This is such an inviting home. What kind of first impression did you want the foyer to make?
Designer Michelle Gerson: To me, I felt like the house needed to look super chic and really pretty because the client is really pretty! If you met her, you would be like ‘This is so her house!’ She wanted it light, but wanted to use color, to make it kind of fun. It’s boring to do an all neutral beach house all the time. She added a lot of art with color, which is cool.
Which piece of furniture or décor do you feel executes the theme or concept you were going for the most?
MG: Our main thing was to make it a house for entertaining, so we changed what would normally be the living room into a bar. So, the bar is really the big signature piece in the house—we think it’s the call to party! Right behind it is an entertaining space that brings you through the house to the outdoor space, so it all flows really nicely.
In the foyer, artwork by Nir Hod echoes a custom round table by Michelle Gerson Interiors.
Artworks by Julian Opie and a plush custom sofa create an inviting area for gathering. The shearling rug is by Stark.
In the living room, sofas and the bar were custom designed by Michelle Gerson’s firm. The counter stools are by J. Alexander Furniture, and the drapery textiles are by Kravet.
A ceiling fixture from Gabriel Scott hangs above the kitchen island, which is covered in a marble from Artistic Tile. The bar stools are from Thomas Hayes.
Custom chairs covered in a Holly Hunt fabric surround a wood table designed by Michelle Gerson Interiors. The wall covering is by de Gournay.
In the powder room, a lavender Venetian plaster wallcovering by Decorfin sparkles in the reflected light. The mirror and vanity were custom made by the designer.
In the junior primary bedroom, armchairs are from Crate & Barrel, and the chandelier is from Visual Comfort. The soft drapery textile is by Rogers & Goffigon, and the wallcovering is by Moth Paper.
I notice there are pops of color and patterns in the living room. How does a designer strike the right balance?
MG: The living room is also like a lounge. The color is in the marble—it’s lilac—and there are colored pillows, and a lot of color in the rug that was custom made by Art & Loom. We were inspired by the pillows and the Frank Stella artwork.
How did you select the furnishings for the space?
MG: The sectional and ottoman are custom, and the swivel chairs are from Dooq, made in a periwinkle mohair. The sofa is made out of soft polyester—it feels like a teddy bear.
What was the design directive in the junior primary bedroom?
MG: The junior primary is a perfect example of how we mix high and low; the bed is from Lulu & Georgia, the nightstands and lamps are from Crate & Barrel, and we put in a gorgeous wallpaper from Moth Paper and did everything else simple. We made a bedroom that wasn’t a million dollars—it’s very doable and cost efficient.
Tell me about the design choices in the kitchen.
MG: We happened to have beautiful cabinets by Ciuffo Cabinetry. We did a high-gloss finish on top, mixed with natural oak whitewashed bottom cabinetry, and mixed in some bronze to give it an extra chicness. We picked the most gorgeous calacatta gold marble we could find. Beautiful marble takes you really far when it comes to a kitchen!
I love the wall covering in the dining room. How did you choose it?
MG: The wall covering is from de Gournay, and is in a pink opalescent and silver motif. I showed a sample to the client, and she was like, ‘I love it,’ and I was like, ‘I love you!’ I always say you’re only as good as your clients, and if they aren’t able to trust you, and take leaps of faith with you, they miss out on opportunities.
