It was important to Art Frigo, as an entrepreneur who entertains clients as well as family and friends at home, that his home create a dramatic statement. That`s why interior designers Bill Olafsen and Elise Schreiber added large-scale, simple furnishings that enhance the sculptural quality of the space to the open but controlled expansive architecture of Marvin Herman. It all begins in the foyer, whose focal point is a round insert made of two types of granite, articulated by metal banding, that is set into a wood floor stained black. The circle is echoed in a portion of the ceiling that is recessed above, creating the feeling of a cove.
A circular staircase was custom designed by the architect and carpeted in a black Berber wool. Its form emphasizes the flow of space throughout the duplex, as do horizontal bands of metal used where you`d expect vertical spindles. Beyond the entry is an enormous living space with extraordinary city views.
”The feeling created,” designer Olafsen says, ”is serene, so the eye is immediately taken to the exterior and the geometry created by the windows.” When privacy is preferred, there are electronically operated, vinyl-coated shades of perforated fabric that were custom designed to cover the two-story glass walls.
”We wanted to keep the space uncluttered,” Olafsen says, ”yet at the same time we wanted the pieces of furniture to be significant.”
Two large sofas, splashed with vibrant red hand-painted silk that also has been quilted, anchor the space. The sofa design is Japanese-inspired, with arm flaps reminiscent of tatami mats, and the striking color is set off by the black floors, white walls and minimalist artwork. A coffee table of granite and lacquered wood was custom designed, and a console of stone and black metal complements it nicely.
The color carries over to the media room. An undulating bar designed by the architect combines ash that is aniline-dyed red with a black granite top. Floating cabinetry that was custom tailored to house audio-video equipment echoes the color and is punctuated by a screen painted and lacquered with 16 coats.
”The piece is simple yet takes on the feeling of an art form,”
Schreiber says.
Adds Olafsen, ”The room is tailored for guests to put their feet up, and each piece is extremely comfortable as well as strong and sculptural.”
There are four leather chairs; whose backs flip down to accomodate 10 to 15 more people on a ”sofa” covered in Gianni Versace fabric. Floor-to-ceiling pocket doors on either side of the screening room allow more intimacy.
In the kitchen, cabinetry designed by Herman is ash, stained gray, with granite countertops. A custom-designed banquette offers comfortable seating and another vantage point for the fantastic city view.
On the second level, the master bedroom/bath posed two challenges: the openness and Frigo`s desire to enjoy the views from both rooms. The solution: a glass wall separating the two.
The bathroom is clad in brown mahogany and Baltic brown granite. The adjacent bedroom is minimally attired, with a custom-designed bed positioned on the diagonal, its stereo equipment and remote controls fitted neatly into the black lacquer headboard and granite-topped nightstands. At the foot of the bed is a pop-up television.
A small office overlooks the living area, and a study doubles as guest room.
The architecture is more than a backdrop, and the deft treatment of the interiors doesn`t overpower it. The collaboration works in an environment that is both dramatic and tranquil.
WHERE TO BUY
Foyer: Andes black and brown mahogany agranite floors from Chicago Flooring; black Berber wool carpeting from Eurotex; Japanese candlesticks from Charles Jacobsen.
Living room: Upholstered pieces fabricated by Shoppe de Lee; handpainted silk fabric from Craig at Holly Hunt; Eileen Gray leather chaise and table (on second level) from Stendig; floor lamp from Artemide.
Media room: Chairs from Atelier International; table custom designed by Olafsen-Schreiber, fabricated by Carrara Marble; wall unit designed by Olafsen-Schreiber, fabricated by Highland Park Millwork; lacquer screen by Don Yoshida; audio-visual equipment by Columbia Audio Video in Highland Park;
Nambe ware (on table) from Neiman Marcus; sculpture (at right) from Carl Hammer Gallery; console (at left background) by Mirak from Holly Hunt.
Kitchen: Cabinetry designed by Marv Herman, fabricated by Highland Park Millwork; banquette fabric by Manuel Canovas through Donghia; rubber chairs from Metro. Matthew Hilton candlesticks, china, dinnerware, napkins from Elements. Baccarat crystal and Nambe ware from Neiman Marcus. Christofle flatware.
Bedroom: Bed, handpainted raw silk from Artex through Holly Hunt; bedding fabrication by Marika; sheets from Shaxted; framework by Highland Park Millwork; audio-visual installation by Columbia Audio Video; Eileen Gray chaise, table from Stendig; lighting from Artemide; pencil cactus from H.D. Ltd., Lake Forest; large African bowl (holding loofah sponges) from Objects Gallery.
