Dramatic Contemporary Style
Employing dramatic shades of gray popped with accents of yellow and bright pink in her design, Murray also chose to use both Lyptus® Wenge hardwood and travertine marble flooring in the residence. The accessories and artwork placed throughout the home reflect the circular theme and serve to deliver dramatic contemporary style. In the foyer, the circular influences begin in the transom above the beveled cut glass entrance doors and continue in the shape of the soft, gray ottomans and in the shade on the table lamp.
Unique architectural details abound in the living room, where Lyptus wood flanks a 14-foot stainless steel ‘ribbon’ fireplace and the square columns are wrapped top and bottom with the wood. Upholstery by Kravat, featuring a circular pattern appears on the side chairs and a grand semi-circular custom sofa is positioned on a custom rug etched with spiraling graduated circles.
Custom Italian glass sliding doors, built on rollers, open from the living room into a wine room complete with stainless steel pouring counter and custom-designed angular wine rack with slanted shelves. The interior of the space is painted a dark gray and boasts 14-foot ceilings. Design accents include framed photos of antique wine corks dramatically hung from floor to ceiling, stainless steel pendant lamps, and stainless steel containers set into the cut-outs at the top of the cabinets.
The modern kitchen boasts a grand wall of cabinetry fashioned from Lyptus Wenge wood. A full complement of professional stainless steel appliances are accented by the stainless breakfast bar completed with woven leather counter stools. Stainless steel accents appear at the countertops, backsplash, range hood and cabinet details. Ultra modern and ultra cool, the state-of-the-art kitchen is spacious, elegant and a cook’s dream.
Lyptus Wenge wood is again showcased in the built-in cabinetry in the family room. A circular ottoman anchors six upholstered chairs that serve as an inviting conversation area. Further architectural details are provided by the custom window seat and coffered ceiling, while glass sliders can be opened to join the room to the outdoor living area.
Bright and airy, the exercise room offers nearly wall-sized custom artwork by Rosenbaum Fine Art that continues the circular design theme of the home. The twin sleeper ottoman by Motioncraft is covered in Silkloom fabric and plantation shutters painted in a crisp, clean white cover the large windows. As functional as it is lovely, the space also holds the requisite exercise equipment and wall mounted large screen television.
Streamlined and elegant, the office has a custom designed his-and-hers desk that includes a circular, stainless steel base and Wenge wood top. Wenge wood was also used for the custom cabinetry that features touch latches and conceals the office equipment, filing cabinets and storage. Leather chairs on either side of the desk are covered in butter-soft grey leather, while across the room, the wing chair received metallic leather upholstery and features wooden side panels. The contemporary dark wood side table reflects the rich tones of the hardwood details in the coffered ceiling above.
Murray subtly repeated the circular motif of the home through a curved Lyptus Wenge hardwood walkway that leads from the office to the stellar theater room done in varying shades of white and black and accented with textured silver pillows and accessories.
Black and white, life-sized, canvas-wrapped photographs of the clients’ grandchildren flank the walls from floor to ceiling. The cutting-edge electronics in the space were installed by Wireless Home in Naples and include high-tech lighting installed in the barrel ceiling to spotlight the stunning photographs and a rear projected television screen. The project earned the 2009 bronze “Home of the Year Award” from Electronic House Magazine. The two windows feature motorized Roman shades, while the chairs at the front of the theater are covered in white leather. The steel and glass-topped bistro table is surrounded by swivel stools and the custom sofa is covered in Ralph Lauren’s Boardwalk twill.
In the adjoining guest bedroom, a custom headboard that extends along the bed wall is upholstered in Stronheim & Romann’s Circle of Life fabric. Shades of grey and white can be found in the metal facets in the silver fabric by Kravat used in the bed covers. Silver accents used in the lighting accessories lend the room a clean and inviting look.
In the master bedroom, Murray has used shades of gray, while the walls pop with hot pink accents. The king poster canopy bed by Century is fashioned from rich, dark wood and boasts a canopy accented with stainless steel bars. The custom bed linens feature a variety of fabrics in varying textures and shades of grey. The inviting chaise lounge by Sam Moore is covered in Manta-Argent fabric by Castel and sits in front of a large window offering views to the rear of the home. The shades on the bedside lamps by Barbara Cosgrove were custom painted to match the soft wall color and the floral artwork above the bed, by Trowbridge, has been executed in various tones of silver.
The sheer draperies display a wide, silk stripe and are finished with a flounce. Custom built-in white cabinetry conceals a vanity and television, as well as a door leading to the master closet and on through to both the morning kitchen and master bath. Murray designed the master bath with a spa sanctuary in mind. Mellow recessed lighting and natural light play upon the square Kohler soaking tub, while nearby is a clover ottoman by Kelly Hoppen in a fabric called Graphic Garden Weave for Schumacher. The area rugs and runners were custom made and reflect the homes’ circular theme. Tall glass vases placed on the soffits above the custom cabinetry located on both sides of the room hold custom silk floral orchids in a vivid hot pink that mimics the color on the accent wall visible in the adjacent private garden, where live pink orchids and flowers have been planted.
Outdoor living takes place on the contemporary lanai featuring an artistic square stainless steel fireplace, big screen television and bar area. The seating and tables are by Jardin de Ville. The magnificent infinity pool offers far-reaching water views of the lake behind. Both the pool and spa areas benefit from the nearby stainless steel aqua globe fountain. Custom designed, the sound of falling water can be heard as it bubbles from the top of the three steel circles. Further decorative steel spheres have been placed throughout the garden as accents. Chaise lounges in the shape of giant leaves, the sound of running water and the stunning natural views lend the outdoor space a relaxing, spa-like quality.
Murray’s inspired design incorporating soothing shades of gray and the clever use of circular shapes as found throughout the home culminate in a soothing yet innovative contemporary residence.
Photo Credit: Giovanni Photography
Shannon Murray Interiors, Inc.
2 Highland Park Place
Rye, New York 10580
Phone: 914-282-2482
www.ShannonMurrayInteriors.com