Hearth + Stone

As empty-nesters, the clients wanted a warm and elegant, lock-and-leave home. It needed to feel like a sanctuary and a place to easily entertain. Inspired by their international jewelry business, this new construction feels like jewelry on a large scale—with textures and patterns imagined as beautiful gemstones mounted against a simple, clean setting.

The open floor plan meant that the kitchen was visible from the front entry, so it was important to create a seamless visual to the living areas. Rather than choosing a traditional treatment that showcases the stove hood and kitchen tools, the design team recessed the ventilation into the counter. Appliances are also hidden from view. The staircase was designed to float from the side walls, pulling the eye to three continuous stories clad in handmade Italian terra cotta tile.

They designed front windows for the clients’ French antique shutters, then added warmth with reclaimed brick and concrete floor tiles. In the primary bedroom, soft textures and monochromatic hues create a luxurious oasis. Grasscloth wallpaper, a warm wood ceiling and a plush wool rug mute outside distractions. Jute nightstands, soft textiles and hand-dyed hemp pillows elaborate on the textural theme. In the primary bath, custom marble mosaic floors were specially patterned to fit into the toilet room, shower and tub niche and to run along the ribbed vanity face. The custom over-scale steel medicine cabinets are enormous, with backlighting to add dramatic mood.