Kicking things off at a stunning corner duplex in in the iconic Plaza Hotel, Open House host Sara Gore takes us on a tour of 5 exquisite homes that teem with style and personality.
We first journey to Williamsburg to visit with artist and designer Sean McNanney, founder of Saved New York in the West Village. What Sean (a passionate collector of ceramics, especially Robert Lehman) enjoys most about design is creating a story using materials and textures that contain a traceable history and invoke a poetic feeling. And his warm Brooklyn railroad-style apartment features a a lifetime of collected art, furnishings, and eclectic pieces (including Turkish turquoise parrot trinkets). From the original floors layered with 19th century carpets to the dining room adorned with overhead lamps embroidered by hand and a quilt he worked on with his grandmother when he was little to the kitchen that serves as a scrapbook for culinary exploration and sweet touches (including a portrait of his family and his great-grandmother’s fancy dishes, and an original built-in that’s jazzed up with 19th century papier-mâché trays), this home is haven of creativity and memories.
Next up: we drop by 25325 Prado De La Felicidad in Calabasas, CA to join Marcy Roth for a tour of a sprawling estate. The first thing you notice upon entering this impressive Mediterranean-style abode, is the volume and height of the soaring ceilings — along with dueling spiral staircases — that create the drama of a grand entrance and set the stage for all the timeless elegance and state-of-the-art luxuries that await inside. Standout moments include: a formal step-down living room with a bar crafted from a porcelain slab and custom brass accents; the wine tasting room that was constructed from biblical stone (aka cobblestone directly from the Holy Land) that dates back over 2000 years and is adorned with a Roman stone ceiling featuring hand-painted frescoes; a masterpiece kitchen that showcases Italian onyx countertops & dual islands; a billiard room with leather walls, an ornate chandelier that hangs over the pool table, and custom dark woodwork; and a backyard where an infinity swimming pool, fire pit, and 700 sq.ft. putting green await. Overall, with its captivating hillside views & meticulous attention to detail, this property offer the epitome of upscale living.
After, we zip over to a rejuvenated Soho loft in NNYC designed by interior designer Alvin Wayne. So how do you revamp an old-school apartment to not only feel fresh and unique — but also design-savvy AND family-friendly? Not an easy task, but Alvin was more than up for the creative challenge of bringing a blank living space to life with a deft use of interesting colors, repeating patterns, and eye-catching art. Key inspirational moments include: a 60ft foyer that expands front to back and includes a mirror to reflect light, giant paper lanterns for an ethereal touch, and rounded arch that softens the room and frames the home nicely as they lead to the two (yes, TWO!) living areas (one for the family to enjoy television together and the other for more intimate gatherings); a transformed kitchen that features tile in a similar aesthetic to a fireplace and leans in to an industrial aesthetic with a rolling cart, open floating shelves that display art his clients decided to not include in the main living area, and a charming breakfast nook with an antique church pew and distressed metal table; and a lounge for music listening with low marvelous seating, different shades of blue for visual interest, and a coffee table comprised of metal legs, acrylic, and a glass top.
We head back to Los Angeles to join interior designer Nicole Sassaman for a look around one of her recent projects: a home for ‘Ocean’s 8’ Hollywood producer Susan Ekins, who purchased the property from Anne Hathaway. See how Nicole added playful touches with just the right amount of glamour to create a home that is stylish yet comfortable. From the movie sign that welcomes you into the main living space — which also features fun plays on pink and a light fixture with crystals that serves as a unique take on the old Sputnik light — to a countryside-inspired kitchen with a farm sink, chicken wire cabinetry, farmhouse table, and large windows with an open exposure that leads to an outdoor forest, to a dedicated nook that displays a variety of movie mementos + highlights from Susan’s amazing career (including props from Karate Kid & Ocean’s 8), this home is effortless and personable to the max.
Las, we visit Weehawken, New Jersey to join Kesha Franklin, principal of Halden Interiors, for a look around her client’s riverfront abode. See how she mixed artifacts and objects from all over Africa with works by her clients favorite African-American artists, all while adding texture and pattern throughout. Add to that, statement lighting and comfortable furnishings and the result is a dramatic home that’s as worldly as it is welcoming.
