walked into the backyard.”
In the kitchen nook, a Hekman table and chairs from Design Within Reach rest in front of a walnut-lined bar adorned with hardware from Chown Hardware. The light fixtures are all by Visual Comfort & Co.
Left: A pass-through pantry connects the entry to the kitchen. The marble floor tile is by New Ravenna. At the end of the hall, an original arched window wears a fresh coat of Benjamin Moore’s White Dove to match the walls.
Opposite: Northwest Custom Cabinets-crafted cabinetry painted in Sherwin-Williams’ Cadet conceals paneled dishwashers flanking the Shaws sink. The faucets are by California Faucets, and the hardware is by Classic Brass.
Right: Inspired by the home’s Dutch Colonial roots, an oval window replaces a mirror above the soapstone-topped powder room vanity. The Schumacher wallcovering plays well with the Anthology floor tile.
Opposite: Off the kitchen is the family command center. The walls are painted in Sherwin-Williams’ Monorail Silver, with trim and casework in Cadet by the same brand. The vintage painting adds period character.
Above: Cushions upholstered in Kravet Couture fabric and a Hudson Valley Lighting pendant create a cozy reading nook in the upper-floor library. Zak+Fox’s Orangerie wallcovering adds a bold dose of pattern.
Opposite: The library’s built-in shelving is accessed via a ladder by Putnam Rolling Ladder and lit with sconces by Visual Comfort & Co. Shelves in Benjamin Moore’s Newburg Green back a vintage oil painting.
Christopher Farr Cloth draperies fabricated by Lesley Petty Studio and bedding by Serena & Lily foster a quiet, restful atmosphere in the homeowners’ bedroom.
At the foot of the Scott James Furniture & Design bed is a Lee Industries bench.
Upstairs, the attic contains a space affectionately called the
which contains
“Peter Pan Room,”
original built-in twin beds. A coat of Benjamin Moore’s White Dove, a York Wallcoverings paper on the ceiling and Serena & Lily sconces give the room a fresh feel.
In the backyard, a new wellness
contains an exercise room and a golf
pavilion
simulator. Painted in Benjamin Moore’s Gravel Gray, the structure is visually distinct from the main house. The terrace overlooks Union Bay.
Mountain Majesty
When creating this year-round Montana retreat, the design team let the landscape lead the way.
BY
WRITTEN
MAILE PINGEL | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MATT KISIDAY
Architecture: Andrew Kotchen, Zachary Helmers and Ryan Kelly, Workshop/APD
Interior Design: Nicole Ficano, Deana Della Cioppa, Maddie Perry and Leah Bordenga, Workshop/APD Home Builder: Taylor Pisk, PRG Group
In the entryway of this ski-in, ski-out home in Big Sky, Montana, a table from Pfeifer Studio is joined by stools and a table lamp by Stahl + Band. Hanging on the wall of cross-sawn oak is a painting is by Shawna Moore.
When residential designer Zachary Helmers and interior designer Nicole Ficano talk about the drive up to the Yellowstone Club home they created for longtime clients, their voices are filled with genuine excitement. “From Bozeman, you drive through a valley, lose cell service, and then it’s a two-lane road up the mountain—it’s an absolutely picturesque trip!” Helmers says. “Just getting there is amazing, so we wanted to embrace that feeling,” Ficano adds. “And since it’s a house designed to be enjoyed year-round, we leaned into the idea of a resort and a palette that blends with changing seasons.”
The home’s design was outlined by Yellowstone Club’s architect, Sloan Bauer of Bayliss Architects, but the owners brought on the team from Workshop/APD to tailor it to their tastes. Helmers refined the floor plan, tweaking the flow of the kitchen and pantry areas and reimagining the primary suite. “They wanted it to be a comfortable hangout and anything but standard,” he says. “We aimed for a sophisticated, not cliched, mountain style.”
To achieve that, the design team worked with general contractor Taylor Pisk and superintendent Jock Zallar to bring the outdoors inside. “We leaned into texture and tone, and we used wood and stone in warm and soft ways,” Helmers says of bespoke elements such as the cross-sawn oak paneling, limestone flooring that looks like terrazzo and monolithic basalt fireplace. The team applied the firm’s “crafted modern” ethos, putting a contemporary spin on age-old processes and bringing in craftspeople, like Shem Bishop of Bishop Woodcraft who built the wood stair that now ties the home’s three levels together. “You can see the hand of the maker, and that’s important,” Helmers adds. He also took a novel approach to the kitchen island, joining its two stone slabs with a bronze inlay, an idea borrowed from the Japanese art of kintsugi
“We always try to take a holistic approach to our projects, and Zach’s team created an incredible architectural background for these rooms,” Ficano says. As guests walk through the entryway, an intentionally compressed
space, the living room opens to reveal a snow globe-like scene. “You look straight out to the mountain, so our goal was finding pieces that would complement the view, not distract from it,” says the designer, who selected simple shapes and materials like linen, mohair, bouclé and leather. She also chose a soft tone-on-tone palette of earthy hues that work year-round.
“We used plaids sparingly and opted for some lighter colors, like pale green, so there’s a little brightness when the weather is warm.”
The adjacent dining room and kitchen are defined as a separate space by their wood ceiling, but they work in tandem with the living area, creating a great room-like feel perfect for entertaining. “You can perch at the island or the table—you can sit in those dining chairs for hours, they’re so comfortable—and talk to people in the living room,” Ficano says. “It’s an environment where every piece is used, and I love that,” she adds, noting that the sheer window treatments “add interest and softness” while also working to visually connect the spaces.
The bedrooms, as well as a lower-level lounge, continue the materials palette devised by Helmers. “They repeat throughout the house creating balance,” Ficano continues, reiterating the importance of a holistic approach. In the primary suite, the entryway’s limestone flooring appears on the fireplace surround and bathroom countertops, and the designer employed nubby fabrics akin to those in the living room. “With the textural white rug, it’s almost like snow and the bed is a sleigh,” she says. Guest rooms “feel like retreats of their own,” Ficano describes, including the bunk room designed not only for kids. “We made it a bit more mature, though there are whimsical elements, like fun-shaped ottomans and patterned wallpaper. It works for people of any age,” the designer says.
But in the end, it’s the home’s landscape that sparks excitement for both the owners and the design team, and the latter was inclined to step back and let nature be the star. “They wanted it to be easy when they come in off the ski slopes or golf course,” Ficano says. “And we were so in awe of the environment that we didn’t want anything to take away from it.” Helmers agrees, adding, “The mountains really dominate your thinking when you’re here.”
An Arhaus side table sits between a custom Workshop Collection sofa and a Nuevo chair in the living room. Just beyond, Workshop/APD for Desiron chairs surround a bespoke dining table crowned by a Pelle chandelier.
“They wanted it to be a comfortable hangout and anything but standard. We aimed for a sophisticated, not cliched, mountain style.”
–ZACHARY HELMERS
Above: Designed by Workshop/APD and built by PRG Group, the bar is composed of millwork by Plato Woodwork, metalwork by Montana Ironworks and stone from Earth Elements. It is backed by a staircase crafted by Shem Bishop of Bishop Woodcraft.
Opposite: Motivo Furniture stools upholstered in Coraggio leather line the kitchen island. The taps are by California Faucets, the microwave and wall oven are by Wolf, and the wine storage and paneled refrigerator are by Sub-Zero.
“We were so in awe of the environment that we didn’t want anything to take away from it.”
–NICOLE FICANO
The primary bedroom features a custom Workshop Collection bed in Osborne & Little fabric, nightstands from Montana Expressions and pendant lamps from Les Ateliers Courbet. Perched atop the rug from Jebara & Co. is a Maiden Home armchair. Drapery made from a Coraggio textile filters the light.
Above: Black Timber Furniture Co. built the primary bathroom’s vanities, outfitted with slab tops from Earth Elements and illuminated by a Hennepin Made pendant. The floor’s limestone composite material, used throughout the home, is from ABC Stone.
Opposite: From the Workshop/APD for Kallista tub, the owners can soak in the views. It is joined by a Hennepin Made chandelier and a Four Hands table.
The bunk room’s full-size RH storage bunks are perfect for guests of all ages. Room & Board ottomans atop a Patterson Flynn rug and a Porter Teleo for Schumacher wallcovering keep the space fun. The Roman shade fabric is by Kravet.
Landscape Architecture: Aaron Rietze, Clearwater Summit Group
OF A PL ACE
Drawing on regional history, a design team creates a home that lives in harmony with its surroundings.
WRITTEN BY RACHEL GALLAHER
PHOTOGRAPHY BY LANCE GERBER
Just steps off this Harrison, Idaho, home’s terrace is a semicircle of Gloster’s highbacked Kay rocking chairs. They provide an ideal perch for taking in views of Lake Coeur d’Alene while friends and family gather.
Interior designer Denise Morrison has received thousands of inspiration photos from clients, but when a family hired her to work on their retreat in Harrison, Idaho, she was surprised when they provided something different to spark her creativity: a written narrative. This was more than a list of preferred styles; it was a page-long text detailing how the family—self-described as adventurers who push boundaries, play music loud and laugh a lot—wanted to live on the shores of Lake Coeur d’Alene. “The wife wanted the family to spend their days hanging out, playing music, cooking and having friends over,” the designer says. “It was so sweet, and it helped us in making our selections.”
Located in the Gozzer Ranch Golf & Lake Club, the residence is perched on a hill overlooking the lake. Embracing an elevated summer camp vibe, Morrison worked alongside architect Rory Foubister to design a main house and guest quarters—the latter dubbed “the barn”—connected by a courtyard. “This is Idaho, so we didn’t want to do a contemporary box,” says Foubister, who leaned into a Northwest architectural vernacular with a pitched roof, regional timber siding that will silver with age and simple volumes positioned to frame views of the surrounding landscape. “Some of the home’s elements are inspired by barns that are prevalent in the area,” the architect adds. “The clients wanted something with character.”
The exterior palette of wood and stone continues through the interiors and served as a jumping-off point for furnishings and finishes. Morrison and senior designer Jocelyne Lander selected pieces in materials such as leather, linen and wool to create a layered, lived-in feel, while clean-lined silhouettes and attention to scale keep things contemporary. “We balanced rustic and modern, finding that sweet spot where everything is just right—it doesn’t look like a woodsy cabin, but we weren’t ignoring that inspiration and going too modern,” Morrison says. To keep things unified, “We used a lot of neutral hues but at all
ends of the spectrum, from light to very dark and everything in between,” she adds. “There aren’t a lot of big color moments here, which would have detracted from the cohesiveness.”
With space to host up to 20 guests, entertaining is a clear favorite pastime for the family, so the residence had to feel welcoming. “They wanted a very warm, cozy home that wasn’t pretentious— something livable that also had great style,” Morrison explains. In the main house, a large kitchen and lounge are the key gathering spaces, with the latter connected to the courtyard by a large sliding glass door system. Instead of a formal dining table, the clients requested a more informal seating area between the living room and kitchen. “This is the spot where everybody wants to hang out,” Morrison says of the circle of armchairs. “It’s such a unique way of creating a little den or lounge. They use it constantly.” For informal dining and the occasional wine tasting, the team created a beefed-up kitchen nook tucked to the side of the cooking area.
Private spaces such as the primary bedroom and bath are minimal but not cold, with warmth coming from the rustic wood that covers the ceilings and composes built-ins. Textured wallpaper, patterned tile and textiles create a quiet visual interest.
Two alfresco areas offer different atmospheres for enjoying outdoor environments created by landscape architect Aaron Rietze. The courtyard’s wind-protected seating area is more intimate, while the covered back patio running the length of the house is meant for entertaining, with its pool, dining area and fire pit with ample seating. When they aren’t out on the lake wakeboarding or riding dirt bikes through the forest, the family loves to gather around that fire pit with friends, singing along as the daughter plays her guitar.
Though the project started out as a summer retreat, it quickly grew beyond a seasonal getaway, with the clients now spending roughly half the year here. And Foubister credits that to a sense of balance. “Opting not to go super contemporary was right here,” he says. “It’s that blend of old and new that makes this a great Idaho home.”
Rift-cut white oak kitchen cabinetry is accented by a quartzite hood and countertops. De La Espada’s Throne barstools are upholstered in a Holly Hunt Great Plains fabric.
The lounge holds a circle of Hickory Chair swivel chairs around a Palecek coffee table.
Above: In the kitchen nook, designer Denise Morrison paired a Calistoga table from her furniture line, House of Morrison, with Sossego’s Pitu chairs. Light fixtures by Aiden Gray hang above; behind are a Maresca Textiles wallcovering and shades crafted with Larsen fabric.
Opposite: Backing the kitchen’s Thermador range is an Inax tile backsplash from SpecCeramics.
A Loloi Rugs runner leads to a tall Pella door that opens to an interior courtyard. Limoges Grande pendants by Suzanne Kasler for Visual Comfort & Co. provide light.
“SOME OF THE HOME’S ELEMENTS ARE INSPIRED BY BARNS THAT ARE PREVALENT IN THE AREA. THE CLIENTS WANTED SOMETHING WITH CHARACTER .” –RORY FOUBISTER
The sheltered courtyard is designed to be used year-round. In chilly weather, the family gathers around the fireplace on Tidelli sofas and Gloster rocking chairs. The Sunset West coffee table is joined by Point ottomans.
Left: In the primary bedroom, a Cowtan & Tout wallpaper and Christopher Farr Cloth-covered House of Morrison bed add visual texture. On the Robert James Collection nightstand is an Aerin for Visual Comfort & Co. lamp.
Opposite: Curtains crafted from a Peter Dunham Textiles fabric frame the primary bedroom’s views. At the foot of the bed, dressed in DownTown Company and Peacock Alley linens, is a custom settee by House of Morrison.
Above: Central to the primary bathroom is Waterworks’ Voltaire tub, above which hangs a custom Triad pendant by Apparatus. Blackened-brass sconces by Allied Maker flank the Pella window.
Opposite: Ann Sacks floor tiles bring striking pattern to the primary bathroom. The shower surround and built-in bench are made with Calacatta Setai marble from Arizona Tile; the stone appears again on the custom vanity, where it’s married with white oak. Pewter-finished Watermark shower fixtures round out the space.
A large hot tub at one end of the terrace enjoys views of the neighboring golf course through the pine trees. From the trio of Gloster lounge chairs upholstered in Sunbrella’s Hampton fabric, guests can soak in the stunning landscape.
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