Art is frequently used in interior design to elevate the aesthetic, but it’s rare to have access to a collection of museum quality pieces for placement in a home. Such was the inspiration for this 14,000 square foot residential villa.
Architect and interior designer collaborated from the start. The result is a classical style to support the exteriors, but with a modern twist. Dark wood frames the archways and doorway and window moldings, and the family room flooring is pieced by three different sized marble cuts in two finishes (honed and sandblasted leather), creating a striped effect in shape and texture. Curved architecture and subtle detailing are balanced with a sleek block fireplace of silver travertine, while an under-lit bar sparks actual use of the space via the lure of food and drink.
The client’s accumulation of Cuban paintings provide ample color and life, therefore decor acts as the canvas versus focal point. Neutral furnishings make a statement with shape and silhouette versus patterns. A blend of irons, woods, and solid fabrics provide a masculinity and maturity without being pretentious. Luxe wallpapers, including velvet-embossings and overlays and grasscloth textures, placed on select walls builds sophistication and interest.
The foyer’s four massive marble slabs create a diamond-shaped ripple effect so seemingly perfect as if nature itself designed it that way. This piecing technique is echoed in the master bathroom’s shower, yet the flooring maintains a classical mosaic style, keeping with the aforementioned theme of merging traditional and modern subtleties.
The wine room is modeled after an old cellar resurrected with fresh functionality. Stainless steel chillers inserted into the patterned grey stone slabs limit refrigeration behind glass doors, thereby enabling guests to sit comfortably. Swivel industrial-like wooden seats flank the steel table, anchored by a beaded chandelier.