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Symmetry and Balance: A Legacy Home in The Classic Tradition
By : Douglas Design Studio Inc.
GRANDS PRIX DU DESIGN – 16th edition
Discipline : Interior Design
Categories : Residence / Kitchen : Silver Certification
Categories : Residence / Classic/Timeless Residential Space : Gold Certification
Concept & Inspiration
Set on a vast plot of land, this newly built family residence unites contemporary design and modern convenience with the timelessness of a classic legacy home. Its strong, yet delicate, architectural bones are reminiscent of a French chateau, and so the interiors were designed to equally stand the test of time, both in style as well as in quality of craftsmanship. A transitional, contemporary European style with pan 20th century references forms the overarching theme for all furnishings. What really defines the spaces in this home, though, is their connectedness, symmetry and balance. This is especially apparent in the delineation between the semi-public and private spaces in the home, each area interconnected and richly detailed, allowing the full volume of the large rooms to unfold.
Overview
Limestone was used as a key material all around the house, grounding the design in unassuming elegance. The spacious surroundings offer plenty of space for a pool with cabana, outdoor kitchen areas and a generous forecourt. On the outer edges of the property, beautiful landscaping flows into the protected forest area surrounding it.
One thing emerged early in the creative process: Like a good wine, this project was going to take time. As the clients indicated their desire to build a legacy residence, we were happy to oblige with an interior design concept that complements the architecture and focuses on craftsmanship of lasting quality at luxury level. All in all, the build took five years to complete.
The flow of the family spaces on the ground floor—the family room, breakfast room and kitchen—mirrors the layout of the rooms intended for hosting guests at the front of the home: the study, formal living room and dining room. That same balanced layout is echoed again in the basement, where two dramatic pieces of marble bookend the entertainment and recreational space.
With five bedrooms, the home holds ample space for the family and their visitors. Special features include a spa with massage room, a spacious garage with a square footage of 4,000 sq feet and room for up to 6 cars and an all-season barbecue room with built in grill and ventilation. A secondary, private staircase in the back of the home speaks to the volume and largeness of the house, while an elevator provides added convenience. These spaces were designed for the ease and quiet luxury of family living—for this generation and those to come.
Challenges & Strategies
One challenge we faced was to make the sheer volume of a home with 11 ft ceilings and large rooms feels cozy and comfortable. To give a warm and inviting feel to their full dimensions, we used a variety of wall finishes, including a hand painted de Gournay wallpaper in the dining room, sateen wall coverings in the living room and master bedroom, and leather panels in the entry hall.
Another pleasurable design puzzle was the structure of the barrel-vaulted ceilings in the family kitchen, evocative of a traditional Italian cookery. The measurements of the vaults were coordinated perfectly with the size of the tiles, so that not a single one needed to be cut. Additionally, the somewhat uncommon client request for an indoor barbecue room had to incorporate proper ventilation and fire attenuation, which were then designed around.
Key Aspects of the Project (Room Details)
The dining room features a striking, custom de Gournay silk wallpaper. 10-foot tall bi-fold églomisé and polished nickel doors, handcrafted by a local artisan from a combination of white gold and moon gold, open up to ample storage.
In the kitchen, a stove hood crafted from bronze and back-painted glass forms the focal point introducing the colour story for the entire space. Additional details include a marble countertop specifically uniquely suited for rolling dough and pastries, as well as a back working area. Because of the height of the barrel-vaulted ceilings, the pendants above the kitchen island were manufactured to custom length.
The adjacent back kitchen, butler’s pantries and servery room offer additional workspace and generous storage, both in linen closets and a secondary fridge unit. The colour palette of black and bronze is continued from the kitchen, from which the rooms are separated by reeded glass doors. A highly functional wall covering was used in these spaces that can be easily cleaned and, if necessary, even be wiped down with bleach–a delightful combination of the luxurious and the practical.
The living room holds a custom bar, with countertops of carved marble sitting on a polished nickel. Two eglomise storage panels are patterned even more intricately than their dining room counterparts.
The family room prioritizes ease and comfort with an extremely large and comfortable sectional from B & B Italia, as well as a custom design shearling ottoman. Custom millwork made from macassar ebony leather clad panels and walnut interior stretches to the full height of the 11-foot ceiling.
In the master bedroom, satin wall panels coordinate with the marble used for the fireplace and its custom-made floating credenza. All the furniture in this space is custom design, including the nightstands featuring the same stone as used in the fireplace. A Fortuny ceiling light and Porta Romana sconces complete the room. The walk-in closet features a leather covered island with custom made matching handles—except for the uppermost drawers which are equipped with touch latches to preserve the island’s clean lines. A hidden pull-down in the ceiling gives access to the attic.
The adjacent master ensuite makes extensive use of lavish marble, from the shower bench to the shower itself to the flooring. A makeup area with integrated lighting provides daily uncluttered luxury as the counter pops up to reveal an angled mirror beneath. A custom design standalone tub makes use of its vantage point to offer the best view of the sweeping greenery outside.
