Work in Progress: Two Homes – Two styles

During the past two years my team and I have had the pleasure of working on two homes for clients who have completely contrasting styles. Though the final photographs aren’t ready for release, I couldn’t wait to share some Work in Progress images because these two homes are perfect examples of the IEG philosophy: Your Home. Your Style.

Foyers

These foyers set the tone for each house in distinctly different ways. For our clients who love the homes they have seen out West, we designed an organic foyer with nature-inspired textures, upper left. The goal was to create a comfortable, informal elegance that references the outdoors. To warm up the chiseled Eden stone entryway and accent wall, we chose a color wash faux finish to the walls that references the earthy tones of the travertine stone floor.

In contrast, the woman executive who owns the home on the upper right craved a distinctly feminine, contemporary look with polish, bling and curves. For her foyer, we chose a sleek, clean-lined look with a gleaming marble floor and a glass staircase with polished aluminum hand rails. The glass crystals embedded in the faux finish of the niche walls are a hint of things to come – we sprinkled crystals like stardust throughout the house.

 

Chandeliers

Dramatic chandeliers create a focal point and define the style in each of these two, vastly different dining rooms. On the left, light shines through beautiful agate discs – each with its own pattern – in a 36-inch fixture. For our contemporary homeowner, right, we couldn’t resist a chandelier provocatively named Sexy Crystals. And yes, it is dripping with crystals from floating cylinders of polished chrome.

 

Kitchens

The centerpiece of the kitchen at left is a wood-stained island topped by a vein-cut, granite countertop with a 3-inch, DuPont ogee edge. The island contrasts beautifully with the warm, off-white perimeter cabinets and adds architectural presence to the space.

On the right, polished chrome and glass chandeliers above the islands sparkle like a series of pendant necklaces. The silver metallic backsplash and the quartzite waterfall countertop on the work island add layers of excitement. It’s just enough feminine flair for our female exec.

 

Great Room – Keeping Room

The dramatic wood-paneled ceiling with hand-scraped beams instantly frames and defines this sunny, Western-influenced family room, above left, overlooking mature trees and tranquil ponds. It is a cozy gathering space to come.

Gleaming and gorgeous, the polished Pierre Degris marble fireplace wall and surround, right, is the focal point for a sophisticated woman’s “keeping room.” (The term dates back to Colonial times when some homes had a secondary living room connected to the kitchen, which kept it warm.) For this fireplace we chose a flush hearth that is consistent with the clean-lined design throughout the home.

 

Living Rooms

The Eden stone fireplace and wall columns, above left, remind me of lodge-like homes in Utah and Montana. The hand-hewn wood floors and wood plank and beam ceiling add to the effect, without going overboard. I can just imagine curling up in this room on a deep sofa with a cozy throw and a steaming cup of hot chocolate.

Even before the furniture arrives, above right, you can tell that the living room for our female executive is going to shine. The polished marble hearth spans the full width of the space. The book cases are lined with back-lit onyx panels and framed in zebra wood with a high sheen. This is a room where I would enjoy having a glass of wine and listening to soothing music after a long day in the office.

My team and I feel fortunate to work on two such contrasting projects that highlight the depth and breadth of our work. We can’t wait to share the final photos with you! Stay tuned.