Originally built in 1947, this unique home hadn’t been on the market since 1960, which gave our client an unaltered palette. Our project collaborator, Turnbull Griffin Haesloop Architects, added large windows and skylights throughout allowing our team to work with the home's abundant natural light and create a seamless indoor-outdoor living experience for a family of four who loves entertaining and enjoying the outdoors.
The home’s unique asymmetrical shape was built around an existing tipu tipu tree creating a natural centerpiece that catches the eye and holds the attention of the home’s exterior. Nestled within is a light-filled, secluded, and close-to-nature family oasis.
An existing, non-traditional grand staircase connects the two living spaces and the contemporary railing was designed to work with the existing windows—a nod to the old and a dramatic statement demonstrating the couples love of sculpture and art.
Turnbull Griffin Haesloop Architects
ARCHITECT
Kasten Builders
GENERAL CONTRACTOR
Site Studio
LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT
Wood paneling continues from the stairwell into a pitched kitchen ceiling with structural beams and a sprawling skylight. Two windows bordering the stove and range hood serve as a backsplash and allow a lovely view into the courtyard.
In the dining nook, the architect replaced the picture window with wall-to-wall windows to allow a sightline out into the yard from the stairwell. The custom dining table from local furniture maker Godard Furniture and a built-in bench that spans the entire length of the wall add asymmetry and a place to host sit-down dinners for 20 or more.
The hidden bar opens seamlessly and integrates into the white background, while providing a fun surprise and pop of color for party guests. A custom Calico wallpaper covers the entire alcove including the integrated millwork doors. A fully stocked bar beautifully displays spirits and decorative barware on the custom Ammuneal shelving. And a custom pewter counter with integral sink finishes off the space and provides a carved moment and color block experience amongst the white wall.
We opened the wall between the kitchen/dining area and living room to create a great room. Large sliding doors were constructed by Quantum to look similar to the existing expansive windows and provide open access to the courtyard, fire pit, and hot tub. The wrap-around Cassina couch invites one to lounge, with sections that face both into the room and out.
The primary suite is kept muted and serene, with a curved, caned headboard, and circular nightstands with closed storage. Automated Lutron drapery and shades allow for easy opening to enjoy the view of the landscape and tipu tipu tree.
The primary bathroom kept its original footprint, but the architect removed the trusses to prioritize unobstructed views from the skylight that spans across the shower, vanity and WC. The mirror reflects the tipu tipu tree from the courtyard, further bringing the outside in.
In one of the kid's bedrooms, we painted portions of the corner walls to create a visual frame for the bunk beds, each of which features a recessed cubby to provide storage surfaces in lieu of nightstands and its own reading light.
Working around an existing rug, another of the kid’s bedrooms features a custom trundle bed affixed to a headboard. Wallpaper by Bien Fait adds playfulness and subtle, artful texture.
The home's ADU features a spacious guest suite designed to feel like a continuation of the home with its own kitchenette. The room’s living area is perfect for family movie nights and doubles as an office—we built a custom desk, contiguous with the storage shelving, with a large window above and off-center pendant.
The powder room is an artistic statement showcasing the clients' love of tile and texture with its dark green tiles, pink grout, and rose gold hued fittings. In the guest suite, an alcove style bed allows for more space and desired privacy for visiting family and guests.
Jennifer Hughes
PHOTOGRAPHER
Rosy Fridman
STYLIST
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