All posts by Alyssa Gautieri

New Decorative Tiles Offer A Touch of Luxury

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Inspired by the grand palatial buildings of Italy, Original Style is introducing new glamorous tile designs. Palazzo provides a practical alternative to wallpaper, appealing to those who are looking for stylish, decorative wall designs in the bath or kitchen. Designed in pale gray and crisp white, the six patterns boast a neutral color palette.

Arabo

Depicting a lantern shape pattern, Arabo represents grandeur and opulence; perfect for those who are looking to create a spectacle.

Pettina

Pettina radiates style and class. Resembling the design of the popular ‘scallop’ shape, Pettina is essential for those who wish to make a statement.

Filigrana

A ‘Fleur de Lis’ pattern features within the Filigrana tile with accompanying swirls for that added graceful touch.

Piazze

The interweaving diamond pattern within the design creates dimension and structure. Two different marble effects are cleverly combined to make a grand statement in any interior setting.

Cubo

As its name implies, Cubo is made up of a series of square and rectangular shapes. Geometric in style, the pattern has a three-dimensional feel whilst its marble base is classy and sophisticated.

Prisma

Whilst gazing at the Prisma tile, you’ll see an array of shapes from triangles and hexagons to stars and pyramids. When integrated, these simple shapes achieve a gorgeous finish for an optical sensation.
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The Gift of Fine Watchmaking

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As the Bay Area’s leading high horology salon specializing in small, independent watchmakers and designers, Stephen Silver Fine Jewelry is the place to shop for luxury timepieces that will captivate this holiday season. These highly desired timepieces may serve as fascinating gifts for entrepreneurs, venture capitalists, or technology professionals.

For the Entrepreneur and Venture Capitalist

Above: MB&F Legacy Machine No.1

Right: Greubel Forsey Double Balancier

Conveying elite access and bold personal style, MB&F is known as one of the most innovative brands in the watchmaking world. The designs are highly playful, innovative, and uncompromising in quality. The MB&F Legacy Machine No.1 watch in 18k rose gold is the perfect gift for any luxury tastemaker who blurs the line between work and play.

Greubel Forsey has built its reputation as a maker of ultra-luxury timepieces engineered with complex chronometric solutions that offer improved performance. Complex and compelling, Greubel Forsey is the timepiece for those who with the vision to appreciate the very best of the best in complex horological craftsmanship and rare artistry.

For the Tech Developer, Engineer, and Consultant

If he’s the type who prefers hoodies and casual wear to suits, he will appreciate the clean, distinctive look of the Ressence Type 5 titanium diver’s watch with domed, oil-filled case. In a first for a mechanical watch, the brand’s innovative use of oil makes for a vibrant, domed dial with complete legibility whatever the angle of view.

 

De Bethune’s poetic DB25 Starry Varius speaks to collectors who appreciate rarity, quality, and a distinct, modern style. The slender case in lightweight grade 5 titanium completes this artful, well-engineered timepiece which is equal parts classic aesthetic and science fiction, destined to appeal to the tech-industry innovator or programmer.

Above: Ressence Type 5

Left: DB25 Starry Varius

Above: Richard Mille RM037 ladies’ Automatic Big Date

Right: Hermes H

For the Female Executive 

Women want accessories and timepieces that communicate their success and precision. Richard Mille’s tech-driven designs and performance aesthetic make this the brand of choice for a female executive looking to make a powerful statement on her wrist.

 

A subtle statement can be the most powerful. For those who prefer discretion over boldness, the classic style of a long-established luxury house embodied by the Hermes H watch, is the perfect gift. This gold-toned steel watch features the emblematic Hermes “H” shaped case, an elegant white dial, and barenia toned, stitched leather strap.

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City Versus Country Living in France

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France is a country inexorably bound with ideals of beauty, style and high fashion. From its poetry to its property, the world’s most visited country has a certain je ne sais quoi that draws people in.

 

Visitors who are charmed by France’s allure may want a more permanent stake in the country than a two-week holiday. Luckily, there are some exceptional properties to choose from. French second homes offer rich pickings to those with a taste for luxury — from palatial Parisian apartments to classic country chateaux.

 

With so many luxurious properties available, the age-old question of city versus country rears its head once more. A chateau in the heart of the countryside and an apartment in central Paris offer utterly different lifestyles. Thanks to our friends at FrenchEntrée, we are taking a look at the differences between city and country living.

City Living

Country Living

City Living — A Paris Apartment

 

Paris is a fascinating city, and the Eiffel Tower is one of the most recognised landmarks on the planet. For €18 million, it’s possible to own a stunning apartment on the historic Avenue du Président-Wilson, with views of the Eiffel Tower.

 

An apartment in Paris is the ideal property for those looking to get the most out of city life. From shopping on the Champs-Élysées to dining in some of the world’s best eateries (Paris is home to 10 restaurants with three Michelin stars and 106 Michelin starred venues in total), a Paris apartment is perfect for a lively life packed with social engagements and glitzy gatherings.

 

In Paris, there are a range of ultra-fashionable, contemporary apartments that boast superb proximity to some of the capital’s best attractions, from the Museum of Modern Art to the Palais de Tokyo.

Country Living — A Country Chateau

 

For those who prefer classic grandeur to urban style, a countryside chateau can deliver all the serenity and solitude that country living has to offer. It’s hard to put a price on having the space to relax and breathe, away from the frenetic pace of city life. Although at €14.7 million, this chateau does just that. Less than an hour’s drive from Paris, this property offers all the benefits of the country lifestyle.

 

With meadows, mature trees and a wealth of flowers and shrubs, a home in the country is a lovely contrast to a home in the bustling city. Whether homebuyers spends their time horseback riding or hosting a beautiful garden party, the options are limitless in the French countryside.

 

Set in the greenwood countryside of La Vallée de l’Ancoeur, this chateau offers 173 total acres with a 42-acre park.

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Desert Meets Ocean

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Driving along a pathway of cacti and palm trees, I was soon greeted by the scent of saltwater, the sound of waves crashing against the mountainous rocks, and the breathtaking views of the infinity pool overlooking Santa Maria Bay.

Perched atop a mountain, I looked across the vista — at guests relaxing by the 20,000-square-foot pool at Montage Los Cabos and residents enjoying the Mexican-style beach club at Maravilla Los Cabos, yet there was still much more to see.

Sited along the Golden Corridor between San Jose del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas in southern Baja, Mexico, Twin Dolphin is a 1,400-acre master-planned community being developed by Ohana Real Estate Investors. The expansive project includes Montage Los Cabos, a five-star resort hotel and residences, Maravilla Los Cabos, a private residential community, and a Fred Couples Signature Golf Course.

 

Upon entering Montage, I was immediately amazed by the azure waters of Santa Maria Bay. Whether it’s from the hotel or residences, each room overlooks the water — from the one-bedroom suite and beachfront presidential suite to each of the 52 residences.

 

“The location of Twin Dolphin is extremely special,” notes Neil Johnson, managing director of residential real estate for Ohana Real Estate Investors. “There is a natural topography of the land, which slopes up from sea-level making it optimal for development, because it allows everyone to have an ocean view.”

 

With two-bedroom prices starting at $2.7 million and three-bedrooms starting at $3.2 million, each residence at Montage comes fully furnished. Also featuring 122 guestrooms, Montage features luxury amenities such as a full-service Spa Montage, Montage’s signature Paintbox children’s program and access to one of the only swimmable beaches in Cabo.

 

For those looking for a more secluded experience, there is Maravilla…

 

The Maravilla exudes a sense of privacy perfect for the entire family. From coastal-style villas and townhomes to customizable homes and homesites, prices begin at $3 million. Reminiscent of the land’s natural beauty, both developments embrace contemporary design. “We wanted to showcase the true sense of Cabo and its natural desert surroundings. The minimal and contemporary aesthetic truly underscores the authenticity of the destination,” Johnson notes.

In addition to access to amenities at Montage Los Cabos, residents at Maravilla may exclusively enjoy the 60,000-square-foot clubhouse with two restaurants, three-level infinity pool with a water slide, full-service spa, outdoor amphitheater, community park, and much more.

Despite the incredible landscape, immaculately designed homes and luxurious amenities, the biggest appeal of Maravita has to be its sense of community. “Our goal was to create a private residential community that is exceedingly focused on families,” Johnson says. “It’s been incredible to create a destination where the parents don’t want to leave, but more importantly the kids don’t want to leave.”

 

Both developments also offer out-of-this-world, beachfront dining options with deliciously curated drink menus — for lunch, enjoy authentic fish tacos with a local artisanal beer, or treat yourself to freshly-caught lobster with a beach-inspired cocktail for dinner.

 

When I wasn’t gazing out at Santa Maria Bay during meals, relaxing by one of the many ocean-view pools or indulging in a wellness treatment at Spa Montage, there was no shortage of adventurous activities to explore — from discovering exotic marine animals and vegetation while snorkeling to touring the Baja Outback atop a camel’s back.

The Residences at Montage

This originally appeared in Unique Homes Fall 2018

 

Click here to view the digital edition.

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Affleck Estate For Sale

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A 87-acre property on Hampton Island, currently owned by actor and filmmaker Ben Affleck, is on the market for the first time since he acquired it.

 

By Alyssa Gautieri

 

The remarkable property overlooks North Newport River along the Georgia coast.

 

The plantation-style main house is complemented by a 10,000-square-foot guesthouse, screened-in summer cottage, equestrian center, private deep-water dock and 600 yards of waterfront.

 

Richard Mopper of Engel & Völkers Savannah is listing the property for $8.9 million.

“We’ve had buyers look at the property and almost everyone has been looking for a second or third home,” Mopper notes. “The island is a great place for those who love the outdoors and enjoy outdoor activities, or for families that are looking for a getaway for a month or two a year.”

 

However, the island also appeals to those seeking year-round living as it offers both proximity to town and the advantage of privacy. “A lot of people don’t realize how marvelous the Georgia coast is,” Mopper says. “Hampton Island is so conveniently located — only 30 minutes from the Savannah airport — yet you are secluded in a beautiful, wooded area with the most gorgeous limestone roads. It’s that ambiance that drives people to this area.”

Oyster House Interior

“We’ve had buyers look at the property and almost everyone has been looking for a second or third home,” Mopper notes. “The island is a great place for those who love the outdoors and enjoy outdoor activities, or for families that are looking for a getaway for a month or two a year.”

 

However, the island also appeals to those seeking year-round living as it offers both proximity to town and the advantage of privacy. “A lot of people don’t realize how marvelous the Georgia coast is,” Mopper says. “Hampton Island is so conveniently located — only 30 minutes from the Savannah airport — yet you are secluded in a beautiful, wooded area with the most gorgeous limestone roads. It’s that ambiance that drives people to this area.”

 

While the 3-structure estate offers many features, Mopper says “the real draw is the main house. It has such elegance. It is really the perfect place to live and entertain in coastal Georgia.”

Known as the Big House, the 6,000-square-foot house was uniquely designed in the early 2000s to reflect the Antebellum era. From the 15-foot ceilings and wide-planked, reclaimed hardwood floors to the 18th century-style kitchen cabinets and massive arched fireplaces, architecture firm Historical Concepts carefully crafted each architectural detail.

 

Meanwhile, the exterior of the home is reminiscent of Greek Revival architecture with large columns, both front and rear verandas, brick walkways, outdoor seating and swings, and professional landscaping. “The home feels exactly like the era that it is meant to, yet with every modern convenience,” Mopper says.

The Big House Formal Living Room

While the main house is truly magnificent, there is much more beyond the verandas. Walk along the long brick path to the river, and you will be greeted by the “The Summer Cottage.” Surrounded by huge oak trees and views of the dock and river, the screened-in cottage is the perfect setting for a summer evening — whether it’s a fish fry, oyster roast or another outdoor gathering. Inside, the cottage boasts a unique, rustic style with a large fireplace, exposed beams and exposed, pitched ceilings.

 

 

Continue along the path, and you will approach “The Oyster House” on the river’s edge. Perfect for large gatherings, the rustic guesthouse offers six bedrooms with bunk beds salvaged from marine vessels, as well as three master suites. Outdoors, the wraparound balcony and expansive, rivers views make this space ideal for outdoor entertaining and dining.

Photos by Richard Leo Johnson 2017

Courtesy Atlantic Archives

This originally appeared in Unique Homes Fall 2018

 

Click here to view the digital edition.

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Always in Style

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Whether it’s due to the sound of waves crashing on the shore, views of the sun setting on the open water or the scent of the fresh, crisp waterfront air, homes along the water never seem to go out of style. From coast to coast, high-end buyers are in the market for luxury waterfront properties — from teardown properties with coveted views of the California coastline to luxurious estates overlooking Lake Burton.

By Alyssa Gautieri

Northern New Jersey

From lakefront to beachfront, New Jersey has a selection of luxury, waterfront properties on the market. Focused on the properties along the northern lakes, Lynn Brescia of Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage finds that high-end buyers now want more than just great waterfront views and a luxurious standard of living.

 

Often year-round homeowners, “buyers are looking for areas that allow for outside water activities and local communities that promote social activity,” she says.

764 Pines Lake Drive West

Wayne, New Jersey

Photo courtesy Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage / NJ

While average prices range between $1 million and $2 million, there are also indulgences such as a $14 million-dollar property in Greenwood Lake, New York. Brescia notes that “homes between $1 million and $1.6 million seem to be in the highest demand.” She adds, “The demographics are often locals between the 40-50 age range with children still at home.”

 

While northern New Jersey often attracts local buyers, “there are some out-of-state buyers, more from New York City, who are considering a move to a waterfront home,” Brescia notes.

Lake Burton, Georgia

Popular among second-home buyers, Julie Barnett of Harry Norman, REALTORS asserts that the beauty of Lake Burton makes it the perfect destination for a vacation home. “Lake Burton is the prettiest lake in the Southeast and only an hour and half from Atlanta, Greenville and Ashville,” she notes.

 

Many buyers come from Atlanta, however Barnett has also noticed a trend of young people investing in lakefront property.

 

While the most expensive waterfront listing in Lake Burton is currently $5.9 million, waterfront homes around $1 million are attracting many potential buyers. Most often a small fishing cabin, teardown properties under $1 million are often purchased due to prime location. For a home priced between $1 million and $2 million, buyers may find a space that needs many upgrades. According to Barnett, a move-in ready home is more likely available in the $3 million-plus price range.

 

While waterfront inventory has gotten lower in recent years, the new year has brought more activity to the Lake Burton area. Barnett notes, “in the first quarter of 2018, we had three times the number of sales that we had the first quarter of 2017.”

Tampa Bay, Florida

Due to recent growth and the new construction of luxury hotels on Clearwater Beach, high-end buyers are being drawn to the Tampa Bay area, according to Martha Thorn of Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate.

 

Both local and out-of-state buyers are in search of new-construction, waterfront properties — particularly focused on homes built above the floodplain. “If we are talking about trends in the luxury market — any property over $1 million, it is very slow unless it is a gulf-front property,” says Thorn, who has noticed waterfront properties selling faster this year.

 

“There are plenty of luxury homes in our area to sustain the market,” she adds. “As far as up-and-coming areas, anything in South Tampa and near downtown St. Petersburg is selling like hotcakes.”

 

Recently selling for $7.2 million, a gulf-front home on Redington Beach in Pinellas County is among the highest waterfront sales in the area. Belleair Shore, a beachfront community, is also one of the highest priced areas with prices ranging from $3.5 million to $6.7 million.

943 Bayshore Blvd.

Tampa Bay, FL

Photos by Cary John Photography, Courtesy Martha Thorn

Savannah, Georgia

From homes bordering tidal creeks and deep-water creeks to beachfront homes on the Atlantic Ocean, Savannah embodies a unique waterfront market.

 

Richard Mopper of Engel & Völkers Savannah notes that “the Savannah market has seen a sharp price correction and values are on an upward swing.” He adds, “waterfront properties, due to scarcity, are rising quicker than the rest of the market,” with waterfront properties ranging anywhere from $800,000 to $14 million in Savannah.

 

Savannah has a limited number of luxury waterfront homes, which makes it difficult to sustain buyers’ needs. With competition tough in Savannah, the market is making room for new up-and-coming areas. “There are exceptional opportunities for waterfront properties south of Savannah in the quaint areas of Bryan, Liberty and McIntosh Counties — where currently there is an exceptional selection of quality waterfront homes and lots,” Mopper says.

 

According to Mopper, the buyers include locals in an upward spiral as well as people from all over the globe. “The mystique of Savannah has made the community internationally known with people interested in second and third homes,” he says.

Palos Verdes, California

We have a saying in California, ‘you’re either waterfront or you’re not,” says Megan M. Neel of RE/MAX Estate Properties, who mentions that desirability for waterfront properties is growing in California and hence, so are the prices.

 

Located in Palos Verdes Estates, Neel has a waterfront property currently listed at $23.888 million — a price that is significantly above other waterfront properties in the area, with the most recent highest-priced waterfront property selling for $16 million.

“This property is on the higher end of the spectrum,” notes Neel, who finds that most waterfront homes are teardown properties starting in the $6 million to $7 million range. “There are so many people that would love to live on the ocean, but affordability is often a factor,” she adds.

 

With many properties being purchased for the land and location, water views become an important factor for buyers. “In this area, the most coveted views are ones that include the coastline not just the horizon,” Neel says.

5 White Water Lane

Dana Point, California

Photos courtesy Tim Smith, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage

King County and the Greater Puget Sound, Washington

Attracting a diverse audience — with about 50 percent being locals and 50 percent coming from out of state and other countries — the waterfront market is booming in Washington. According to Kelli Langford of Keller Williams Realty, “prime waterfront properties with acreage and views are going quick. They are not sitting on the market long.”

 

With King County’s Lake Samamish, and Pierce County’s Lake Tapps on the map as up-and-coming areas, Langford believes there are enough luxury, waterfront homes on the market to sustain buyers’ needs. “Washington offers many wonderful lake and waterfront homes in King County and the Puget Sound,” she says. “With patience, perseverance and the right Realtor, buyers should be able to find the waterfront home of their dreams.”

 

Currently, the most expensive waterfront property is located in Bellevue with a listing price of $45 million. Another prominent listing is in Lake Tapps, which is priced at $4.3 million.

This originally appeared in Unique Homes Summer 2018: The Waterfront Lifestyle

Click here to view the digital edition.

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5 Trends in Kid Bedroom Decor

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Gone are the days where bedrooms consisted of loud, mismatched colors, oak-colored furniture, and stuffed animal infestations.

 

Kids’ bedroom decor has evolved greatly over the past few years. Today, kid room décor is more sophisticated and purposeful than ever before.

 

In order to explore some trends in Children Bedroom Decor, we spoke to Dania Farhat, the CEO of Decor For Kids — an inspirational platform for everything kids decor.

Photo courtesy of Credit to @gracefullgrit

Neutral colors

 

Neutral colors are not only popular in common areas of the home, but in kid spaces as well. Neutral colors are great for kids’ bedrooms because as children grow, their tastes and styles change with them. With neutral colors, a room design can be easily transformed. All you need is to switch out accents and accessories, and you have a whole new room design!

Photo courtesy of @daniafarhatinteriors

Wallpaper

 

Wallpaper has gained popularity again. It is a great way to add character, texture and interest to a space. Wallpaper prints have become softer and larger in scale. Wallpaper is now more commonly used on a focal wall and serves as inspiration for the entire room design.

Photo courtesy of @mrcurtiselmy

Floral

 

The floral trend is going strong. Floral decor used in kids’ bedrooms brings in a bright and cheery touch.

 

The paper flower business has boomed tremendously over the past couple of years. They are customizable and come in different variations, colors and styles. Floral wall decals are another type of floral decor. They also come in various sizes, colors and styles. This is a great way to add texture and variety to a space without being committed long term. Wall murals are used as a dramatic way to bring floral themes into a space. There are some beautiful variations available. Bold and larger floral prints are currently trending.

Photo courtesy of @nanlindy

Photo courtesy of @terra_cotta_decor

Photo courtesy of @daniafarhatinteriors

Themed bedrooms

 

 

Themed bedrooms are very much on trend and the designs have gotten much more elaborate over the years. Themed rooms are fun because this allows you to get super creative, and allows the child to have their ultimate dream space tailored to what they are passionate about!

Personalized Wall Decor

 

 

Personalized wall decor is all the rage these days. They come in different variations and add a personal touch to a kid’s room. There are so many cute personalized wall decor options available.

Photo courtesy of @rblasingame

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Amenity-Driven Sky Park Transforms Baltimore Skyline

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In today’s market, the demand for unique luxury residential amenities has never been more important. For those who live in ever-growing urban jungles across the nation, buyers want to have everything they could ever need right at their fingertips while enjoying the cityscapes surroundings.

With this in mind, this residential community is taking luxury amenities to new heights. Positioned seven stories above the bustling city of Baltimore, the custom sky park at 414 Light Street features an elevated amenity-laden lifestyle — with everything from a pet spa and pet park to a 16-foot outdoor dual-sided movie theater.

 

Developed by Questar Properties, 414 Light Street is a 44-story tower of 394 luxury residences and is the tallest residential tower to stand in the city of Baltimore and the state of Maryland. Featuring hospitality-inspired services and amenities, the apartment tower includes 40,000-square-feet of outdoor and indoor amenity space.

“We were looking to do something unique and distinguishing,” says developer and owner Stephen M. Gorn, CEO of Questar Properties. “We really like what we’ve done here. We’re truly creating a new standard of luxury, which is a blend between a five-star resort, five-star hotel and a luxury, residential building.”

 

The sky park offers multipurpose activity lawns, Al fresco kitchen and dining, community and resident gardens, a skyline terrace with a pool and cabanas, and an urban bosque with bi-monthly harvesting.

 

There are also several outdoor seating areas, all offering sweeping views of the city. While some offer privacy and seclusion, much of the space is also curated with entertainment in mind — boasting activities such as pool tables and televisions.

Indoor amenities include a fireside retreat room, game room, media room, entertainment kitchen and bar, yoga and meditation room, club-caliber fitness room and business lounge.

“The combination of unique amenities is really my favorite part about 414 Light Street,” Gorn says. “The sky park was inspired by this desire to create a full living experience, and to serve this market that was really underserved.”

Located in Downtown Los Angeles, Oceanwide Plaza is following a similar trend. As the largest mixed-use development in Downtown Los Angeles, Oceanwide Plaza comprises three towers and boasts a 100-foot high, 2-acre sky park outfitted with 2 dog parks, a basketball court, lawns, a running track and swimming pool.

According to Gorn, the expansive design process took around six to nine months, and the project took more than 3 years from start to finish.

 

From the exterior to the interior, the team was very mindful of design. “We really wanted to create a design that appealed to a diverse demographic palette, from millennials to baby boomers and everything in between,” Gorn says.

 

Questar Properties worked in collaboration with landscape architect Wolff Landscape, and architect Solomon Cordwell Buenz. “We got together and we really challenged each other to do something creative. We wanted to do something that was very dynamic and creative,” Gorn says.

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Stunning Design Revealed in Battle of the Sheds

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The men and women of eastern Pennsylvania custom home builder Rotelle Studio(e) duked it out in the backyard in the ultimate battle of the sheds. The He vs. She Shed design competition was inspired by the growing popularity of tiny houses and the reimagined shed as the new backyard getaway.

 

“Outdoor space has been hot for some time; it’s a less expensive way to make your house larger. The shed component is an extension of that — giving you a unique getaway to spend time on hobbies or with friends,” says Peter Rotelle, president and owner of Rotelle Studio(e).

He Shed

She Shed

He Shed

The competition not only showcased the custom company’s expertise and creative design talents, but proved to be a team building exercise that brought Rotelle staff closer together.

 

The He Shed team was led by Rotelle, who worked with Chief Operating Officer Anthony Holowsko, and Senior Project Manager Ken Zimmerman. Using raw lumber, the men constructed the ultimate backyard man cave. The team used repurposed antiques, including a wall lighting fixture made from car headlights and a coffee and bar station made from an old tool chest.

 

“What steals the show is the wall that drops like a tailgate and turns into a rear deck that has a grill that swings out adding an additional 100 square feet of living space. It’s simply spectacular to say the least,” Rotelle says.

She Shed

The She Shed team was led by Chief Designer Renée Pratt, who worked with Chief Architect Heather Ryan, and Design Consultant Emily Wisler. The She Shed’s signature wow factor is a retractable roof that opens up to allow a lot of light and air into the chicly designed space, and when open provides cover over a side deck.

 

“The She Shed has the most outlandish feature of all, a roof that opens up to the sky with a garage door opener. It doesn’t get any cooler than that,” Rotelle says.

 

Clever built-ins allow for discreet wall storage, and the serving counter hides a cooler. Completing the She Shed is a hammock-like day bed suspended from a sturdy crossbeam.

Both teams were challenged to create a space that feels stylish and luxurious, yet spacious and comfortable. “The most important design feature is trying to utilize all of the space and to make the space feel larger than it actually is,” says Rotelle, who understands the importance of creating outside living space, using a lot of windows and drawing inspiration from boats and planes.

 

“The tiny house craze is extremely appealing, however the reality of living in one is an entirely different story,” explains Rotelle. “They are very quaint, ship-shape and highly appointed but when it comes to 365-livability, it’s may not be practical for everyone. This competition was a demonstration of how on a limited basis, you can have a tiny house, shed or cottage and accomplish the intimacy of the units.”

 

Online voting ended on Oct. 7, and the She Shed won the competition by 182 votes. Voters were automatically entered into a raffle to win the She Shed. Realtor Meredith Jacks of Styer Real Estate in South Coventry, Pa. will take home the She Shed.

The He Shed fetched $11,011 in its online auction. The winning bid was placed by Rotelle, who will be installing the He Shed at his 45-acre campground Simply Rustic. The check was written to Ashley Addiction Treatment.

Photos courtesy of Rotelle Studio

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The Home Personified

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Interior designer Jane Cunningham draws inspiration from her client’s passions and interests. She then transforms the home from a place to an animated space.

By Alyssa Gautieri

As  president and principal designer of Room Resolutions, Jane Cunningham establishes extensive relationships with her clients to craft spaces that maximize comfort and nurture happiness. Melting her client’s vision with her own expertise, she is revolutionizing what it means to be an interior designer.

 

“Our way of looking at design is through a variety of perspectives, and one is through the client’s perspective,” she says. “It starts with understanding our client’s vision, and with a lot of questions from both sides.”

 

Whether it’s what brought them to the area or what sort of entertaining they enjoy, Jane explores a range of topics with her clients. “It is almost like you’re out on a date,” she jokes.

 

Serving pineapple-infused sparkling water and pineapple cookies to reflect a welcoming, relaxing atmosphere, the Room Resolutions team invites clients into their space and encourages them to open up.

Sanctuary Seating Area 

Los Vegas

 

This room captures the beauty of the outdoors through the soft curves of the bay window flanked with serene embroidered linen sheers, inviting all to unwind in the refined blue leather chairs.

Cozy Great Room

Henderson, NV

 

“The grand piano sets the tone for this room (located in Henderson, Nevada), melding wood floor warmth with modern decor, all captured beneath an intricately detailed coffered ceiling,” Jane says.

“Getting to know our clients starts with something really small and grows until we are actually a part of their circle,” Jane explains. “It is the beginning of a long-term relationship so we want to make sure we start with a really open conversation. I want to know about their passions, likes and dislikes.”

 

With every bit of information shared, Jane begins to rapidly imagine her client’s dream based on newly-learnt insights into their lives.

 

“It can be overwhelming to create the home you love, and we are happy to guide our clients and have a home that they are proud of and want to show off,” says Amanda Cunningham, design manager at Room Resolutions and Jane’s daughter.

“The difference with working with Room Resolutions is the process and experience we guide our clients through. Clients appreciate our design project management framework and are grateful for the experience and feel understood.”

 

To create the perfect home for clients, Jane not only talks extensively with clients but with their homes as well. “I know it sounds crazy to personify the home,” she jokes, “because we are talking about an inanimate object and we are telling it to speak to us, but it can and it does. You want to make sure that when you are putting a home together, it delivers what you’ve asked of it.”

 

Whether it’s an oceanfront estate or a ranch overlooking the mountains, Room Resolutions has worked on unique projects across the globe — from Sydney and Copenhagen to Honolulu and Los Angeles. “I think we have an infinity to each place that we do, based on our passion that we can draw out of every client,” Jane says.

 

Always up for a challenge, Jane is constantly coming up with innovative ideas to match the unique visions of her clients. “If the challenge is exciting, then the challenge isn’t difficult. It is worthy,” she says.

 

One of her recent challenges — as she knew very little about horses — was a horse ranch in Colorado. “I learned so much about those horses and began to understand the owner’s passion for those horses,” says Jane. 

 

Meanwhile a 20,000-square-foot mansion in Las Vegas posed a different set of challenges.

“How do we make this a family place, and make it feel intimate?” Jane asked. “We accomplished that, and it was really exciting for us to turn something so large into something so intimate and inviting.”

 

Jane has grown Room Resolutions around the idea of going above and beyond — arguing that every detail in a home must combine to create a cohesive space. “If something doesn’t feel right in a home, it is probably because you are not pulling its full potential,” she says.

 

A rule of thumb for the Room Resolutions staff — a home is not complete until each designer could imagine themselves in that space. “One of the things that our team always says, when we are nearing the end of a project, is ‘do we all feel like we could live here?’” Jane explains. “Even if it is totally against what we would want as a style, if we feel like we could live here, then we are doing our job.”

“We gave it a try, and we haven’t looked back since,” Jane says. “It is like having your most trusted, loyal companion with you all the time.” — Jane

Constantly accepting new challenges, Jane never grows bored of her love for interior design — which she says blossomed when she was only six years old.

 

“I think I always had it in me, and I finally allowed myself to break out,” she says of her decision to pursue interior design full time. “I had this wonderful opportunity to start Room Resolutions and begin on the interior design quest.”

 

A second important milestone in Jane’s journey was when her daughter joined Room Resolutions. While the two had not planned to become a duo, everything began to fall into place once they began a team.

 

“We gave it a try, and we haven’t looked back since,” Jane says. “It is like having your most trusted, loyal companion with you all the time.”

“It’s like working with your best friend every day,” Amanda agrees. “We have a connection that allows us to communicate in ‘code’ as we say. I already know what she is thinking and can anticipate her next steps and vice versa.” — Amanda

“It’s like working with your best friend every day,” Amanda agrees. “We have a connection that allows us to communicate in ‘code’ as we say. I already know what she is thinking and can anticipate her next steps and vice versa.”

 

The duo credits much of Room Resolution’s success to their genuine love and care for each client and project.

 

“We care so much about our business together,” Jane says. “We feel like we have created something extremely unique in the business world, as well as the design world.”

Photography by Shay Velich

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