There is synergy to beauty. It resonates on multiple emotional and aesthetic levels. It makes your life richer and meaningful…
What does it mean to make a home soulful? In the case of the King residence, it was about creating an environment that enhanced and amplified the art featured in the space. The Kings had a wish - they wanted to see the art no matter where they sat or stood. This was a great opportunity to design for the art rather than to buy art that fits the design.
Jennifer’s parents were both artists. Much of the work is by them or is work that they cherished, and Jennifer grew up with. The large painting in the living room/ dining room was painted shortly after the house was built, so it feels right at home there.
Give us a little background on why you selected this particular 1957 home to make your own?
When we walked in it just felt like home right away, despite knowing there were things we’d want to do to really make it our home. For Steve, it reminded him of his childhood. It felt nostalgic.
Now that the initial phase of your remodel is complete, in what ways has Beauty manifested in your home?
There’s the obvious...the beautiful finishes and how it showcases our art, but more than that, we love the scale and the flow of the space. It feels cozy, but roomy.
How has the beautiful Art in your home elevated the Architectural experience, and vice-versa? Tell us more about the wonderful art you’ve collected and displayed.
The remodel was designed to feature the art, particularly our two very large paintings. Who doesn’t have a 5 x 5 foot oil painting in their kitchen? We wanted to see the art no matter where you sat or stood. It was a great opportunity to design for the art rather than to buy art that fits the design.
Have you always been drawn towards Mid-Century Modern design, furniture, art and architecture? What about it resonates so strongly?
Not really. Our design tastes changed and developed over many years. We were trending towards modern when we took at trip to Palm Springs and stumbled into Modernism Week about a decade ago, and that sealed the deal for us. We really got into the design and the whole retro culture. It feels comfortable and honest to us. Since then we’ve been collecting mid century furnishings and household items.
Having visited your home recently, it truly feels like you. Your house is now your home. How has the transformation of your home changed how you live each day?
We’ve been doing a lot more cooking! The kitchen is now the hub of the house. We are looking forward to entertaining. We think it will be a completely different experience than it was before. Also, before, there were places you just walked through. You didn’t want to stay there. Every square inch is now used on a daily basis. We also love the light the new sliders bring in. We can’t wait to see how the new access enhances our indoor/outdoor experience this summer.
What’s your favorite design detail / finish of your remodel & why?
The kitchen cabinet cabinets. We love the warm wood how they were able to match the grain on the massive wall of cabinets. Also the handles remind us of Danish furniture. We also love everything about the fireplace makeover! The tile was not what we originally had envisioned or would have even considered had Suzanne not presented it. The installation was flawless (thanks, Christo!), and the way it visually balances the large painting is brilliant.
Would you recommend the SZ Design|Build process to others looking to transform where they live? If so, kindly highlight one or two reasons why.
Definitely! Suzanne understood our desire to improve our house in a way that felt true to it’s roots. We wanted it to feel like it could have been laid out like this originally. Also, being design geeks, we loved the participatory process. We wanted to work with someone who truly appreciated our aesthetic, and who was passionate about art. We believe in this design that our art was as important to Suzanne as it was it us.
What you looking forward to the most in Phase 2 of your home’s remodel?
Steve’s looking forward to having a large, covered outdoor space. Jennifer is looking forward to having room for a king-size bed so that they can adopt more elderly Chihuahuas.
Suzanne Zahr, Inc. | Architect
SZ Build | Construction
CSES | Structural Engineer
Rick Barry | Photography