Gary Millin Residence
Conceived for African culture aficionados, the apartment
reveals an exotic mixture of primeval earthy undertones of wild steppes with
modern sophisticated twists that offer the comfort of a modern residence. This
unconventional design is a result of a joint effort by the designer and her
clients. The personal warm relationship that evolved between them, as well as
their different backgrounds, served as grounds for executing such an intriguing
architectural project.
The simple elegant lines produced out of raw natural
materials create the serene atmosphere of a native-African setting. Wood
dominates the space from flooring to furniture, while Golden floorboards
complement the slate tones in the living area and in the master bedroom.
Angular fawn-toned wooden furniture decorates the space as does the luxuriant
rug extending from the Ligne Roset sofa. The living/dining room is
surrounded by half-translucent smoked windows and hanging lights, ensuring
bright days and intimate evenings. The broad, rich latte-toned couch and its
inviting plush cushions may drift one away to an exotic place. The polished
marble counter top allows the chefs to perform their most difficult tasks while
providing a sumptuous luster to the open kitchen. Hiding in a back corner, near
the light wood and glass cabinets, two seaweed booths facing one another allow
for a fast meal.
In the baby’s room, linear patterns of pale greens and
blues decorate the walls; light ivory wood furniture illuminates the space; and
even Africa is not forgotten, for elephants walk across the soft pastel rug.
Ocean tones make an appearance in the master bedroom as
well, with a teal colored rug and curtain. A custom made bed with a fabric back
lies between two antique black wooden armoires and a simple square bedside
table attached to the headboard. The furniture, conveying refinement and
gracefulness, is finished with a pattern of abstract lines. On the right wall,
a wooden framed mirror expands the space; gives a double view onto the outdoors;
and, together with the chiaroscuro furniture, provides an impressive amount of
light. In the powder room, smooth light-amber colored walls meet with a
luscious dark brown mosaic, and endow the space with an unusual atmosphere and
a sense of stylish well-being and warmth.
The hallway, the heart of the apartment, a personal
creation, with its dark wooden console and framed mirror, links all rooms
together and alludes of what is yet to come. The space is simple yet exclusive;
natural, but exotically elegant and graceful.