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!”
