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“But it’s so great to have this space where I can really spread out and concentrate on
what I like to do.
”
The couple discovered the architecture firm, MC2, a few years ago while watching
one of Nguyen
’s residential projects evolve. “I told my husband, ‘If we ever get to build a house, that’s the way to do it.’ We both really like the contemporary style. It is totally in sync with our
tastes.
”
The empty nesters aren’t into wasted space. They wanted a home where every square inch was appreciated
and warranted.
“Our space wasn’t used very well in our other house,” Cara says. “And we had the really big garden and everything. We didn’t want to take care of all of that.”
Working with Nguyen, they found a way to downsize while making the most of the
square footage.
“Shedding stuff” was liberating, Cara says. “It was freeing to get rid of things before we moved here. It’s amazing the things you just really don’t need!”
Keep It Simple is the design credo here. Cara’s keen eye is behind many of the home’s sleek, clean-lined design features and calming tones.
A large custom island on one side of the kitchen in ice pearl granite and cherry
paneling acts as a giant buffet when entertaining guests. Absolute black
granite defines the other countertops, adding contrast to the mix, as
|
does gray laminate cabinetry by Wood-Mode. “I wanted to keep it neutral but mix materials to keep it interesting,” Cara explains.
One wall of the dining room shows off Cara’s collection of Steuben glass, encased in built-in vitrines. “Again, it keeps the space clean having those built into the wall. No large
chunky pieces of furniture to detract from it,
” she says.
Indeed, the aesthetic incorporates the best of clean-lined design, evidenced in
the furnishings: mid-century pieces by Charles Eames, Eero Saarinen and Bertoia
mingle with modern-day offerings from Cantoni and Roche Bobois. And then there
’s the art, looking as if it has belonged here all along, dappled in soft natural
light.
Thanks to carefully selected light fixtures, the pieces come to life at night as
well.
“Kind of a mysterious quality of light to this house,” says Nguyen.
The couple especially enjoys collecting South American art. An example of this—a life-size bronze sculpture, “Woman with Child on Hip,” by Costa Rican-born Francisco Zuniga—takes a prominent position in the living room, as if enjoying the park view.
“It’s just a great house to live and work in,” says Cara. “We really love it.”l
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