To accentuate his clients’ substantial collection of artwork in this 5,000-square-foot home located in the Moorings community of Naples, architect Robert Herscoe implemented a design that presents its own artistic statement. “The owners have an appreciation of modern architecture,” Herscoe says. “They have a wide range of interests, and they allowed us the freedom to surprise them.”
The couple wanted a home that was contemporary, welcoming and warm. “While we had something in mind, it didn’t have a form … and all of a sudden it came alive,” homeowner Diana Lewis says. The artwork does take center stage, but as Herscoe points out, there is interplay. “You go back and forth from looking at the home to looking at the art. It’s more like an orchestra with different players — the artwork, the stairway, the panoramic views from the windows, and even the pool can be considered art,” he says.
Serving as the couple’s primary residence, the home reflects an appreciation of modern architecture both inside and out. An open floor plan makes use of clearly defined areas that lend a casual feel. Hallways are kept minimal and function as gallery space. Limestone flooring flows throughout the main living areas and the neutral color palette is enhanced with a variety of artwork that provides pops of color.
“Going back to that element of surprise, the layout was planned to be slowly revealing,” interior designer Laura Ramsey Engler says. “There’s a slight pause upon entering the foyer … you stop and wonder what’s beyond.”
The open floor plan allows for vistas between spaces, as well as light from every direction. “We considered how everyone would move through the spaces, bearing in mind what art would be viewed from certain vantage points,” Ramsey Engler says. “We designed a variety of unique spots for the artwork to live and breathe,” Herscoe adds.
Sculpted furnishings in the family room enhance the artwork. A sleek, leather-clad sofa in a buff hue, and a pair of shapely armchairs in brown leather are separated by an origami-like wood accent table. Tucked away, an artistically designed floating stairway ascends gracefully to an upstairs hallway, where an oil painting entitled Anna Maria by Nicola Simbari, one of Italy’s most important 20th-century artists, is displayed on a wall.
To soften rectilinear lines in the living room, a rounded armchair and a Baker accent table, as well as a modular sofa by Thayer Coggin covered in a taupe textured wool blend, were arranged to look pleasing from all angles. A cocktail table created with lacewood “wings” and a walnut base is designed by sculptor Joseph Walsh. Named “Sanagi,” it signifies the blossoming of a caterpillar into a butterfly in Japanese. Near sliding glass doors, Wave Correction, a black patina sculpture of a woman’s head, was created by three Cuban artists collaboratively known as “The Merger.”
The master bath, a tranquil space designed with a soaking tub that looks out onto a lush garden, is kept spare so its artwork can shine. Just steps into the airy master bedroom, an antique Art Deco console joins a Deco-style bed and bedside table to lend visual artistry to the space. Nearby, Kravet’s cocktail ottoman and a pair of wood-trimmed white armchairs with a sleek silhouette create a serene sitting area perfect for rest and relaxation.
Floor-to-ceiling windows provide a perfect view of the expansive outdoor area with its sparkling pool and Jacuzzi, and open lanai with summer kitchen. Inside and out, from its state-of-the-art gourmet kitchen to the double-sided fireplace and artful stairway design, this home is truly unique. “I’ve built a handful of modern homes, but nothing quite like this … nothing this intricately designed,” builder Greg Lundstrom says.
Story Credits:
Interior Design: Laura Ramsey Engler, Ramsey Engler, Ltd., Minneapolis, MN
Architecture: Robert Herscoe and Michael Hajjar, Herscoe Hajjar Architects, Naples, FL
Photography: Lori Hamilton, Naples, FL
Text: Christine Davis
foyer Artwork – Owners’ Collection family room Sofa, armchairs and artwork – Owners’ Collection Cocktail table – Troscan Design, Holly Hunt, IMS, Minneapolis, MN Occasional table – PERRY Luxe, Tucson, AZ Accent stool – Therien Studio Workshops, Holly Hunt, IMS, Minneapolis, MN Stairway – Custom designed by Conceptual Design Builders, Naples, FL kitchen/breakfast area Table – Owners’ Collection Chairs – Dakota Jackson, Hoffsommer et Cie, IMS, Minneapolis, MN Cabinetry – Fusion Industries International, Naples, FL hallway Artwork – Owners’ Collection Sculpture – Pismo Fine Art Glass Gallery, Denver, CO Doors – Custom designed by Traditional Carpentry, Inc., Naples, FL living room Sofa – Thayer Coggin, KDR Designer Showrooms, IMS, Minneapolis, MN Armchair and artwork – Owners’ Collection Cocktail table – Custom designed by Joseph Walsh Studios, Cork, Ireland Fireplace – DaVinci Custom Fireplaces, Mukilteo, WA Small accent table – Baker Furniture, Baker Knapp & Tubbs, IMS, Minneapolis, MN Window shades – Conrad Shades, Jerry Pair & Assoc., Hollywood, FL Fabricated by Michael Schmidt Custom Interiors, Naples, FL master bath Cabinetry – Fusion Industries International, Naples, FL Shower – Rohl, Ferguson Showroom, Naples, FL Sconces – Modern Forms, WAC Lighting, Port Washington, NY Sink – Kohler, Ferguson Enterprises, Naples, FL Artwork – Owners’ Collection Shades – Michael Schmidt Custom Interiors, Naples, FL master bedroom Bed, console, bedside table, accent table and artwork – Owners’ Collection Armchairs and cocktail ottoman – Kravet, Inc., Lee Jofa, IMS, Minneapolis, MN Armchairs and cocktail ottoman – Brunschwig & Fils, Bethpage, NY Draperies – Custom designed by Ramsey Engler, Ltd., Minneapolis, MN Fabricated by Michael Schmidt Custom Interiors, Naples, FL lanai and pool area Pool – Palm River Pools, Inc., Naples, FL Cabinetry – Fusion Industries International, Naples, FL Dining tables and chairs – Royal Botania, Chicago, IL Brown decking – Trex, Winchester, VA throughout Area rugs – Orley Shabahang, Whitefish Bay, WIOpen to see Interior Design Sources:
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