Paradise Valley Estate
The client requested a total renovation and a 2 room addition to her Tuscan-style estate. Chicago elegant glam in tones of blacks and whites with additional entertaining space was her request as she had just relocated. The challenge was maintaining the original old-world architectural details, especially the Cantera stonework, while giving the home the updated look and feel she desired. We improved the home’s livability by adding a formal dining room, wine cellar, and great room adjacent to the pub room.
The first thing we changed was the travertine and walnut floors to white marble with hints of greige to match the Cantera with a polished black border in the receiving room. The custom black and cream area rug and black lacquer furnishings make for a striking entry. Next, the home’s lighting, sound system, and alarms were updated to an automated Crestron System. Decorative fixtures, including the 64 light crystal and brushed silver chandelier, were all added for much-needed elegance and sparkle. We removed all the curved niches, centered and straightened transitions from one room to the next, and painted the whole first floor a soft white. Staining the beams and doors a darker brown removed the Tuscan tones.
The great room addition increased the functionality of the home. Still, the original door manufacturer was out of business, so we relocated the original French doors in the pub to the great room. Using Black Titanium granite on the linear fireplace and the pub countertop and backsplash tied in the black Cantera stone on the original pub mantle. The crystals in the fireplace are clear and gold to reflect the same tones as the granite. In the wine room, we brought the floor tile up the wall and added a chilling system, floating backlit walnut racking systems, and black hardware to tie in the granite.
In the primary formal kitchen, we kept the black and white theme, using black on the island to ground the space, with Calacatta Gold double ogee edged countertops, and contrasted the perimeters with Chantilly Lace cabinets and Titanium Black granite. A custom matte black hood with polished stainless straps, a curved skirt, and rivets add drama and balance to the black island. The hand–etched marble tile backsplash is from Italy and had to be pieced together individually. Silver and Swarovski crystal hardware coordinates with the silver and crystal island pendant bringing in the glam and sparkle the clients love while maintaining elegance. In between the kitchen and the dining room is a seating area we created for casual conversation while the chef works in the kitchen.
