Fashion Forward – Home & Design Magazine

 WWhen the house owners of a French chateau-style villa close to downtown Bethesda first noticed the property, they have been on the lookout for inspiration for a house they wished to design close by. It was love at first sight; quickly they’d scrapped the thought of ​​rebuilding in favor of buying this home. “The surroundings was instantly interesting,” says Tracey, the spouse. “There was loads of room for our massive household. And we beloved the unique craftsmanship and a focus to element.”

The 20,000-square-foot residence is surrounded by an acre and a half of manicured grounds supposed to evoke the spirit of Versailles. Mature bushes and plantings accent a reflecting pool, swimming pool and pool home, all simply accessible by means of the various floor-to-ceiling French doorways on the primary degree of the house. Inside, there are seven bedrooms and 7 full and 5 half baths. In-built 2005, the home is clad in Texas limestone with a clay roof that Jason Evans, proprietor of Acadia Renovations, went to nice lengths to guard when a brand new elevator was put in. “That roof was a singular aspect that I did not need to break by punching a gap in it!” he remembers.

From the very starting, the house owners had a imaginative and prescient for the inside. “We wished to maintain the unique architectural intent, however with a extra fashionable sensibility,” explains Tracey. “And since I really like style, we added a little bit coloration, texture and ‘jewellery’, particularly within the lighting, wherever we might.” The couple additionally wished to showcase their fastidiously curated artwork assortment whereas giving each member of the household – together with 4 youngsters ages six to 14 – the area to pursue their particular person and collective passions.

To exuberantly deliver this imaginative and prescient to life, they selected San Francisco-based HBA, a worldwide firm identified for its distinctive high-end lodge, restaurant and residential design. It was a simple determination for Tracey, an actual property developer and the “chief visionary” of the challenge, who had labored professionally with HBA for over 20 years.

“Tracey and I share the identical design shorthand and we already had an concept of ​​what she wished to realize,” reveals designer Meghann Day of HBA San Francisco. “There was nothing improper with the home; it was only a bit dated and ornate. We have introduced out his stunning bones and given him a lighter, extra refined look.”

HBA’s hospitality pedigree is clear all through the house, from the outsized wall sconces within the entry lobby to seating areas that invite dialog and furnishings that steadiness formality and household life. The drama begins within the lobby the place a cool palette of limestone flooring and white partitions reign, illuminated by a shimmering chandelier whose design suggests fish fins (an homage to the couple’s youngsters, who’re all swimmers). There are two curtained studying nooks and a glossy grey couch offset by gold sconces.

Artwork takes middle stage within the luxurious front room. Above the stone fire hangs a chromogenic piece by photographer Dave LaChapelle titled Couture consumption. A grand piano anchors the area whereas vaulted furnishings borrows Artwork Deco lust to the room.

An vintage desk that seats 10 serves because the centerpiece of the formal eating room, the place a champagne-gold coloration scheme is enlivened by hues of blue. Jewel-like Murano glass chandeliers grasp above the desk, highlighting the coffered ceiling. Partitions lined with quilted silk add one other layer of texture and visible curiosity.

A caramel-colored leather-based bar with an onyx countertop marks the transition from the lounge to husband Tim’s workplace, which opens out to the backyard. Constructed-in bookcases, a protracted, modular sofa, an vintage gold-leaf chandelier, and gaming tables create a chic but playful area befitting the artistic tech entrepreneur.

Tracey’s workplace, alternatively, is a comfortable, female retreat, wearing high-gloss blush pink and outfitted with a two-tiered gold chandelier, daring wallpapered ceiling, and a Peter Chase portray expressly commissioned for the room.

The extra personal facet of the home – sitting rooms, breakfast room and TV room – supply beautiful backyard views, together with equally refined furnishings, albeit on a extra intimate scale. Right here, perform informs design to encourage household exercise, from secluded studying nooks and homework areas to sport tables and TV screens hidden behind gallery partitions or customized cupboards. Artwork additionally performs a job. Above the fireside within the floor ground household room is the work that launched the couple’s assortment: a Cubist portray by Marcel Mouly.

Every bed room on the second degree displays the resident’s tastes and pursuits. The first suite is a examine in white, gentle blue, celadon and serenity. An vintage sunburst mirror towers above the four-poster mattress, whereas floor-to-ceiling curtains and lavishly upholstered furnishings envelop the room in tranquil heat.

HBA has largely retained its authentic footprint; an elevator changed a spiral staircase within the utility room, and Tim’s toilet grew to become his son’s bed room. Nonetheless, the architectural particulars that so captivated the house owners have all been given an enhancing makeover. Acadia Renovations painstakingly hand-sanded and repainted, elaborately mock-painted partitions; ditto the columns and ornamental plaster detailing. Covid added one other complication, delaying the supply of sure items and forcing the designers and owners to get artistic with sourcing. All advised, it took about three years to rework this ornate citadel right into a dynamic, fashionable residence.

“It is a huge home,” Tracey admits. “However every area is designed to have perform and goal, so all of it feels intentional. We use and luxuriate in each inch of our residence.”