All posts by Kristen Ordonez

Luxury Homeowners Spending More Than Ever on Renovations

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Luxury sales may be surging, but behind the scenes another housing sector is undergoing a similar remarkable resurgence — renovation and home improvements.

By Camilla McLaughlin

Photo courtesy Tony Sutton

Renovations have always been a given in the luxury realm, and typically new owners make changes soon after the acquisition. Today, recent homebuyers aren’t the only ones spiffing up homes. With the number of properties on the market at historic lows in many places, some homeowners are opting to stay put and upgrade their current abodes, moving walls, redoing kitchens and baths, finishing basements and adding outdoor enhancements.

“The remodeling market continues to benefit from a stronger housing market and, in particular, solid gains in house prices, which are encouraging owners to make larger investments in their homes,” says Chris Herbert, managing director of the Joint Center for Housing Studies (JCHS) at Harvard.

Research from HomeAdvisor shows that owners who have been in their homes for six years or less still spend the most on home improvement, followed by those who have owned for 11 years or more. Projects can range from a simple refresh and updated finishes to a complete revision of the layout. 

“Typically, the incentive is around entertaining and functionality. The two go hand in hand and often when the family areas, such as the kitchen/family room, aren’t working, the house will undergo a renovation,” says Christine Markatos Lowe, owner of Christine Markatos Design in Santa Monica, California. Life events can also trigger a revamp. “Some of our clients have redone the entire house to refresh it upon a milestone such as children leaving for college,” Lowe says.

Increasingly, long-term owners are making improvements with a future sale in mind. But learning that their well-maintained home will not resonate architecturally with buyer expectations comes as a “news flash” to some, says Tony Sutton, president of Est Est Inc., an award-winning design firm in Arizona. “Potential sellers need to understand what they have to do to bring their homes up to speed, so there will be no objections or obstacles to a reasonable offer,” he says. Sutton illustrates with the example of a home with $400,000 worth of cabinetry. “There is nothing wrong with it, except the color is ugly. The buyer is going to come in and say, ‘I have to replace all of the cabinets,’ and I tell potential sellers, ‘they are going to ding you several hundred thousand dollars.’” Sutton suggests refinishing all cabinets in the house to look current and eliminate that objection. It might cost $20,000 or $30,000, but, in the end, he says you could get an additional $350,000 out of the house.

In other instances, when specific features might not be up to buyer expectations and owners don’t want to make the financial outlay, Lisa Adams, owner of LA Closet Design, suggests having plans drawn up and a rendering completed. She uses the example of an $11 million listing. “Everyone who walked through the house was clearly excited about the property, but when they got to the master closet you could tell it was anticlimactic,” she explains. The owners opted to have a new closet designed along with detailed renderings.

A gracious entry sets the stage for this renovated 7,000-square-foot residence, formerly a four-unit apartment building.
Photo courtesy Barnett Homes

If you don’t want to carve out that space now, think about doing a rendering. People can’t visualize it, and they want to see that space exists.” Adams notes that builders often use her renderings for high-end spec homes. “Renderings show the potential of the space, how the corners will be accessed, what the ceiling will be like.”

This year, JCHS estimates owners will spend almost $20 billion more on home improvement than the previous year, with a total outlay well in excess of $300 billion. But the actual number of dollars devoted to improving and rehabbing homes tallies much higher — the JCHS figure does not account for spending by developers or builders. Developers, who in the past often focused on commercial to residential conversions, are now looking at existing homes, not to tear down, but to improve and refocus.

Recent research from HomeAdvisor shows in the last 12 months the average homeowner is spending nearly 60 percent more on home projects than they did during the prior 12 months, and two-thirds of those surveyed expect to spend as much or more in the next year. “We’ve seen a 7-percent increase in total nationwide expenditures on home improvement — with homeowners tackling bigger-ticket projects like kitchen and bath remodels and exterior renovations,” observes Brad Hunter, chief economist for HomeAdvisor.

In addition to data on home improvement projects in the 10 wealthiest counties in the country, at the request of “The High End,” HomeAdvisor also took a look at requests submitted by affluent individuals in metros such as Los Angeles, Washington, D.C. and Seattle. In every location, bathroom remodels topped the list, while requests for projects such as stone restoration and polishing or the construction of built-in furniture exceeded demand from the general population by 100 percent or more. “People living in high-income areas are spending more on their homes and making more lifestyle improvements. These are purely discretionary projects, which are typical of owners of luxury homes,” observes Hunter. High-end consumers also order computer networking and wiring 188 percent more often than average consumers. Not only is this an indication of demand for smart home features, but also it reflects an increase in telecommuting.

The new kitchen and family room reflect the classic but modern ambiance of the interior of this Chicago home.
Photo courtesy Barnett Homes

Overall, high earners were more likely to hire designers, interior decorators and architects, which Hunter says is “strong evidence of homeowners — especially high-income homeowners in appreciating neighborhoods — taking on more large-scale projects,” including additions and whole-home remodels. Basement remodels are becoming popular once again, even in places where basements are not customary. Again, this is another instance of homeowners looking for found space that can be turned into usable square footage. Real estate agents in a range of locales, including California, confirm this is a growing trend, with more lower levels outfitted as entertaining spaces.

Other projects that track much higher among affluent consumers include installing brick and stone driveways and floors, pergolas, walkways, and custom shrubbery, all indications of how closely outdoor enhancements and outdoor living align with upscale lifestyles.

“When you identify a budget, you have to understand what the threshold of pain is likely going to be and you figure out how to judiciously spend those dollars to get the best bang for your buck,” Sutton explains, referring to a designer’s job. In climates like Arizona, you can double the square footage of livability in many homes just by taking advantage of access to the outside.”

 

In Los Angeles, affluent consumers are 10 times more likely to use experts to install and remove holiday lighting, while upscale owners in D.C. are six times more likely than average consumers to install outdoor lighting. There are just two of the differences uncovered in our in-depth look at renovation projects undertaken by high-income homeowners in some of most expensive metros in the country, thanks to HomeAdvisor.

There is also a surprising similarity among cities, especially considering differences in the age of the housing stock and climate. From Boston to Los Angeles, bathroom remodels top the list of most requested home improvements, along with kitchen remodels. Everywhere, too, outdoor living enhancements rank high, whether the location is Chicago or Seattle.

In Washington, D.C. luxury owners are twice as likely as overall consumers to add a pool. Pools, and pool renovations, rank high in L.A., where affluent consumers are more than three times as likely to consult a landscape designers or an architect, while D.C. denizens call on an interior designer three times more often than consumers in general. Basement remodels are big in Chicago, Boston and D.C.

©istockphoto.com/IPGGutenbergUKLtd

Many designers and almost all builder developers work closely with agents to be sure their plans and finishes are current and aligned with what buyers are looking for today. Paul Williamson, principal of the development firm True Craft Residential, works with agents to determine floor plans — whether, for example, one of the bedrooms should be turned into an office — as well as for input on finishes.

After a design is finished, Williamson says he often will take it back to the agent to get their approval. In this sense, he says, they represent potential buyers, the generic buyer. In this function, the expertise of an agent becomes obvious. “A good agent knows their market well enough to provide an accurate report of buyer preferences. You can tell, because they give you specific examples,” he says. A less skilled agent doesn’t have that in-depth knowledge of the market, so they can’t speak to a particular home type or neighborhood. 

Top agents, on the other hand, have designers, architects and builders they call on to consult with prospective buyers regarding potential renovations of a property. Tony Sutton of design firm Est Est Inc., says he works with a number of groups, including agents, to educate potential sellers on current market preferences. Sutton compares architects, designers and buildings as essential elements in a renovation equation, but real estate agents are often an important addition to this mix.

©istockphoto.com/FlairImages

“We completely reposition the house. We move walls around, pull ceilings and do small changes to the exterior facade. We have a clearly defined process and a literal check list of hundreds of items that we go through before construction,” explains Paul Williamson, principal of the development firm True Craft Residential, of the process his company follows to rehab a property, many of which are considered high end.

“Where I see most homeowners get bogged down, is they tend to want to start before they get the final plans done and before a full specification.” In the end, this approach proves more costly and time consuming.

It is important to key into the surrounding aesthetic, says Ken Fixler, president of Barnett Homes, a Chicago-based luxury builder specializing in new construction as well as rehabbing older houses. Often the exterior of these homes will reflect the character of the location, while interiors resonate with current preferences with open-concept floor plans that are light and bright. Designers say the mix of exteriors in harmony with the local vernacular combined with up-to-date modern or transitional interiors can be found in almost every region.

In locations where homeowner associations have strict rules regarding work in condos, it is important for consumers and potential buyers to be aware of restrictions regarding work on interiors other than simple tasks like interior painting.

In Naples, Florida, single-family renovations deliver “more bang for your renovation buck,” says Scott Kish, principal of KTS Group, a custom design-build firm in Naples. But condo renovations are in demand because a majority of the units in the city were built decades ago and new buildings are not being developed. Most HOAs limit the number of renovations per year and typically work can’t begin before May 1 or after November 15, at the latest.

“Most newcomers don’t have a clue. If they don’t start prepping a job in January, there is no way you can get everything done within that time frame, he explains. Meanwhile, in places like New Jersey, the opposite is true — condos on the ocean may prevent work from being done between Memorial Day and Labor Day.

 Kitchen designed by Nar Bustamante. NAR Fine Carpentry/Fred Donham photographer; Photo courtesy NKBA.

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Resort-Style Homes Are In Demand From Coast to Coast

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From the lively streets of Chapel Hill, North Carolina and the serenity of Northern Georgia to the stoic desert landscapes of Arizona, homes that favor resort-style luxury are in demand.

By Kristen Ordonez

The Waterfall Club at Lake Burton

Situated in the mountains of Northern Georgia, The Waterfall Club provides social and golf memberships and a wide variety of activities and services. This pristine resort is a focal point for buyers interested in homes within the Lake Burton area, which provides the most luxurious real estate options, according to Julie Barnett, Realtor from Harry Norman, Realtors.

“Rabun County sits in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains,” Barnett says. “It is 67 percent national forest, so there is very little development on the mountains. There is hiking, biking, shopping in the small boutiques in Clayton and a variety of great restaurants.”

For those who have already staked their claim within the area, the perks of living there only seem to grow with Five-Star dining, two marinas and the Bent Grass fairways, which offer unsurpassed beauty and play ability. The current highest listing in Waterfall is $3.5 million, with other available homes ranging from 300 to 10,000 square feet.

The Triangle of North Carolina

One area that is used to the hustle and bustle of a resort-type atmosphere is the Triangle area of North Carolina, specifically the cities of Cary, Chapel Hill, Durham and Raleigh. Realtor Jennifer Guyer-Stenner of Fonville Morisey Realty notes that this area is considered a “miniature Silicon Valley and encompasses three premier universities (UNC, NC State, and Duke),” resulting in “a true melting pot” of residents who frequently flock to sporting events, recreational lakes, and golf courses such as Governors Club, Wakefield and Northridge.

With 750 luxury homes on the market in the Triangle area priced above $750,000, and the highest priced listing at nearly $7 million, Stenner affirms that this location will satisfy the needs of any discerning buyer.

Arizona

Something important to consider when purchasing a home is to find a “real estate professional who knows where the values [and] where the safest investments are,” according to Realtor Frank Aazami. Both Aazami and Lisa Westcott-Wadey, who thrive as Realtors with Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty in Arizona, know the values that can be found in their areas.

“Arizona has many attractions and outdoor activities that most don’t realize,” Wadey states. With up-and-coming residential opportunities like the new Ritz-Carlton Residences in Paradise Valley and tech industries in Mesa and Chandler, both local out-of-state buyers seem to be flocking toward The Grand Canyon state for resort communities.

Whether your home of choice is the close to $20 million home in Silverleaf or something lower on the spectrum, the market is open, but fierce. According to Wadey, “buyers want what they want and they are not willing to settle.”

courtesy jennifer guyer-stneer, fonville morisey realty

photo ©thompsonphotographic.com 2015
courtesy Lisa Westcott-Wadey / The W. Group

courtesy Frank Aazami/tourfactory

This article originally appeared in our Fall 2017 issue. Click here for the full digital version.

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Interior Designer Kriste Michelini on Getting to Know Clients

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This article originally appeared in the Summer 2017 edition of The High End magazine. For more information about The High End, click here.

Kriste Michelini goes through “mini marriages” with clients before designing their spaces with an eye toward both purpose and aesthetics.

By Kristen Ordonez

Fulfilling a passion through one’s career is not a priority for everyone, but it was for Kriste Michelini.

Originally from Evanston, Illinois, Michelini first moved to California at age 10. Later in life, after working for 10 years in the tech industry and specializing in business development and sales, Michelini decided to redirect her focus and pursue her passion for interior design. In 2002, she launched her own firm, Kriste Michelini Interiors, in Danville, California.

Michelini’s interest in interior design started out fairly simple through personal home remodels. These remodeling projects were well received by her friends who then encouraged her to pursue this more creative field of designing. Her background in business, Michelini says, definitely helped when it came to starting and running a firm. “My business grew organically and I was able to build a successful design firm, along with having a family.”

Kriste Michelini Interiors specializes in creating classic, contemporary interiors that are “as alluring and welcoming as they are utilitarian,” Michelini states. “Our spaces are well-edited and thoughtfully designed — beautiful, functional and delivered with a smooth, streamlined process.” What is also smooth, albeit extensive, is the interview process and work relationship that she aims to build between her team and clients.

“We meet clients at the studio and we interview them just as they interview my team. It is like a mini marriage.” Her team members utilize design questionnaires to get a sense of their clients’ lifestyle, preferences, entertaining activities, et cetera, as well as online social media tools, from Houzz profiles to Pinterest accounts, to “try to get a good sense of their style and their vision for their home — then we fine tune it and get started,” says Michelini. For her, it is all about the  relationship between designer and client: “It needs to be a great fit and we want to earn our clients’ trust as well as be empowered by them to create beautiful spaces.”

Creating these beautiful spaces takes inspiration, of course, and to find inspiration takes a keen eye and sense of adventure for Michelini, who says travel is a big part of how she stays motivated. “You see more clearly when you get away from your day-to-day life.” On the flip side, though, she also notes how sometimes finding new sources of creativity can be easier than we think. “Inspiration is all around us at home,” she says, “but we are often too busy to look up and take notice.” Also incorporated into her work ethic is taking into account the surrounding area and how our indoor/outdoor lifestyles affect how we live and entertain.

Michelini relies on both her knowledge of business and a helpful mixture of creativity and design tricks when it comes to designing. Her interior work focuses mostly on reinventing spaces to make them “highly functional yet beautiful,” through the use of neutral colors and textures in everything from paint to furniture. To help a room stand out, adding “a piece or two that is unique can really elevate a room,” she says, finding these one-of-a-kind pieces on websites like 1stDibs, Coup d’Etat, Blackman Cruz, and others. Ultimately, Michelini’s goal when designing is to make a space feel fresh, modern and classic, a true representation of her style.

“We meet clients at the studio and we interview them just as they interview my team. It is like a mini marriage.”

Looking back, Michelini does not have a favorite project she has worked on, relating the act of choosing one to the impossible task of choosing a favorite child. “I would say my favorite projects are ground-up, when you can design the shell as well as the furnishings for all the rooms,” admits Michelini. Her favorite rooms, however, tend to be kitchens or great rooms, which are the main hubs of a house. And though she has not gotten the opportunity yet, a dream project for Michelini would be the chance to design a boutique hotel and restaurant.

As with her dream project, Michelini hopes to see different trends emerge in the interior design industry, including a larger use of wood materials in homes, “to create warm, clean, organic spaces that are simple and easy to live with.” Michelini has a few projects on the horizon, mostly ground-up construction projects ranging from a modern farmhouse, a Hamptons-style home and a modern glass house. For herself, she hopes to grow more as a designer and get her hands on a few boutique hotel projects. As for her firm, her aspirations are as classically simple as her style: “That we continue to grow and enjoy the journey. It is important that I continue to foster a group dynamic that is productive, fun and full of trust.”

It was passion that led Michelini to a career in interior design, an industry that allowed her room to embrace her imagination. “I love the creative aspects [of design], and transforming spaces is fun. I pinch myself from time to time [as a reminder] that I get to do this as a professional and get paid to do what I love.” For anyone aiming to find success in this field by starting their own firm, she advises to not only attend show house events, but to also read and learn as much as you can about both design itself and business. “At the end of the day, 80 percent of it is running a business and 20 percent is the actual design work.”

Photography by Thomas Kuoh

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Waves of Change

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Water views or frontage have consistently been desirable real estate attributes for as long as anyone can remember. Whether your home offers breathtaking vistas out upon the open sea or a tranquil setting with frontage to a babbling river, there aren’t too many who would object to owning a luxury, waterfront property. With this desire to be by the water, however, many buyers seeking frontage are finding that waves of change are taking place along the coasts in the form of rejuvenation and reconstruction.
By Kristen Ordonez

Photo courtesy of Soaring Imagery

Portland, Maine

Soaking in the views of Casco Bay, the greater Portland area offers much to be desired in the line of luxury waterfront properties — ranging from $2 million to $5 million — whether along the rocky coastline, open ocean or somewhere near the bay for easy boat docking. The highest sale in the greater Portland area in the last year was $4.05 million, according to Bob Knecht, Broker for Town and Shore Associates. Though the amount of waterfront space is limited, the possibilities to redesign and rebuild are fervent throughout the area.

“Maine is a very old state,” Knecht remarks. “It provides an interesting mix of old cottages and old estates with grand cottages, island cottages, new homes and remodeled homes.” People will often take an older waterfront home and renovate it; “you can’t change the location, but you can change the house,” says Knecht, a method that provides a lot of inventory and an overall healthy real estate market.

David Banks of RE/MAX By the Bay focuses on the towns of Harpswell and Brunswick, about 30 minutes north of Portland, which still present opportunities for waterfront properties under $1 million. He also notes that in the rocky coastline of Cape Elizabeth, just south of Portland, properties range from $3 million to $6 million, while in other towns north of Portland the waterfront prices range from $2 million to $6 million and include more areas for boating, dockage and privacy. Banks reports that the highest-priced waterfront listing is $11 million.

After “converting from a manufacturing state to an information state,” according to Knecht, Maine is the “number one luxury state in the country,” offering the largest income in tourism, great school systems and a “wonderful quality of life.”

Exquisite Shingle-style home with broad ocean views in Cape Elizabeth, Maine. Photo courtesy of Lynne Dube.

Lake Burton, Georgia

Realtor Julie Barnett from Harry Norman, Realtors knows the ins and outs of Lake Burton, and how water frontage plays a major role in the Georgia real estate market. Located only 90 minutes from Atlanta, most buyers come locally from Georgia
or Florida, according to Barnett, to “escape the summer heat.”

“Lake Burton is a boutique situation,” says Barnett. “It is 2,775 acres with 62 miles of shoreline nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains.” The location is very tranquil with cool, crystal clear water that lets you see straight to the bottom, as well as a 10-degree temperature difference compared to Atlanta. Apart from the lake are the properties in the vicinity, which according to Barnett vary in price depending on their purpose.

Similar to Portland, Lake Burton affords both tear-down lots and luxury new constructions. “Our properties range from $700,000 to $1 million for tear-down fishing cabins, and up to $6.4 million for a luxury estate,” says Barnett, a sizable difference from last year when the range was between $479,000 and $5.9 million. And with these lots becoming available, $3+ million homes are being built in their place. Because of this consistent remove-and-replace pattern of construction, each year the inventory of homes over $2 million increases.

The highest-priced home on the market in Lake Burton is one of Barnett’s listings, priced at $6.4 million. The 1.2-acre property features mountain, lake, and sunset views and belongs to country music star Alan Jackson. 

St. Augustine, Florida

For buyers in St. Augustine, the choice between either water frontage to the ocean or the Intracoastal Waterway is one of the easier decisions to make. This resort town on the northeast coast of Florida has a unique real estate market compared to the markets in the “big cities,” according to Stefanie Bernstein of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty.

Because of the large inventory of second homes that were built in the 1980s and early ’90s, “most buyers do not find what they want with a resale,” and turn to a tear-down and reconstruction deal. These kinds of opportunities provide cheaper options for those looking for new construction possibilities, which is appealing to those who are willing to build or pay higher prices for newer homes. Bernstein notes that because of its “small-town” status, many buyers are from Florida, while others travel down from states like Ohio, New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and even Vermont.

Generally, the price range for waterfront homes starts at about $800,000 for properties with ocean frontage, and $550,000 for Intracoastal frontage. The average prices for the more expensive homes in the area are within the $3 million range. One of the highest priced homes in St. Augustine is over $4.2 million, according to Bernstein, and is reminiscent of the Taj Mahal.  

Lake Arrowhead, California

Nestled in the hills of San Bernadino National Forest, luxury homes scattered along or near the shores of Lake Arrowhead tend to fill the vacation home capacity, according to Vicki Smith, Broker Associate at Coldwell Banker Sky Ridge Realty. “We have such a variety of luxury homes here, the plan is to match the buyers with homes that work for them,” Smith says. According to her, a large percentage of these homes are vacation homes for people who live in other parts of Southern California, especially Los Angeles/Beverly Hills, Orange County, San Diego County and the desert areas of Palm Springs and Rancho Mirage.

While there are enough high-end lakefront listings, Smith notes that all the areas around the lake are already built on, so not many new homes can be newly built and not every buyer gets exactly what they are looking for. Instead, most of the older, vintage homes are getting remodeled or refurbished in order to keep up with buyers’ needs. “We could use more lakefront homes on the market between the $2 million to $3 million range,” says Smith.

At this time, the highest-priced home in Lake Arrowhead is an $11.8 million listing by Smith, which is “an extraordinary home on its own private peninsula.” For those looking for luxury properties in the area. but not necessarily on the lake, these homes start around $500,000. Prices for lakefront homes are broken up differently depending on the remodeling process.

“For $900,000 to $1.5 million you can purchase a small (1,500 to 2,000-square-foot) vintage home that probably needs some work. For $1.5 million to $2.5 million, you can purchase a larger lakefront home (3,000 to 4,000 square feet) that has had some remodeling done, but today’s buyer will probably want to do additional upgrades. And for over $2.5 million you can get a beautiful home,” says Smith.

Lake Tahoe, Nevada

The tear-down, rebuild construction plan is how most buyers get away with finding or creating their perfect luxury home along the shores of Lake Tahoe. According to Shari Chase of Chase International Real Estate, there are no subdivisions or new developments for the most part in the waterfront area of Lake Tahoe due to the land preservations and protections.

“On the Nevada side of the lake, over 95 percent of the land itself is owned by government agencies,” Chase states, affirming that the land is “very precious.” Due to these protections, the only way to really create new luxury home opportunities is to buy older homes and either refurbish or tear them down to build new.

Chase notes that most of these buyers, like so many others looking for waterfront properties in the U.S., are looking for a secondary home, or a third or fourth in some cases. Based on the location, most buyers of these properties hail from the San Francisco Bay Area and even Los Angeles.

Price points vary depending on home distinction, such as a condominium or townhome compared to a single-family home, according to Chase. On average, in today’s market, the minimum on-the-water price is between $4 million to $10 million. The newest home on the market in the Lake Tahoe region is one of Chase’s, a $75 million residence in Crystal Pointe, Nevada with 525 feet of waterfront and the highest price in the area.

The captivating views from this $75 million listing in Crystal Pointe are what Chase refers to as “epic, energetic and empowering.” Photo courtesy of Jeff Dow.

Pines Lake, Wayne, New Jersey

Northwest New Jersey is a region that provides many popular lakes and private lake communities with memberships to private beaches, tennis courts, sailing and an assortment of other social activities. Two popular communities in particular, Pines Lake and Packanack Lake, are found in Wayne, New Jersey, and have been around as early as the 1930s, according to Carole “Lynn” Brescia, broker/sales associate for Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage.

Originally starting as summer lake communities in the ’30s through the ’50s, these places have evolved over time into year-round communities, Brescia states. “Older homes are now being renovated and expanded, or torn down and replaced by larger, new homes that focus on the water views and lakefront access,” Brescia says.

Keeping with the trend of buying a vacation home close to home, most buyers are local and move up to a lakefront location for the views, the water access and the lifestyle. Many of them have specifically identified the community, Brescia notes, and “wait for the right location or property.” Some buyers are occasionally from out of state and “fall in love with the beauty of the lakes area and choose the lifestyle of being able to enjoy kayaking, sailing, paddle boarding and swimming.”

On the water in Pines Lake, the starting price for a rebuild or redesign is just under $1 million, depending on the size of a lot. A recent piece of land sold for over $3 million, and according to Brescia there are more opportunities up for grabs. “Currently there are renovated and newer homes between $1.3 million and $2.8 million,” says Brescia.

This story originally appeared in Unique Homes Summer 2017. 

Click here to see the digital version.

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The Top 37 Waterfront Properties in Massachusetts

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Whether it’s a beautiful cottage looking out upon the Atlantic Ocean from Martha’s Vineyard, a luxurious island mansion on the shores of Nantucket, or even an idyllic, historical home with bay views on Cape Cod, the shorelines of Massachusetts are appealing locations for buyers looking for a luxury, waterfront experience.

By Kristen Ordonez

Photo courtesy Maury People Sotheby’s International Realty

Gary Winn, Broker at Maury People Sotheby’s International Realty, knows all too well about the benefits of purchasing a waterfront home, specifically in Nantucket. “I can’t speak for all of Massachusetts, but buying waterfront property on Nantucket is a great opportunity and a great investment.”

Similar to other regions of New England, waterfront properties in Massachusetts aren’t limited by a small inventory, but instead face difficulties in finding room to expand. As Winn mentions, a stretch of land with water frontage is rare because “they’re not making any more” of them. However, this fact opens up the opportunity to either purchase an existing waterfront home with a long history, or start from the ground up by refurbishing or building a new construction. As featured below, many of the most expensive waterfront properties in Massachusetts are original mansions or homes that have been around for decades, as well as fully renovated estates that are new to the shore.

Nantucket and other shore towns in Massachusetts offer an array of opulent estates for the most discerning buyers, providing exclusive lifestyles that are not available elsewhere. “When you come to Nantucket, although you may not be travelling far, you really feel like you’ve gone someplace,” says Winn.

If you want to buy something for $10 million or more in Massachusetts, then here are your options:

$42,500,000
4 Middle Valley Road and 48 Shimmo Pond Road, Nantucket
Designed by renowned Jacobsen Architecture, the Harbor Hill Estate on the Shimmo waterfront features luxurious amenities, state-of-the-art systems and exceptional execution on an elevated harborfront, 4.5-acre parcel with private beach stairs.
Listed by Donna Barnett of Maury People Sotheby’s International Realty

$35,000,000
260 Polpis Road, Nantucket
With over 60 acres and unobstructed views over Polpis Harbor, this Swain’s Neck estate is situated on a peninsula and potentially the island’s most private family retreat.
Listed by Jonathan Radford of Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage

$32,750,000 to $28,500,000
72, 76 and 78 Pocomo Road, Nantucket
Unique waterfront compound with 300-degree dramatic views, privacy, direct access to a gorgeous sandy beach, boat moorings and multiple dwellings, including a main house, studio, 2-bedroom cottage, 6-car garage, pavilion and guesthouse.
Listed by Gary Winn, Bernadette Meyer, and Craig Hawkins of Maury People Sotheby’s International Realty

$24,500,000
22 & 24 Easton Street, Nantucket
Perfectly situated on the inner harbor waterfront in the heart of Brant Point, this spectacular property boasts 120-plus feet of waterfront and one of only three private deepwater docks on the island.
Listed by Edward Sanford of Great Point Properties

$19,995,000
13 Squam Road, Nantucket
This oceanfront, private compound was designed for the discriminating buyer to enjoy the island of Nantucket with a main house, thoughtfully designed outdoor living areas and a private boardwalk that leads to Squam Beach.
Listed by Chris Kling of J. Pepper Frazier Real Estate

$19,995,000
97 Tilippi Run Street, Cape Cod, Chatham
Boasting one of the most spectacular properties on the Cape Cod shoreline, this shingle-clad, 6-bedroom estate is poised on 1.9 acres and majestically resides over the Atlantic Ocean, Monomoy
Islands and Nantucket Sound with 10,974 square feet of living space.
Listed by Christopher Rhinesmith of Pine Acres Realty

$19,950,000
119 and 119R Eel Point Road, Nantucket
An outstanding property consisting of 2 homes, each sitting on nearly 2 acres; offered together, the main house, studio and cottage overlook 4 acres of oceanfront real estate on the north shore of Nantucket Island.
Listed by Gary Winn of Maury People Sotheby’s International Realty

$19,750,000
46 Easton Street, Nantucket
The most authentic, unrestored Old Nantucket homestead available on the island, “Auburn Cottage” is available for new owners for the first time in its history. This truly is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to own an iconic island landmark.
Listed by Bill McGowan of Lamacchia Realty, Inc.

$19,525,000
40, 41 & 43 Ocean Avenue, Nantucket
Located just a short distance from the center of Main Street, “The Sheiling” is an elegant home with many custom details throughout and panoramic ocean views from almost every room.
Listed by Jeanne Hicks of Lee Real Estate

$19,500,000
7 Starbuck Neck Road, Edgartown
A rare offering in one of Edgartown’s most coveted neighborhoods, this exclusive, 1.2-acre estate has spectacular water views of Edgartown Harbor, Edgartown lighthouse and Nantucket Sound from three sides of the house.
Listed by Thomas Wallace of Wallace and Co. Sotheby’s International Realty

$19,250,000
79 Turkeyland Cove Road, Edgartown
Custom-designed by Bradenburger Taylor Lombardo Architects from San Francisco, and built by reputable island builder John Early, this unique and lavish home is in a league by itself.
Listed by Thomas Leclair of LandVest

$18,900,000
192 and 187 Mishaum Point Road, Dartmouth
At the tip of Mishaum Point, Robert A.M. Stern created a Shingle-style masterpiece that is perfectly sited to embrace the full scope of its 270-degree ocean views and features handcrafted details throughout.
Listed by Robert Kinlin of Robert Paul Properties

$17,500,000
The Oaks, 49 Margin Street, Cohasset
The Oaks, a private 9.41-acre peninsula with 1,800 feet of ocean frontage and a protected 112-foot deepwater dock, is a magnificent 20,000-square-foot Georgian Revival mansion that has been renovated to the highest standards.
Listed by Jonathan Radford of Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage

$16,995,000
45 Hulbert Avenue, Nantucket
The iconic Brant Point property is complemented by native Rosa Rugosa, a lush side and front lawn for entertaining and a 6-bedroom home, which boasts a balanced blend of yesteryear and today’s modern amenities.
Listed by Laura Fletcher of Great Point Properties

$16,950,000
50 Oyster Watcha Road, Edgartown
Ideally and prominently positioned on the southernmost peninsula of Oyster Pond, this idyllic compound offers over 1,200 feet of private waterfront on Oyster Pond and access to over 2,200 feet of Atlantic beach.
Listed by Peyton Wallace of Wallace and Co. Sotheby’s International Realty

$16,800,000
Kragsyde, 27 Smiths Point Road, Manchester
Finished in 2015, this modern stone and glass estate is a spectacular waterfront property that combines uncompromised ocean views with breathtaking modern architecture, contemporary convenience and unsurpassed luxury.
Listed by Darin Thompson of Stuart St. James, Inc.

$15,250,000
2 and 4 Morse Street, Edgartown
Multi-lot waterfront family compound consisting of two primary homes of equal quality and a separate studio/office, all with dramatic views of Edgartown Harbor, the Lighthouse, and Katama Bay.
Listed by Twanette Tharp of The Tharp Group

$14,500,000
96 Beach Road, Edgartown
This dramatic compound is set amidst 150 acres of conservation land. Completed in 2010, and offering almost 10,000 square feet of living space, this 5-bedroom, 7-bath custom home affords every amenity with exceptional finishes.
Listed by LandVest

$14,500,000
33 Proctor Street, Manchester
A rare opportunity to own a waterfront family compound consisting of 2± acres on Manchester Harbor. With 325± feet of water frontage, the property offers direct boating access to Manchester Bay and beyond.
Listed by Lanse Robb of LandVest

$13,995,000
8 Lavendar Lane, Nantucket
Stunning 280-degree panoramic and unobstructed water views can be enjoyed from this Eel Point location. The house and cottage sit on 5.5 acres and have direct beach paths to some of the island’s most ideal beaches.
Listed by Chris Kling of J. Pepper Frazier Real Estate

$13,900,000
421 Main Street, Osterville
Overlooking the beautiful waters of East Bay and Nantucket Sound sits this sophisticated yet intimate waterfront estate that has been completely upgraded from stem to stern with the highest-grade
materials and exceptional craftsmanship.
Listed by Robert Kinlin of Robert Paul Properties

$13,450,000
19 East Tristram Avenue, Nantucket
The quintessential Dionis waterfront property featuring an
attractive 4-bedroom, 4-bath home, high elevations allowing for expansive views of Nantucket Sound, and a wonderful bath and beach house.
Listed by Edward Sanford of Great Point Properties

$12,900,000
55 Eel Point Road, Nantucket
One of Nantucket’s most beautiful homes in one of Nantucket’s most valuable locations! Immaculate 5-bedroom, 5-bath residence on 2 acres with a rare backyard beach path.
Listed by Steve DiFrancesco of Hunter, Reed and Company

$12,500,000
27 Ocean Bluff Drive, New Seabury, Mashpee
This truly exquisite home has easy access to the flawless white sandy beach and is situated close to all the activities of Popponesset, New Seabury country club and golf club.
Listed by Paul Grover of Robert Paul Properties

$12,500,000
10-54 Sipson Island, Orleans
Sipson Island, a 25-acre landmark on the eastern coast of Cape Cod, is presented for sale in its entirety for the first time in generations and features several year-round dwellings and an extensive private beach.
Listed by Paul Grover of Robert Paul Properties

$12,250,000
17 Squam Road, Nantucket
With 180 degrees of spectacular ground-floor ocean views, few opportunities arise to find another rare 5-acre waterfront parcel like this one.
Listed by Susan Chambers and Juliet Hunter of Maury People Sotheby’s International Realty

$11,950,000
13 Kingsbury Lane, Orleans
This secluded 4.4-acre waterfront estate overlooking Pleasant Bay features a new 8,500-square-foot residence with magnificent views of a bay studded with islands.
Listed by Robert Kinlin of Robert Paul Properties

$11,250,000
260 North Bay Road, Osterville
Capturing the luxurious spirit of Oyster Harbors, a private gated community, this stunning Royal Barry Wills waterfront residence features elegant interiors with rich details, extraordinary views and 275 feet of water frontage.
Listed by Robert Kinlin of Robert Paul Properties

$11,000,000
4 Gosnold’s Way, Chillmark
A rare opportunity to own one of Chillmark’s premier waterfront
locations. Enjoy over 22.75 acres of scenic, natural landscape from this unique parcel.
Listed by Gerret Conover of LandVest

$10,995,000
520 Shore Road, Chatham
Sand Bars is the largest waterfront parcel on Shore Road and offers stunning, elevated views of Chatham Harbor and the Atlantic.
Listed by Christopher Rhinesmith of Pine Acres Realty

$10,800,000
“The Whale,” 849 Main Street, Vineyard Haven
Affectionately known as “The Whale” and owned by the same Vineyard family for more than 60 years, this West Chop waterfront home on 1.62 acres in Vineyard Haven is a true Martha’s Vineyard classic.
Listed by Carol Shore of Coldwell Banker Landmarks Real Estate

$10,750,000
46 Shimmo Pond Road, Nantucket
“High Shimmo” is ideally situated at the end of Shimmo Pond Road, creating a private oasis accented with private beach and sweeping views of the harbor, the channel, and out to Nantucket Sound.
Listed by Edward Sanford of Great Point Properties

$10,750,000 or $20,000 a week
53 South Water Street, Edgartown
Harborfront on South Water Street, this 4-bedroom home is impeccably landscaped right down to the water’s edge. A quaint boathouse for kayak and fishing pole storage, plus a deepwater dock complete this special village home.
Listed by Gerret Conover of LandVest

$10,750,000
32 Ocean View Avenue, Edgartown
Located on exclusive Ocean View Avenue, this custom contemporary home offers panoramic views of Edgartown Harbor and Chappaquiddick Island.
Listed by Thomas Leclair of LandVest

$10,650,000
205 Eel Point Road, Nantucket
This waterfront wonder represents an opportunity to own 2.9 acres on the well-protected Madaket Harbor in Dionis. Enjoy beautiful sunsets, over 130 feet of beach, and water sports right out your back door.
Listed by John McGarr and Kristen Gaughan of William Raveis

$10,500,000
“Cliff Cottage,” 22 Quitsa Lane, Chillmark
Originally built in 1850 and remodeled by the current owners, “Cliff Cottage” enjoys one of the most picturesque settings and water views on Martha’s Vineyard and reflects today’s lifestyle and amenities.
Listed by Thomas Wallace of Wallace and Co. Sotheby’s International Realty

$10,000,000
32 Boldwater Road, Edgartown
This amazing property offers open living areas, countless unique features and an abundance of glass windows and doors facing the water and the beautiful landscaped grounds.
Listed by Gerret Conover of LandVest

This story originally appeared in Unique Homes Summer 2017. 

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE DIGITAL VERSION.

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Jewelry for the Home

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Contemporary designers around the world are transforming lighting fixtures from basic utility into artistic bling.

By Roger Grody

Diamond Ring by Christopher Boots. Photo by Christine Francis. 

Talented interior designers compose seating, flooring and window treatments to complement each other like a wardrobe, requiring a delicate balance of fashion and functionality.  Lighting was once viewed as mere utility, but the fixtures produced by today’s premier designers represent the jewelry that sets off an outfit.

Drew McGukin, a New York-based designer with a national clientele, reports that although dramatic lighting can sometimes short-circuit budgets, its value should never be underestimated. “I think of lighting as an extension of the art in a space — a real opportunity for functional sculpture that immediately lifts a room,” says McGukin, who welcomes the myriad of innovative products currently available. Among the lighting designers he favors are fellow New Yorkers Lindsey Adelman, an industry leader, and Stephen Antonson, whose work is distinguished by his creative use of plaster.

Top: Bubble Burst in oil-rubbed bronze with clear globs by Lindsey Adelman, photo by Lauran Coleman; Bottom: Alex Pendant Chandelier by Fuse. 

“I’ve always surrounded myself with handmade things, art and antiques. They make good company because the maker seems to be present,” reports Antonson, who wants his chandeliers to evince this feeling and eschews polished, silky finishes. “No two are alike and you can actually see my hand in every one,” he explains. Indeed, Antonson’s plaster has a tactile, organic quality in which you can almost make out the artist’s fingerprints.

Adelman is the darling of world-class interior designers and architects, and her work—an extraordinary fusion of art, whimsy and electricity once reserved for Manhattan penthouse dwellers — has found a global clientele. She is as much a movement as a designer, and Adelman-inspired knockoffs are so ubiquitous that even suburban homeowners are unwitting fans of the designer.

At Lindsey Adelman Studio, the founder surrounds herself with a staff of metalworkers, architects and philosophers, all dedicated to pushing the limits of lighting design. Adelman says of her craft, “It’s structural and sculptural and you can test it immediately.” She also appreciates the unpredictable dynamics of anything that hangs from a ceiling, suggesting a chandelier’s relationship to gravity is far more seductive than that of static sofas or tables.

Adelman is inspired by the work of renowned architects Santiago Calatrava and Shigeru Ban. And although one can see the influence of those masters’ daring sculptural expressions in Adelman’s cantilevered fixtures, she humbly characterizes her personal style as simply “combining the practical and sensual.” 

Her studio’s first product was a modest version of Adelman’s now-signature Burst, an explosion of hand-blown globes and spikes inspired by vintage French jewelry and Medieval flails. The Boom Boom Burst, a spectacularly oversized edition of that inaugural piece, is priced well north of $100,000.

“I think that, more than ever, designs are driven by self-expression,” states Adelman, who notes this is still a nascent trend for products designed for mass-production, but quite prevalent among independent designers who self-manufacture. “Lighting is the perfect medium for this kind of expression,” she insists.

Across the country is Los Angeles-based Fuse Lighting, where founder Kevin Kolanowski uses semiprecious stones to elevate lighting fixtures into an haute couture of electricity. “Designing lighting has really been an ongoing exploration for me,” says Kolanowski, who, like Adelman, is influenced by Calatrava, as well as architects Carlo Scarpa and Zaha Hadid.

“I appreciate all types of design, but have such a passion for lighting because of how it can completely transform the mood of a space,” says Kolanowski. His work is a testament to how a thoughtful selection of materials and forms profoundly influences how light radiates through a room. “Lighting is art, atmosphere, structure, and function all in one,” says the designer, who has always been fascinated by jewelry.

“I wanted to play with this idea of adornment using organic materials in my lighting design, but with a contemporary twist,” says Kolanowski. The designer began incorporating semiprecious gems into sleek geometric forms, calling his work “jewelry for the home.” Like a jeweler, Kolanowski manipulates natural materials into art, using citrine nuggets or amethyst chips to suffuse and refract light in different ways. Fuse’s Alex chandelier features a curtain of stone surrounded by a metal frame, and a particularly compelling combination of finishes is amber-hued carnelian nuggets juxtaposed against dark oil-rubbed bronze.

Kolanowski contends the industry’s embracement of miniaturized and flexible LED bulbs has encouraged the use of new materials and a wider variety of intricate shapes in lighting design. He states, “The forms that I’m working with now usually follow architecture and are more fluid than ever.”

Unlike some commentators, Jason Miller, founder and creative director of New York’s Roll & Hill, does not believe lighting has yet completely morphed into art. “Design is design. Art is art. The goals are different,” he insists, but concedes, “I do think it’s fair to say that lighting has become more expressive, which opens up a whole new world of opportunity for interiors.”

Miller has assembled a team of designers — including his celebrated crosstown peer Lindsey Adelman — that emphasizes the sculptural qualities of lighting, customized to clients’ specifications.

The Brutalist movement-inspired Gridlock pendant from Roll & Hill, created by Philippe Malouin, is a handcrafted, symmetrical assemblage of brass trusses, something that might have been created from a very sophisticated Erector Set. In addressing new trends, Miller states, “I think there is a group of young designers working right now whose work has more in common with Memphis or design from the ’80s than other periods.” He notes, however, “That work is usually rejected as being ‘ugly.’”

“I’m very inspired by nature,” explains Gulla Jónsdóttir, who adds, “There are no straight lines in the human body so why should we live in square spaces?” The Icelandic-born designer is a successful hospitality industry specialist whose chic Parisian restaurants and serene Mexican resorts reflect her organic, seductive imprint. She also authors collections of furniture, including some distinctive lighting pieces. Her Nest chandelier — the fixture’s outer shell is a collection of “twigs” crafted from salvaged rebar, while an inner shade surrounding the bulb is created from polished tubular steel — reflects the designer’s penchant for reimagining nature.

Alexander Chandelier by Stephen Antonson. 

Among her peers, Jónsdóttir admires prestigious Italian furniture maker Henge — its polished silver-brass rings, seemingly floating in air, present an alluring minimalism — and Australian industrial designer Christopher Boots. The Sugar Stick pendants from Boots’ collection are delicate crystalline sculptures whose inherent energy is amplified through the flip of a switch.

Like Jónsdóttir, Boots looks to the natural world for inspiration. “From the formation of natural crystals and minerals over time to the molecular structure of organic matter, I’m always exploring the world outside the Anthropocene to drive my design practice,” he states. “I try and insulate myself from trends to allow my own visual language to develop without external pressures,” says Boots, who focuses on combining new technologies with traditional artisanal processes. He cites his quartz crystal-studded Diamond Ring and Prometheus chandeliers as reflecting his signature pairing of the unfinished or textured with highly polished edges.

From the perspective of an interior designer, McGukin offers, “There’s something beautiful about reaching to turn on a single lamp, or hitting a bank of switches and watching a room burst into a perfect glow.”

Nest Chandelier by Gulla Jónsdóttir. Photo by Jesus Banuelos. 

Masters of Illumination

Christopher Boots: www.christopherboots.com

Drew McGukin Interiors: www.drewmcgukin.com

Fuse Lighting: www.fuselighting.com

Gulla Jónsdóttir Architecture & Design: gullajonsdottir.com

Henge: www.henge07.com

Lindsey Adelman Studio: www.lindseyadelman.com

Roll & Hill: www.rollandhill.com

Stephen Antonson: www.stephenantonson.com

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Trends for an Eco-Conscious Home

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R16, pictured above, is a lighting device that is made up of the components that it is shipped with, emulating simplicity and zero-waste design techniques. All photos courtesy Salone del Mobile.Milano. 

“I think that as a designer nowadays we should not think we are all making the antiques of the future […]. We should create products that can be part of a circular system, and are designed considering what material goes into the product and what it leaves behind after use. 

— Christien Meindertsma, Designer

Adopting eco-conscious behaviors and the search for sustainable, eco-compatible and environmentally friendly products is an approach that is beginning to manifest within the domestic walls, both in the choice of furniture, furnishings and materials that have a positive impact on the planet and in the increasingly efficient and waste-free management of energy resources.
It is part of a wider trend towards cutting adverse effects on the eco-system which is slowly filtering through into all fields of design application, generating eco-friendly alternatives for every sort and kind of product. Companies and designers are becoming mindful of sustainability in relation to manufacturing processes, embracing the principles of a circular economy and experimenting with raw materials made from recycled waste. The design sector is beginning to take the entire lifecycle of things into consideration, paving the way for innovative practices such as the creative re-use or harnessing of biodegradable materials.
This is one of the many examples of the fact that this approach entails no sacrifice in terms of looks but generates new   expressive trends and different tastes. The sense of gratification or aspiration no longer derives simply from the immediate benefit to our domestic or work environments but also – looking forward especially – from just how much the entire planet is set to benefit.
This macro-trend breaks down into three micro-trends that describe its different applications and facets: Zero Waste Design, Upcycled Materials, and Low-Impact Living. 

1. Zero Waste Design

The Zero Waste philosophy originated in the food world, where new “surplus” yet still perfectly good food consumption sales models and practices are being generated. The concept is slowly but steadily being embraced by all manufacturing sectors in response to the pressing ethical need to conserve resources that are far from infinite. It also employs a panel of Opinion Leaders, both national and international, selected ad hoc for their knowledge of the research subjects (design, architecture, interior design, interior architecture) and for their ability to take a look at the themes of design and creativity.
In the design world, this means taking on board the concept of circularity, minimizing manufacturing waste, and planning not just the durability of objects but also their disassemblability and their capacity to be recycled or disposed of.
Zero Waste means experimenting with the use of innovative materials and researching biomaterials that help lower the environmental impact of furniture and furnishings, enabling them to become biodegradable, like organic waste. The conceptualization and creative process thus becomes strategic, channelled by design thinking and applied to the entire manufacturing chain.

R16

Country: Holland | Section: Lighting
R16 is a light, or rather, a light made from its own packaging. Design studio Waarmakers has come up with a response to the extremely critical sector-wide problem vexing manufacturers: packaging that, in most cases, once it has served its original purpose, becomes waste that needs to be disposed of, implying high financial and environmental costs. As cardboard tubes are not just extremely hardwearing but also neutral in tone and looks, designers Simon and Maarten decided to pay homage to such a versatile material by making it an inherent part of the product itself. The cardboard packaging contains the LED light and the various components needed for mounting and suspending it. A perforated section of the tube/packaging is then removed, leaving room for the light to shine through; then a simple pencil is all that’s needed to hold the LED rod in place. A personal touch ensures that no R16s are alike.

Zero Per Stool

Country: South Korea | Section: Furnishings
The designers at South Korea’s Hattern studio set out specifically to make a product without generating any waste at all. The upshot was the Zero Per Stool seat and informed its characteristic appearance. The stool consists of two parts – legs and a seat – one made from the offcuts of the other. The legs are made from rectangular sheets of white oak, shaped to slot together, obviating the need for any other material. The offcuts are broken into bits and put into a mould that is then filled with resin, ensuring that no two finished articles look exactly alike. The arrangement of the bits of wood is different every time and the resin can take on different colors,  its consistency lending an artistic touch to their variability.

Kuskoa Bi

Country: France | Section: Furnishings
Many independent producers and designers are now electing to make biodegradable domestic furnishings. One such is Alki, a Basque design collective which, in keeping with the eco-friendly approach that marks out all their projects, has come up with Kuskoa Bi, the first fully biodegradable bioplastic chair.
The collective, based in a valley overlooked by the Pyrenees, specializes in integrated production methods for creating eco-conscious, comfortable and elegant design pieces by using natural and environmentally friendly materials and resources. Specifically, this chair boasts a particularly enveloping shell, designed to provide optimum back and arm support. This is a shape that can only be achieved by using plastic materials.
This is where the idea of experimenting with bioplastic comes in. It is already used in several different fields, such as car manufacturing. Bioplastic is a polymer with similar characteristics and properties to plastic; it can also be injected, extruded and thermoformed but, unlike plastic, is made 100% from plant-based products (beet, corn starch, sugar cane etc.). This means that the material is completely recyclable and biodegradable, using an industrial process. Added value is brought by the fact that its production leaves a low ecological footprint, given that it uses fewer greenhouse gas emissions. The seat rests on a solid base of solid wood from sustainable forests.

Flax Chair

Country: Holland | Section: Furnishings
Dutch designer Christien Meindertsma has come up with an alternative use for linen fibre for manufacturing furnishings, which has earned him not one but two Dutch Design Awards. His Flax Chair is made entirely of this textile fibre combined with PLA, polylactic acid. Two naturally derived materials, serving to ensure that the finished product is totally biodegradable.
Produced by Label Breed, the chair is made from a single panel of this composite, from which first the seat is cut and then the legs are made from the offcuts. This ensures that there is virtually no waste.
The designer spotted the tremendous potential of linen fibre, both because of its valuable qualities and because the plant flourishes at those particular latitudes and requires little investment in the way of resources. Following the success of this first experiment, Meindertsma is now considering creating an entire range, which will include both different chair colors and other furnishing pieces such as tables.

2. Upcycled Materials

The coming together of recycling and design is informed by the increasing awareness that materials and objects destined for the waste basket can be upcycled to produce something completely different.
The concept of waste as a resource forms the basis for all creative recycling processes. Poor materials, reclaimed materials and waste generated by manufacturing or consumption mark a new frontier for design and for designers who seek to upgrade them creatively while effectively helping to protect the ecosystem.
Turning things that would otherwise be discarded into items of value helps increase the utilization efficiency of available resources and provide a further spur to developing new technologies and creating new aesthetics through design research.

Lucirmás

Country: Spain/Italy | Section: Lighting/Tableware
Lucirmás is a design studio in Barcelona founded by Italian designer Lucia Bruni, who has embraced the practice of upcycling, using traditional hand production techniques to turn glass bottles into hardwearing and functional domestic objects.
Environmental awareness is the implicit premise underpinning the concept of every product put through each of the manufacturing stages and is evidenced by the use of recycled materials, the optimization of production waste, the adoption of sustainable packaging systems and the fall in energy wastage.
Thus glass bottles that would usually end up in the garbage bin become a valuable resource for making lamps and original table accessories. LaFlor Lamp, for example, is a pendant lamp that features a bottle with a made-to-measure copper shade, while Dama Lamp is a table lamp made by reusing an ordinary 5-liter carafe set on a base of wood from sustainable forests, also handmade by local craftsmen.

Paperbricks

Country: South Korea/New Zealand/Holland  Section: Furnishings
Newspaper takes on a whole new lease of life in the hands of Eindhoven-based Korean/New Zealander Woojai Lee and his idea of Paperbricks. Turned into pulp and mixed with glue, it becomes a much stronger material than paper that has been recycled several times, and can be used – like a brick or a wooden plank – both in furnishing and in building structures.
The designer has used these modular components to create two series of stools, benches and coffee tables, which exploit the different qualities of paper. The Pallet series highlights its solidity and geometry, while Sculpt contrasts the regularity and smoothness of the seat with the raw, organic look of the legs. The two-fold texture of the bricks has the appearance of marble, while being soft and smooth to the touch, rather like a fabric.
The different surface treatments call for different processing techniques. The “hard” pieces are moulded, while the plastic or irregular ones are hand-modelled. The designer is already working on another collection, which might well include bookcases, shelves and partitions.

Penta Collection

Country: Thailand | Section: Lighting
Cassava is one of the most common crops in Thailand, so much so that at some times of the year, farmers are faced with overproduction, generating huge amounts of waste and pollution. Designer Anon Pariot saw a way out of the problem by conferring an aesthetic and symbolic value on the raw material, preventing it from being discarded. This led to the creation of the Penta lamp collection, built on a pentagonal module that is not only reminiscent of the cassava leaf, but also imparts the correct strength to the structure.
The material is vacuum pressed, making the plant fibres solid and hard. This ensures that the components are not just extremely lightweight but are also ideal for generating a pleasing, warm light. The pendant light takes on a spherical or hemispherical shape according to how the pentagons are arranged, making it suitable for many different domestic applications. Another eco-friendly consideration is that the material itself is 100% recyclable and gives off no toxic substances, while any defective pieces can be reused and incorporated into another lamp.

Forest Wool

Country: UK | Section: Furnishings
600 million pine trees are felled for timber in Europe every single year. What caught young Design Academy Eindhoven graduate Tamara Orjola’s attention was the fact that, aside from the wood used in manufacturing, the needles – which account for around 20-30% of the tree’s mass – are discarded and treated as waste.
Her Forest Wool collection, which includes two stools and a carpet, is made from recycled pine needles, finely chopped, soaked, pressed, and turned into textures, composites and paper. Their sophisticated looks and distinctive imprinted surface, reminiscent of the shape of the needles, is proof of the potential inherent in ecological material of this kind and the possibilities thrown up by upcycling leftover waste from mass production.

3. Low-Impact Living

Adopting a sustainable lifestyle within the home translates, first of all, into efforts to cut energy consumption. This is becoming increasingly crucial at every stage of design, from construction to interiors.
This is where next generation smart technologies come in, enabling the energy efficiency of both domestic and office spaces to be monitored around the clock, and becoming an integral part of the domestic landscape.
Leaving a light footprint on the planet on which we live also means that, of the available resources, we should opt for renewable energies that do not affect the delicate natural balance. As has been the case for some time in the food world, designers have also been experimenting with the use of natural “non conventional” raw materials, appropriating the concept of foraging, or harvesting products spontaneously yielded up by land and sea.

Netatmo by Starck

Country: France | Section: Tech/Energy
Netatmo, a French company specializing in smart systems for the home, has worked with designer Philippe Starck to produce intelligent radiator valves that cut up to 37% of domestic heating energy consumption. The valves allow the temperature to be controlled and the radiators turned on and off as desired, to suit the habits, the usage and the composition of the family nucleus, room by room, as well as remotely.
This means that the central heating in various parts of a house can be set to come on only at peak times, avoiding needless waste. The valves are also fitted with sensors that can gauge precisely and in real time all contributory factors — such as the weather, the home insulation, the number of people in a room and whether any appliances are being used – and regulate their use. The extreme functional efficiency of the valves, combined with Starck’s intuitive and minimalist design, makes them suitable for every sort and kind of interior. In the hands of the translucent Plexiglass cylinders they come complete with digital display, and can be customized with interchangeable basic colors. Just like their appearance, the way in which the valves are used can also be customized to the max. They can be programmed to suit people’s lifestyles and the level of comfort desired, creating ad hoc setups in combination with the other smart devices within the home. The valves can be voice-controlled through Siri or the Apple HomeKit as well as via a special smartphone app.

Sea Me Collection

Country: Holland | Section: Furnishings
According to Dutch designer Nienke Hoogvliet, algae will increasingly become a feature of the interior design and architectural world. Aside from their beneficial effects on our bodies, seaweed is finding original application in the textile and construction fields and as an energy resource for buildings. Debate on their use in these fields is wide open.
After years of dedicated study, the designer has produced her first collection Sea Me, which includes a seat, a side table and some bowls, which also serve as a demonstration of all the materials that can be derived from this particular raw material.
First and foremost is a textile fibre, from which the seat is made, created by extracting cellulose from kelp and working it by hand. The result is a viscose-like fabric, but softer to the touch. Hoogvliet also used the seaweed to dye the fabric naturally, with different varieties creating different colors (from green and brown to grey, pink and purple).
The waste from this process is used to obtain the finish of the wooden top of the side table, another piece in the collection, using paint made from bladderwrack, a common seaweed in Holland. Bringing the optimization process full circle, the residue from this latter procedure was used to make the bioplastic bowls, proof of the enormous potential residing in this natural and renewable resource.

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Art Deco Gems

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Since 1925, Art Deco has been known as a glamorous, global style characterized by lavish ornamentation. “Ordinary” items found in the everyday home become extraordinary when embellished with gemstones, crystals, and precious and semi-precious stones highlighting their sumptuous designs.

By Kristen Ordonez

Lalique Masque de Femme — THG-Paris

“From the beginning, Art Deco embraced modern luxury through exquisite craftsmanship and precious materials,” says Pedro Uranga, North American director of THG-Paris. “THG’s Profil collection, designed by the legendary Jamie Drake, and our Masque De Femme collaboration with Lalique both emulate these aspects of the beloved design style as well as utilize the celebrated geometrically patterned inlays of the time.” THG has had a relationship with Lalique for more than a decade, creating beautiful works of art that mix turn-of-the-century designs with modern sensibility.

The Masque de Femme Collection features a bas-relief pattern with Lalique crystal set atop each handle. Enamel adorns the handles on all four sides with a palm-frond motif either in black, gray and white or red and beige, a pattern especially reminiscent of the 1920s. Available finishes include polished gold and polished chrome. Starting at $18,125

Profil — THG-Paris

Also from THG is the Profil faucet, by legendary designer Jamie Drake, whose work showcases a penchant for the traditional and American glamour. The eyes are drawn to the sculptural handles of the Profil, embellished with inlays of black onyx or metal, as well as Lalique Clear Crystal and Lalique Black Crystal. Starting at $3,907

Albion — Hudson Valley Lighting

“To me, the Art Deco movement embodies the lavish look of the 1920s — the embrace of modernism and optimism of the times expressed through the simple form and glamour of the style,” says Malaina Matheus, vice president of business development at Hudson Valley Lighting. “Hudson Valley Lighting’s Albion sconce with its rows of polished glass rods is a nod to that important part of history and design while at the same time embracing our own modernity through the LED light source.”

The Albion LED sconce features a glittering array of crystal rods beveled on each end. Fluted cast metalwork clasps the collection of rods, which are arranged in a tapered order around a frosted glass diffuser. A powerful LED driver marries Albion’s twentieth-century glamour with the energy-efficient technology of today. The sconce comes in two sizes and is available in aged brass and polished nickel finishes. $1,725

Blur Collection — Corbett Lighting

Hailing from Corbett Lighting’s summer 2016 collection, Blur is an elegant interplay of mixed materials, evocative of the Art Deco style.

“Blur’s bold geometric forms and mixed textures exemplify the rich depth eternally sought after within the Art Deco movement,” says Steve Nadell, president of Troy-CSL Lighting Inc. “The sconce features a diamond-shaped pattern of varying sized circles made up of rock crystal and clear optical discs.”

These materials, along with opaque iron discs finished in modern silver leaf, create a beautiful configuration enhanced by the warm glow of a dimmable LED light. The palette of materials is fastened to a diamond-shaped, stainless steel backplate. $590

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Understated Elegance

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Updated traditional kitchen with herringbone floors, brass accents and a La Cornue range in Beverly Hills. Photo courtesy Lou Trapp.

The allure of interior design was not always at the forefront of Lindsay Chambers’ mind.

By Kristen Ordonez

Growing up in Palo Alto, California, she had ambitions of being a history college professor, pursuing a PhD at Stanford University. But while attending, something happened that would ultimately change her career path.

“One day, I got a knock on the door from a couple who worked at Google asking to buy my house. I didn’t have anywhere to move, but I realized I had an idea of what people wanted design and home-wise in Palo Alto,” shares Chambers. With this idea in mind, she bought a nearby home, gutted it out and updated everything in the home, even adding a basement.

That home was just the start. Enthralled in the process so much, Chambers then finished getting her masters degree and became a full-time custom home developer, founding Hazel.Wood Design Group. “The custom homes sold so quickly, and people were asking me to design their home like my houses,” says Chambers.

It did not take long for her to realize her strengths and love for interior design. Hazel.Wood was renamed Lindsay Chambers Designs in 2015, and rearranged its focus to both home and interior design. Now, along with home development, Lindsay Chambers specializes in interior designing with a focus in the transitional style of mixing contemporary trends with classic pieces, and vice versa. Much of her work is inspired by her surroundings, particularly the modern styles of Los Angeles and the “Old is New” aesthetic of San Francisco, blending together effortlessly to create what she coins “understated elegance.”

“I prefer clean lines, and a highly edited aesthetic,” Chambers notes. “I prefer to work with materials, textiles, and furnishings that are of a high quality but are also understated.”

When it comes to the business side of running her firm, Chambers has found that her clients tend to understand the simple yet sophisticated elegance she loves to incorporate. “Most of my clients are on the younger side,” Chambers analyzes. “They like the traditional aesthetic, but they want something cleaner, younger, hipper — but not in the cold modern genre. That is why I think the transitional style has become so popular.”

“A room in someone’s home should not feel like a museum. It needs to be a place that is beautiful as it is warm and welcoming,” she says.

Accommodating the client while also catering to her own likes and tastes is almost as easy as breathing for Chambers, whose choices in textures, fabrics, colors and pieces marry well in a style that is supposed to be a union of different eras and their corresponding aesthetics. And like any true designer, she knows how to bring a balance of both her vision and the interests of the client without the space feeling disjointed or cold. “A room in someone’s home should not feel like a museum. It needs to be a place that is as beautiful as it is warm and welcoming,” she says.

Chambers’ favorite spaces to design are kitchens and master bathrooms because of the freedom open spaces like these provide. “I love to work on both because, as the designer, you are often creating your own design from scratch and get to influence the interior architecture as well as the finishes. Whereas in other rooms, you are taking other people’s art, whether it be a sofa or table design for instance, and harmoniously putting them together.

Since her firm launched, Chambers has designed multiple homes in California and received well-deserved recognition. Her favorite project so far is the Hollywood Hills home in Los Angeles she is currently designing — for herself. “It is so exciting to try out new products and finishes that I have never gotten to work with before but have always wanted to,” she says. She has also come to find her love for art transform with every addition made into an ever-growing art collection, one she swears to never sell. “When I move into a new place, I can’t get comfortable until the art is up on the walls.”

Committing to designing a home for oneself has proven to have its highs and lows, according to Chambers, but ultimately she is loving the challenge of fitting into the shoes of a client. Her only complaint about the project so far has been over her own self-instituted standards. “I’m a perfectionist and since it’s my own house, everything has to be perfect.”

If reimagining the space for her own home was not exciting enough, Chambers is also taking opportunities to handcraft her own materials. 

Photo courtesy Christopher Stork.

“I designed my own cabinet hardware, which is being manufactured by Waterworks, for instance. I’m also importing some bespoke light fixtures from France.” These practices have fortunately not stopped just with her home. In the past, Chambers has designed her own line of fabrics with Guildery, but these achievements have reached a whole new level, as she is planning on launching her own furniture line.

Light, spa-like master bath with chevron marble floors and a Waterworks Margaux burnished nickel freestanding tub in a Tudor home in Palo Alto, California. Photos courtesy Roger Davies.

This summer, Lindsay Chambers will debut a 25-piece furniture line at a new showroom located in the West Hollywood design district. She says the collection will keep a soft contemporary taste and will feature coffee tables, woodwork-based items, dining room tables, beds and other basic fundamental pieces. Similar to the size of her firm, her furniture line will remain boutique-sized, making it easier for Chambers to stay involved with all her projects and “keep [her] hands on everything.”

Her hands will have lots to do as she continues to work on getting the showroom ready for the summer debut, as well as working with clients. She is currently working on helping a Stanford history professor renovate her home on the university campus.

With so much happening presently, Chambers still keeps a determined eye on the future and where she would like to see Lindsay Chambers Designs go, which is not too far. When asked where she would like to be in five years, she says “right where I am” with her offices in West Hollywood and in the San Francisco Bay area. Along with her desires to design a restaurant or hotel, she hopes to reach farther with the furniture line and expand the number of showrooms across the U.S.

Q&A:

Favorite and least favorite aspect of the job?

Favorite aspect: Defining a vision with the client.

Least favorite: Invoicing.

What is the most important element you have to include or remember to keep in any home?

Durability of the kitchens and baths. Some of the most beautiful design materials are not always the most durable. For instance, if a client wants to incorporate white marble as a countertop in the kitchen, I encourage them to have a portion of the counter in  another material so they have somewhere to chop vegetables and pour red wine that won’t stain.

What kind of design trends do you want to see in the future?

Master bedroom with gold and white washed tin ceiling tiles applied as the accent wall, in Palo Alto. Photo courtesy Roger Davies. 

I hear the 90s are back which means green should be coming back in. I like green so I am happy to see it starting to show up in design again in a significant way.   

What colors do you like to play with the most?

I have to admit I am a fan of gray, which is no surprise if you have seen my work. When I bought the book 50 Shades of Gray at the airport, I honestly thought it would be about an interior designer. First 10 pages into the book and I start to hide it from the man sitting next to me on the plane because I realized how wrong I was! 

What advice would you give to someone going into interior design or starting his or her own firm?

If you are going to start your own firm, don’t dip your toe in the water to test it out. Dive in with both feet and give it your best shot from the beginning. Go for it!

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Beverly Hills Estate with Famous Ownership History Sold for $16 Million

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All photos courtesy of Jeff Elson.

By Kristen Ordonez

Sometimes the most striking features of a house lie within its history and are revealed through the owners who called it home. For this mansion located on 1023 N Roxbury Drive in Beverly Hills, a rich history was one of the key characteristics that kept buyers interested.

“Some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry have taken up residence on this gorgeous property over the years,” says listing agent Myra Nourmand of Nourmand & Associates. Among its previous occupants are Hollywood legends Agnes Moorehead, (“Bewitched”) and Spencer Tracy (“Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner”). “A who’s who show of business legends have walked the halls of this grand estate – it is a veritable Walk of Fame. The people who have lived in the mansion would agree that this is the ultimate California dream.”

Selling for $16 million earlier this year, which was close to the original listing price of $18.5 million, Nourmand first put the property on the market in 2015. The home was then sold off-market, six months after the listing had expired, to an entrepreneur, according to the agent.
Certainly, though, the most intriguing aspects of the house lie in its design and architecture. The Mediterranean-style mansion is fronted by a circular driveway, manicured lawn and rows of lush palm trees. Inside is a gated, eight-bedroom, seven-bath, villa-like home that boasts a grand two-story entry, step-down living room with vaulted ceilings, and formal dining room with hand-painted murals on the coffered ceiling. The master suite also has painted murals on the ceiling, dual baths and dual closets.

Other features include a media and billiards room with a full wet bar downstairs, which raises the potential for “an awesome man cave,” Nourmand notes. The guest cabana suite by the pool has a sitting room and large full bath. The courtyard is perfect for entertaining and offers a pool with a spa, as well as a lighted tennis court.
Along with its famous ownership history, the location of the property adds to the overall character of the home, making it a “star” on its own. “North Roxbury Drive is an iconic street that many of Hollywood’s legendary stars have called home, and is still one of the most desirable streets in Beverly Hills,” Nourmand affirms.

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