Berkeley Road Residence

The relationship with this client began in 1978. I had recently opened my design practice when approached by a young couple interested in retaining the services of an interior designer who shared their vision and had an understanding of their requirements. With three small children, the interior had to be practical yet sophisticated.

In 2011, my clients opted to “upsize” their residence. With adult children and grandchildren living in the area, additional guest suites and play spaces were requisite. As the original single-story house stretched from lot line to lot line, the only option was to add a second story. Along with the addition of the second floor the existing structure was gutted with room functions reassigned to accommodate the client’s “wish list”.

The original house plan had four-bedroom suites, a playroom in addition to the living and dining rooms, kitchen and library. In the new plan the three secondary bedrooms, baths and playroom were combined to make up a luxurious master suite comprised of the bedroom with fireplace, studies for both husband and wife, two sizable dressing rooms, walk-in closets, His and Her bathrooms. The original library was demolished and replaced with a dramatic floating stair that connects the first floor and second floors to the lower-level media and exercise rooms. The original staff quarters were annexed to the open kitchen and breakfast area for use as a sitting area. The new second level accommodates three bedroom suites for guests, a den with a bar and secondary laundry.

Based on the scope of a project, a team of experts was assembled to address specific needs the clients had. Avid and prolific art collectors, a lighting designer was integral to the design process. The art was inventoried with its placement determined prior to construction so that each piece would be lit properly. The client asked for an integrated system where interior/exterior light control, security, A/V and HVAC systems could be controlled at single locations throughout or via cell phone and computer.