Unique Homes sat down with the owner of Firefeatures, Elena Colombo, a sculptor whose biggest inspiration is nature, to discuss how this inspiration shines through in her one-of-a-kind designs.
Was there a particular moment when you knew you wanted to be an artist?
I believe I always knew I was an artist and designer — from the time I was a toddler, I was always making something. Making flower necklaces, building dollhouse furniture, making a background painting for my fish tank, making mobiles, etc. I studied architectural drafting in grade school and high school and went on to study art history and fine arts in college. Art has been with me since I was born.
I want to be clear; I’m not a fine artist in the true sense of the word. My art is not solely for art’s sake. I do not make things that are purely for looking at and pleasing the viewer, though that is integral to their success. I design sculptural yet functional gas appliances. I call it “art that works.” Everything I have done in my life for work and pleasure has been to put an idea or feeling into visual form.
My father was a builder and contractor while my mother was a naturalist and placemaker. They both built/created places where people and families could thrive, whether it was building a library, planting a garden, or choosing a comfortable yet beautiful chair to sit and read in. I grew up in a nurturing environment where we were encouraged to create and solve problems. I want my work to create a beautiful place where people gather to commune with each other and fire is the medium — and it’s second to none in that regard.
How would you describe your style?
I hope, at its best, it is a clear abstraction of nature. Because I make a product that is specifically a gas appliance, I am bound by requirements and restrictions that pure fine art is not. The form follows function in my case, so the style has to be clear, pure, and functional.
How has your style changed over the years?
It’s gotten more focused, so I imagine it’s become more minimalist.
If you had to describe your works in three words, what would they be?
Clear, pure, and functional.
How does fire influence your projects?
It is the thing for which I create. My work is essentially a vessel to contain the fire and allow it to burn safely. The shape of the vessel can dictate how the fire moves, or the movement of the fire can dictate the shape of the vessel. The bowl was my first choice to hold fire as it is the simplest shape, and allows the fire to be the star.
How do you begin a project?
With a small quick sketch on paper, then translate it into 3 dimensions with Nic Spitler, our Head of Design. We work in Rhino which is a 3D modeling program and a very lithe program. It allows you to create, change and morph easily as you work out the ideas. I couldn’t do it without Nic — he’s extremely fluid with Rhino and our instincts are similar.
What is your favorite project and why?
The Bethlehem Bridge Project. It was a commission awarded by ArtsQuest and the National Endowment for the Arts in response to an RFQ for the Bethlehem placemaking initiative. And I just feel like I got it right. I am proud of it and it functions for the people of Bethlehem and for visitors from around the world.
What is your dream project?
A large-scale civic project in Manhattan perhaps, and to get further into design for end of life memorials and reliquaries.
Can you tell us what you’re working on right now?
Right now are two big jobs with multiple fireplaces, both interior and exterior, for 2 residences, one in Southampton and one in Greenwich, CT. The Southampton house will have a series of cast bronze pieces I’m really excited about — one has a log cradle made from a singular piece of tree bark we cast in bronze, with an entire driftwood looking surround cast in concrete. It’s an intricate mold process we will be beginning in the new year.
What is the biggest challenge when it comes to sculpting?
Coming up with a good idea and then executing it!
Actually, sometimes it’s just moving these heavy objects around — you tend to forget about that when you’re in the creative process — moving big metal things encompasses a lot of shipping and installation details you have to consider when designing the piece.
Photos courtesy of c/o Firefeatures
65 E. Goethe Street Unit M102, Chicago, Illinois, United States
This magnificent residence lives like a single-family with approx. 5800 square feet on 2 floors and a private street entrance, yet offers the 24-hr. security, maintenance, and management services of an 18-unit luxury, boutique condominium building… the best of both worlds! It showcases the finest designer finishes, creating a timeless oasis in Chicago’s Gold Coast neighborhood. The space flows easily from a formal living room, dining room, library, bar area to an inviting family room, all surrounding a dramatic entry foyer with 11′ ceilings. The 30′ kitchen and breakfast area, designed by de Giulio, opens to 1300 square feet of private, landscaped outdoor space. The 2nd level includes a master suite, his/her baths, dressing rooms, office/study, 2 add’l ensuite family bedrooms. The 4th ensuite bedroom is located on the 1st level, perfect for guests. This elegant, unique home is surrounded by landmark mansions and the lakefront, in one of Chicago’s most exclusive areas of the city.
Basic Details
Price: $5,989,000
Bedrooms: 4
Bathrooms: 5
Half Bathrooms: 1
Square Footage: 5,800 Sqft
MLS: 10382629
Featured Agent: Sherri Kramer, Broker
Coldwell Banker Global Luxury | 676 N. Michigan Ave. #3010, Chicago, Il 60611 cell 312.513.4280 fax 781.609.0169 sherri.kramer@cbexchange.com www.lakefrontlivingchicago.com
www.facebook.com/SherriKramerChicagoRE
If you’re searching for a home in Chicago, you’ve come to the right place!
SHERRI has been a realtor in Chicago since l986 and top producer with Coldwell Banker Residential for over 20 years. Her business is based on repeat and referral clients, providing the best support through the complicated process of purchasing or selling a home. She is 100% committed to helping her clients make one of their most important financial decisions and believes that ‘listening’ to her client’s needs is her top priority.
Sherri specializes in residential properties in Chicago’s Gold Coast, Streeterville, Lincoln Park, Old Town, DePaul, River East, Lakeview, River North, Lakeshore East, West Loop & South Loop neighborhoods. She is skilled and up-to-date on the luxury market, new construction, market & financing trends, technology, social media…and always has a ‘pulse’ on the market.
Both regionally and nationally, Sherri enjoys helping her clients anywhere in the country through a vast network of trained and skilled Coldwell Banker agents in every marketplace. She enjoys a great reputation among her colleagues, in addition to her clients, who know they can count on her integrity and professionalism.
As a Seller, it is crucial to have the right realtor assist in staging and accurately positioning the home within the marketplace, as well as provide the best marketing support. As a Buyer, the right realtor provides guidance through the process, within the confines of the buyer’s budget and lifestyle. Sherri has always focused on being the ‘right’ realtor.
For 30 years, Sherri has been committed to being the ‘real estate professional” in her clients’ lives. “The most important thing we have in business, as in life, is our reputation” according to Sherri. Her clients know they can always count on her!
Formerly owned by tenor Titta Ruffo, this astonishing penthouse in Rome, Italy was recently redesigned by “starchitect” Dante Benini to grant the comfort of a yacht.
“The home offers an ancient atmosphere on top of Monti Parioli with modern furnishing mixed with an overall touch of elegance, all of which make you at your ease,” says Andrea Barbera of Coldwell Banker Barbera Group International Real Estate, who is listing the property for 6 million euros.
Offering smashing views, this home features three levels with a private elevator, four bedrooms, five baths and a terrace that is nestled between the rooftop loggia and the turret.
“Visitors enjoy the view of the city because the terrace overlooks the north side of Rome, including Flamino Stadium and Monte Mario,” says Barbera.
Sisi Takaki, RB-21987
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices
Hawai’i Realty
46 Hoo’lai Street, #D, Kailua, HI 96734
Cell: 808.753.7151 | SisiT@bhhshawaii.com
Sisi Takaki, Realtor is nationally recognized in the Top 2% of Sales for 2015-2017. She is a seasoned Luxury Specialist with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and was awarded into the President’s Circle in 2017. Sisi understands every facet of home ownership, from the emotional aspect of buying or selling your primary residence to the complexity of a profitable investment property. Sisi understands and values knowing each client’s goals and aligns herself to the needs of each unique situation. Selling your home can be one of the hardest things to do, but Sisi Takaki and her Team will guide you through the process. From Skyline to Shoreline, let Sisi Takaki, R and the STR Team help you with all of your real estate needs.
Listings by Sisi Takaki
Honolulu, Hawaii
1837 KALAKAUA AVE #2608
Enjoy the Allure of Waikiki with this 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath unit with calming mountain and city views. The unit offers high-end finishes and a cutting-edge open kitchen. The building offers a modern design set in a tropical landscape with open green areas. Close to Waikiki businesses, Kakaako restaurants and shopping.
Offered at 1,158,880.
Sisi Takaki originally appeared as an Elite agent in the Unique Homes Spring ’19: Elite edition. See her page here.
In a quiet, gated community in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, this grand home offers 24-hour security. Inside, the welcoming stairway at the entry leads to the great room and main living, which open to the pool area.
“As you walk down the stairway entrance you feel like you are walking into a grand ballroom,” says listing agent Jaime Gould of Coldwell Banker St. Croix Realty.
The home also features three bedrooms, three full and one half baths, a one-bedroom apartment and a two-car garage.
“This home is good for people who like to entertain and have guests stay with them,” says Gould. “Each bedroom has its own area, so if you need to get away or have peaceful quiet time you can.”
Property by Myra Nourmand
310-888-3333
Live amongst the captivating properties of Beverly Glen with its beautiful tree-lined canopies and expansive flat lots. This beautifully appointed home is absolutely breathtaking! The entire property opens to the enormous yard, which is totally private and quiet, embracing the ideal of indoor-outdoor living. Soaring ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows and an open floor plan, the home has a light and airy feel. Flexible layout features 4 bedrooms upstairs, one large bedroom suite downstairs, office and attached 2-room guest house. Top-of-the-line appliances such as Miele, Viking, Sub-Zero, Fleetwood, and NeoRest. Perfect for outdoor entertaining with the cozy loggia and fireplace, built-in BBQ and saltwater swiming pool and spa. Even solar, making this 7,000-plus-square-foot property almost off the grid! Enjoy the 3-car garage, spectacular 500-plus-bottle wine cellar, Crestron, fully secure, elevator-ready. A fantastic opportunity for an exceptional home in most desirable Warner Elementary school location.
Photo courtesy of Alexander Jospeph
It seemed as if the interior designing industry has exhausted all of the various designs used in kitchens — until the new trend of all-black kitchens became the new fad and shifted the paradigm. Here’s how designers are getting into the trend and making blacked-out kitchens feel warm and inviting at the same time.
Dark cabinets and countertops not only add a beautiful composition to the space, but they actually make the room feel less blank and minimalistic. Ironically, the dark colors add a certain vibrance and texture to the space rather than washing it out. Utilize natural light with large floor-to-ceiling windows to give the black cabinets a hint of blue dark blue for a more colorful style. The sunlight on these cabinets keep they style modern and sleek without making it bland and boring.
Photo courtesy of Original BTC
Photo courtesy of Viva Lagoon
Another perfect way of styling blacked-out kitchens is adding gold accents. Not only do they add the perfect contrast, but they vary the textures used, making a refined and finished look. The reflective material of the gold cabinets create an open and war atmosphere.
Regardless, if a completely blacked-out kitchen isn’t your style, then look toward making a stark contrast between black and white. Not only does it create a striking composition, but it brings a unique flair that’s sure to be a conversation piece. The blacked-out island at the forefront of this otherwise white kitchen is a perfect example, and will make sure to invite people in.
Photo courtesy of PullCast
Stacy Gottula, one of the premier luxury real estate brokers with the Agency, a firm located in Beverly Hills, has officially redirected her career toward working with the Eklund and Gomes team associated with Douglas Elliman.
This is just three months after the Eklund-Gomes team expanded into Los Angeles, where Frederik Eklund, the long-time star of the hit TV series “Million Dollar Listing New York,” moved in order to dominate the West Coast.
“I’ve been chasing her and we’ve been talking for a long time,” he said of Gottula to The Real Deal. “What she’s bringing, which is something I really need at this point is the experience pitching big, big listings.”
Photo courtesy of Tigran Tovmasyan, One Sixty Studios
Gottula credits her decision to transfer onto the Eklund-Gomes to wanting to work in a team atmosphere again. At the Agency, she worked solo on most projects — and she told The Real Deal that after seeing the team at Douglas Elliman, “it felt right.”
This is another big hit for the Agency, as Stacy Gottula brings the firms’ lost brokers to a count of 45 in Los Angeles.
For those who are looking to find more storage for their clothes and accessories, or those who simply want to elevate the style of their home, look toward making the dream walk-in closet. Not only can it be practical by offering ample storage, but it can also be a reflection of your style, so don’t forget to make it yours. Here’s how:
1. Sleek, Organized Design
When it’s completely organized, having all your clothes on display can add vibrant color and a beautiful composition to your walk-in closet. But practically, it can be a challenge to keep the storage space that organized all the time. So instead, look toward stained cabinets with a matte finish. Use gold to add a pop of color and a simple design for a sleek finish.
Photo courtesy of LUXXU Home
Photo courtesy of LUXXU Home
Photo courtesy of PullCast
Photo courtesy of Brabbu Designs
2. Not Just a Closet (seating, too!)
When you have the space, add in comfortable seating as well. Not only does it elevate the luxury-end of the design, but it functions well when changing or putting on shoes. Add a comfortable bench or chair for the same effect.
3. Effortless Impact
When designing a walk-in closet, there’s one word that’s a must: effortless. Whether it’s more monochrome or vibrant in color or more spacious or closed off, let the room be yours. Let it reflect your personal taste — both in fashion and design.
Photo courtesy of Chaplins Furniture
Debra Duvall
Water Pointe Realty Group
3727 S. East Ocean Blvd. Suite 100 Stuart, FL 34996
772.283.3330 | Deb@WaterPointe.com | www.DebraDuvall.com
Debra Duvall, a resident of Florida’s Treasure Coast since 1965, is a leader in the marketing and sales of luxury and waterfront residential properties. Entering the real estate field in 1981, Debra combines her hands-on, historical knowledge of the region with a determination to offer unparalleled sales, marketing, and relocation/absentee services. As a partner of Water Pointe Realty Group, an independent, locally-owned real estate firm, which is a member of numerous national and international networks, specializing in residential, investment, development, luxury and waterfront properties, she ensures that all of her clients are properly represented. Debra’s personal and professional success is built on a firm foundation of experience, education, integrity, and dedication to service.
Listing by Debra Duvall
Florida
Private Island Lifestyle
From the moment you arrive, you’ll instantly forget that life exists beyond this tropical oasis! A casual style main house and guest cottage sit on 3.4-plus acres with 2,700 feet of shoreline, white sandy beaches, and just minutes to the ocean! Close to downtown dining, shopping, a private executive airport and only 45 minutes to an international airport.
www.DebraDuvall.com
$3,995,000.