Fresh Start
Author:Abigail StoneRobin Strickler and Jessica Nutt of Designworks create a bright fresh home for an empty nester couple embarking on their next phase of life
"When the wife walked into the house for the first time, she started crying," recalls Nutt. "She loved it."
Photographer: Ryan Gavin
The master bedroom's bed and nightstands are by CFC
Photographer: Ryan Gavin
The same approach was applied to the rest of the home; arresting wallpapers and tile work bring interest to the bedroom and bathrooms
Photographer: Ryan Gavin
Unique furniture silhouettes and intriguing textures keep a neutral palette from tipping over into drab. Witness the living room’s track arm sofas. Paired with bench seats, distinct chevron pillows, modern occasional chairs and an unconventional pair of chandeliers, they bring an unusual twist to the setting. The sofa and chairs are by Brownstone Upholstery.
Photographer: Ryan Gavin
Dramatic light fixtures in the living room brought the cavernous space down to a cozier level while keeping the view to the backyard unimpeded
Photographer: Ryan Gavin
A large scale console and a side table were a few of the pieces from the clients’ old home that the Designworks team were able to bring into the new space. Coupled with newer, more transitional pieces, they help create familiar touchpoints for the couple, bridge the gap between their old home and this new space
Photographer: Ryan Gavin
The entire room rotates around the pool. When Nutt shares that the couple has been entertaining a lot, it's no surprise given the incredible setting. The outdoor furniture was found at Restoration Hardware.
Photographer: Ryan Gavin
“One challenge we encountered and we’re coming across this a lot”, says Nutt, “is that the great room is so long, how do you make it feel grounded and appropriately full? We decided to create a seating area behind the main seating area with that little circle of the low table and four chairs. And, actually, it's turned out to be the most used portion of the house: they have their wine there every evening."
Photographer: Ryan Gavin
The great room was divided into four distinct areas: an open-plan kitchen with a island and breakfast bar, a casual spot for drinks, a living room with a fireplace and a dining area
Photographer: Ryan Gavin
To keep the focus on Robert Hidey’s bouyant architecture, such as the great room’s soaring ceiling, deftly punctuated by wood beams, Nutt and Strickler kept things clean and simple, with a neutral palette that focused on texture.
Photographer: Ryan Gavin
Because it was a new build, Nutt and Strickler were able to dive in right at the beginning, choosing finishes, tile and paint. The clients, who were open to pushing the envelope, allowed Designworks the freedom to create the space as they saw fit, knowing their lifestyle and wish list. The pendants over the kitchen island are from Cisco Home
Photographer: Ryan Gavin
The couple, empty nesters embarking on a new stage of life, had moved from a two story home in Pacific Heights. “It was very traditional and very heavy,” says Jessica Nutt of Designworks who worked alongside Robin Strickler to create a springboard that would provide a springboard for the couple next life stage, “and they wanted this new space to be light and bright and have a nice airy feel to it.”
Photographer: Ryan Gavin