A fine balance

Today's luxury homes often have to work on two quite different levels. As well as meeting the requirements of family members who want relaxing private spaces where they can spend time together, these homes also need areas that are more formal and designed for entertaining on a grand, even national level.

Interior designer Bill Lyons was asked to create precisely such a home for the owners of this 12,000sq ft modern English Tudor style house in Minnesota.

"The clients were also particularly concerned that the house be understated and unobtrusive from the street, and that it fitted into the neighborhood," he says. "They wanted a home that was sophisticated without being ostentatious. So, from the front, it appears to be a two-story house, but it opens out significantly at the back where it spills down the hill and reveals another floor."

The private, densely wooded site means that privacy is not an issue, and the back fae§ades feature large expanses of glass that emphasize and capture the wooded views and the pond.

The exterior conveys a sense of substance, durability and timelessness a look created by the use of durable quality products. The hand-hewn slate roof, for example, will last 100 years. Although the house is modern, detailing like the brick fae§ade with limestone accents, and an imposing entry way add to this feeling of permanence.

From the front door, the entrance leads into the wide central hallway the axis at the heart of the house. This leads into the formal living and entertaining areas. To create a level of formality, the designer used a painted wood finish in the living and dining rooms. These neutral tones create an understated backdrop against which the traditional furnishings can star.

The living area, with its grand granite fireplace, features huge arching windows, which flood the room with light. Three sets of French doors lead onto a large bricked terrace that offers views over the sloping lawn to the pond.

The library and study can be reached through the formal lounge or from the central hallway and is a transitional space between the public and private parts of the house.

"The wood paneling creates a feeling of warmth while still retaining the formality of a traditional library with its custom-made brass chandeliers, vaulted ceiling and rich furnishings," says Lyons.

Many of the fittings were custom made to the designer's specifications.

Although the use of wood visually links the private family areas to the library, Brazilian walnut provides a richer color and a cozy ambiance for the casual rooms.Exposed beams, a lower stud and natural cherry millwork and furniture creates a more intimate feeling in the open-plan kitchen/dining area. A honed, Atlantic-green granite counter continues the theme of permanence.

The family sitting room leads off this space, and its curved feature window with views onto the terrace creates a link with the more formal lounge. However, the gabled ceiling and furnishings, like the matching rocking chairs, are more homey and welcoming.

All the family bedrooms are on the second floor. In the master bedroom cove lighting illuminates a tray ceiling. Along with the soft coloring of the furnishings, the lighting creates a feeling of calm and peacefulness.

Similar tones are used in the master suite, which features polished nickel fixtures. Striped wall coverings in both rooms also create a visual link and enhance a sense of luxury.

Story by: Trendsideas