Tag: at home magazine

I am so honored to have been chosen as one of at home’s A-List Winners!  Here’s the full article and photos of the dining room that earned this award.

at home magazine presents the Second Annual A-List Awards 2011

Beauty may be in the eye of the beholder.  But good design is in the eye of the homeowner–it must appeal in a visual way while also satisfying the needs of those who live with it. It’s no coincidence, then, that the striking projects selected by our esteemed judges to win this year’s A-List competition are also those that wow with their smart solutions and livability. We caught up with the award-winning professionals and their clients to find out what sets the A-List apart from the pack. Their stories reveal a host of creative ideas that are certain to inspire first-rate home projects in the future.

When Liria Heidenreich was looking for design help for her shingle-style house in Greenwich, her sister-in-law recommended Amy Aidinis Hirsch.  The young designer had already decorated the homes of other family members, so why not hers?  But the Heidenreichs were seeking a different approach:  “They wanted to marry a modern style with a more traditional architecture,” says Hirsch.  The success of the dining room–part of a whole-house project– lies in the way Hirsch translated their desire for an eclectic interior with little clutter or fuss.  “I didn’t want a lot of color.  I’m nutty and I need mellow,” says Heidenreich.  “She really got me.”

At the center of this sleek-yet-personal space is an architectural Italian table surrounded by Ligne Roset cowhide chairs and a wood bench.  The more casual arrangement suits the family’s two boys and also answers Liria’s request:  “no boring chairs.”  Dark chocolate grass cloth on the walls provides warmth and anchors the abstract art.  For the floor, Hirsch put an unexpected spin on a simple wool loop rug.  Instead of picking one colorway from the samples, she sourced all of them to create a custom stripe.  The homeowner admits to being particular about lighting and this glam three-tiered crystal chandelier from Ochre acts as a jewel in the room, about with she jokes, “My electrician doesn’t like me anymore.”

To add a touch of color and tradition, Hirsch brought in a red antique lacquer cabinet from Greenwich Oriental.  This one-of-a-kind piece provides storage and character, picking up on a hue continued in other parts of the house.  The sophisticated theme fits the family to a tee.  Says Heidenreich, “I still walk into these rooms and say, “Damn, this works!”

—at home Winter 2012