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14 house trends Ipl spring2005

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. ,- ,, . , ,& Casa Siena's Old World style a +. . -9-

* I , I ; , . A:n' ' il; - , creates a luxurious sense of privacy

By Rosanne Knorr - Photos by Robert Stein

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mimics bme?hing out 3 a' fkry tale. You can

glimpse the massive front entrance through decoratrve

gates set into an arcade. Arched wlndows echo the

curves, as does a rounded tower. Blossoming bougainvil-

lea climbs the stucco walls and jasmine sends out a h~nt of

soft fragrance. The tranquility calls to you, but for most

people, the mystery IS just beyond reach, unless the gate -2 *

I . > opens and the courtyard welcomes you home. .' -

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spring2005 lpl housetrends 15

Casa Siena incorporates this courtyard into the dramatic new home design built by Gordon Homes in Playa Rienta. The unique home combines Old World style with amenities that provide every comfort for the contemporary homeowner.

It began with a grand scheme. Mitch Kunik, President of Affiniti Architects, wanted to create something in the Mirasol community that has "great archi- tectural presence." His goal was not merely size, though with 7,483 square feet of indoor living space, this home is large by most standards. It features five bedroom suites, six full baths and powder room, plus a library, game room, media room, three garage spaces and golf cart garage, as well as an additional 1,791 square feet of open air space.

16 housetrends Ipl spring2005

"The house is straight forward as far as a floor plan is concerned," says Kunik, "but the way the house addresses the street is very different." Kunick points out the grand entrance and decorative gate, which lead to the large courtyard designed in Old Chicago brick and surrounded by walls festooned with vines.

The Spanish-influenced arcade and gated entry were a first for Kunik, who developed Casa Siena's plan based on the fact that "people in a gated country club community enjoy their privacy and I could provide even more privacy by means of the architecture." Driving into the peaceful courtyard, with the gate snapping softly dosed behind you, proves Kunik accomplished his goal.

A grand entry foyer with a 25-foot coffered ceiling and marble floor welcomes homeowners and guests in royal style. The interiors have been created to enhance the scale and match the European elegance of the architecture. Arches and decorative columns echo the exterior's arcade effect. "We kept it in traditional Old World feel," notes interior designer Jennifer Clark. However, the furnishings and accessories change in theme throughout the home in order to provide interest and variety. "Formal areas are elegant and transitional in flavor to maintain a general appeal, but each bedroom is its own entity with a personality of its own."

The formal entertainment areas, including the foyer, living room and dining room are done in jewel tones of burgundy, sage and gold. The family room and kitchen are more casual and decorated in comforting shades of yellow, terra cotta and green.

In the artistic tradition of great homes and palaces, interesting shapes, faux effects and ceilings create a spectacular background. The octagonal living room features two-story windows that reach toward a custom-designed ceiling and fully display the sparkling pool outside.

The natural gas fireplace with a cast stone diamond design is flanked by short columns, which are a recurring theme throughout the home. It faces a full bar with under-counter sink, a Scotsman icemaker and a Sub Zero 24-inch under-counter refrigerator. The bar and appliances are inte- grated into the living room furnishings through custom cabinetry trim.

I The casual areas of the home may be less formal but the design details

have a beauty all their own. Look up in the family room and note the box-beamed ceiling that features a faux stencil design within each square. The entrance to the breakfast room features pecky cypress beams supported by corbels. And the kitchen has a barrel vault ceiling of brick.

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Far left: The octagonal living room features two-story windows that provide a spectacular view of the pool outside.

Left: The gas fireplace features a cast stone diamond design. It is flanked by short columns, which are a constant theme throughout the house.

spring2005 lpl house trends 17

I Above: The architect wanted each room to

Under that vaulted ceiling is a kitchen fit for a gourmet chef. Gran- showcase different

ite countertops spmad across three sides plus the spacious center design techniques. The entrance to the breakfast

island. Two sinks include a large stainless steel under-mount design room features wdo, and a veeetable sink at the island. Dinner ~a r t i e s are made easier I

. , cmress beams "

thanks to a Wolf 48-inch natural gas range that includes six burners and a griddle. The Sub Zero 48-inch built-in refrigerator features cab- Top and bottom right:

inet panels, as does the Asko dishwasher, which is fully integrated to connected to the kitchen blend seamlessly into the background. AGE microwave in black with stainless steel trim completes the appliance package.

featuring a stencil design

18 h o u s e t r e n d s Ipl spring2005

The master bedroom has all the elegance of a fine hotel with a dramatic gold and black monochromatic color scheme that is close to neo-classic. The walls are painted in a soothing soft yellow and cream faux finish and serve as the base of the room. His and her baths feature spa-like amenities and fine details including marble floors, tub deck and shower walls. Her bath consists of a Jacuzzi Milano whirlpool tub

i with matching jets and a water closet with a bidet. His bath features a Sigma System 30 shower with two volume controls plus three body sprays. A wet bar and sink provide just the right spot for a nightcap before turning in for the evening.

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Just outside the bedroom's French doors is the pool ter- race. The 16x32-foot heated pool incorporates a fountain and raised spa with four jets.

A second bedroom on the first floor accommodates farn- ily or guests. Of all the bed- rooms in Casa Siena, it's the most contemporary in a sophisticated color scheme of sea foam, silver and off white.

The grand staircase leading from the foyer is palatial in lustrous marble with a filigree iron baluster and s,$air d. From the second level, the landing over- looks the living room and leads to the media and bil- ; liard rooms, two additional family bedrooms, and a guest suite.

Both family bedrooms have individual bathrooms and their own unique design. One features an orien-

1 tal theme; the other is done in a nautical Ralph Lau- ren design. The guest adte is situated at one end of the second floor above the courtyard. This enables visitors to enter ~ the h ~ m e or a private vestibule. The staircase is created from red oak with oil rubbed Lxonze attachments. Guests arrive to discover a serene West Indies theme, carried out by means of-a bamboo vaulted ceiling with bamboo inlays and%$ bambao chair rail. Underneath the stairs leading to

the guest suite is a seating area with a writing desk where guests can relax or set up a laptop computer.

Entertainment is the name of the game in the media and billiard rooms. The billiard room is remi- niscent of a h g h - s t men's dub with paneled

4 walls, leatber embossed ceiling, and faam finish a details. For snacks chqg.&e game, it includes a wet bar with granite countertop. The me&a room is adorned with silk upholstered walls and a ten-foot coffered ceiling. A sectional sofa, rather than chairs, -.. I

encourages comfort. POT music throughout the home, &;wiring has

already been laid for stereo speakers, Volume con- trols in the famiiy room, media room, living room, master bedroom and loggia enable the homeowner to create the ambiance to fit the mood. An elevator outside the media room provides convenient access to the second floor.

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Far left: The dining room is decorated in rich colon of sage and gold. It features a stenciled dome ceiling.

Left: The gourmet kitchen continues the trend of unique designs, featuring a barrel vault ceiling made of brick.

Bottom left: The palatial staircase leading from the foyer consists of marble flooring and an ornate filigree iron baluster and stair rail. From the second level, the landing overlooks the living room.

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22 h o u s e t r e n d s I

E 1,' h - * ~ h e European influence carries through to the exterior appoint- 2.1:

.,..-ments. Landscape architect John Lang has worked all over the .. - . . !. -.;world, from Turkey to California, and his specialty of 'hard-

scapes' has been put to full use in details ranging from patio to pool, fountains to drives. Casa Siena's design is simple and clas- sic with an emphasis on careful craftsmanship, such as the her- ringbone pattern of the Old Chicago brick hand set in sand. The pattern extends throughout, including the front drive, motor court, front and rear walkways, covered entry, loggia and patio.

"This house has a more European feel to it than most houses in the area. It uses the design of exterior spaces for a much high- er impact, adding more amenities on the outside."

The landscaping is a mix between subtropical and hardier plants. "They look as though they've been there for years but it's only been six months." Among them are bougainvillea, confed- erate jasmine, Rangoon creeper, and creeping fig. Specimen date palms, cliff date palms and medjool date palms add a tropical ambiance. . . . - , '.

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Far left: The first floor master bedroom mimics a fine hotel suite, blending the gold and black color scheme with the soft yellow and cream faux finished walls.

Top: The home boasts six full bathrooms, including his and her master baths, and a powder room.

Left: The second floor guest suite features a West lndies theme, with a bamboo-vaulted ceiling. The suite has a private entrance, allowing guests to come and go without disturbing their hosts.

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* . - A guest suite on the second floor includes a -*, . , seating area where v~sitors can work or relax.

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' RESOURCES Designer:

Jennifer Clark, The Decorators Unlimited

AKhltect. M k h Kunik, Mniti Architects

Gordon Homes

buiners and griddle; Sub Zero refrigerators, GE microwave, Scotsman icemaker, k k o dishwasher

Jerusalem stone on main floor

Maittand Smith

Kitchen cabin- Kitchen Craft Regency

Kitchen countertops: Granite with I fi inch ogee edge

There was as much thought put into the outdoor cooking and entertainment area as Franke stainless steel (kitchen);

the kitchen. An avid gnller would be in heaven amid the 36-inch g d set within a con- crete block and stucco entertainment bar with stainless sink and doors and a Saturnia marble slab countertop. A: fireplace adds a romantic touch and Iights the night for enter- Franke FF200 kitchen sink faucet;

taining or a quiet evening at home. Franke FF2OO vegetable sink faucet

European flair and attention to every detail set Casa Siena apart. Through unique design it creates a serene haven suitable for a king - or the Palm Beach homeowner who The Decorators Unlimited

craves privacy and pampering. @

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