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MOMENTS<br />

Photography provided by ©iStockphoto.com/ooyoo.<br />

“We would like to live as we once lived, but<br />

history<br />

will not permit it.”<br />

—John F. Kennedy<br />

home by design|april|may|2014 1


Contents<br />

april|may| 2014<br />

DEPARTMENTS<br />

1 Moments<br />

4 Inspirations:<br />

It’s the Little Things…<br />

6 In the Kitchen:<br />

Digging into Food Trends<br />

14 Lifestyle:<br />

Focusing on the Foyer<br />

16 Gardening:<br />

History at Home<br />

44 Destination:<br />

Montepulciano, Italy<br />

FEATURES<br />

ARCHITECTURAL ELEMENTS<br />

20 From Dark to Dazzling<br />

26 Modern Muskoka<br />

34 Modern Day Meets Yesterday<br />

38 Crystal Vision<br />

A nineteenth-century<br />

Tribeca, Manhattan<br />

building merges history<br />

34with updated style.<br />

Photography by (this page) Sean Karns, (opposite page) Adrian Shellard (shellardphotography.com).<br />

2 home by design|april|may|2014


PUBLISHER By Design Publishing<br />

PRESIDENT Adam Japko<br />

V.P. OF OPERATIONS Belinda Richardson<br />

PROGRAMMING Bill Baker, Dan Fritscher, Todd Neumiller<br />

CUSTOMER SERVICE MANAGER Estee Malensky<br />

EDITOR Maresa Giovannini<br />

DESIGN Lindsay Fournier<br />

CREATIVE TEAM Lori Hartmann, Jason Rebuck,<br />

Courtney Cohoon<br />

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Ruth Wertzberger Carlson,<br />

Brenda Crow, Ashley Gartland, Jeanine Matlow, Blake Miller,<br />

Carolyn M. Runyon, Ronda Swaney<br />

COVER PHOTOGRAPH Mike Chajecki<br />

(Still Moments Photography, stillmoments.ca)<br />

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS<br />

Mike Chajecki (Still Moments Photography, stillmoments.ca),<br />

Brenda Crow, Susan Gilmore, Sean Karns, Adrian Shellard<br />

(shellardphotography.com)<br />

ADVERTISING AND EDITORIAL OFFICE<br />

11626 Tracey Road, Hayden, ID 83835<br />

208-772-8060, FAX 208-772-8061<br />

ADVERTISING INQUIRIES<br />

adsales@HomeByDesign.com<br />

EDITORIAL INQUIRIES OR FEEDBACK<br />

editorial@HomeByDesign.com<br />

Real estate agents, mortgage lenders, or anyone interested in using<br />

Home By Design in marketing plans should contact our sales office at<br />

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information about your own customized magazine or marketing<br />

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Copyright 2014<br />

Network Communications Inc. All Rights Reserved.<br />

Recipients of Home By Design magazine receive their subscription as<br />

a free gift of a real estate professional, mortgage lender, or other<br />

professional service provider. The Home By Design magazine<br />

program is an exclusive marketing program created by By Design<br />

Publishing. By Design Publishing has contracted with its professional<br />

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copies of Home By Design magazine and other Home By Design<br />

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Home By Design magazine is for entertainment purposes only.<br />

This magazine is not intended to solicit other brokers’ listings.<br />

If you are currently working with or in contract with another broker,<br />

please disregard this information.<br />

home by design|april|may|2014 3


INSPIRATIONS<br />

It’s the Little Things…<br />

You may not have the memory<br />

of an elephant, but you can<br />

let one keep your jewelry safe. This<br />

baby elephant trinket box is full of<br />

exquisite detail and sparking jewels.<br />

BABY ELEPHANT<br />

TRINKET BOX<br />

www.zgallerie.com<br />

When lit, the decorated glass base on the<br />

Ateriors poppy glass lamp creates a unique<br />

gleam and glow of light. And a tall white shade<br />

appears like a top hat, giving the overall look<br />

one of distinction and friendly humor.<br />

POPPY TABLE LAMP<br />

www.lumens.com<br />

Add color and texture to your home with the Jaipur<br />

pillow collection. Bejeweled, natural linen pillows are hand<br />

embroidered using the labor intensive aari technique, where each rhinestone and<br />

bead is perfectly placed to create a glimmering surface. Experience the colors<br />

and handicraft of India with this mod interpretation.<br />

JAIPUR STUDDED BEADED LINED THROW PILLOW<br />

www.jonathanadler.com<br />

Luddites appreciated a simpler way of living,<br />

and this collection is inspired by that. The set<br />

of six side plates depicts an understated sketch<br />

that still dresses up tableware.<br />

THOMAS LUDDITE SIDE PLATE<br />

www.libastyle.com<br />

4 home by design|april|may|2014


INSPIRATIONS<br />

Charm your tabletop with whimsical unicorn salt and pepper shakers.<br />

But don’t worry, the stoneware shakers aren’t as elusive as the<br />

mythical creatures. You’ll be able to find them with ease.<br />

UNICORN SALT & PEPPER SHAKERS<br />

www.jonathanadler.com<br />

Give your cheese presentation an update. Perfect for everyday<br />

entertaining or elegant affairs, these food safe, kraft paper sheets can<br />

be paired with your cheese board or used to serve alone.<br />

CHEESE SERVING PAPER<br />

www.libastyle.com<br />

The Diamantini & Domeniconi Cucu Cuckoo Clock, a<br />

signature piece by the Italian company, pays homage<br />

to the traditional version in its smooth, laser cut silhouette<br />

and charming cuckoo bird. Chirping on the hour, Cucu<br />

respects evening sleep times by automatically<br />

silencing its call by a light sensor.<br />

CUCU CUCKOO CLOCK<br />

www.lumens.com<br />

This tufted ottoman, upholstered in silver gauze linen, is the<br />

perfect blend of graceful and refined. The metallic accents<br />

complement the classic style that’s finished with button<br />

detailing for a petite place to rest your feet.<br />

SMALL TUFTED OTTOMAN<br />

www.zgallerie.com<br />

home by design|april|may|2014 5


IN THE KITCHEN<br />

Digging into<br />

Food Trends<br />

Fresh and Delicious Fads to Discover Now<br />

6 home by design|april|may|2014


IN THE KITCHEN<br />

It seems a short while ago that we were<br />

talking about cupcakes, carbonated cocktails, and<br />

comfort food. In the world of gastronomy, trends<br />

take hold only to be replaced by the next best thing.<br />

But even once faded, most trends leave an indelible<br />

mark on the culture of our cuisine—be it an<br />

indefinite place on the menu or a good laugh to look<br />

back at. Regardless, they get us into the kitchen and<br />

eating out. They keep things exciting. This year,<br />

we’ve got our eye on some fresh new food fads that<br />

will do just that. From goat meat to ginger beer,<br />

here are some new discoveries to explore in food.<br />

Written and P hotographed by<br />

Brenda Crow<br />

home by design|april|may|2014 7


IN THE KITCHEN<br />

PICKLED/CURED TREND:<br />

JAPANESE PICKLED<br />

CUCUMBER<br />

Pickling has certainly seen its day in the sun<br />

these last few years. While it was once<br />

galvanized by hard times and a cruel<br />

economy, it’s currently being fueled by the<br />

DIY movement and ever-burgeoning farmers’<br />

markets. This particular recipe is well<br />

suited for the uninitiated and the impatient.<br />

A quick pickle can be made overnight,<br />

without employing a water bath canning<br />

method. The Japanese-inspired brine is super<br />

simple and adaptable to myriad vegetables<br />

(carrots, daikon, and asparagus). If you can<br />

find Persian or Kirby cucumbers, they would<br />

be a good first choice. Otherwise, English<br />

cucumbers are well suited.<br />

Makes 1, 32-ounce jar<br />

2 English cucumbers (about 13–16<br />

ounces total), sliced ½-inch thick<br />

2 1-inch squares of kombu, cut (with<br />

scissors) into thin strips<br />

2 dried chile de árbol, stemmed,<br />

seeded, and cut into strips<br />

1 cup water<br />

6 tablespoons sugar<br />

2 teaspoons kosher salt<br />

½ cup rice wine vinegar<br />

Place sliced cucumbers, kombu, and<br />

chile strips in jar.<br />

In a small saucepan, heat water,<br />

then add sugar and salt. Stir until<br />

dissolved, then remove from heat<br />

and allow to cool. Add rice wine<br />

vinegar, then pour mixture into the<br />

jar to cover the cucumbers. Close the<br />

lid, and refrigerate for at least 12<br />

hours. They will keep refrigerated for<br />

up to two weeks.<br />

GLUTEN-FREE TREND:<br />

OVEN ROASTED<br />

WHOLE CAULIFLOWER<br />

Gluten-free cooking doesn’t have to be a<br />

woeful, wheatless reproduction of the foods<br />

we once loved. Indeed, there are so many<br />

options for gluten-free eaters, given the<br />

abundance in the produce, meat, and fish<br />

aisles. I recently discovered this method for<br />

roasting cauliflower and have been refining<br />

and riffing on it since. While we don’t often<br />

think of roasting a whole cauliflower<br />

in the way we’d roast a whole chicken, the<br />

adaptation is befitting. This is my go-to for<br />

an inclusive dinner party with gluten-free<br />

(and gluten-ful) friends. Carve it at the<br />

table for a dramatic presentation and<br />

serve it alongside rice specked with fresh<br />

herbs and seasonal fish.<br />

Serves 4 to 6<br />

8 cups water<br />

2 cups dry white wine<br />

¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil<br />

3 tablespoons unsalted butter<br />

1 tablespoon crushed red pepper flakes<br />

2 tablespoons lemon juice<br />

3 tablespoons kosher salt<br />

1 tablespoon sugar<br />

2 bay leaves<br />

1 head cauliflower, trimmed of leaves<br />

½ cup yogurt<br />

1 tablespoon tahini<br />

1 tablespoon lemon zest<br />

2 cloves garlic, mashed to a paste<br />

1 teaspoon salt<br />

½ teaspoon ground black pepper<br />

extra-virgin olive oil, to drizzle on top<br />

To a large pot (large enough to hold a<br />

whole head of cauliflower), add the<br />

water, wine, olive oil, butter, pepper<br />

flakes, lemon juice, kosher salt, sugar,<br />

and bay leaves. Bring to a boil, then<br />

turn heat down to a simmer and<br />

carefully lower in the whole head of<br />

cauliflower. Cook at a low simmer,<br />

turning cauliflower occasionally, until<br />

tender, about 10 to 15 minutes.<br />

Remove cauliflower from broth, pat<br />

dry, and set aside in a large bowl.<br />

Heat oven to 475 degrees F.<br />

In another small bowl, add yogurt,<br />

tahini, lemon zest, garlic paste, salt, and<br />

pepper and mix to combine.<br />

Spread the yogurt mix all over the<br />

cauliflower (it’s easiest to do this with<br />

your hands), then position the head of<br />

cauliflower onto a lined baking dish.<br />

Bake until golden brown, rotating dish<br />

halfway through, about 30 to 40<br />

minutes. Serve whole on a platter,<br />

drizzled with olive oil.<br />

MIDDLE EASTERN<br />

MEAT TREND:<br />

SINDHI BIRYANI (PAKISTANI<br />

GOAT CURRY WITH RICE)<br />

Goat meat has been playing a bigger role on<br />

restaurant menus of late—an eventual<br />

trickle-down effect from our growing affinity<br />

for goat-milk cheeses. But goat meat in the<br />

kitchen is nothing new. It’s a trend that’s<br />

endured through the ages, across the globe,<br />

even if it’s a newly discovered ingredient in<br />

8 home by design|april|may|2014


IN THE KITCHEN<br />

Japanese Pickled<br />

Cucumber<br />

Oven Roasted<br />

Whole Cauliflower<br />

home by design|april|may|2014 9


IN THE KITCHEN<br />

North America. Similar in flavor to lamb, yet<br />

leaner, goat meat has a wonderfully rich<br />

quality that lends well to long cooking. This<br />

recipe is inspired by a traditional Pakistani<br />

dish, boasting goat meat bathed in an<br />

aromatic curry. Try sourcing your goat meat<br />

at a Halal or Latino butcher. And don’t be<br />

intimidated by the long list of ingredients.<br />

Once sourced, the dish is a snap to prepare.<br />

Serves 6 to 8<br />

For the goat curry:<br />

¼ cup + 2 tablespoons vegetable oil<br />

2 medium yellow onions, thinly sliced<br />

2 pounds boneless goat stew meat,<br />

cut into medium sized cubes<br />

6 cloves garlic, peeled and<br />

mashed into a paste<br />

1 1-inch piece of ginger, peeled<br />

and grated<br />

1 cayenne or Thai chile, stemmed,<br />

seeded, and roughly chopped<br />

1½ cups yogurt<br />

2 teaspoons turmeric<br />

2 teaspoons chile powder<br />

2 teaspoons paprika<br />

2 teaspoons ground cumin<br />

1 teaspoon ground coriander<br />

2 cinnamon sticks<br />

6 green cardamom pods<br />

2 black cardamom pods<br />

8 whole cloves<br />

5 whole black peppercorns, cracked<br />

4 bay leaves<br />

2 whole cayenne or Thai chilies<br />

2–3 teaspoons salt<br />

½ cup pear juice<br />

½ cup water<br />

1½ large tomatoes, roughly cut up<br />

juice of 1 lemon<br />

¼ cup chopped cilantro,<br />

roughly chopped<br />

¼ cup chopped fresh mint,<br />

roughly chopped<br />

¼ cup slivered almonds<br />

¼ cup golden raisins<br />

For the rice:<br />

2 teaspoons saffron<br />

⅛ cup warm milk<br />

2 cups basmati rice, soaked and rinsed<br />

6 green cardamom pods<br />

2⅔ cups water<br />

For the goat curry:<br />

In a large pan or Dutch oven set to<br />

medium-high heat, add ¼ cup oil. Add<br />

onion and sauté, sweating and lightly<br />

browning, about 15 minutes. Push<br />

onions to the side of pan, add remaining<br />

10 home by design|april|may|2014


IN THE KITCHEN<br />

2 tablespoons oil and then goat meat.<br />

Season with a few good pinches of salt<br />

and pepper, then continue to sauté,<br />

lightly browning meat, about 10<br />

minutes. Once browned, add garlic<br />

paste and ginger, along with the<br />

chopped cayenne pepper, and cook an<br />

additional 5 minutes.<br />

Adjust heat to medium and add the<br />

yogurt, turmeric, chile powder, paprika,<br />

cumin, coriander, cinnamon sticks, green<br />

and black cardamom, cloves, black<br />

peppercorns, bay leaves, whole cayenne<br />

or Thai chilies, salt, pear juice, and water,<br />

then stir to combine everything well.<br />

Sindhi Biryani (Pakistani<br />

Goat Curry with Rice)<br />

Cover the pan, bring to a simmer and<br />

then reduce the heat to medium-low to<br />

maintain a slow simmer. Cook the curry<br />

about 1½ hours or until tender.<br />

Once tender, add the tomato and lemon<br />

juice and continue to cook an additional<br />

10 minutes. Salt and pepper to taste,<br />

then leave the curry at the lowest heat<br />

while you prepare the rice.<br />

For the rice:<br />

Soak saffron in ⅛ cup of warm milk.<br />

In a medium pot with a tight fitting lid,<br />

add the rice, cardamom, and 2⅔ cups of<br />

cold water. Bring to a boil, then<br />

reduce heat to maintain a simmer.<br />

Cover and cook 20 to 25 minutes, until<br />

done. Once cooked, fluff with fork then<br />

spoon half of rice into a bowl and set<br />

aside. Add the soaked saffron and fluff to<br />

combine, evenly distributing the saffron<br />

so that the rice is brightly colored.<br />

To serve:<br />

Onto a serving platter, spoon half of the<br />

white rice. Top the rice with half of the<br />

goat curry, then top that with half of the<br />

saffron rice. Sprinkle with half of the<br />

cilantro, mint, almonds and raisins.<br />

Repeat the layers so that your platter is<br />

piled high with a colorful mix of rice,<br />

curry, and garnishes. Serve.<br />

SPICY-SWEET<br />

COMBINATIONS TREND:<br />

MANGO CHILE<br />

LIME ICE CREAM<br />

It’s no surprise to see certain ingredients<br />

repeatedly joining forces in recipes and<br />

menus across time, cultures, and cuisines.<br />

Even though the particular trend for pairing<br />

spicy with sweet is all the rage, this flavor<br />

combination is age-old. Spicy mango pickles<br />

are a favorite in India, and chile-spiked<br />

dried mango is widely available in Mexico.<br />

For a new twist, I’ve blended juicy sweet<br />

mango, tart fresh lime juice, and the soft<br />

heat of the chile powder into a luscious ice<br />

cream. Although wonderful with nothing<br />

more than your favorite spoon, this frozen<br />

treat is especially tasty with a topping of<br />

crumbled peanut brittle.<br />

Makes about 6 cups<br />

2 mangoes, ripe<br />

3 tablespoons fresh lime juice<br />

2 teaspoons chile powder<br />

1 tablespoon light corn syrup<br />

¼ teaspoon salt<br />

¾ cup sugar<br />

3 large egg yolks<br />

¾ cup whole milk<br />

1 cup heavy cream<br />

Remove the peel from the mangoes and<br />

slice off as much flesh as possible. Add<br />

the mango meat, along with the lime<br />

home by design|april|may|2014 11


IN THE KITCHEN<br />

Mango Chile Lime<br />

Ice Cream<br />

12 home by design|april|may|2014


IN THE KITCHEN<br />

GINGER BEER TREND:<br />

MOSCOW MULE<br />

Making ginger beer at home is surprisingly<br />

easy—and a good baby step into at-home<br />

fermentation. But considering the amount of<br />

well-crafted artisan ginger beers cropping up<br />

in stores recently, I hardly find an excuse to<br />

make my own. What I can find an excuse for<br />

Homemade Moscow Mules. It is one of the<br />

easiest and most delicious three-ingredient<br />

drinks to master. I love to serve mine in the<br />

traditional copper cup, but a Collins glass<br />

will also fit the bill.<br />

Makes 1 cocktail<br />

½ lime<br />

1½ ounces vodka<br />

4–6 ounces ginger beer<br />

Into a copper Moscow Mule cup or<br />

Collins glass, squeeze the lime and then<br />

add the rind. Add a few large ice cubes,<br />

the vodka, then top with the ginger<br />

beer. Stir and serve.<br />

juice, chile powder, corn syrup, and salt<br />

into the cup of a blender. Puree until<br />

smooth, then strain the pulp to remove<br />

any fibrous pieces of mango.<br />

In a medium bowl, whisk together the<br />

sugar and egg yolks. Set aside.<br />

In a medium-large saucepan over<br />

medium-high heat, add the milk and<br />

cream. Bring this to a simmer, watching<br />

that it does not boil over. Add a ladleful of<br />

the hot milk to the yolk mixture,<br />

whisking to combine. Add another<br />

ladleful, whisk again, then pour this into<br />

the pot of milk and cream and bring it<br />

down to low heat. Continue whisking the<br />

custard on low to medium-low heat, so<br />

that it thickens, about 10 minutes. It has<br />

thickened enough once it coats the back<br />

of a spoon.<br />

Once thickened, strain the custard into<br />

a medium-large bowl, allow to chill<br />

slightly then add the mango puree.<br />

Cover and refrigerate this ice cream<br />

mix overnight or until completely<br />

chilled through.<br />

Add the ice cream mix to the bowl<br />

of an ice cream maker and freeze<br />

according to the manufacturer’s<br />

instructions. Once the custard reaches<br />

the soft-serve stage, stop churning and<br />

transfer it to the freezer. It is ready<br />

once it’s frozen through.<br />

home by design|april|may|2014 13


Focusing<br />

LIFESTYLE<br />

on the<br />

Foyer<br />

Dress Your Entryway to Impress<br />

Guests and Welcome Friends<br />

Written by Ashley Gartland


LIFESTYLE<br />

Photography provided by (clockwise from top right) ©iStockphoto.com/ SteveStone, ©iStockphoto.com/ dogayusufdokdok, ©iStockphoto.com/Escaflowne.<br />

yYou might think of the foyer as a fairly insignificant space in your<br />

home. After all, you don’t likely do much living in your entryway<br />

or use it for any primary functions like you do the kitchen or<br />

bedroom. And yet, the foyer plays an important role that belies<br />

its small size.<br />

Though you might not spend long stretches<br />

of time in your foyer, you do interact with it<br />

every time you enter your home. And because<br />

it’s the first room guests will see when they<br />

visit, it also provides you with the opportunity<br />

to make a good impression when someone<br />

walks in your front door.<br />

Ready to create a foyer that sets the tone for<br />

your home, and provides household members<br />

and guests with a welcoming transition from the<br />

outside in Read on for tips on how to create an<br />

inviting, organized, and fabulous foyer today.<br />

START WITH THE FRONT DOOR.<br />

Every foyer has a front door, which means<br />

every homeowner can make a statement with<br />

a stylish door that turns heads. Whether you<br />

swap your front door for one with more interesting<br />

architectural details or just update your<br />

old one with a coat of bright paint, you’ll find<br />

it gives your home character and instantly<br />

increases its curb appeal as well.<br />

MAKE SPACE. Does your front door swing<br />

open Easily If not, you likely need to address<br />

the clutter filling your foyer. Get organized by<br />

creating dedicated storage spaces for everything<br />

from shoes to umbrellas. (See sidebar for<br />

specific organizing ideas.) Additionally, you<br />

should rid your foyer of any large pieces of<br />

furniture to cultivate an open atmosphere. In<br />

other words, a small slender console table has<br />

its place in your entryway, but in most cases, a<br />

large armchair does not.<br />

ENGAGE VISITORS IMMEDIATELY.<br />

Don’t miss out on the chance to catch your<br />

guests’ eyes the moment they walk in your<br />

front door. Consider hanging an interesting<br />

piece of art, an antique mirror, or a collection<br />

of framed letters, cards, or family photos on<br />

your entryway wall to give the room some<br />

much-needed personality and spark conversations<br />

with guests. Not into wall art You can<br />

also add interest to your foyer with small structural<br />

elements such as a great lamp or decorative<br />

bird cage, or an unexpected storage piece<br />

like a vintage locker or an antique bench.<br />

ACCESSORIZE. A clean entryway table is<br />

a thing of beauty, but so too is one on which<br />

the homeowner displays a collection of pretty,<br />

well-thought-out objects. You might position a<br />

few stacked books or collectibles atop your<br />

console, or bring the outside in with potted<br />

greenery, a small terrarium, or a vase filled<br />

with fresh flowers. Or you can use accessories<br />

to introduce color and pattern to the foyer in<br />

small doses. Consider placing a decorative<br />

vase on top of the table or updating a plain<br />

lamp with a patterned lampshade to set<br />

your entryway apart.<br />

PLAY TO THE STRENGTHS OF YOUR<br />

SPACE. Whether your home has a grand entrance<br />

or a basic one, you should celebrate its<br />

unique architectural details. If your foyer has<br />

great elements such as a winding staircase,<br />

soaring ceilings, or a striking chandelier, let<br />

those elements shine by keeping the room’s<br />

color scheme neutral and minimizing furniture<br />

and accessories. Alternatively, if your foyer<br />

lacks such elements, you can make it stand out<br />

by adding interesting furniture pieces, painting<br />

it a rich color, or using wallpaper or wainscoting<br />

to give it some character.<br />

Five Easy<br />

Entryway<br />

Organizing<br />

Ideas<br />

Keeping your entryway<br />

looking sharp has<br />

everything to do with<br />

keeping it organized.<br />

Here are five simple<br />

organizing solutions for<br />

the oft-cluttered space.<br />

1Pick up an attractive<br />

boot tray to contain<br />

shoes and keep<br />

dirt at bay.<br />

2Purchase metal<br />

storage bins or<br />

baskets for each<br />

member of your<br />

household, and use<br />

them to store everything<br />

from school bags to<br />

sporting equipment.<br />

Arrange the bins under a<br />

bench or simply line them<br />

up in an orderly fashion<br />

along a wall.<br />

3Mount hooks or<br />

knobs on a wall<br />

or inside a nearby<br />

closet to contain<br />

bags and jackets and<br />

keep bulky items<br />

off the floor.<br />

4Set a small<br />

bowl, basket, or<br />

decorative tray<br />

on a narrow table to<br />

house everyday clutter<br />

such as sunglasses,<br />

keys, and mail.<br />

5Install a rod<br />

extender in<br />

your entryway<br />

closet to double your<br />

hanging space.<br />

home by design|april|may|2014 15


GARDENING<br />

History at Home<br />

wTips and Tricks for Creating Your Own Period Garden<br />

Whether it’s a Greek Rival, French provincial, Dutch Colonial, Craftsman, or Georgian<br />

structure, there is a complementary garden and landscape design for the home. But<br />

unlike varying architectural styles of homes, museums, universities, and the like,<br />

knowing just what landscape architecture fits with a specific style of dwelling is often<br />

left the professionals. Enter horticulture experts Denise Wiles Adams and Laura L. S.<br />

Burchfield, coauthors of American Home Landscapes: A Design Guide to Creating<br />

Period Garden Styles (2013, Timber Press). For years, Adams and Burchfield have been<br />

installing period gardens for clients and even themselves. Here, they dish on which<br />

period gardens are most popular, what to consider before attempting one yourself,<br />

and more manicured details.<br />

Written by Blake Miller<br />

16 home by design|april|may|2014


GARDENING<br />

Photography provided by ©iStockphoto.com/ ivannna. Cover provided by Timber Press.<br />

WHAT INSPIRED THIS BOOK<br />

Laura L. S. Burchfield: My dear friend Denise, asked me if I would be<br />

interested in collaborating with her. After her first book, Restoring America's<br />

Gardens: An Encyclopedia of Heirloom Ornamental Plants, 1640-1940, which<br />

was primarily about the history of garden plants in the United States, she<br />

realized there was an interest in historical design information, as well.<br />

She thought with our combined talents—hers as a garden historian, researcher,<br />

and horticulturist, and mine as a landscape designer and horticulturist<br />

with the love of historic preservation—that we would be<br />

able to create a book that would fulfill that need.<br />

WHAT ARE PERIOD GARDENS<br />

WHAT DEFINES THEM<br />

LB: A period garden is a garden where the style and materials<br />

coordinate with those of the period of the house or other<br />

significant historical period. The range of what constitutes a<br />

period garden can be as broad or narrowly interpreted as one likes.<br />

It might be a historically accurate restoration of a designed garden for a museum. Or<br />

it could be a homeowner creating a garden with the historical touches that match the era of their<br />

home while still allowing for modern use.<br />

WHICH REGIONS FEATURE WHICH STYLES<br />

LB: The style of a region would follow the architectural style that was predominating during a<br />

period of time when the community was being developed. For example, in Louisville, Kentucky<br />

there are a large number of Victorian homes. A city might have individual neighborhoods representing<br />

Victorian, Arts and Crafts, and Modern; however, it’s unlikely that you would find an<br />

Adobe ranch house anywhere but in the West.<br />

IS CREATING A PERIOD GARDEN A TASK FOR THE NOVICE GARDENER<br />

LB: Anyone can create a period garden. The main thing is to do the background research for the<br />

period you’re interested in, and implement the features and plants from that period which work<br />

for the particular climate and landscape that you like.<br />

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PERIOD GARDEN STYLE<br />

LB: I really cannot say I have a single favorite garden period style. I might say it would be<br />

whatever I’m working on currently. Right now I’m working on a small garden in Charleston,<br />

South Carolina for a circa-1850 single house. I’ve been poring over the work of Loutrel Briggs,<br />

a mid-twentieth century Charleston landscape architect, for ideas.<br />

Denise Wiles Adams: I am very attracted to the Arts and Crafts style. During that period the<br />

landscape was connected to the residence with plantings in a simple and harmonious way. Native<br />

plants and local materials were recommended whenever practical. It was not unusual to find a<br />

vegetable garden in the front yard or a luxurious herbaceous border along a fence. Many of the<br />

garden trends of today originate in that period.<br />

DO YOU NEED TO HIRE A LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT TO INSTALL<br />

A PERIOD GARDEN<br />

LB: No. It is more important for a landscape design professional to be knowledgeable about historical<br />

landscape design and familiar with the plants and materials that will work in your landscape. Most<br />

of all, you should look for someone who understands what you want to accomplish.<br />

Determining<br />

Your Garden’s<br />

Style<br />

Adams and Burchfield<br />

recommend using the<br />

following resources to<br />

determine the period<br />

garden style that’s<br />

appropriate for your home.<br />

Wills, Probate Materials,<br />

Letters, and Personal<br />

Papers. Dig into wills and<br />

probate records of early<br />

property owners, which<br />

can clue current<br />

homeowners in on what<br />

the landscape formerly<br />

looked like. Other<br />

revealing paperwork<br />

might be found in<br />

closets or the attic of a<br />

historical home.<br />

Travelers’ Accounts.<br />

Luckily, avid travelers often<br />

keep detailed accounts<br />

of the landscape and<br />

gardens of a region.<br />

Review regional<br />

travel journals for<br />

vivid descriptions.<br />

Maps. Review<br />

neighborhood maps at<br />

the local library or check<br />

out the National Archives<br />

in Washington, DC, which<br />

boasts a collection of<br />

more than 15 million<br />

items including maps,<br />

charts, aerial photos, and<br />

architectural drawings.<br />

Newspapers. Flip<br />

through historical<br />

newspapers for<br />

period information on<br />

gardening; the Boston<br />

Gazette featured seeds in<br />

the first known published<br />

advertisement in 1719.<br />

home by design|april|may|2014 17


Every home has a story to tell. The following homes communicate<br />

their stories through an impressive combination of modern<br />

and historical architectural elements.


Designer Elizabeth Metcalfe’s Toronto-based<br />

clients enlisted her to “liven up” their living spaces.<br />

By complementing a bold color palette with neutral<br />

tones, she kept the rooms elegant and sophisticated.<br />

FROM DARK<br />

TO DAZZLING<br />

A Canadian Designer Breathes New<br />

Life into Her Clients’ Dated Home<br />

WRITTEN BY BLAKE MILLER<br />

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MIKE CHAJECKI<br />

(STILL MOMENTS PHOTOGRAPHY, STILLMOMENTS.CA)<br />

When homeowners in Kingsway, just west of Toronto,<br />

Ontario, tired of the current look of their home’s main living<br />

areas, they desperately wanted a makeover without the hefty<br />

price tag of a renovation. Dark, wood paneling coupled with<br />

furniture and accents with heavy finishes, were no longer a reflection<br />

of the homeowners’ extroverted personalities and entertaining<br />

styles. So they enlisted Mississauga, Ontario-based<br />

interior designer Elizabeth Metcalfe to maintain the integrity<br />

of the building, and modernize the interiors on a budget.<br />

To achieve this transformation from heavy and dark to bright<br />

and elegant, Metcalfe looked to a color palette of bold<br />

colors—deep teals and rich corals—with an ivory backdrop<br />

complemented by a handful of neutral accent pieces to keep the<br />

look balanced and refreshing.<br />

Metcalfe started with the dining room, which had been<br />

unofficially designated the “forgotten room.” Although the<br />

homeowners are avid entertainers, the decor didn’t quite fit<br />

with their personalities, and they eventually lost interest in the<br />

space. “The dining room felt disconnected from the rest of the<br />

home,” says Metcalfe. “We wanted to take the warm coral color<br />

from the living room and use it in a much bolder way to really<br />

make it something special.”<br />

To breathe new life into the space, Metcalfe opted to forgo<br />

the traditional dark walnut finish on the table, for example, and<br />

instead applied an ivory lacquered finish, which immediately<br />

brightened the space. To keep the room light and airy, Metcalfe<br />

also added an antique mirrored buffet, which adds sparkle and,<br />

she says, a beautiful lift to the once dark room. Complementing<br />

the rich coral wall color are velvet diamond-tufted chairs in<br />

the same color palette, which look dramatic against the ivory<br />

trim and molding.<br />

To create interest, the designer added a large-scale,<br />

neutral-tone wall covering with crystal detailing. Similarly,<br />

stunning custom-made dining room chairs by Metcalfe’s company,<br />

Elizabeth Metcalfe Interiors & Design, in a striking coral<br />

and two chairs featuring a large-scale cut velvet motif on the<br />

backs and a pale-taupe tufted front, bring in a subtle warmth<br />

to the vibrant room. The vintage chandelier—the homeowners’<br />

20 home by design|april|may|2014


THIS PAGE: The once dark dining room was transformed into a bright and airy entertaining space with the addition of a rich, coral wall<br />

color, ivory trim and molding, and a table that was refinished in an ivory lacquer. OPPOSITE FROM TOP: An oversize, turquoise feather<br />

headdress serves as a dramatic focal point in the living room. Throw pillows in various fabrics, textures, and colors flood the traditional<br />

sectional and provide pops of color to the otherwise neutral room.<br />

sentimental keepsake—and the transitional crystal cube sconces<br />

shed a soft glow against the coral walls, making the room ideal<br />

for entertaining day or night.<br />

Now complete, the dining room seamlessly transitions into<br />

the living room, yet another space that needed updating. “There<br />

wasn’t an exact inspiration for this room,” explains Metcalfe.<br />

“It was more about giving the home a complete transformation.<br />

. . . We had to find the perfect marriage between the strong<br />

accent colors and our design aesthetic of refined elegance.” Metcalfe<br />

struck this delicate balance by incorporating neutral tones<br />

home by design|april|may|2014 23


Metcalfe incorporated a custom patterned<br />

rug in the living room, which stands up to<br />

the bold accent colors. The custom sofa is by<br />

Elizabeth Metcalfe Design.<br />

and fabrics throughout both the living<br />

and dining rooms. “When you use a lot<br />

of strong bold colors it is just as important<br />

to use neutrals to balance the visual<br />

weight and impact.”<br />

To achieve this seamless balance, each<br />

piece was strategically placed throughout<br />

the rooms to form a cohesive, well<br />

thought-out plan; a necessity when planning<br />

an interior, as every piece contributes<br />

to the design. “Beauty results<br />

when balance, form, shape, color, texture,<br />

contrast, scale, and proportion<br />

come together in a state of harmony,” says<br />

Metcalfe. “Every piece has a role to play.”<br />

The feather headdress above the fireplace<br />

that was sourced from Snob in Toronto,<br />

does just that as the round shape plays off<br />

the linear molding details and the feathery<br />

texture against the wool, silk, and<br />

velvet textures in the room. The custom<br />

area rug is yet another accessory carefully<br />

selected as a soft contrast to the bold<br />

colors. It works well because it has “a<br />

pattern strong enough to balance the<br />

weight of the room,” says Metcalfe.<br />

In the end, the designer proved that<br />

the homeowners never needed to renovate<br />

their home after all. Some tweaking<br />

and an overhaul of the aesthetic invigorated<br />

the two entertaining spaces with<br />

new life sans knocking down walls and<br />

building up new ones. “The homeowners<br />

were very open to change,” says<br />

Metcalfe. And change—at its best—is<br />

exactly what they got.<br />

home by design|april|may|2014 25


Mirrors are the perfect way to add sparkle and light,<br />

particularly for an interior space like this dining room.<br />

They echo existing light sources in the room and can<br />

reflect architectural details for interest.<br />

MODERN<br />

MUSKOKA<br />

A Little Country in the City<br />

WRITTEN BY CAROLYN M. RUNYON<br />

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ADRIAN SHELLARD<br />

(SHELLARDPHOTOGRAPHY.COM)<br />

Interior designers shape environments for a variety of<br />

situations. They design apartments, townhomes, mid-size<br />

homes, and mansions for singles, couples, and families. But what<br />

happens when there is an unoccupied house with no client to<br />

represent How can a designer develop a home with personality<br />

and style identity with no one to interview LeAnne Bunnell of<br />

elle design in Calgary, Alberta, came up with a clever solution<br />

to this challenge.<br />

When elle design was asked to style the interior of a local<br />

builder’s showcase home, Bunnell simply invented her client.<br />

“We felt that the home and neighborhood were appropriate for<br />

a family, so we created a couple with a child,” says Bunnell. “We<br />

actually assigned names to them.” Her staff chose occupations,<br />

hobbies, likes, and dislikes, and used these details to create a<br />

showcase home with individual character.<br />

This 2,075-square-foot house with three bedrooms and twoand-one-half<br />

baths, is located in Calgary but the “owners” love the<br />

outdoors and wanted their home to resemble the so-called cabin<br />

cottages in the scenic countryside of Muskoka, Ontario. The imaginary<br />

homeowners tended toward a softened contemporary style<br />

with traditional aspects combined with an essence of nature.<br />

The original house had smart use of available space, according<br />

to Bunnell. “It was not ‘over grand,’ but rather well laid out<br />

and reasonable in size. We kept a neutral canvas of black and<br />

white, and then added touches of nature, history, and a little<br />

whimsy,” she says. “This new construction had a modern flair,<br />

using contemporary and family-friendly elements and modern<br />

finishes for a more carefree home. We needed to humanize it<br />

and add some depth and personality.”<br />

The kitchen, although interior, is kept bright and airy by light<br />

cabinets, stainless steel appliances, and a crackled glass-tile<br />

backsplash. “Our ‘owner’ is an avid baker, so we added a dark<br />

wood bake center,” says Bunnell. “It grounds the room with a<br />

traditional feel, yet, because of the open shelf, it doesn’t block<br />

the flow of the area visually.” The kitchen opens to a dining area<br />

and living room where mirrors reflect the light of the large living<br />

room windows. A light, birch-pattern wallpaper introduces<br />

a touch of nature to the dining space. And a natural wood bench,<br />

26 home by design|april|may|2014


Patterns don’t have to be loud or bold to make a statement. Bunnell used subtle stripes in basic black and white to stimulate the eye in this<br />

space. She combines pattern with texture to create an understated appeal. Vintage touches like the aged paperbacks in a basket and the<br />

snowshoes hanging on the stairway wall, give the house a lived-in feel and add character.<br />

delicately scaled modern seating, and a simple serving piece<br />

keep the airy, light feel.<br />

In the living room, the fireplace surround is a neutral<br />

stone. “We used texture and pattern to add interest and a<br />

sense of structure and order,” says Bunnell. “Stripes are very architectural.<br />

We introduced them in the rustic flat-weave wool<br />

rug and decorative pillows.” The classic Hudson Bay blanket<br />

adds a touch of history and an outdoorsy Canadian feel to the<br />

space. A brightly colored cork lampshade and vibrant pillows<br />

add a soft splash of color against the neutral chairs.<br />

The media room also has a neutral foundation. “We found<br />

chairs upholstered in a fabric with Old World Latin sayings to<br />

add a subtle pattern to the room without overpowering it,” explains<br />

Bunnell. “Heirloom film reels lend an interesting and appropriate<br />

history to the space; vintage items always add<br />

character to a home.” Bunnell’s vintage touches can be seen<br />

throughout and make a new construction house look more lived<br />

in. Accessories such as old snowshoes on the wall of the stairway<br />

and a basket of classic paperbacks in the living room, give the<br />

home a feeling of humanity and add a comfortable warmth.<br />

28 home by design|april|may|2014


Bunnell mellows the contemporary attitude of this new construction home with a mix of classic and modern touches. A traditional wood bake<br />

center in the kitchen blends nicely with the more modern cabinets and stainless appliances. The clean, contemporary lines of the living room<br />

furniture are softened by decorative pillows, and a beautiful Hudson Bay blanket casually resting on the back of a sofa.


Natural elements play heavily in Bunnell’s design. Some are real—like the framed butterfly collection—and some are whimsical—like the<br />

bright yellow papier-mâché deer head in the master bedroom. Max’s room offers youthful sheets with a leaf and tree graphic accented by a<br />

fanciful owl pillow. The fishing pole adds a boyish touch and another element that connects with the outdoors.<br />

Pieces of nature appear all over the<br />

house. Gatherings of stones, framed collections<br />

of butterflies, vases with bunches<br />

of leaves or flowers, small statues of animals<br />

traditionally found in the Canadian<br />

wild, driftwood, charger plates that are<br />

actually slices of real logs, and, of course,<br />

the delicately patterned birch wallpaper,<br />

are there to remind the “owners” of the<br />

countrified land they love. The master<br />

bedroom repeats the soft neutral tones.<br />

Striped plush bedsheets are subtle against<br />

an upholstered box and cream coverlet.<br />

A multistripe Hudson Bay blanket adds a<br />

punch of color as does the whimsical<br />

bright yellow papier-mâché deer head<br />

that hangs above the headboard.<br />

The “son,” Max’s room features more<br />

punches of color with blues and yellows.<br />

The basic room is neutral to blend with<br />

the rest of the house, but Max’s name in<br />

cutout blue letters on top of the rustic<br />

cabinet and the blue headboard keep the<br />

room youthful, yet not overdone. The<br />

walls are adorned with a playful puzzle<br />

moose head and animal artwork by a<br />

Vancouver, BC artist.<br />

Bunnell looked to the “owners” as if<br />

they were real clients. “We established<br />

what they would like and what furniture<br />

and decor would actually work for their<br />

family,” she explains. Real owners might<br />

consider following the same steps when<br />

redesigning their own homes. Analyze<br />

your family, lifestyle, work, hobbies,<br />

likes, and dislikes, and use this information<br />

to create an environment that fits<br />

exactly who you are, and a place you can<br />

grow into for the future.<br />

home by design|april|may|2014 33


The Caboche Chandelier by Foscarini is the stunning<br />

centerpiece to the open two-story stairwell of this<br />

penthouse. The view looks up to the outdoor terrace<br />

and down into the kitchen and living room.<br />

MODERN DAY<br />

MEETS YESTERDAY<br />

This Nineteenth-Century Tribeca<br />

Structure Merges History with Updated Style<br />

WRITTEN BY RONDA SWANEY<br />

PHOTOGRAPHY BY SEAN KARNS<br />

Construction on this modern New York City<br />

apartment began by completely gutting a circa-1870, five-story<br />

building. Where do you start a design when all you have is an empty<br />

shell Asifa Tirmizi, cofounder and principal of Tirmizi Campbell—a<br />

New York City-based architecture and design firm—was<br />

hired by the developers of the property to answer that question.<br />

“The clients wanted the best value for the property,” says Tirmizi.<br />

“In this location, larger units are more desirable. We knew<br />

full-floor residences would be the best option.” Typical for the<br />

neighborhood, the first floor remained commercial space, but<br />

the other four floors, plus the rooftop addition, would each become<br />

residential units. “We came up with the idea of doing a<br />

penthouse duplex,” says Tirmizi. “The fifth floor and new sixth<br />

floor combine to create larger units.”<br />

Before the project could begin in earnest, a few things required<br />

fixing. There was a lot of water in the soil underneath the building<br />

and it was compromising the structure. “The building leaned about<br />

eighteen inches and was sinking into the ground, which was one<br />

of the main reasons why we had to gut the structure.”<br />

In New York City, the Landmarks Preservation Commission<br />

identifies city landmarks and regulates changes to designated<br />

buildings. Tirmizi Campbell worked with the commission on<br />

restoring the brownstone façade and determining what color it<br />

should be. The cast iron roofline was also kept. The front windows<br />

retained wooden frames, and the back, steel windows were<br />

refurbished and reinstalled. Other challenges included an elevator<br />

shaft that took up one row of the front windows. The shaft was<br />

moved toward the center of the building to free up the<br />

window and allow more light into the units. A new core stairwell<br />

was added, but because most people use the elevator, the stairwell<br />

was narrowed to conserve space. A mesh stainless-steel screen<br />

decorates the lobby stairwell and points the way to the new elevator.<br />

And porcelain floor tile shines with a metallic texture that<br />

mimics the look of the screen.<br />

During the gut, all timber inside was removed and replaced<br />

with a steel structure. But the wood did not go to waste. Instead,<br />

the team shipped the beams to a Wisconsin mill where<br />

the timber was machined into planks that were then used as<br />

flooring in each of the residences. They were careful to maintain<br />

many of the original materials in one way or another, including<br />

brick. Tirmizi speculates that the building next door was likely<br />

an original sister building to the structure. “I think the two were<br />

34 home by design|april|may|2014


OPPOSITE: The floor of the master bath is covered by slabs of bianco dolomiti marble tile, and the mosaic version of the tile lines the walls.<br />

The curved Americh tub softens the room’s hard surfaces. CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE: The brownstone exterior façade was restored, and<br />

the cast iron roofline was also saved. The penthouse master bedroom maximizes natural light. Steel windows provide a view to the city<br />

skyline and open-air terrace.<br />

connected inside when they were built,” she says. “There is an<br />

original archway on the party wall between the two buildings.<br />

As part of our design, we kept the brick in the units because<br />

you could see that hint of an outline.”<br />

The fifth floor plus the new rooftop floor combine to make<br />

penthouse suites. Because the added story is set back, the design<br />

was able to incorporate outdoor terraces. New steel windows<br />

that match the existing windows elsewhere in the building were<br />

added to bring the outdoors in. The second level of the penthouse<br />

contains the master bedroom, bath, and bonus room, and<br />

an open stairwell comprised of steel and glass connects the two<br />

floors. “We added skylights to draw in natural light. The stair<br />

treads also use the machined original timber,” explains Tirmizi.<br />

The main floor of the penthouse includes a living room and<br />

kitchen. The chef-quality kitchen features marble counters atop<br />

the walnut island. White cabinets pair with steel appliances,<br />

hardware, and countertop edge. The dark floor grounds<br />

the otherwise airy space, and the arch of the front<br />

windows adds delicate curves to balance the sleek, modern<br />

finishes. Similar finishes are found in the full-floor residences<br />

on the second, third, and fourth floors. Glass tiles add a sparkle<br />

to the kitchen backsplash, and every inch of space is used<br />

to its maximum potential.<br />

Deep hued tiles warm the powder room. Wall-mounted<br />

fixtures create a sense of openness. There are more floating<br />

fixtures, from the toilet to the vanity, in the master bath.<br />

The same warm tile from the powder room is carried over to<br />

the open master shower.<br />

Tirmizi has a professional background in architecture, but<br />

she stresses that architecture and interior design go hand in<br />

hand. “Architecture and interior design are one and the same,”<br />

she says. “With architecture, you often focus on the exterior,<br />

base building, and structural details. But I think a good interior<br />

designer has to understand the architectural elements of<br />

the entire building to solve interior problems. I think they<br />

help each other.” And in the end, Tirmizi’s architectural<br />

sensibility helped extract the true historical beauty of this<br />

once-deteriorating building.


The living room of this carriage house home is<br />

furnished with newer pieces that have a sense of the<br />

past. Color is a major player throughout the interiors.<br />

CRYSTAL<br />

VISION<br />

An 1890s Carriage House in St. Paul,<br />

Minnesota Gets a Lively Update<br />

WRITTEN BY JEANINE MATLOW<br />

PHOTOGRAPHY BY SUSAN GILMORE<br />

Preserving historical architecture may be the right way<br />

to go, but that doesn’t mean you can’t breathe new life into an<br />

old soul. That was the approach taken by Jen Ziemer, interior<br />

designer and co-owner with Andrea Dixon of Minneapolis,<br />

Minnesota-based Fiddlehead Design Group, when it came time to<br />

design her one-time home.<br />

Ziemer’s St. Paul, Minnesota residence, a carriage house that dates<br />

to 1893, has such a unique history that it originally served as a stable<br />

livery. Though the structure had been restored before she and her<br />

husband bought it, that didn’t stop the designer from adding her<br />

distinctive personal stamp.<br />

Many of the original features stayed intact, including the wood<br />

floors on the main level and the wood ceilings and beams that were<br />

painted black by the previous owners. A barn door speaks to the site’s<br />

origins while quirky details like a pulley, though not original, lend<br />

charm to the striking interiors.<br />

“Nothing is level, which adds to the authenticity. It’s just such a<br />

cool place,” says Ziemer, who describes the architecture as farmhouse<br />

style. The 3,500-square-foot home boasts four bedrooms, four bathrooms,<br />

a living room, family room, and loft space. It also includes a<br />

laundry room, an attached garage, and features central air.<br />

38 home by design|april|may|2014


Wood ceilings painted black by the previous<br />

owners, ground the master bedroom where<br />

classic wallpaper sports a bold color palette.<br />

Another carriage house is visible through<br />

the window.<br />

Though Ziemer purchased new<br />

furnishings for the home, she made<br />

sure that they could easily pass<br />

for older pieces; the designer didn’t<br />

hesitate to lift the interiors to new<br />

heights. “They’re very layered and eclectic.<br />

It’s still a modern farmhouse in<br />

that regard,” says Ziemer, who introduced<br />

an equestrian theme along with<br />

some nods to nature.<br />

She approached the aesthetic in a<br />

respectful yet playful way that shows a<br />

historical structure can serve as a<br />

modern-day dwelling while honoring its<br />

roots. Birds, owls, bunnies, and more,<br />

appear in fabrics and artwork. “We have<br />

young kids, so I wanted it to be fun and<br />

whimsical,” says Ziemer. “It felt like you<br />

were in a tree house when you were on<br />

the second floor.”<br />

Tall window treatments and<br />

wall-mounted lanterns fill the negative<br />

space left by the high ceilings in the<br />

family room. “I love color and strong<br />

contrast,” says the designer, who<br />

introduced a splendid mix of patterns<br />

throughout, that pop against the<br />

preexisting black wood details.<br />

Cheerful wallpaper in the master<br />

bedroom blends a traditional floral motif<br />

with a fresh palette, once again mixing<br />

old and new in a refreshing way.<br />

The black wood ceiling creates a stark<br />

contrast, while the gray flannel<br />

upholstered bed lends a cozy vibe.<br />

The view outside the window shows<br />

another carriage house. “The whole<br />

area is just surrounded by amazing<br />

architecture,” says Ziemer.<br />

Houndstooth grasscloth covers the<br />

walls in the loft space, offering another<br />

home by design|april|may|2014 41


Breathing<br />

New Life<br />

If you’re redesigning your own historical<br />

home, consider Ziemer’s advice for<br />

breathing new life into old structures.<br />

1Respect for architecture is<br />

important, but you don’t have to<br />

be a slave to it.<br />

2When designing, focus on the<br />

family who lives there and their<br />

lifestyle instead of purely<br />

preserving traditional layouts.<br />

3Don’t take design too seriously.<br />

Adding a touch of whimsy and<br />

layering makes a room more<br />

comfortable and more authentic.<br />

modern interpretation of a classic material. Modern art punctuates<br />

the look while a traditional chair fabric and a white ceiling take it<br />

down a notch. “You need a place for the eye to rest,” says Ziemer.<br />

Small-scale subway tiles run vertically in the powder room<br />

for a change of pace. Woodsy wallpaper creates the perfect<br />

backdrop for a bunny watercolor done by a friend, and the old<br />

trolley cart and sink were installed by the previous owner.<br />

The living room is visually quieter than the rest of the home.<br />

Neutral grasscloth walls set a subtle stage for the space that was<br />

primarily used for entertaining. “It was a little more traditional<br />

and subdued; a more formal space,” explains Ziemer, who<br />

couldn’t resist adding an unexpected green rug.<br />

Though Ziemer has since moved out of the house to gain<br />

more indoor and mostly outdoor space for her family, she won’t<br />

soon forget living there. The carriage house may no longer be<br />

the place they call home, but it has a permanent place in their<br />

hearts. “I am hoping we can buy it back again someday after the<br />

kids go to college,” she says.<br />

42 home by design|april|may|2014


OPPOSITE FROM TOP: The living room was intentionally kept more neutral than the rest of the livery turned residence. A sliver of Ziemer’s<br />

son’s room shows wallpaper with a dog motif that can be seen from the loft space; a striking vision in black and white. THIS PAGE: Wood<br />

stairs painted black and accented by a striped runner lead to the first-floor entry, where shapely stools sit beneath an antique console.


Montepulciano,


Enjoy<br />

La Dolce Vita<br />

in This Tuscan Town<br />

Written by Ruth Wertzberger Carlson


DESTINATION<br />

w“Wine should never be influenced by trends because<br />

wine is a long process . . . like life,” a Montepulciano, Italy vintner<br />

told me, explaining why he refuses to irrigate his vines even<br />

during a drought. Traditions are important in this Tuscan hill<br />

town that’s built on a limestone ridge. Located a couple of hours<br />

southeast of Siena, there is evidence Montepulciano was known<br />

for its wine dating back to the 700s, when it was dubbed Vino<br />

Nobile or wine for nobles.<br />

Wine is such an intrinsic part of life here that the Renaissance-era<br />

buildings in the Piazza Grande (the town square) represent<br />

what could be deemed the city’s holy trinity:<br />

government, the Catholic Church, and wine! Known as the Pearl<br />

of the Sixteenth Century, Montepulciano earned this nickname<br />

largely because its piazza looks the same as it did during the<br />

Medici dynasty. And it has a remarkable number of other architectural<br />

riches. The piazza is banked by several major treasures:<br />

the Nobili-Tarugi Palace, designed by the renowned Italian architect<br />

Sangallo the Elder; The Cathedral of Santa Maria<br />

Assunta, or the Duomo of Montepulciano; and the Palazzo<br />

Comunale (the town hall), where you can climb to the<br />

top for a panoramic view of red-tile roofs leading to rolling<br />

hills of vineyards.<br />

If the photos look familiar to you, they probably are. The area<br />

has been immortalized in films such as The English Patient, Under<br />

the Tuscan Sun, and most recently, The Twilight Saga: New Moon.<br />

Directors like the fact that this walled city remains virtually unchanged<br />

since medieval times.<br />

Most people enter the piazza by walking up the winding main<br />

corso (street), because cars are not allowed in the historic city<br />

center. Fortunately, there are plenty of places to stop and rest<br />

along the way, including the Maledetti Toscani leather shop,<br />

which is touted as the oldest shop in Montepulciano. Wandering<br />

along the cobblestone street is like visiting a living museum.<br />

You can see a mother and son hand weaving scarves, a jeweler<br />

welding a fleur-de-lis (the Florentine symbol), and venture<br />

through centuries-old underground wine cellars that once<br />

connected to the main palace.<br />

To protect and promote the city’s wine culture, local<br />

46 home by design|april|may|2014


DESTINATION<br />

Photography provided by (previous page) ©iStockphoto.com/ ROMAOSLO, (these pages, clockwise, left to right) ©iStockphoto.com/ LuisPortugal, ©iStockphoto.com/ Shaiith, ©iStockphoto.com/Pasticcio, ©iStockphoto.com/ Perseomed.<br />

winemakers formed a consortium, Consorzio del Vino Nobile<br />

di Montepulciano (consorziovinonobile.it), and opened a tasting<br />

room in the piazza. The consortium has also been a sponsor for<br />

the annual Bravio celebration of—what else —wine. The<br />

Bravio is a competition and a showcase for the eight Contradae<br />

(districts or neighborhoods). Every August, the event culminates<br />

with the barrel race where young men, each sporting<br />

jogging shorts in the colors of their district, roll heavy wooden<br />

wine barrels up steep cobblestone streets, past cheering fans.<br />

Montepulciano has only about 14,000 residents, but surprisingly<br />

there is enough to see and do for several days. Stay<br />

a few days in town at a hotel and then escape from the crowds<br />

to a villa. Don’t worry about being in the countryside—most<br />

everyone speaks English. Staying in a villa provides a great opportunity<br />

to make friends with locals, who often have vineyards<br />

on their properties. If you ask, they’ll be happy to teach you<br />

how to make pici. Similar to thick spaghetti, pici is made with<br />

just flour and water (and occasionally an egg depending on the<br />

family recipe), rolled with the palm of your hand on a wooden<br />

table, and served with a spicy tomato garlic sauce. They<br />

will be sure to have olives plucked off the trees in their<br />

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: A Tuscan valley hidden by the morning<br />

fog. Montepulciano vinters use supplies like these (and other more<br />

modern conveniences) to create their renowned wines. The “Street<br />

of Love” in nearby Pienza is a romantic attraction.<br />

backyard. And if you’re lucky, they may be serving salami or<br />

pastrami made from the Cinta senese, a local wild boar that is<br />

considered a delicacy.<br />

You can visit Napa, France, Spain, South Africa, and other notable<br />

wine regions around the globe and you will taste some great<br />

wine. But if you want to experience the rich history of people<br />

who have lived with their terroir, you must visit Montepulciano.<br />

“Wine is like life,” one vintner told me. “You make a bad decision<br />

and you have to live with it for years to come.” Instead, make a<br />

good decision and visit Montepulciano, Italy.<br />

Montepulciano is a great place for your home base<br />

during a trip to Tuscany, as it’s perfectly situated in<br />

the region. Although it’s within driving distance to<br />

Siena, Florence, and Rome, consider exploring<br />

some of the small neighboring villages with—wait<br />

for it—great wineries! Valiano is home to the<br />

Avignonesi Winery, where perfectly sculptured<br />

cypress trees bordering the rows of vines, earned<br />

the slogan “Healthier wines for healthier people,<br />

but also a healthier environment to pass on to<br />

future generations.” There are still tourists here, but<br />

there are also many locals prowling the boutiques<br />

and wine cellars downtown. In these small villages<br />

you can still find handmade items such as hats,<br />

peddled by the artisans. Other nearby villages include<br />

Montefollonico, Pienza, and Sarteano. You<br />

never know what you’ll find in their boutiques but<br />

you are always guaranteed to find great wine!<br />

home by design|april|may|2014 47


Resources<br />

april|may| 2014<br />

20 From Dark to Dazzling<br />

Elizabeth Metcalfe Interiors & Design Inc.<br />

Mississauga, Ontario<br />

905-820-3443<br />

www.emdesign.ca<br />

26 Modern Muskoka<br />

LeAnne Bunnell, elle design<br />

Calgary, Alberta<br />

403-451-1677<br />

www.elledesign.ca<br />

34 Modern Day Meets Yesterday<br />

Tirmizi Campbell<br />

New York, New York<br />

212-255-2926<br />

www.tirmizicampbell.com<br />

38 Crystal Vision<br />

Fiddlehead Design Group<br />

Minneapolis, Minnesota<br />

612-747-6431<br />

www.fiddleheaddesigngroup.com<br />

Photography by Adrian Shellard (shellardphotography.com).<br />

48 home by design|april|may|2014

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