Downsizing from a Victorian in Brookline to a high-rise in the city, the empty-nester owners of this two-bedroom condo wanted it to function comfortably for the both of them while allowing for entertaining and accommodating of occasional overnight guests. Aesthetically, they desired a nuanced backdrop for their global collections. Rebecca Rivers, an associate designer at Hacin, helped mastermind a serene, seamless design carried out by custom builders Lagassé Group. Giant glass pocket doors replaced the wall between the guest bedroom (outfitted with a murphy bed) and the living room, seen here. “Since they wouldn’t be using the guest room regularly, we claimed it as living space,” Rivers says. The team also replaced the wet bar with a banquette. “These genius moves were our lift-off moments,” she says.
1 Rivers paired the banquette with a Skram table and De la Espada chairs with sculptural backs. The built-in bench faces the city view while the abstract art channels the concept of living in the clouds. The chandelier’s ostrich-egg shades remind the owners of their time living in South Africa.
2 The new, warm taupe finish on the existing cabinetry balances the cool gray and white marble counters and backsplash. “The clients felt strongly about not being wasteful by ripping out the kitchen,” Rivers says.
3 The team reworked the opening to the primary bedroom, bringing it up and refitting it with a door that sits flush within the bedroom millwork. “They leave the door open for natural light,” the designer says.
4 Honey-toned anigre, an African hardwood, shows off the owners’ treasures and ties to their story. A slatted cover hides the mechanical panel and adds texture and depth.
5 Furnishings with organic shapes and textures—the curved sofa and chairs and round wooden table with hammered metal base—soften the architecture’s hard lines. “The Art and Loom rug delineates the seating area without a sense of a hard boundary between spaces,” Rivers says.
6 The team incorporated surplus ceiling height by creating a tray ceiling with a Roman clay treatment that juxtaposes the glass and steel building. TSP Smart Spaces integrated concealed LED lights to illuminate the feature.
Marni Elyse Katz is a contributing editor to the Globe Magazine. Follow her on Instagram @StyleCarrot. Send comments to [email protected].
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