When a high-tech power couple thought to build a new family home on a hillside property in Danville, they knew exactly who to call - friend and interior designer Martin Mitchell of Martin Perri Interiors.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY DOUGLAS JOHNSONMartin Mitchell had collaborated with the couple on two of their previous homes and had a good handle on their likes, dislikes and desires. “They had opted for a country English look in the last two homes and still wanted that traditional feel, but with a touch of Italian influence in this new home,” recalls Mitchell.
The project was time and detail intensive. “At one point, we realized that we had well over 300 pieces of hardware for the home; all of it had to be catalogued and installed in the proper place at the proper time. And that was simply the hardware,” says Mitchell. He and his team worked closely with architect J.M. Wallace during the projects planning stage and then consulted throughout the construction on lighting, moldings, space planning and color palette. “Our specialty is the comprehensive design project,“ remarks Mitchell. “We really thrive in that area.“ It shows.
From the foyer to the master bath, expert finishes abound. “My clients are very discerning about craftsmanship. They wanted built-in cabinetry that would be as beautiful as it was functional and they wanted to use a variety of words.“ In the Living Room, Mitchell utilized the couples existing sofas and clustered them around a tansu-inspired coffee table that doubles as a storage chest. To create the feeling of a more open plan, niches were set into the walls that display artwork and books. A custom wall area rug pulls the space together.
With a couple that loves to cook, Mitchell had to pay great attention to the kitchen. As per his clients instructions, the space needed to be open, bright, and feature a large central island. A soft archway from the Dining Room provides the visitor’s first glimpse of the marvelous culinary oasis beyond. The island posts a state of the art industrial range with a steel hood embellished with brass trim. The granite counter is made from a stunning single slab with Ogee edge detailing. Elegant see-through drawers filled with grains add a rustic design touch. Surrounding countertops are made of butcher block and the backsplashes are done in custom tiles with vegetables in relief.
The home office/study is a favorite of the homeowners. It’s traditional feeling has a high tech undercurrent. The entire home, is wired for smart technology and high speed internet access. All office equipment and peripherals are carefully concealed in the room’s elegant custom cabinetry.
The master suite is a luxurious retreat, done in soft ivories. The intimate space features special details like a custom fireplace and window seat. An oil on canvas by Assayac Leave tops the mantle, which is flanked on either side by built-in cabinets that resemble French secretaries. “We wanted an open feeling for the storage of cabinets, so instead of solid or glass doors, we added open aviary wire,“ says Mitchell. The master bath continues the soothing ambience of the bedroom with a combination of flesh colored marble and tumbled lime stone.
The resulting residence is at once sophisticated and comfortable, giving its homeowners the high-tech, high-speed amenities they need and a very traditional surrounding.
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