The owners wanted to
create a contemporary, urban space with a “loft feel” to help offset the
very formal, Georgian nature of the rest of the house. Initially, they
wanted to capture that unused space as a place to relax and entertain.
Eventually, their plan became to make the room into a media room with a
large screen TV and audio equipment. A bar area was created in one
corner with stylized, narrow, vertically-oriented, natural maple
cabinets and stained concrete counter tops. The tile bar works in
harmony with the tile of the fireplace surround to create depth and
interest. A focal point of the room is a unique ceiling treatment that
was designed by the homeowners. Using a trapezoidal form composed of two
contrasting colored triangles, the “bow-tie” element seems to float on
the charcoal ceiling, while also housing recessed lights for
illuminating the conversation area. The whole space is affectionately
called the Tiki Room for its theme of Polynesian artifacts. In contrast
to the fun mood of the main space, the bath strikes a mood of Asian,
Zen-like calm. The angles fit the contemporary nature of the space, but
are held in check by the neutral palette, the pebble flooring and a
heavily chiseled wall tile.
National Award
